Current Affairs 25 October 2025

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

DAY-NRLM: A Blueprint for Empowering Rural CommunitiesAs of June 2025, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission(DAY-NRLM),one of the world’s largest poverty alleviation programmes, has mobilized 10.05 crore (cr) rural women households into more than 90.90 lakh Self Help Groups(SHGs) across 28 states and 6 Union Territories (UTs).
About DAY-NRLM:
Launched: The NRLM was launched in 2010 as a mission-mode scheme by restructuring the erstwhile Swarnajayanti Grameen Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY). In 2016, the program was renamed DAY-NRLM.

• It is a flagship poverty alleviation program being implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD).

Top SHG States: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh(UP), and Andhra Pradesh(AP) lead in SHG numbers and women’s household mobilization as of June 30, 2025.
Funding Support: For capitalisation support provided to SHGs, UP and Bihar have disbursed Rs. 1,23,326 lakh and Rs. 1,05,132 lakh respectively, while AP has facilitated the maximum bank loans for SHGs with a disbursement of Rs. 34,83,725 lakh.
Promotional Activities: In farm-based initiatives, Maharashtra stands out for covering the highest number of ‘Mahila Kisans’ (women farmers) under Agro-Ecological Practices, followed by UP and AP.

• For promoting non-farm micro-enterprises, Assam is the leading state with Kerala and West Bengal (WB) also showing strong performance.

>>Read Full News

Kerala signs MoU with Education Ministry to join PM SHRI Schools schemeIn October 2025, the Kerala Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Government (CG) for the Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) Scheme, a national initiative aimed at improving the quality of education in government schools.

• It plans to secure an estimated Rs. 1,446 crore (cr) for the modernisation of government schools in the State.

About PM-SHRI Scheme
Launched on: The PM SHRI scheme was launched on 7th September, 2022.
Aim: It aims to qualitatively strengthen the existing schools and showcase the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 and make them exemplar schools over a period of time.
School target: The PM SHRI scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) launched with an objective to establish over 14,500 PM SHRI Schools, overseen by the CG, State/Union Territory Government, local bodies, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS).
>>Read Full News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Released DPM 2025 in New DelhiIn October 2025, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence(MoD), released the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 which aims to simplify and rationalize the revenue procurement process for the armed forces, during a function held in South Block, New Delhi (Delhi).

• The new procurement manual effective from November 01 2025.

Key Highlights:
DPM 2025: DPM 2025 has replaced DPM 2009, which has governed revenue procurement for over last 10 years.

• MoD has clarified that RFP issued up to October 31, 2025, will continue to be governed by the provisions of DPM 2009.While, RFPs reissued on or after November 01, 2025, will be governed by DPM 2025.
• The revised DPM has relaxed LD which is imposed on delayed delivery of stores and services. While, the maximum LD has been unchanged at 10% in cases of prolonged delay.

DAC Approved Rs 79,000 Crore Proposals: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Union Minister Rajnath Singh, MoD has approved capital acquisition proposals worth about Rs 79,000 crore for the Indian Army (IA), Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Air Force (IAF), during a meeting held in New Delhi, Delhi.

• Key Acquisitions for IA: The DAC has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of: Nag System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS); Ground Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES) and High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) with material handling crane.
• Key Acquisitions for IN: The council has also granted AoN for the procurement of Landing Platform Docks (LPD); 30 millimeter (mm) Naval Surface Gun (NSG); Advanced Light Weight Torpedoes (ALWT); Electro Optical Infra-Red Search and Track System and Smart Ammunition for 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount.
• Key Acquisitions for IAF: The AoN was granted for the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) and other key proposals.

>>Read Full News

DPIIT Signs MoUs with Kotak Mahindra Bank and Primus Partners to Strengthen India’s Startup EcosystemOn 23rd October 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, signed two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) one with Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL) to enhance financial and non-financial support for startups and another with Primus Partners India to further strengthen India’s startup ecosystem.

• These partnerships align with the government’s vision to make India the global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship under the Startup India initiative.

Highlights of the MoU with KMBL:
Aim: The collaboration provides startups with customized financial and digital support to drive innovation and strengthen India’s position as a global startup hub.
Kotak Mahindra Bank role: Under the MoU, Kotak Mahindra Bank will offer DPIIT-recognized startups zero-balance accounts, loans, digital payment, and API-based solutions, along with mentorship, investment guidance, and networking support to help them grow from ideation to scale.
Scope: The MoU includes organising workshops, financial literacy programmes, and incubation support in collaboration with Kotak Mahindra Bank.
Highlights of the MoU witt Primus Partners:
Aim: The partnership aims to support early and growth-stage startups through capacity building, expert mentorship, market access, policy awareness, and technology integration initiatives.
Activities Included: Mentorship programmes, investor networking events, and sector-specific advisory support.
Expected Impact: The MoU reinforces DPIIT’s commitment to fostering industry-led engagement, driving innovation, self-reliance, and inclusive growth in India’s startup ecosystem.
About Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I):
Union Minister – Piyush Goyal (Constituency – Mumbai North, Maharashtra)
Minister of State (MoS) – Jitin Prasada (Constituency – Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, UP)

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India Re-elected as Vice-Chairperson of COP10 Bureau at UNESCO in Paris, FranceIn October 2025, India was re-elected as the Vice-Chairperson of the Bureau for the Asia-Pacific (Group IV) for the term 2025–2027during the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) to the International Convention against Doping in Sport(ICADS), held at United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris, France.

• The meeting, held from 20 to 22 October 2025, marked the 20th anniversary of the ICADS.

COP10 Bureau Elections:
Chair: During the session, Azerbaijan was elected as the Chairperson of the COP10 Bureau under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) framework.
Vice-Chairs:

• Brazil, representing Group III, Latin America and Caribbean region.
• Zambia, Group Va, African region.
• Saudi Arabia, Group Vb, Arab States region.

About COP10 to the ICADS:
COP10 Bureau: It is responsible for guiding discussions, reviewing anti-doping regulations, and making policy recommendations to strengthen global anti-doping efforts.
Focus: The session focused on strengthening governance and compliance under ICADS, Financing the fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport, and Addressing challenges, including gene manipulation, traditional medicine, and ethical issues in sport.
India’s Participation:
Indian Delegation: The Indian Delegation, led by Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), and Anant Kumar, Director General (DG), National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), met with delegates from over 190 countries, as well as representatives from the African Union, International Olympic Committee (IOC), WADA, and other international bodies.
India Proposal: India proposed changes to improve education projects by using the Values Education through Sport (VETS) approach, promoting ethics, integrity, and sport values among youth, organizations, and society.
About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
Director-General (DG) – Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters – Paris, France
Established – 1945

GOI Partners with Nigeria to Establish First IIT Campus in Nigeria
In October 2025, Government of India (GOI) partnered with the Government of Nigeria to establish the first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in Nigeria, marking a significant step in bilateral collaboration in the field of education.

• This marks the second IIT campus in Africa, following the establishment of IIT Madras–Zanzibar in Tanzania (2023).

About IIT Nigeria:
Campus: The proposed site for the IIT Nigeria campus is the Federal Government Academy (FGA) in Suleja, Niger State, also known as the Nigerian Academy for the Gifted.

• The academy is undergoing transformation into an autonomous Centre of Excellence (CoE), designed to meet IIT standards through modernization and collaboration with the private sector.

Aim: The initiative aims to advance science, technology, and innovation-driven in Nigeria. It seeks to position Nigeria as a regional hub for technological excellence and elevate the quality of technical and scientific education.
Campus Model: IIT Nigeria draws inspiration from Zanzibar (Tanzania) campus of IIT Madras, where India provides academic expertise, curriculum, and faculty, and the host country offers infrastructure and institutional support.

IAF Participated in Multinational Exercise ‘Ocean Sky 2025’ in Spain
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in ‘Ocean Sky 2025’, a multinational air combat exercise which is being hosted by the Spanish Air Force from October 20 to October 31, 2025 at Gando Air Base in the Canary Islands in Spain.

• The IAF, deploying its Su-30MKI fighter jets, is the first non- North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO) country to participate in this exercise, highlighting the growing defense ties between India and Spain.

About Ocean Sky 2025:
Objective: To train air superiority missions in the Defensive Counter-Air (DCA) and Offensive Counter-Air (OCA) domains which will simulate combat between large combined air forces.
Commanded by: The exercise is directed by the Air Combat Command (MACOM) and has operational leadership from Gando Air Base and receives support from Lanzarote Air Base.
Participating Aircraft: Over 50 aircraft including F-18M, Eurofighter, F-16 C/D B50, F-16 Fighting Falcon M, F-15E, Su-30MKI aircraft, MRTT, KC-767, KC-30M, among others, participating in this multi-national exercise.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Dr. Ashokkumar, Nilgiris Scientist Named Among Top 2% Scientists Worldwide for 3rd Consecutive YearIn October 2025, Dr. Ashokkumar Veeramuthu from Nilgiris(Tamil Nadu, TN), has been featured among the World’s Top 2% Scientists list, published annually by Stanford University (the United States of America, USA) in partnership with Elsevier Publishers, for the 3rd consecutive year (2023, 2024 and now in 2025).
2025 Top 2% Scientists list:
Methodology: The ranking uses a composite c-score, combining six citation metrics to measure research impact.

• Researchers are categorized into 22 fields and 174 subfields using the Science-Metrix system.

Eligibility: To qualify, scientists must rank in the top 100,000 globally by c-score or be within the top 2% of their subfield.
2025 List: This year list features approximately 236,000 researchers worldwide, highlighting their significant contributions and influence across diverse scientific disciplines.
Indian Faculty: This year, a total of 6,239 Indian faculty members have been named in the list under the ‘single-year category’. As per the report, 3,372 were alone recognized in the ‘career-long’ category.
Indian Institutions: Under the ‘single-year’ category, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) with 755 researchers, has emerged as the most represented Indian institute on the list; followed by more than 330 researchers from National Institutes of Technology (NITs); and 117 from Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru.
>>Read Full News

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Blackstone to Acquire Minority Stake in Federal Bank for Rs 6,196.51 crore
In October 2025, the United States of America (USA)-based Blackstone Inc., the world’s largest alternative asset manager, announced plans to acquire a minority stake of 9.99% in Federal Bank Limited for Rs 6,196.51 crore through a preferential allotment of warrants.

Key Details of Acquisition:
Investment Structure: Federal Bank will issue 27.29 crore warrants to Blackstone’s affiliate, Asia II Topco XIII Private Limited at Rs 227 per warrant.

• Warrants: Right to buy shares at a fixed price within 18 months, expires if not converted, forfeiting the initial payment.

Payment and Stake: Blackstone will pay 25% of the total amount at the time of subscription and the remaining 75% upon conversion of warrants into equity shares, after which it will hold a 9.99% stake in Federal Bank within 18 months.
Board Representation: Blackstone can nominate one non-executive director to Federal Bank after acquiring at least 5% of its paid-up share capital.
Approvals : The deal requires approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

PNB Sells 10% Stake in Canara HSBC Life for Rs.1,007 Crores
In October 2025, Punjab National Bank (PNB) sold its 10% stake (approximately 9.5 crore shares) in Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited (Canara HSBC Life), a Joint Venture (JV) between Canara Bank and HSBC Insurance (Asia-Pacific), for Rs.1,007 crores, valued at an average price of Rs.106 per share.

Transaction Mode: It was through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) via an Offer for Sale (OFS), with an aim to reduce non-core investments and strengthen its capital base while focusing on core banking operations.

• The transaction, disclosed under Regulation 30 of the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, was completed on October 17, 2025.

Shareholding: With this move, the shareholding of PNB in Canara HSBC Life has been reduced from 23% to 13%.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

CSL Delivers First of Eight ASW SWC ‘Mahe’ to Indian NavyOn October 23, 2025, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), delivered ‘Indian Navy Ship (INS) Mahe’, the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs) to the Indian Navy (IN).

• The vessel was formally handed over in Kochi, Kerala, during a ceremony where Dr. S. Harikrishnan, Director, Operations, CSL; and Amit Chandra Choubey, designated Commanding Officer of Mahe, signed the acceptance documents.

Background: 
Contracts: In 2019, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed two contracts for a total of 16 ASW SWC ships, encompassing 8 with CSL and 8 with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
Timeline: The remaining seven vessels are expected to be delivered by 2027-2028.
About INS Mahe:
Overview: INS Mahe, developed by CSL, Kochi (Kerala), is designed specifically for shallow-water anti-submarine operations. It is equipped to detect, track, and neutralize submarine threats operating close to coastline, naval bases, or shipping routes of India.
Name Significance: It has been named after ‘Mahe’, a coastal town in Southwest India, belonging to Puducherry.
Capabilities and Design: It is the largest Indian Naval warship powered by a Diesel Engine–Waterjet combination, is designed for underwater surveillance, Search & Rescue (SAR) missions, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), maritime surveillance, and coastal defence duties.
Features: It is a 78-metre (m), 900-tonne SWC powered by diesel engines with waterjet propulsion, providing high speed, manoeuvrability, and shallow-water capability. It has a maximum speed of 25 knots and an endurance of 1,800 nautical miles.
Sensors and weapons: It is equipped with advanced sensors and weapon systems, including a hull-mounted sonar, torpedo launchers, rocket depth charges, 30-millimetre (mm) guns, mine-laying capability, and limited air-defence systems, enabling it to perform comprehensive coastal and anti-submarine operations.
Standards: It has been classified under the rules of Det Norske Veritas (DNV), ensuring compliance with international standards for safety, reliability, and performance.
Alignment: With over 90% indigenous content, INS Mahe aligns with the Government of India (GoI)’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
About Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL):
Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) – Madhu S Nair
Headquarters – Kochi, Kerala
Established – 1972

Airbus, Leonardo, Thales seal deal to merge satellite operations
In October 2025, Airbus SE, Leonardo SPA, Thales SA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to merge their satellite manufacturing and space-systems businesses to create a European Joint Venture(JV).

Key Details of Merger:
Stake Distribution: Under the proposed agreement, Airbus will hold a 35% stake, while Leonardo and Thales will each own 32.5% in the newly created JV.
Contributions: Airbus will contribute its Space Systems and Space Digital businesses, Leonardo its division, including Telespazio, while Thales will add the Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio and Thales SESO assets.
Operational Timeline:The venture is expected to become operational by 2027, subject to regulatory and competition clearances across the European Union(EU).
Scale and Revenue: The new venture will employ about 25,000 people across Europe and is expected to generate around 6.5 billion Euro in annual revenue, based on 2024 estimates.

ENVIRONMENT

Botanists from Davangere University Discovered Four New Plant Species in Western Ghats
In October 2025, botanists from Davangere University, Karnataka, reported the discovery of three new plant species and documented one species for the first time in Karnataka, all belonging to the Melastomataceae family, during their explorations in the Western Ghats.

• The newly discovered plant species include Sonerila bababudangiriensis, Sonerila gigantea, Sonerila charmadiensis, and Sonerila konkanensis.

About New Species:
Sonerila bababudangiriensis: Discovered in the Baba Budangiri Hill range, Chikkamagaluru(Karnataka), this species is distinguished by having a single inflorescence per individual.
Sonerila gigantea: Found in the Mallalli Falls region, Kodagu(Karnataka), this stemless plant is the largest known species of the Sonerila genus.
Sonerila charmadiensis: Identified in Charmadi Ghat, Chikkamagaluru, it is characterised by white blotches and a prominent rhizome.
Sonerila konkanensis: Reported for the first time in Karnataka at Kavaledurga, Shivamogga, this species was earlier known only from South Goa.
Biodiversity Context: Among 46 reported Sonerila species in India, 43 are endemic to Western Ghats, 11 previously recorded in Karnataka.
Authentication and Publication:The discoveries have been verified by the International Plant Nomenclature Index (IPNI) and World Flora Online (WFO), and the findings were published in international journals including the Asian Journal of Research in Botany, Journal of Threatened Taxa, and Phytotaxa.

OBITUARY

Padma Awardee & Legendary Indian Advertiser Piyush Pandey Passed Away
On 24th October 2025, Piyush Pandey, the celebrated advertising professional and recipient of the Padma Shri, passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra at the age of 70. Known as the “voice of Indian advertising,” Pandey was instrumental in shaping a distinctly Indian style of advertising that moved away from Western influences and embraced local culture, language, and humor.

About Piyush Pandey:
Career: In 1982 he joined Ogilvy India and rose through the ranks to become the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) worldwide and Executive Chairman of Ogilvy India.
Campaigns: His iconic campaigns for companies include Fevicol, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Asian Paints, Hutch Mobile, and Political Advertising. He also crafted “Ab ki Baar, Modi Sarkar”, a tag line which was used during Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s election campaign in 2014.
Awards: In 2016, he was conferred with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, in “others” category for his contributions to the field of advertising and communications.

• In 2024, he received London International Awards (LIA) Legend Award, recognizing his lifetime achievement and influence on global advertising.

Books: He also authored books like “Pandeymonium” (2015) and “Open House with Piyush Pandey” (2022). His involvement in public campaigns included “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” and anti-smoking initiatives.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat Released book ‘Modi’s Mission’,  by Berjis Desai
On October 24,2025, Maharashtra Chief Minister Governor Acharya Devvrat released a book titled “Modi’s Mission”authored by Berjis Desai, a renowned lawyer and former journalist, at an event held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

• The book was published by Rupa Publications India Private Limited.

About the book :
Overview: The book follows the journey of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, from his formative years in Gujarat’s Vadnagar to the Prime Minister(PM’s) office in New Delhi, Delhi.
Focus: The book explores how PM Modi’s early life shaped his socioeconomic vision and governance style, emphasizing his role in elevating India’s collective consciousness through transparency.

• It also highlights PM Modi’s efforts to elevate India’s global stature as a proud civilization and his initiatives to build an efficient welfare state.

IMPORTANT DAYS

United Nations Day 2025 – October 24The United Nations (UN) Day is annually observed across the globe on 24th October to mark the anniversary of the day on which the UN Charter entered into force in 1945.

• 2025 Theme: “Education Shapes the Future”
• 24th October 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the UN, observed with the theme “United Nations at 80: Building Our Future Together.”

Background:
UNGA Resolution: On October 31, 1947, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/168(II), officially designating October 24 of each year as UN Day.
Founding Document: The UN Charter serves as the founding document of the UN.
Union Minister Jaishankar Releases postage stamp on UN’s 80th anniversary:
On 24 October 2025, Union Minister S. Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs(MEA), formally released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the 80th anniversary of the UN at an event jointly organised by the MEA and India Post under the Ministry of Communication in New Delhi, Delhi.
>>Read Full News

Raising Day of Indo-Tibetan Border Police 2025- October 24October 24 is annually observed as Raising Day of Indo-Tibetan Border Police(ITBP) to mark the establishment of ITBP, a central armed force functioning under the Minister of Home Affairs (MHA), since 1962.

• The day honors ITBP personnel for their sacrifices and role in national security.
• October 24, 2025, marks the celebration of the 64th Raising Day of ITBP.

About ITBP:
Armed Police Force: ITBP is a specialized Armed Police Force of the Nation which trains its personnel in various disciplines including mountaineering and skiing apart from intensive tactical training.

• ITBP also conducts relief and rescue operations as the “First Responders” in case of natural calamities in Himalayan region.

Launched: ITBP was launched on October 24, 1962 to reorganize security arrangements between India and Tibet borders.
Legal Framework: Initially raised with 4 battalions under the Central
Reserve Police force (CRPF) Act, 1949, the ITBP was later governed by the ITBP Force Act of 1992, with rules framed in 1994.
Border Deployment: Currently, the ITBP secures the 3,488 kilometers(km)-long India-China border, stretching from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh(AR).
Symbol: Features the Ashoka Lion Capital on a chakra with two crossed rifles, symbolizing the force’s valor and readiness.
Current Strength: As of September 2025, the ITBP comprises 64 battalions (60 regular and 4 specialist), 17 training centers, and 7 logistics establishments, with a total strength of around 97,800 personnel.
About Indo-Tibetan Border Police(ITBP):
Director General (DG) – Praveen Kumar
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Established -1962

World Development Information Day 2025 – October 24The United Nations (UN’s) World Development Information Day is annually observed across the globe on 24th October to highlight global development challenges and promote international cooperation.

Background:
Resolution: In 1972, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/3038(XXVII), declaring 24 October as World Development Information Day.
First Observance: The first World Development Information Day was observed on 24 October 1973.
 Why October 24?
Coinciding with UN Day: The date was chosen to coincide with United Nations Day on 24 October.
Marking Development Strategy: It also marks the adoption of the International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade (1971–1980), which was adopted on 24 October 1970.
Significance: 
Awareness and Participation: Raises global awareness of development challenges and encourages active public engagement, especially among youth.
Focus Areas: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), dissemination of information, public engagement, and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for development.

International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2025 – October 19 to 25International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (ILPPW) is annually observed across the globe in the last full week of October to raise awareness about the health impacts of lead exposure and the need for preventive actions.

• The 13th edition of ILPPW is being observed from 19 to 25 October 2025
• 12th ILPPW 2024 was observed from 20 to 26 October 2024 and 14th ILPPW 2026 will be observed from 25 to 31 October 2026.

2025 Theme:
Theme: The focus of this year’s campaign is “No safe level: Act now to end lead exposure”
Focus: The theme emphasizes the urgent need to protect children’s health from the irreversible harms caused by lead exposure.

Background: 
Formation: The Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (Lead Paint Alliance) is a voluntary partnership established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Established: The Lead Paint Alliance was officially established in 2011.
First Observance: The first ever ILPPW was observed in 2012.
Exposure to Lead:
Toxic Effects: Lead is a toxic metal that can damage the brain and nervous system, particularly in children.
Global Impact: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimates that 1 in 3 children, up to 800 million globally, have blood lead levels at or above 5 µg/dl (microgram/deciliter).
Key Initiatives and Partners: 
WHO Action Plan: WHO, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, poffers technical guidance, implements clinical protocols, strengthens poison centers, and develops awareness materials to prevent lead poisoning.
IPEN Advocacy: International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) and its partners advocate for enforcing lead paint bans and listing lead chromates in the Rotterdam Convention to control global trade.
About World Health Organisation (WHO):
Director General (DG)- Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
Established – 1948

STATE NEWS

Justice Sudhir Singh is made acting CJ of Patna HC
In October 2025, the Ministry of Law and Justice(MoL&J) appointed Justice Sudhir Singh as the acting Chief Justice(CJ) of the Patna High Court(HC), following the retirement of CJ Pavankumar Bhimappa Bajanthri on October 22, 2025.

Key Notes:
Judicial Transfer: Through a notification from the MoL&J, Justice Atul Sreedharan has been transferred from Madhya Pradesh HC to Allahabad HC.
About Sudhir Singh: He enrolled as an advocate in 1991 and was later sworn in as a Permanent Judge of the Patna HC on April 20, 2016.

• He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Patna High Court on April 15, 2025.

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