Prelims Current Affairs includesWorld Cities Day, World Vegan Day, Exercise ‘Trishul’, ISA 2025 – Global Solar Initiatives, Global Virus Network (GVN), Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project, National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC).

IMPORTANT DAY

1. WORLD CITIES DAY

Celebrated on: 31 October
Theme: “People-Centred Smart Cities.”
First Celebrated: 2014 (following UN General Assembly Resolution 68/239)
Organised By: UN-Habitat
Purpose: To raise awareness of global urbanisation challenges and to promote sustainable urban development and inclusivity.

2. WORLD VEGAN DAY

Observed every year on: 1 November
Purpose: To spread awareness about the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of veganism.
Started: 1994 (by The Vegan Society, UK)

DEFENCE

3. EXERCISE ‘TRISHUL’

Current Context: India has launched a tri-service military exercise named ‘Trishul’ along its western border with Pakistan, involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

ABOUT EXERCISE TRISHUL

Held From: 30 October – 10 November 2025
Location: Across Gujarat and Rajasthan
Objective:

• To enhance coordination and communication among the three forces.
• To improve interoperability during real combat situations.
  Purpose: To test joint combat readiness and border defence strategy.

INTERNATIONAL

4. ISA 2025 – GLOBAL SOLAR INITIATIVES

Current Context: India hosted the Eighth International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly on 28 October 2025 in New Delhi and launched multiple global initiatives for an inclusive solar future.

Key Solar Initiatives Launched

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE (ISA)

Launched: 2015 by India and France at COP21, Paris
Headquarters: Gurugram, India (first international organization based in India)
Members: 124 member & signatory countries
Aim: To mobilise $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030
Mission: Clean, affordable, and reliable solar energy access for all
Major Initiatives: OSOWOG, SolarX Startup Challenge, STAR-C, Global Solar Facility

5. GLOBAL VIRUS NETWORK (GVN)

Current Context: The Global Virus Network (GVN) has expanded its international coalition by adding three new Centers of Excellence in the Americas.

ABOUT GVN

Nature: Voluntary consortium of virology laboratories and scientists
Coverage: Represents 25+ countries, addressing all major virus-caused diseases
Purpose: To prevent and control global viral threats
Core Functions:

• Support for cutting-edge virology research
• Public education on viral threats
• Global advocacy for preparedness and cooperation

GOVERNANCE

6. SAMRIDDH GRAM PHYGITAL SERVICES PILOT PROJECT

Current Context: The Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCoE) has signed agreements with partners to launch the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project to digitally transform rural India.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Objective: To integrate physical and digital (Phygital) services for rural empowerment
Supported By: BharatNet connectivity backbone
Pilot Villages:

• Ari & Umri (Madhya Pradesh)
• Narakoduru (Andhra Pradesh)
• Chaurawala (Uttar Pradesh)

Key Features

• Education & Skilling: Smart classrooms, AR/VR learning, digital skill training
• Agriculture: IoT-based soil testing, drone assistance, smart irrigation
• Healthcare: Teleconsultations, Health ATMs, emergency services
• E-Governance: Assisted access to documents & citizen services
• E-Commerce: Integration with ONDC and local digital marketplaces
• Financial Inclusion: Digital banking, UPI, and public Wi-Fi access

7. NATIONAL CRISIS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (NCMC)

Current Context: The Cabinet Secretary chaired a meeting of the NCMC to review preparedness for cyclones in the Bay of Bengal.

ABOUT NCMC

Status: Statutory body under The Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025
Chairperson: Cabinet Secretary, Government of India
Function:

• Coordinates national disaster response efforts
• Evaluates preparedness and relief operations for major emergencies
• Acts as a nodal authority for disasters with national implications

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