United Nations Day 2025

What's the News?

• United Nations Day will be observed globally on October 24, 2025, commemorating the anniversary of the UN Charter coming into force in 1945.
• The day celebrates the UN's role in promoting global peace, human rights, and sustainable development worldwide.
• As of current information, the official theme for United Nations Day 2025 has not yet been announced by the UN Secretariat.

History of United Nations Day

• Origins: Established following the end of World War II, when global leaders recognized the need for an international organization to prevent future conflicts.
• Key milestones:
  • June 26, 1945: Representatives from 50 nations signed the UN Charter in San Francisco.
  • October 24, 1945: UN Charter officially came into effect after ratification by major founding countries and the five permanent members of the Security Council.
  • 1947: UN General Assembly declared October 24 as United Nations Day.
  • 1971: UN General Assembly recommended member states observe it as a public holiday.

Additional Info

• Principal Organs of the UN: The UN system is built around six principal organs:
  • General Assembly: The main deliberative and policymaking body.
  • Security Council: Responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
  • Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): Coordinates economic and social work.
  • International Court of Justice (ICJ): The principal judicial organ.
  • Secretariat: Carries out the day-to-day work of the UN.
  • Trusteeship Council: Established to supervise 'Trust Territories', it suspended operations in 1994.
• India and the UN:
  • India was a founding member of the United Nations, signing the Charter in 1945.
  • India is one of the largest contributors to UN Peacekeeping missions.
  • India has been a long-standing advocate for reforms within the UN, particularly the expansion of the UN Security Council (UNSC) to better reflect contemporary global realities.

Sources

• Wikipedia
• Indian Express
• Zee News

World Polio Day 2025

What's the News?

• World Polio Day will be observed globally on October 24, 2025, commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr. Jonas Salk, who developed the first polio vaccine in 1955.
• The 2025 theme "End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere" emphasizes the need for universal vaccine coverage to achieve complete eradication.
• Despite India's polio-free certification by WHO in 2014, vigilance remains crucial as neighboring countries Afghanistan and Pakistan still report polio cases.
• Global polio cases have decreased by 99.9% since 1988, with only 188 cases reported in the first nine months of 2025, down from over 500 cases in the previous year.

India's Polio-Free Journey

• Historical achievement:
  • India was officially declared polio-free by WHO in 2014 after three consecutive years without reported cases.
  • This success resulted from nationwide immunization programs ensuring every child received multiple doses of the polio vaccine.
  • The country overcame significant challenges including high population density, poor sanitation, and vaccine hesitancy.
• Continued vigilance:
  • India maintains surveillance systems to detect any potential polio re-emergence.
  • The Pulse Polio Immunization program continues with routine immunization drives.
  • Special focus on high-risk areas near international borders with endemic countries.

Global Polio Eradication Status

• Current landscape:
  • Polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan, a dramatic reduction from 127 countries affected when GPEI launched.
  • Wild poliovirus type 1 is the only remaining strain, with types 2 and 3 certified eradicated in 2012 and 2019 respectively.
  • Vaccine-derived poliovirus cases continue to emerge in under-vaccinated communities across 33 countries.
• Recent progress:
  • Only 12 wild poliovirus cases reported globally in 2025 (down from 99 in 2024).
  • Gaza successfully conducted large-scale polio immunization reaching 603,000 children in February 2025, preventing resurgence.
  • Global funding remains critical, with a reported $1.7 billion shortfall for 2025 eradication efforts.

Additional Info

• About Poliomyelitis (Polio):
  • It is a highly infectious and life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus.
  • The virus primarily affects children under five and can invade the nervous system, causing irreversible paralysis.
  • Polio is preventable through vaccination.
• Types of Polio Vaccines:
  • Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV): Developed by Jonas Salk, it is a "killed" virus vaccine administered via injection.
  • Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV): Developed by Albert Sabin, it is a "live" weakened virus vaccine given as oral drops.

Sources

• NDTV
• Hindustan Times

CDSCO Launches Digital System to Track High-Risk Pharma Solvents

What’s the News?

• The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has launched a new digital monitoring system to track the entire supply chain of high-risk pharmaceutical solvents.
• This initiative is a direct response to recent incidents where Indian-made cough syrups were found to be contaminated, leading to deaths.
• The system aims to ensure the quality of raw materials and prevent adulteration by

The Digital Monitoring System

• QR Code Mechanism: The system is a QR code-based "track and trace" mechanism.
• Mandatory Compliance: Manufacturers, importers, and distributors of these high-risk solvents must now affix QR codes to all containers (e.g., drums).
• Data Tracking: The QR code will store critical data for the entire supply chain, including:
  • Manufacturer's name and details
  • Batch number
  • Quantity
  • Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
  • Details of the vendors to whom it is sold
• Portal Integration: This data must be uploaded to the Online National Drug Licensing System (ONDLS) portal, which has been upgraded for this purpose.

Targeted Solvents and Contamination Risks

• High-Risk Solvents: The digital monitoring focuses on solvents (excipients) commonly used in liquid medicines like cough syrups, including:
  • Propylene Glycol (PG)
  • Glycerine (also known as Glycerin Monostearate - GMS)
  • Sorbitol
  • Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
• The Adulteration Danger: These solvents are at high risk of being contaminated with, or illegally substituted by, toxic industrial-grade chemicals:
  • Diethylene Glycol (DEG)
  • Ethylene Glycol (EG)
• Health Impact: DEG and EG are industrial solvents (used in antifreeze and brake fluids) that are extremely toxic. Ingestion can cause severe health crises, including acute kidney injury and death, particularly in children.
• Objective: The new system aims to ensure that only "pharma grade" solvents are used in medicines, preventing the illicit use of cheaper, non-standard "industrial grade" materials.

Additional Info

• Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO):
  • CDSCO is India's national regulatory body for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
  • It operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • It is responsible for regulating the import, manufacture, and distribution of drugs under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Sources

• News18
• The Hindu BusinessLine
• Business Standard

Vedanta Group Announces ₹1 Lakh Crore Additional Investment in Odisha

What’s the News?

• The Vedanta Group has announced plans for an additional investment of approximately ₹1 lakh crore in Odisha.
• This major investment aims to expand the company's industrial operations, particularly in the metals and mining sector.
• The new projects are expected to create over 1 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities within the state.

Key Project Details

• New Ferro-Alloys Plant:
  • A state-of-the-art ferro-alloys plant will be established in Keonjhar district.
  • This greenfield project involves an investment of ₹2,000 crore.
  • The plant is intended to enhance Odisha's position in the global metal value chain.
• Aluminium Parks:
  • Vedanta will set up two new Aluminium Parks in the state.
  • One park will be located near its existing aluminium plant in Jharsuguda.
  • A second park will be developed at a site identified by the state government.
• Strategic Focus:
  • These parks will focus on producing high-grade aluminium alloys for strategic sectors, including aerospace, electric vehicles (EVs), and defence.
  • The initiative is expected to attract significant downstream investments and boost the MSME sector in Odisha.

Socio-Economic Impact

• Employment Generation: The total investment is projected to create over 1 lakh jobs, providing vast opportunities for the state's youth.
• State Economy: The initiative supports Odisha's goal of becoming a USD 500-billion economy by 2036.
• Government Support: The Odisha government has assured full support for the projects, including the provision of required land and other infrastructure facilities.

Sources

• PTI News
• Hindustan Times
• The Economic Times

Defence Procurement Manual 2025: Reforming India's Defence Acquisition Framework

What's the News?

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025, set to replace the decade-old DPM 2009.
• The new manual will govern revenue procurement worth approximately ₹1 lakh crore by the three Services and other establishments under the Ministry of Defence.
• It aims to expedite procurement processes, boost private sector participation, and support indigenisation in defence manufacturing.
• The manual will come into effect from November 1, 2025, with all new Request for Proposals (RFPs) issued after this date governed by the revised framework.

Key Reforms in DPM 2025

• Removal of restrictive requirements:
  • Elimination of 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) requirement from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) or erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board before procurement from other sources.
  • Shift away from nomination-based system in defence contracting toward competitive bidding.
• Streamlined procurement procedures:
  • Limited Tender Enquiry permitted for procurements up to ₹50 lakh, with exceptions for higher values.
  • Simplified procedures to expedite decision-making and promote ease of doing business.
  • Two-volume structure: Volume I contains main procurement procedures across fourteen chapters, while Volume II contains forms and appendices.
• Indigenisation incentives:
  • Relaxed penalty rates for delayed delivery of indigenously developed items (reduced from 0.5% to 0.1% per week).
  • Assured orders for up to five years or beyond for items developed under indigenisation.
  • New chapter dedicated to "Promoting Self-reliance through Innovation and Indigenisation".

Strategic Impact on Defence Ecosystem

• Private sector opportunities:
  • Creates level playing field for private players in defence manufacturing.
  • Expected to generate sustained business opportunities for domestic industry.
  • MSMEs and start-ups to benefit from reduced entry barriers and simplified procedures.
• Operational readiness enhancement:
  • 15% upfront growth provision for ship repair/refits and aviation equipment overhaul to reduce downtime.
  • Focus on timely availability of goods and services essential for operational preparedness.
• Structural improvements:
  • New chapters for Information and Communication Technology Procurement and Consultancy Services.
  • Redefined rules for Proprietary Article Certificate (PAC) basis procurement with two-year validity.
  • Integration of fairness, transparency, and accountability in all procurement processes.

Implementation timeline:

• All RFPs issued up to October 31, 2025 will continue under DPM 2009.
• Retracted RFPs reissued after November 1, 2025 will follow DPM 2025.
• Capital procurements (approximately ₹1.8 lakh crore) will continue to be governed by Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP).

Sources

• NewsOnAir
• The Hindu BusinessLine
• CNBC TV18