Current Affairs - October 24, 2025 Current Affairs

Vedanta Group has announced an additional investment of ₹1 lakh crore in Odisha, aimed at boosting industrial growth and employment in the state. The investment plans include a ₹2,000-crore ferro-alloys plant in Keonjhar and the development of two aluminium parks, one in Jharsuguda and another location identified by the state government. This strategic move is expected to generate over 1 lakh direct and indirect jobs, enhancing Odisha’s industrial infrastructure and positioning it as a significant hub for the metals and mining sector in India.

The FIDE World Cup 2025 will be hosted in North Goa from October 31 to November 27, 2025. Goa is welcoming 206 elite chess players from 82 countries for this high-stakes knockout tournament, with a prize purse of USD 2 million. The event highlights Goa’s vibrant cultural identity through the official logo and anthem, reflecting its coastal beauty, festive spirit, and chess strategy. Hosting the World Cup also positions Goa as a global sports destination, promoting India’s soft power, tourism, and rising prominence in international chess.

World Polio Day is observed every year on October 24 to raise awareness about polio, a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children. The 2025 theme, “End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere,” emphasises the urgent need to ensure that all children, regardless of location, receive life-saving polio vaccines. Initiated by Rotary International to honour Dr. Jonas Salk, the developer of the first effective polio vaccine, the day also supports the Global Polio Eradication Initiative led by WHO and Rotary. It highlights the importance of vaccination, global cooperation, and reaching the last remaining cases to achieve a polio-free world.

India has introduced the Online National Drug Licensing System (ONDLS) in response to fatal cases linked to toxic cough syrups. Spearheaded by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), ONDLS allows real-time tracking of high-risk pharmaceutical solvents, ensuring only verified, safe ingredients are used in drug manufacturing. The system provides end-to-end traceability, mandatory batch-wise entries, and compliance audits by state-level controllers. This initiative strengthens India’s pharmaceutical safety framework, prevents contamination, and addresses public health concerns while aligning with international standards for drug quality and regulatory oversight.

New Zealand is preparing to debate a bill that would restrict social media access for children under 16. Introduced by National Party MP Catherine Wedd, the legislation mandates age verification by tech companies before allowing new users to register. The move addresses rising concerns over teen mental health, cyberbullying, misinformation, and online body image pressures. If passed, New Zealand would join a small group of countries adopting strict social media access laws for minors. While proponents emphasise safety, critics warn about privacy risks and the potential ineffectiveness of such bans compared to education and parental guidance.

Kerala is set to construct its first underwater tunnel between Vypin and Fort Kochi as part of the state’s coastal highway project. The ₹2,672 crore project will reduce the travel distance from 16 km to just 3 km under the Arabian Sea. Developed by the Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL), the tunnel features a twin-tube design, emergency stops, escape passages, and advanced safety systems. This initiative will significantly cut travel time, reduce commuting costs, and minimize disruption to port operations, marking a major milestone in Kerala’s infrastructure and transport development.

India secured a kabaddi double at the 2025 Asian Youth Games held in Bahrain, with both the Under-18 boys’ and girls’ teams winning gold medals. The girls’ team achieved a remarkable 75-21 victory over Iran, the largest margin in a Youth Games kabaddi final since 2013, while the boys’ team narrowly defeated Iran 35-32. This dominant performance highlights India’s continued strength in kabaddi at the youth level and underscores the nation’s growing prominence in the sport on the Asian stage, showcasing skill, teamwork, and strategic excellence.

Tuvalu, one of the smallest and most climate-vulnerable nations, has joined the IUCN as its 90th State Member. Comprising nine low-lying atolls in the Pacific, Tuvalu faces threats like sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and climate-induced challenges to food and freshwater security. IUCN membership provides Tuvalu with access to global conservation expertise, international advocacy platforms, and technical support for biodiversity and climate policies. This membership also allows Tuvalu to engage with initiatives like the Green Climate Fund and Global Environment Facility, enhancing its ability to implement sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas, and community-driven climate adaptation strategies.

Justice Prathiba M. Singh of the Delhi High Court has been appointed as the Chair of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Advisory Board of Judges for 2025–2027. She is the first Indian and the first Asian to hold this prestigious position, marking a significant milestone in global intellectual property law. As Chair, she will guide WIPO in aligning its policies with judicial standards worldwide. Her appointment highlights India’s growing leadership in IP law and offers strategic judicial perspectives on innovation, digital governance, and economic development.

United Nations Day is observed annually on October 24, marking the anniversary of the UN’s establishment in 1945 following the San Francisco Conference. The theme for the 80th anniversary is "Building Our Future Together". The day celebrates the UN’s commitment to global peace, security, human rights, and sustainable development. It highlights the organization’s efforts in promoting equality, reducing poverty, and addressing environmental challenges. Across the world, member nations participate in cultural programs, exhibitions, and discussions to reinforce the UN Charter’s principles, encourage cooperation among nations, and remind people of the importance of international unity and dialogue in solving global problems.

World Development Information Day is observed annually on October 24, coinciding with United Nations Day, to emphasise the critical role of information and communication technology (ICT) in addressing global development challenges. The 2025 theme focuses on using digital innovation and media to foster economic progress, cooperation, and sustainable development worldwide. The day encourages public awareness about development issues, promotes informed decision-making, and empowers citizens through access to knowledge. ICT enables trade enhancement, conflict resolution, education, and connectivity, acting as a key driver for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and equitable growth in developing nations.