📊 Index & Rankings
According to the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), India has advanced to the 9th position globally in total forest area, while maintaining its 3rd place for annual forest gain.
- 9th globally in total forest area
- 3rd globally in annual forest gain
This milestone underscores the success of government-led efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including major afforestation programs, robust forest conservation policies, and people-driven initiatives like the “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam” campaign.
🇮🇳 National News
The INS Sahyadri has arrived in Yokosuka, Japan, to take part in the India-Japan Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX 25), underscoring the growing strategic partnership between both nations.
Conducted west of Kyushu Island from October 16–17, the exercise featured Japan’s JS Asahi, JS Oumi, a submarine, and assets from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
The joint operation aims to enhance tactical interoperability, coordination, and maritime security across the Indo-Pacific region as part of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
During the 8th session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH), international standards for vanilla, large cardamom, and coriander were officially finalized.
With these additions, the total number of Codex spice standards now stands at 19.
- Formed in 2013 at India’s request
- Operates under the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)—a joint FAO-WHO body
- Hosted by India’s Spices Board under the Ministry of Commerce
- Secretariat functions from Kochi
- Standards recognized under the WTO’s SPS Agreement
The Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems (SAIME) project, developed by the Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS), has earned Global Technical Recognition from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The initiative promotes climate-resilient shrimp farming in the Sundarbans mangrove region, integrating environmental preservation with economic empowerment.
- Mangrove conservation
- Reduction of blue carbon emissions
- Empowerment of local farmers
- Enhanced market linkages through certification
The model has been supported by the Global Nature Fund and several partner organizations.
💼 Business & Economy
As of 2025, India has exceeded $20 billion in combined and fresh investment commitments in artificial intelligence (AI), as reported by the Ministry of Electronics and IT.
This milestone represents a major leap toward India’s vision of becoming a global leader in AI development.
- Stanford AI Index Report 2025: India’s private AI investments from 2013–2024 amounted to $11.1 billion
- Combined with government-backed contributions: $12.3 billion
- Current investments closely match those of Canada
OpenAI has unveiled ChatGPT Atlas, a cutting-edge AI-powered web browser for macOS that seamlessly integrates ChatGPT into everyday browsing.
- Contextual assistance and built-in memory
- Agent mode for form filling, online shopping, and scheduling tasks
- Sidebar for multitasking and inline writing suggestions
- Search-chat hybrid interface
- Optional memory settings for user privacy
Atlas is now available to Free, Plus, Pro, and Go users, with Windows and mobile versions set to release soon.
During the festive season spanning Navratri to Diwali, India’s retail industry achieved record-breaking sales worth ₹5.4 lakh crore in goods and ₹65,000 crore in services, marking a 25% increase over last year’s figures.
| Category | Sales Value |
|---|---|
| Goods | ₹5.4 lakh crore |
| Services | ₹65,000 crore |
| YoY Growth | 25% |
A CAIT (Confederation of All India Traders) survey revealed that 72% of traders experienced improved sales performance. The surge was largely driven by GST rate reductions on popular items such as confectionery, footwear, consumer durables, and home decor.
🌐 International News
India and the United Kingdom have jointly launched the Ramanujan Junior Researchers Programme, a new research fellowship supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
The initiative offers young Indian physicists and mathematicians the opportunity to engage in collaborative research at the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences (LIMS).
- Modeled after the historic 1913 partnership between Srinivasa Ramanujan and G.H. Hardy
- Supports PhD-level research visits
- Three-year postdoctoral fellowships
- Spearheaded by the Indian High Commission in the UK
India has upgraded its Technical Mission in Kabul to a full-fledged Embassy of India in Afghanistan, marking its first major diplomatic re-establishment since the Taliban takeover in 2021.
The announcement coincided with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit, during which both sides discussed expanding cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, healthcare, and resource development.
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s long-term commitment to Afghanistan
- Delivered 20 ambulances as part of humanitarian assistance
- Plans to increase flights and collaborate on new development projects
Rodrigo Paz has been elected the new President of Bolivia, ending two decades of socialist governance led by Evo Morales. He secured 54.5% of the vote, running on a platform promoting market-oriented reforms and “capitalism for all.”
- Confronting high inflation, fuel shortages, and declining reserves
- Pledged to implement tax cuts, decentralization, and economic reforms
- Plans to maintain essential social programs
- Will require parliamentary cooperation to achieve goals
Peruvian President Jose Jeri has declared a 30-day state of emergency in the capital city Lima and the port region Callao, in response to escalating crime rates and violent protests.
The order authorizes the deployment of armed forces alongside police to ensure law and order.
Jeri asserted that the government will shift “from defense to offense” to restore public peace and trust following unrest that resulted in one fatality and over 100 injuries.
📅 Important Days
The Gujarati New Year, known as Bestu Varas, will be celebrated on 22 October 2025, marking the beginning of Kartik Sud Ekam in the Vikram Samvat 2082 calendar.
Falling immediately after Diwali, it represents a time for spiritual renewal, business inaugurations through Chopda Pujan, and cultural festivities.
- Rooted in ancient Vikram Samvat traditions
- Associated with the legend of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill
- Includes home decorations, temple visits, traditional attire
- Exchange of greetings “Saal Mubarak”
- Community gatherings among the Gujarati diaspora worldwide
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