🇮🇳 National News
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has begun deploying 3D laser-equipped Network Survey Vehicles (NSVs) across 23 Indian states, covering over 20,933 km of national highways.
This move is part of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ larger mission to apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving road infrastructure management.
- Captures detailed data on road conditions using advanced 3D laser sensors
- Identifies cracks, potholes, patches, and pavement deterioration automatically
- Enables data-driven approach to highway upgrades, repairs, and policy decisions
Kerala is poised to become the first Indian state officially declared “free from extreme poverty” on November 1, 2025, at an event in Thiruvananthapuram to be led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme, launched in 2021, was among the first major decisions of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s second term.
- Integrated housing, nutrition, healthcare, education, and employment support
- Multi-dimensional and sustainable approach
- Transition beneficiaries from aid dependency to economic stability
- “Extreme poverty” refers to families without basic income, food security, housing, or healthcare access
Chennai has become the first Indian city to fully implement the Real-Time Flood Forecasting and Spatial Decision Support System (RTFF & SDSS) as of October 2025.
The system covers an area of 4,974 sq km, spanning Chennai and nearby districts, focusing on major river basins like the Adyar, Cooum, Kosasthalaiyar, and Kovalam rivers.
- Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs)
- Automatic Weather Stations (AWS)
- Automatic Water Level Recorders (AWLRs)
- Gate Sensors (GS)
The system allows authorities to map flood-prone zones, predict inundation, and plan early interventions for better disaster response.
💼 Business & Economy
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) made its first-ever investment through the AgriSURE Fund during the Global Fintech Festival (GFF) 2025.
The AgriSURE Fund, jointly promoted with the Union Ministry of Agriculture, focuses on driving innovation in the agri-fintech ecosystem.
- Fambo Innovation Pvt Ltd – First investee; connects farmers and FPOs with food businesses
- Kuberjee Tech Pvt Ltd – Advanced financial technology solutions
- NAVADHAN Capital – Credit accessibility for small and marginal farmers
- SLO Technologies (Advarisk) – Real-time collateral management platform
The newly launched RuralTech CoLab portal at GFF 2025 aims to bring together fintech, agritech, and digital service providers for inclusive solutions for rural India.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has integrated 9,000 circulars—including earlier master circulars—into 238 comprehensive Master Directions.
This consolidation includes all regulatory instructions issued up to October 9, 2025, and covers 11 types of regulated financial entities.
- Commercial Banks, Small Finance Banks, Payments Banks
- Local Area Banks, Regional Rural Banks
- Urban Co-operative Banks, Rural Co-operative Banks
- All-India Financial Institutions, NBFCs
- Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs), Credit Information Companies
Directions issued by NABARD for Regional Rural Banks and Co-operative Banks have also been incorporated.
Jio Payments Bank Limited (JPBL), a subsidiary of Jio Financial Services, has won the contract to deploy Multi-lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling systems at two toll plazas on the Gurugram–Jaipur National Highway.
The MLFF system enables barrier-free toll collection using FASTag and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.
- Part of NHAI project executed through IHMCL
- Out of five MLFF bids awarded across India, JPBL has secured two
- Currently manages toll operations at 11 plazas nationwide
- In FY2025–26, MLFF will launch at 25 National Highway plazas
Insurance Samadhan, a grievance redressal platform, has partnered with Jaagruk Bharat, a digital awareness platform, to fight against insurance mis-selling.
The collaboration focuses on educating citizens about unethical selling practices and empowering them to recognize and report such incidents.
- Jaagruk Bharat will lead digital awareness campaigns
- Produce educational materials and storytelling initiatives
- Inform people about warning signs of insurance fraud and mis-selling
- Promote a simpler, transparent, and trustworthy insurance ecosystem
👔 Appointments
Indian-American expert Paul Kapur has taken charge as the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs under the Trump administration.
He was among 107 nominees approved by the US Senate for senior government positions and succeeds Donald Lu (September 2021 – January 2025).
13 countries: India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Born in New Delhi to an Indian father and American mother, Kapur is recognized for his expertise in security and strategic affairs.
Dame Sarah Mullally has been appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury designate, making her the first woman ever to hold the highest office in the Church of England.
She will officially assume office in January 2026, following the confirmation of her election and enthronement ceremony.
- Ordained in 2006
- Became first female Bishop of London in 2018 (third-highest position)
- Aged 63; formerly worked in the NHS
- Became the youngest Chief Nursing Officer in 1999
- Leadership marked by organizational reform, diversity promotion, and inclusive leadership
📅 Important Days
United Nations Day is celebrated annually on October 24 to mark the formation of the United Nations Organisation (UNO) in 1945.
The UN Charter was signed during the San Francisco Conference, attended by 50 founding nations.
- Promote global peace
- Combat poverty and reduce inequality
- Advocate reducing fossil fuel dependence
- Transition toward renewable energy sources
World Polio Day is observed annually on October 24 to raise awareness about polio eradication efforts.
“End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere.”
Polio is a contagious disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to permanent paralysis.
| Vaccine | Developed By | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine | Jonas Salk | 1955 |
| Oral Polio Vaccine | Albert Sabin | 1962 |
Rotary International and WHO jointly launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988.
World Development Information Day is observed every year on October 24 to emphasize the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in addressing global development challenges.
It was established following a UN General Assembly resolution passed on December 19, 1972, after a Conference on Trade and Development held on May 17, 1972.
- Use technology to encourage public participation
- Reduce conflicts among nations through better communication
- Observed since 1973 to celebrate ICT-driven progress
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) celebrates its Raising Day every year on October 24 to honour its role in guarding India’s borders with China.
The ITBP was established after the 1962 Indo-China war, fought in the Himalayan high-altitude regions.
- Created as a specialized unit under the CRPF
- Comprises about 85,000 personnel in specialized battalions
- Operates at extreme altitudes across Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh
- Serves as the first line of defence on India’s northern frontier
📤 Found this useful? Help your friends stay updated too!
