🇮🇳 National News
Introduced on 15th August 2025, the FASTag Annual Pass has witnessed rapid adoption, achieving 25 lakh users and processing 5.67 crore transactions in just two months.
The pass enables hassle-free and cost-effective travel across nearly 1,150 National Highway and Expressway toll plazas.
- One-time annual fee: ₹3,000
- Covers one year or 200 toll crossings, whichever comes first
- Activated within two hours for existing FASTag holders
- Applies to non-commercial vehicles only
This initiative underscores NHAI’s dedication to promoting convenience and efficiency on India’s road network.
IndiaAI has unveiled the Face Authentication Challenge, backed by a ₹2.5 crore prize pool, aimed at building a robust and accurate AI-driven image verification system for use in public examinations.
The program encourages startups and enterprises to design scalable solutions for photo verification and duplicate application detection using advanced facial recognition algorithms.
- Up to ₹5 lakh for testing phases
- ₹1 crore for deployment contracts
- Application deadline: 25th October 2025
The initiative aligns with India’s goal of fostering ethical AI innovation and inclusive digital progress.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global warning regarding three Indian-manufactured cough syrups linked to the deaths of 21 children in Madhya Pradesh.
| Product | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Coldrif | Sresan Pharmaceuticals |
| ReLife | Shape Pharma |
| Respifresh TR | Rednex Pharmaceuticals |
Tests revealed the syrups contained 48.6% Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a highly toxic compound known to cause kidney failure.
- WHO urged immediate recalls and safety measures
- CDSCO stated that none of the contaminated syrups were exported
- Further investigation is ongoing
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested its indigenously designed Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) at an altitude of 32,000 feet.
It is now the only parachute system used by Indian forces capable of deploying above 25,000 feet.
- Jointly developed by ADRE, Agra and DEBEL, Bengaluru
- Enhanced steering and slower descent
- NavIC-based navigation for precise, interference-free guidance
This milestone reduces dependence on imports, enhances self-reliance, and ensures faster, localized maintenance for the armed forces.
💼 Business & Economy
Bharti Airtel has entered into a partnership with IBM to enhance its cloud service offerings under its newly launched Airtel Cloud Platform.
The collaboration focuses on meeting the growing need for secure, scalable, and localized cloud solutions, especially in light of India’s data localization laws and the AI revolution.
- Hybrid cloud architecture
- AI-driven tools
- Data protection measures
- Sector-specific cloud services for banking, manufacturing, and telecom
It leverages IBM’s global expertise along with Airtel’s network connectivity to empower India’s digital transformation.
The Government of India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zomato to create 2.5 lakh flexible employment opportunities every year through the National Career Service (NCS) portal under a new ‘Aggregator’ category.
This collaboration aims to formalize gig economy jobs, offering tech-enabled livelihood options for youth and women.
- Aligns with PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY)
- New job listings to be posted around Diwali
- Aims to boost inclusive employment
Curie Money has officially opened its UPI-cum-investment application to all users after a successful beta phase. The platform allows users to make payments and automatically invest unused funds in liquid mutual funds.
Meanwhile, Lxme, a women-centric fintech platform, has introduced LxmePay, a UPI-based payment service with features like:
- Cashbacks
- Digital gold rewards
- Budget tracking tools
These launches followed the Global Fintech Fest 2025, which spotlighted UPI innovations, including AI-driven payment solutions and new fintech products from PhonePe and BharatPe.
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will soon debut in Japan following an MoU between NPCI International and NTT DATA.
This collaboration will enable Indian tourists to make payments by simply scanning QR codes at participating Japanese merchant outlets.
The integration, led by NTT DATA’s CAFIS network—Japan’s largest payment system—will help embed UPI into Japan’s digital payment ecosystem.
With this expansion, UPI will operate in Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, UAE, Qatar, and now Japan.
The Government of India has conferred Mini Ratna status on Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), marking a major milestone in the company’s turnaround journey.
Announced on 14th October 2025, the new designation allows HSL greater operational autonomy, enabling it to:
- Pursue innovation
- Form joint ventures
- Undertake defense manufacturing without prior approvals
HSL’s revival stems from post-2015 reforms, resulting in consistent profits and enhanced contribution to India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals in maritime defense.
🌐 International News
India has been elected unopposed to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026–28 term, marking the seventh time it has joined the 47-member council.
The election by the UN General Assembly highlights India’s steadfast dedication to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Ambassador P. Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, expressed gratitude for the global community’s trust and affirmed that India will work diligently toward the Council’s humanitarian goals.
The United States has pledged $20 billion in financial aid to assist Argentina in stabilizing its economy amid a deep currency crisis.
The announcement followed a White House meeting between President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei.
President Trump cautioned that continued aid would depend on Milei’s party securing victory in the October 26 elections.
Argentina currently faces severe economic strain, with investor confidence declining after provincial election setbacks and backlash against austerity measures like spending cuts and public-sector job reductions initiated in 2023.
👔 Appointments
Anant Goenka, Vice Chairperson of RPG Group, has been declared the President-Elect of FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) for 2025–26.
- Will succeed Harsha Vardhan Agarwal, the current FICCI President and Emami Group’s second-generation leader
- Currently serving as Senior Vice President at FICCI
- Will officially assume the presidency in the upcoming term
🔬 Science & Technology
Muse Wearables, a startup incubated at IIT-Madras, has launched Ring One, a smart wearable ring that enables users to make contactless payments simply by tapping the ring—no phone, card, or wallet required.
Developed in partnership with NPCI, users can link their RuPay cards through the Muse App, which securely stores a tokenized credential inside the ring’s tamper-resistant Secure Element chip.
- Transactions only possible while worn—prevents misuse if misplaced
- Available in 40+ countries
- Integrated with 600 banks
- Combines finance and fitness tracking
Ring One serves as a secure, India-made alternative for wearable payment technology.
📅 Important Days
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed every year on October 17, as designated by the United Nations.
The day goes beyond financial inequality, highlighting the importance of dignity, justice, and inclusive progress.
“Ending social and institutional maltreatment by ensuring respect and effective support for families”
It draws attention to the daily struggles of families facing poverty and urges policymakers to reform welfare systems, ensuring they are grounded in trust, respect, and empowerment rather than bureaucracy.
📤 Found this useful? Help your friends stay updated too!
