UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 October 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 October 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 October (2025)
• IUCN World Heritage Outlook 2025
IUCN World Heritage Outlook 2025
• Nine Years of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)
Nine Years of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Operation Golden Sweep
Operation Golden Sweep
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• International Purple Fest 2025
International Purple Fest 2025
• Armenia Joins IUCN
Armenia Joins IUCN
• UNESCO launches the World’s First Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects
UNESCO launches the World’s First Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects
• IUCN Kenton Miller Award 2025
IUCN Kenton Miller Award 2025
• Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–26 to 2030–31)
Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–26 to 2030–31)
• Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit
Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit
Mapping:
• Durand Line
Durand Line
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 October 2025
#### GS Paper 3:
IUCN World Heritage Outlook 2025
Syllabus: Environment
Source: IUCN
Context: The IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4 is launched at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi in October 2025, assessing the conservation status of all natural and mixed UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
About IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4:
What it is?
• The IUCN World Heritage Outlook is a global assessment system that evaluates the state of conservation of all UNESCO natural and mixed World Heritage Sites every 3–5 years.
Published By: Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) through its World Heritage Programme and the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).
Launched In:
• The 4th Edition (Outlook 4) will be launched at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 (Abu Dhabi).
• Previous editions were published in 2014, 2017, and 2020.
• Track Conservation Health: Monitor how effectively natural World Heritage sites are managed and conserved.
• Recognize Best Practices: Showcase exemplary management and promote knowledge sharing between sites.
• Identify Threats: Provide early warning signals for sites facing degradation, climate threats, or governance gaps.
Key Summary of the IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4:
• Global Trend: Nearly two-thirds (≈65%) of World Heritage sites show a stable or improving conservation outlook since 2020, reflecting enhanced site governance and restoration efforts.
Eg: Improved status of Galápagos Islands and Yellowstone National Park through ecosystem-based management.
• Climate Threats: Over 80% of natural sites face direct climate risks like coral bleaching, glacier melt, and wildfires, posing severe ecological and cultural challenges.
Eg: Great Barrier Reef (Australia) continues to experience bleaching events despite management upgrades.
• Biodiversity Pressure: Around 60% of sites are under stress from invasive species, habitat loss, and overexploitation, particularly in tropical ecosystems.
Eg: Invasive plants in Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park threaten endemic flora and fauna.
• Positive Cases: Marine parks like Komodo (Indonesia) and Aldabra Atoll (Seychelles) show notable improvement due to strict regulation, sustainable tourism, and science-based monitoring.
• Technological Innovation: Increasing reliance on AI-based monitoring, satellite mapping, and eDNA sampling improved conservation forecasting accuracy. Eg: UNESCO–IUCN’s AI pilot in the Okavango Delta enhances wildlife migration tracking.
• Socio-Economic Linkages: The report underscores that well-managed heritage sites contribute to livelihoods, disaster mitigation, and global carbon sequestration.
Eg: Natural sites globally store ≈10% of terrestrial carbon, reinforcing climate regulation functions.
• Warning Signal: Around 15 sites were added to the “World Heritage in Danger” list, reflecting a rise in conflict-linked habitat loss and pollution in fragile ecosystems.
Trends in India:
• Total Sites: India has 7 natural and mixed World Heritage sites, covering ecosystems from Himalayan peaks to coastal wetlands, representing over 1.5% of global natural heritage area.
• Improved Sites: Kaziranga and Manas show enhanced ecological health through anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and eco-tourism regulation, backed by local community involvement.
• At-Risk Sites: Sundarbans exhibit declining mangrove health due to salinity, cyclones, and sea-level rise, while Western Ghats face mining, construction, and land-use conflicts.
• Emerging Concern: Nanda Devi and Great Himalayan National Park face glacial retreat and invasive species, with potential long-term hydrological impacts on the Ganga basin.
• Policy Integration: The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 and the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) Mission are recognized as strong national commitments aligning with KM-GBF 2030 goals.
• Funding and Data Gaps: The report notes that India’s protected areas require 30–40% more recurring funds for effective monitoring, particularly in marine and transboundary zones.
Challenges:
• Climate Change Impact: Rising global temperatures are accelerating coral bleaching, glacier melt, and desertification, directly threatening ecosystem stability and species survival.
• Unsustainable Development: Expansion of mining, tourism infrastructure, and hydropower projects near protected sites is fragmenting habitats and disrupting ecological connectivity.
• Funding Deficits: Nearly 40% of heritage sites lack adequate financial and human resources, hampering restoration, anti-poaching, and monitoring initiatives.
• Weak Governance: Overlapping institutional mandates, poor coordination, and weak law enforcement lead to ineffective management of protected areas.
• Biodiversity Data Gaps: Incomplete or outdated ecological data limits real-time monitoring and adaptive policy response, affecting site evaluation accuracy.
Recommendations:
• Climate-Resilient Planning: Embed heritage site protection in national climate adaptation strategies, promoting ecosystem-based mitigation.
Eg: India’s LiFE Mission and National Adaptation Fund can integrate heritage resilience targets.
• Green Financing: Develop public–private green funds, carbon credits, and eco-investment instruments to sustain site management.
Eg: The UNDP–GEF Biofin Initiative mobilizes biodiversity finance in developing countries.
• Community Partnerships: Involve Indigenous and local communities as active custodians in decision-making, monitoring, and benefit-sharing.
Eg: Eco-Development Committees in Manas and Periyar improved livelihood-linked conservation.
• Technology Integration: Leverage AI, satellite imaging, eDNA analysis, and drones for accurate mapping, patrolling, and real-time threat detection.
Eg: IUCN’s Global Ecosystem Atlas uses remote sensing for cross-site tracking.
• Global Collaboration: Foster joint research, transboundary conservation corridors, and heritage diplomacy under UNESCO–IUCN partnerships.
Eg: The India–Nepal Terai Arc Landscape exemplifies regional biodiversity cooperation.
Conclusion:
The IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4 reaffirms the urgent need for collective global action to safeguard natural heritage amid intensifying climate and developmental pressures. India’s active participation in heritage monitoring highlights its commitment to biodiversity-led development. Strengthening science, finance, and community linkages will be pivotal in shaping a sustainable, heritage-secure planet.
Nine Years of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)
Syllabus: Economy
Source: SSTV
Context: The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) completed nine years of implementation, having resolved debt worth ₹26 lakh crore.
About Nine Years of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC):
Origin and Purpose of IBC (2016)
• Introduced to replace inefficient debt recovery systems like SARFAESI, DRT, and SICA.
• Aims to create a time-bound, creditor-in-control resolution process rather than a debtor-dominated one.
• Establishes corporate discipline, credit culture, and financial market stability.
Major Achievements (2016–2025):
• ₹26 lakh crore in debt resolved through IBC mechanisms.
• 30,310 cases settled pre-admission (₹13.78 lakh crore defaults).
• 1,314 cases settled post-admission; 1,919 withdrawn under Section 12A till June 2025.
• NPAs reduced: from 10.9% (FY 2017-18) to 2.3% (FY 2024-25); Net NPAs fell to 0.5%.
• Credit discipline improved: Average loan overdue days fell from 248–344 to 30–87 days.
Corporate Governance and Deterrence Features:
• Section 29A: Bars defaulting promoters from rebidding for their companies.
• Section 32: Denies immunity to offenders for crimes committed before insolvency.
• PUF Transactions: (Preferential, Undervalued, Fraudulent) bring accountability and transparency.
• Promotes corporate ethics, clean accounting, and responsible management behaviour.
Economic Impact:
• Sales Growth (76 percent): Post-resolution companies experienced a strong revival in demand and production, indicating renewed market confidence and consumer trust.
• Capital Expenditure (130 percent increase): Reformed firms attracted new investments as they regained creditworthiness, financial stability, and investor confidence.
• Liquidity (80 percent improvement): Revived enterprises enhanced their cash flow positions and reduced debt burdens, ensuring sustainable financial operations.
• Employment and Wages (50 percent rise): The resolution process safeguarded jobs and created new employment opportunities, particularly in sectors such as steel, power, and infrastructure.
• Market Capitalisation (from ₹2 lakh crore to ₹6 lakh crore): The tripling of firm value demonstrates IBC’s effectiveness in preserving enterprise assets and strengthening overall economic productivity.
Key Legislative and Regulatory Reforms (2016–2024)
• 2017 Amendment: Introduced Section 29A, disqualifying defaulting promoters from rebidding, thereby enforcing moral accountability.
• 2018 Amendment: Recognized homebuyers as financial creditors, empowering them with voting rights in the Committee of Creditors (CoC).
• 2019 Reform: Fixed a 330-day cap for resolution to ensure speed and predictability in insolvency outcomes.
• 2020 (COVID Relief): Suspended new insolvency filings for defaults post-March 2020, protecting viable firms from pandemic distress.
• 2021 (Pre-pack for MSMEs): Enabled pre-packaged insolvency resolution, allowing small businesses faster, negotiated recovery options.
• 2024 Amendment: Mandated digital filings, stricter admission timelines, and clearer rules on avoidance transactions for efficiency.
Role of NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal):
• Adjudicatory Authority: Serves as the central platform for corporate insolvency, mergers, and restructuring cases under IBC.
• Transparency & Investor Confidence: Ensures time-bound, transparent, and consistent judicial processes, enhancing global investor trust.
• Corporate Revival: Revived 3,763 companies with resolution value exceeding ₹4 lakh crore, protecting jobs and capital assets.
• Efficiency Reforms: Introduced template-based orders and periodic judicial colloquiums for member training and best practice sharing.
Challenges Identified:
• Infrastructure Deficit: Many NCLT benches lack adequate courtrooms, forcing half-day sittings and case pile-ups.
• Manpower Gap: Overdependence on contractual and deputation officers causes frequent turnover and loss of institutional knowledge.
• Case Backlog: Absence of a dedicated IBC vertical leads to mixing of company law and insolvency matters, slowing adjudication.
• Court Management: Urgent need for a National Court Management System (NCMS) to modernize data handling and workflow efficiency.
Future Recommendations:
• Dedicated IBC Vertical: Establish an exclusive permanent wing for insolvency cases within NCLT to improve specialization and speed.
• Digital & Infrastructure Upgrade: Expand e-courts, paperless filings, and better logistics to enhance accessibility and reduce delays.
• Strengthen MSME Resolution: Expand pre-pack frameworks and simplified procedures for faster turnaround of small enterprises.
• Public–Private Collaboration: Partner with industry bodies, law institutes, and think tanks to enhance insolvency literacy and capacity.
• Expand to Personal Insolvency: Apply IBC principles to individual debt resolution to strengthen financial discipline nationwide.
Conclusion
The IBC has transformed India’s financial ecosystem by ensuring corporate accountability, faster debt resolution, and reduced NPAs. With continued reforms, institutional strengthening, and efficient court management, it can serve as a model framework for financial discipline and a key pillar in realizing Viksit Bharat 2047.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 October 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Operation Golden Sweep
Context: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has launched “Operation Golden Sweep”, cracking down on a transnational gold smuggling syndicate at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
About Operation Golden Sweep:
• What it is? A strategic intelligence-led operation by DRI aimed at dismantling a global gold smuggling network using transit passengers and airport insiders to transport contraband gold into India.
• A strategic intelligence-led operation by DRI aimed at dismantling a global gold smuggling network using transit passengers and airport insiders to transport contraband gold into India.
• Agency Involved: Conducted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) under the Ministry of Finance.
• Aim: To disrupt organized smuggling cartels, safeguard India’s economic security, and curb illicit gold inflows that undermine legitimate trade and drain foreign exchange reserves.
• Features: Gold seized: 10.488 kg of 24-carat gold valued at ₹12.58 crore. Modus operandi: Transit passengers from Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, and Dhaka concealed gold in egg-shaped wax capsules inside their bodies. Insider nexus: Airport personnel assisted in smuggling gold out of secure zones, revealing a serious insider threat in aviation infrastructure.
• Gold seized: 10.488 kg of 24-carat gold valued at ₹12.58 crore.
• Modus operandi: Transit passengers from Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, and Dhaka concealed gold in egg-shaped wax capsules inside their bodies.
• Insider nexus: Airport personnel assisted in smuggling gold out of secure zones, revealing a serious insider threat in aviation infrastructure.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• Internal Security (GS Paper III): It highlights how transnational smuggling networks and insider threats endanger India’s internal and economic security.
• It highlights how transnational smuggling networks and insider threats endanger India’s internal and economic security.
• Governance (GS Paper II): It showcases the role of institutional coordination between intelligence, customs, and enforcement agencies in tackling organized economic crimes.
• It showcases the role of institutional coordination between intelligence, customs, and enforcement agencies in tackling organized economic crimes.
• Ethics and Integrity (GS Paper IV): The involvement of airport staff underscores issues of ethical conduct, corruption, and accountability within sensitive public service sectors.
• The involvement of airport staff underscores issues of ethical conduct, corruption, and accountability within sensitive public service sectors.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 October 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
International Purple Fest 2025
Source: DD News
Context: The International Purple Fest 2025 was recently concluded in Goa, showcasing India’s commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment of persons with disabilities (PwDs).
About International Purple Fest 2025:
• What is the International Purple Fest 2025?
• A global inclusion festival dedicated to celebrating diversity and promoting accessibility for persons with disabilities. The 2025 edition was held in Goa from October 9–12, focusing on the theme “Inclusion as a Movement.” Serves as a platform for dialogue, policy innovation, and cultural expression that recognizes PwDs as equal contributors to society.
• A global inclusion festival dedicated to celebrating diversity and promoting accessibility for persons with disabilities.
• The 2025 edition was held in Goa from October 9–12, focusing on the theme “Inclusion as a Movement.”
• Serves as a platform for dialogue, policy innovation, and cultural expression that recognizes PwDs as equal contributors to society.
• Hosted by: Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of India.
• Organised by: Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa. In collaboration with Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and United Nations India.
• Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa.
• In collaboration with Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and United Nations India.
• Aim: To mainstream disability inclusion in governance, education, and employment.
• To mainstream disability inclusion in governance, education, and employment.
• To foster empathy-based awareness and encourage universal design in public spaces.
• To foster empathy-based awareness and encourage universal design in public spaces.
• Major Initiatives Launched:
• IELTS Training Handbook for Persons with Disabilities:
• Developed by Believe in the Invisible (BITI) with DEPwD support. First inclusive self-study and teaching manual for IELTS aspirants with visual, hearing, or locomotor disabilities. Includes ISL-linked videos, grammar guidance, time management tips, and accessible practice modules.
• Developed by Believe in the Invisible (BITI) with DEPwD support.
• First inclusive self-study and teaching manual for IELTS aspirants with visual, hearing, or locomotor disabilities.
• Includes ISL-linked videos, grammar guidance, time management tips, and accessible practice modules.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in ISL Interpretation
• Conducted by Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) under DEPwD. Certified SODA (Siblings of Deaf Adults) and CODA (Children of Deaf Adults), strengthening the pool of skilled ISL interpreters. First batch trained in August 2025; certificates to be awarded on December 3, 2025 (International Day of PwDs).
• Conducted by Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) under DEPwD.
• Certified SODA (Siblings of Deaf Adults) and CODA (Children of Deaf Adults), strengthening the pool of skilled ISL interpreters.
• First batch trained in August 2025; certificates to be awarded on December 3, 2025 (International Day of PwDs).
• Specialized Basic Training Programme in ASL & BSL
• Launched by ISLRTC to train Indian interpreters in American and British Sign Languages. Enhances cross-cultural communication and international job opportunities for Indian ISL professionals.
• Launched by ISLRTC to train Indian interpreters in American and British Sign Languages.
• Enhances cross-cultural communication and international job opportunities for Indian ISL professionals.
Armenia Joins IUCN
Source: News on Air
Context: Armenia has officially joined the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) during the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, marking its entry into the global coalition for biodiversity protection.
About Armenia Joins IUCN:
• What it is? A landlocked transcontinental country situated in the South Caucasus region, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
• A landlocked transcontinental country situated in the South Caucasus region, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
• Capital: Yerevan (Erevan).
• Bordering Nations: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey and Nakhchivan exclave (Azerbaijan) to the southwest.
• Physical and Geographical Features:
• Terrain: Predominantly mountainous, with an average elevation of 1,800 m; lacks true lowlands. Highest Peak: Mount Aragats (4,090 m) — an extinct volcanic peak. Major Basin: Lake Sevan Basin — one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes in Eurasia. Rivers: Includes Aras, Hrazdan, Arpa, and Vorotan, which provide hydropower and irrigation. Soils: Rich in volcanic minerals (nitrogen, potash, phosphates); supports agriculture in highlands despite rocky terrain.
• Terrain: Predominantly mountainous, with an average elevation of 1,800 m; lacks true lowlands.
• Highest Peak: Mount Aragats (4,090 m) — an extinct volcanic peak.
• Major Basin: Lake Sevan Basin — one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes in Eurasia.
• Rivers: Includes Aras, Hrazdan, Arpa, and Vorotan, which provide hydropower and irrigation.
• Soils: Rich in volcanic minerals (nitrogen, potash, phosphates); supports agriculture in highlands despite rocky terrain.
UNESCO launches the World’s First Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects
Source: IE
Context: UNESCO has recently launched the world’s first Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects at the MONDIACULT 2025 Conference in Barcelona, Spain.
About UNESCO launches the World’s First Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects :
What is the Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects?
• It is a first-of-its-kind global digital museum created by UNESCO to display, document, and trace stolen or trafficked cultural objects from around the world.
• The museum acts as a virtual platform for education, restitution, and heritage protection, symbolically reuniting nations with their displaced artifacts.
• Launched at: World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT 2025).
• Organized by: UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
• Combat Illicit Trafficking: Create a global platform to track and raise awareness of stolen and looted cultural heritage.
• Cultural Reconnection: Digitally reconnect communities with their lost heritage.
• Educational Mission: Strengthen heritage education and ethical museum practices through storytelling and testimonies.
Key Features of the Virtual Museum:
• Digital Platform: Uses 3D modelling, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality (VR) to recreate over 240 missing artifacts from 46 countries.
• Interactive “Rooms”: Stolen Cultural Objects Gallery: Displays digital reconstructions of stolen items. Auditorium: Hosts discussions, expert talks, and awareness programs. Return and Restitution Room: Showcases successful recovery cases.
• Stolen Cultural Objects Gallery: Displays digital reconstructions of stolen items.
• Auditorium: Hosts discussions, expert talks, and awareness programs.
• Return and Restitution Room: Showcases successful recovery cases.
• AI Recreation: For items lacking visual records, AI-generated models allow virtual rotation and study.
• Educational Content: Provides historical context, restoration practices, and anti-trafficking awareness tools.
• India’s Representation: Features two 9th-century sandstone sculptures from Mahadev Temple, Pali (Chhattisgarh) — a Nataraja and Brahma figure — stolen during colonial-era looting.
IUCN Kenton Miller Award 2025
Source: HT
Context: Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, became the first Indian to win the IUCN WCPA Kenton Miller Award 2025, announced at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.
About IUCN Kenton Miller Award 2025:
• What it is? A prestigious international award that honours individuals demonstrating innovation and excellence in the sustainability of protected areas management.
• A prestigious international award that honours individuals demonstrating innovation and excellence in the sustainability of protected areas management.
• Named after: Kenton R. Miller, pioneer conservationist and former IUCN Director-General.
• Provided by: IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).
• Launched in: 1999, to celebrate creativity and leadership in park governance.
• Promote Innovation: Encourage novel approaches in planning, monitoring, capacity-building, and financing of protected areas. Recognize Impact: Highlight individuals whose work has demonstrably improved the sustainability of natural and cultural heritage sites.
• Promote Innovation: Encourage novel approaches in planning, monitoring, capacity-building, and financing of protected areas.
• Recognize Impact: Highlight individuals whose work has demonstrably improved the sustainability of natural and cultural heritage sites.
• Eligibility Criteria:
• Open to protected-area managers, researchers, and educators across all forms of governance (governmental, community, indigenous, private). Preference given to candidates without prior international awards. Includes a USD 5,000 grant, global citation, and funded attendance at the IUCN World Congress.
• Open to protected-area managers, researchers, and educators across all forms of governance (governmental, community, indigenous, private).
• Preference given to candidates without prior international awards.
• Includes a USD 5,000 grant, global citation, and funded attendance at the IUCN World Congress.
• 2025 Winner: Sonali Ghosh (India) — Field Director, Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, Assam.
• Awarded for: Integrating local communities into park stewardship. Developing eco-friendly tourism models ensuring livelihood security and wildlife protection. Strengthening anti-poaching operations and habitat connectivity across Kaziranga–Orang–Manas landscape. Promoting gender inclusion in field conservation teams.
• Integrating local communities into park stewardship.
• Developing eco-friendly tourism models ensuring livelihood security and wildlife protection.
• Strengthening anti-poaching operations and habitat connectivity across Kaziranga–Orang–Manas landscape.
• Promoting gender inclusion in field conservation teams.
• Her work positions India as a global leader in biodiversity governance and grassroots ecological innovation.
Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–26 to 2030–31)
Source: PIB
Context: Prime Minister of India launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–26 to 2030–31) at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.
About Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–26 to 2030–31):
• What it is? A national mission to achieve complete self-sufficiency in pulses production and reduce import dependence by December 2027. Officially known as the Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission, it integrates production, procurement, processing, and marketing strategies to enhance farmers’ income and ensure nutritional security.
• A national mission to achieve complete self-sufficiency in pulses production and reduce import dependence by December 2027.
• Officially known as the Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission, it integrates production, procurement, processing, and marketing strategies to enhance farmers’ income and ensure nutritional security.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India.
• Implementation Partners: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) NAFED & NCCF (for procurement) NITI Aayog (policy & cluster recommendations) National Informatics Centre (NIC) (for digital monitoring via SATHI Portal).
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
• NAFED & NCCF (for procurement)
• NITI Aayog (policy & cluster recommendations)
• National Informatics Centre (NIC) (for digital monitoring via SATHI Portal).
• Implementation Period: 2025–26 to 2030–31
• Total Outlay: ₹11,440 crore
• Aim and Objectives: Self-Reliance Goal: Scale up pulses production to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030–31. Area Expansion: Expand cultivation to 310 lakh hectares, including 35 lakh ha of rice fallows. Procurement Assurance: Ensure 100% MSP procurement for Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masoor for four years. Seed Support: Distribute 88 lakh free seed kits and 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds. Farmer Empowerment: Benefit nearly 2 crore farmers through assured prices and value-chain integration.
• Self-Reliance Goal: Scale up pulses production to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030–31.
• Area Expansion: Expand cultivation to 310 lakh hectares, including 35 lakh ha of rice fallows.
• Procurement Assurance: Ensure 100% MSP procurement for Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masoor for four years.
• Seed Support: Distribute 88 lakh free seed kits and 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds.
• Farmer Empowerment: Benefit nearly 2 crore farmers through assured prices and value-chain integration.
• Key Features: Technology & Seeds: Launch of SATHI (Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory) portal for seed lifecycle monitoring. Development of high-yielding, pest-resistant, climate-resilient varieties by ICAR. Value Chain & Processing: Establishment of 1,000 processing and packaging units, with ₹25 lakh subsidy per unit to promote value addition and rural employment. Institutional Mechanism: State-specific rolling five-year seed production plans under ICAR supervision. Integration with PM-AASHA for assured procurement and farmer price stability. Cluster-Based Approach: Implementation on “One Block – One Seed Village” model as per NITI Aayog’s recommendation. Focus on FPO-led clusters for efficient production and distribution. Nutrition & Welfare Integration: Inclusion of pulses in PDS, ICDS, and Mid-Day Meal schemes to improve protein intake.
• Technology & Seeds: Launch of SATHI (Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory) portal for seed lifecycle monitoring. Development of high-yielding, pest-resistant, climate-resilient varieties by ICAR.
• Launch of SATHI (Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory) portal for seed lifecycle monitoring.
• Development of high-yielding, pest-resistant, climate-resilient varieties by ICAR.
• Value Chain & Processing: Establishment of 1,000 processing and packaging units, with ₹25 lakh subsidy per unit to promote value addition and rural employment.
• Institutional Mechanism: State-specific rolling five-year seed production plans under ICAR supervision. Integration with PM-AASHA for assured procurement and farmer price stability.
• State-specific rolling five-year seed production plans under ICAR supervision.
• Integration with PM-AASHA for assured procurement and farmer price stability.
• Cluster-Based Approach: Implementation on “One Block – One Seed Village” model as per NITI Aayog’s recommendation. Focus on FPO-led clusters for efficient production and distribution.
• Implementation on “One Block – One Seed Village” model as per NITI Aayog’s recommendation.
• Focus on FPO-led clusters for efficient production and distribution.
• Nutrition & Welfare Integration: Inclusion of pulses in PDS, ICDS, and Mid-Day Meal schemes to improve protein intake.
Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit
Source: NIE
Context: Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh represented India at the Sharm El-Sheikh Gaza Peace Summit held in Egypt, as the special envoy of Prime Minister of India.
About Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit:
• What is the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit??
• It is an international diplomatic conference convened to consolidate the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas and outline a framework for lasting peace in Gaza and the broader Middle East region.
• It is an international diplomatic conference convened to consolidate the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas and outline a framework for lasting peace in Gaza and the broader Middle East region.
• Host Nations: Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America.
• Joint Chairs: President Donald Trump (USA) and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (Egypt).
• Ceasefire Implementation: Ensure the smooth execution of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas announced in early October 2025. Humanitarian Access: Facilitate safe passage of aid, food, and medical relief to Gaza civilians. Hostage Exchange Oversight: Oversee the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees under U.S.-mediated terms. Stability in West Asia: Promote regional dialogue and prevent further escalation in the Middle East conflict.
• Ceasefire Implementation: Ensure the smooth execution of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas announced in early October 2025.
• Humanitarian Access: Facilitate safe passage of aid, food, and medical relief to Gaza civilians.
• Hostage Exchange Oversight: Oversee the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees under U.S.-mediated terms.
• Stability in West Asia: Promote regional dialogue and prevent further escalation in the Middle East conflict.
• Key Features:
• Venue: Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt (Red Sea Resort City). Participation: Over 20 world leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Agenda Highlights: Supervised hostage swap: Hamas to release hostages; Israel to free ~250 prisoners and 1,700 detainees. Reconstruction Plan: Establishment of an international consortium for post-war rebuilding of Gaza. Regional Dialogue Mechanism: Framework to involve Arab nations in future conflict mediation. Notable Absence: Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s participation remained uncertain; Hamas declined to attend. India’s Role: India reiterated its support for peaceful resolution through dialogue, humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and reconstruction partnerships.
• Venue: Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt (Red Sea Resort City).
• Participation: Over 20 world leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
• Agenda Highlights: Supervised hostage swap: Hamas to release hostages; Israel to free ~250 prisoners and 1,700 detainees. Reconstruction Plan: Establishment of an international consortium for post-war rebuilding of Gaza. Regional Dialogue Mechanism: Framework to involve Arab nations in future conflict mediation.
• Supervised hostage swap: Hamas to release hostages; Israel to free ~250 prisoners and 1,700 detainees.
• Reconstruction Plan: Establishment of an international consortium for post-war rebuilding of Gaza.
• Regional Dialogue Mechanism: Framework to involve Arab nations in future conflict mediation.
• Notable Absence: Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s participation remained uncertain; Hamas declined to attend.
• India’s Role: India reiterated its support for peaceful resolution through dialogue, humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and reconstruction partnerships.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 October 2025 Mapping:
Durand Line
Source: TOI
Context: Fresh cross-border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan along the Durand Line have killed over 80 soldiers on both sides, reigniting tensions over the disputed frontier.
About Durand Line:
What it is?
• The Durand Line is the international land border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stretching for about 2,600 km (1,600 miles).
• It demarcates the limits of influence agreed upon between British India and the Emirate of Afghanistan in 1893, but Afghanistan has never officially recognized it.
Location:
• Extends from the Karakoram Range in the northeast (near China) to the Registan Desert in the southwest (near Iran).
• Passes through key geographic and strategic features like the Khyber Pass and Spīn Ghar (White Mountains).
• Cuts across 12 Afghan provinces and 3 Pakistani provinces — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Historical Background:
• Anglo-Afghan Context: Established in 1893 through an agreement between Sir Henry Mortimer Durand (Foreign Secretary, British India) and Emir Abdur Rahman Khan to define spheres of influence.
• Post-Independence Legacy: After Pakistan’s creation in 1947, it inherited the line; however, Afghanistan rejected its legality, voting against Pakistan’s UN membership.
• Pashtunistan Movement: The border divided the Pashtun tribes, fueling demands for an independent Pashtunistan and persistent cross-border tribal unrest.
Physical Features:
• Traverse’s diverse terrains — high-altitude ranges in the east (Karakoram, Hindu Kush, Spīn Ghar) to deserts and plains in the west (Registan, Baloch Plateau).
• Includes strategic passes like Khyber Pass (trade and invasion route) and Wakhan Corridor, a narrow strip separating Pakistan and Tajikistan.
• The region is ethnically Pashtun-dominated, with deep tribal, cultural, and kinship ties spanning both sides.
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