Current Affairs 20 October 2025
Khelo India University Games 2025 Launches in Rajasthan
The fifth edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) will take place in Rajasthan from 24 November to 5 December 2025. The event will be hosted across seven cities – Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, and Bharatpur. Over 5,000 athletes will compete in 23 medal sports and one demonstration sport, kho-kho. This edition marks the introduction of beach volleyball, canoeing and kayaking, and cycling to the Games.
Taftan Volcano Shows Signs of Awakening After 710,000 Years
Recent satellite data has revealed that the Taftan volcano in southern Iran, long thought extinct, is showing signs of renewed activity. Between July 2023 and May 2024, the ground near its summit rose by 9 centimetres. This uplift suggests an increase in subterranean gas pressure. Scientists now classify Taftan as dormant rather than extinct. The findings show the need for enhanced monitoring of this previously overlooked volcano.
NASA’s PUNCH Mission Reveals Solar Wind Dynamics
The PUNCH Space Mission, launched by NASA in 2025, is providing new vital information about the solar wind and the Sun’s outer atmosphere. It aims to visualise phenomena previously invisible to scientists. The mission is crucial during the current solar maximum, a period of intense solar activity that affects space weather and human technology.
Nagaland Nominates Dzükou Valley as Global Tourist Spot
Nagaland has recently put forward Dzükou Valley as its official entry under the national programme to develop 50 tourist destinations of global standards. This proposal was presented by Temjen Imna Along, the state’s Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, at the National Conference of State Tourism Ministers held in Udaipur. The conference aimed to promote and upgrade tourist sites across India to attract international visitors and boost local economies.
Chhattisgarh Successfully Revives Blackbuck Population
The blackbuck, once extinct locally in Chhattisgarh for nearly 50 years, has been successfully reintroduced. Since 2018, the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary has seen a remarkable comeback of this endangered antelope. The state government’s focused conservation efforts have restored the blackbuck population, with plans to expand the model to other sanctuaries.
Ministry Releases State Mining Readiness Index Rankings
The Ministry of Mines revealed the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) in 2025. This index ranks state of Indias on their ability to promote mining reforms and sustainable practices. It is a key step to improve the mining sector and was announced in the Union Budget 2025–26. The SMRI assesses states on auction performance, mine operationalisation speed, exploration efforts, and sustainable mining of non-coal minerals. The index aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in mining activities across India.
