THE HINDU - COMPREHENSIVE CURRENT AFFAIRS- 12 October 2025
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Introduction
Welcome to today's comprehensive current affairs update for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State exam aspirants. Today's developments cover crucial areas including India's diplomatic engagements, economic policy reforms, technological advancements, and environmental initiatives. Understanding these topics will help you connect current events with your exam syllabus and develop a holistic perspective on national and international affairs.
National News, Politics & Governance
1. India-Afghanistan Diplomatic Engagement Continues
India continues its diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan despite Taliban control, focusing on humanitarian assistance and regional stability. This marks a pragmatic approach to foreign policy in South Asia.
Context & Background: After the Taliban takeover in August 2021, India closed its embassy in Kabul but maintained humanitarian aid channels. India has historical ties with Afghanistan through development projects worth over $3 billion, including the Salma Dam and Afghan Parliament building.
Key Concepts: Taliban is an Islamic fundamentalist political movement that regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. Diplomatic engagement refers to official communication and relations between nations even without formal recognition of government.
Significance for Exams: Questions on India's neighborhood policy, Afghanistan crisis, humanitarian diplomacy, and regional security organizations like SAARC are common in UPSC Mains (GS-2) and prelims.
Stakeholders: Ministry of External Affairs, Taliban government, Afghan citizens, Pakistan, Central Asian nations, UN agencies
Impact: Balances humanitarian concerns with security interests; prevents Pakistan's complete dominance in Afghanistan; maintains India's influence in Central Asia; addresses refugee and terrorism concerns.
2. PM-SETU Scheme Expansion
The Prime Minister's Skill Enhancement and Training for Unemployed (PM-SETU) program has been expanded to cover more sectors and beneficiaries, focusing on upskilling youth for emerging industries.
Context & Background: Launched to address the skill gap in India's workforce, the scheme aims to train 1 crore youth by 2027. It is part of the government's Skill India Mission started in 2015.
Key Concepts: Skill development refers to training programs that enhance employability. MSME stands for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises - the backbone of Indian economy contributing 30% to GDP. Atmanirbhar Bharat means self-reliant India initiative.
Significance for Exams: Government schemes form 15-20% of SSC and Banking exam questions. UPSC asks about employment policies, demographic dividend, and inclusive growth.
Stakeholders: Ministry of Skill Development, National Skill Development Corporation, MSMEs, unemployed youth, industry partners
Impact: Reduces unemployment; improves productivity; supports Make in India; addresses employability-education mismatch; promotes economic growth.
International Relations & Diplomacy
3. India's Multipolar Diplomacy Strategy
India has strengthened its position in multipolar world order by engaging simultaneously with the West, Russia, and Global South nations, maintaining strategic autonomy.
Context & Background: The term multipolar world refers to international system with multiple power centers (USA, China, EU, India, Russia) instead of unipolar (single superpower) system. India's Non-Aligned Movement legacy continues in modern form as strategic autonomy.
Key Concepts: Strategic autonomy means independent foreign policy decisions without being aligned to any power bloc. Global South refers to developing nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. G20 Presidency (India held it in 2023) elevated India's global leadership.
Significance for Exams: UPSC GS-2 extensively covers India's foreign policy, bilateral relations, and international groupings. Prelims questions test knowledge of global institutions and India's membership.
Stakeholders: Ministry of External Affairs, Quad nations (India, USA, Japan, Australia), BRICS members, SCO members, African Union, ASEAN
Impact: Enhances India's global influence; ensures energy security; promotes trade diversification; strengthens defense partnerships; positions India as bridge between developed and developing world.
Economy & Finance
4. GIFT City FCSS Initiative
Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) launches Financial and Corporate Support Services (FCSS) to attract global financial institutions and establish India as international financial hub.
Context & Background: GIFT City, established in 2015 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is India's first operational smart city and International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). It offers tax benefits and regulatory ease similar to Singapore and Dubai financial centers.
Key Concepts: IFSC is a jurisdiction that provides financial services to non-residents in foreign currency. Special Economic Zone (SEZ) offers tax exemptions and simplified regulations. It operates under IFSCA (International Financial Services Centres Authority) established in 2020.
Significance for Exams: Banking exams frequently test GIFT City, IFSC, and financial sector reforms. UPSC asks about financial inclusion, capital markets, and ease of doing business in Economy paper.
Stakeholders: IFSCA, RBI, SEBI, Ministry of Finance, global banks, insurance companies, asset management firms
Impact: Attracts foreign investment; creates high-skill jobs; reduces outflow of financial transactions to foreign centers; strengthens rupee internationalization; boosts economic competitiveness.
5. Rising Educated Unemployment Challenge
Latest data shows increase in educated unemployment particularly among graduates and postgraduates, raising concerns about quality of education and job market alignment.
Context & Background: India's unemployment rate among educated youth (15-29 years) stands higher than overall unemployment. This paradox exists despite GDP growth, indicating structural issues in labor market and education system.
Key Concepts: Educated unemployment means joblessness among degree holders. Structural unemployment occurs when workers' skills don't match available jobs. Demographic dividend refers to economic growth potential from large working-age population (15-64 years), which India possesses till 2040.
Significance for Exams: UPSC Essay and Mains frequently ask about unemployment, education reforms, and demographic dividend. SSC tests government employment schemes and economic surveys data.
Stakeholders: Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour & Employment, UGC, AICTE, university graduates, employers, NITI Aayog
Impact: Wastes demographic dividend; increases social unrest; indicates education-industry gap; necessitates curriculum reforms; requires expansion of vocational training and entrepreneurship promotion.
Science & Technology
6. Indian Air Force Day - Technological Advancements
On 93rd Air Force Day (October 8, 2025), IAF showcased indigenous technologies including Tejas aircraft, Prachand helicopters, and next-generation weapon systems, emphasizing Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense.
Context & Background: IAF was established on October 8, 1932, as auxiliary force under British rule. Post-independence, it has grown into fourth largest air force globally. Current Chief is Air Chief Marshal.
Key Concepts: Tejas is indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft by HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) under DRDO supervision. LCA Tejas Mark-1A and Mark-2 variants are being inducted. Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is apex R&D body under Ministry of Defence.
Significance for Exams: Defense organizations, indigenous defense projects, and modernization are important for UPSC (GS-3), CDS, and NDA exams. Current affairs about defense deals frequently appear.
Stakeholders: Indian Air Force, DRDO, HAL, Ministry of Defence, BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited), private defense manufacturers
Impact: Reduces defense imports; builds indigenous defense ecosystem; creates employment; enhances operational readiness; strengthens national security; promotes Make in India in defense sector.
7. Saksham Drone Grid Initiative
Government launches nationwide drone delivery grid for medicines, vaccines, and emergency supplies in remote areas, leveraging drone technology for last-mile connectivity.
Context & Background: India liberalized drone policy in 2021 with new Drone Rules. The Medicine from the Sky project piloted in Telangana demonstrated feasibility of drone deliveries for healthcare.
Key Concepts: Drones or UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are aircraft without human pilot onboard. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme covers drone manufacturing. DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) regulates drone operations through Digital Sky Platform.
Significance for Exams: Emerging technologies, innovation in governance, and digital initiatives are high-priority topics for UPSC (GS-3), State PSC, and Banking exams.
Stakeholders: Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Health, DGCA, drone manufacturers, healthcare providers, rural communities
Impact: Improves healthcare access in remote areas; reduces delivery time for emergency medicines; creates new employment in drone sector; demonstrates technology for governance; can be replicated for agriculture, e-commerce, and disaster management.
Environment & Ecology
8. India's Red List Conservation Roadmap
India commits to implementing comprehensive conservation plan for species listed in IUCN Red List, focusing on critically endangered flora and fauna with time-bound targets.
Context & Background: IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List is world's most comprehensive inventory of conservation status of species. India has 199 critically endangered, 465 endangered, and 659 vulnerable species.
Key Concepts: Red List categories include Extinct, Extinct in Wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened, and Least Concern. Project Tiger (1973), Project Elephant (1992), and Project Snow Leopard (2009) are successful Indian conservation programs. Biodiversity hotspots are regions with high endemic species; India has 4 - Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland.
Significance for Exams: Environment & Ecology section in UPSC Prelims tests 15-20 questions on conservation, species, protected areas, and international conventions. State PSCs include regional biodiversity questions.
Stakeholders: Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, National Tiger Conservation Authority, Wildlife Institute of India, State Forest Departments, NGOs like WWF India
Impact: Prevents species extinction; protects ecosystem services; maintains biodiversity; fulfills international commitments under CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity); promotes ecotourism; generates awareness about conservation.
9. UN Deep Sea Mining Governance Reforms
United Nations International Seabed Authority proposes new regulations for deep sea mining to balance resource extraction with marine ecosystem protection.
Context & Background: Deep sea mining extracts minerals like cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements from ocean floor beyond 200 nautical miles (EEZ). UNCLOS (UN Convention on Law of the Sea) 1982 governs international seabed, declaring it "common heritage of mankind."
Key Concepts: ISA (International Seabed Authority) headquartered in Jamaica regulates seabed mining in international waters. EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) extends 200 nautical miles from coastline where coastal nation has resource rights. Blue economy refers to sustainable ocean resource utilization. Polymetallic nodules are potato-sized mineral deposits on ocean floor.
Significance for Exams: UPSC tests UNCLOS, maritime zones, blue economy, and environmental impact in GS-3. Questions on international organizations and ocean governance appear regularly.
Stakeholders: ISA, coastal nations, mining companies, marine scientists, environmental organizations, developing nations seeking equitable resource access
Impact: Addresses critical mineral demand for green technologies; threatens deep sea ecosystems little understood by science; requires balancing economic development with precautionary principle; affects India's interests as ISA member and ocean economy aspirant.
Social Issues & Schemes
10. Disaster Management Capacity Building
National Disaster Management Authority announces comprehensive training programs for state agencies following recent natural disasters, emphasizing preparedness over response.
Context & Background: India faces multi-hazard vulnerability - earthquakes, floods, cyclones, landslides, droughts. The Disaster Management Act 2005 created institutional framework with NDMA at apex, followed by SDMAs (State) and DDMAs (District).
Key Concepts: NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) chaired by Prime Minister formulates policies and guidelines. NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) is specialized force for disaster response under Home Ministry. State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) provide financial assistance. Sendai Framework (2015-2030) is UN's disaster risk reduction framework adopted by India.
Significance for Exams: Disaster management is important topic in UPSC GS-3, State PSCs, and administrative services exams. Questions cover institutional mechanisms, recent disasters, and government response.
Stakeholders: NDMA, Ministry of Home Affairs, NDRF, State governments, IMD (India Meteorological Department), NIDM (National Institute of Disaster Management)
Impact: Reduces loss of lives and property; improves early warning systems; strengthens community resilience; promotes bio-engineering solutions like wetland revival; integrates technology (remote sensing, AI) for prediction; addresses climate change-induced disaster increase.
Quick Facts & Revision Notes
| Topic | Key Points |
| GIFT City Location | Gandhinagar, Gujarat | First IFSC of India | Established 2015 |
| IAF Day | October 8 | Established 1932 | 93rd Anniversary in 2025 |
| IUCN Red List Categories | EX > EW > CR > EN > VU > NT > LC |
| UNCLOS Zones | Territorial Sea: 12 NM | Contiguous Zone: 24 NM | EEZ: 200 NM |
| NDMA Chairman | Prime Minister of India |
| India's Biodiversity Hotspots | Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Sundaland |
| Disaster Management Act | Enacted: 2005 | Created: NDMA, SDMA, DDMA hierarchy |
| Tejas Aircraft | Developed by: HAL | Type: Light Combat Aircraft | Variants: Mark-1A, Mark-2 |
| Demographic Dividend Window | India's window: Till 2040 | Working age: 15-64 years |
| Skill India Mission | Launched: 2015 | Nodal Body: MSDE | Target: Skilled workforce for industries |
Sample MCQs for Practice
| Question | Answer |
| Q1. GIFT City is India's first operational IFSC. What does IFSC stand for? | (a) International Financial Services Centre ✓ |
| Q2. Which organization regulates deep sea mining in international waters? | (a) International Seabed Authority ✓ |
| Q3. Indian Air Force was established in which year? | (a) 1932 ✓ |
| Q4. Who chairs the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)? | (a) Prime Minister ✓ |
| Q5. How many biodiversity hotspots does India have? | (a) 4 (Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Sundaland) ✓ |
Important Abbreviations
- NDMA - National Disaster Management Authority
- NDRF - National Disaster Response Force
- IFSC - International Financial Services Centre
- IFSCA - International Financial Services Centres Authority
- IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature
- ISA - International Seabed Authority
- UNCLOS - United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea
- EEZ - Exclusive Economic Zone
- HAL - Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
- DRDO - Defence Research and Development Organisation
- UAV - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
- DGCA - Directorate General of Civil Aviation
- MSDE - Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
- MSME - Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Conclusion
Today's current affairs highlight India's multi-dimensional development approach - strengthening diplomacy, advancing economic reforms, leveraging technology for governance, protecting environment, and building disaster resilience. For competitive exam aspirants, these topics connect multiple subjects: foreign policy links to international relations, economic schemes connect to Indian economy, environmental issues relate to ecology, and disaster management ties to governance.
Key takeaways for exam preparation: Focus on connecting current events with static syllabus topics, understand government initiatives and their objectives, memorize important facts and figures, practice linking national issues with global developments, and develop analytical perspective for Mains answers. Regular reading of quality newspapers like The Hindu, taking notes on important schemes and policies, and solving previous year questions will strengthen your preparation.
Remember: Current affairs constitute 30-40% of competitive exam questions. Stay updated daily, revise weekly, and integrate current events with your subject knowledge for comprehensive preparation.