Explore the Daily Current Affairs 24 October 2025, relevant for UPSC exam. Also download quick REVISION NOTES.
India as global leader for climate change
Context: With COP30 approaching, developed countries are showing reluctance in leading climate action. Therefore, India should step up as a climate leader.
Key Takeaways for India’s Climate Strategy:
- Balanced Leadership: India should show practical leadership, implementing commitments while advocating for climate justice.
- Focus on Adaptation: Move beyond mitigation (solar, EVs) to adaptation in agriculture, water, health etc.
- Finance & Implementation: India must push for reliable, transparent climate finance mechanisms, especially for adaptation.
- Industrial Decarbonization: Future targets should include hard-to-abate sectors (steel, cement) through electrification and technology.
- Innovation & Co-benefits: Encourage projects combining adaptation + mitigation (e.g., solar-powered cold chains).
- Diplomatic Leverage: Build South-South partnerships (with Brazil, Africa, ASEAN) to create a coalition for climate justice.
Mains practice question:
Q1. “India’s climate leadership should rest on credible implementation rather than ambitious declarations.” Examine this statement in the context of COP30 and India’s evolving role in global climate negotiations. (15 marks)
National Blockchain Framework
Context: National Blockchain Framework was launched in September 2024 with a ₹64.76 crore budget. It aims to guide the integration of blockchain into public service delivery, ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
What is blockchain technology?
Blockchain technology is a distributed digital ledger system that records transactions or data across multiple computers (called nodes) in a secure, transparent and tamper-proof way.
Each record (called a block) is linked to the previous one using cryptography, forming a chain, hence the name block-chain.
Types of Blockchain:
- Public Blockchain:In this network, all nodes can access records, verify transactions, perform proof-of-work, and add new blocks.
- Private Blockchain:It is a permissioned blockchain, restricted to selected participants within an organization. The controlling entity determines the levels of security, authorization, and access, making it ideal for governmentapplications. By design, it enhances trust among participants while ensuring data confidentiality and operational efficiency.
- Consortium Blockchain:In this network, the blockchain is semi-decentralized, governed jointly by multiple organizations for shared data management and validation.
- Hybrid Blockchain:It is a blend of public and private blockchains allowing selective data access.
Significance:
India’s current governance systems often rely on centralized databases, which can be prone to errors, fraud, and lack of transparency.
Blockchain technology addresses these challenges through its tamper-resistant, distributed ledger system, where records are securely maintained across multiple nodes. This design makes unauthorized modifications virtually impossible and significantly enhances data integrity and trust.
Components of National Blockchain Framework:
- Vishvasya Blockchain Stack – India’s indigenous blockchain backbone, built on a permissioned blockchain layer (secure, controlled access). It provides Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) to govt departments.
- NBFLite – Sandbox for startups & academia to innovate & test blockchain apps. It provides smart contract templates for governance (supply chain, certificates).
- Praamaanik – Blockchain-based mobile app verification tool to detect fake/malicious apps.
- National Blockchain Portal – Gateway for blockchain adoption, standards, and innovation.
Mains practice Question:
Q1. “Evaluate how blockchain technology could strengthen public governance and service delivery in India. Analyse the benefits and the challenges.”