Daily Current Affairs — 18 October 2025
5 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Mass Surrender of Maoists
Context 210 Maoists surrendered in Dandakaranya region of Chhattisgarh, following a similar event in Maharashtra, as a part of a broader strategy by the Union and state governments to abandon violence and embrace rehabilitation. About Maoism, or Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) It was rooted in radical communist ideology, advocating armed struggle to overthrow the state and establish a classless society. LWE in India traces its roots to the Naxalbari uprising of 1967 in West Bengal, inspired by Mao Zed
Strengthening Rural Growth with Enhanced Agricultural Credit
Context The Union Finance Minister urged rural banks to enhance agricultural credit disbursement to meet the evolving financial needs of New Rural India, while reviewing the performance of Karnataka Grameena Bank (KaGB) in Ballari. Agriculture Credit in India Sources of Agricultural Credit: Public sector banks (like the State Bank of India), regional rural banks (RRBs), cooperatives, and NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) provide most formal agricultural credit.
Sri Lankan PM’s State Visit to India
Context The Sri Lankan Prime Minister is on a state visit to India. India and Sri Lanka Relations Diplomatic Ties: Diplomatic relations established in 1948 after Sri Lanka’s independence. Trade Relations: India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) in 2000 contributed significantly towards the expansion of trade between the two countries.
Resolution of Palestinian Question Necessary for IMEC
Context The first India–Egypt Strategic Dialogue was held in New Delhi co-chaired by EAM Dr. Jaishankar and Egyptian FM. About Egypt’s Position: Egypt supports regional connectivity projects like India-Middle East EU Economic Corridor (IMEC) but believes progress is impossible without addressing the Palestinian question.
SC Forms Panel on Transgender Persons
In News The Supreme Court set up a committee under former Justice Asha Menon to formulate an equal opportunity policy for transgender individuals and to suggest measures for inclusive medical care and protection for gender non-conforming and gender-diverse persons. Supreme Court’s Recent Observations SC highlighted systemic barriers in employment, healthcare, education, and public institutions, including the lack of a ‘third gender’ option and the expectation for transgender individuals to conce