Explore the Daily Current Affairs 18 October 2025, relevant for UPSC exam. Also download quick REVISION NOTES.
India – China relations
Context: Year 2025 marks 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic ties.
Current Status & Challenges:
- Border tensions remain unresolved (LAC, Eastern Ladakh).
- Trust deficit due to past military stand-offs.
- Economic ties exist but are impacted by security concerns and trade imbalances.
- Geopolitical competition in Indo-Pacific and global south leadership.
Multilateral Cooperation:
- Platforms: SCO, BRICS, G20, UN.
- India and China are expected to:
- Champion multipolarity.
- Promote reform of global institutions.
- Enhance South-South cooperation.
Mains practice Question:
Essay 1: “India and China: Cooperation or Competition in the Asian Century?”
Rotavirus
Context: A new multi-centre study has been published that evaluates the real-world effectiveness of the indigenous Rotavac vaccine, introduced into India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) between 2016 and 2020.
What is Rotavirus?
Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that causes severe diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration, primarily in infants and young children. It is the leading cause of severe gastroenteritis and childhood mortality due to diarrhoeal diseases globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India.
In India, every year 37 out of every 1000 children born are unable to celebrate their 5th birthday, and one of the major reasons for this is diarrheal deaths.
- Rotavirus has a double-stranded RNA genome.
- Transmitted through the faeco-oral route (contaminated hands, surfaces, food, water).
- Highly resistant to disinfectants and can survive for long periods on surfaces.
Rotavac (India’s Indigenous Vaccine):
- Developed by: Bharat Biotech, with support from the Department of Biotechnology, PATH, NIH, and others.
- Administered: Orally at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age.
- Included in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in 2016.
- Effectiveness in real-world: 54% (same as clinical trials).
Prelims practice question:
Q1. Which of the following statements about Rotavirus is/are correct?
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhoeal disease in children under five years.
- It is transmitted through airborne droplets.
- It belongs to the Reoviridae family.
- It can be effectively prevented through vaccination.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 4 only
B) 1, 3 and 4 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B (Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect rotavirus spreads via the faeco-oral route, not airborne droplets.)
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
Context: IMEC was launched during India’s G20 presidency and aims to integrate India, the Europe, the Middle-East through UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and the European Union.
Participating Countries and Regions:
- India
- United States
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- European Union (EU)
- France, Germany, Italy
- Israel
The IMEC comprises of an Eastern Corridor connecting India to the Gulf region and a Northern Corridor connecting the Gulf region to Europe. It will include a railway and ship-rail transit network and road transport routes.
Challenges and Current Status:
- Paused due to Gaza War (Oct 2023):
- Route passes through Israel (Haifa port); project stalled after Hamas-Israel conflict.
- Egypt’s Position:
- Wants Palestinian statehood addressed first.
- Says IMEC can’t proceed without resolving the Palestinian issue.
- Logistical and funding hurdles.
- Need for political stability in West Asia for corridor success.
Strategic Significance for India:
| Area | Significance |
| Geopolitical | Enhances India’s role as a connectivity hub between East and West; counters China’s BRI. |
| Economic | Reduces shipping time/costs for exports to Europe; boosts trade with Gulf and EU. |
| Energy | Promotes energy security; supports India’s involvement in green hydrogen corridors. |
| Strategic Autonomy | Strengthens ties with USA, Gulf, and Europe while asserting independent global influence. |
Mains practice question:
Q. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) reflects India’s aspirations as a global connectivity hub. Discuss its strategic significance and the challenges it faces.
Daily Current Affairs 18 October 2025