Daily current affairs:October 21, 2025

Long Description : As campaigning intensifies in Bihar, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor alleged that Union Ministers Amit Shah and Dharmendra Pradhan pressured his party’s candidates into withdrawing nominations. He claimed multiple Jan Suraaj members were intimidated and one was prevented from filing due to abduction threats from rival groups. Kishor criticized what he termed the “erosion of democratic ethics” and appealed to the Election Commission for protection of opposition candidates. The charges have been dismissed by the BJP as “political theatrics,” but they have intensified the contest dynamics ahead of the first phase of polling in November.

Long Description : The Election Commission of India announced on Tuesday that enforcement teams confiscated Rs 71.32 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies across states conducting elections. Bihar recorded the highest number of seizure incidents, with 650 complaints registered through the C-Vigil app—612 resolved within 100 minutes. The EC emphasized its focus on curbing voter inducements under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Bihar’s two-phase elections are set for November 6 and 11, with votes counted on November 14. Officials said that coordinated multi-agency operations aim to ensure free and fair elections across all affected constituencies.

Long Description : Severe post-Diwali pollution blanketed Delhi-NCR, pushing the Air Quality Index beyond 450 in several locations, marking the first “hazardous” reading this season. The spike followed the Supreme Court’s recent verdict allowing the use of green crackers during Diwali celebrations. Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant expressed concern, criticizing the decision for prioritizing “the right to burn crackers over the right to breathe.” Environmental experts have urged immediate intervention by state agencies to implement emergency measures, while the Delhi government reintroduced “odd-even” traffic controls and construction halts as part of its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV).

Long Description : In a show of inter-state solidarity, the Uttar Pradesh government announced on Monday that it had sent 1,000 quintals of certified wheat seeds to Punjab for flood-hit farmers. The initiative aims to restore agricultural productivity after heavy monsoon rains damaged crops across several districts. Officials stated that the seeds, provided through the UP Seeds Corporation, will be distributed free of cost to affected families. This decision aligns with the federal government’s broader effort under the “Kisan Mitra” program to support disaster-affected agrarian communities. Punjab’s Department of Agriculture welcomed the assistance, calling it an example of “cooperative federalism in action.”

Long Description : Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm congratulations to Rodrigo Paz Pereira after his election as the President of Bolivia. In a message shared via X, he underscored India’s commitment to promoting shared prosperity and cooperation between the two nations, especially across renewable energy, trade, and cultural exchange. The congratulatory note comes amid India’s continued diplomatic focus on Latin American nations under the “Global South Partnership” vision. Both countries are expected to enhance engagement in lithium exploration, an area of immense significance for India’s electric vehicle and battery storage sector.

Long Description : Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan at Parliament House to review India’s manufacturing and trade initiatives. Discussion focused on schemes like Make in India, PLI, PM Gati Shakti, and ODOP, aimed at integrating Indian firms into global supply chains and building a self-reliant export ecosystem. The Vice President commended efforts to enhance industrial ease of doing business and urged coordinated inter-ministry collaboration toward achieving India’s “Viksit Bharat” vision by 2047. The meeting reaffirmed India’s long-term ambition of becoming a manufacturing powerhouse and a leading exporter of goods and technology-driven services.

Long Description : Police in Berhampur announced progress in the probe into the assassination of BJP leader and advocate Pitabash Panda, who was shot dead on October 6. Over 100 witnesses have been questioned, and several suspects detained. Investigators suspect a business rivalry behind the murder and confirmed retrieval of conclusive forensic evidence linking individuals outside Odisha. The state BJP government has prioritized swift justice, forming multiple SIT teams. The Bar Council of India also demanded a monitored investigation. The case has sparked political tension in Odisha, with opposition groups questioning the law-and-order situation.

Long Description : The Communist Party of India (Maoist), declared an unlawful association under the UAPA, issued a call for a Bharat Bandh on October 24. The statement accused the central government of orchestrating “corporate-backed” operations against tribal populations and left-wing activists. Security agencies have stepped up vigilance across Maoist-affected belts in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra. Authorities anticipate possible disruptions to transport, mining, and telecom infrastructure. The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that paramilitary reinforcements and drone surveillance systems have been deployed to prevent violence and ensure public safety.

Long Description : BSE and NSE remained closed on October 21 for Diwali celebrations, with Muhurat trading — a symbolic one-hour session marking the start of the new Samvat year — set for October 22 between 6:15 pm and 7:15 pm. This annual tradition symbolizes prosperity for investors and is considered auspicious by the trading community. Analysts expect moderate participation this year, with a continued focus on infrastructure, banking, and renewable sectors. Exchange officials urged caution due to expected volatility from pre-holiday profit booking and foreign fund movements.

Long Description : The special investigation team (SIT) probing the missing gold from the Sabarimala temple’s golden coverings presented its interim report before the Kerala High Court. According to officials, the discrepancy of 4.5 kg of gold was first noticed in 2019 and has since been under forensic and procedural review. Superintendent of Police S. Sasidharan submitted the findings in a sealed cover, citing ongoing tests. The Kerala government has faced questions over accountability in handling temple assets, and the HC has directed the SIT to file a detailed report by mid-November.