Current Affairs – October 16, 2025

{GS1 – Geo – EG} Limestone Reclassification as a Complete Major Mineral

• Context (PIB): The Ministry of Mines (MoM) has reclassified limestone entirely as a major mineral to modernise regulation and enhance ease of doing business.

About the Reclassification

• Limestone was previously classified based on its use—a minor mineral when used in kilns for the manufacture of lime, and as a major mineral for producing cement, chemicals, fertilisers, steel, sugar, etc.
• Rationale: The NITI Aayog-led inter-ministerial committee recommended the change because industrial use has greatly exceeded traditional uses, making dual classification outdated.
• Significance: The change will allow limestone to be sold for any purpose, increasing its availability, boosting industrial production, and increasing rural employment.

About Major and Minor Minerals

• Minerals are legally categorised as “Major” and “Minor” based on their economic and strategic importance, under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957 (MMDR Act).
• Major Minerals: These are listed in the First Schedule of the MMDR Act, e.g., coal, lignite, iron ore, bauxite, copper, and atomic minerals like uranium. The Central Government regulates them.
• Minor Minerals: These include building stones, gravel, ordinary clay, and sand, or any mineral declared minor by the Centre. State Governments regulate their extraction, royalties, and operational rules.

Read More > Reclassification of Barytes, Felspar, Mica and Quartz as Major Minerals

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Judiciary} SC Allows Green Firecrackers in Delhi-NCR

• Context (TT): The Supreme Court eased the blanket ban on firecrackers, allowing the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR to curb the smuggling of traditional firecrackers.

About Green Crackers

• Green firecrackers are low-emission, ‘eco-friendly’ fireworks designed to lower air and noise pollution compared to traditional ones.
• Developed By: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR–NEERI).
• Legal Basis: Introduced following the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in Arjun Gopal v. Union of India, which banned traditional crackers and permitted only certified green crackers.
• Types: There are three main types of certified green crackers-
  • SWAS (Safe Water Releaser) releases water vapour during ignition to suppress dust particles and dilute harmful gases by about 30%.
  • STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker) is made without potassium nitrate or sulphur, significantly lowering emissions and noise levels.
  • SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium) lowers aluminium by replacing it with safer options like magnesium, reducing particulate matter by nearly 35%.

• Benefits: They ensure environmental safety by reducing emissions & maintaining noise below 125 DB.

• Concerns: Despite the “green” label, they emit harmful ultra-fine particles; widespread availability of counterfeit versions and low public awareness hinder effective adoption.

Read More > SC Calls for Nationwide Firecracker Policy

{GS2 – Governance – Reforms} Legal Information Management and Briefing System

• Context (PIB): The Ministry of Law and Justice held an event in New Delhi to showcase the new “Live Cases” Dashboard of the Legal Information Management and Briefing System (LIMBS).

About LIMBS

• LIMBS is a web-based system that enables the Indian government to monitor and manage court cases involving the Union of India.
• Development: It is developed by the Department of Legal Affairs under the Ministry of Law and Justice, in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
• Launch Timeline: LIMBS was initially launched in 2016 for ministries, departments, autonomous bodies, and Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs); An upgraded version was launched in 2020.
  • The “Live Cases” Dashboard was recently introduced to provide real-time visualisation of litigation.
• Litigation Coverage: It includes cases from the Supreme Court, High Courts, District and Sessions Courts, and various Tribunals.
• Key Feature: The platform allows 24/7, proactive tracking of court cases, ensuring that officials and legal teams remain constantly updated on case status.

• Advantage: It brings together all stakeholders onto a single unified digital platform, thereby eliminating fragmented case information and reducing the reliance on physical files.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Global Hunger Index Report 2025

• Context (DTE): A report titled “2025 Global Hunger Index: 20 Years of Tracking Progress – Time to Recommit to Zero Hunger” was recently released to mark 20 years of the Global Hunger Index.

Key Findings of the Report

• Stalled Progress: The world’s GHI score is currently 18.3, only slightly better than 19.0 in 2016. At this pace, the UN’s Zero Hunger Goal for 2030 might not be achieved until 2137.
• Crisis Driver: Wars in Gaza and Sudan led to famine-level food insecurity in 2024, and 20 major food crises impacted nearly 140 million people worldwide.
• Rising Hunger: 42 countries face serious or alarming hunger levels: 7 alarming (e.g., Burundi, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan, Yemen) and 35 serious. Hunger levels worsened since 2016 in 27 countries.
• Uneven Progress: Hunger remains serious in Southern Africa and South Asia, while Southeast Asia and Latin America show modest improvement. Europe and Central Asia record the lowest GHI score.
• Hopeful Models: Notable progress was achieved in Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, Togo, and Uganda. Tajikistan’s progress stands out as the most remarkable.

{GS2 – IR – UN} India Elected to UNHRC

• Context (NOA): India has been elected unopposed to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for a three-year term from 2026 to 2028.

• Election Milestone: This marks the seventh time India has been elected to the UNHRC.
• Previous Terms: India served two consecutive terms until 2024 but abstained from contesting in 2025 as the UN guidelines prohibit three successive terms.
• Significance: It highlights India’s consistent support for human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy across multilateral platforms.

Read More > United Nations Human Rights Council

{GS2 – IR – Bilateral Relations} India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership

• Context (TH): Australia’s Minister for Climate Change & Energy met his Indian counterpart to strengthen cooperation under the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP).

About India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP)

• India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP) is a strategic initiative aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation in the renewable energy sector.
• Launch Framework: It was formally established in 2024 under the broader Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
• Objective: REP combines Australia’s mineral resources and technology with India’s manufacturing scale to build a diversified clean energy value chain.
• Priority Areas: Cooperation covers eight sectors: Solar PV, Green Hydrogen, Energy Storage, Solar Supply Chains, Circular Economy, Two-way Investments, Capacity Building, and Shared Priorities.
• Dialogue Mechanism: It includes a Track 1.5 Dialogue that links policymakers, industries, and research organisations to turn policy intent into practical collaboration.
• Supporting Frameworks: The REP builds on the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which reduced tariffs on critical minerals and facilitated smoother trade.
• Nodal Agency: Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) coordinates REP implementation in India.

Significance of REP for India

• Mineral Diversification: The REP expands India’s access to lithium, cobalt, and rare earths and reduces dependence on Chinese suppliers.
• Skill Ecosystem: The Rooftop Solar Training Academy aims to train 2,000 technicians by 2027 to meet India’s rising solar infrastructure needs.
• Industrial Integration: The Green Steel Partnership will link Australian minerals with Indian steel production and accelerate the shift to a low-carbon manufacturing ecosystem.
• Panchamrit Goals: The REP supports India’s 2030 target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity, including 280 GW from solar energy.
• Ethical Sourcing: The partnership enforces ESG norms (Environmental, Social, and Governance), ensuring full traceability and transparency throughout the mineral supply chain.

Associate Challenges

• Downstream Gaps: Australia’s lack of large-scale refining facilities limits its ability to support India’s growing manufacturing sector.
• Regulatory Divergence: Differences in trade rules, certification norms, and technical standards complicate cross-border renewable investments.
• Capital Competition: Attractive subsidy schemes in the U.S. and EU draw private investment away from India’s clean energy market.
• Grid Constraints: Large-scale renewable integration requires advanced grid systems and increased transmission capacity to maintain stability.

Read More> Clean Energy Transition in India

{GS2 – IR – Issues} US–China Rare Earth Tensions

• Context (LM): China’s new export curbs on 12 rare earth elements have reignited trade tensions with the US. The US responded by imposing 100% tariffs on Chinese exports effective November 1, 2025.

Consequences for India due to US–China Rare Earth Tensions

• Supply Risk: India imports nearly 90% of its rare earth compounds from China (DGFT, 2024), risking disruption to EV, semiconductor & defence supply chains.
• Import Bill Rise: Rare earth tariffs and curbs could raise input costs for electronics by 20–25% (IEA, 2025).
• Strategic Opportunity: India holds 6.9 million tonnes of REE reserves (USGS, 2024), giving scope to expand Indian Rare Earths Ltd (IREL) and the Critical Minerals Mission (2023) for self-reliance.
• Geopolitical Leverage: Strengthens India’s position in the Quad Critical Minerals Partnership (2022) and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) to diversify global supply chains.

Consequences for the World due to US–China Rare Earth Tensions

• Supply Chain Disruptions: China controls 92% of global rare earth processing (IEA, 2025).
• Price: Global REE prices surged 35–40% post-export curbs (IEA Market Update, Sept 2025).
• Strategic Decoupling: US, EU & Japan accelerating friend-shoring to Australia, Vietnam, and Africa via Minerals Security Partnership (MSP).
• Environmental Pressure: New mining hubs (Congo, Myanmar) risk fresh ecological damage.

Way Forward

• Supply Diversification: Expand mining & refining partnerships across Australia, Vietnam, and Africa under the Minerals Security Partnership led by the U.S. and allies.
• Sustainable Mining: Promote ESG-based standards via the UNEP Global Mineral Governance Framework, ensuring low-impact extraction and rehabilitation.
• Strategic Stockpiles: Create rare-earth reserves under the G7 Critical Minerals Agreement to cushion price shocks and supply disruptions.
• Recycling & Circularity: Scale up e-waste recovery networks (E.g. Japan’s Urban Mining Model) to recover neodymium and dysprosium from end-of-life electronics.

Read More> Rare Earth Elements

{GS3 – Agri – Initiatives} Farmers’ Training and Common Facility Centre

• Context (TH): The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has established Farmers’ Training & Common Facility Centre (FT-CFC) in Koppal, Karnataka, to enhance agro-processing capabilities.

• Funding: The centre was built under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) with support from NABARD and the Government of India.
• Objective: It aims to train farmers in processing, packaging, and marketing their produce, thereby ensuring value addition, fair pricing, and market connectivity.
• Significance: The initiative aligns with the government’s ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign and contributes to the national goal of doubling farmers’ income.

Read More > India’s Food Processing Industry

{GS3 – Infra – Railways} Indian Railways Door-to-Door Freight & Parcel Services

• Context (DH | PIB): The Union Minister for Railways inaugurated the Sonik Integrated Logistics Hub and launched two new door-to-door freight and parcel services to improve logistics efficiency.

• Sonik Logistics Hub: It is India’s first integrated logistics hub offering end-to-end logistics solutions, connecting the industrial regions of Lucknow and Kanpur for seamless cargo movement.
• Transit Train: The Delhi–Kolkata container train service guarantees a 120-hour transit time, providing a dependable rail alternative to road transport.
• Door-to-Door Service: The Mumbai–Kolkata parcel service combines road and rail transportation, providing first-mile pickup and last-mile delivery, with a 30% faster transit time.
• Significance: The initiatives promote integrated logistics in line with PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy, improving freight efficiency and lowering logistics costs.

{GS3 – IS – Issues} Left-Wing Extremism Shrinks to 11 Districts

• Context (TH): Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reported that the number of districts affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) has decreased from 18 to 11.

• Most-Affected Districts: The number of “most-affected” districts has decreased from six to only three (Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur), all located in Chhattisgarh.
• National Action Plan: The reduction in LWE influence is due to a comprehensive strategy that includes security measures, development initiatives, financial disruptions, and a liberal surrender policy.
• Timeline: The Ministry of Home Affairs has set a target to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026.

Read More > Decline of the Maoist Movement

{GS3 – Envi – Degradation} Forest Declaration Assessment 2025

• Context (DTE): The Forest Declaration Assessment 2025 warns the world is “off-track by 63 %” in meeting the 2030 zero-deforestation goal.

Global Forest Loss Data

• Forest Loss Escalates: Total Forest loss reached 8.1 million ha in 2024, overshooting the global target by 3 million ha, indicating the world is 63% off track to halt deforestation by 2030.
• Tropical Forests as Epicentre: Nearly 94% of total forest loss occurred in tropical regions, with 6.7 million ha of humid tropical primary forests destroyed mainly in Latin America and Africa.
• Restoration Gap Widens: Only 10.6 million ha under active restoration, a mere 0.3% of global potential, far below the 30% restoration goal under global pledges (Glasgow Declaration).
• Indigenous Rights: Only 13% of customary lands in tropical forests are formally recognised, undermining community-based conservation and local stewardship.

Reasons for the Forest Crisis

• Agricultural Expansion: ≈ 86 % of global deforestation is driven by cropland & pasture conversion.
• Mining & Infrastructure: 77 % of global mines lie within 50 km of KBAs.
• Wildfires & Climate Stress: Amazon fires emitted 791 Mt CO₂e (2024) — major degradation driver.
• Weak Governance: Only 3 % of companies fully implement deforestation-free pledges.
• Critical Mineral Demand: Mining in biodiverse zones rose 47 % (2023–24) due to the energy transition.

Way Forward

• Forest Finance: Mobilise global funds for restoration and carbon sequestration. E.g. UN-REDD+, Green Climate Fund, Forest Carbon Partnership Facility.
• Empower Indigenous Communities: Recognise land rights and community forest governance. E.g. India’s Forest Rights Act, 2006, UNDRIP, 2007)
• Restoration Incentives: Integrate forest credits with CSR norms. (India’s Green Credit Programme)
• Forest-Smart Mining: Enforce no-go zones around Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). (IUCN Mining and Biodiversity Guidelines, 2023)

Read More> Forest Fires

{Prelims – Defence} Hike in Welfare Grants for Ex-Servicemen and Dependents

• Context (NOA): The Defence Ministry has approved a 100% increase in financial assistance for ex-servicemen and their dependents.

• Funding Source: The scheme is funded through the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, which is part of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund.
• Implementing Agency: The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare implements the scheme through the Kendriya Sainik Board.
• Eligibility: It covers non-pensioner ex-servicemen over 65 years (or their widows) without any regular income. Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) recommends the applicants.
• Objective: To improve social security support and reaffirm the government’s commitment to honouring the service of Ex-Servicemen.

{Prelims – In News} National Security Guard Hub

• Context (TH): A new National Security Guard (NSG) hub will be established in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, to enhance India’s counter-terrorism preparedness and strengthen rapid-response capabilities.

• The hub will operate 24/7 with commandos ready for rapid deployment during emergencies.
• Training facility: A Special Operations Training Centre (SOTC) is also under development in Haryana to train both NSG personnel and anti-terror units from state police forces.

{Prelims – Sci – Bio} Xenobiology

• Context (TH): Xenobiology is a branch of science that studies and creates artificial life forms using biological systems different from those found on Earth.

• A main area of its research focuses on making synthetic nucleic acids (XNAs) that can store genetic information instead of DNA and RNA.
• Scientists also create new biological systems that are chemically different and cannot exchange genetic information with naturally existing organisms.
• Potential Uses: It enables scientists to program microbes to make medicines while ensuring biological safety, as these microbes cannot live outside controlled conditions.

Read More > Biotechnology | Genetic Engineering

{Prelims} One Liners

• Governance Laws – Section 163 of BNSS (NOA): Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) grants specific magistrates the authority to issue urgent orders to prevent nuisances or potential threats. Recently, the Leh District Magistrate has lifted the restrictions under section 163 after 22 days.
• In News – Divya Deepawali Mela (NOA): Uttar Pradesh government is organising a two-day Divya Deepawali Mela held across districts. It showcases handicrafts made by Divyangjan (PWD) community.
• In News – Sri Lankan PM Visit (NOA): Sri Lankan PM Harini Amarasuriya has arrived in New Delhi for a three-day visit. This marks her maiden trip to India since taking office in September 2024.
• Sports Events – Ahmedabad to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games (NOA): The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board has officially recommended Ahmedabad, Gujarat, as proposed host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games. India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010.