1. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Celebrations Mark Sardar Patel’s 150th Birth Anniversary
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- The Ministry of Culture organized nationwide cultural performances to commemorate Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on October 31, 2025, honoring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s role in India’s unification, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as chief guest at the central event in Gujarat.
- Born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, Patel transitioned from a lawyer to a key freedom fighter, notably during the 1918 Kheda Satyagraha, advocating for farmers’ rights and social justice alongside Mahatma Gandhi.
- The celebrations emphasized Patel’s legacy in integrating over 500 princely states, highlighting themes of national unity and the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative.
- Events included unity pledges, cultural parades, and educational programs across states, reinforcing constitutional values of federalism and integration.
- Uttar Pradesh created its 76th district, Kalyan Singh Nagar, by merging parts of Aligarh and Bulandshahr, as a tribute to former Chief Minister Kalyan Singh’s contributions to regional development.
- Concepts: Article 1 of the Constitution: Declares India as a Union of States, reflecting Patel’s integration efforts; Preamble: Emphasizes unity and integrity of the nation.
2. India-Maldives Ties Evolve Amid ‘India Out’ Challenges and Regional Strategy
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- India’s partnership with Maldives integrates into its Indo-Pacific maritime strategy, focusing on disaster resilience via CDRI and ISA.
- Despite ‘India Out’ rhetoric under President Muizzu since 2023, cooperation persists on climate adaptation and blue economy.
- Joint launches like IRIS at COP26 (2021) highlight shared goals for small island states.
- Nepal’s 2015 blockade fears underscore asymmetrical power perceptions in neighbourhood relations.
- BIMSTEC summits, like 2018 in Kathmandu, show greater engagement than SAARC forums.
- Agreements with Nepal on cross-border power lines enhance regional energy trade.
- Concepts: Act East Policy: Strengthens neighbourhood ties; SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region): Guides maritime security cooperation.
3. NITI Aayog Reports Highlight Services-Led Growth and Agrarian Inequality
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- NITI Aayog’s Services Thematic Series reports analyze India’s services sector contributions to GDP and employment, amid skill mismatch challenges.
- They project services to drive 60% of growth by 2030, emphasizing digital upskilling.
- A separate report on agrarian inequality reveals stark landholding disparities, with small farmers comprising 86% but holding only 47% of land.
- Cultural significance of agriculture as ‘dharti-mata’ links to MSME and rural-urban chains.
- Tamil Nadu’s 2025 Economic Survey notes 18% GDP from manufacturing, with risks from global volatility.
- Telecom Centres of Excellence piloted Samriddh Gram services in three states for rural digital transformation.
- Concepts: Atmanirbhar Bharat: Promotes inclusive growth; SDG 2: Addresses zero hunger through equitable agrarian reforms.
4. Southern Command Implements PM’s JAI Strategy Ahead of Ex Trishul
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- The Indian Army’s Southern Command rolled out the Prime Minister’s JAI Strategy—Jointness, Atmanirbharta, Innovation—for Tri-Services Exercise ‘Ex Trishul’.
- It fosters synergy across army, navy, and air force, integrating indigenous tech for future readiness.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Tawang, inaugurating the Museum of Valour and unveiling Sardar Patel’s statue, celebrating Diwali with troops.
- India redeveloped Ayni Air Base in Tajikistan with $100 million, extending runway to 3,200 meters for strategic logistics.
- Neeraj Chopra received honorary Lieutenant Colonel rank in Territorial Army, blending sports and military ethos.
- Global Firepower Index 2025 ranks India high on manpower and modernization factors.
- Concepts: Article 51A(d): Encourages scientific temper for innovation; Integrated Theatre Commands: Enhance joint operations.
5. INS Androth Commissioned, Enhancing Anti-Submarine Capabilities
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- The Indian Navy commissioned INS Androth, an advanced anti-submarine warfare vessel, bolstering maritime surveillance.
- Built under Make in India, it features indigenous systems for underwater threat detection.
- SECL’s ‘Kabad Se Kalakriti’ recycled 800 kg scrap into defence models, promoting waste-to-wealth sustainability.
- Sawalkote Hydropower Project (1,856 MW) in J&K cleared, first post-Indus Waters Treaty suspension.
- AeroDefCon’25 in Chennai attracted Rs 8,658 crore investments for Tamil Nadu’s Defence Corridor.
- Poland’s NATO Pipeline integration invests €4.7 billion for allied energy security.
- Concepts: Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence: Targets 70% indigenous procurement; Maritime Security: Under SAGAR doctrine.
