Current Affairs - October 21, 2025 Current Affairs

The Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant was inaugurated in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant step in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in strategic materials for defence, aerospace, and electronics. The facility produces high-grade titanium and superalloys used in fighter jets, missiles, naval systems, and satellites. With a production capacity exceeding 6,000 tonnes annually, it supports indigenous manufacturing of critical components like turbine blades and missile parts. Located within the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, this plant strengthens India’s technological and industrial base, promotes employment, and reduces dependence on foreign imports for strategic defence materials.

Bandi Chhor Divas in 2025 falls on October 21. This Sikh festival commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji from Gwalior Fort along with 52 princes. The day coincides with Diwali but has its own unique spiritual significance, symbolizing liberation, justice, and selflessness. Sikhs celebrate it with prayers, devotional singing, lighting of lamps, and community service through langar. The festival honours the Guru’s act of ensuring freedom for others, highlighting values of equality, compassionate leadership, and collective responsibility. Its observance is widespread both in India and across the global Sikh diaspora.

India has developed Nafithromycin, its first homegrown antibiotic, aimed at treating resistant respiratory infections, especially in vulnerable patients. This achievement, alongside successful indigenous gene therapy trials for hemophilia, underscores India’s growing capabilities in biotechnology, pharmaceutical innovation, and clinical research. These breakthroughs were enabled by collaborations between the Department of Biotechnology and private firms like Wockhardt, reflecting a strong public-private partnership. Additionally, India’s progress in genome sequencing and precision medicine positions the country as a rising leader in healthcare innovation, reducing dependence on foreign technologies and advancing its goal of biotech self-reliance under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park, became the first Indian recipient of the WCPA-Kenton Miller Award at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The award, established in 2006, is presented biennially by the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) to recognise innovative contributions to the sustainability and management of national parks and protected areas. Dr. Ghosh’s leadership and initiatives at Kaziranga National Park have enhanced biodiversity conservation, park management, and community engagement, reflecting global standards in environmental stewardship and making India proud on the international conservation stage.

Tata Trusts has recommended N Chandrasekaran for a third term as Chairman of Tata Sons, the principal holding company of the Tata Group. This recommendation is significant given that Tata Trusts controls 66% of Tata Sons’ equity, giving them substantial influence over leadership decisions. Chandrasekaran’s tenure has been marked by strategic initiatives and governance oversight within the conglomerate. The decision comes amid internal disagreements among the trustees, particularly on board appointments and governance matters, reflecting the importance of strong leadership continuity to maintain stability and direction in one of India’s largest and most diversified business groups.

Chandrayaan-2, launched by ISRO in 2019, made the first direct observation of how Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) from the Sun impact the Moon’s exosphere. The CHACE-2 instrument on board recorded a significant increase in the density of neutral atoms and molecules, confirming that solar outbursts can dramatically alter the lunar atmosphere. This finding enhances understanding of lunar space weather, especially because the Moon lacks a global magnetic field and atmosphere, making its exosphere highly sensitive to solar activity. Chandrayaan-2’s observations contribute valuable data for future lunar missions and planetary science research.

Sanae Takaichi was elected as Japan’s first female prime minister on October 21, 2025, receiving 237 votes in the 465-seat Lower House. Her election represents both a historic breakthrough for gender representation and a political shift to the right, reflecting her conservative views modeled on Shinzo Abe and Margaret Thatcher. Takaichi advocates stricter immigration policies, traditional family values, and a stronger national security stance, while also signaling fiscal stimulus measures to address economic challenges. Her leadership is significant not only for breaking a political glass ceiling but also for influencing Japan’s domestic and international policy direction.

India has launched the inaugural State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) as part of the Union Budget 2025–26. Developed by the Ministry of Mines, the SMRI evaluates States on operational efficiency, reform-readiness, and sustainable practices in managing non-coal mineral resources. The index aims to promote transparency, accountability, and healthy competition among States, while encouraging sustainable mining practices aligned with climate and social responsibilities. It also categorises States based on their mineral resource endowment to ensure fair benchmarking. This initiative marks a significant step in modernizing India’s mineral governance.

Australia signed an $8.5 billion critical minerals agreement with the U.S., aimed at reducing reliance on China for key minerals like lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements. The pact includes joint investment in mining and processing infrastructure, market stabilization measures, and reforms to speed up projects. It also features U.S. EXIM Bank support and plans for a gallium refinery in Western Australia. This deal strengthens strategic supply chains, supports defence and technology sectors, and reinforces Indo-Pacific security. It highlights the growing collaboration between the U.S. and Australia to secure critical resources while countering China’s dominance in the market.

Police Commemoration Day is observed annually on October 21 in India to honour police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The date commemorates a tragic ambush in 1959 at Hot Springs, Ladakh, where ten Indian police officers were killed and several captured by Chinese troops. The day serves to remember their courage and dedication while reinforcing morale and pride within the police forces. Ceremonies at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi, along with public events during the following Commemoration Week, highlight the sacrifices made by police personnel and strengthen public awareness of their vital role in maintaining internal security.