📊 Index & Rankings
India is now the second most-represented country in the THE World University Rankings 2026, featuring 128 institutions (up from 107 last year).
| Rank | University |
|---|---|
| 1 | University of Oxford (UK) |
| 201-250 | Indian Institute of Science (IISc) – India’s top |
Indian Highlights: Saveetha Institute and Jamia Millia Islamia showed notable improvements.
Although no Indian university made it into the top 200, overall progress is evident in research quality, teaching standards, and international collaborations.
🇮🇳 National News
The Viksit Bharat Strategy Room (VBSR) was inaugurated at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, by NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam.
The event also featured the Use Case Challenge Awards, celebrating data-driven governance models from Aspirational Districts.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Challenge Entries | 250+ |
| Districts Recognized | 18 |
| Focus Areas | Health, Education, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Financial Inclusion |
The Strategy Room serves as a hub for real-time governance, planning, and evidence-based policymaking.
India unveiled the National Red List Roadmap and Vision 2025–2030 at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, marking a landmark initiative for biodiversity protection.
Spearheaded by MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh, the project seeks to enhance evidence-based conservation of India’s diverse flora and fauna, including 20,000+ marine species.
Partners: Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Botanical Survey of India (BSI), and IUCN India
Supports the preparation of National Red Data Books by 2030, reaffirming India’s commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Sherry Singh made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the Mrs Universe 2025 crown at the grand finale held in Manila, Philippines.
- Previously won Mrs India 2025 under UMB Pageants
- Advocated for women’s empowerment and mental health awareness
- Triumphed among 120 global contestants
Her victory celebrates Indian women’s strength, intellect, and grace on international platforms.
The inaugural Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) was held in Mehsana, inaugurated by Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel under the theme “Regional Aspirations, Global Ambitions.”
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| MoUs Implemented (VG 2024) | 72% of 7,100 |
| Gujarat Economy (Current) | $280 billion |
| Target Economy | $3.5 trillion |
Key Announcements:
- India’s first bullet train to commence by August 2027 (Ashwini Vaishnaw)
- New Regional Economic Master Plan introduced
- Focus on renewable energy, dairy, and food processing
The Indian Army, in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), has introduced SAKSHAM, an indigenous Counter Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Grid.
Capabilities:
- Real-time detection, tracking, and neutralization of enemy drones
- AI-integrated sensor networks
- Operates on the Army Data Network
- Airspace control up to 3,000 meters
Significantly boosts India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat defense initiative.
The Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025 began in Mumbai under the theme “Empowering Finance for a Better World Powered by AI.”
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Attendees | 100,000+ |
| Companies | 7,500 |
Keynote Speakers: PM Narendra Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer
Highlighted India’s achievements in digital financial inclusion through UPI, JAM Trinity, and India Stack.
AI-driven fintech innovations, ethical technology use, and MSME financial empowerment.
💼 Business & Economy
Ola Electric has become India’s first two-wheeler EV manufacturer to obtain government approval for its self-developed rare-earth-free ferrite motor.
- Certification granted by Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC), Tamil Nadu
- Tested under AIS 041 standards (prescribed by MoRTH)
- Performs on par with rare-earth motors in 7 kW and 11 kW variants
Reduces dependency on imported rare-earth permanent magnet motors and boosts domestic self-sufficiency in India’s EV ecosystem.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and Bharat Taxi (Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited) sets the foundation for a cooperative, democratic ride-hailing model.
- Tech-enabled, citizen-centric ride-hailing platform
- Planned launch: December 2025
Aligns with Digital India vision, emphasizing cooperative values, enhanced data security, and seamless system integration.
HDFC Bank, in partnership with Vyaparify, has launched ‘My Business QR’, India’s first commerce identity QR system.
Designed to help SMEs strengthen their digital visibility via the SmartHub Vyapar app.
Features:
- Save merchant profiles as online storefronts
- Integrated payment options, chat access, and SEO optimization
Unveiled during Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025.
Enables digital inclusion and easy online commerce without requiring advanced tech expertise or major investment.
🌐 International News
The visit resulted in several landmark agreements enhancing collaboration in Technology, Education, Trade, and Climate Research.
Key Announcements:
- India-UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre
- Joint Centre for AI
- Expanded Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory
- Lancaster University and University of Surrey campuses in India
Trade: Reconstitution of India-UK CEO Forum and Joint Economic Trade Committee (JETCO); new investments in Climate Technology Startup Fund.
Health & Climate: Phase-III Bio-Medical Research Program, Offshore Wind Taskforce, and ICMR-NIHR MoU.
U.S. President Donald Trump declared on October 9, 2025, that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire plan.
Mediators: Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. (brokered in Sharm El Sheikh)
Key Terms:
- Complete ceasefire
- Partial troop withdrawal
- Release of hostages
- Facilitates humanitarian aid to Gaza
- Supports prisoner exchanges
Paves the way for long-term peace discussions in the Middle East.
Maria Corina Machado, a Venezuelan political leader and activist, has been honored with the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
Recognized for her steadfast advocacy for:
- Democracy
- Human rights
- Free elections
As the founder of Súmate, Machado has led peaceful movements opposing authoritarian rule.
Celebrated for her courage, integrity, and leadership, inspiring democratic reform both in Venezuela and globally.
👔 Appointments
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has entered the technology sector by taking advisory roles with Microsoft and Anthropic, a prominent AI firm.
- Part-time, non-policy positions
- Will offer insights on macroeconomic and geopolitical trends
- Supporting strategic decision-making
Signifies Sunak’s shift from public office to influential roles in global corporate and technology leadership.
📅 Important Days
The International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated on October 11, 2025.
The day emphasizes the importance of addressing challenges faced by girls, ensuring their rights, empowerment, and equality.
2025 Theme: “The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis”
Highlights the leadership and resilience of girls worldwide.
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