21st October 2025 Daily Current Affairs
🇮🇳 India & National
1. Toxic air in Delhi post-Diwali
The air quality in New Delhi soared to extremely hazardous levels the morning after the festival of Diwali—at one point reported to be more than 56 times the UN health limit.
This underscores recurring seasonal issues of fire-cracker pollution, stubble burning and vehicular emissions contributing to acute smog in the capital.
Why important: Highlights environmental health risks in urban India and the need for stronger controls, public awareness and alternative celebration methods.
2. Upgrade of India’s diplomatic mission in Afghanistan
The Ministry of External Affairs announced that the Indian technical mission in Kabul has been upgraded to a full embassy with immediate effect.
Why major: This signals deeper engagement by India with Afghanistan, reflecting changing geopolitics in the region. It could impact security, aid, diplomacy and regional alignment.
3. Air transport expansion by Air India
From 26 October 2025, Air India will add 174 weekly flights on key domestic and short-haul international routes as part of its winter schedule.
Significance: Reflects expansion in air connectivity, which improves accessibility, fosters tourism/trade and supports economic growth.
4. Strategic agenda between European Union & India
The EU Council formally approved conclusions on a new strategic EU-India agenda, deepening cooperation across politics, trade, research and security.
Why relevant: This positions India as a key global partner, especially in the Indo-Pacific context, and may shape future trade, tech-transfer & investment flows.
5. Schools & holidays
Schools in many Indian states remain closed on 21 October as part of the extended Diwali festivities.
Why note: Shows how cultural/festival calendars intersect with education and administrative scheduling in India.
🌍 Global / International
6. Global markets & geopolitical signals
On 21 October the global markets saw mixed momentum, influenced by optimism on U.S.-China trade prospects, easing banking concerns, and hopes of avoiding a U.S. government shutdown.
Japan’s new leadership (Sanae Takaichi) was also spotlighted, and trade/finance flows remain under watch.
Why it matters: Global financial and geopolitical linkages mean India and others must navigate external risks and opportunities.
7. India’s commercial real-estate surge
India is projected to lead the Asia-Pacific region in office-space supply by 2026, reflecting strong demand and infrastructure momentum.
Implication: This could drive employment, urban development and FDI, but also raises questions of sustainable growth and real-estate stress.
🏷 Significance & Implications
The heavy smog in Delhi following Diwali is a stark reminder of environmental health risk and governance challenge in India’s cities.
Upgrading India’s diplomatic presence in Afghanistan reflects shifting strategic priorities, with implications for regional security & diplomacy.
The EU-India strategic agenda and Air India’s expansion are examples of India deepening its global and domestic connectivity.
The commercial real-estate trend points to growth potential but also suggests the need to watch for over-capacity or urban stress.
For exam-oriented focus: Link these developments to environmental policy (AQI standards, urban pollution control), foreign-policy strategy (Afghanistan, EU-India), trade & infrastructure (air-connectivity, real estate) and festival-related social patterns (Diwali holiday, school closures).
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