🇮🇳 National News
📊 Index & Rankings
The IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4 Report identifies climate change as the greatest threat to about 43% of natural World Heritage sites.
Rising temperatures, invasive species, and emerging wildlife diseases are contributing to the deterioration of these globally significant sites.
The report calls for immediate climate adaptation measures, stronger governance, and increased Indigenous community participation to protect these biodiversity hotspots vital for ecological balance and cultural heritage.
🇮🇳 National News
The Siddi Tribal Community, of Indo-African descent, traces its origins to the Bantu people of Africa, who arrived in India between the 7th and 16th centuries through Arab traders and later Portuguese and British colonizers, often as slaves or laborers.
Presently, Siddis primarily inhabit Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana.
- Recognized as a Scheduled Tribe and classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the Government of India in 2003
- Livelihood depends on agriculture, forest produce, and manual labor
- Speaks Konkani, Urdu, and Marathi
- Known for folk dances like Dhamal and Rasda
Recently, the Siddi community’s literacy rate crossed 72%, earning special recognition from the President of India.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, under the Accessible India Campaign, has relaunched the Sugamya Bharat App to strengthen accessibility for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) and the elderly.
Developed by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), the app enables users to:
- Map and report accessibility features of public spaces
- Access a centralized database of government schemes, education and job listings
- Register complaints through an integrated grievance redressal system
The new version supports assistive technologies, is available in 10 Indian languages, and features an AI-powered chatbot for instant user assistance.
The Semiconductor Innovation Museum was inaugurated in Hyderabad on October 12, 2025, by the Technology Chip Innovation Program (T-Chip).
The museum aims to promote innovation, research, and public engagement in India’s rapidly expanding semiconductor ecosystem.
- India’s first indigenous AI chip
- AI-driven humanoid robots
- A prototype of a reusable rocket engine
It serves as a platform for talent discovery, research collaboration, and investor engagement, supporting India’s ambition to become a global semiconductor hub.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched two major agricultural initiatives during a special event in New Delhi:
| Scheme | Allocation |
|---|---|
| PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana | ₹24,000 crore |
| Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses | ₹11,440 crore |
These programs aim to boost farm productivity, encourage sustainable practices, and make India self-reliant in pulse production.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation for agriculture-related projects worth over ₹42,000 crore.
PM Modi highlighted India’s achievements in agricultural exports, food output, and infrastructure, while urging farmers to diversify crops to support the nation’s inclusive growth.
The Indian Army is hosting the UN Troop Contributing Countries’ Chiefs’ Conclave in New Delhi from October 14.
Military leaders from 32 countries participating in UN peacekeeping missions will attend the three-day event.
The discussions will address operational challenges, emerging threats, and best practices in peacekeeping operations.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar
- UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix
The gathering reinforces the idea of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world as one family—by promoting global military cooperation.
The fourth edition of the India-Australia Joint Military Exercise “AUSTRAHIND 2025” commenced on October 13 in Perth, Australia.
A 120-member Indian Army contingent, led by a Gorkha Rifles Battalion, is participating in the exercise.
- Joint tactical operations
- Interoperability
- Sub-conventional warfare strategies in urban and semi-desert environments
- Technology integration and defense cooperation
Book: “Mahatma Gandhi and the Environment: Analysing Gandhian Environmental Thought”
Author: T.N. Khoshoo
This book delves into Mahatma Gandhi’s environmental philosophy, highlighting its modern-day relevance in addressing climate change, sustainability, and resource depletion.
It explores Gandhi’s ideals of simplicity, minimalism, and harmony between humans and nature, advocating that genuine progress should never come at the cost of the environment or human welfare.
“The earth has enough for everyone’s need, but not for everyone’s greed.” — Mahatma Gandhi
💼 Business & Economy
Netflix India, the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT), and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) have joined forces to develop India’s AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics & Extended Reality) talent ecosystem.
The collaboration brings together:
- IICT’s academic expertise
- FICCI’s industry network
- Netflix’s creative leadership to train the next generation of creative technology professionals
- IICT will design industry-aligned curricula
- Students gain hands-on experience through workshops, masterclasses, and lectures
- Scholarships through the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity
During the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in May 2025, similar partnerships were signed by Nvidia, Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Adobe, positioning India as a global AVGC-XR innovation hub.
The combined Assets Under Management (AUM) of the National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) have surpassed ₹16 lakh crore, marking a new milestone in India’s pension reforms.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Combined AUM | ₹16+ lakh crore |
| Subscriber Base | 9+ crore |
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has implemented several new measures to expand coverage and improve investment flexibility.
The Multiple Scheme Framework (MSF)—effective from October 1, 2025—offers greater investment options to subscribers, enhancing both returns and control over retirement planning.
HSBC has pledged $1 billion under its Innovation Banking platform to support Indian startups at early and growth stages.
The fund will provide non-dilutive debt capital (such as working capital and term loans), enabling founders to retain equity while scaling their businesses.
India has become the 13th country to benefit from HSBC’s Innovation Banking services, which offer end-to-end lifecycle support from seed to IPO.
This move will strengthen the venture debt ecosystem, foster founder ownership, and contribute to India’s vision of becoming a $1 trillion startup economy by 2030.
For the first time, the Government of India has allowed private sector professionals to apply for senior positions in public sector banks (PSBs).
These include one of SBI’s four Managing Director (MD) posts and several Executive Director (ED) roles across PSBs.
The reform aims to bring fresh expertise and competitiveness to the banking sector, which traditionally promoted candidates internally.
- MDs: Minimum 21 years of experience with significant board-level exposure
- EDs: At least 18 years of banking experience with leadership in large organizations
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched the Unified Markets Interface (UMI)—a cutting-edge financial platform enabling tokenization of financial assets and settlements using wholesale Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
The initiative aims to improve market transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity.
Governor Sanjay Malhotra emphasized the role of the Account Aggregator (AA) framework in enabling secure financial data sharing.
- AI-based UPI HELP
- IoT Payments with UPI
These aim to enhance data security and user experience.
🌐 International News
Surangel Whipps Jr., President of Palau, made history by conducting the world’s first live underwater interview using Li-Fi technology, which transmits data via light—ideal for underwater communication.
The conversation, held under the Pacific Ocean with marine activist Merle Liivand, focused on ocean conservation, coral bleaching, and climate threats to small island nations.
The event underscored the existential risks faced by Pacific islands and the urgent need for marine ecosystem preservation through global cooperation.
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences has been awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt for their pioneering research on innovation-led economic growth.
Their work elaborates on the theory of creative destruction, explaining how technological innovation drives economies from stagnation to sustained prosperity.
The trio’s findings highlight the importance of scientific progress, cultural adaptability, and institutional openness in promoting long-term development.
The IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) recognized 13 forest rangers and teams from 13 countries with the 2025 International Ranger Awards for their bravery and dedication to conserving wildlife and forests.
India’s Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh attended the ceremony, lauding rangers as unsung heroes who protect nature despite life-threatening challenges.
The event also marked the release of the “Guardians of the Wild” report, which underlines the essential role of rangers in conservation and the global need for greater support and recognition of their work.
📅 Important Days
World Standards Day is celebrated every year on October 14.
The day provides an opportunity to enhance global understanding of the significance of standardization and to raise awareness about its importance in various sectors.
“A Shared Vision for a Better World: Standards for Sustainable Development Goals” — emphasizing the role of international standards in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A milestone for India’s technology sector — the Semiconductor Innovation Museum was inaugurated in Hyderabad by the Technology Chip Innovation Program (T-Chip).
This first-of-its-kind museum in India aims to:
- Encourage public participation
- Strengthen industry-academia collaboration
- Advance awareness within the semiconductor and electronics ecosystem
On World Mental Health Day (October 10, 2025), Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda unveiled new features under the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS).
New Features:
- Multi-lingual UI in 10 regional languages — Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Odia, and Punjabi (plus English & Hindi)
- Accessibility features for visually impaired users
- Chatbot named ‘Asmi’ for mental health queries
- Emergency response module for crisis assistance
Exercise Konkan 2025 was conducted off India’s western coast from October 5–9, 2025, marking the first-ever Combined Carrier Strike Group (CSG) exercise between India and UK.
| Country | Aircraft Carrier | Class/Details |
|---|---|---|
| India | INS Vikrant | Indigenous |
| UK | HMS Prince of Wales | 65,000-tonne Queen Elizabeth-class |
Allied participants: Norway and Japan. HMS Richmond (Royal Navy frigate) docked at Mumbai Port.
Key Activities: Air combat missions, anti-submarine warfare, coordinated surveillance, fleet defence, maritime interdiction operations.
Initiated in 2004, Exercise Konkan is held biennially to boost interoperability. The 2025 edition showcased joint tactical proficiency and blue-water capabilities.
Laapataa Ladies emerged as the biggest winner, securing 13 awards.
| Category | Winner(s) | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Film | — | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Director | Kiran Rao | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Actor (Male) | Abhishek Bachchan, Kartik Aaryan | I Want To Talk, Chandu Champion |
| Best Actor (Female) | Alia Bhatt | Jigra |
| Critics’ Best Actor (Male) | Rajkummar Rao | Srikanth |
| Critics’ Best Actor (Female) | Pratibha Rannta | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Supporting Actor (Male) | Ravi Kishan | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Supporting Actor (Female) | Chhaya Kadam | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Debut Actor (Male) | Lakshya | Kill |
| Best Debut Actor (Female) | Nitanshi Goel | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Music Album | Ram Sampath | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Playback Singer (Male) | Arijit Singh | Laapataa Ladies |
| Best Playback Singer (Female) | Madhubanti Bagchi | Stree 2 |
| Lifetime Achievement | Zeenat Aman, Shyam Benegal (Posthumous) | |
Kill dominated technical categories — winning Action, Editing, Cinematography, Sound Design, and Production Design.
💼 Business & Economy
HDFC Bank unveiled ‘My Business QR’ at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025 — India’s first commerce identity QR.
- Designed to assist small retailers in transitioning from offline to online platforms
- Joint effort between HDFC Bank and Vyaparify
- Integrated within the SmartHub Vyapar merchant app
- Currently supports over 2 million merchants across India
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has updated guidelines on Merchanting Trade Transactions (MTT) for enhanced operational flexibility.
| Parameter | Previous | Revised |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Exchange Outlay Period | 4 months | 6 months |
| Overall Transaction Completion | 9 months | 9 months (unchanged) |
Issued under Sections 10(4) and 11(1) of FEMA, 1999. Changes effective immediately.
Merchanting trade refers to cases where Indian traders buy goods from foreign sellers and resell to foreign buyers without goods physically entering India.
🌐 International News
Pakistan successfully carried out a training launch of its newly inducted Fatah-4 ground-launched cruise missile.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Range | 750 km |
| Origin | Indigenously developed |
| Launch Platform | Transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) vehicles |
| Navigation | GPS + Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) |
Improves mobility and rapid deployment with high targeting precision.
👔 Appointments
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has promoted Smt. Sonali Sen Gupta to the position of Executive Director (ED) effective October 9, 2025.
Previous Role: Regional Director for Karnataka at RBI’s Bangalore Regional Office.
Experience: Over 30 years in Financial Inclusion, HRM, Banking Regulation, and Supervision.
Key Representations:
- G20’s Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI)
- OECD’s International Network on Financial Education (INFE)
- Director on Board of NCFE
- RBI’s Nominee Director on Indian Overseas Bank Board
Consumer Education and Protection Department, Financial Inclusion and Development Department, and Inspection Department.
🔬 Science & Technology
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is preparing for the first flight test of the ‘Dhvani’ hypersonic missile by end of 2025.
This will make India part of an elite group — the U.S., Russia, and China — with hypersonic weapon technology.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) |
| Speed | Beyond Mach 6 (~7,400 km/h) |
| Range | 6,000–10,000 km |
| Dimensions | ~9m long × 5m wide |
| Design | Blended wing-body |
Speed is nearly double that of BrahMos. Range is almost twice that of Agni-V ICBM.
📅 Important Days
World Arthritis Day is observed on October 12 every year to raise awareness about joint-related conditions.
2025 Theme: “Achieve Your Dreams”
- Established by the Arthritis Foundation
- Term originates from Greek — “arthro” (joint) + “itis” (inflammation)
- Evidence suggests arthritis existed as early as 4500 B.C., even affecting dinosaurs
- William Musgrave first classified it in his 1715 book “De Arthritide Symptomatica”
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) is observed annually on October 13.
2025 Theme: “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters”
The day highlights global progress in reducing disaster risks, saving lives, and protecting economies and health systems.
Originally known as “International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction”. On December 21, 2009, the UN changed the date to October 13 and renamed it to better reflect its broader focus.
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