Daily Current Affairs – 20-10-2025
Tamil Nadu News
TNERC Approves 64.75 MW Solar-Wind Hybrid Project with Battery Storage
The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) has approved a proposal by the Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL) to float tenders for establishing a 64.75 MW grid-connected solar and wind hybrid power project integrated with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The project will be developed on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis at Karur and Tiruvarur (15 MW each), with the remaining capacity distributed across Thoothukudi, Madurai, and Kanniyakumari districts as combined hybrid plants. Developers will be selected through a tariff-based competitive bidding process, ensuring transparency and cost efficiency.
According to TNERC’s order, the project will operate under a 25-year contract period.
A senior official said the initiative is part of Tamil Nadu’s ongoing efforts to expand renewable energy capacity and enhance grid stability through advanced energy storage technology. “These hybrid systems will help manage fluctuations in renewable generation and supply consistent power during peak hours,” the official added.
⚙️ Project Land and Implementation Details
The Karur Collector M. Thangavel granted “enter upon permission” on August 18, 2022, for 53.72 acres of government poramboke land in K. Pichampatti village, while Tiruvarur Collector V. Mohanachandran approved 49.9 acres of government barren land in Korukkai village, Thiruthuraipoondi, on April 26, 2022.
At these two locations, solar plants with a combined capacity of 30 MW (15 MW each) will be established. Lands have also been identified in other districts for the remaining capacity. Officials emphasized that the hybrid plant will play a key role in meeting peak-hour energy demand in the coming years.
🏗️ Role of Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation
Prepare bid documents and float tenders
Collect bid security (earnest money deposit)
Lease land to developers
Evaluate techno-commercial bids and finalize tender with TNERC approval
Issue Letter of Award (LoA) to successful bidder
Sign Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with developer
Sign Power Sale Agreement (PSA) with TNPDCL
Act as an intermediary for power procurement and payment processing
Supervise project execution and performance certification
⚡ Role of Power Distribution Corporation
Sign Power Sale Agreement (PSA) with TNGECL
Ensure timely payments to TNGECL as per PSA terms
First Phase of Underwater Archaeological Survey off Poompuhar Coast Completed
The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) has successfully completed the first phase of an underwater archaeological survey off the Poompuhar coast in Mayiladuthurai district. The exploration aimed to identify archaeological remains submerged in the Bay of Bengal, shedding light on the ancient Sangam-era port city known historically as Kaveripoompattinam.
The team explored the seabed up to a depth of 23 metres, using advanced marine exploration instruments, including:
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
Side-Scan Sonar
Sub-Bottom Profiler
Multibeam Scanner
These tools were used to map the ocean floor and detect possible man-made structural formations beneath the seabed. The operation was carried out with logistical support from local fishermen, using mechanised boats and smaller fibre boats to reach the survey locations.
TNSDA has previously conducted similar underwater explorations — notably in Korkai, Thoothukudi district, in 2022, using the “Sagar Tara” research vessel of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). That survey, involving trained divers from the Indian Maritime University, explored coastal areas between Thirumullaivasal and Neithavasal.
The findings are expected to provide new insights into Tamil Nadu’s maritime heritage and may reveal more about ancient trade links, port structures, and submerged settlements off the Poompuhar coast.
Chennai Metro Ranks High in COMET’s Global Customer Satisfaction Survey
The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has secured a high ranking in the global customer satisfaction survey conducted by the Community of Metros (COMET) — a global benchmarking group that evaluates the performance of urban rail systems worldwide.
The survey, held earlier this year, assessed metro systems based on key parameters such as service quality, reliability, accessibility, ease of use, comfort, and availability. Chennai Metro achieved an impressive rating of 4.3 out of 5, reflecting strong commuter satisfaction.
According to CMRL officials, a total of 32 metro rail organizations from across the globe participated in the survey. Notably, Chennai Metro saw the highest commuter participation, with nearly 6,500 passengers sharing their feedback. The survey was conducted between April and May 2025, and passengers could respond via the official CMRL website or social media platforms.
CMRL became a member of COMET in 2024, to better understand its performance against international peers and use customer insights to improve facilities and efficiency.
The survey also revealed that most Chennai Metro users commute for work and suggested improvements in payment options, station accessibility, space availability, and train interchanges. A majority of participants were under the age of 30, reflecting the system’s popularity among young commuters.
Sports News
Tommy Fleetwood Holds His Nerve to Win Inaugural DP World India Championship
England’s Tommy Fleetwood displayed remarkable composure and precision on the final day to clinch the inaugural DP World India Championship title at the Delhi Golf Club on Sunday.
Fleetwood carded an impressive 65 in the final round, finishing the tournament at 21-under par, two shots ahead of Japan’s Keita Nakajima, who ended at 19-under with a 69. Nakajima, winner of the Indian Open 2024 and runner-up this year, was the overnight leader, but could not match Fleetwood’s aggressive play on the final day.
Final Scores:
266: Tommy Fleetwood (68-64-69-65)
268: Keita Nakajima (65-69-65-69)
270: Shane Lowry (64-69-69-68), Alex Fitzpatrick (69-67-67-67), Thriston Lawrence (69-67-69-65)
Fleetwood’s triumph marks a memorable return to India, establishing him as the maiden winner of this prestigious new tournament on the DP World Tour calendar.
Leylah Fernandez and Elena Rybakina Clinch Titles at Japan and Ningbo Open’
Canada’s Leylah Fernandez emerged as the Japan Open Women’s Singles Champion, defeating Tereza Valentova of the Czech Republic in a thrilling three-set final. The match, held on Sunday in Osaka, Japan, ended with scores of 6–0, 5–7, 6–3 in favor of Fernandez.
This victory adds to her recent success at the Washington D.C. Open, which she won in July. Fernandez is now set to participate in the upcoming Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo next week, continuing her impressive form on the WTA Tour.
Ningbo Open: Rybakina Triumphs
At the WTA 500 Ningbo Open, Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan captured the championship title, showcasing her dominance on the court. In the final, she faced Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia.
Despite losing the first set 3–6, the world No. 9 and former Wimbledon champion bounced back powerfully, crushing Alexandrova 6–0, 6–2 in the next two sets to claim victory.
This marks Rybakina’s 10th career title, further strengthening her qualification prospects for the year-end WTA Finals, where the top 8 players compete. She also delivered an impressive performance with 11 aces during the match.
World Junior Badminton Championships: Thailand’s An-Yui Crowned Champion, India’s Tanvi Wins Silver
Thailand’s An-Yui Phichitpreechachai clinched the World Junior Badminton Championship title in the women’s singles category, defeating India’s Tanvi Sharma, who secured the silver medal.
The prestigious tournament is being held in Guwahati, the capital of Assam, featuring intense individual events across various categories. In the women’s singles final held on Sunday, An-Yui faced off against Tanvi Sharma in a thrilling encounter.
Displaying superior control and pace, An-Yui defeated Tanvi in straight games with scores of 15–7 and 15–12, sealing her place as the Junior World Champion. Despite her spirited effort, Tanvi had to settle for silver. Earlier in the competition, she had also bagged a bronze medal in the team event, marking an impressive overall performance.
Tanvi struggled to find rhythm in the opening game, allowing the Thai player to take an early lead. An-Yui capitalized on this advantage, wrapping up the first game within nine minutes. Though Tanvi fought back strongly in the second game, she couldn’t overcome An-Yui’s consistency and composure.
With this achievement, Tanvi Sharma becomes only the fifth Indian player ever to win a medal at the World Junior Badminton Championships, adding another proud chapter to India’s badminton history.
In the men’s singles final, China’s Liu Yu triumphed over Indonesia’s Lares Ubaidulla with a score of 15–10, 15–11, clinching the men’s title.
National News
146 Bird Species Recorded in Kaziranga National Park Survey
The Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam has recorded 146 bird species during its latest bird survey, according to the State Wildlife Department. The exercise aimed to assess the diversity and population of both resident and migratory birds within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The survey was conducted across five major locations — Agoratoli, Gamiri, Panbari, Panpur, and the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary adjoining the park.
In total, surveyors recorded 1,919 individual birds representing 146 species. Among the surveyed sites, Agoratoli Range showed the highest bird diversity with 89 species, followed by Gamiri and Panbari (59 species each), Panpur (55 species), and Laokhowa (37 species).
Officials said that several important resident and migratory birds were spotted during the count, reaffirming Kaziranga’s status as a key avian biodiversity hotspot in India.
The survey underscores the park’s vital role in supporting diverse birdlife across its wetlands, grasslands, and forest ecosystems, especially during the winter migratory season.
Kerala to Join ‘PM SHRI’ Scheme for Central Funding
Kerala’s General Education Minister V. Sivankutty has announced that the state will join the ‘PM SHRI’ (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme to avail funds from the Central Government. However, he clarified that Kerala will not deviate from its existing state education policy despite participating in the centrally sponsored programme.
The PM SHRI scheme, launched in 2022, aims to develop model schools across India based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Under this initiative, over 14,500 schools managed by central, state, and local authorities will be upgraded in terms of quality and infrastructure.
Science and Technology News
Chandrayaan-2 Records First-Ever Observation of Sun’s Impact on Moon’s Exosphere: ISRO
India’s Chandrayaan-2 lunar orbiter has achieved a major scientific breakthrough by making the first-ever observation of the Sun’s coronal mass ejection (CME) effects on the Moon, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The finding was made through the CHACE-2 (Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2) payload onboard the orbiter, which detected a significant increase in the total pressure of the dayside lunar exosphere—the Moon’s extremely thin atmosphere—during a CME event.
ISRO explained that this rare opportunity occurred on May 10, 2024, when a series of strong solar CMEs were directed towards the Moon. The enhanced solar activity caused atoms on the lunar surface to be knocked off, thereby increasing their presence in the exosphere.
The data from CHACE-2 is expected to improve scientific understanding of space weather effects and the dynamic nature of the lunar exosphere—a key factor for future lunar exploration.
Launched on July 22, 2019, aboard the GSLV Mk-III M1 rocket, Chandrayaan-2 carried eight scientific payloads. While the Vikram lander lost communication during its landing attempt, the orbiter continues to function, delivering crucial scientific data.
Personalities, Awards and Events
Salman Khurshid Honoured with Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award
Former Union Minister Salman Khurshid has been conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award for his contributions to promoting communal harmony and national unity.
The award was presented by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy during the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra Commemoration held at Charminar, Hyderabad, on Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Reddy said it was a moment of pride to honour Mr. Khurshid, whose association with the Gandhi family spans three generations.
The event, held annually, commemorates Rajiv Gandhi’s Sadbhavana Yatra, symbolising his message of peace, harmony, and unity among people of different communities.
The award highlights Mr. Khurshid’s long-standing commitment to inclusive politics, secular values, and public service—reflecting the ideals that Rajiv Gandhi stood for.
International News
Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree on Ceasefire in Doha to Ensure Lasting Peace
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to establish mechanisms for lasting peace and stability following several days of intense border clashes that claimed the lives of soldiers, civilians, and militants on both sides.
According to a statement issued by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, the agreement was reached after talks in Doha between Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Afghanistan’s Acting Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, with mediation support from Qatar and Turkiye.
Both countries have also agreed to hold follow-up meetings in the coming days to ensure the implementation and sustainability of the truce in a reliable and enduring manner, aimed at restoring security and trust across the Pakistan–Afghanistan border.
The development comes amid escalating tensions after alleged Pakistani air strikes near Kabul last week, which triggered cross-border violence between the two neighbours.
China Successfully Launches Pakistan’s Remote Sensing Satellite PRSS-2 into Space
China has successfully launched Pakistan’s remote sensing satellite PRSS-2 along with two Chinese satellites into orbit on Sunday. The launch was carried out using China’s Vijian-1 Y8 rocket, marking another milestone in the expanding China-Pakistan space cooperation.
This mission highlights the strengthening technological partnership between China and Pakistan in the field of space exploration and satellite applications. The PRSS-2 satellite is designed for remote sensing, which will enhance earth observation, environmental monitoring, and agricultural mapping in Pakistan.
This is the third Pakistani satellite launched by China in 2025. Earlier this year, China launched PRSS-1 in January and PRSS-2E1 in July, demonstrating a consistent collaboration in aerospace technology between the two nations.