UPSC Current Affairs 18 October 2025

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

LAB agrees to talks after Centre orders judicial probe into Sept. 24 Leh violence, Pg1

Centre orders judicial probe into Leh violence; LAB agrees to resume talks on statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion.

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

LAB agrees to talks after Centre orders judicial probe into Sept. 24 Leh violence, Pg1

Centre orders judicial probe into Leh violence; LAB agrees to resume talks on statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

U.S. trade body moves court over Trump’s H-1B fee hike, Pg1

US Chamber of Commerce challenges Trump-era $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike impacting Indian tech firms and skilled workers.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

U.S. trade body moves court over Trump’s H-1B fee hike, Pg1

US Chamber of Commerce challenges Trump-era $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike impacting Indian tech firms and skilled workers.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Role of External State and Non State ActorsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

The next steps for Afghanistan after the New Delhi visit, Pg8

India eyes Afghan stability through strategic engagement focusing on counter-narcotics, water treaties, and women's education amid Pakistani security concerns.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Role of External State and Non State ActorsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

The next steps for Afghanistan after the New Delhi visit, Pg8

India eyes Afghan stability through strategic engagement focusing on counter-narcotics, water treaties, and women's education amid Pakistani security concerns.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and ForaGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Better global governance, led by China and India, Pg8

China and India poised to enhance global governance through SCO and BRICS, emphasizing multilateralism and reformed international systems.

Better global governance, led by China and India, Pg8

China and India poised to enhance global governance through SCO and BRICS, emphasizing multilateralism and reformed international systems.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: World HistoryGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources

Blatant aggression, Pg8

Trump admits covert CIA ops in Venezuela, echoing Cold War interventions, risking regional destabilization and violating international law principles.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: World HistoryGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources

Blatant aggression, Pg8

Trump admits covert CIA ops in Venezuela, echoing Cold War interventions, risking regional destabilization and violating international law principles.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Claim, counterclaim, Pg8

Trump claims Modi pledged to halt Russian oil imports, India offers soft denial amid US trade deal hopes.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Claim, counterclaim, Pg8

Trump claims Modi pledged to halt Russian oil imports, India offers soft denial amid US trade deal hopes.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 4: Challenges of Corruption and Utilization of Public Funds

The murky deaths in the Haryana police, Pg9

Haryana IPS officer's alleged suicide sparks caste discrimination claims, extortion allegations, and a second police suicide amid political turmoil.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 4: Challenges of Corruption and Utilization of Public Funds

The murky deaths in the Haryana police, Pg9

Haryana IPS officer's alleged suicide sparks caste discrimination claims, extortion allegations, and a second police suicide amid political turmoil.

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

Resolution of Palestinian question necessary for IMEC: Egyptian FM, Pg10

Egypt links IMEC progress to Palestinian resolution, proposes Indian industrial zone in Suez Canal Economic Zone.

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

Resolution of Palestinian question necessary for IMEC: Egyptian FM, Pg10

Egypt links IMEC progress to Palestinian resolution, proposes Indian industrial zone in Suez Canal Economic Zone.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

SC expresses ‘grave concern’ over rising digital arrest scams, Pg10

Supreme Court addresses rising digital arrest scams, demands action from Centre, Haryana, and CBI after elderly couple defrauded ₹1.5 crore.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

SC expresses ‘grave concern’ over rising digital arrest scams, Pg10

Supreme Court addresses rising digital arrest scams, demands action from Centre, Haryana, and CBI after elderly couple defrauded ₹1.5 crore.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and JudiciaryGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

SC quashes FIRs under U.P. Act on conversion, says law not tool to harass innocents, Pg10

Supreme Court quashes U.P. conversion law FIRs, asserting criminal law can't harass innocents, citing legal infirmities and procedural lapses.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and JudiciaryGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

SC quashes FIRs under U.P. Act on conversion, says law not tool to harass innocents, Pg10

Supreme Court quashes U.P. conversion law FIRs, asserting criminal law can't harass innocents, citing legal infirmities and procedural lapses.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and SecularismGS 2: Vulnerable Sections

Panel to draft transgender equal opportunity policy, Pg12

Supreme Court forms panel led by Justice Asha Menon to draft national equal opportunity policy for transgender individuals.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and SecularismGS 2: Vulnerable Sections

Panel to draft transgender equal opportunity policy, Pg12

Supreme Court forms panel led by Justice Asha Menon to draft national equal opportunity policy for transgender individuals.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 3: BiotechnologyGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Rotavirus vaccine effective against gastroenteritis in children: study, Pg12

Indigenous Rotavirus vaccine (Rotavac) shows 54% effectiveness in preventing gastroenteritis among children under Universal Immunization Program (UIP) between 2016-2020.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 3: BiotechnologyGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Rotavirus vaccine effective against gastroenteritis in children: study, Pg12

Indigenous Rotavirus vaccine (Rotavac) shows 54% effectiveness in preventing gastroenteritis among children under Universal Immunization Program (UIP) between 2016-2020.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Nashik unit open; HAL can roll out 24 Tejas jets a year, Pg12

HAL inaugurates third Tejas production line, boosting annual capacity to 24 jets, enhancing defence self-reliance and creating 1,000 jobs.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Nashik unit open; HAL can roll out 24 Tejas jets a year, Pg12

HAL inaugurates third Tejas production line, boosting annual capacity to 24 jets, enhancing defence self-reliance and creating 1,000 jobs.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Venezuela mobilises troops amid U.S. build-up, strikes in Caribbean, Pg 14.

Venezuela has deployed thousands of troops near the Colombian border in response to U.S. military build-up and naval strikes in the Caribbean, escalating regional tensions.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Venezuela mobilises troops amid U.S. build-up, strikes in Caribbean, Pg 14.

Venezuela has deployed thousands of troops near the Colombian border in response to U.S. military build-up and naval strikes in the Caribbean, escalating regional tensions.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Backchannels, firm line, oil prices behind return to India-US talks table, Pg1.

India-US trade talks resume amidst backchannels, firm stances on Russia, and critical mineral concerns, signalling evolving strategic dynamics.

Backchannels, firm line, oil prices behind return to India-US talks table, Pg1.

India-US trade talks resume amidst backchannels, firm stances on Russia, and critical mineral concerns, signalling evolving strategic dynamics.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

How to identify green crackers, Pg6.

Delhi-NCR mandates 'green crackers' for Diwali; look for logo and QR code to ensure authenticity and reduced emissions.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

How to identify green crackers, Pg6.

Delhi-NCR mandates 'green crackers' for Diwali; look for logo and QR code to ensure authenticity and reduced emissions.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and JudiciaryGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

‘Law can’t be tool to harass people’: SC quashes 5 FIRs on religious conversion, Pg13.

Supreme Court quashes five FIRs on religious conversion, emphasizing that criminal law cannot be a tool for harassment.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and JudiciaryGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

‘Law can’t be tool to harass people’: SC quashes 5 FIRs on religious conversion, Pg13.

Supreme Court quashes five FIRs on religious conversion, emphasizing that criminal law cannot be a tool for harassment.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

LCA Tejas Mk1A takes first flight; symbol of self-reliance: Rajnath, Pg13.

LCA Tejas Mk1A's successful first flight signifies India's defense self-reliance push, aiming for ₹3 lakh crore manufacturing by 2029.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

LCA Tejas Mk1A takes first flight; symbol of self-reliance: Rajnath, Pg13.

LCA Tejas Mk1A's successful first flight signifies India's defense self-reliance push, aiming for ₹3 lakh crore manufacturing by 2029.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 1: Modern HistoryGS 2: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local LevelsGS 3: Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism

Guns & roses: 210 Maoists surrender in Abujhmad, CM says 'historic day', Pg14.

210 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh's Abujhmad, marking a significant blow to Naxal influence after decades of conflict.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 1: Modern HistoryGS 2: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local LevelsGS 3: Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism

Guns & roses: 210 Maoists surrender in Abujhmad, CM says 'historic day', Pg14.

210 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh's Abujhmad, marking a significant blow to Naxal influence after decades of conflict.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and JudiciaryGS 3: Basics of Cyber Security

SC flags rise in digital arrest scams, seeks CBI, Centre response, Pg14.

Supreme Court addresses rising digital arrest scams involving forged judicial orders, seeks CBI and Home Ministry response for coordinated pan-India action.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and JudiciaryGS 3: Basics of Cyber Security

SC flags rise in digital arrest scams, seeks CBI, Centre response, Pg14.

Supreme Court addresses rising digital arrest scams involving forged judicial orders, seeks CBI and Home Ministry response for coordinated pan-India action.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and JudiciaryGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

Apex court forms panel to recommend equal opportunity policy for transgender persons, Pg15.

Supreme Court forms panel to recommend equal opportunity policy for transgender persons, highlighting implementation gaps in 2019 Act.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and JudiciaryGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

Apex court forms panel to recommend equal opportunity policy for transgender persons, Pg15.

Supreme Court forms panel to recommend equal opportunity policy for transgender persons, highlighting implementation gaps in 2019 Act.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

‘Govt working on steps to improve supply of rare earth minerals’, Pg21.

India seeks rare earth mineral security via trade pacts with Chile, Peru amid China's supply curbs.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

‘Govt working on steps to improve supply of rare earth minerals’, Pg21.

India seeks rare earth mineral security via trade pacts with Chile, Peru amid China's supply curbs.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

RBI’s gold pile tops $100 bn on surging prices, Pg21.

RBI's gold reserves surpass $100 billion amid rising prices, reaching 14.7% of total reserves, highest since 1996-97.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

RBI’s gold pile tops $100 bn on surging prices, Pg21.

RBI's gold reserves surpass $100 billion amid rising prices, reaching 14.7% of total reserves, highest since 1996-97.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

‘Govt mulls easing curbs on certain Chinese imports’, Pg21.

Commerce Ministry and NITI Aayog advocate easing curbs on Chinese imports amid trade policy recalibration and growing reliance on raw materials.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

‘Govt mulls easing curbs on certain Chinese imports’, Pg21.

Commerce Ministry and NITI Aayog advocate easing curbs on Chinese imports amid trade policy recalibration and growing reliance on raw materials.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

Unlawful move: US business body sues govt’s H1-B fee hike, Pg22.

US Chamber of Commerce challenges Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike, deeming it unlawful and cost-prohibitive for employers.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

Unlawful move: US business body sues govt’s H1-B fee hike, Pg22.

US Chamber of Commerce challenges Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike, deeming it unlawful and cost-prohibitive for employers.

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 1: ArchitectureGS 3: Role of External State and Non State Actors

Muttaqi's Deoband visit: driven by personal connection & religious diplomacy, Pg23.

India facilitates Taliban leader's Deoband visit, signaling religious diplomacy amid evolving Afghanistan ties and regional dynamics.

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 1: ArchitectureGS 3: Role of External State and Non State Actors

Muttaqi's Deoband visit: driven by personal connection & religious diplomacy, Pg23.

India facilitates Taliban leader's Deoband visit, signaling religious diplomacy amid evolving Afghanistan ties and regional dynamics.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna

Rising CO2 levels, Pg23.

WMO reports record CO2 surge to 423.9 ppm in 2024, exceeding Paris Agreement targets amid destabilized natural processes.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna

Rising CO2 levels, Pg23.

WMO reports record CO2 surge to 423.9 ppm in 2024, exceeding Paris Agreement targets amid destabilized natural processes.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Amid price surge, should you buy new or exchange old gold?, Pg23.

Gold imports surge impacts trade deficit; Tendulkar advocates exchanging old gold amid rising prices to bolster macroeconomic stability.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Amid price surge, should you buy new or exchange old gold?, Pg23.

Gold imports surge impacts trade deficit; Tendulkar advocates exchanging old gold amid rising prices to bolster macroeconomic stability.

News Analysis

LAB agrees to talks after Centre orders judicial probe into Sept. 24 Leh violence, Pg1

LAB agrees to talks after Centre orders judicial probe into Sept. 24 Leh violence, Pg1

U.S. trade body moves court over Trump’s H-1B fee hike, Pg1

U.S. trade body moves court over Trump’s H-1B fee hike, Pg1

The next steps for Afghanistan after the New Delhi visit, Pg8

The next steps for Afghanistan after the New Delhi visit, Pg8

Better global governance, led by China and India, Pg8

Better global governance, led by China and India, Pg8

Blatant aggression, Pg8

Blatant aggression, Pg8

​Claim, counterclaim, Pg8

​Claim, counterclaim, Pg8

The murky deaths in the Haryana police, Pg9

The murky deaths in the Haryana police, Pg9

Resolution of Palestinian question necessary for IMEC: Egyptian FM, Pg10

Resolution of Palestinian question necessary for IMEC: Egyptian FM, Pg10

SC expresses ‘grave concern’ over rising digital arrest scams, Pg10

SC expresses ‘grave concern’ over rising digital arrest scams, Pg10

SC quashes FIRs under U.P. Act on conversion, says law not tool to harass innocents, Pg10

SC quashes FIRs under U.P. Act on conversion, says law not tool to harass innocents, Pg10

Panel to draft transgender equal opportunity policy, Pg12

Panel to draft transgender equal opportunity policy, Pg12

Rotavirus vaccine effective against gastroenteritis in children: study, Pg12

Rotavirus vaccine effective against gastroenteritis in children: study, Pg12

Nashik unit open; HAL can roll out 24 Tejas jets a year, Pg12

Nashik unit open; HAL can roll out 24 Tejas jets a year, Pg12

Venezuela mobilises troops amid U.S. build-up, strikes in Caribbean, Pg 14.

Venezuela mobilises troops amid U.S. build-up, strikes in Caribbean, Pg 14.

Backchannels, firm line, oil prices behind return to India-US talks table, Pg1.

Backchannels, firm line, oil prices behind return to India-US talks table, Pg1.

How to identify green crackers, Pg6.

How to identify green crackers, Pg6.

‘Law can’t be tool to harass people’: SC quashes 5 FIRs on religious conversion, Pg13.

‘Law can’t be tool to harass people’: SC quashes 5 FIRs on religious conversion, Pg13.

LCA Tejas Mk1A takes first flight; symbol of self-reliance: Rajnath, Pg13.

LCA Tejas Mk1A takes first flight; symbol of self-reliance: Rajnath, Pg13.

Guns & roses: 210 Maoists surrender in Abujhmad, CM says 'historic day', Pg14.

Guns & roses: 210 Maoists surrender in Abujhmad, CM says 'historic day', Pg14.

SC flags rise in digital arrest scams, seeks CBI, Centre response, Pg14.

SC flags rise in digital arrest scams, seeks CBI, Centre response, Pg14.

Apex court forms panel to recommend equal opportunity policy for transgender persons, Pg15.

Apex court forms panel to recommend equal opportunity policy for transgender persons, Pg15.

‘Govt working on steps to improve supply of rare earth minerals’, Pg21.

‘Govt working on steps to improve supply of rare earth minerals’, Pg21.

RBI’s gold pile tops $100 bn on surging prices, Pg21.

RBI’s gold pile tops $100 bn on surging prices, Pg21.

‘Govt mulls easing curbs on certain Chinese imports’, Pg21.

‘Govt mulls easing curbs on certain Chinese imports’, Pg21.

Unlawful move: US business body sues govt’s H1-B fee hike, Pg22.

Unlawful move: US business body sues govt’s H1-B fee hike, Pg22.

Muttaqi's Deoband visit: driven by personal connection & religious diplomacy, Pg23.

Muttaqi's Deoband visit: driven by personal connection & religious diplomacy, Pg23.

Rising CO2 levels, Pg23.

Rising CO2 levels, Pg23.

Amid price surge, should you buy new or exchange old gold?, Pg23.

Amid price surge, should you buy new or exchange old gold?, Pg23.

More News Analysis

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Claim, counterclaim, Pg8

Claim, counterclaim, Pg8