Daily Current Affairs 08th October 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Tata Capital to Launch Rs 15,511 Crore initial public offering, Largest Ever by Tata Group and NBFC

• Tata Capital is launching a Rs 15,511 crore initial public offering (IPO), the largest-ever IPO by the Tata Group and any NBFC, opening on October 6, 2025.
• The IPO values Tata Capital at Rs 1,31,591 – 1,38,383 crore, with a price band of Rs 310-326 per share.
• MUFG Intime India Pvt Ltd is appointed as the IPO registrar, while ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank are the sponsor banks.
• This is the Tata Group’s second public listing in recent years, after Tata Technologies in November 2023.
• Tata Capital was designated as an upper-layer NBFC in September 2022, and the IPO is being conducted per RBI’s listing mandate requiring upper-layer NBFCs to list within three years of classification.
• Tata Sons currently holds 88.6% stake, and IFC holds 1.8%.
• IPO proceeds will be used to strengthen Tata Capital’s Tier-1 capital base, supporting future capital requirements and onward lending.

India’s External Debt Rises to USD 747.2 Billion by June 2025: RBI

• As per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, India’s external debt stood at USD 747.2 billion at the end of June 2025, up by USD 11.2 billion from end-March 2025.
• External debt to GDP ratio slightly moderated to 18.9% at end-June 2025 from 19.1% at end-March 2025.
• The rise in debt includes a valuation loss of USD 5.1 billion due to depreciation of the US dollar against the Indian rupee, yen, euro, and SDR.
• Long-term debt increased to USD 611.7 billion, up by USD 10.3 billion over the previous quarter.
• US dollar-denominated debt was the largest component at 53.8%, followed by Indian rupee (30.6%), yen (6.6%), SDR (4.6%), and euro (3.5%).
• Non-government sector debt increased while general government debt decreased; largest shares were held by non-financial corporations (35.9%), deposit-taking corporations excluding central banks (27.4%), general government (22.5%), and other financial corporations (9.5%).
• Loans formed the largest component of external debt at 34.8%, followed by currency & deposits (23%), trade credit & advances (17.7%), and debt securities (16.8%).
• Debt service (principal + interest payments) was 6.6% of current receipts, same as end-March 2025.

Asian Development Bank retains India’s FY26 growth forecast at 6.5%, trims FY27 estimate to 6.5%

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected India’s GDP growth at 6.5% for FY26 and FY27, remaining unchanged from the July FY26 forecast but slightly lower than the 6.7% estimate for FY27 made earlier.
• ADB noted India’s strong 7.8% growth in Q1 FY26, but cautioned that high US tariffs could slow growth in the second half of FY26 and FY27.
• For the South Asia region, ADB forecasted 5.9% growth in 2025, with India among the fastest-growing economies, second only to Bhutan.
• ADB is a leading multilateral development bank that promotes inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific.
• The ADB headquarters is located in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines, with 31 field offices worldwide.

Foreign Portfolio Investor Holdings in Indian G-Secs Drop to 6.7% in September 2025 from 7.1% in March

• Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) holdings in Indian Government Securities (G-Secs) fell to 6.7% of outstanding G-Secs as of September 19, 2025, down from 7.1% in March 2025.
• The decline was attributed to narrowing India–US 10-year yield spread, rupee depreciation pressure, and global market caution amid geopolitical tensions and higher US import tariffs.

Key Highlights :

• Despite the decline, current FPI holdings remain higher than the June 2024 level (4.6%), recorded when India’s bonds were included in the JPMorgan GBI-EM index.
• As of September 19, 2025, the aggregate value of FPI holdings in G-Secs stood at ₹3,02,577 crore.
• FPI inflows, which had surged after India’s inclusion in global bond indices, slowed in 2025 due to the narrowing yield spread.
• Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) involves foreign investors buying financial assets such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds in another country without taking control of the companies.

RBI FPI Investment Limits (FY 2025–26)

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that investment limits for FPIs in debt instruments for FY 2025–26 remain unchanged.
• The FPI investment limits are:
• 6% of outstanding stock for Government Securities (G-Secs)
• 2% for State Government Securities (SGSs)
• 15% for corporate bonds

AU Small Finance Bank partners with Kiwi to launch AU KOSMO Credit Card for digital-first UPI-based credit access

• AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) has launched the AU KOSMO Credit Card in collaboration with Kiwi, a Credit on UPI platform, to promote digital-first credit access.
• The AU KOSMO Credit Card is built on the RuPay network and enables credit payments via UPI at both online and offline merchants, enhancing cashless transactions.
• The card specifically targets first-time credit users, including young professionals and tech-savvy consumers, and supports fully digital onboarding.
• It offers benefits such as rewards on UPI payments, 1% fuel surcharge waiver, and the ability to pay using any UPI-enabled QR code without needing a physical card.
• The card comes with no annual or renewal fees, making it affordable and accessible for a wider customer base.
• The initiative aligns with AU SFB’s mission to enhance financial inclusion across urban, semi-urban, and rural regions through innovative digital credit solutions.

National Stock Exchange surpasses 120 million active investors, marking a key milestone in India’s capital market expansion

• The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has crossed 120 million active investors as of September 23, 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s capital market growth.
• The latest 10 million investors were added in just eight months, reflecting the rapid expansion of retail participation in equity markets.
• One in every four investors is a woman, indicating a rising trend of female participation in financial markets.
• The NSE had earlier crossed the 110 million investor mark in January 2025, showing consistent growth.
• The total number of investor accounts registered with NSE stood at 235 million as of September 23, 2025.
• As of August 31, 2025, three states recorded over one crore unique registered investors — Maharashtra (1.9 crore), Uttar Pradesh (1.4 crore), and Gujarat (1.03 crore).
• Maharashtra leads the nation in investor participation, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, highlighting regional diversification in market access.

HSBC unveils world’s first empirical proof of quantum computing’s potential in algorithmic bond trading

• HSBC announced the world’s first empirical evidence demonstrating the potential of quantum computers in solving real-world problems related to algorithmic bond trading.
• The pilot project achieved a 34% improvement in predicting whether a bond trade would be filled at a quoted price, giving HSBC a competitive advantage over classical computing
• Quantum computing uses quantum physics principles to perform complex calculations faster than traditional computers, though its practical applications are still limited.
• According to McKinsey, the quantum technology market could expand to $100 billion within a decade, up from $4 billion in revenue last year.

BRICS-Backed New Development Bank to Launch First Rupee-Denominated Bond in India by March 2026

• The New Development Bank (NDB), backed by BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), plans to issue its first rupee-denominated bond in the domestic market before March 2026.
• The bank is in advanced talks with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to finalize its debut rupee issuance.
• NDB aims to raise $400–500 million through 3–5 year bonds in the first tranche.
• Previously, the NDB has raised funds in Chinese yuan and South African rand, showing its preference for local currency financing.
• Multilateral agencies, such as the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC), have earlier issued rupee-denominated bonds, which received strong investor demand.
• Founded in 2015, the NDB has raised about one-third of its $11 billion bond issues in local currencies, mainly in yuan and rand, and now plans to expand into other BRICS currencies.
• As per its 2022–26 strategy, the NDB has set a goal to provide 30% of its total financing commitments in member countries’ national currencies, supporting financial stability and currency diversification.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Cabinet Approves Four Multi-Tracking Rail Projects Worth Rs. 24,634 Crore

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved four major Indian Railways projects costing 24,634 crore.

Key Highlights

• Projects include:
– Wardha–Bhusawal – 3rd & 4th line, 314 km (Maharashtra)
– Gondia–Dongargarh – 4th line, 84 km (Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh)
– Vadodara–Ratlam – 3rd & 4th line, 259 km (Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh)
– Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina – 4th line, 237 km (Madhya Pradesh)

• Total coverage spans 18 districts, increasing the railway network by 894 km.

• Connectivity will reach approx. 3,633 villages, serving a population of 85.84 lakh, including two Aspirational Districts (Vidisha and Rajnandgaon).

• Projects are planned under PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency.

• Improves mobility, operational efficiency, and service reliability, reducing congestion and streamlining operations.

• Rail connectivity includes tourist destinations like Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka Rock Shelter, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park.

• Supports transportation of coal, containers, cement, fly ash, food grains, steel, with additional freight capacity of 78 MTPA.

• Environmentally beneficial: reduces oil imports by 28 crore litres and CO₂ emissions by 139 crore kg, equivalent to six crore trees, contributing to climate goals and lowering logistics costs.

68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference 2025 – Indian Delegation in Barbados

• An Indian Parliamentary Delegation, led by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, is attending the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Bridgetown, Barbados, from 5–12 October 2025, serving as a platform for dialogue on democracy, technological transformation, and inclusive governance.

Key Highlights

• The conference, organized by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), focuses on the theme “The Commonwealth – A Global Partner”, emphasizing democracy, sustainable development, and digital inclusion.
• The delegation includes Shri Om Birla, Shri Harivansh, Shri Anurag Sharma, Dr. D. Purandeswari, Dr. K. Sudhakar, Smt. Rekha Sharma, Dr. Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade, along with 36 Presiding Officers and 16 Secretaries from 24 State and Union Territory Legislatures.
• Shri Om Birla will address the General Assembly highlighting India’s commitment to multilateralism, democratic cooperation, and equitable growth, and will chair a workshop on digital democracy, focusing on citizen engagement, legislative transparency, and bridging digital inequalities.
• Shri Anurag Sharma will participate in Executive Committee meetings as CPA Treasurer, and Dr. D. Purandeswari will represent India in the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Steering Committee, advocating gender-sensitive parliaments and inclusive policymaking.
• Presiding Officers and Secretaries from Indian legislatures will attend sessions on parliamentary accountability, youth engagement, and climate-resilient policymaking.
• Shri Om Birla will hold bilateral meetings with Speakers and Presiding Officers from other Commonwealth countries, meet the Barbados leadership, and interact with the Indian diaspora, reinforcing India’s cultural and diplomatic ties.
• India’s participation showcases parliamentary reforms such as e-Parliament and NeVA (National e-Vidhan Application), strengthens South-South cooperation, enhances its leadership role in democratic norms, and promotes gender-sensitive parliaments and digital inclusivity.

Telangana’s Bathukamma Festival Sets Two Guinness World Records

• Telangana’s Bathukamma Festival achieved two Guinness World Records — for the largest floral arrangement and the most synchronized female dance participants, showcasing the festival’s cultural richness and collective spirit.
  • The record-breaking floral structure was created by around 300 artisans using metal, bamboo, and thousands of flowers, taking 72 hours to complete and highlighting Bathukamma’s floral heritage.

Key Highlights

• The synchronized dance event featured thousands of women performing traditional steps in concentric circles, reflecting coordination and cultural unity among Telangana’s women.
• Bathukamma, meaning “Mother Goddess Come Alive,” is a floral festival celebrated mainly in Telangana, dedicated to Goddess Gauri and symbolizing feminine energy, fertility, and prosperity.
• Key rituals include creating flower stacks with seasonal blooms like gunuka, marigold, chrysanthemum, arranged in temple-shaped patterns, offered with prayers, and placed in ponds or water bodies on the final day.
• Participants sing folk songs and dance around the floral arrangements, celebrating life, nature, and community bonds.
• The festival has mythological roots, linked to Goddess Gauri and the folklore of Chola dynasty’s King Dharmangada and Queen Satyavati, whose prayers for a daughter were answered with the birth of Goddess Lakshmi, incarnated as Bathukamma.
• Bathukamma coincides with Navratri, celebrating victory of good over evil, divine femininity, and the harvest season.
• The festival has ecological significance (promoting eco-friendly floral offerings), agrarian relevance (post-monsoon harvest cycles), and social impact by empowering rural women and reinforcing female solidarity.
• The dual Guinness records have enhanced Telangana’s cultural pride, provided national and international visibility, and support initiatives to promote state festivals globally, boost cultural tourism, and encourage youth participation in heritage preservation.

About Telangana:

• Capital: Hyderabad
• Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
• Chief Minister: Anumula Revanth Reddy
• National Parks: Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park, Mrugavani National Park, Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• The Kagaznagar forest division in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district, Telangana, has witnessed an exceptional sight — the Blue Pinkgill mushroom (Entoloma hochstetteri), a species otherwise native to New Zealand.

India’s First Dugong Conservation Reserve Recognized by International Union for Conservation of Nature

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) officially recognized India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu during the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress.
  • Established in September 2022 by the Tamil Nadu government under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the reserve spans 448.34 sq. km in northern Palk Bay.

Key Highlights

• The area hosts over 12,250 hectares of seagrass meadows, essential as feeding grounds for dugongs, carbon sinks, and breeding zones for various marine species, enhancing coastal biodiversity and fish production.
• Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are marine herbivores and relatives of manatees, with plump bodies, flipper-like forelimbs, and fluked tails. They consume 30–40 kg of seagrass daily, earning the name “gardeners of the sea” for maintaining healthy seagrass ecosystems that support fish breeding and coastal health.
• In India, dugongs are found in Palk Bay, Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Despite their ecological significance, dugong populations are declining due to hunting for meat and oil, bycatch in fishing nets, boat strikes, and degradation of seagrass habitats from pollution and coastal development.
• Dugongs are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• The IUCN recognition validates India’s commitment to marine biodiversity, brings global attention to the Palk Bay ecosystem, encourages scientific collaboration, and sets a model for future marine conservation efforts.
• This initiative supports India’s objectives under the UN Decade of Ocean Science and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water.

About Tamil Nadu:

• Capital: Chennai
• Chief Minister: K. Stalin
• Governor: N. Ravi
• National Parks: Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Indira Gandhi (Anamalai) National Park, Guindy National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary, Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• A new marine species named Apterichtus kanniyakumari has been discovered off the Colachel coast in Tamil Nadu, marking a significant addition to India’s coastal biodiversity. The species belongs to the genus Apterichtus, commonly known as finless snake eels, and was identified by researchers from the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR)

NITI Aayog Releases Fourth Edition of “Trade Watch Quarterly” for Q4 FY 2024-25 Highlighting India’s Trade Trends and Export Diversification

• The fourth edition of “Trade Watch Quarterly” for the fourth quarter (Q4) of the financial year 2024–25 (January–March 2025) was released by Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NITI Aayog, in New Delhi.
• The report provides an in-depth assessment of India’s trade performance, covering trends in merchandise and services, shifts in global demand, and prospects for export diversification, emphasizing the importance of expanding into high-demand global markets.

Key Highlights:

• The Q4 FY 2024–25 edition also presents a special focus on the leather and footwear sector, analyzing its employment potential, export opportunities, and the need for enhanced competitiveness in international markets.
• During Q4 of FY 2024–25, India’s total trade stood at USD 441 billion, marking a 2.2% year-on-year increase.
• Merchandise exports experienced a modest contraction due to lower exports of mineral fuels and organic chemicals, while sectors such as electrical machinery, pharmaceuticals, and cereals showed strong growth.
• Imports increased slightly, supported by higher demand for nuclear reactors, electrical machinery, and inorganic chemicals.
• North America emerged as the strongest export market, recording a 25% growth and accounting for one-fourth of India’s total exports.
• Exports to the European Union (EU), Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regions showed moderation during the quarter.
• On the import side, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became India’s second-largest supplier, overtaking Russia, primarily due to increased gold inflows under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
• Imports from China rose sharply, driven by strong demand for electronics.
• The report highlights that the leather and footwear industry employs 4.4 million people and makes a significant contribution to India’s exports.
• India maintains competitiveness in processed leather and niche leather apparel, yet holds a modest 1.8% share in the USD 296 billion global market.
• With global demand shifting toward non-leather and sustainable products, India faces both challenges and opportunities in the sector.
• Strengthening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), increasing investment in Research and Development (R&D), and aligning with green and design-driven global value chains are identified as key strategies to enhance India’s global trade footprint.

RECENT NEWS

• NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), has released a new report titled “Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways”, offering a strategic roadmap to strengthen India’s homestay and BnB ecosystem

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Philippines Launches Southeast Asia’s First Coral Larvae Cryobank to Safeguard Reef Biodiversity

• The Philippines has launched Southeast Asia’s first Coral Larvae Cryobank, a marine conservation initiative to preserve coral genetic diversity and protect reef ecosystems.
• The Coral Larvae Cryobank is a multinational collaboration between the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
• Its primary goal is to freeze and store coral larvae using advanced cryopreservation techniques for future reintroduction and biodiversity preservation.

Key Highlights :

• Cryopreservation involves storing biological material at –196°C using liquid nitrogen, with cryoprotectants like glycerol, ethylene glycol, or DMSO, and uses vitrification to prevent ice damage.
• The Coral Triangle, called the “Amazon of the Seas,” spans 6 million sq km and includes Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste.
• This region contains over 75% of the world’s coral species, one-third of global reef fish species, and six of seven marine turtle species, making it the global centre of marine biodiversity.
• Coral reefs face major threats from climate change, bleaching, rising sea temperatures, pollution, and destructive fishing and coastal development.
• According to the Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2020 report, 14% of global corals were lost between 2009–2018.
• Corals are marine invertebrates that form colonies called polyps, secreting calcium carbonate to create coral reefs.
• Coral reefs support 25% of marine life, serving as breeding, feeding, and shelter zones.
• Types of coral reefs include Fringing Reefs, Barrier Reefs, and Atolls.

About Philippines :

• President: Bongbong Marcos
• Capital: Manila
• Currency: Philippine peso

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SUMMITS & CONFERENCES

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Showcases India’s Dairy and Livestock Achievements at FAO Global Conference in Rome

• Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh addressed the 2nd Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation at FAO Headquarters, Rome.
• India is the First Vice Chair of the FAO Sub-Committee on Livestock.

Key Highlights :

India’s Livestock Sector & Economic Impact

• India ranks 1st in global milk production, contributing nearly 25% of world output with 239 million tonnes
• Dairy is the largest agricultural product in India, contributing 5–5.5% to the national economy and employing 8 crore farmers.
• India’s livestock sector CAGR is 12.77%, contributing 31% of agricultural GVA.
• India has 303.76 million bovines, the backbone of dairy and agriculture.
• Milk production grew 63.56% from 30 MT (2014–15) to 239.30 MT (2023–24).
• India recorded 27.39% growth in bovine productivity (2014–2022), the highest in the world.
• India is also the 2nd largest producer of eggs and a leading exporter of buffalo meat.
• Since COVID-19, India’s welfare measures have lifted 269 million people out of extreme poverty, reducing it from 27.1% to 5.3% (World Bank, 2025).

Key Government Initiatives & Infrastructure

• India’s cooperative dairy sector includes 22 milk federations, 241 district cooperative unions, 28 marketing dairies, and 25 MPOs.
• Under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, over 92 million animals benefited, supporting 56 million farmers.
• India runs the world’s largest livestock vaccination programme, administering 1.2 billion doses annually.
• Under the National Digital Livestock Mission – Bharat Pashudhan, 353 million animals and 94 million livestock owners have been digitally registered.
• The USD 3.5 billion Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund supports investments in dairy, feed plants, breeding, and processing.
• Through MAITRIs and A-HELP programmes, India is empowering rural communities and women in livestock development (over 70% dairy workforce are women).

Global Health & Collaboration

• India promotes the One Health approach (human-animal-environment health linkage).
• India is implementing a National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) aligned with the Global Plan.
• India secured a USD 25 million G20 Pandemic Fund grant to strengthen animal health security with FAO, ADB, and World Bank support.
• India and Ireland co-sponsored the resolution for the International Day of Milk, endorsed by the 44th FAO Conference.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

JPMorgan names Conor Hillery and Matthieu Wiltz as Co-CEOs for EMEA operations

• JPMorgan Chase has appointed Conor Hillery and Matthieu Wiltz as Co-Chief Executive Officers (Co-CEOs) for its EMEA operations (Europe, Middle East, Africa).
• The appointments follow the transition of Filippo Gori, outgoing EMEA CEO, who will focus on global responsibilities as co-head of global banking in New York.
• Hillery and Wiltz were deputies to Gori, bringing nearly 50 years of combined experience to their new roles.
• Conor Hillery, based in London, currently serves as Head of Investment Banking for EMEA.
• Matthieu Wiltz, based in France, leads EMEA Sales with extensive market knowledge and operational expertise.
• Both Co-CEOs will retain their current responsibilities and join JPMorgan’s Commercial and Investment Bank management team.
• JPMorgan’s EMEA growth strategy aims to increase revenues by 20% by 2030, focusing on local client engagement, investment banking expansion, and adapting to regulatory and market changes.
• The Co-CEO model leverages complementary strengths to manage multi-country operations
• EMEA is a strategic growth region, including developed markets (UK, France, Germany) and emerging markets (Middle East, Africa).
• London and Paris remain key hubs post-Brexit for investment banking.

Carl Lewis Appointed International Event Ambassador for Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025

• Carl Lewis, one of the greatest athletes in history, has been named the International Event Ambassador for the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025.
• The nine-time Olympic gold medalist sprinter and long jumper will flag off the race from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, on October 12, 2025.
• Lewis competed in four Olympic Games (1984–1996), winning a total of nine gold medals, the most by any track and field athlete in modern Olympic history.
• At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, he won four gold medals — in the 100m (9.99s), 200m (19.8s), long jump (8.54m), and 4x100m relay, matching Jesse Owens’ 1936 feat.
• He is one of only three Olympians to have won the same individual event in four consecutive Games.
• The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, established in 2005, is an annual World Athletics Gold Label Road Race held in New Delhi, India.
• It is both an elite and mass participation event, showcasing top athletes and amateur runners alike.
• IDFC FIRST Bank is the Associate Sponsor of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025.

Financial Services Institutions Bureau Recommends Ramakrishnan Chander as Managing Director of Life Insurance Corporation of India

• The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) has recommended Ramakrishnan Chander as Managing Director (MD) of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) will take the final decision on the FSIB recommendation.
• Ramakrishnan Chander was appointed Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of LIC in June 2025.
• LIC’s top management comprises four MDs in addition to the MD and CEO.
• Currently, R Doraiswamy is the MD and CEO of LIC, while Dinesh Pant, Ratnakar Patnaik, and Sat Pal Bhanoo serve as other MDs.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

National Aeronautics and Space Administration launches Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe to study solar particle energisation and safeguard Earth

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has launched the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) to study how solar particles are energised and protect Earth.
• The goal of IMAP is to map the heliosphere’s boundary, trace energetic particles, and improve space weather forecasting.
• IMAP will explore and map the boundaries of the heliosphere, a bubble created by the Sun’s wind that encapsulates the entire solar system.
• The mission will employ 10 scientific instruments to provide a comprehensive picture of space activity.
• IMAP will operate from the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1), about 1.6 million km from Earth, offering a stable vantage point for continuous observation.

About NASA:

• Established: 1958
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) Signs Statement of Intent (SoI) with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog to Promote Innovation-Driven Learning and STEM Education

• The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) and the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, Government of India, signed a Statement of Intent (SoI).
• The signing ceremony took place in the presence of His Excellency (H.E.) Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, who praised IFCCI for its efforts in building impactful Indo-French partnerships for social development.

Key Highlights:

• The signing was held during the 3rd Edition of IFCCI CSR Connect Day 2025 at the Embassy of France in New Delhi, under the theme “Collaborating for Scale – Cross-Sectoral Partnerships for Sustainable Development.”
• The event witnessed participation from over 100 delegates, including Indian and French corporate leaders, diplomats, government officials, NGOs, and other Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) stakeholders.
• The Statement of Intent (SoI) aims to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, digital literacy, and innovation-driven learning through collaborations within IFCCI’s Indo-French corporate network.
• The partnership focuses on mobilizing CSR and corporate support to strengthen infrastructure, improve curriculum delivery, and encourage industry-school collaboration under Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) programs.
• IFCCI, along with its member companies and implementation partners, will scale up the initiative nationwide through CSR interventions, creating a long-term, sustainable impact in schools and underserved communities.
• Since 2023, the IFCCI CSR Department has implemented 86 projects for its member companies, reaching over 15,000 beneficiaries across India.
• These initiatives cover diverse areas such as education, healthcare, women empowerment, livelihood generation, and clean and green energy, all aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
• The joint initiative will identify and support government schools for Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) implementation, provide teacher training, organize innovation challenges, and build a sustainable ecosystem of learning and growth.
• The collaboration reinforces the shared vision of Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) and Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog to foster an inclusive, innovation-led future for India.

Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation Signs MoA with Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics for Development of GIS-Integrated Platform for Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen)

• The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), an autonomous scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, at the Central Government Offices (CGO) Complex, New Delhi.
• The agreement aims to develop a Geographic Information System (GIS)-integrated, decision-support platform for the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) [SBM(G)]

Key Highlights:

• The new platform will enhance data-driven decision-making, planning, monitoring, and evaluation of rural water supply and sanitation initiatives across India.
• The agreement signing ceremony was chaired by Shri Ashok K. K. Meena, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS). The MoA was exchanged between Swati Meena Naik, Joint Secretary (Jal Jeevan Mission – JJM), and Shri Vinay Thakur, Special Director General, Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), in the presence of Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, Additional Secretary and Mission Director – National Jal Jeevan Mission (AS & MD–NJJM), and senior officials from both organizations.
• Shri Ashok K. K. Meena, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), emphasized the importance of using geospatial technologies to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the implementation of government missions.
• The collaboration with Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) is expected to integrate advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) capabilities into the existing digital infrastructure of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) [SBM(G)], enabling real-time visualization, analytics, and informed decision support.
• The platform will enable creation and mapping of Rural Piped Water Supply Schemes (RPWSS) with unique scheme-level identification numbers, supporting granular monitoring of water delivery at the household level and ensuring convergence with other rural infrastructure initiatives.
• Under the agreement, the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) will provide end-to-end technical support, including database design, map creation, data migration, software development, and systems integration.
• The platform will also feature ground control surveying, digital photogrammetry, vector data capture, and thematic mapping, enabling advanced spatial data analysis.
• The initiative will be aligned with the Prime Minister GatiShakti National Master Plan, ensuring integration of water and sanitation infrastructure with other sectoral assets, leading to optimized resource allocation, improved service delivery, and accelerated infrastructure development in rural areas.
• This collaboration supports the Government of India’s Digital India Vision, which focuses on harnessing technology for inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in rural regions.
• By integrating spatial intelligence with mission data, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) and Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) aim to build a robust digital ecosystem for effective planning, monitoring, and evaluation of rural water supply and sanitation services.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BOOKS AND AUTHOR

Veteran Journalist Harinder Baweja’s Memoir “They Will Shoot You, Madam: My Life Through Conflict” Launched in New Delhi

• Veteran journalist Harinder Baweja launched her memoir titled “They Will Shoot You, Madam: My Life Through Conflict” on October 1, 2025, in New Delhi.
  • The memoir chronicles over four decades of her reporting career across India and global conflict zones.
  • The book covers major historical events including Operation Blue Star (1984) and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks (2008).
  • The memoir reflects Baweja’s courage, integrity, and dedication to ground reporting in volatile regions such as Kashmir, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Malaysia.
  • Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh attended the launch event and recalled saving Baweja during Operation Blue Star.
  • Her significant assignments include:
  – Post-26/11 reporting in Pakistan, just ten days after the Mumbai attacks.
  – Interview with underworld don Chhota Rajan in Malaysia.
  – Interview with separatist leader Yasin Malik in Kashmir, which later she described as a case of harassment.
  • The book highlights the importance of independent journalism in a democracy and discusses the ethical and moral challenges journalists face while covering conflict.
  • The launch event also featured former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, who discussed the role of journalists in conflict zones.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

BWF World Junior Championships 2025 Held in Guwahati, India

• The BWF World Junior Championships returned to India after 17 years, being hosted in Guwahati, Assam from October 6–19, 2025, marking the second time India has hosted the event (first in Pune, 2008).

Key Highlights

• A total of 36 national teams are participating, showcasing the world’s top junior shuttlers and highlighting India’s growing role in international badminton.
• The championship is divided into two parts: the Suhandinata Cup (Mixed Team Event) from October 6–11 and the Eye-Level Cup (Individual Events) from October 13–19, including singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories.
• India is in Group H with United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sri Lanka, and Nepal, opening its campaign against Nepal. The Indian team aims for podium finishes in both team and individual events.
• A new best-of-three relay scoring system has been introduced: each set is up to 45 points, and teams or players must win two sets to claim victory, making matches faster and more dynamic while retaining fairness.
• India has won 11 individual medals in World Junior Championships history, with the best performance in 2008 Pune (three medals including gold in girls’ singles).
• By hosting the event twice, India joins China, Indonesia, and Malaysia as the only Asian countries to host the championship twice.

Mirabai Chanu Wins Silver at 2025 World Weightlifting Championships, Sets New National Records

• Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won the silver medal in the women’s 48 kg category at the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships held in Førde, Norway.
  • She set new Indian national records in both clean & jerk and total lift, marking a strong comeback to international form.

Key Highlights

• The event saw participation from 26 countries, with intense competition among top lifters.
• Medal Winners:
– Gold: Ri Song-gum (North Korea) – 213 kg (World Record)
– Silver: Mirabai Chanu (India) – 199 kg (National Record)
– Bronze: Thanyathon Sukcharoen (Thailand) – 198 kg
• Ri Song-gum of North Korea created a world record sweep, setting new world records in all three categories:
– Snatch – 91 kg
– Clean & Jerk – 122 kg
– Total Lift – 213 kg
• Mirabai Chanu’s Performance:
– Snatch: 84 kg (successful first attempt)
– Clean & Jerk: 109 kg, 112 kg, and a record-breaking 115 kg in her final attempt (new national record)
• Her total lift of 199 kg also set a new Indian national record in the 48 kg category.
• This is Mirabai Chanu’s third career medal at the World Weightlifting Championships, reaffirming her position as India’s premier weightlifter.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

The Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on the 8th of October.

• The Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on the 8th of October of every year in India.
• The Indian Air Force Day is observed in order to increase awareness about the role of the Indian Air Force which is dedicated to enhancing national security.

History

• The Indian Air Force was first established on the 8th October of 1932, so the Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on the 8th of October of every year.
• The first flight of the Indian Air Force came into being on 1 April 1933.
• During the Waziristan war against the tribal, the Indian Air Force went into the brave action for the first time.
• This day is celebrated to raise awareness about the Indian Air Force which works for national security.

Daily CA One- Liner : October 8

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved four major Indian Railways projects costing 24,634 crore
• An Indian Parliamentary Delegation, led by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, is attending the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Bridgetown, Barbados, from 5–12 October 2025, serving as a platform for dialogue on democracy, technological transformation, and inclusive governance
• Telangana’s Bathukamma Festival achieved two Guinness World Records — for the largest floral arrangement and the most synchronized female dance participants, showcasing the festival’s cultural richness and collective spirit
• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) officially recognized India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu during the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress
• The fourth edition of “Trade Watch Quarterly” for the fourth quarter (Q4) of the financial year 2024–25 (January–March 2025) was released by Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NITI Aayog, in New Delhi.
• The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) and the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, Government of India, signed a Statement of Intent
• The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), an autonomous scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, at the Central Government Offices (CGO) Complex, New Delhi
• Veteran journalist Harinder Baweja launched her memoir titled “They Will Shoot You, Madam: My Life Through Conflict” on October 1, 2025, in New Delhi
• The BWF World Junior Championships returned to India after 17 years, being hosted in Guwahati, Assam from October 6–19, 2025, marking the second time India has hosted the event
• Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won the silver medal in the women’s 48 kg category at the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships held in Førde, Norway.
• Tata Capital is launching a Rs 15,511 crore initial public offering (IPO), the largest-ever IPO by the Tata Group and any NBFC, opening on October 6, 2025.
• As per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, India’s external debt stood at USD 747.2 billion at the end of June 2025, up by USD 11.2 billion from end-March 2025.
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected India’s GDP growth at 6.5% for FY26 and FY27, remaining unchanged from the July FY26 forecast but slightly lower than the 6.7% estimate for FY27 made earlier.
• Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) holdings in Indian Government Securities (G-Secs) fell to 6.7% of outstanding G-Secs as of September 19, 2025, down from 7.1% in March 2025.
• AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) has launched the AU KOSMO Credit Card in collaboration with Kiwi, a Credit on UPI platform, to promote digital-first credit access.
• The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has crossed 120 million active investors as of September 23, 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s capital market growth.
• HSBC announced the world’s first empirical evidence demonstrating the potential of quantum computers in solving real-world problems related to algorithmic bond trading.
• The New Development Bank (NDB), backed by BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), plans to issue its first rupee-denominated bond in the domestic market before March 2026.
• The Philippines has launched Southeast Asia’s first Coral Larvae Cryobank, a marine conservation initiative to preserve coral genetic diversity and protect reef ecosystems.
• Carl Lewis, one of the greatest athletes in history, has been named the International Event Ambassador for the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025.
• Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh addressed the 2nd Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation at FAO Headquarters, Rome.
• JPMorgan Chase has appointed Conor Hillery and Matthieu Wiltz as Co-Chief Executive Officers (Co-CEOs) for its EMEA operations (Europe, Middle East, Africa).
• The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) has recommended Ramakrishnan Chander as Managing Director (MD) of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has launched the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) to study how solar particles are energised and protect Earth.
• The Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on the 8th of October of every year in India.