CURRENT AFFAIRS 15 October, 2025

CURRENT AFFAIRS 15 October, 2025

1. AUSTRALIA-INDIA CLEAN ENERGY PARTNERSHIP –

• Australia’s Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen is visiting India to reinforce the India–Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP).
• The visit comes amid global supply chain vulnerabilities and both countries’ drive toward clean energy transition while reducing dependence on China in critical materials.

Need for Cooperation

Climate Vulnerabilities in the Indo-Pacific:

• The region faces severe climate impacts — nearly 10 climate-related disasters a month (1970–2022), displacing millions.
• By 2050, about 89 million people could be displaced, with 80% of the population directly affected.
• Climate targets: Both Nations have set a ambitious target:
• India: Targets 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 (280 GW from solar) and has achieved 50% of installed capacity from non-fossil sources by July 2025.
• Australia: Aims to cut emissions 62–70% below 2005 levels by 2035, aligning with its net-zero trajectory.

Supply Chain Dependence on China:

• China refines over 90% of rare earth elements and produces ~80% of global solar modules.
• India faces import dependency for rare earth magnets and battery materials used in EVs and wind power.
• Australia, despite its rich mineral base (lithium, cobalt, rare earths), lacks large-scale refining and manufacturing capacity.
• This creates an opportunity for India–Australia collaboration to diversify global clean energy supply chains.

2. INDIA ELECTED TO UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL –

• India has been elected unopposed to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) for a three-year term (2026–28), marking its seventh term since the body’s formation in 2006.

About the UN Human Rights Council (HRC)

• Established: March 2006 by UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251, replacing the UN Commission on Human Rights.
• Mandate: To promote and protect human rights globally, address violations, and make recommendations.
• Headquarters: Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.
• Support: The Council benefits from technical, and secretariat support from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Structure & Membership:

• Composition: 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly for three-year terms.

Regional Distribution:

• 13 seats for African States
• 13 for Asia-Pacific
• 8 for Latin American and Caribbean States
• 7 for Western European and other States
• 6 for Eastern European States

3. INDIA DROPS TO 85TH IN 2025 HENLEY PASSPORT INDEX –

• The 2025 Henley Passport Index reveals shifts in global travel freedom. India’s passport rank has dropped to 85th, granting visa-free access to 57 countries. This marks a decline from 59 countries last year. The index ranks 199 passports worldwide by the number of destinations accessible without a visa. Singapore leads with access to 193 countries, reflecting Asia’s rising influence in global mobility.

Overview of the Henley Passport Index

• The Henley Passport Index, launched in 2005, ranks passports based on visa-free travel access. It updates annually to reflect changes in international visa policies. The index measures the freedom ordinary citizens have to travel globally without prior visa arrangements. It is widely used to gauge diplomatic relations and travel openness.

India’s Passport Ranking and Access

• India slipped five places to 85th in 2025. Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to 57 countries, down from 59 in 2024. The ranking has fluctuated over the years, peaking at 71 in 2006 and dipping to 90 in 2021. Visa-free countries include Bhutan, Indonesia, Mauritius, Nepal, and Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, visas on arrival are available in 27 countries such as Sri Lanka, Maldives, Jordan, and Qatar.

4. INDIA’S ELEPHANT COUNT FALLS TO 22,446 IN FIRST DNA-BASED CENSUS –

• The latest All-India Synchronous Elephant Estimation (SAIEE) 2025 reveals India’s wild elephant population at 22,446. This is about 17% lower than the 2017 estimate of 27,312. However, experts note the two figures cannot be directly compared. The 2025 count used advanced DNA-based methods instead of visual sightings. This marks India’s first-ever genetic census of elephants. The report marks threats like habitat loss, infrastructure projects, and human-elephant conflict as key reasons for population decline.

New DNA-Based Census Methodology

• The 2025 census involved collecting 21,056 dung samples across elephant habitats. These samples covered 670,000 km of forest trails. Scientists used DNA fingerprinting to identify 4,065 unique elephants. A mark-recapture statistical model then estimated the total population. This method avoids duplication seen in visual counts. It is similar to the technique used for tiger population estimates. The process took longer, delaying the report since 2021, but enhanced accuracy.

5. NEW NSG HUB ESTABLISHED IN AYODHYA FOR COUNTER-TERRORISM –

• The National Security Guard (NSG), India’s elite counter-terror force, announced a new operational hub in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, in October 2025. This addition to the existing six hubs in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Jammu aims to enhance rapid response capabilities against terrorist threats in northern India. The move reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening national security infrastructure.

Expansion of NSG Operational Hubs

• The new Ayodhya hub complements existing NSG centres. These hubs maintain round-the-clock readiness to respond swiftly to terrorist attacks. The Ayodhya base will specifically cover a critical zone in Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions. This expansion improves geographic coverage and reduces response time during emergencies.

Focus on Training and Capacity Building

• The NSG headquarters will intensify training for its personnel and state anti-terror units. Emphasis will be on sharing best practices and maintaining physical fitness. Training aims to upgrade skills in counter-terrorism tactics and technology use. This approach ensures preparedness against evolving terrorist threats.

Special Operations Training Centre in Manesar

• A new Special Operations Training Centre (SOTC) was inaugurated in Manesar, Haryana. Spread over eight acres and costing ₹141 crore, it offers advanced training facilities. Both NSG commandos and state police anti-terror units will benefit from cutting-edge technology and realistic combat simulations. This centre strengthens India’s overall counter-terrorism readiness.

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.  Which country is the host of NATO’s nuclear deterrence exercise called “Steadfast Noon 2025” ?

1. a) Netherlands
2. b) France
3. c) Iceland
4. d) Italy

Q2.  According to the Civil Registration System (CRS) report, which State recorded the lowest sex ratio at birth in 2023 ?

1. a) Bihar
2. b) Telangana
3. c) Jharkhand
4. d) Haryana

Q3.  What is the name of the mission launched by the Uttar Pradesh government to rejuvenate the Gomti River ?

1. a) Ganga Cleaning Mission
2. b) Yamuna Action Plan
3. c) Jal Shakti Abhiyan
4. d) Gomti Rejuvenation Mission

Q4.  Consider the following statements about Mongolia’s geography:

1. The Gobi Desert in Mongolia consists primarily of vast sand dunes.
2. Mongolia’s highest peak, Khüiten Peak, is located in the Altai Mountains.
3. Lake Khövsgöl, the largest freshwater lake in Mongolia, lies in the southern part of the country.

         Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 2 only
3. c) 1 and 3 only
4. d) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation-

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The Gobi Desert is not primarily composed of sand dunes. It includes stony, rocky, and sandy plains, with fewer sand dunes than typical deserts.
• Statement 2 is correct: Khüiten Peak (4,374 m) is the highest point in Mongolia, located in the Altai Mountains in the west.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Lake Khövsgöl is located in northern Mongolia, not the south.

Q5.  Which of the following were key agenda items at the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit ?

1. Supervising a hostage and detainee exchange between Israel and Hamas.
2. Establishing an international consortium for the post-war reconstruction of Gaza.
3. Outlining a framework for a permanent two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.
4. Creating a regional dialogue mechanism involving Arab nations in future conflict mediation.

         Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. a) 1, 3 and 4 only
2. b) 2 and 3 only
3. c) 1, 2 and 4 only
4. d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation-

• The primary and immediate objectives of the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit were focused on de-escalation, humanitarian relief, and regional stability.
• The key agenda items included:
• Hostage Exchange Oversight: A crucial part of the summit was to oversee the implementation of the U.S.-mediated agreement for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees and prisoners.
• Reconstruction Plan: The summit aimed to establish an international consortium to plan and fund the massive task of rebuilding Gaza following the conflict, addressing the immense humanitarian and infrastructure crisis.
• Regional Dialogue Mechanism: A forward-looking goal was to create a framework that would formally involve other Arab nations in future conflict mediation efforts, aiming to build a more sustainable regional security architecture.
• Statement 3 is not explicitly mentioned as a primary agenda item of this specific summit. While the two-state solution is a long-standing framework for peace, the immediate focus of the Sharm El-Sheikh summit was on consolidating the ceasefire, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and establishing short-to-medium-term stability mechanisms, rather than negotiating the final status issues of a two-state solution.

Answer Key