Daily Current Affairs 15th October 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India Broadens Related Party Transaction Rules to Cover Promoters,key management persons, Major Shareholders, and Their Relatives

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expanded related party transaction guidelines to include promoters, key management persons (KMPs), shareholders with over 5% equity, and entities with influence and their relatives.
• The draft directions apply to Commercial Banks, Small Finance Banks, Cooperative Banks, NBFCs, and All India Financial Institutions.
• The framework aims to establish a consistent, principle-based approach to lending to related parties by rationalizing existing provisions.
• The revised norms, effective from April 1, 2026, will consolidate and replace over a dozen legacy circulars, creating a unified regulatory framework.
• Scale-based thresholds are introduced, requiring board approval for loans beyond defined limits to related parties.

Key Highlights :

Key Permitted Advances

• Advances to public trusts are permitted where a trustee is also a director.
• Loans to directors are allowed if backed by government securities, life insurance policies, or fixed deposits, with loan-to-value (LTV) ratio not exceeding 100%.
• Personal loans and advances to employee-directors are allowed if they comply with employee norms, while directors and CEOs may take non-investment loans under prudential limits and LTV ratios.

Materiality Thresholds for Related-Party Loans

• The RBI set materiality thresholds for related-party loans based on bank asset size:
  • Banks with assets over ₹10 lakh crore – loans up to ₹50 crore
  • Banks with assets between ₹1–10 lakh crore – loans up to ₹10 crore
  • Smaller banks – loans up to ₹5 crore
• Loans exceeding these limits require board or committee approval, ensuring greater oversight of large exposures.

Reserve Bank of India Proposes Amendments to External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) Rules under October 2025 Policy Statement

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed amendments to the External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) regulations as part of the Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies (October 01, 2025).
• The draft amendments relate to the Foreign Exchange Management (Borrowing and Lending) Regulations, 2018 under FEMA, 1999.
• Borrowing limits for ECBs will be linked to the financial strength of the borrower.

Key Highlights :

Definitions and Eligibility :

• External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) refers to borrowing by a person resident in India from a person resident outside India.
• External Commercial Lending (ECL) means lending by a person resident in India to a person resident outside India.
• Any person resident in India (excluding individuals), incorporated or registered under Central or State law, may raise ECB, provided it is permitted under applicable laws.
• Borrowers under restructuring or insolvency may raise ECB only if specifically permitted under the approved plan.

Lenders and Currency :

• ECB may be raised from a person resident outside India, or from a branch located outside India or in an IFSC, provided the lending entity is regulated by the RBI.
• ECB can be raised in foreign currency (FCY) or Indian Rupees (INR), and the currency may be changed between FCY and INR.
• ECB may be in any commercial borrowing form involving payment of interest and repayment of principal.

Borrowing Limits and Maturity :

• Borrowers may raise ECB up to the higher of: (a) Outstanding ECB up to USD 1 billion, or (b) Total outstanding borrowing (external + domestic) up to 300% of net worth as per the last audited balance sheet.
• The proposed ECB must be counted towards the borrowing limit while ensuring compliance.
• The minimum average maturity period (MAMP) for ECB shall be three years.
• Manufacturing sector borrowers may raise ECB with MAMP between one and three years, subject to a cap that outstanding stock of such ECBs does not exceed USD 50 million.

Reserve Bank of India Proposes Simplified Norms for Foreign Entities Setting Up Offices in India

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed to rationalise norms for the establishment of branches or offices in India by entities resident outside India (EROI).
• The RBI has released the ‘Draft Foreign Exchange Management (Establishment in India of a Branch or Office) Regulations, 2025’ for public feedback.
• No EROI can open a branch or office in India without general or specific RBI permission, unless explicitly permitted under the Act, Rules, or Regulations.
• EROIs operating under financial sector regulators must obtain prior approval from the respective regulator before establishing a presence in India.

Key Highlights :

• To open a branch or office, an EROI must submit an application in a specified form to a designated bank, which may grant approval under the proposed regulations.
• After approval and opening of an account, the bank must report the establishment to the RBI, which will then issue a Unique Identification Number (UIN) to the branch or office.
• Prior approval of the Government of India is required if the EROI is from Pakistan or is a non-profit organisation or owned/controlled by a foreign government.
• Additional government permission is needed if the EROI is from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Sri Lanka, and seeks to set up in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, North-East region, or Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Government approval is also mandatory if the EROI operates in sensitive sectors such as defence, telecom, private security, information & broadcasting, or any sector under FDI prohibition or approval route.

India’s Wholesale Price Inflation Slows to 0.13% in September

• India’s wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation eased to 0.13% in September 2025 (YoY), down from 0.52% in August, as per data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• The positive inflation in September was mainly due to higher prices of manufactured food products, non-food articles, textiles, and transport equipment.

Key Highlights :

Key Price Segments (YoY)

• The WPI Food Index recorded a deflation of 2%, indicating a fall in wholesale food prices.
• Primary articles showed a deflation of 3.32%.
• The fuel and power segment recorded a deflation of 2.58%.
• Inflation in manufactured products rose to 2.33% on a YoY basis, reflecting cost pressures in the industrial sector.

Monthly Trend and Comparison

• On a month-on-month basis, wholesale prices fell by 0.19%, marking the first decline in four months.
• WPI measures wholesale-level price changes, whereas CPI tracks consumer-level inflation.
• The decline in WPI inflation aligns with the trend in retail inflation (CPI), which slipped to an eight-year low of 1.54% in September.
• India’s WPI inflation thus moderated more than expected, signalling an easing in overall price pressures within the economy.

Reserve Bank of India launches scheme to expedite payout of inoperative accounts and unclaimed deposits

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a ‘Scheme for Facilitating Accelerated Payout – Inoperative Accounts and Unclaimed Deposits’ to encourage activation of inoperative accounts and return of unclaimed deposits.
• The initiative supports RBI’s public awareness campaigns urging people to claim unclaimed deposits from banks.
• The Scheme aims to reduce existing unclaimed deposits and prevent fresh accumulation of such funds in the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund.
• The Scheme will be implemented for one year, from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.
• It also seeks to motivate banks to actively contact and assist customers/depositors in reactivating dormant accounts and claiming their funds.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Launches Nationwide Financial Awareness Campaign in Gandhinagar

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a nationwide awareness campaign in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in the presence of State Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai and senior officials from RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, and DFS.
• The campaign’s core message emphasizes that every rupee saved by citizens must return to them or their families, promoting accountability and financial empowerment.

Key Highlights :

Guiding Principles and Unclaimed Funds Data

• The Finance Minister underlined the importance of the “3 A’s” — Awareness, Accessibility, and Action as guiding principles of the campaign.
  • Awareness ensures citizens know how to trace unclaimed assets.
  • Accessibility provides digital tools and district-level outreach.
  • Action stresses time-bound and transparent claim settlements.
• As of August 2025, over ₹75,000 crore of unclaimed deposits have been transferred to the RBI’s Depositor Education and Awareness Fund (DEAF).
• Additionally, unclaimed insurance proceeds total ₹13,800 crore, unclaimed mutual fund balances stand at ₹3,000 crore, and unpaid dividends exceed ₹9,000 crore.
• Nearly 172 crore shares have been transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), reflecting large unclaimed investor assets.
• The campaign aligns with India’s broader financial inclusion initiatives such as Jan Dhan Yojana, UPI, and Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) — ensuring citizens reclaim what rightfully belongs to them.
• The campaign will run across all States and Union Territories from October to December 2025, ensuring nationwide participation and outreach.

India’s Retail Inflation Falls To 1.54% In September, Hitting an Eight-Year Low

• India’s retail inflation fell sharply to an eight-year low of 1.54% in September 2025, down from 2.07% in August 2025, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
• This marks the lowest year-on-year inflation rate since June 2017.
• Rural inflation eased to 1.07%, while urban inflation stood at 2.04%, indicating a broader decline in price pressures across both regions.
• The food inflation rate, based on the All India Consumer Food Price Index, remained in the negative zone for the fourth consecutive month, recording deflation of 2.28% in September, the lowest since December 2018.
• Rural food inflation stood at –2.17%, while urban food inflation registered –2.47%, highlighting widespread price declines in essential food items.
• Reasons for Decline: The decline in headline and food inflation was mainly due to a favorable base effect and a drop in prices of vegetables, fruits, pulses, cereals, and edible oils.
• The Ministry attributed the record-low inflation to strong supply chains, improved crop output, and regulated distribution mechanisms, which collectively contributed to easing price pressures across the economy.

Reserve Bank of India Allows Rupee Lending to Residents and Banks in Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed Indian banks and their overseas branches to lend in Indian Rupees to residents and banks in Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka to boost regional trade and facilitate cross-border payments.
• This measure, announced on October 13, 2025, aims to enhance the use of the rupee in South Asia and reduce dependence on the US dollar for trade settlements.

Key Highlights :

• The decision applies to Authorised Dealer (AD) banks, which can now extend rupee-denominated loans for cross-border trade purposes.
• The move is part of amendments to the Foreign Exchange Management (Borrowing and Lending) Regulations, 2018 and the Foreign Exchange Management (Foreign Currency Accounts by a Person Resident in India) Regulations, 2015.
• The policy supports its efforts to liberalise external trade and payment systems and strengthen regional financial integration.
• The reform is significant for Sri Lanka, which faces foreign exchange shortages, and will also benefit trade relations with Bhutan and Nepal.
• The RBI has also extended the repatriation period for unutilised balances in foreign currency accounts maintained in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) from one month to three months.
• The extended timeline will provide greater flexibility to exporters, allowing them more time to manage foreign currency receipts from export transactions.
• The change is expected to encourage exporters to open accounts with IFSC banking units and enhance foreign exchange liquidity within India’s IFSC framework.
• Overall, these steps aim to promote rupee internationalisation, support exporters, and strengthen India’s position in regional trade and financial cooperation.

RBI Frequently Asked questions- National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) System

• National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) is a nationwide centralized payment system owned and operated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for electronic transfer of funds between bank accounts.
• NEFT provides round-the-clock availability (24x7x365) for fund transfers across India.
• It allows near-real-time fund settlement in a secure and legally backed
• Offers Pan-India coverage through all major banks and branches participating in the system.

Key Highlights :

Operational Details

• No need to visit a bank branch; customers can use internet or mobile banking to initiate transfers.
• Provides positive confirmation to the remitter via SMS or email once funds are credited.
• No RBI charges on banks and no charges to savings account customers for online NEFT transactions.
• NEFT can be used for credit card payments, loan EMIs, foreign exchange inward remittances, and fund transfers to Nepal under the Indo-Nepal Remittance Facility (INRF)
• Operating hours: NEFT runs 24×7 in half-hourly batches.
• Essential details for transfer: Beneficiary’s name, bank, branch, account number, account type, IFSC, and Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) for eligible large-value transactions.
• NEFT is a credit-push system, i.e., only the sender can initiate transactions.

Limits and Charges

• No fund transfer limit set by RBI; however, individual banks may set internal limits based on risk perception.
• Cash remittance without a bank account is allowed up to ₹50,000 per transaction at NEFT-enabled branches.
• Outbound remittance through NEFT is allowed only to Nepal under the INRF scheme.
• Permitted for NRE/NRO accounts in compliance with FEMA
• Customer charges (at branch/counter):
  • Up to ₹10,000 → ₹2.50 + GST
  • ₹10,001–₹1 lakh → ₹5 + GST
  • ₹1–₹2 lakh → ₹15 + GST
  • Above ₹2 lakh → ₹25 + GST
  • No charges for online NEFT transfers by savings account customers.

IFSC and Transaction Process

• Indian Financial System Code (IFSC) is an 11-character alphanumeric code used to identify bank branches in the NEFT system.
  1. First 4 = bank code, 5th = 0, last 6 = branch code.

Responsibility and Grievance

• Expected credit time: within 2 hours of batch settlement.
• If credit is delayed beyond two hours, banks must pay penal interest = RBI Repo Rate + 2% for the delay period.
• If the wrong account number is entered, funds are credited based on account number only — the sender bears responsibility.
• Tracking of transactions is possible via the bank’s NEFT Customer Facilitation Centre (CFC) using the UTR (Unique Transaction Reference) number.
• Complaints can be lodged with the bank’s grievance cell; if unresolved within 30 days, a complaint may be filed under the RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (RB-IOS 2021) via https://cms.rbi.org.in or toll-free 14448.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

4th Anniversary of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan – Transforming India’s Infrastructure Landscape

• 13th October 2025 marks the fourth anniversary of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13th October 2021.
• It is India’s first integrated multimodal infrastructure planning framework, unifying 44 Central Ministries and 36 States/Union Territories on a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based digital platform for coordinated planning and execution of infrastructure projects.
• Objectives: Ensure seamless connectivity across rail, road, air, and ports; reduce project delays and logistics costs; enable data-driven project monitoring; support industrial clusters, ports, airports, SEZs, and logistics parks; and promote sustainable development through green corridors.
• Achievements:
  • Integration of all ministries and states/UTs onto the platform.
  • Digital monitoring of roads, railways, power lines, and other infrastructure projects in real time.
  • Improved coordination among ministries, avoiding duplication and ensuring smooth implementation.
  • Reduced logistics costs from 13–14% to a target of 8–9% of GDP, supporting the National Logistics Policy.
  • Faster project approvals and environmental clearances through shared data access.

16th International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE 2025) to be Inaugurated by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will inaugurate the 16th International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE 2025), organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
• The event will be held from October 15 to 17, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Key Highlights

• The exhibition is organized in partnership with the Ministry of Railways and is recognized as Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest rail technology exhibition.
• Over 450 exhibitors from more than 15 countries will participate in the event.
• The exhibition serves as a platform to showcase advanced technologies, solutions, and services for the rail and metro sectors, promoting modernization and international collaboration.
• Attendees will witness over 30,000 products, including those related to high-speed rail, electrification, smart signaling, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and sustainable technologies.
• The event underscores India’s engineering excellence and reflects its ambition to emerge as a global leader in rail technology.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates Goa’s ‘Mhaje Ghar Yojana’ and ₹2,452 Crore Development Projects

• Shri Amit Shah, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for Goa’s “Mhaje Ghar Yojana” and 21 development projects worth ₹2,452 crore.
• The event was attended by Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Union Minister Shripad Naik, and other dignitaries.
• Shri Shah described the “Mhaje Ghar Yojana” as a reflection of the Modi Government’s commitment to governance reform, empowerment, and inclusivity.

Key Highlights

• The scheme grants ownership rights to lakhs of Goan citizens whose properties were entangled in 11 different types of legal complications.
• Under the leadership of Dr. Pramod Sawant, the Goa Government has eliminated anomalies through a single law, ensuring house repair permissions within three days and guaranteed electricity and water supply.
• The Home Minister announced that through this single programme, 10 lakh citizens have now been granted ownership rights to their homes.
• He noted that Goa’s per capita income rose from ₹1,12,073 in 2014 to ₹3,57,000 in 2023–24, showcasing the state’s rapid progress.
• He highlighted that tribal communities in Goa will now receive reservation benefits in the Legislative Assembly under a new Act passed by Parliament on August 5, 2025.
• Shri Shah stated that Goa is on track to become India’s first fully developed state, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
• The Home Minister also announced that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on 395 essential items has been reduced to less than one-third, marking the largest tax reduction since Independence, benefiting women and households nationwide.

Government Amends National Highways Fee Rules to Promote Digital Payments

• The Government of India has amended the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 to encourage digital payments and reduce cash transactions at user fee plazas on National Highways for Non-FASTag users.
• As per the amendment, vehicles entering a fee plaza without a valid, functional FASTag will face differential charges based on the mode of payment:
  • Cash Payment: Twice (2x) the applicable user fee for that vehicle category.
  • Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Payment: 1.25 times the applicable user fee for that vehicle category.
  • Example: If the standard user fee is ₹100 through FASTag, it will be ₹200 if paid in cash and ₹125 if paid via UPI.
• The new rule will come into effect from November 15, 2025.
• The amendment aims to strengthen the toll fee collection process, enhance transparency, and promote ease of commuting on National Highways.
• It reflects the Government’s commitment to leveraging digital technology for efficient toll management, reducing congestion at toll plazas, and improving the overall user experience for highway commuters.

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited Installs 45 kW On-Grid Solar Power System at Water Pumping Station in North Goa

• Shri Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, inaugurated the installation of a 45-kilowatt (kW) On- Grid Solar Power System at a water pumping station in North Goa district under Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA)’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
• The project is expected to generate about 60,000 units of electricity annually, enabling 100% solarization of the pumping load.

Key Highlights

• The initiative aims to demonstrate the sustainable use of renewable energy in powering public water distribution systems.
• Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), IREDA, highlighted that the project reflects IREDA’s commitment to promote clean energy beyond financing by integrating it into community development initiatives.
• He added that solarization of public utilities, such as water pumping stations, can serve as a replicable model for sustainable energy transition across the nation.
• Officials from IREDA’s CSR team, the Goa Drinking Water Department, and local authorities attended the inauguration event.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Maldives Becomes World’s First Country to Achieve WHO-Validated Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has validated the Maldives for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B, while maintaining its earlier validation for HIV and syphilis, making it the first country in the world to achieve “triple elimination.”
• WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the Maldives for its strong political will and sustained investment in maternal and child health, calling it a historic milestone in global public health.

Key Highlights :

• Triple elimination signifies the successful and sustained prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis, verified through WHO’s rigorous clinical and statistical criteria.
• The achievement reflects the Maldives’ comprehensive healthcare model, providing universal antenatal care, disease screening, and treatment for all pregnant women, including migrants.
• Over 95% of pregnant women in the Maldives receive antenatal care and are routinely tested for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, ensuring early detection and treatment.
• The country maintains over 95% immunization coverage, with newborns receiving a timely hepatitis B birth dose, preventing lifelong infections.
• In 2022 and 2023, no babies were born with HIV or syphilis, while a 2023 national survey confirmed zero hepatitis B prevalence among school-aged children, surpassing WHO elimination targets.
• The Maldives’ success is supported by universal health coverage, free antenatal care, vaccines, and diagnostic services, with the nation investing over 10% of GDP in health.

About Maldives :

• President: Mohamed Muizzu
• Capital: Malé
• Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Former US President Donald Trump to Receive Israel’s Highest Civilian Honor – The Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor

• In a major diplomatic gesture, Israel has announced that former US President Donald Trump will be awarded the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest civilian award.
• The honor recognizes Trump’s “instrumental role” in facilitating the recent Gaza ceasefire and aiding the release of Israeli hostages, reaffirming his continued influence in Middle East diplomacy.

Key Highlights

• Israeli President Isaac Herzog will present the award, praising Trump for his efforts in bringing hostages home and for laying the foundations for a new era of peace and cooperation in the region.
• The announcement came after the release of seven Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a direct result of the ceasefire negotiations.
• Reports indicate that Trump played a behind-the-scenes role in convincing regional actors to support the ceasefire, leveraging his relationships with Israel and Gulf nations.
• The ceasefire agreement includes steps for phased release of hostages, humanitarian aid expansion, and de-escalation commitments from both sides.
• The Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, established in 2012, is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Israel or humanity.
• Past recipients include Barack Obama (2013), several Nobel laureates, and other global leaders recognized for promoting peace, diplomacy, and humanitarian service.

Sonali Ghosh Becomes First Indian to Receive Kenton R. Miller Award for Innovation in Sustainable Protected Area Management

• Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, has become the first Indian to receive the Kenton R. Miller Award for innovation in sustainable protected area management.
• The award was presented by the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), part of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), at a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi.
• She shares the honor with Roque Simón Sevilla Larrea of Ecuador, recognizing their transformative efforts in conservation through community engagement and ecological integration.

About the Kenton R. Miller Award and Significance

• The Kenton R. Miller Award recognizes exceptional leadership and innovation in managing protected areas, including national parks, wildlife reserves, and biodiversity hotspots.
• It is administered by the WCPA, one of IUCN’s six technical commissions, uniting experts and conservationists globally.
• Named after noted conservationist Kenton R. Miller, the award honors pioneering models that contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources and global biodiversity protection.
• Dr. Ghosh was recognized for her community-driven conservation model that integrates traditional ecological knowledge, modern scientific methods, community participation, and on-ground implementation in sensitive ecosystems like Manas and Kaziranga in Assam.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

Shah Rukh Khan Becomes World’s Richest Actor with Billionaire Status

• Shah Rukh Khan, iconic Bollywood actor, has become the world’s richest actor, crossing the billionaire threshold with a net worth of $1.4 billion (₹12,490 crore).
• His wealth surpasses global celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom Cruise, and Jerry Seinfeld.
• Multiple streams of income contribute to his billionaire status:
  • Red Chillies Entertainment: Film production, visual effects, and digital content.
  • Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Ownership stake in the Indian Premier League franchise alongside Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta.
  • Endorsements and Brand Deals: High-value national and international contracts.
  • Real Estate and Investments: Strategic holdings including his Mumbai residence, Mannat.
• According to the 2025 Hurun India Rich List, Khan is the first Bollywood actor to join the billionaire club.
• He surpasses international stars in wealth but is not the richest Bollywood celebrity overall; that distinction belongs to Ronnie Screwvala, with a net worth of $1.5 billion (≈ ₹13,300 crore).
• The achievement highlights Bollywood’s growing global economic footprint and Khan’s diverse business ventures beyond acting.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Google Announces $15 Billion Investment To Establish AI Data Centre In Andhra Pradesh

• Google has announced a massive $15 billion investment over the next five years to set up a world-class Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centre in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• This marks Google’s largest-ever investment in India and one of its biggest AI projects outside the United States.
• The AI hub will have an initial capacity of 1 gigawatt, expandable to multiple gigawatts, and is expected to generate around 1.88 lakh (188,000) direct and indirect jobs.
• The investment rollout will take place between 2025 and 2030.
• The project aims to enhance India’s digital infrastructure, strengthen AI and cloud computing capabilities, and support initiatives like Digital India and AI Mission Bharat.
• Visakhapatnam was chosen for its logistical advantages, port connectivity, and availability of skilled tech talent, making it a strategic hub for global technology operations.
• The project signifies India’s growing importance in the global AI landscape, positioning the country as a key player in digital innovation.
• Google’s AI hub in Visakhapatnam will be part of its global AI network spanning 12 countries, enabling large-scale machine learning and AI-powered services.
• The announcement places India alongside countries hosting Google’s top AI facilities, aligning with the global trend of rapid AI adoption and data centre expansion led by companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Adani, and Reliance.

Indian Immunologicals Limited Unveils India’s First Indigenous gE-Deleted DIVA Marker Vaccine for Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis

• Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has launched India’s first indigenously developed glycoprotein E (gE) deleted DIVA marker vaccine against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR).
• The vaccine, named Raksha-IBR, aims to combat infertility, abortions, and reduced milk productivity caused by IBR infection in cattle.
• IBR is endemic in India and is caused by the Bovine Herpes Virus (BHV-1), which spreads through aerosols and infected semen, affecting the reproductive system of cattle.
• DIVA marker vaccines (Differentiate Infected from Vaccinated Animals) enable distinction between naturally infected and vaccinated animals, aiding in disease control programs.
• The launch took place during the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in Anand, Gujarat, with participation from Narendra Pal Gangwar (Dept. of Animal Husbandry Secretary), NDDB Chairman Meenesh C. Shah, and IIL MD K. Anand Kumar.
• The vaccine represents a major step in indigenous veterinary vaccine development and supports India’s livestock health and dairy productivity goals.

GalaxEye to Launch World’s First Multi-Sensor Earth Observation Satellite ‘Mission Drishti’ in Early 2026

• Indian space-tech startup GalaxEye announced it will launch Mission Drishti, the world’s first multi-sensor Earth Observation (EO) satellite, in the first quarter of 2026.
• Mission Drishti is India’s largest privately developed satellite weighing 160 kg and features the country’s highest-resolution imaging sensor.
• The satellite integrates Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and high-resolution optical payloads on a single platform, a global first in satellite technology.
• This multi-sensor system allows high-precision Earth imaging day or night and in all weather conditions, overcoming traditional observation limits.
• The satellite provides imagery with a 1.5-meter resolution, enabling detailed geospatial data analysis for applications like border surveillance, disaster management, agriculture, urban planning, and environmental studies.
• Mission Drishti will help in infrastructure monitoring, maritime surveillance, and financial risk assessment, enhancing data-driven decision-making.
• The mission represents a technological breakthrough in India’s private space sector, highlighting the innovation capacity of startups like GalaxEye alongside ISRO.
• The mission will unlock actionable space data and place India firmly on the global space map.
• GalaxEye’s CEO : Suyash Singh

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Students Day will occur on October 15

• World Students Day is observed on the 15th of October 2025, to honor the birthday of our former president, the late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

History

• In 2010, World Students Day was established by the United Nations.
• In honor of former Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam, who was born on the same day in 1931, October 15 of each year is observed as World Students’ Day.
• The purpose of the day is to honor Kalam’s contributions to education and students. Early in his life, Kalam studied science and physics. He was born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
• Through his insightful lectures, Kalam devoted his life to teaching and encouraging students to become the best versions of themselves.
• As oversaw the creation of India’s most important missiles and its civilian space programs, he was also known as the “Missile Man of India.” The aerospace expert was elected as the nation’s 11th president in 2002.
• After serving in office till 2007, Kalam committed his life to teaching. At the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) at Shillong, Ahmedabad, and Indore, he was appointed as a visiting professor.
• Additionally, Dr. Kalam received the Bharat Ratna, which is India’s highest civilian honor. In addition, he received the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan for his services to the Indian government as a scientific advisor. On July 27, 2015, Kalam suffered a heart arrest and passed suddenly.

Global Handwashing Day is observed on the 15th of October.

• Global Handwashing Day 2025 is observed on the 15th of October
• The two major causes of death for kids under five are pneumonia and diarrhea.
• One of the most efficient and affordable ways to prevent these diseases is by washing your hands with soap.

History

• The Global Handwashing Partnership established Global Handwashing Day as a chance to develop and put into practice original strategies for inspiring people to wash their hands with soap, particularly in times of need.
• In 2008, the first Global Handwashing Day was observed. Since then, this national holiday has been used to raise awareness of the importance of having clean hands among both local and national officials and influencers.
• This is an extremely important message—hand washing is such a basic habit, but it can actually change everything and save lives.
• Global Handwashing Day keeps expanding. Schools, governments, international organizations, private businesses, civil society groups, and more support it.

The 15th of October will mark White Cane Safety Day.

• White Cane Safety Day is observed on the 15th of October 2025. (This day is dedicated to visually impaired people)
• White Cane Safety Day is a chance to connect with others that might need your assistance. On White Cane Safety Day, you can participate in gatherings and activities that will benefit persons who are blind or visually impaired.

History

• Traveling aids for the blind have long existed in the form of canes, staffs, and sticks, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that white canes came into being and were adopted by the blind as a sign to alert others.
• James Biggs, a photographer from Bristol, came up with the concept of white canes. Biggs had an accident in 1921 that left him blind. During that time, there were more cars on the road, so Biggs made the decision to paint his cane white to make himself more visible to drivers and other pedestrians.
• The National White Stick Movement is a program for the blind that was started in France by the musician and author Guilly d’Herbemont. She distributed white canes to numerous blind persons in France, including veterans of World War One. Additionally, this was well welcomed in the UK. The United Kingdom suggested giving white canes to blind persons so that they would be universally recognized as a sign that the person carrying it was blind.
• Giving white canes to the blind was an idea put forth in the United States by Lions Clubs International. The long white canes served as both a mobility aid and a means of identification for the war veterans.
• White Cane Safety Day was established annually on October 15 by a joint resolution that President Lyndon B. Johnson and the U.S. Congress signed on October 6, 1964.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day are observed on October 15

• Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day 2025 are observed on the 15th of October
• The purpose of this day is to increase awareness, remembrance, and support for the 1 in 4 people and families whose lives are reportedly irreversibly changed by the death of their child(ren) during pregnancy, delivery, or infancy.

History

• Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day (PAILRD) are a Memorial Day that is annually honored on October 15 in the United States and Canada.
• In order to honor, commemorate, and remember infants who have died from miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, and other causes of baby loss, the day was created in 2002.
• Robyn Bear, Lisa Brown, and Tammy Novak started the movement by petitioning the federal government to recognize the particular day on October 15.
• On September 28, 2006, the House of Representatives finally approved National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. The month of October had previously been declared to be Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month by President Ronald Reagan.

The date of the International Day of Rural Women is October 15.

• International Day of Rural Women 2025 is observed on the 15th of October.
• This day serves as a reminder that millions of women in isolated rural communities still require our assistance. There are several methods to reach out and improve the lives of these women, from providing basic necessities to financial aid.

History

• The United Nations (U.N.) has been working to keep the world’s nations peaceful and friendly since its founding in 1945. The United Nations has undertaken a number of humanitarian initiatives and adopted resolutions and laws aimed at protecting the environment. The U.N.’s efforts to improve the status and wellbeing of women, particularly those in rural areas, rank among its most impressive accomplishments.
• It was proposed to empower and recognize women in 1995 during the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China. In order to recognize the importance of rural women to agriculture, food production, and food safety, it was suggested that October 15 be observed as International Day of Rural Women as October 16 was World Food Day.
• A resolution calling for the development of ICT skills for all, especially women and indigenous people living in remote and rural communities, was adopted in 2003 at the World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva. Additionally, this resolution was discussed during the Tunis Agenda for the Information Society in 2005 in Tunis, Tunisia.
• October 15 will be recognized yearly as International Day of Rural Women globally, according to a resolution 62/136 passed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 18, 2007.
• Since that time, the International Day of Rural Women has been celebrated in many nations throughout the world.

Daily CA One- Liner: October 15

• 13th October 2025 marks the fourth anniversary of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13th October 2021
• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will inaugurate the 16th International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE 2025), organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
• Shri Amit Shah, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for Goa’s “Mhaje Ghar Yojana” and 21 development projects worth ₹2,452 crore.
• The Government of India has amended the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 to encourage digital payments and reduce cash transactions at user fee plazas on National Highways for Non-FASTag users.
• Shri Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, inaugurated the installation of a 45-kilowatt (kW) On- Grid Solar Power System at a water pumping station in North Goa district under Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA)’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative
• In a major diplomatic gesture, Israel has announced that former US President Donald Trump will be awarded the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest civilian award
• Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, has become the first Indian to receive the Kenton R. Miller Award for innovation in sustainable protected area management
• Shah Rukh Khan, iconic Bollywood actor, has become the world’s richest actor, crossing the billionaire threshold with a net worth of $1.4 billion.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expanded related party transaction guidelines to include promoters, key management persons (KMPs), shareholders with over 5% equity, and entities with influence and their relatives.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed amendments to the External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) regulations as part of the Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies (October 01, 2025).
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed to rationalise norms for the establishment of branches or offices in India by entities resident outside India (EROI).
• India’s wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation eased to 0.13% in September 2025 (YoY), down from 0.52% in August, as per data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a ‘Scheme for Facilitating Accelerated Payout – Inoperative Accounts and Unclaimed Deposits’ to encourage activation of inoperative accounts and return of unclaimed deposits.
• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a nationwide awareness campaign in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in the presence of State Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai and senior officials from RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, and DFS.
• India’s retail inflation fell sharply to an eight-year low of 1.54% in September 2025, down from 2.07% in August 2025, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed Indian banks and their overseas branches to lend in Indian Rupees to residents and banks in Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka to boost regional trade and facilitate cross-border payments.
• National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) is a nationwide centralized payment system owned and operated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for electronic transfer of funds between bank accounts.
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has validated the Maldives for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B, while maintaining its earlier validation for HIV and syphilis, making it the first country in the world to achieve “triple elimination.”
• Google has announced a massive $15 billion investment over the next five years to set up a world-class Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centre in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has launched India’s first indigenously developed glycoprotein E (gE) deleted DIVA marker vaccine against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR).
• Indian space-tech startup GalaxEye announced it will launch Mission Drishti, the world’s first multi-sensor Earth Observation (EO) satellite, in the first quarter of 2026.
• World Students Day is observed on the 15th of October 2025, to honor the birthday of our former president, the late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
• Global Handwashing Day 2025 is observed on the 15th of October
• White Cane Safety Day is observed on the 15th of October 2025.
• Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day 2025 are observed on the 15th of October
• International Day of Rural Women 2025 is observed on the 15th of October.