UPSC Current Affairs 13 October 2025

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 2: E Governance

Email accounts of 12 lakh Central govt. employees now run on Zoho’s platform, Pg1

Central government migrates 12 lakh employee email accounts to Zoho platform for enhanced security and indigenous technology adoption.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 2: E Governance

Email accounts of 12 lakh Central govt. employees now run on Zoho’s platform, Pg1

Central government migrates 12 lakh employee email accounts to Zoho platform for enhanced security and indigenous technology adoption.

GS 1: Art & CulturePrelimsGS 1: Architecture

Recent Digs in T.N.’s Tenkasi Reveal Presence of Iron Age Culture, Pg3.

The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) has discovered a major Iron Age burial site at Thirumalapuram in Tenkasi district, marking the westernmost evidence of Iron Age culture in Tamil Nadu and expanding the known geographical spread of this ancient civilization.

GS 1: Art & CulturePrelimsGS 1: Architecture

Recent Digs in T.N.’s Tenkasi Reveal Presence of Iron Age Culture, Pg3.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelims

The Mountains Mourn, Pg4.

Over 30 people have died and many remain missing following massive floods and landslides in West Bengal’s Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts in early October 2025. The region, known as the Queen of Hills, witnessed one of its worst natural disasters in decades, disrupting lives, infrastructure, and tourism.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelims

The Mountains Mourn, Pg4.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Indicators of Israel’s unsustainable hegemony, Pg6

Israel's unsustainable hegemony in West Asia faces demographic challenges, strained Arab ties, and shifting U.S. opinion amid Gaza conflict.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Indicators of Israel’s unsustainable hegemony, Pg6

Israel's unsustainable hegemony in West Asia faces demographic challenges, strained Arab ties, and shifting U.S. opinion amid Gaza conflict.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

Mature relationship, Pg6

India-UK relations deepen as Starmer's visit yields £350M missile deal, £1.3B Indian investment in UK.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

Mature relationship, Pg6

India-UK relations deepen as Starmer's visit yields £350M missile deal, £1.3B Indian investment in UK.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization

Pause, not peace, Pg6

US-brokered ceasefire halts two years of Israeli bombardment in Gaza, raising hopes for lasting peace amid complex challenges.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization

Pause, not peace, Pg6

US-brokered ceasefire halts two years of Israeli bombardment in Gaza, raising hopes for lasting peace amid complex challenges.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 2: PolityGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Great Nicobar revives the issue of nature’s legal rights, Pg6

Great Nicobar project sparks debate on tribal rights, environmental impact, and legal rights for nature, echoing global concerns.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 2: PolityGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Great Nicobar revives the issue of nature’s legal rights, Pg6

Great Nicobar project sparks debate on tribal rights, environmental impact, and legal rights for nature, echoing global concerns.

GS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: E Governance

Do cash transfers build women’s agency?, Pg7

Cash transfers empower women, yet digital divide and patriarchal norms hinder financial independence despite increased bank account ownership and DBT schemes.

GS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: E Governance

Do cash transfers build women’s agency?, Pg7

Cash transfers empower women, yet digital divide and patriarchal norms hinder financial independence despite increased bank account ownership and DBT schemes.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

Global doors, measured steps, Pg7

India opens doors to foreign law firms under Bar Council's 2025 rules, balancing global integration with domestic interests.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

Global doors, measured steps, Pg7

India opens doors to foreign law firms under Bar Council's 2025 rules, balancing global integration with domestic interests.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 1: Art & CultureGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Balancing faith and politics, Pg7

Kerala's LDF government faces backlash over Sabarimala temple mismanagement amid allegations of theft and cover-up, impacting fragile ties with Hindu groups.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 1: Art & CultureGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Balancing faith and politics, Pg7

Kerala's LDF government faces backlash over Sabarimala temple mismanagement amid allegations of theft and cover-up, impacting fragile ties with Hindu groups.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

India sends Minister to Egypt for Gaza summit, Pg10

India sends Minister to Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt amidst ceasefire efforts, strategic talks with Egypt on reconstruction and IMEC.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

India sends Minister to Egypt for Gaza summit, Pg10

India sends Minister to Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt amidst ceasefire efforts, strategic talks with Egypt on reconstruction and IMEC.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Environment Minister heads to Brazil for key pre-COP talks, Pg12

Environment Minister Yadav to attend pre-COP30 in Brasília; India to submit updated NDC and first NAP.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Environment Minister heads to Brazil for key pre-COP talks, Pg12

Environment Minister Yadav to attend pre-COP30 in Brasília; India to submit updated NDC and first NAP.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

China and the Philippines trade blame over boat collision in disputed sea, Pg14

China-Philippines clash escalates as Chinese ship rams Philippine vessel in South China Sea; Manila protests Beijing's 'aggressive' actions.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

China and the Philippines trade blame over boat collision in disputed sea, Pg14

China-Philippines clash escalates as Chinese ship rams Philippine vessel in South China Sea; Manila protests Beijing's 'aggressive' actions.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: BiotechnologyGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

A mere four mutations help the naked mole rat fix its DNA and live longer, Pg2

Naked mole rats' exceptional longevity linked to four key mutations enhancing DNA repair, potentially revolutionizing age-related therapies.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: BiotechnologyGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

A mere four mutations help the naked mole rat fix its DNA and live longer, Pg2

Naked mole rats' exceptional longevity linked to four key mutations enhancing DNA repair, potentially revolutionizing age-related therapies.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood RelationsGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and SecularismGS 1: Women and Women's Organizations

Other options if peace efforts don't work: Muttaqi warns Pak, Pg1.

Taliban warns Pakistan of 'other options' amid border clashes, denies sheltering TTP, and seeks peaceful resolution through dialogue.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood RelationsGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and SecularismGS 1: Women and Women's Organizations

Other options if peace efforts don't work: Muttaqi warns Pak, Pg1.

Taliban warns Pakistan of 'other options' amid border clashes, denies sheltering TTP, and seeks peaceful resolution through dialogue.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Decks cleared for Maitri II, India set to chart new frontiers in Antarctica's icy wilderness, Pg1.

India's Maitri II research station in Antarctica gets green light with ₹2,000 crore investment for advanced polar research by 2029.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Decks cleared for Maitri II, India set to chart new frontiers in Antarctica's icy wilderness, Pg1.

India's Maitri II research station in Antarctica gets green light with ₹2,000 crore investment for advanced polar research by 2029.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 1: Modern HistoryPrelimsGS 4: Accountability and Ethical Governance

Where it all started: RTI activists celebrate 2 decades of the law in Rajasthan's Beawar, Pg8.

RTI activists commemorate 20 years of the RTI Act in Beawar, Rajasthan, protesting against amendments undermining transparency and accountability.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 1: Modern HistoryPrelimsGS 4: Accountability and Ethical Governance

Where it all started: RTI activists celebrate 2 decades of the law in Rajasthan's Beawar, Pg8.

RTI activists commemorate 20 years of the RTI Act in Beawar, Rajasthan, protesting against amendments undermining transparency and accountability.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Good diplomacy, good business, Pg10.

UK-India trade poised to double to $120 billion by 2030 under CETA, offering India export diversification amid US tariffs.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Good diplomacy, good business, Pg10.

UK-India trade poised to double to $120 billion by 2030 under CETA, offering India export diversification amid US tariffs.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

POWER OF GREEN, Pg10.

Ember report reveals renewables surpass coal as primary electricity source, driven by solar growth in China and India.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

POWER OF GREEN, Pg10.

Ember report reveals renewables surpass coal as primary electricity source, driven by solar growth in China and India.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 4: Accountability and Ethical GovernanceGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

To mend a broken system, Pg11.

Public service recruitment faces tech-led overhaul after scams erode trust; calls for transparency, accountability, and national regulatory body.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 4: Accountability and Ethical GovernanceGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

To mend a broken system, Pg11.

Public service recruitment faces tech-led overhaul after scams erode trust; calls for transparency, accountability, and national regulatory body.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Bagram in the New Great Game, Pg11.

US eyes Bagram return amid strategic shifts, raising concerns among China, Pakistan, and India over regional influence and security.

Bagram in the New Great Game, Pg11.

US eyes Bagram return amid strategic shifts, raising concerns among China, Pakistan, and India over regional influence and security.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Role of External State and Non State ActorsGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Dozens killed in border clashes between Pak and Afghanistan, Pg12.

Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes escalate, leaving dozens dead and border crossings closed amid rising tensions over militant havens.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Role of External State and Non State ActorsGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Dozens killed in border clashes between Pak and Afghanistan, Pg12.

Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes escalate, leaving dozens dead and border crossings closed amid rising tensions over militant havens.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

There has never been a bullet train project that was not completed', Pg13.

Japanese expert affirms bullet train project success, despite delays, highlighting safety and punctuality of Shinkansen system for Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

There has never been a bullet train project that was not completed', Pg13.

Japanese expert affirms bullet train project success, despite delays, highlighting safety and punctuality of Shinkansen system for Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Basics of Cyber SecurityGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Quantum leap by Indian researchers in boosting digital security, Pg14.

Indian researchers achieve quantum breakthrough, enhancing digital security with truly random number generation, crucial for hack-proof encryption and authentication.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Basics of Cyber SecurityGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Quantum leap by Indian researchers in boosting digital security, Pg14.

Indian researchers achieve quantum breakthrough, enhancing digital security with truly random number generation, crucial for hack-proof encryption and authentication.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Buffer Stocks and Food SecurityGS 3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support PricesGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

The grain of ethanol production, Pg14.

Ethanol blending shifts from sugar to grain, especially maize, raising concerns about food security and long-term sustainability.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Buffer Stocks and Food SecurityGS 3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support PricesGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

The grain of ethanol production, Pg14.

Ethanol blending shifts from sugar to grain, especially maize, raising concerns about food security and long-term sustainability.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

AIFF adopts new constitution; takes two clauses to SC, Pg17.

AIFF adopts Supreme Court-approved constitution, excluding two clauses regarding dual positions, pending further discussion with the Apex Court.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

AIFF adopts new constitution; takes two clauses to SC, Pg17.

AIFF adopts Supreme Court-approved constitution, excluding two clauses regarding dual positions, pending further discussion with the Apex Court.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Health Sector

Study: Leading cause of deaths in India shifts from infectious to NCDs

Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 reveals India's mortality shift from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases, led by heart ailments.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Health Sector

Study: Leading cause of deaths in India shifts from infectious to NCDs

Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 reveals India's mortality shift from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases, led by heart ailments.

News Analysis

Email accounts of 12 lakh Central govt. employees now run on Zoho’s platform, Pg1

Email accounts of 12 lakh Central govt. employees now run on Zoho’s platform, Pg1

Recent Digs in T.N.’s Tenkasi Reveal Presence of Iron Age Culture, Pg3.

Recent Digs in T.N.’s Tenkasi Reveal Presence of Iron Age Culture, Pg3.

The Mountains Mourn, Pg4.

The Mountains Mourn, Pg4.

Indicators of Israel’s unsustainable hegemony, Pg6

Indicators of Israel’s unsustainable hegemony, Pg6

​Mature relationship, Pg6

​Mature relationship, Pg6

Pause, not peace, Pg6

Pause, not peace, Pg6

Great Nicobar revives the issue of nature’s legal rights, Pg6

Great Nicobar revives the issue of nature’s legal rights, Pg6

Do cash transfers build women’s agency?, Pg7

Do cash transfers build women’s agency?, Pg7

Global doors, measured steps, Pg7

Global doors, measured steps, Pg7

Balancing faith and politics, Pg7

Balancing faith and politics, Pg7

India sends Minister to Egypt for Gaza summit, Pg10

India sends Minister to Egypt for Gaza summit, Pg10

Environment Minister heads to Brazil for key pre-COP talks, Pg12

Environment Minister heads to Brazil for key pre-COP talks, Pg12

China and the Philippines trade blame over boat collision in disputed sea, Pg14

China and the Philippines trade blame over boat collision in disputed sea, Pg14

A mere four mutations help the naked mole rat fix its DNA and live longer, Pg2

A mere four mutations help the naked mole rat fix its DNA and live longer, Pg2

Other options if peace efforts don't work: Muttaqi warns Pak, Pg1.

Other options if peace efforts don't work: Muttaqi warns Pak, Pg1.

Decks cleared for Maitri II, India set to chart new frontiers in Antarctica's icy wilderness, Pg1.

Decks cleared for Maitri II, India set to chart new frontiers in Antarctica's icy wilderness, Pg1.

Where it all started: RTI activists celebrate 2 decades of the law in Rajasthan's Beawar, Pg8.

Where it all started: RTI activists celebrate 2 decades of the law in Rajasthan's Beawar, Pg8.

Good diplomacy, good business, Pg10.

Good diplomacy, good business, Pg10.

POWER OF GREEN, Pg10.

POWER OF GREEN, Pg10.

To mend a broken system, Pg11.

To mend a broken system, Pg11.

Bagram in the New Great Game, Pg11.

Bagram in the New Great Game, Pg11.

Dozens killed in border clashes between Pak and Afghanistan, Pg12.

Dozens killed in border clashes between Pak and Afghanistan, Pg12.

There has never been a bullet train project that was not completed', Pg13.

There has never been a bullet train project that was not completed', Pg13.

Quantum leap by Indian researchers in boosting digital security, Pg14.

Quantum leap by Indian researchers in boosting digital security, Pg14.

The grain of ethanol production, Pg14.

The grain of ethanol production, Pg14.

AIFF adopts new constitution; takes two clauses to SC, Pg17.

AIFF adopts new constitution; takes two clauses to SC, Pg17.

Study: Leading cause of deaths in India shifts from infectious to NCDs

Study: Leading cause of deaths in India shifts from infectious to NCDs

More News Analysis

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Mature relationship, Pg6

Mature relationship, Pg6