LEGAL NEWS

Supreme Court Expands Eligibility for District Judge Appointments

• In a major decision, the Supreme Court has permitted serving judicial officers to apply for District Judge posts through direct recruitment.

• Earlier, such appointments were made only from advocates or by promotion within the subordinate judiciary.

• The issue emerged after a Kerala judicial officer was barred from applying under the advocate quota following the Dheeraj Mor (2020) verdict.

• This prompted the apex court to revisit the interpretation of Article 233(2) of the Constitution, which defines eligibility for district judges.

• A Constitution Bench was formed to settle the matter and provide clarity on the recruitment process.

• The court ruled that candidates with at least seven years of professional experience—either as advocates, judges, or both—can apply.

• The minimum age requirement for all applicants is set at 35 years.

• The eligibility criteria will now be assessed at the time of application, not at the time of appointment.

President Murmu Praises the Siddi Community for Educational Progress

• President Droupadi Murmu lauded the Siddi community for achieving an impressive 72% literacy rate and urged them to continue prioritizing education.

• The Siddis, also known as Sheedis or Habshis, trace their roots to African ancestry.

• They were brought from East Africa to India between the 15th and 17th centuries by Portuguese traders and Indian rulers.

• Today, Siddis are mainly found in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

• They follow multiple faiths, including Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity.

• Their Dhamal or Goma dance blends African beats with Indian cultural elements, reflecting their unique heritage.

• The community holds Scheduled Tribe (ST) status as per the 2011 Census.

• In Gujarat, the Siddis are further recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) for targeted support and development.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 observed on October 13.

• October 13 is observed globally as the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction to promote awareness on minimizing disaster impacts.

• The 2025 theme, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,” urges nations to prioritize funding for disaster prevention and risk-informed development.

• The day was first proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1989 to foster a culture of preparedness and resilience.

• It emphasizes that poverty, inequality, and discrimination both contribute to and worsen disaster vulnerability.

• Climate projections suggest the world could witness around 560 disasters annually by 2030.

• As a result, 37.6 million more people may fall into extreme poverty, with a worst-case estimate of over 100 million.

• While direct disaster damages cost about $202 billion each year, the total global economic loss could reach $2.3 trillion.

NATIONAL NEWS

Sherry Singh Creates History as India’s First Mrs Universe 2025

• Sherry Singh made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Mrs Universe 2025 title.

• The 48th edition of Mrs Universe took place at Okada, Manila in the Philippines.

• Over 120 contestants from around the world participated in this global event.

• Representing India, Sherry Singh earned her place after being crowned Mrs India 2025 by UMB Pageants.

• Her grace, confident presence, and advocacy for women’s empowerment and mental health impressed judges and spectators alike.

• Mrs Universe is a globally respected platform that values beauty with intellect, compassion, and social awareness.

• The 2025 pageant united inspiring women leaders and changemakers from various nations, celebrating the spirit of empowerment and sisterhood.

ISKCON Launches Nationwide Anti-Drug Campaign ‘UDGAAR’

• Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya lauded ISKCON for initiating a large-scale anti-drug movement across India.

• He shared his remarks during the Udgaar Youth Festival held in New Delhi.

• The campaign, titled UDGAAR – “Nashamukt Yuva, Sanskaryukt Bharat,” aims to inspire youth toward a drug-free lifestyle.

• Over 15,000 young participants have already pledged to stay away from substance abuse.

• The movement aligns with the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision, promoting a healthier and value-based society.

• ISKCON plans to reach and protect 15 lakh youth from the dangers of addiction.

• The initiative focuses on reconnecting youth with India’s spiritual roots and cultural ethics to strengthen moral awareness.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

North Korea Unveils Its Most Powerful Missile ‘Hwasong-20’

• North Korean leader Kim Jong Un introduced the Hwasong-20, the country’s most powerful nuclear ballistic missile, during a grand parade in Pyongyang.

• The event commemorated 80 years of the Workers’ Party of Korea, with dignitaries from Russia, China, Vietnam, and Laos in attendance.

• The military parade featured an impressive display of modern weapons, including tanks, drones, and rocket launchers.

• The Hwasong-20 ICBM was highlighted as North Korea’s strongest nuclear strategic system to date.

• It is expected to form the core of the nation’s long-range nuclear arsenal, enhancing its strike capability.

• The missile’s solid-fuel engine allows for faster mobility and quick launch readiness compared to liquid-fuel models.

• The name combines Korean terms—“Hwasong” meaning Mars and “Pho” meaning artillery—reflecting the country’s evolving missile lineage.

Armenia Becomes a Member of IUCN to Boost Global Conservation Efforts

• Armenia has officially joined the IUCN, enhancing its role in global nature conservation and sustainable development.

• The announcement was made at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, reflecting Armenia’s stronger environmental commitment.

• As a member, Armenia will gain access to international expertise, partnerships, and innovative conservation practices.

• Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan highlighted that this move supports preparations for COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to be hosted in Yerevan in 2026.

• Known for its diverse ecosystems—from alpine meadows to Lake Sevan—Armenia shelters rare species like the Caucasian leopard, Bezoar goat, and Sevan trout.

• The nation has advanced biodiversity protection through initiatives like the National Biodiversity Strategy and the Red Book of Armenia.

• Membership in IUCN aligns with Armenia’s green transition goals, including forest restoration and freshwater protection, while promoting nature-based policy solutions.

STATE NEWS

Union Home Minister Inaugurates Exhibition in Jaipur on New Criminal Laws’ First Anniversary

• On October 13, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Rajasthan for a day-long program in Jaipur.

• He inaugurated a six-day exhibition highlighting one year of implementation of the new criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.

• The event, held from October 13–18, aimed to showcase key reforms and progress made under these laws in the state.

• After the inauguration, Amit Shah addressed a public gathering emphasizing the transformation of India’s justice system.

• He also participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for MoUs worth ₹4 lakh crore signed under the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024.

• The Home Minister laid foundation stones for development projects valued at over ₹9,300 crore across the state.

• He oversaw the transfer of ₹260 crore for school uniforms and ₹364 crore in milk subsidies to benefit students and dairy farmers.

• Shah also launched registrations for the 150-unit free electricity scheme, flagged off FSL vehicles, and distributed two-wheelers for women’s safety patrols.

Uttar Pradesh to Establish Divyang Rehabilitation Centres at All Divisional Headquarters

• On October 13, CM Yogi Adityanath directed the setup of Divyang Rehabilitation Centres across all divisional headquarters in Uttar Pradesh.

• The initiative seeks to empower persons with disabilities and ensure their inclusion in mainstream society.

• The announcement came during a review meeting of the Department of Persons with Disability, focusing on inclusive growth.

• The CM stated that the centres should be modern, integrated facilities offering multiple rehabilitation services under one roof.

• Existing units will be upgraded into model centres, and new ones established where none currently exist.

• These centres will provide physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy, counselling, and prosthetic support.

• At present, 37 districts, including 11 divisional headquarters, already operate such centres.

• Yogi Adityanath also called for trained experts and digital monitoring systems to enhance efficiency and transparency.

AWARDS

2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences: Innovation and Growth

• The 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences was jointly awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt for their work on innovation-driven economic growth and strategies to prevent economic stagnation.

• The Prize in Economic Sciences was created in 1968 by Sveriges Riksbank, Sweden’s central bank, to mark its 300th anniversary, and is managed by the Nobel Foundation.

• It is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and holds the same prestige and monetary value as other Nobel Prizes.

• Joel Mokyr, a Dutch-Israeli-American historian from Northwestern University, explored how technological progress transformed economies over time.

• His research revealed the historical forces that allowed societies to move from stagnation to sustained growth.

• Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt, in their 1992 paper, introduced the theory of creative destruction, linking innovation to productivity and renewal.

• Their model explained how new ideas and technologies replace outdated ones, driving continuous economic evolution.

• Together, their contributions highlighted the importance of innovation, adaptability, and institutional support in achieving long-term economic progress.