Daily Current Affairs- 11th October 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 11th October 2025

Three Indian Ports Named Green Hydrogen Hubs

In the News: The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways announced that Deendayal Port (Kandla), Paradip Port, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tuticorin) have been designated as India’s first Green Hydrogen Hubs. This initiative aims to transform India into a global leader in clean maritime energy and support the National Green Hydrogen Mission’s decarbonisation goals.

Key Points:

• Green Hydrogen Hub Designation: Deendayal Port in Gujarat, Paradip Port in Odisha, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu were officially identified as India’s initial Green Hydrogen Hubs under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
• Objective and Vision: The project seeks to make Indian ports self-sufficient in green fuel production, promote exports of green hydrogen and its derivatives (such as green ammonia and methanol), and reduce carbon emissions in the shipping sector.
• Implementation and Timeline: The Ministry has directed the ports to develop Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia bunkering and refuelling facilities by 2030, aligned with India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
• Investment and Collaboration: Public–private partnerships will drive the initiative, with expected investments exceeding ₹20,000 crore for renewable-energy-based hydrogen production, desalination, and storage infrastructure.
• Integration with National Green Hydrogen Mission: These hubs will complement the National Green Hydrogen Mission launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.

20 years of RTI Act, 2005

In the News: India marked 20 years of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, a landmark legislation that empowered citizens to seek information from public authorities and promoted transparency, accountability, and participatory governance. Commemorative events were held by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and the Central Information Commission (CIC) across the country to highlight the Act’s achievements and challenges over two decades.

Key Points:

• Historic Enactment: The RTI Act came into force on October 12, 2005, replacing the Freedom of Information Act, 2002. It gave every Indian citizen the right to access information from public authorities within a specified time frame.
• Institutional Framework: The Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs) were established to adjudicate appeals and ensure compliance with RTI provisions across ministries, departments, and public bodies.
• Achievements Over 20 Years: More than 4 crore RTI applications have been filed since 2005, empowering citizens to demand accountability in welfare schemes, public expenditure, and recruitment processes. Several landmark disclosures have led to reforms in areas like ration distribution, education, and infrastructure spending.
• Digital Transformation: The government launched the RTI Online Portal and mobile applications to simplify filing, reduce delays, and ensure transparency in the digital era. The CIC also adopted e-hearings and e-filing systems to improve efficiency.
• Challenges and Reforms: Despite its success, delays in responses, vacancies in commissions, and misuse of the Act remain key challenges. The government is now focusing on strengthening institutional capacity, faster grievance redressal, and proactive disclosure under Section 4 of the Act.
• Commemorative Initiatives: As part of the 20-year celebration, the DoPT announced a “Transparency 2.0” roadmap, focusing on AI-based information retrieval, citizen data literacy programs, and enhanced record management systems across ministries.

Delhi Declaration Elevates Global South Cities at COP30

In the News: The Delhi Declaration on Urban Climate Leadership was adopted at the Global South Cities Forum, positioning developing-world cities at the forefront of climate action in the run-up to COP30 in Belém, Brazil. The declaration emphasized empowering Global South municipalities with climate finance, technology access, and urban resilience frameworks to achieve equitable and sustainable transitions.

Key Points:

• Declaration Adoption: The Delhi Declaration was unanimously endorsed by over 60 mayors and city representatives from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It aims to strengthen the collective voice of Global South cities within global climate negotiations, ensuring that urban development priorities are integrated into COP30’s climate agenda.
• Focus on Climate Justice: The declaration highlights that cities in developing nations face disproportionate climate risks while having limited financial and technological capacity. It calls for equitable access to adaptation funds, recognition of urban loss and damage, and inclusive financing mechanisms under global climate frameworks.
• Urban Resilience and Infrastructure: Participating cities committed to developing climate-resilient infrastructure, expanding renewable energy use in transport and housing, and integrating nature-based solutions for sustainable urban ecosystems. The plan aligns with India’s LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) mission and the National Mission on Sustainable Habitat.
• Financing Mechanisms: A dedicated Global South Urban Climate Fund was proposed to mobilize investments for green infrastructure, waste management, clean mobility, and digital climate governance. The fund will seek partnerships with multilateral development banks, private investors, and philanthropic organizations.
• Leadership and Partnerships: The forum was co-hosted by India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), UN-Habitat, and C40 Cities, reinforcing India’s leadership in advocating inclusive climate governance and South–South cooperation on sustainable urbanization
• .Path to COP30: The Delhi Declaration will serve as an input document for COP30 negotiations in Brazil, advancing the agenda of climate equity, city-level adaptation, and localized implementation of the Paris Agreement. It underscores that resilient cities are central to achieving net-zero and sustainable growth targets for the Global South.

Buddha’s Relics to Visit Russia’s Kalmykia for First Time

In the News: India announced that the sacred relics of Lord Buddha from the National Museum, New Delhi, will travel to Kalmykia, Russia, for public veneration — marking the first-ever visit of Buddha’s relics to Russia. The event symbolizes India’s deep civilizational and cultural connection with Russia and reaffirms its role as the custodian of Buddhist heritage under the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One Earth, One Family, One Future).

Key Points:

• Historic Pilgrimage: This will be the first time that Buddha’s relics, also known as “Kapilvastu Relics,” are being taken to Russia. The relics will be enshrined for exposition in Elista, the capital of Kalmykia — the only Buddhist-majority region in Europe.
• Custody and Escort: A high-level Indian delegation led by officials from the Ministry of Culture, National Museum, and International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) will accompany the relics. They will be displayed under strict conservation protocols in specially designed climate-controlled cases.
• Duration and Venues: The relics will be displayed in Kalmykia for public worship and cultural events for nearly three weeks, attracting devotees, scholars, and monks from Russia, Mongolia, and other parts of Europe and Central Asia.
• Significance of Kalmykia: Kalmykia holds a unique place as Europe’s only Buddhist republic, with deep historical ties to Tibetan and Indian Buddhism. The hosting of Buddha’s relics marks a milestone in Indo-Russian cultural relations and interfaith harmony.
• Previous Global Exhibitions: India has previously sent the relics of Lord Buddha to countries such as Thailand, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Japan, where millions of devotees paid homage. The Russia visit expands this global outreach to the Eurasian region.

Rishi Sunak Joins Microsoft and Anthropic as Adviser

In the News: Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak joined Microsoft and Anthropic as a strategic adviser to guide their global artificial intelligence (AI) governance and safety initiatives. His appointment follows his leadership in establishing the world’s first AI Safety Summit in 2023 at Bletchley Park, highlighting his continuing influence in shaping the ethical and regulatory frameworks for AI development.

Key Points:

• Advisory Role: Rishi Sunak will serve as an adviser to Microsoft and Anthropic, focusing on developing transparent, accountable, and safety-driven AI systems. His experience in AI policy and global governance will support these companies in aligning innovation with responsible regulation.
• Industry Significance: Microsoft and Anthropic—two leading AI firms—are collaborating on advancing frontier models and safety standards. Sunak’s role is expected to help bridge dialogue between governments, regulators, and industry leaders to ensure that emerging AI technologies remain beneficial and secure.
• Background and Leadership: As Prime Minister, Sunak launched the UK AI Safety Institute and hosted the Global AI Safety Summit in 2023, which laid the groundwork for international cooperation on AI risks. His continued involvement reflects his commitment to balancing innovation with oversight.
• Global AI Governance: His appointment is seen as a milestone in strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors on AI governance, with Sunak expected to advise on ethical deployment, cybersecurity, and global AI safety standards.

Trump’s 100% tariffs on China: How Chinese rare earth export curbs may ignite next trade war

In the News: Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping 100% tariffs on all Chinese imports, marking an escalation in U.S.–China trade tensions. The move, aimed at protecting American manufacturing and countering what Trump termed “China’s unfair trade practices,” triggered warnings of retaliation from Beijing. China, in response, signaled potential restrictions on exports of rare earth elements, which are critical for global high-tech and defense industries, raising fears of a renewed trade war.

Key Points:

• Tariff Announcement: Trump declared a blanket 100% tariff on approximately $450 billion worth of Chinese goods, including electronics, machinery, and consumer products. The decision seeks to reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese manufacturing and revive domestic production capacities.
• China’s Countermove: Beijing hinted at curbing exports of rare earth elements—vital for semiconductors, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense equipment. China currently dominates global supply, accounting for nearly 70% of rare earth mining and 90% of processing, giving it a powerful economic lever.
• Global Trade Impact: Analysts warn that a prolonged tariff confrontation and Chinese export restrictions could disrupt global supply chains, inflate production costs, and destabilize technology markets. Countries reliant on rare earth imports, including the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, may face severe shortages.
• Economic and Political Context: The announcement comes amid Trump’s renewed presidential campaign, positioning his trade stance as a pillar of his “America First” economic strategy. The measures are seen as both an economic and geopolitical maneuver to counter China’s rising influence.
• Rare Earths and Strategic Risks: China’s potential export curbs could cripple industries producing fighter jets, electric vehicles, and renewable energy components. The U.S. has been exploring alternative sources in Australia, Canada, and Africa but remains heavily dependent on Chinese processing capabilities.
• Broader Implications: Experts suggest this confrontation could mark the beginning of a “Trade War 2.0”, with technology supply chains—especially AI chips, green energy materials, and critical minerals—becoming the new battleground for global economic dominance.

India-UK Hold First Joint Carrier Strike Exercise

In the News:  India and the United Kingdom conducted their first-ever Joint Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Exercise in the Arabian Sea, marking a major milestone in bilateral maritime cooperation. The exercise featured India’s INS Vikrant and the UK’s HMS Queen Elizabeth, demonstrating growing strategic convergence between the two nations in ensuring a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region.

Key Points:

• Exercise Overview: The maiden joint carrier strike exercise brought together the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy in high-intensity maritime drills involving advanced air operations, anti-submarine warfare, and coordinated fleet manoeuvres. It showcased interoperability and mutual trust between the two naval forces.
• Participating Assets: India deployed its indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, along with destroyers INS Kolkata and INS Chennai, P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, and MiG-29K fighters. The UK’s carrier strike group was led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by Type-45 destroyers, frigates, and F-35B Lightning II fighter jets.
• Strategic Objective: The exercise aimed to deepen operational coordination, enhance maritime domain awareness, and strengthen joint responses to security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including piracy, illegal trafficking, and freedom of navigation concerns.
• Diplomatic and Defence Context: This exercise follows the elevation of the India–UK relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the signing of the India–UK 2030 Roadmap, which envisions expanded defence collaboration, technology sharing, and joint research in maritime security.
• Technological and Tactical Focus: Both navies practiced cross-deck aircraft operations, carrier-based combat simulations, and air defence coordination. These drills also tested real-time data exchange and communication networks between the two navies to enhance interoperability.

Bumrah Becomes First Indian Pacer with 50 Matches Across All Format

In the News:  Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian pacer to play 50 matches in each of the three formats—Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The achievement came during India’s Test match against New Zealand in Hyderabad, underscoring Bumrah’s consistency, fitness, and adaptability across formats in modern cricket.

Key Points:

• Record-Breaking Achievement: Jasprit Bumrah became the first Indian fast bowler, and only the second Indian cricketer overall after Virat Kohli, to feature in 50 Tests, 50 ODIs, and 50 T20Is. His accomplishment reflects unmatched endurance and excellence across the most demanding levels of the game.
• Career Overview: Since his international debut in 2016, Bumrah has been a central figure in India’s bowling attack, renowned for his lethal yorkers, unorthodox action, and control under pressure. He has taken over 400 international wickets, earning accolades as one of the world’s most complete fast bowlers.
• Leadership and Impact : Bumrah has served as India’s vice-captain and even captained the national team in select matches. His performances have been instrumental in India’s overseas Test victories in England, Australia, and South Africa, establishing him as the spearhead of India’s pace revolution.
• Performance Highlights: Bumrah’s standout moments include his six-wicket haul at Melbourne (2018), match-winning spells in the 2019 World Cup, and his remarkable comeback performances post-injury in 2024–25, reaffirming his dominance across conditions.