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How to use today’s GK page
A quick routine: skim One-Liners → test with the Mini-Quiz → deepen with Short Notes.
Daily revision (5–7 min) Exam-ready structure Mobile friendly

📌 One-Liners

  1. Scroll the categories (they may change daily).
  2. Read the bold title then the short sub-line for context.
  3. Watch for acronyms—today’s quiz/notes expand them.

🧠 Mini-Quiz

  1. Answer the 3 MCQs without peeking.
  2. Tap Submit to reveal answers and explanations (no JS needed).
  3. Note why an option is correct—this locks facts into memory.

📒 Short Notes

  1. Read the 3 compact explainers—each builds on a different topic.
  2. Use them for a quick recap or add to your personal notes.
  3. Great for mains/PI: definitions, timelines, and “why it matters”.
💡 Pro tip: Use the sticky Jump to menu at the top to hop between sections. If you’re short on time, do One-Liners now and the Mini-Quiz + Short Notes later.
GK365 • One-Liners • Edition: 17 Oct 2025
Jump to:
🇮🇳 National 🌍 International 💼 Business 🛡️ Defence 📰 Others 🗓️ Important Days
Fast revision Exam-ready High-yield facts

🇮🇳 National News

  • FASTag Annual Pass Surpasses 25 Lakh Users
    Launched on 15 Aug 2025, the ₹3,000 FASTag Annual Pass hit 25 lakh users and 5.67 crore transactions in two months.
  • IndiaAI Face Authentication Challenge
    IndiaAI announced a ₹2.5 crore challenge to build AI-based face verification for exams; applications close on 25 Oct 2025.
  • WHO Alert on Toxic Indian Cough Syrups
    WHO issued a global warning after detecting 48.6% Diethylene Glycol in syrups tied to 21 child deaths in MP; CDSCO confirmed no exports.

🌍 International News

  • India Elected to UNHRC (2026–28)
    India won an unopposed seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2026–28, its seventh term.
  • US Announces $20 Billion Aid for Argentina
    The US pledged $20 billion to stabilise Argentina’s currency, contingent on Milei’s party winning the 26 Oct elections.

💼 Business News

  • Anant Goenka Named FICCI President-Elect
    RPG Group’s Anant Goenka will serve as FICCI President-elect for 2025–26, succeeding Harsha Vardhan Agarwal.
  • Airtel–IBM Cloud Partnership
    Bharti Airtel partnered with IBM to deliver secure, localised hybrid cloud services under the new Airtel Cloud Platform.
  • Govt–Zomato MoU for Job Creation
    Government of India & Zomato signed an MoU via NCS to enable 2.5 lakh flexible jobs annually under the ‘Aggregator’ category.
  • UPI Expansion in Japan
    NPCI International & NTT DATA inked an MoU to launch UPI in Japan, enabling QR-based payments for Indian tourists.
  • Hindustan Shipyard Gets Mini Ratna Status
    HSL was granted Mini Ratna status, boosting autonomy for defence innovation and joint ventures under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

🛡️ Defence

  • DRDO’s Combat Parachute System Test
    DRDO successfully tested its MCPS at 32,000 ft; supports deployments above 25,000 ft with NavIC-based navigation.

📰 Others

  • IIT-Madras Startup Launches Ring One
    Muse Wearables unveiled Ring One, a smart ring enabling RuPay contactless payments and health tracking with NPCI support.

🗓️ Important Days (Oct 17)

  • International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2025
    Observed on 17 October; theme: “Ending social and institutional maltreatment by ensuring respect and effective support for families.”

🧠 Mini-Quiz: Add to Your Knowledge (3 MCQs)

Pick answers, hit Submit to reveal. Acronyms are expanded in the explanations.
1. Concept • UPI in Japan (NPCI International)
Which company signed an MoU with NPCI International to enable UPI-based QR payments in Japan?
UPI’s Japan Foray — NPCI International & NTT DATA What happened: NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the overseas arm of the National Payments Corporation of India, signed an MoU with NTT DATA to roll out UPI QR acceptance in Japan.
Why it matters: Tourists from India can pay via familiar QR workflows, reducing card dependence and FX frictions.
Context: UPI (Unified Payments Interface) enables instant, bank-to-bank transfers; international tie-ups extend its interoperable rails abroad.
2. Concept • DRDO MCPS (High-Altitude Parachuting with NavIC)
DRDO tested its Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) at which maximum altitude?
MCPS — Altitude & Navigation Key test: The Military Combat Parachute System was validated at 32,000 ft, with capability for deployments above 25,000 ft.
Nav system: It integrates NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) for precise positioning and routing during HAHO/HALO insertions.
Why it matters: High-altitude airdrops expand special operations reach, improve standoff safety, and allow stealthy, long-glide entries.
3. Concept • FASTag Annual Pass (Electronic Toll Collection)
What is the annual fee for the newly launched FASTag Annual Pass?
FASTag Annual Pass — Pricing & Purpose Fee: ₹3,000 per year for an all-India electronic tolling pass linked to FASTag.
Why launched: To simplify toll budgeting for frequent travellers and reduce plaza congestion by encouraging consistent FASTag usage.
Adoption: Within two months of its 15 Aug 2025 launch, the pass reportedly reached 25 lakh users and over 5.67 crore transactions, indicating rapid uptake.

📒 Short Notes: Why Stop at One-Liners?

Three compact explainers on different topics (no overlap with the quiz).

WHO Alert on Toxic Cough Syrups (DEG — Diethylene Glycol) Public Health

What: The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a global alert after detecting 48.6% Diethylene Glycol (DEG) in certain Indian syrups linked to 21 child deaths in Madhya Pradesh; India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) said there were no exports from these batches.

How: Alerts trigger state regulator checks, batch tracing, and recalls under Drugs & Cosmetics rules; manufacturers must verify excipient purity (e.g., glycerin/propylene glycol) and maintain validated supplier audits and certificates of analysis.

Why: DEG is a toxic glycol that can cause acute kidney injury and metabolic acidosis; the episode underscores stronger pharmacovigilance, better supply-chain testing, and stricter process controls for pediatric formulations.

India’s Election to the UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council) United Nations

What: India was elected unopposed to the UNHRC for 2026–28, marking its seventh term on the 47-member Geneva-based body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally.

How: Members are chosen by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) via secret ballot and regional group allocations; elected states serve three-year terms and participate in sessions, resolutions, and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.

Why: Membership lets India shape norms on digital rights, development, and humanitarian issues, while showcasing domestic reforms and engaging partners on capacity-building and rights-compatible growth.

HSL — Hindustan Shipyard Limited Gets Mini Ratna Status PSU Governance

What: Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) received Mini Ratna status, granting greater managerial and financial autonomy as a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) in defence shipbuilding and repairs.

How: Mini Ratna recognition typically raises delegated powers for investment, joint ventures, and technology tie-ups subject to performance and compliance benchmarks, speeding decision-making versus standard PSU approvals.

Why: Enhanced autonomy can accelerate capacity expansion, modernisation, and collaborations with Indian and global OEMs, aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals in maritime security and indigenisation.

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