UPSC Current Affairs 20 October 2025

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

In Doha, Pakistan and Afghanistan agree on ceasefire, Pg1

Pakistan and Afghanistan agree to immediate ceasefire in Doha talks amid rising border tensions and cross-border attacks.

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

In Doha, Pakistan and Afghanistan agree on ceasefire, Pg1

Pakistan and Afghanistan agree to immediate ceasefire in Doha talks amid rising border tensions and cross-border attacks.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: World HistoryGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

The far-right’s infiltration into the West’s mainstream, Pg8

Far-right ideologies infiltrate Western mainstream politics, impacting immigration, diaspora safety, and international partnerships, posing challenges to liberal democratic values.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: World HistoryGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

The far-right’s infiltration into the West’s mainstream, Pg8

Far-right ideologies infiltrate Western mainstream politics, impacting immigration, diaspora safety, and international partnerships, posing challenges to liberal democratic values.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

The new arc of India-Australia collaboration, Pg8

India and Australia deepen defence ties with new agreements on maritime security, submarine rescue, and joint military exercises.

The new arc of India-Australia collaboration, Pg8

India and Australia deepen defence ties with new agreements on maritime security, submarine rescue, and joint military exercises.

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 3: Linkages between Development and Spread of ExtremismGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

For a new path, Pg8

Maoist insurgency weakens significantly, confined to few districts due to security forces' strategies and developmental initiatives.

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 3: Linkages between Development and Spread of ExtremismGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

For a new path, Pg8

Maoist insurgency weakens significantly, confined to few districts due to security forces' strategies and developmental initiatives.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Fire in the sky, Pg8

Supreme Court allows 'green' firecrackers in Delhi, balancing cultural norms, economic interests, and environmental concerns amidst persistent air pollution challenges.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Fire in the sky, Pg8

Supreme Court allows 'green' firecrackers in Delhi, balancing cultural norms, economic interests, and environmental concerns amidst persistent air pollution challenges.

EthicsGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 1: Art & CultureGS 1: LiteratureGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

From Middle Earth to military earth, Pg9

Tech firms exploit Tolkien's mythology, naming surveillance and military tech after Middle Earth, raising ethical concerns about cultural appropriation.

EthicsGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 1: Art & CultureGS 1: LiteratureGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

From Middle Earth to military earth, Pg9

Tech firms exploit Tolkien's mythology, naming surveillance and military tech after Middle Earth, raising ethical concerns about cultural appropriation.

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Linkages between Development and Spread of ExtremismGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Record fatalities, arrests, surrenders signal decline of Maoist insurgency, Pg9

Maoist insurgency weakens as 2025 sees record 333 fatalities, 836 arrests, and 1,849 surrenders, with affected districts reduced to 11.

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Linkages between Development and Spread of ExtremismGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Record fatalities, arrests, surrenders signal decline of Maoist insurgency, Pg9

Maoist insurgency weakens as 2025 sees record 333 fatalities, 836 arrests, and 1,849 surrenders, with affected districts reduced to 11.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and SecularismGS 2: Vulnerable Sections

Tackling caste pride and prejudice, Pg9

Tamil Nadu government considers law against caste-based hate crimes and honour killings amid rising inter-caste violence, political pressure.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and SecularismGS 2: Vulnerable Sections

Tackling caste pride and prejudice, Pg9

Tamil Nadu government considers law against caste-based hate crimes and honour killings amid rising inter-caste violence, political pressure.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Why emergency care needs to be prioritised, Pg10

Article emphasizes standardizing emergency care, highlighting 'Platinum Ten Minutes' for rapid response and integrating advanced technologies like drone ambulances.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Why emergency care needs to be prioritised, Pg10

Article emphasizes standardizing emergency care, highlighting 'Platinum Ten Minutes' for rapid response and integrating advanced technologies like drone ambulances.

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

PM to face Quad, BRICS leaders at ASEAN meet next week, Pg12

PM Modi to navigate Quad-BRICS dynamics at ASEAN summit amid rising India-U.S. tensions and trade disputes.

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

PM to face Quad, BRICS leaders at ASEAN meet next week, Pg12

PM Modi to navigate Quad-BRICS dynamics at ASEAN summit amid rising India-U.S. tensions and trade disputes.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

EC revives economic intelligence panel ahead of Bihar polls, Pg13

Election Commission reactivates economic intelligence panel after six years to curb money, liquor, and drugs in Bihar polls.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

EC revives economic intelligence panel ahead of Bihar polls, Pg13

Election Commission reactivates economic intelligence panel after six years to curb money, liquor, and drugs in Bihar polls.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Achievements of Indians in Science and TechnologyGS 3: Space Technology

Chandrayaan-2 makes first-ever observations on lunar exosphere: ISRO, Pg14

Chandrayaan-2's CHACE-2 captures first-ever observation of solar coronal mass ejection impact on lunar exosphere, revealing density increase.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Achievements of Indians in Science and TechnologyGS 3: Space Technology

Chandrayaan-2 makes first-ever observations on lunar exosphere: ISRO, Pg14

Chandrayaan-2's CHACE-2 captures first-ever observation of solar coronal mass ejection impact on lunar exosphere, revealing density increase.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 3: Basics of Cyber SecurityGS 3: IT and Computers

ICAR data breach: Head of institute replaced 3 days before end of term, Pg1.

ICAR data breach leads to director's removal and inquiry after cyber attack compromised recruitment and research data.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 3: Basics of Cyber SecurityGS 3: IT and Computers

ICAR data breach: Head of institute replaced 3 days before end of term, Pg1.

ICAR data breach leads to director's removal and inquiry after cyber attack compromised recruitment and research data.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Role of External State and Non State ActorsGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border AreasGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

In Doha peace talks, Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to immediate ceasefire, Pg1.

Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to immediate ceasefire in Doha peace talks after border clashes and rising tensions.

In Doha peace talks, Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to immediate ceasefire, Pg1.

Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to immediate ceasefire in Doha peace talks after border clashes and rising tensions.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 4: Challenges of Corruption and Utilization of Public FundsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Jal Jeevan: States told to report graft cases against officials, contractors, Pg1.

Jal Jeevan Mission faces scrutiny as Centre directs states to report corruption, irregularities, and action taken against involved parties.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 4: Challenges of Corruption and Utilization of Public FundsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Jal Jeevan: States told to report graft cases against officials, contractors, Pg1.

Jal Jeevan Mission faces scrutiny as Centre directs states to report corruption, irregularities, and action taken against involved parties.

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels

After violence, Ladakh talks back on track, resume Oct 22, Pg1.

Ladakh talks to resume on October 22 after violence; discussions focus on statehood, Sixth Schedule, and public service commission.

After violence, Ladakh talks back on track, resume Oct 22, Pg1.

Ladakh talks to resume on October 22 after violence; discussions focus on statehood, Sixth Schedule, and public service commission.

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

GRAP II curbs in place as air quality worsens, Pg8.

Delhi-NCR enforces GRAP II as AQI nears 'very poor', mandating strict pollution control measures and citizen cooperation for improved air quality.

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

GRAP II curbs in place as air quality worsens, Pg8.

Delhi-NCR enforces GRAP II as AQI nears 'very poor', mandating strict pollution control measures and citizen cooperation for improved air quality.

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

FESTIVAL AND AFTER, Pg10.

Festive season spurs record vehicle sales, GST cuts and tax exemptions boost household spending, but investment revival remains crucial.

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

FESTIVAL AND AFTER, Pg10.

Festive season spurs record vehicle sales, GST cuts and tax exemptions boost household spending, but investment revival remains crucial.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM, Pg10.

India's elephant population declines by 17.8% since 2017, raising concerns about habitat loss and human conflict.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM, Pg10.

India's elephant population declines by 17.8% since 2017, raising concerns about habitat loss and human conflict.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 1: Political Philosophies, Communism, Capitalism and Socialism

The visible hand of the state, Pg11.

Global shift towards state-led industrial policies in US, China, and India prioritizes self-sufficiency over market efficiency.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 1: Political Philosophies, Communism, Capitalism and Socialism

The visible hand of the state, Pg11.

Global shift towards state-led industrial policies in US, China, and India prioritizes self-sufficiency over market efficiency.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Non-implementation of orders in civil disputes alarming: SC, Pg12.

Supreme Court expresses alarm over 8.82 lakh pending civil decree executions, directs High Courts to expedite resolutions within six months.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Non-implementation of orders in civil disputes alarming: SC, Pg12.

Supreme Court expresses alarm over 8.82 lakh pending civil decree executions, directs High Courts to expedite resolutions within six months.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

SC ruling on U.P. conversion law offers scope to revisit pending cases: experts, Pg14

Supreme Court's ruling on U.P. conversion law offers scope to revisit pending cases, potentially curbing misuse against minorities.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

SC ruling on U.P. conversion law offers scope to revisit pending cases: experts, Pg14

Supreme Court's ruling on U.P. conversion law offers scope to revisit pending cases, potentially curbing misuse against minorities.

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

FPIs chase fresh listings, dump old stocks: ₹54K cr flows into primary mkt since Jan, Pg15.

FPIs invest ₹54K crore in Indian IPOs, driven by attractive valuations, while selling ₹2.02 lakh crore in secondary market.

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

FPIs chase fresh listings, dump old stocks: ₹54K cr flows into primary mkt since Jan, Pg15.

FPIs invest ₹54K crore in Indian IPOs, driven by attractive valuations, while selling ₹2.02 lakh crore in secondary market.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

Sebi crackdown on insider trading: How traders exploited CERC data to profit from IEX stock, Pg15.

SEBI cracks down on insider trading in IEX shares, impounding ₹173.14 crore after CERC data leak.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

Sebi crackdown on insider trading: How traders exploited CERC data to profit from IEX stock, Pg15.

SEBI cracks down on insider trading in IEX shares, impounding ₹173.14 crore after CERC data leak.

GS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Inclusive GrowthGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

The private sector problem, Pg16.

Private sector investment lags despite incentives, hindering India's growth and challenging Modi's economic strategy of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance'.

GS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Inclusive GrowthGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

The private sector problem, Pg16.

Private sector investment lags despite incentives, hindering India's growth and challenging Modi's economic strategy of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance'.

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

News Analysis

In Doha, Pakistan and Afghanistan agree on ceasefire, Pg1

In Doha, Pakistan and Afghanistan agree on ceasefire, Pg1

The far-right’s infiltration into the West’s mainstream, Pg8

The far-right’s infiltration into the West’s mainstream, Pg8

The new arc of India-Australia collaboration, Pg8

The new arc of India-Australia collaboration, Pg8

For a new path, Pg8

For a new path, Pg8

Fire in the sky, Pg8

Fire in the sky, Pg8

From Middle Earth to military earth, Pg9

From Middle Earth to military earth, Pg9

Record fatalities, arrests, surrenders signal decline of Maoist insurgency, Pg9

Record fatalities, arrests, surrenders signal decline of Maoist insurgency, Pg9

Tackling caste pride and prejudice, Pg9

Tackling caste pride and prejudice, Pg9

Why emergency care needs to be prioritised, Pg10

Why emergency care needs to be prioritised, Pg10

PM to face Quad, BRICS leaders at ASEAN meet next week, Pg12

PM to face Quad, BRICS leaders at ASEAN meet next week, Pg12

EC revives economic intelligence panel ahead of Bihar polls, Pg13

EC revives economic intelligence panel ahead of Bihar polls, Pg13

Chandrayaan-2 makes first-ever observations on lunar exosphere: ISRO, Pg14

Chandrayaan-2 makes first-ever observations on lunar exosphere: ISRO, Pg14

ICAR data breach: Head of institute replaced 3 days before end of term, Pg1.

ICAR data breach: Head of institute replaced 3 days before end of term, Pg1.

In Doha peace talks, Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to immediate ceasefire, Pg1.

In Doha peace talks, Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to immediate ceasefire, Pg1.

Jal Jeevan: States told to report graft cases against officials, contractors, Pg1.

Jal Jeevan: States told to report graft cases against officials, contractors, Pg1.

After violence, Ladakh talks back on track, resume Oct 22, Pg1.

After violence, Ladakh talks back on track, resume Oct 22, Pg1.

GRAP II curbs in place as air quality worsens, Pg8.

GRAP II curbs in place as air quality worsens, Pg8.

FESTIVAL AND AFTER, Pg10.

FESTIVAL AND AFTER, Pg10.

ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM, Pg10.

ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM, Pg10.

The visible hand of the state, Pg11.

The visible hand of the state, Pg11.

Non-implementation of orders in civil disputes alarming: SC, Pg12.

Non-implementation of orders in civil disputes alarming: SC, Pg12.

SC ruling on U.P. conversion law offers scope to revisit pending cases: experts, Pg14

SC ruling on U.P. conversion law offers scope to revisit pending cases: experts, Pg14

FPIs chase fresh listings, dump old stocks: ₹54K cr flows into primary mkt since Jan, Pg15.

FPIs chase fresh listings, dump old stocks: ₹54K cr flows into primary mkt since Jan, Pg15.

Sebi crackdown on insider trading: How traders exploited CERC data to profit from IEX stock, Pg15.

Sebi crackdown on insider trading: How traders exploited CERC data to profit from IEX stock, Pg15.

The private sector problem, Pg16.

The private sector problem, Pg16.

TRUMP LIKELY TO MEET PUTIN: WHAT A UKRAINE PEACE DEAL COULD LOOK LIKE, Pg16.

TRUMP LIKELY TO MEET PUTIN: WHAT A UKRAINE PEACE DEAL COULD LOOK LIKE, Pg16.

The science behind the sparkle: green crackers are cleaner, not clean, Pg16.

The science behind the sparkle: green crackers are cleaner, not clean, Pg16.

Failure to meet climate targets doesn't make COP irrelevant, Pg16.

Failure to meet climate targets doesn't make COP irrelevant, Pg16.

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