Daily Current Affairs — 17 October 2025
5 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
NAM Should Advance Goals of Global South
Context The Minister of State for External Affairs said that the Members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) should harness the initiative to advance the aspirations of the Global South. Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Bandung Conference (1955): The concept of non-alignment was formulated during the Bandung Conference, where newly independent nations sought to avoid entanglement in the Cold Wars ideological divide.
Reservations in Local Bodies
Context The Supreme Court declined to interfere with a Telangana High Court order that had stayed two Government Orders enhancing the reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in municipalities and panchayats to 42%. About The Telangana High Court stayed the increase, citing the 50% ceiling set by Supreme Court precedents, but allowed elections to proceed with total reservations capped at 50%. Supreme Court’s Observations: Dismissed Telangana’s appeal; allowed elections to proceed without en
India Faces Highest CBAM Levy Among EU Trade Partners
Context According to European think-tank Sandberg, Indian iron and steel exporters face the highest Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) fees to the EU, estimated at €301 million. Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) CBAM is the European Unions tool to put a fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon intensive goods that are entering the EU, and to encourage cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries. CBAM is one of the elements of the EU Green Deal, the go
Strengthening India’s Extradition Framework: Call for Special Prisons and Coordinated Action
Context Union Home Minister, at a conference on “Extradition of Fugitives: Challenges and Strategies” organised by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), urged States to construct special prisons for fugitives in line with international standards. Need for Special Prisons Extradition Obstacles: Many fugitives wanted by Indian authorities resist extradition in foreign courts, arguing that Indian prisons do not meet international human rights and safety standards. Courts in several countries h
India and Brazil to Expand Trade Pact with Mercosur
Context Recently, India and Brazil agreed to expand the scope of the existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) under MERCOSUR bloc, aiming to include more sectors and products. India and MERCOSUR Relations: Historical Background India signed a Framework Agreement with MERCOSUR in 2003, followed by a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in 2004, which came into effect in 2009. The PTA covers 450 product lines, offering mutual tariff concessions on items like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles,