• The Government of India launched the ₹600 crore Kapas Kranti Mission to boost high-yield, long-staple cotton cultivation using modern agricultural practices and technology.

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed Himachal Pradesh and Haryana Pollution Control Boards and the Sirmaur deputy commissioner to submit detailed reports on water pollution in the Markanda River.

• The action follows concerns over industrial effluents contaminating the river, which is sacred and supports local communities and agriculture.

• The 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH8) held in Guwahati finalized three new global standards for large cardamom, vanilla, and coriander.

• With this, the total number of spice standards developed by CCSCH has reached 19.

• Event: Launch of a pilot Bamboo Plantation Project under the Green India Challenge (GIC)
• Date: October 21, 2025
• Location: Mullagutta 2 village, Adilabad district, Telangana

Headline: Top-10 Weakest Passports of the World by October 2025.

• Key Points:
• Overview:
  • The Henley Passport Index (as of July 2025) ranks the countries in terms of the amount of destinations that their citizens can visit without a visa in advance.
  • The less powerful a passport, the less the number of countries that its owners will be able to travel visa free or visa on arrival.