Daily Current Affairs and GK | 17 October 2025

Topic: National News

1. Concluding ceremony of the 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2025 will take place on 17 October 2025.

• It will be held at the Himalayan Cultural Centre in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
• The 8th edition of Poshan Maah began on 17 September 2025.
• It was launched from Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
• Throughout the month, the campaign promoted nutrition awareness and healthier lifestyles.
• It encouraged community participation under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.
• Smt. Savitri Thakur, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, will be the Chief Guest.
• Anganwadi workers and helpers from across the state will join the event.
• This year’s theme was “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar.” It focused on improving the health and nutrition of women and children.
• The campaign highlighted several key issues. These included obesity, high sugar and oil consumption, and early childhood care.
• It also focused on infant and young child feeding practices. Men’s involvement in nutrition was also encouraged.
• The use of local foods and grassroots self-reliance were promoted.
• The month-long celebration was led by Union WCD Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi.
• This was done in the spirit of “Whole-of-Government, Whole-of-Society.”
• The concluding ceremony will showcase community mobilisation efforts.
• It will highlight field-level innovations in nutrition. Poshan and Mission Shakti Champions will be recognised for their contributions.

Topic: Environment and Ecology

2. The WMO says carbon dioxide levels reached a record high in 2024.

• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has stated in its new report that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have reached an all-time high.
• This is likely to further increase the planet's temperature and lead to more extreme climate events.
• The WMO stated that between 2023 and 2024, CO₂ concentrations rose by 3.5 parts per million — the largest single-year increase since 1957.
• The report was released ahead of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil.
• The primary causes of this surge were identified as fossil fuel burning and widespread wildfires, especially across South America.
• WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett said the heat trapped by CO₂ and other greenhouse gases is intensifying climate change and extreme weather.
• Concentrations of methane and nitrous oxide have also reached record levels, worsening the global warming scenario.
• WMO scientist Oksana Tarasova noted that carbon dioxide has a long lifetime in the atmosphere, making its effects persist for centuries.
• She explained that nearly half of all carbon emissions are absorbed by forests, land, and oceans, but the ability of these so-called carbon sinks to absorb the gases is lessening.
• Rising temperatures and low rainfall have stressed Amazon rainforest trees, reducing their ability to photosynthesize.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

3. The National Conclave on Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan attended by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on 17 October.

• The event organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs under the vision of Viksit Bharat as articulated by PM Narendra Modi.
• The conclave was held in conjunction with PMJANMAN and Dharti Aba Abhiyan initiatives.
• Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, Ministers of State, Secretaries, District Magistrates, Master Trainers, and Adi Sahyogi representatives from across the country participated.
• The focus of the conclave was Tribal Village Vision 2030: From Ideas to Implementation.
• The event aims to conceptualise the Tribal Village Vision 2030, finalising policy inputs, frameworks, and strategies based on over 50,000 Village Action Plans.
• The discussions will emphasise strengthening the participation of tribal communities in the development process.
• Five thematic groups deliberated on key areas such as education and skill development, health and nutrition, livelihood and entrepreneurship, infrastructure and governance and institutional strengthening.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

4. Equitable climate action urged by India at the G20 environment meeting in South Africa.

• Equitable climate action has been called for by India at the G20 Environmental and Climate Sustainability Ministerial Meeting held in South Africa on 16 October.
• Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasised that the G20 must act as a bridge between ambition and implementation.
• He highlighted that every nation’s contribution must be respected while enhancing each country’s capacity.
• The minister said India supports ecosystem-based and participatory approaches in biodiversity conservation.
• Mr. Yadav cautioned against the commodification of biodiversity and called for deeper examination of the issue.
• He reaffirmed that India stands for integrating climate and development while upholding equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.
• The minister advocated for a whole-of-society approach and pro-planet lifestyle choices to achieve tangible outcomes.
• He referred to PM Narendra Modi’s call for “going back to basics” to balance tradition with technological progress.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

5. The MoUs signed for the establishment of three new Dr. Ambedkar Chairs in Indian universities.

• On 15 October, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed for the establishment of three new Dr. Ambedkar Chairs at leading Indian universities.
• The MoU ceremony was organised by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
• The new Chairs will be set up at Mumbai University, Jaipur National University, and GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology.
• The event, held at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, was presided over by Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar.
• The Minister appreciated the Foundation’s role in spreading Dr. Ambedkar’s vision through academic and research initiatives.
• He stated that education, awareness, and institutional collaboration are essential for building an inclusive and just society.
• The newly established Chairs will focus on policy research, academic discourse, and public engagement on social justice and equality.
• With these additions, the total number of operational Chairs under the scheme has reached twenty-eight.
• The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to expanding this initiative across India to foster social transformation through knowledge.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

6. An MoU signed between IIT Delhi and the Indian Navy for crew-centric warship design.

• On 16 October, a Memorandum of Understanding signed between IIT Delhi and the Directorate of Naval Architecture (DNA) of the Indian Navy.
• The MoU was signed to collaborate on the creation of a research and design centre to improve the Quality of Life (QoL) on Indian Navy ships through design interventions.
• The MoU was signed by Rear Admiral Arvind Rawal and IIT Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee.
• Researchers from IIT Delhi will analyse safety, efficiency, and habitability aspects of current and upcoming ship projects.
• The institute will compare Indian Navy ship designs with international standards with respect to QoL parameters like ergonomics, comfort, efficiency, safety, and user experience.
• The partnership will identify improvement areas and propose design interventions to enhance living conditions onboard.
• Both institutions will work together to make Indian warships superior in crew comfort, efficiency, and habitability.
• The initiative introduces a process-driven scientific approach incorporating ergonomics, human factors, and design optimisation.

Topic: International News

7. India has been chosen as the Co-Chair of the Regional Committee of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP).

• This position was secured by India  for a three-year term till 2028 during the 14th Plenary Meeting of UN-GGIM-AP.
• The meeting was held from September 24 to 26 in Goyang-si, South Korea.
• The event was hosted by South Korea’s National Geographic Information Institute.
• India's appointment reflects its increasing influence and leadership in global geospatial initiatives.
• UN-GGIM-AP is one of five regional bodies under the UN Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management.
• The committee represents the national geospatial organizations of 56 countries across Asia and the Pacific.
• It aims to enhance the value of geospatial data for economic, environmental, and social development through joint efforts and knowledge sharing.

Topic: Personality in News

8. Kancha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the historic 1953 Everest expedition, passed away at age 92 in Kathmandu.

• Kancha was part of the team led by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay that first conquered Mount Everest.
• His passing marks the end of a living connection to one of the most iconic moments in mountaineering history.
• Though he did not summit Everest, he climbed up to the South Summit.
• He played a crucial support role in the success of the mission.
• Kancha worked in mountaineering until 1973. After this, he shifted to guiding trekking groups.
• Hillary and Tenzing reached the top of Everest on May 29, 1953.
• His legacy remains a vital part of Nepal’s and the world's mountaineering heritage.

Topic: State News/ Nagaland

9. Nagaland has nominated Dzükou Valley for a national project to develop 50 globally recognized tourist destinations.

• The initiative aims to create world-class tourism hubs across India.
• Nagaland’s proposal was presented by Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along.
• He introduced the plan during a two-day conference of state tourism ministers held in Udaipur.
• The event was organized by the Ministry of Tourism to identify top destinations for global-standard development.
• Nagaland’s plan includes a proposed investment of ₹250 crore.
• The goal is to turn Dzükou Valley into a leading eco-tourism site with international appeal.
• The project features the construction of a sustainable luxury hotel.
• It also includes enhanced facilities for tourists while protecting the valley’s natural landscape.
• Minister Temjen Imna Along described Dzükou Valley as a stunning and culturally significant natural treasure.
• He emphasized the need to preserve its unique ecosystem during development.
• The broader mission focuses on promoting responsible tourism that balances growth with conservation.

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/ Meetings

10. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval took part in the third meeting of India-Central Asia Security Council officials.

• The meeting was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.
• The meeting brought together National Security Advisers and Secretaries of Security Councils.
• They met to address evolving regional and global security threats.
• Participants stressed the importance of maintaining consistent dialogue.
• Key areas of discussion included enhancing joint efforts to combat terrorism, drug trafficking, radicalisation, and extremism.
• Stability in Afghanistan was highlighted as essential for regional peace and cooperation.
• The officials committed to deeper engagement with Afghanistan.
• Strengthening transport and digital links between India and Central Asia emerged as a major priority.
• The group agreed to broaden their collaboration.
• This includes advanced sectors like artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and space technology.
• NSA Doval, along with other regional security heads, met with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov during the visit.
• He also held separate bilateral talks with security counterparts from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan.
• These talks aimed to strengthen strategic ties.