Quick Overview
The 21st October 2025 edition of Daily Saraansh highlights India's evolving engagement with global and domestic policy developments. Key topics include India’s diplomatic balancing with the Taliban, trade diversification through the MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement, the decarbonisation roadmap of Indian Railways, advancements in India’s leprosy eradication efforts, and international cooperation through FAO and the UN-GGIM. Additionally, it covers the return of the “Darbar Move” in Jammu & Kashmir and the ecological significance of the Kurinji bloom in Tamil Nadu.
Introduction
India’s current policy landscape reflects a synthesis of diplomacy, sustainability, health, and cultural continuity. As the global environment faces uncertainties in geopolitics, trade, and climate, India’s actions—from strengthening South–South cooperation to advancing green infrastructure—underline its resilience and vision. The highlights from today’s developments provide critical insights into India’s evolving governance model, balancing pragmatic diplomacy with developmental aspirations.
1. India’s Engagement Without Recognition: The Taliban Policy
India maintains a careful balance by engaging with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan through diplomatic presence and humanitarian assistance, without granting formal recognition. This approach safeguards India’s regional interests, infrastructure investments, and counterterrorism objectives while adhering to principles of international legitimacy.
2. India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement
India’s renewed trade dialogue with the South American bloc MERCOSUR (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) aims to diversify export markets and reduce overdependence on traditional partners. Expansion of tariff concessions will enhance India’s trade in pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and processed food, supporting “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and South–South economic cooperation.
3. Decarbonising Indian Railways
India’s rail network—the world’s fourth largest—is progressing toward net-zero emissions by 2030. Initiatives include hydrogen-fuelled locomotives, solar-powered stations, and full electrification of tracks. This effort supports India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and sets a model for sustainable infrastructure transitions.
4. India’s Fight Against Leprosy
The National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) has reduced prevalence by 99% since 1981. The 2023–27 roadmap targets zero indigenous cases by 2030 through early detection, awareness drives, and integration of leprosy services within primary healthcare. The achievement demonstrates India’s long-term public health commitment and success in rights-based healthcare delivery.
5. World Food Day and FAO’s 80th Anniversary
Marking FAO’s 80th year, India showcased its transformation from food scarcity to self-sufficiency through the Green Revolution and food security schemes like PM-KISAN and PMFBY. The FAO–India partnership now focuses on climate-smart agriculture, digital crop monitoring, and sustainable resource management.
6. Revival of the Darbar Move
Jammu & Kashmir has revived the 150-year-old “Darbar Move,” a biannual shifting of the capital between Srinagar and Jammu. This symbolic move promotes administrative parity and regional inclusivity, though critics question its logistical and financial feasibility in the digital governance era.
7. Kurinji Bloom in the Nilgiris
The rare Neelakurinji flower (Strobilanthes kunthiana) has bloomed after a 12-year cycle in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri hills. The event reflects positive biodiversity signals for the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bloom draws attention to ecological conservation and sustainable eco-tourism in sensitive zones.
8. India’s Role at UN-GGIM-AP
India’s election as Co-Chair of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management Asia-Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP) marks a milestone in India’s leadership in geospatial governance. It reinforces India’s commitment to data-driven policymaking, disaster management, and the Digital India initiative.
Conclusion
India’s developments on 21 October 2025 reflect a broader vision of inclusive progress — blending tradition with innovation, diplomacy with ethics, and sustainability with growth. From addressing global challenges to preserving cultural and ecological legacies, India continues to demonstrate policy consistency and strategic foresight. These milestones together portray India as a confident and adaptive global actor, steering its journey toward equitable and sustainable development.
CLAT/Exam Relevance Summary
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UPSC GS Paper 2: India–Afghanistan relations, India–MERCOSUR trade cooperation, FAO partnership.
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UPSC GS Paper 3: Sustainable transport, Indian Railways’ decarbonisation, biodiversity conservation.
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GS Paper 2 (Social Justice): National Leprosy Eradication Programme – success and remaining challenges.
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CLAT Current Affairs: India’s foreign policy pragmatism, sustainable governance, and institutional diplomacy are key analytical focus areas.