UPSC Daily Current Affairs for 31 October 2025

Sardar Patel’s Vision & Meaning of National Unity

Context

On October 31st, the Prime Minister of India led the nation in commemorating Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

About Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Born: 31st October 1875 in the Leuva Patel Patidar community at Nadiad, Gujarat.

Education: A law graduate, later, went to England to study further, and became a barrister, and began his legal practice in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, after returning to India.

Curriculum on AI to be Introduced in All Schools

Context

Recently, the Ministry of Education announced that an Artificial Intelligence (AI) curriculum would be introduced from Class 3 onwards for the next academic year (2026-27).

About

The Department is supporting institutions such as CBSE, NCERT, KVS, and NVS, along with States and Union Territories.

Aim: Designing a meaningful and inclusive curriculum under the broad ambit of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education.

Artificial Intelligence and Computational Thinking (AI & CT) will reinforce the concept of learning, thinking, and teaching, and will gradually expand towards the idea of “AI for Public Good.”

Training: Teacher training through NISHTHA and other institutions, designed to be grade-specific and time-bound.

US-China Meeting

Context

The summit between the U.S. and China in Busan, South Korea ended with several outcomes for bilateral ties between the two countries.

Major Outcomes

The U.S. has reduced tariffs on China to 47%, making India (and Brazil) at 50%, the highest tariffed country.

China has agreed to keep exports of rare earth minerals (used in a range of key global industries) flowing to the world as part of a one-year agreement.

US Waiver to India on Chahbahar Port

Context

India has received a waiver on the United States’ sanctions against Iran’s Chabahar port for a period of six months.

Background

India and Iran signed an MoU in 2015 to jointly develop the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar.

Aim: To develop a major commercial hub helping India access the markets of Afghanistan, the Central Asian states, and Russia.

Sanctions: The port’s prospects came under a cloud due to Western sanctions against Iran but in 2018, the first Trump administration gave a waiver to Indian operations.

India Targets Record 6 GW Wind Energy Addition by FY 2026

Context

The Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced that 6 gigawatts (GW) of new wind capacity is expected to be added by the end of financial year 2025–26.

Wind Energy in India

India currently has the fourth highest wind installed capacity in the world with total installed capacity of 51.67 GW (as of August 12, 2025) of which 4.15 GW was added during FY 2024-25.

Wind power generated 78.21 billion units of electricity during April 2024 to February 2025, contributing 4.69% of total electricity generated in the country.

As per National Institute of Wind Energy, the estimated wind potential of the country is 1,164 GW at 150 meters above ground level.

News in Short – 31 October, 2025

In News

Justice Surya Kant took over as 53rd Chief Justice of India and he will assume office on November 24, 2025, succeeding Chief Justice BR Gavai.

Appointment of Chief Justice of India

The Chief Justice of India and the other judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President under clause (2) of Article 124 of the Indian Constitution.

The Chief Justice of India is typically the senior-most Supreme Court judge deemed fit for the role.

The Union Law Minister seeks the outgoing CJI’s recommendation, which is then forwarded to the Prime Minister, who advises the President for final appointment.

For other judges, the collegium recommends candidates, with written opinions from senior judges.