17 October 2025 Current Affairs (With PDF)

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RBI Governor Urges Global Central Banks to Promote CBDCs over Stablecoins

The RBI Governor encouraged central banks worldwide to prioritise Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) over stablecoins, in light of recent global moves such as the GENIUS Act (US) and Digital Asset Basic Act (South Korea).

About CBDC and Stablecoins

1. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC):

• A sovereign-backed digital currency issued by a central bank.
• Exists only in digital form, serving as legal tender.
• Ensures regulated, secure, and inclusive digital payments.

2. Stablecoin:

• A private cryptocurrency pegged to assets like the US Dollar or other fiat currencies.
• Lacks sovereign backing and is not legal tender.

Why Prefer CBDCs over Stablecoins?

• Sovereign Backing: CBDCs carry government recognition and guarantee.
• Regulation & Trust: Operate under official frameworks ensuring consumer protection.
• Cross-Border Efficiency: Enable faster, low-cost global payments without SWIFT dependency.
• Monetary Policy Integration: Enhance transparency, inclusion, and policy transmission.

CBDC in India - Digital Rupee

• Issued by Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Stored in a digital wallet, usable for transactions like cash.
• Offers RBI guarantee, instant settlement, and offline capability (in pilot phase).

Pilot Models

• Retail CBDC (e₹-R): For public use via digital wallets.
• Wholesale CBDC (e₹-W): For interbank settlements and securities transactions.

Districts Most Affected by Naxalism Reduced to 3

Current Status

• Only 3 districts in Chhattisgarh - Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur - remain most affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE).
• Total LWE-affected districts reduced from 18 to 11.
• Target: Complete eradication of LWE by March 31, 2026.

About Left Wing Extremism (LWE)

• Origin: Emerged from the Naxalbari Movement (1967) in West Bengal.
• Ideology: Based on Maoist principles, seeking to overthrow the state through armed struggle.
• Core Causes: Deep socio-economic inequalities, lack of land reforms, tribal marginalization, and underdevelopment in remote areas.

India’s Multi-Dimensional Counter-LWE Strategy

1. National Action Plan & Policy (2015):

• Focus on neutralizing leaders and cadres, curbing finances, and countering ideology.
• Strengthened Centre–State coordination and intelligence-sharing.

2. SAMADHAN Strategy:

• Smart Leadership | Aggressive Strategy | Motivation & Training | Actionable Intelligence | Dashboard-based KPIs | Harnessing Technology | Action Plan | No Access to Financing
• (Acronym interpreted from MHA framework)

3. Development Initiatives:

• Financial Inclusion: New bank branches, ATMs, and Banking Correspondents in LWE areas.
• Skill & Education: Establishment of ITIs, Skill Centres, and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).
• Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: Provides personal amenities to tribal communities.

4. Community & Perception Management:

• Civic Action Programme (CAP): Builds trust between security forces and local communities.
• Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Policy: Facilitates reintegration of surrendered naxalites.

Decline of Pax Americana

Background

1. Pax Americana refers to the U.S.-led liberal world order established after World War II, ensuring global peace, prosperity, and security through:

• Promotion of liberal democracy,
• Open markets, and
• Multilateral cooperation via institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank.

2. This order fostered decades of economic growth and relative geopolitical stability.

Causes of Decline

1. Historical Contradictions:

• Vietnam War, Iraq & Afghanistan interventions, and 2008 Financial Crisis eroded U.S. credibility.
• These actions revealed inconsistencies between U.S. ideals and practices, undermining its moral authority.

2. Policy Shifts:

• “America First” policies under President Trump led to unilateralism and withdrawal from global commitments (e.g., Paris Agreement, WHO).
• Reduced U.S. leadership in tackling global issues like climate change, pandemics, and trade reforms.

3. Weakening Multilateralism:

• Declining U.S. support for international institutions has weakened collective problem-solving mechanisms.

China’s Rising Influence

• China has capitalized on the U.S. retreat to project itself as a global leader, promoting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and South-South Cooperation.
• Trade Influence: China is now the largest trading partner for over 100 countries.
• Limits to Soft Power: Assertive behaviour in South China Sea, human rights issues, and debt diplomacy create global distrust.

Global Implications

• The erosion of U.S. dominance signals a shift towards Pax Multipolaris — a multipolar world order with shared leadership among major powers.
• Risk of fragmentation, regional rivalries, and competing governance models.

Opportunities for India

1. India’s strategic autonomy and balanced diplomacy enable it to act as a bridge between blocs.

2. Through forums like BRICS, G20, and Global South Summits, India can:

• Advocate for inclusive global governance,
• Strengthen economic and developmental partnerships, and
• Promote a rules-based international order.

3. Vision: Emerge as a responsible, stabilizing actor in a multipolar world.

Supreme Court Allows Limited Use of Green Crackers in Delhi–NCR

Why in News

The Supreme Court has partially lifted the blanket ban on firecrackers in Delhi–NCR, permitting the use of government-approved green crackers under regulated conditions.

Key Highlights of the Supreme Court’s Directions

• Restricted Usage: Green crackers can be used only on specific days and within prescribed time slots.
• Authorised Sale: Only NEERI-approved crackers may be sold through licensed outlets.
• Continued Ban: Crackers containing banned chemicals or sold through e-commerce platforms (like Amazon or Flipkart) remain prohibited.
• Monitoring Mechanism: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will closely monitor air quality to evaluate the environmental impact during this relaxation period.

Significance of the Verdict

• The decision aims to strike a practical balance between environmental sustainability and cultural traditions during festive celebrations.
• It encourages evidence-based policymaking, as the collected air quality data could shape future regulations on fireworks.

What are Green Crackers?

1. Developed by:

• CSIR–NEERI (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute).

2. Objective:

• To reduce air and noise pollution compared to conventional firecrackers.

3. Key Features:

• Emit 30% less particulate matter (PM).
• Free from harmful substances such as barium nitrate, arsenic, lithium, and mercury.

4. Background:

• Introduced following the Arjun Gopal vs Union of India (2018) judgment, which prohibited traditional firecrackers due to severe air pollution concerns.

India and Canada Reset Ties with New Bilateral Roadmap

After nearly two years of diplomatic strain, India and Canada have agreed on a new roadmap to revitalise their relationship following talks between their foreign ministers.

Background

Relations between the two nations were strained after allegations made by the former Canadian Prime Minister regarding India’s involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader. The new roadmap seeks to rebuild trust and restore cooperation across key strategic areas.

Key Highlights of the Roadmap

1. Energy Cooperation:

• Re-establishment of the Canada–India Ministerial Energy Dialogue (CIMED).
• Promotion of two-way trade in LNG and LPG and investment in oil and gas exploration, including clean energy technologies.

2. Science & Technology:

• Re-launch of the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee (JSTCC).
• Collaboration on research in emerging technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, and fintech.

3. Sustainability & Green Transition:

• Partnership on sustainable low-carbon fuels and technologies like green hydrogen, biofuels, Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS), and electric mobility.

India Elected to UN Human Rights Council for 2026–28 Term

India has been elected unopposed to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the seventh time, securing a three-year term from 2026 to 2028.

About UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

1. Overview:

• An intergovernmental body within the United Nations system responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.

2. Formation:

• Established in 2006 by the UN General Assembly, replacing the former Commission on Human Rights.

3. Membership:

• Comprises 47 member states, elected by the UN General Assembly for three-year terms, with members allowed a maximum of two consecutive terms.

4. Functions:

• Serves as a forum for dialogue on global human rights issues.
• Adopts resolutions and makes recommendations.
• Conducts Universal Periodic Reviews (UPR) of member states.
• Mandates special procedures and investigations into human rights concerns.

5th India–Indonesia ‘Samudra Shakti’ Maritime Exercise Begins in Visakhapatnam

The 5th edition of Exercise Samudra Shakti between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy has commenced in Visakhapatnam.

About Exercise Samudra Shakti

• Type: Bilateral maritime exercise between India and Indonesia.
• Phases: Conducted in two stages - the Harbour Phase (focused on planning, professional exchanges, and coordination) and the Sea Phase (involving complex naval operations and joint drills).
• Objective: To enhance interoperability, maritime cooperation, and mutual understanding between the two navies in maintaining regional maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Indian Conservationist Vivek Menon Elected Chair of IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC)

Renowned Indian wildlife conservationist Vivek Menon has been elected as the Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) for the 2025–2029 term.

About IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC)

1. Establishment:

• 1949

2. Nature:

• A science-based global network comprising over 10,500 volunteer experts from nearly every country.

3. Parent Body:

• Operates under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

4. Key Role:

• Provides scientific data and policy advice to IUCN on biodiversity conservation.
• Highlights the inherent value of species and their critical roles in ecosystem health and functioning.

REDD+ Projects Show Limited Success in Reducing Deforestation

Recent reports indicate that only a small fraction of tropical forest carbon offset projects under REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Plus) have achieved meaningful reductions in deforestation.

About REDD+

1. Origin:

• Developed under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

2. Meaning:

• REDD: Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries.
• “+” Component: Includes additional forest-related activities such as sustainable forest management and conservation/enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

3. Mechanism:

• Developing countries can receive results-based payments for verified emission reductions achieved through avoided deforestation.

4. Global Context:

• REDD+ is an integral part of the Paris Agreement, supporting climate mitigation and biodiversity goals.

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