News of The Day: 17th October 2025

News of The Day –  17th October 2025

SOURCES: The Hindu, Indian Express, Live Mint, Business Standard, Economic Times, PIB and AIR, etc

(with Syllabus Relevance)

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• Topic: Urban local bodies’ funding issues.
• Issues: Centralised taxation, GST erosion, low collection efficiency, political resistance.
• Impact: Inadequate services despite GDP contribution.
• Relevance: Calls for empowering ULBs for sustainable urban development.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• Topic: Dangers of hero-worship in society.
• Event: Op-ed citing Ambedkar’s warnings; links to rally tragedies.
• Issues: Disempowerment, inequality; prevents mature democracy. 
• Relevance: Upholds Art. 14 equality; calls for ethical awareness.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• Event: Best performing state under PM-JAY. Achievements: 97% hospitals active, 32,000+ fraud audits.
• About PM-JAY.

• Event: Agreement to expand PTA.
• Focus: Deepen ties with MERCOSUR bloc.
• Benefits: Enhance bilateral trade, economic cooperation.
• Relevance: Diversifies India’s export markets.

(GS-2: International Relations)

• About: India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor for connectivity.
• Components: Maritime routes, clean hydrogen pipeline, digital cable. 
• Challenges: Geopolitical flux; need for adaptive routes.
• Relevance: Alternative to China’s BRI; enhances India-Europe ties.

(GS-3: Economy)

• About: Micro-irrigation under PMKSY.
• Update: New flexibility for states in water conservation.
• Focus: Efficient water use, micro-storage structures.
• Relevance: Promotes sustainable agriculture, precision irrigation.

(GS-3: Economy)

• Key Findings: State Mining Readiness Index.
• Top States: Category A: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat.
• Parameters: Auction performance, exploration, sustainability.
• Relevance: Improves mining efficiency, supports mineral security.

(GS-3: Economy)

• Topic: GST implementation and fiscal policy challenges.
• Issues: States’ limited revenue, high central dependence; need for tax sharing restructure.
• Suggestions: Reassess finances, supplementary grants under Art. 275.
• Relevance: Strengthens fiscal federalism and state autonomy.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• Discovery: Time rondeau crystal phase. 
• About: Order-disorder coexistence in time domain. – Method: Microwave-based experiment.
• Relevance: Distinct from time crystals; advances quantum research.

(GS-2: International Relations)

• Event: Joint declaration in New Delhi.
• Focus: Expand PTA to comprehensive trade deals.
• Benefits: Boost goods, services trade; mutual interest.
• Relevance: Enhances South-South cooperation, diversifies markets.

(GS-2: International Relations)

• Event: 2025 Henley Passport Index release.
• Top: Singapore (195 visa-free); EU cohort (191).
• US: Drops out of top 10 to historic low. 
• India’s Position:  Slips five spots (to ~87th); measures global mobility.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• About Prussian Blue Capsules
• About: For treating Cesium-137 radiation poisoning. –
• Context: Indonesia’s request for nuclear emergencies.
• Relevance: India’s humanitarian aid, regional first responder role.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• About: Startup Innovation and Technology Acceleration Awards (SITAA).
• Focus: Face liveness detection, anti-deepfake solutions.
• Relevance: Invites startups; strengthens Aadhaar security.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• Topic: AI-robotics applications.
• Sectors: Healthcare (surgery), agriculture (drones), industry (maintenance).
• Benefits: Precision, job creation, skilling.
• Relevance: Supports Digital India; addresses automation challenges.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• Topic: India’s biotech boom in healthcare and life sciences.
• Progress: Affordable R&D, young talent pool. 
• Issues: Scaling challenges, infrastructure bottlenecks.
• Relevance: Strategic priorities for global growth and innovation.

(GS-3: Environment)

• Event: IUCN list of ailing heritage sites.
• Sites: Western Ghats, Manas NP (Assam), Sundarbans NP (West Bengal).
• Issues: Conservation threats from climate, human activity.
• Relevance: Urges priority action for biodiversity.

(GS-3: Environment)

• Event: Election of Vivek Menon (WTI founder) as SSC Chair (2025-2029).
• About: SSC leads 11,000 experts in species conservation.
• Relevance: First Asian chair; boosts India’s global biodiversity role.