24 October 2025 Current Affairs (With PDF)

Stay updated with 24 October 2025 Current Affairs on this page! We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams.

CAQM Triggers Stage-II of GRAP Across NCR Due to Rising Air Pollution

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered the activation of Stage-II measures under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in National Capital Region (NCR), following a significant deterioration in air quality.

Key Highlights:

1. Stage-II Measures under GRAP

• Restrictions on fuels: Use of coal and firewood is limited.
• Diesel generators: Operations are to be restricted to reduce emissions.

2. About GRAP

(a) Purpose:

• GRAP is an emergency response system designed to manage air pollution in Delhi and NCR.

(b) Structure:

Divided into four stages according to Air Quality Index (AQI) levels:

• Stage 1 – Poor: AQI 201–300
• Stage 2 – Very Poor: AQI 301–400
• Stage 3 – Severe: AQI 401–450
• Stage 4 – Severe+: AQI 451+

(c) Monitoring Authority:

• The CAQM, established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, ensures implementation of GRAP. It replaced the earlier Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority.

3. Causes of Rising Winter Air Pollution in Delhi

(a) Wind Direction:

• Post-monsoon winds shift to north-westerly, carrying dust from Rajasthan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

(b) Temperature Inversion:

• A layer of cool air traps pollutants near the ground, preventing dispersion.

(c) Low Wind Speeds:

• Reduced natural ventilation keeps pollutants concentrated.

(d) Stubble Burning:

• Farmers in nearby states burning crop residues adds to pollution.

(e) Other Contributors:

• Vehicular emissions
• Industrial discharge
• Construction dust
• Burning of garbage

4. About the National Air Quality Index (AQI)

(a) Launch:

• Introduced in 2014 to inform the public about air pollution levels and associated health risks.

(b) Categories:

• Good (0–50)
• Satisfactory (51–100)
• Moderately Polluted (101–200)
• Poor (201–300)
• Very Poor (301–400)
• Severe (401–500)

(c) Pollutants Monitored:

• PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb.

U.S. and Australia Sign Critical Minerals Framework to Counter China’s Monopoly

The United States and Australia have entered into a Critical Minerals Framework aimed at reducing global dependence on China, particularly in rare earth elements, and strengthening the supply chain for critical minerals essential to defense and clean energy technologies.

Key Highlights:

1. Objectives of the Framework

• Diversification: Reduce reliance on China for critical minerals.
• Funding Support: Financial backing for projects that enhance production of minerals vital to defense manufacturing and energy security.
• Price Stabilization: Introduce a minimum price floor mechanism to prevent market manipulation by China, which has historically flooded markets to undercut competitors.

2. Understanding Critical Minerals

(a) Definition:

• Minerals essential for modern technology and clean energy but subject to high supply risk due to limited global availability or dependence on few countries.

(b) Examples:

• Lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper.

(c) Rare Earth Elements (REEs):

• A specialized subset of critical minerals.
• Key for electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, and defense systems.

3. Global Supply Chain Concerns

(a) Geographic Concentration:

• Production and processing are limited to a few countries, exposing supply to political and economic risks.
• Example: ~70% of global cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

(b) Resource Weaponization:

• China has restricted exports of materials like gallium and germanium, leveraging mineral trade as a strategic tool.
• China supplies 85–95% of global rare earth demand.

4. India’s Initiatives to Secure Critical Minerals

• National Critical Mineral Mission: Ensures availability of critical minerals from both domestic and international sources.
• Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023: Facilitates exploration and mining of critical minerals.
• Minerals Security Partnership (MSP): India is part of the US-led MSP Finance Network to establish sustainable and secure supply chains for critical minerals.

Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter Detects Moon’s Response to Sun’s Coronal Mass Ejection

India’s Chandrayaan-2 lunar orbiter has, for the first time, observed the effects of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the Sun on the Moon, providing valuable insights into the Moon’s exosphere and its interaction with solar activity.

Key Highlights:

1. Instrument Used – CHACE-2

• Full Form: Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2
• Function: Neutral gas mass spectrometer designed to study the lunar neutral exosphere.
• Mass Range: 1–300 AMU (atomic mass units).

2. Understanding Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)

(a) Definition:

• Large eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona.

(b) Causes:

• Often linked to solar flares and active sunspot regions with strong, twisted magnetic fields.

(c) Frequency:

• Solar Maximum: CMEs are more frequent.
• Solar Minimum: CMEs are relatively rare.

(d) Impact on Earth:

• Satellite and GPS disruptions
• Power grid failures
• Radio communication interruptions
• Aurora formation
• Radiation hazards for astronauts

3. Key Findings from CHACE-2

• CME impact increased atom ejection from the lunar surface.
• Led to a rise in the number of neutral atoms in the dayside lunar exosphere.
• The lunar exosphere is extremely tenuous, with particles so sparse they rarely collide.

4. About Chandrayaan-2

(a) Launch:

• 2019, via GSLV MkIII-M1

(b) Components:

• Orbiter, Lander, and Rover

(c) Mission Significance:

• India’s first attempt at a soft lunar landing, targeting the South Pole.

(d) Objectives:

• Study lunar topography and seismography
• Identify and map minerals
• Analyze the composition of the thin lunar atmosphere
• Expand scientific knowledge of the Moon’s surface and environment

European Council Approves New EU-India Strategic Agenda

The European Council has endorsed the EU-India Strategic Agenda, setting out five priority pillars to enhance cooperation, address emerging global challenges, and leverage opportunities in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Key Highlights:

1. Five Priority Pillars of the Strategic Agenda

(a) Prosperity and Sustainability

• Promote economic growth, job creation, and decarbonization.
• Strengthen supply chains between India and the EU.
• Focus on finalizing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA).

(b) Technology and Innovation

• Deepen collaboration on critical emerging technologies.
• Enhance digital infrastructure and research partnerships.
• Initiatives include the Trade and Technology Council and Horizon Europe programs.

(c) Security and Defence

• Coordinate on global security threats and geopolitical tensions.
• Promote technological cooperation and a rule-based maritime order in regions like the Indo-Pacific.

(d) Connectivity and Global Issues

• Strengthen regional connectivity and global governance mechanisms.
• Support joint initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the Global Gateway program.

(e) Enablers Across Pillars

• Facilitate skills mobility, knowledge exchange, business engagement, and institutional cooperation.
• Provide cross-cutting support for all four main pillars.

2. India-EU Relations at a Glance

(a) Diplomatic Ties:

• India established relations with the European Economic Community in 1962.
• Upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2004.

(b) Bilateral Trade:

• Trade in goods reached €120 billion in 2024.
• The EU is India’s largest trading partner in goods.

(c) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):

• Cumulative FDI inflows from the EU totaled USD 107.27 billion between April 2000 and December 2023.

Japan Elects Sanae Takaichi as First Female Prime Minister

Japan has made history by electing Sanae Takaichi as its first female Prime Minister, signaling a gradual move toward gender inclusivity and balanced representation in the country’s political landscape.

Key Highlights:

1. Significance of the Election

• Marks a milestone for women’s representation in Japan’s political system.
• Reflects ongoing efforts to enhance inclusivity and gender balance in governance.

2. Comparing Indian and Japanese Political Systems

Government Releases Latest Gallantry Award Citations for Defence Personnel

The Central Government has issued a gazette notification listing the latest gallantry award citations, recognising acts of bravery, courage, and self-sacrifice by members of the armed forces.

Key Highlights:

1. Objective of Gallantry Awards

• To honour and recognise extraordinary bravery during both wartime and peacetime.
• Encourage courageous conduct and dedication among defence personnel.

2. History and Evolution of Awards

(a) 26 January 1950:

• First three gallantry awards instituted: Param Vir Chakra (PVC), Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), Vir Chakra (VrC)
• These were retrospectively effective from 15 August 1947.

(B) 1952:

• Ashok Chakra Class First, Second, and Third introduced for acts of bravery in peacetime.

(c) January 1967:

Renaming of Ashok Chakra classes:

• Ashok Chakra Class First → Ashok Chakra
• Ashok Chakra Class Second → Kirti Chakra
• Ashok Chakra Class Third → Shaurya Chakra

3. Announcement Schedule

Gallantry awards are announced twice a year:

• Republic Day (26 January)
• Independence Day (15 August)

Rupee Hits Record Low; REER Signals Continued Undervaluation

The Indian Rupee has weakened to a record low, with the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) suggesting that the currency remains undervalued, impacting trade competitiveness.

Key Highlights:

1. Understanding REER (Real Effective Exchange Rate)

• Definition: REER measures the value of a country’s currency relative to a basket of major trading partners’ currencies, adjusted for relative inflation.
• Calculation: Derived by adjusting the Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER) for consumer price differences between countries.

2. Implications for Trade Competitiveness

(a) High REER:

• Exports become more expensive
• Imports become cheaper
• Trade competitiveness declines

(b) Low REER:

• Indicates the currency is undervalued
• Can boost exports by making them cheaper in foreign markets

Central Asian Countries Launch CAMI to Protect Shared Mammal Species

Central Asian nations have strengthened cooperation under the Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI) to safeguard 17 key migratory species, including the Saiga antelope and Bukhara deer, highlighting regional efforts in biodiversity conservation.

Key Highlights:

1. About CAMI

(a) Full Form:

• Central Asian Mammals Initiative

(b) Launch:

• 2014, at the 11th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

(c) Objective:

• Coordinate conservation strategies across Central Asian countries.
• Protect 17 important migratory mammal species shared across the region.

2. Significance

• Encourages cross-border collaboration for wildlife conservation.
• Contributes to global biodiversity targets under CMS.

Supreme Court Directs Jharkhand to Notify New Wildlife Sanctuary in Saranda Forest

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Jharkhand government to provide a formal undertaking for the notification of a new wildlife sanctuary in the Saranda Forest, underlining the importance of protecting this ecologically significant region.

Key Highlights:

1. About Saranda Forest

• Location: Jharkhand, India
• Significance: Largest Sal forest in Asia.
• Meaning of Saranda: "Land of seven hundred hills."

2. Flora and Fauna

• Flora: Sal (Shorea robusta), Kusum, Mahua, Various mushrooms
• Fauna: Endangered species such as flying lizards and elephants

Fiji Becomes 26th Country to Eliminate Trachoma as a Public Health Concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes Fiji as the 26th country globally to eliminate trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness, highlighting progress in combating neglected tropical diseases.

Key Highlights:

1. About Trachoma

• Definition: A neglected tropical disease (NTD) and the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness.
• Cause: Infection by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria.
• Transmission: Direct personal contact, Contaminated surfaces, Flies exposed to eye or nasal discharge
• Impact of Repeated Infection: Eyelid scarring, Inward-turning eyelids (trichiasis), Eventual blindness

2. Risk Factors

• Predominantly affects communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation.
• Higher prevalence in vulnerable and marginalized populations.

3. Global and Indian Context

• Fiji: First in the Pacific to achieve elimination as a public health problem.
• India: Has successfully eliminated trachoma, serving as a model for NTD control strategies.

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