Daily Current Affairs- 19th October 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 19th October 2025

Ministry Releases State Mining Readiness Index Rankings

In the News: In January 2025, the Ministry of Mines released the first-ever State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) Rankings to evaluate the preparedness of Indian states and Union Territories in developing their non-coal mining sectors through reforms, transparency, and sustainability.

Key Highlights

• The index aims to promote competitive federalism by ranking states based on their readiness to implement mining sector reforms and attract investments in the non-coal mineral sector.
• The rankings assess states across parameters such as auction performance, exploration efforts, early operationalisation of mines, and sustainable mining practices.
• States are divided into three categories for fair comparison: Category A – Highly Mineral Endowed States, Category B – Mineral Potential States, and Category C – States with Limited Mineral Resources.
• In Category A, Madhya Pradesh secured the top rank, followed by Rajasthan and Gujarat, reflecting strong auction processes and proactive mining governance.
• In Category B, Goa ranked first, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Assam, showing improved exploration initiatives and investor facilitation measures.
• In Category C, Punjab topped the rankings, followed by Uttarakhand and Tripura, highlighting efforts to streamline licensing and adopt sustainable mining practices despite limited reserves.
• The index encourages early production from auctioned mines to reduce delays between allocation and mineral extraction.
• The rankings also focus on environmental responsibility, emphasising afforestation, land rehabilitation, community welfare, and mine closure planning.
• The Ministry of Mines linked SMRI performance with financial incentives under the PM Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) and District Mineral Foundation (DMF) to reward well-performing states.
• The initiative aims to support mineral self-reliance, reduce import dependency on critical minerals, and boost the mining sector’s contribution to India’s economic growth and job creation.

UN Reports Record CO₂ Rise in 2024

In the News: On November 2024, the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released a report stating that global atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels have reached a record high, marking one of the largest annual increases ever recorded. The rise continues despite global commitments under the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Key Highlights

• CO₂ Levels Reach Alarming Peak: The report found that average global CO₂ concentration crossed 422 ppm (parts per million) in 2024, compared to the pre-industrial level of 280 ppm, indicating a 50% increase due to human activities.
• Major Drivers of Emissions: Fossil fuel combustion, industrial production, and deforestation continue to drive emissions, with Asia and North America accounting for over 60% of global CO₂ output.
• Carbon Sinks Losing Efficiency: Natural carbon sinks like forests and oceans absorbed less CO₂ in 2024 due to rising temperatures and environmental degradation, weakening Earth’s ability to regulate the climate.
• Global Temperature Impact: The record CO₂ levels make 2024 likely to be among the hottest years ever recorded, intensifying extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, wildfires, and droughts across continents.
• Net-Zero Goals at Risk: The report warns that current national commitments (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement are insufficient, and the world is not on track to meet the 1.5°C or even 2°C warming target unless emissions peak before 2026.
• Call for Urgent Action: The UN urged countries to rapidly phase down coal, triple renewable energy capacity by 2030, end deforestation, and invest in carbon capture technologies to prevent irreversible climate damage.
• Inequality in Emissions Contribution: The top 10% of global emitters are responsible for nearly 50% of emissions, while developing nations face disproportionate climate impacts despite contributing the least.
• Methane and Nitrous Oxide Also Rising: Alongside CO₂, methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) reached record levels, increasing the combined greenhouse gas warming effect by 47% since 1990.
• Climate Finance Gap: Developing countries require over $2.4 trillion annually for climate mitigation and adaptation, but current international climate finance falls far short, raising concerns ahead of COP30 negotiations.
• UN’s Warning: The WMO cautioned that every year of delay increases the economic cost and human suffering, stressing the need for collective action, stronger policy enforcement, and climate justice.

Chhattisgarh Successfully Revives Blackbuck Population

In the News: In February 2025, the Chhattisgarh Forest Department announced the successful revival of the blackbuck population in the State after five decades. The species, once believed to be locally extinct in Chhattisgarh, has now shown a healthy increase due to focused conservation measures.

Key Highlights

• Return After 50 Years: Blackbucks had disappeared from Chhattisgarh by the 1960s-70s due to excessive hunting and habitat loss. Conservation efforts have now led to stable breeding populations in the State.
• Nava Raipur Safari Boosted Conservation: The species was reintroduced and protected at the Nandanvan Jungle Safari in Nava Raipur, which began with a small founder population from Haryana and Telangana under a scientific breeding program.
• Successful Breeding Program: Continuous habitat management, veterinary care, and species monitoring resulted in a growing blackbuck herd with a steady rise in births over recent years.
• Habitat Restoration Efforts: Grassland ecosystems were restored and expanded to suit blackbuck behavior, which depends on open plains for grazing and predator vigilance.
• Community Involvement: Local communities were involved in anti-poaching patrols, awareness campaigns, and habitat protection, ensuring minimal human-wildlife conflict.
• Protection Status: The blackbuck is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, offering it the highest level of legal protection in India.
• Cultural Significance: Blackbucks hold cultural importance in many parts of India and are historically associated with Bishnoi conservation traditions.
• Wildlife Tourism Potential: The revival of the blackbuck has opened new opportunities for eco-tourism in Chhattisgarh, especially around Nava Raipur and Udanti-Sitanadi wildlife regions.
• Model Conservation Effort: The project is recognized as a successful case study in species revival through captive breeding and rewilding, inspiring similar efforts in central India.

Sundarbans’ SAIME Model Wins FAO Global Recognition

In the News: On October 15, 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations conferred Global Technical Recognition on the SAIME model (Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems) developed in the Sundarbans by the Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS), a Kolkata-based environmental organisation. The award was presented during FAO’s 80th Anniversary Celebrations and the World Food Forum held in Rome, Italy.

Key Highlights

• SAIME promotes sustainable aquaculture by integrating fish farming with mangrove conservation, reducing ecological damage while supporting local livelihoods.
• The model helps revive traditional community aquaculture practices that are environmentally safe and economically viable in the salinity-prone Sundarbans delta.
• It encourages the cultivation of indigenous fish species and mangrove-friendly pond management, preventing land degradation and protecting coastal biodiversity.
• The initiative has reduced pressure on forest resources by providing alternative livelihoods to local communities who earlier depended on risky forest-based activities.
• The project supports climate resilience, helping communities adapt to frequent cyclones, tidal surges, and sea-level rise in the Sundarbans.
• SAIME has been implemented through community-based participation, involving local farmers, fisherfolk, and women’s groups in training and capacity-building programmes.
• The FAO recognised SAIME for its replicable and scalable model that balances livelihood security with ecosystem restoration in fragile coastal regions.
• The initiative strengthens mangrove restoration, which acts as a natural barrier against storms and prevents coastal erosion.
• SAIME aligns with India’s commitments to sustainable development and contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals such as zero hunger, climate action, and life below water.
• The global recognition is expected to boost international cooperation and funding for nature-based livelihood solutions in climate-vulnerable regions.

Ahmedabad Recommended to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

In the News: In January 2025, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) recommended Ahmedabad as the official host city for India’s bid to organize the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking a major step in India’s push to host a large-scale international multi-sport event after over a decade.

Key Highlights

• India’s Official Bid Proposal: The IOA submitted its proposal to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), endorsing Ahmedabad as the host city due to its world-class infrastructure and growing global profile.
  Sardar Patel Sports Enclave to be the Venue Hub: The majority of sporting events are planned to take place at the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave in Motera, which already houses the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium.
• Government Support Ensured: The Gujarat Government and Central Government have expressed full backing for the bid, ensuring funding support, security arrangements, and urban development plans connected to the Games.
• Legacy Infrastructure Development: The bid focuses on long-term urban transformation, including upgraded transport networks, Metro expansion, athlete villages, and development of sports training facilities to boost India’s sports ecosystem.
• Second Time Host Possibility: If selected, India would host the Commonwealth Games for the second time after successfully hosting the 2010 Games in New Delhi.
• Economic and Tourism Boost: The Games are expected to accelerate Gujarat’s economic growth and attract global tourism, positioning Ahmedabad as a major international sports destination.
• Competitive Bidding Environment: India’s bid gains strength after Australia withdrew from hosting due to rising costs, and Canada paused its interest, increasing the likelihood of Ahmedabad being selected.
• Focus on Youth and Sports Promotion: The bid highlights India’s growing sports ambition under initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India, aiming to inspire youth participation in athletics and international competition.
• Sustainability Commitments: The proposed Games will emphasize sustainability through green venues, renewable energy use, and minimal carbon emissions in line with global climate standards.
• Decision Timeline: The final host city announcement for the 2030 Commonwealth Games is expected later in 2025 after evaluation by CGF delegates and international inspection committees.