UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 October 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 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 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 October (2025)
• Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2025 Report
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2025 Report
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Operation Fire Trail
Operation Fire Trail
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Zombie Deer Disease
Zombie Deer Disease
• MAM01 (Monoclonal Antibody Against Malaria)
MAM01 (Monoclonal Antibody Against Malaria)
• INS Vikrant
INS Vikrant
Mapping:
• Rakchham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary
Rakchham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 October 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2025 Report
Syllabus: Poverty
Source: UNDP
Context: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) released the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2025 Report titled “Overlapping Hardships: Poverty and Climate Hazards”.
About Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2025 Report:
About MPI 2025 Report:
• What it is?
• The MPI is a global measure of acute poverty that captures multiple deprivations—health, education, and standard of living—beyond income poverty.
• The MPI is a global measure of acute poverty that captures multiple deprivations—health, education, and standard of living—beyond income poverty.
• Published by: Jointly produced by the UNDP Human Development Report Office and the Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative (OPHI) since 2010.
• Launched in:
• The global MPI was first introduced in the 2010 Human Development Report, covering over 100 developing countries.
• The global MPI was first introduced in the 2010 Human Development Report, covering over 100 developing countries.
• To assess who is poor, how they are poor, and how poverty overlaps with deprivations, thereby guiding evidence-based policymaking aligned with SDG-1 (No Poverty).
• To assess who is poor, how they are poor, and how poverty overlaps with deprivations, thereby guiding evidence-based policymaking aligned with SDG-1 (No Poverty).
Key Trends in the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2025:
• Global Poverty Prevalence: The 2025 MPI covers 109 countries and finds that 1.1 billion people (18.3%) live in acute multidimensional poverty, indicating persistent global deprivation despite post-pandemic recovery efforts.
• Severity of Poverty: Nearly 43.6% of poor people (about 501 million) are in severe poverty, meaning they are deprived in at least half of the MPI indicators, showing the depth of deprivation in vulnerable regions.
• Children Bear the Greatest Burden: Though children constitute only 33.6% of the global population, they represent 51% of all multidimensionally poor, underscoring how child malnutrition and lack of schooling perpetuate intergenerational poverty.
• Middle-Income Countries as Hidden Epicentres: Surprisingly, 740 million poor people—nearly two-thirds of the global poor—reside in middle-income countries, revealing the inadequacy of income-based classifications in capturing real deprivation.
• Regional Concentration of Poverty: Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia together account for 83% of global poverty, with Sub-Saharan Africa alone home to 49.2% of the world’s poor, emphasizing geographical inequality.
• Rural Dominance in Poverty Distribution: A staggering 83.5% of the multidimensionally poor live in rural areas, even though these regions house just 55% of the total population, highlighting infrastructure and service deficits.
• Climate-Poverty Nexus: Nearly 80% of the world’s poor live in areas exposed to at least one climate hazard such as droughts, floods, or extreme heat, creating a “double burden” of deprivation and environmental risk.
• Stagnation in Post-Pandemic Progress: The report notes slowed poverty reduction post-COVID-19, with many countries experiencing stagnant or reversed progress due to inflation, conflict, and climate disruptions
India and the Global MPI 2025:
• Massive Poverty Reduction: India achieved a remarkable decline in multidimensional poverty from 1% (2005–06) to 16.4% (2019–21), lifting over 414 million people out of deprivation, marking one of the fastest reductions globally.
• Child-Centric Poverty: Despite broad progress, child poverty remains severe, particularly in nutrition, sanitation, cooking fuel, and housing, indicating persistent intergenerational deprivation challenges.
• Climate Exposure: Nearly 99% of India’s poor live in climate-vulnerable regions, frequently exposed to heatwaves, floods, and air pollution, linking poverty eradication to environmental sustainability.
• Policy Relevance: India’s MPI success reflects targeted welfare schemes like PM-Awas Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Ujjwala, and Jal Jeevan, which directly address multidimensional deprivations in housing, sanitation, and energy.
Challenges Highlighted:
• Rural–Urban Disparity: More than 83% of the multidimensionally poor reside in rural areas, where gaps in healthcare, education, and infrastructure persist despite rapid urban growth.
• Climate-Induced Vulnerability: The poor face repeated climate shocks such as droughts and floods, undermining livelihoods and reversing development gains in climate-sensitive sectors.
• Data Deficit: Outdated and fragmented household-level data limit effective policy evaluation and hinder real-time monitoring of SDG progress across states.
• Gender and Child Deprivations: Persistent gender inequality and child malnutrition restrict overall human development, with women and children bearing the heaviest poverty burden.
• Limited Fiscal Capacity: Many states struggle with budgetary constraints and limited fiscal autonomy, restricting long-term investments in social protection and climate adaptation.
Policy Reforms and Recommendations
• Integrate Poverty and Climate Policies: Adopt climate-resilient poverty strategies, combining green infrastructure, adaptive welfare, and disaster preparedness for vulnerable communities.
• Localized Data Monitoring: Develop district-level MPI dashboards to enable real-time data collection, evidence-based policymaking, and precise targeting of welfare interventions.
• Invest in Green Livelihoods: Expand eco-jobs in renewable energy, organic farming, and circular economy, linking sustainability with employment generation.
• Global Financial Support: Mobilize climate finance and concessional aid from global platforms to support developing nations managing dual crises of poverty and climate change.
• Child- and Gender-Sensitive Interventions: Strengthen programs focusing on nutrition, clean fuel, education, and maternal health, ensuring inclusive and intergenerational poverty reduction.
Conclusion:
The Global MPI 2025 underscores that poverty today is as much about climate vulnerability as deprivation itself. India’s rapid poverty reduction offers hope, but the rising climate threat demands integrated, climate-resilient poverty policies. Future strategies must link social justice with environmental sustainability, ensuring no one is left behind in a warming world.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 October 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Operation Fire Trail
Context: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 46,640 smuggled Chinese firecrackers worth ₹4.82 crore at Nhava Sheva port under its ongoing “Operation Fire Trail”.
About Operation Fire Trail:
• What it is?
• Operation Fire Trail is a nationwide anti-smuggling initiative launched to detect and prevent the illegal import of foreign-origin firecrackers into India. It focuses on curbing the entry of hazardous and environmentally unsafe pyrotechnic materials that violate India’s trade and safety regulations.
• Operation Fire Trail is a nationwide anti-smuggling initiative launched to detect and prevent the illegal import of foreign-origin firecrackers into India.
• It focuses on curbing the entry of hazardous and environmentally unsafe pyrotechnic materials that violate India’s trade and safety regulations.
• Launched by:
• Implemented by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
• Implemented by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
• To crack down on organised smuggling syndicates importing Chinese firecrackers under false declarations. To ensure compliance with DGFT and PESO licensing norms under the Explosives Rules, 2008, and protect public safety and national security.
• To crack down on organised smuggling syndicates importing Chinese firecrackers under false declarations.
• To ensure compliance with DGFT and PESO licensing norms under the Explosives Rules, 2008, and protect public safety and national security.
• Significance:
• Prevents inflow of non-compliant, hazardous fireworks that threaten human safety, port infrastructure, and environmental standards. Strengthens India’s supply chain integrity and customs enforcement capacity through intelligence-led operations. Supports India’s self-reliance in domestic manufacturing and discourages cheap, unsafe imports harmful to the environment.
• Prevents inflow of non-compliant, hazardous fireworks that threaten human safety, port infrastructure, and environmental standards.
• Strengthens India’s supply chain integrity and customs enforcement capacity through intelligence-led operations.
• Supports India’s self-reliance in domestic manufacturing and discourages cheap, unsafe imports harmful to the environment.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 3 – Internal Security and Economic Offences: Operation Fire Trail is directly relevant to issues of smuggling, border management, and trade-related security.
• Operation Fire Trail is directly relevant to issues of smuggling, border management, and trade-related security.
• GS Paper 2 – Governance and Regulatory Mechanisms: The operation underscores inter-agency coordination among DRI, DGFT, PESO, and Customs authorities.
• The operation underscores inter-agency coordination among DRI, DGFT, PESO, and Customs authorities.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 October 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Zombie Deer Disease
Source: TN
Context: Health officials in Florida have confirmed new cases of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)—popularly known as “Zombie Deer Disease”—marking the state’s second detected instance of the fatal neurological infection in wild deer.
About Zombie Deer Disease:
• What it is?
• A fatal neurological disorder that affects deer, elk, and moose, caused by abnormal prion proteins that damage the brain and nervous system. Classified under Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) — the same group as mad cow disease (BSE).
• A fatal neurological disorder that affects deer, elk, and moose, caused by abnormal prion proteins that damage the brain and nervous system.
• Classified under Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) — the same group as mad cow disease (BSE).
• Origin:
• First detected in Colorado, USA, in the 1960s, it has now spread across 34 U.S. states, including Florida (2023, 2025), Canada, and parts of Europe. The 2025 detection marks its geographical expansion into the southeastern U.S.
• First detected in Colorado, USA, in the 1960s, it has now spread across 34 U.S. states, including Florida (2023, 2025), Canada, and parts of Europe.
• The 2025 detection marks its geographical expansion into the southeastern U.S.
• Vector (Causative Agent):
• Caused by infectious prions, misfolded proteins that trigger the breakdown of normal brain proteins. These prions are resistant to heat, radiation, and disinfectants, making them extremely persistent in the environment.
• Caused by infectious prions, misfolded proteins that trigger the breakdown of normal brain proteins.
• These prions are resistant to heat, radiation, and disinfectants, making them extremely persistent in the environment.
• Spread Through:
• Direct animal contact via saliva, urine, or feces. Environmental contamination from infected carcasses, soil, and plants where prions can survive for years. Scavengers and hunters may spread infection through tools, carcasses, or deer-urine lures. No human cases reported, but health agencies urge caution and limited exposure.
• Direct animal contact via saliva, urine, or feces.
• Environmental contamination from infected carcasses, soil, and plants where prions can survive for years.
• Scavengers and hunters may spread infection through tools, carcasses, or deer-urine lures.
• No human cases reported, but health agencies urge caution and limited exposure.
• Symptoms:
• Drastic weight loss (wasting), unsteady movement, and loss of fear of humans. Drooling, lethargy, blank stares, and abnormal behaviour similar to “zombie-like” movements. Disease progression is slow but irreversible, leading to death.
• Drastic weight loss (wasting), unsteady movement, and loss of fear of humans.
• Drooling, lethargy, blank stares, and abnormal behaviour similar to “zombie-like” movements.
• Disease progression is slow but irreversible, leading to death.
• Treatment and Control: No vaccine or cure exists; management focuses on containment and surveillance.
MAM01 (Monoclonal Antibody Against Malaria)
Source: DD News
Context: A new monoclonal antibody named MAM01 has shown strong protective effects against malaria in an early clinical trial by U.S. researchers.
About MAM01 (Monoclonal Antibody Against Malaria):
What it is?
• MAM01 is a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) engineered to prevent malaria infection by neutralising the Plasmodium falciparum parasite before it enters the bloodstream.
• It represents a passive immunisation strategy, distinct from traditional vaccines that trigger an active immune response.
Developed by:
• Created by the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD), USA.
• Designed to provide immediate and long-lasting protection against malaria, particularly for young children and pregnant women in endemic regions.
• Seeks to overcome the limitations of existing malaria vaccines that require multiple doses and boosters.
Key Features:
• Targets a conserved region of the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP) — a critical molecule that enables the parasite to infect liver cells.
• Single-dose administration offers months-long protection with minimal side effects.
• Phase 1 trial involved 38 malaria-naïve adults aged 18–50 in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
• Provided 100% protection at the highest dose, with no severe adverse reactions reported.
• Demonstrates dose-dependent efficacy, showing higher protection with increasing antibody concentration.
Significance:
• A breakthrough approach that could transform malaria prevention, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where over 600,000 deaths occur annually.
• Contributes to the global health goal of malaria elimination under WHO’s Global Technical Strategy (GTS) 2025–2030.
INS Vikrant
Source: NDTV
Context: Prime Minister of India celebrated Diwali with Indian Navy personnel onboard INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, and lauded the armed forces for their valour and success in Operation Sindoor.
About INS Vikrant:
What it is?
• INS Vikrant (IAC-1) is India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, symbolising the nation’s technological self-reliance and naval modernization under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• Named after the historic INS Vikrant that served with distinction during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, it embodies India’s maritime legacy and strategic aspirations.
Commissioned in:
• Officially commissioned on 2 September 2022 by Prime Minister at Kochi, marking a milestone in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
Built by:
• Constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) under the Indian Navy’s Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) programme, designed by the Directorate of Naval Design (DND).
• To enhance India’s blue-water naval capability, ensuring dominance and surveillance across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Strengthen India’s sea-based deterrence, power projection, and humanitarian assistance capacities during regional crises.
Key Features:
• Dimensions: 262 metres long, 62 metres wide, and 18 decks high — roughly equal to two football fields.
• Displacement: Around 45,000 tonnes, making it the largest warship ever built in India.
• Aircraft Capacity: Can carry 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, and indigenous aircraft in the future.
• Crew and Facilities: Houses 1,600 personnel, a 16-bed hospital, and 2,400 compartments, functioning as a “city at sea.”
• Operational Capability: Achieved full operational clearance in 2024, now part of the Western Naval Command.
• Propulsion: Powered by four gas turbines, enabling speeds of up to 28 knots (52 km/h).
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 October 2025 Mapping:
Rakchham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary
Source: IE
Context: An international bird-watching programme was held at the Rakchham–Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh, where participants from 15 countries recorded over 35 bird species.
About Rakchham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary:
• What it is?
• Rakchham–Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary is a high-altitude protected area known for its unique cold-desert ecosystem and rich Himalayan biodiversity. It serves as a critical habitat for several endangered alpine fauna and migratory bird species, making it a vital ecological zone in North India.
• Rakchham–Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary is a high-altitude protected area known for its unique cold-desert ecosystem and rich Himalayan biodiversity.
• It serves as a critical habitat for several endangered alpine fauna and migratory bird species, making it a vital ecological zone in North India.
• Located in:
• Situated in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, the sanctuary covers an area of 30.98 sq. km. It lies at an altitude ranging from 3,200 to 5,486 metres above sea level within the Western Himalayan range.
• Situated in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, the sanctuary covers an area of 30.98 sq. km.
• It lies at an altitude ranging from 3,200 to 5,486 metres above sea level within the Western Himalayan range.
• Key Features:
• The sanctuary is surrounded by snow-clad peaks, glacial streams, and rugged valleys, offering spectacular trekking routes such as the Lamkhanga Pass, connecting Kinnaur to Gangotri in Uttarakhand. It falls within a dry trans-Himalayan zone, unlike other sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh that receive monsoon rainfall. The region supports ecotourism, mountaineering, and birding, making it a hotspot for conservation-linked adventure tourism.
• The sanctuary is surrounded by snow-clad peaks, glacial streams, and rugged valleys, offering spectacular trekking routes such as the Lamkhanga Pass, connecting Kinnaur to Gangotri in Uttarakhand.
• It falls within a dry trans-Himalayan zone, unlike other sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh that receive monsoon rainfall.
• The region supports ecotourism, mountaineering, and birding, making it a hotspot for conservation-linked adventure tourism.
• Flora:
• Dominated by rhododendrons, pine, oak, and juniper forests, the sanctuary also harbours rare medicinal herbs adapted to alpine climates.
• Dominated by rhododendrons, pine, oak, and juniper forests, the sanctuary also harbours rare medicinal herbs adapted to alpine climates.
• Fauna:
• Home to snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, red foxes, and a variety of Himalayan pheasants. The bird species observed include Plumbeous Water Redstart, Blue-fronted Redstart, Rock Bunting, and Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, reflecting high avian diversity.
• Home to snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, red foxes, and a variety of Himalayan pheasants.
• The bird species observed include Plumbeous Water Redstart, Blue-fronted Redstart, Rock Bunting, and Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, reflecting high avian diversity.
• Significance:
• Acts as a biodiversity bridge between the Western and Trans-Himalayan ecosystems. Strengthens India’s commitment to wildlife conservation and ecotourism under the National Biodiversity Action Plan.
• Acts as a biodiversity bridge between the Western and Trans-Himalayan ecosystems.
• Strengthens India’s commitment to wildlife conservation and ecotourism under the National Biodiversity Action Plan.
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