Daily Current Affairs 16th October 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India Paper Finds Telangana Leading All States in UPI Transaction Usage Intensity

• A Reserve Bank of India (RBI) bulletin paper found that Telangana records the highest usage intensity of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in per capita terms among all Indian States.
• The study used PhonePe transaction data as a proxy for assessing UPI usage intensity, since PhonePe accounts for 58% of total UPI transaction volume and 53% of total transaction value.
• Other states with high UPI usage intensity include Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, and Maharashtra, driven by urbanisation and economic activity.
• The paper notes that UPI’s growth has significantly reduced cash demand, as reflected in the steady fall of ATM withdrawals as a percentage of GDP.
• There is a rise in peer-to-merchant (P2M) payments, showing that UPI is increasingly used for low-value, everyday transactions.
• The average value of UPI transactions (ticket size) has been declining over time, while most P2M transactions are below ₹500.
• Cash withdrawal intensity remains higher in northeastern States, Kerala, Goa, and Delhi, likely due to tourism, service-sector cash use, remittance inflows, and rural cash dependence.
• The paper concludes that southern and western States lead UPI adoption, reflecting urban economic hubs and employment-driven migration, whereas cash reliance persists in regions with limited digital infrastructure.

World Bank Raises India’s FY26 Growth Projection To 6.5%, Attributing Gains To Strong Demand And GST Reforms

• The World Bank has raised India’s GDP growth forecast to 6.5% for FY26, up from 6.3% projected in June 2025, citing resilient domestic demand, rural recovery, and the impact of GST reforms.
• India is expected to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy, supported by strong consumption and economic formalization.
• However, the World Bank revised India’s FY27 growth forecast down to 6.3%, attributing it to the 50% tariff imposed by the U.S. on Indian exports.

Key Highlights :

• The South Asia Development Update (October 2025) projects South Asia’s growth at 6.6% in 2025, but expects it to slow to 5.8% in 2026, a 0.6 percentage point downward revision from April’s forecast.
• The report highlights downside risks to regional growth due to global economic uncertainty, trade protectionism, political unrest, and AI-related labour disruptions.
• India’s domestic consumption continues to be a major growth driver, with services and manufacturing sectors benefiting from rising incomes and urban expansion.
• Rural recovery is supported by better agricultural output, higher rural wages, and favourable monsoon conditions.
• GST reforms have led to improved tax compliance, broadened the tax base, and higher government revenues, enabling increased infrastructure and welfare spending.
• The U.S. tariff hike poses a challenge to India’s export-oriented sectors, including textiles, electronics, and auto components, which may impact foreign trade and investor confidence in FY27.

International Monetary Fund  Ups India’s FY26 GDP Growth Projection to 6.6% Despite US Tariff Impact

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised India’s Gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for 2025–26 to 6.6% from 6.4% earlier, despite US punitive tariffs on Indian exports.
• The upward revision is attributed to a strong first-quarter performance, which offset the impact of higher US effective tariffs on imports from India since July 2025, according to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook
• In the April–June quarter of FY26, India’s GDP grew 7.8%, the fastest pace in at least a year, driven by robust private consumption.
• The government’s GST reforms, including reduced tax rates on consumer goods and services, are expected to boost domestic demand further and counter external demand weakness due to the US tariff hike.
• The IMF’s revised projection aligns closely with the World Bank’s forecast, which recently raised India’s FY26 growth estimate to 6.5% from 6.3%.
• The IMF projected that emerging markets and developing economies will see slower growth, moderating from 4.3% in 2024 to 4.2% in 2025 and 4% in 2026.
• IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation Eases Provident Fund Norms, Allows Full Balance Withdrawal

• The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has simplified its withdrawal rules, allowing members to withdraw up to 100% of their EPF balance, including both employee and employer contributions.
• The decision was taken at the 238th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) chaired by Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

Key Highlights :

Simplified Withdrawal Norms

• 13 withdrawal rules have been merged into one unified rule, now classified under three categories — Essential Needs, Housing Needs, and Special Circumstances.
• Education withdrawals can now be made up to 10 times and marriage withdrawals up to 5 times (earlier combined limit was 3).
• The minimum service period for partial withdrawals has been reduced to 12 months.
• Under Special Circumstances, members don’t need to specify reasons for withdrawal.
• At least 25% of the EPF balance must remain in the account to continue earning 8.25% annual interest and ensure retirement savings security.
• Automatic claim settlement will now be enabled, with no documents required for withdrawals.
• The waiting period for final EPF withdrawal has been increased from 2 months to 12 months, and for final pension withdrawal from 2 months to 36 months.

Vishwas Scheme for Legal Disputes

• EPFO launched the ‘Vishwas Scheme’ to settle old legal disputes involving penal damages of about ₹2,406 crore pending across 6,000 court cases.
• Under the scheme, penal damages are reduced to 1% per month, with lower rates for shorter delays — 0.25% for up to 2 months, 0.5% for up to 4 months.
• The Vishwas Scheme will run for six months, extendable by another six, and cover all pending cases under Section 14B of the EPF Act.

Digital Upgrades and Services

• EPFO will collaborate with India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) to deliver Digital Life Certificates (DLCs) to EPS-95 pensioners at their doorstep, costing ₹50 per certificate, borne by EPFO.
• EPFO launched EPFO 3.0, a major digital upgrade using Core Banking and cloud-based technology for faster and more secure services.
• EPFO 3.0 offers instant claim settlements, multilingual self-service options, and automatic payroll-linked contributions for 30 crore members.
• The Board appointed four new Fund Managers to handle EPFO’s debt investments for the next five years.

About EPFO:

• Under: Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India.
• Key Purpose: Manages Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Pension (EPS), and Insurance (EDLI) for salaried employees.
• CEO: Ramesh Krishnamurthi
• Headquarters: New Delhi

RBI Frequently Asked questions-ATM/White Label ATM

• An Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is a computerised machine that allows customers to access their bank accounts for cash withdrawal and perform financial and non-financial transactions without visiting a bank branch.
• White Label ATMs (WLAs) are ATMs set up, owned, and operated by non-banks, authorised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
• For customers, facilities at WLAs and bank ATMs are the same, offering similar transaction options.
• RBI permitted non-bank entities to set up WLAs to increase ATM penetration in semi-urban and rural areas for better financial inclusion.

Key Highlights :

Services and Transactions

• ATMs/WLAs provide multiple services like cash withdrawal, balance enquiry, mini statement, bill payment, and PIN change, though mobile recharge is not allowed at WLAs.
• ATM cards, debit cards, credit cards, and prepaid cards can be used at ATMs/WLAs depending on issuer permissions.
• A valid card and PIN are required to transact at an ATM/WLA, though card-less withdrawals are now also permitted by the RBI.
• The PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a numeric password issued by banks, which must be kept confidential and changed regularly.
• Cards issued by any Indian bank can be used at any ATM or WLA across the country.
• On-Us transaction means using your own bank’s ATM, while Off-Us transaction means using another bank’s ATM or WLA.

Free Transaction Limits and Charges

• Savings bank account holders are entitled to minimum free transactions
  • Five free On-Us transactions (own bank’s ATM) per month,
  • Three free Off-Us transactions at metro locations, and
  • Five free Off-Us transactions at non-metro locations.
• Banks can offer more free transactions than the RBI’s minimum requirement.
• The rule for free transactions does not apply to Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts (BSBDA), which have their own withdrawal conditions.
• Non-cash transactions and failed transactions (due to technical errors or no cash) are not counted towards the free transaction limit.
• ATMs must clearly display whether they are located in a metro or non-metro area for customer clarity.
• Charges beyond free limits cannot exceed ₹23 per transaction (plus taxes).
• Charges for cash withdrawal using credit cards or ATMs abroad are decided by individual banks.

Failed Transactions, Security, and Grievance Redressal

• In case of a failed ATM transaction with account debit, the bank must recredit the amount within T+5 calendar days (T = day of transaction).
• If the refund is delayed beyond 5 days, the bank must pay ₹100 per day as compensation, automatically credited to the customer’s account.
• If the issue is not resolved within 30 days, customers can approach the RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme via https://cms.rbi.org.in.
• Expired or closed account ATM cards must be cut into four pieces through the magnetic strip/chip before disposal.
• Customers must maintain privacy, not share PINs, avoid suspicious devices or strangers, and report any unauthorised transactions immediately to the bank.
• If the card is lost or stolen, the customer should immediately inform the issuing bank to block the card and prevent misuse.
• Magnetic Stripe cards store data on a magnetic strip, while EMV Chip & PIN cards store data in a secure chip.
• Banks were mandated by RBI to replace all Magnetic Stripe cards with EMV Chip & PIN cards by December 31, 2018 to enhance transaction security.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Labour Minister Launches Vishwas Scheme to Streamline EPF Litigation and Withdrawals

• Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the Vishwas Scheme during the 238th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of EPFO in New Delhi.
• The scheme aims to reduce prolonged litigation under the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, rationalize penal damages, and enhance member convenience.

Vishwas Scheme Features:

• Objective: Simplify and rationalize penalties for delayed EPF remittances, covering pending, ongoing, and future cases under specified categories.
• Uniform Penal Rate: 1% per month for most delayed payments.
• Graded Lower Rates:
  • 0.25% per month for delays up to 2 months
  • 0.50% per month for delays up to 4 months
• Coverage:
  • Pending litigation under Section 14B
  • Unpaid penal damage orders
  • Pre-adjudication defaults
• Legal Impact: Compliance under Vishwas will result in abatement or withdrawal of litigation.
• Duration: Initially 6 months, with provision for extension.
• Liberalised EPF Withdrawal Rules:
• Categories Simplified:
  • Essential Needs: Education, illness, marriage
  • Housing: Construction, purchase, or loan repayment
  • Special Circumstances: Calamity, unemployment
• Withdrawal Limit: Up to 100% of eligible EPF balance (employee + employer share).
• Service Requirement: Reduced to 12 months across all categories.
• Relaxed Frequency Caps:
  • Education: Up to 10 times
  • Marriage: Up to 5 times
• Minimum Corpus Retention: 25% of contributions retained for retirement.
• No Disclosure Needed for withdrawals under special circumstances.
• Digital and Process Reforms:
• Re-engineered Return Filing Module
• User Management Module
• Upgraded e-Office
• SPARROW System for APAR Management
  These initiatives aim to enhance administrative efficiency, reduce delays, and improve user experience in EPFO operations.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Endorses Mappls as Indigenous Alternative to Google Maps

• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw publicly endorsed Mappls, a navigation app developed by MapmyIndia, as a viable alternative to Google Maps, promoting digital self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Following the endorsement:

• Mappls became the second most downloaded navigation app on the Apple App Store, after Google Maps.
• On Google Play, the app crossed 1 crore (10 million) downloads.
• Daily downloads rose tenfold within two weeks.
• Indian Railways is preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate Mappls’ mapping services.
  Distinctive features of Mappls include:
• 3D junction views for enhanced real-time navigation.
• Traffic signal countdowns in supported cities.
• Indoor navigation for malls and buildings.
• Alerts for speed breakers, sharp turns, and accident-prone zones.
• Support for 12+ Indian languages.
• Unique Mappls PIN for precise geolocation.
  Industry and market impact:
• Technology leaders, including Sridhar Vembu of Zoho, acknowledged Mappls as the result of decades of research and development.
• Investor confidence surged, with the parent company CE Info Systems’ stock rising by 8%.
• The company is advocating for pre-installation of Mappls on smartphones manufactured under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, boosting domestic adoption.

RECENT NEWS

• In a landmark moment for India’s semiconductor ambitions, Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the country’s first 3nm chip design centres in Noida and Bengaluru.

Jal Jeevan Mission Achieves Over 15.71 Crore Rural Tap Water Connections

• The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has provided tap water connections to over 15.71 crore rural households, achieving more than 80% national coverage since its launch in August 2019.
• With the focus shifting from coverage to sustainability, service reliability, and local governance, the mission aims to ensure that water flows consistently and safely to rural homes.

Key priorities in the next phase include:

• Sustainability: Protecting and maintaining water sources for long-term viability.
• Functionality: Ensuring that piped water systems deliver water daily, not just exist on paper.
• Service delivery: Providing safe, quality water accessible at all times.
  Strengthening these aspects requires robust institutions, trained personnel, and active community engagement at the village and district levels.
  • The first-ever District Collectors’ Peyjal Samvad was held in New Delhi to:
• Enhance district-led implementation and accountability.
• Facilitate cross-learning among districts through case studies and innovation showcases.
• Build peer networks for improved problem-solving and governance.
  District Collectors are now critical as the link between national policy and local delivery, ensuring reliable tap water service.
  • Governance tools and reforms supporting the mission include:
• Dashboards for real-time tracking of supply, coverage, and complaints.
• Village-level monitoring integrated with digital platforms like eGram Swaraj.
• Grievance redressal systems and citizen feedback apps to ensure accountability.
• Convergence with other schemes, including PM Gati Shakti and watershed programmes, to enhance impact.
• Training and knowledge exchange programs to replicate successful models nationwide.
  These initiatives aim to ensure that once a tap is installed, it continues to function reliably and sustainably, meeting the long-term needs of rural communities.

Government Extends Tenure of the 16th Finance Commission to November 30, 2025

• The Government of India has extended the tenure of the 16th Finance Commission by one month, moving the report submission deadline from October 31 to November 30, 2025.
• The 16th Finance Commission, chaired by Arvind Panagariya, is responsible for recommending the distribution of tax revenues between the Centre and states for the 2026–2031 period, and reviewing fiscal arrangements for disaster management financing.

Key Highlights

• Constituted on December 31, 2023, the Commission is a constitutional body that provides guidance on Centre-State fiscal relations, influencing revenue allocation across all states and Union Territories.
• Its key responsibilities include recommending the share of taxes, suggesting measures for revenue augmentation, and reviewing financing mechanisms for disaster management under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
• The Commission comprises Chairperson Arvind Panagariya, full-time members Annie George Mathew (retired bureaucrat) and Manoj Panda (economist), and part-time members Soumya Kanti Ghosh (Chief Economic Advisor, SBI) and T. Rabi Sankar (Deputy Governor, RBI), supported by Secretary Ritvik Pandey, two Joint Secretaries, and an Economic Advisor.
• Recommendations will cover the fiscal period April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2031, focusing on balanced tax-sharing, post-pandemic fiscal realities, strengthening Disaster Response and Mitigation Funds, debt sustainability, and incentives for fiscal discipline and performance-based grants.
• The 15th Finance Commission, chaired by N.K. Singh, had recommended 41% devolution of central taxes to states for 2021–2026, consistent with the 14th Finance Commission under Y.V. Reddy.
• For the 16th Commission, states expect greater fiscal autonomy and clarity on central scheme financing, and the extension allows additional deliberation amid macroeconomic uncertainties and policy shifts.

Railways Minister Inaugurates Three New Door-to-Door Freight and Parcel Services

• Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw has virtually inaugurated three new door-to-door freight and parcel services designed to enhance India’s logistics ecosystem.
• These services represent a strategic move by Indian Railways to become more competitive in goods movement by improving last-mile connectivity, reducing dependency on road transport, and lowering costs for shippers.

The three services launched are as follows:

• Assured Transit Container Service (Delhi → Kolkata): A time-bound container train service to ensure reliable transit between national capitals, linking Delhi with Kolkata.
• Door-to-Door Parcel Service (Mumbai → Kolkata): This service utilizes railway parcel vans to collect parcels directly from the sender’s address and deliver them straight to the destination address, bypassing intermediate handling.
• Railway Goods Sheds as Integrated Logistics Hub: Under this initiative, selected goods sheds will be upgraded and integrated into the logistics network to function as multimodal hubs—serving as nodes for collection, distribution, and transshipment.
  These initiatives aim to make rail-based logistics more door-centric, enhancing efficiency and accessibility for businesses.
  • The move is expected to reduce reliance on road transport for first-mile and last-mile connectivity, thereby cutting logistics costs and promoting sustainable freight movement across India.

RECENT NEWS

• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the ‘RailOne’ mobile application on July 2, 2025.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Armenia Joins IUCN as Newest State Member at 2025 World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi

• Armenia has become the newest State Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) during the 2025 World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, marking a major step in its global environmental engagement.
• The membership will provide Armenia access to global expertise, innovative conservation tools, and international partnerships, strengthening its capacity to advance biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
• Armenia’s IUCN membership supports preparations for hosting COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2026, a key event for showcasing its environmental leadership.
• Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Armenia hosts diverse ecosystems — alpine meadows, mountain forests, semi-deserts, and freshwater habitats — supporting rare species like the Critically Endangered Caucasian leopard, Bezoar goat, and Sevan trout.
• Armenia has implemented policies such as the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and the Red Book of Armenia, aimed at species protection and habitat conservation.
• The membership aligns with Armenia’s green transition goals, including plans to restore forests covering 12.9% of its territory by 2030, protect freshwater ecosystems, and integrate Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into national policy.

About IUCN :

• Founded : 5 October 1948
• Headquarters : Gland, Switzerland
• Director General : Grethel Aguilar
• President : Razan Al Mubarak

About Armenia :

• Prime minister: Nikol Pashinyan
• Capital: Yerevan
• Currency: Armenian Dram

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

70th Filmfare Awards 2025: Honouring Excellence in Hindi Cinema

• The 70th Filmfare Awards 2025 took place at EKA Arena, Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad, celebrating achievements in Hindi cinema. The ceremony was hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, and Maniesh Paul.
• The evening featured memorable performances from Shah Rukh Khan, Kriti Sanon, and Kajol.
• Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, emerged as the most-awarded film, winning 13 trophies, equalling the record set by Gully Boy in 2020.

Major Award Winners:

• Best Film: Laapataa Ladies
• Best Director: Kiran Rao – Laapataa Ladies
• Best Actor (Male): Abhishek Bachchan – I Want To Talk; Kartik Aaryan – Chandu Champion (shared)
• Best Actor (Female): Alia Bhatt – Jigra
• Critics’ Best Actor (Male): Rajkummar Rao – Srikanth
• Critics’ Best Actor (Female): Pratibha Rannta – Laapataa Ladies
• Best Supporting Actor (Male): Ravi Kishan – Laapataa Ladies
• Best Supporting Actor (Female): Chhaya Kadam – Laapataa Ladies
• Critics’ Best Film: Shoojit Sircar – I Want To Talk
• Best Debut Actor (Male): Lakshya – Kill
• Best Debut Actor (Female): Nitanshi Goel – Laapataa Ladies
• Best Debut Director: Kunal Kemmu, Aditya Suhas Jambhale – Madgaon Express, Article 370
• Best Story: Aditya Dhar, Monal Thakkar – Article 370
• Best Screenplay & Dialogue: Sneha Desai – Laapataa Ladies
• Best Music Album: Ram Sampath – Laapataa Ladies
• Best Lyrics: Prashant Pandey – Laapataa Ladies
• Best Playback Singer (Male): Arijit Singh – Laapataa Ladies
• Best Playback Singer (Female): Madhubanti Bagchi – Stree 2
• Technical Awards: Kill won for Action, Editing, Cinematography, and Production Design
• Best Costume Design: Darshan Jalan – Laapataa Ladies
• Best VFX: Redefine – Munjya
• Best Choreography: Bosco–Caesar – Tauba Tauba (Bad Newz)
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Zeenat Aman, Shyam Benegal (Posthumous)
• RD Burman Award for Upcoming Music Talent: Achint Thakkar – Jigra, Mr & Mrs Mahi
• Highlights of the Event:
• Laapataa Ladies dominated with 13 awards, including Best Film and Best Director.
• Abhishek Bachchan and Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor (Male)
• Alia Bhatt won Best Actress for Jigra.
• Kill stood out in technical categories, winning awards for Action, Editing, Cinematography, and Production Design.
• Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Zeenat Aman and Shyam Benegal for their contributions to Indian cinema.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Defence Research & Development Organisation Signs MoU with Solar Energy Corporation of India to Develop Solar-Based Renewable Energy Projects

• The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to implement solar-based renewable energy projects across its establishments.
• The MoU was signed at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi, representing the Ministry of Defence (DRDO) and the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (SECI).
• Under the agreement, 300 MW of solar power capacity will be developed across DRDO establishments nationwide, with the objective of establishing self-reliant, Net-Zero campuses at all strategic DRDO locations by 2027.

Key expected benefits include:

• Reducing dependency on conventional energy sources.
• Promoting sustainable and renewable energy within defence infrastructure.
• Supporting India’s Net-Zero energy targets.
• Strengthening DRDO’s strategic and energy security.
  In addition to renewable energy initiatives, DRDO has advanced defence communication technologies through the development of the Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) Standard 1.0.
• Developed in collaboration with Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and Tri-Services, it enables interoperability in military communication via Software Defined Radios (SDRs).
• Features standardized interfaces, APIs, execution environments, and waveform portability mechanisms.
• Designed to provide indigenous, interoperable, future-ready SDR solutions— “Designed in India, for India and ready for the world.”

The National School of Drama and Bharat Bhawan Sign MoU to Revive Rangmandal Repertory

• The National School of Drama (NSD) and Bharat Bhawan, Bhopal, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to revive the Rangmandal Repertory, which has been inactive for over two decades.
• The initiative aims to strengthen theatre practice, training, and performance in Madhya Pradesh and across India.

Key Highlights

• Rangmandal is the repertory theatre wing of Bharat Bhawan, a renowned multi-arts complex in Bhopal that promotes visual arts, folk arts, theatre, literature, and cultural archives.
• Historically, Rangmandal has functioned as a production centre, training space, and a repository of theatre resources such as scripts and stagecraft materials.
• The MoU was signed on 11 October 2025 in the presence of Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
• Under this agreement, NSD and Bharat Bhawan will jointly operate a “Joint NSD-Bharat Bhawan Rangmandal/Repertory”.
• The revived repertory will serve as a centre for high-quality theatre productions and as a training ground for actors, directors, and technicians.
• The collaboration will bring quality theatre to Madhya Pradesh and beyond, utilizing Bharat Bhawan’s legacy as a cultural hub.
• The arrangement is expected to include sharing of resources, faculty, performance spaces, script libraries, and joint programming between NSD and Bharat Bhawan.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

India Wins Unopposed Seat on UN Human Rights Council for 2026–28 Term

• India has been elected unopposed to the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for the seventh time for a three-year term (2026–2028) starting next year.
• The election reflects India’s unwavering commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms, as stated by Permanent Representative P. Harish.
• India received 177 votes out of 188 cast in a proforma voting, even though it was unopposed for one of the Asia-Pacific group’s 17 allotted seats.
• The Human Rights Council (HRC) is a 47-member UN body based in Geneva, responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide and reviewing situations in member countries.
• India last served on the HRC in 2024, completing two consecutive terms, and took a mandatory break before contesting again.
• India’s philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family) underlines its commitment to global unity, openness, and mutual respect.
• India pledged to bridge divisions and reduce polarisation within the UN system and the Human Rights Council, aiming to strengthen multilateral cooperation.
• The other 13 countries elected to the HRC include Angola, Britain, Chile, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Iraq, Italy, Mauritius, Pakistan, Slovenia, South Africa, and Vietnam.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Navy Conducts 5th Edition of Bilateral Maritime Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti – 2025’ with Indonesian Navy at Visakhapatnam

• The Indian Navy is hosting the 5th edition of the Indo-Indonesian Joint Bilateral Maritime Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti – 2025’ at Visakhapatnam from 14–17 October 2025.
• INS Kavaratti, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette of the Eastern Fleet under Eastern Naval Command (ENC), and the Indonesian Navy Ship KRI John Lie, a Corvette with an integral helicopter, are participating in the exercise.
• The harbour phase includes activities to build camaraderie and professional rapport, such as Cross Deck Visits, Joint Yoga Sessions, Friendly Sports Fixtures, and Professional Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE).
• The sea phase involves dynamic and complex maritime operations to enhance tactical coordination, including Helicopter Operations, Air Defence Exercises, Weapon Firing Drills, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS)
• Exercise Samudra Shakti aims to enhance interoperability, strengthen mutual understanding, and share best practices between the Indian and Indonesian Navies.
• The first edition of the Indo-Indonesian Joint Bilateral Maritime Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’ took place in 2018.

Netherlands to Host NATO’s 2025 Annual Nuclear Deterrence Exercise ‘Steadfast Noon’

• NATO’s annual nuclear deterrence exercise ‘Steadfast Noon’ is being hosted by the Netherlands in 2025, marking its role as this year’s host nation.
• ‘Steadfast Noon’ is an annual nuclear exercise conducted by NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) to test and strengthen the alliance’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
• The main operating site for the 2025 edition is Volkel Air Base (Netherlands), with supporting bases at Kleine Brogel (Belgium), Lakenheath (UK), and Skrydstrup (Denmark).
• Participating nations include Finland, Poland, the United States, Germany, Belgium, the UK, Denmark, and others, demonstrating broad allied cooperation.
• The exercise involves around 70 aircraft from 14 allied nations, including conventional and dual-capable aircraft, enhancing coordination and operational readiness among NATO forces.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

SpaceX’s 11th Starship Rocket Successfully Lands in Indian Ocean after Launch from Texas

• Elon Musk’s SpaceX successfully launched its 11th Starship rocket from Texas, marking the final test flight of the current version before the company begins testing an upgraded Starship for Moon and Mars missions.
• The Starship rocket successfully landed in the Indian Ocean, completing all major test objectives.
• The launch took place from SpaceX’s Starbase facility with the Super Heavy booster making a soft water landing in the Gulf of Mexico about 10 minutes after liftoff.

Key Highlights :

• The mission deployed mock Starlink satellites, tested new heat shield tiles, and successfully demonstrated re-entry and splashdown capabilities.
• NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy called the test “a major step toward landing astronauts on the Moon’s south pole” under the Artemis Programme.
• The next-generation Starship will feature upgrades such as docking adapters for orbital refueling, a key process that allows one Starship to transfer super-cooled propellant to another in space.
• SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said the upgraded version is the one that could take humans to the Moon and Mars, expected to fly by the end of this year or early next year.
• NASA and SpaceX are targeting 2027 for the first human landing on the Moon’s south pole, under a $3 billion contract awarded to SpaceX in 2021.
• The Starship project is part of NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon for the first time since 1972.
• The mission positions SpaceX ahead in the space race with China, which plans its own crewed lunar landing by 2030.
• Starship, the world’s most powerful rocket, is critical for future lunar missions, heavy satellite launches, and Musk’s long-term goal of colonizing Mars.

AdaniConnex Partners with Google to Develop India’s Largest $15 Billion Data Centre Campus in Visakhapatnam

• AdaniConnex, a joint venture of Adani Enterprises, has partnered with Google to build India’s largest data centre campus in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, marking a $15 billion investment over five years.
• The project aims to create a gigawatt-scale AI hub, powered by clean energy and a subsea cable network, boosting India’s digital and AI infrastructure.
• The data centre will begin operations at 1 gigawatt (GW) capacity and scale to multiple gigawatts, making it Google’s largest AI hub outside the United States.
• The campus will include a new international subsea cable gateway, solar and energy storage systems, and enhanced transmission infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh, ensuring sustainable power for high-performance AI computing.
• The initiative is a strategic collaboration among Google, AdaniConnex, and Airtel, aimed at developing a next-generation digital backbone for India and accelerating AI innovation.
• India is rapidly emerging as a global data centre hub, with players like Microsoft, AWS, Reliance Jio, and Hiranandani Yotta expanding operations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENVIRONMENT

International Union for Conservation of Nature Conducts First-Ever Independent Assessment of the Indian Wolf for Targeted Conservation

• The Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) has been evaluated separately by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for the first time, marking a major step toward its independent recognition and targeted conservation.
• The Indian wolf population is estimated at around 3,093 individuals across India and Pakistan, and it is currently classified as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and human persecution.
• The species’ range is almost entirely restricted to India, with only 10–20 individuals left in Pakistan, making its survival heavily dependent on Indian conservation efforts.
• The Indian wolf represents one of the oldest wolf lineages in the world, having evolved in the Indian subcontinent before human arrival, giving it high evolutionary and genetic significance.
• It was previously treated as a subspecies of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) but may now be recognized as a distinct species, potentially becoming the eighth species in the Canis genus.
• Only 12.4% of the Indian wolf’s habitat lies within protected areas, leaving most of its population outside conservation zones and exposed to habitat destruction and human-wildlife conflict.
• Human-wildlife conflict, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, has risen, making swift and professional management of conflict situations essential for maintaining community support and species survival.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

India Hosts 11th Asian Aquatics Championships, Achieves Best-Ever Performance

• India hosted the 11th Asian Aquatics Championships for the first time at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, marking only the second occasion South Asia hosted this prestigious event.
• The championships saw participation from over 1,100 athletes representing 29 countries, drawing global attention to India’s aquatic potential and organizational capabilities.
• The event was jointly organized by the Swimming Federation of India (SFI) and the Government of Gujarat, featuring 65 medal events across four disciplines:
• Swimming: 42 events
• Artistic Swimming: 11 events
• Diving: 10 events
• Water Polo: 2 events
  The championships also served as a qualifier for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
• Medal Tally:
• China: 40 Gold, 10 Silver, 4 Bronze | Total 54 (1st)
• Kazakhstan: 8 Gold, 7 Silver, 8 Bronze | Total 23 (2nd)
• Japan: 5 Gold, 12 Silver, 4 Bronze | Total 21 (3rd)
• Hong Kong, China: 3 Gold, 4 Silver, 7 Bronze | Total 14 (4th)
• Vietnam: 2 Gold, 7 Silver, 6 Bronze | Total 15 (5th)
• India: 0 Gold, 4 Silver, 9 Bronze | Total 13 (13th), India’s best-ever performance at the event
• Indian Standout Performers:
• Srihari Nataraj: 7 medals—the highest for any Indian in a single edition, including Silver in 200m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke, Bronze in 100m Freestyle, 100m Backstroke, 4×100m Medley, 4×100m Freestyle.
• Bhavya Sachdeva: India’s first women’s medal (Bronze in 400m Freestyle).
• Kushagra Rawat: Bronze in men’s 1500m Freestyle.
• Benediction R. Beniston: Silver in 50m Butterfly.
• Rishabh Das: Bronze in 200m Backstroke.
• Sajan Prakash: Bronze in 200m Butterfly.
• National Records:
• India’s men’s team—Aneesh Gowda, Sajan Prakash, Shoan Ganguly, and Srihari Nataraj—set a National Record in the 4×200m Freestyle Relay, clocking 7:23.38 and securing Silver.
• In Diving, Willson Singh Ningthoujam and Indiver Sairem finished fourth in the Synchronized 10m Platform (Mixed) with a score of 300.66, indicating a promising future in this discipline.
• The championships highlighted India’s growing competence in aquatic sports, showcasing record-breaking performances, first-time achievements, and enhanced international visibility.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Goa Agriculture Minister and Former Chief Minister Ravi Naik passed away at 79 After Cardiac Arrest

• Goa’s Agriculture Minister and former Chief Minister Ravi Naik passed away on October 15, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest at the age of 79.
• He was a seven-time MLA, elected six times from the Ponda constituency and once from Marcaim, representing Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Congress, and the BJP during different periods.
• Naik was first elected to the Goa Legislative Assembly in 1984 from Ponda on an MGP ticket and again in 1989 from Marcaim.
• He later won elections from Ponda in 1999, 2002, 2007, and 2017 as a Congress candidate, and in 2022 as a BJP candidate.
• He was also elected to the Lok Sabha from North Goa in 1998 as a Congress Member of Parliament.
• Ravi Naik served twice as Chief Minister of Goa, first from January 1991 to May 1993, leading a Progressive Democratic Front coalition government.
• His second term as Chief Minister in 1994 lasted only six days (April 2–8), making him the shortest-serving Chief Minister in Goa’s history.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Food Day will occur on October 16.

• World Food Day 2025 is observed annually on the 16th of October.
• The promotion of global food security, particularly during times of crisis, is the core idea that World Food Day honors.
• The theme for this year, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,”

History

• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a specialized body of the United Nations, created World Food Day in 1945.
• However, it would take another 34 years until the 20th FAO conference in November 1979, when it was declared a global holiday.
• Following this, 150 nations continued to commemorate the day once it was given official UN recognition.
• Since 2014, the day’s popularity has been exploited to advance the causes of world hunger relief and eradicate poverty in developing countries.

The World Anaesthesia Day will be on October 16.

• World Anaesthesia Day is observed on the 16th of October 2025.
• The purpose of celebrating World Anaesthesia Day is to organise the global anaesthesia community and to act as a potent lobbying tool.
• The World Anaesthesia Day 2025 theme is “Anaesthesiology in Health Emergencies,”

History

• World Anaesthesia Day is observed on October 16 in remembrance of W.T.G. Morton, who made the first successful official demonstration of ether as an anaesthetic on this date 173 years ago.
• This event ushered in the practice of anesthesiology.
• Since 1903, unique occasions have been planned to commemorate this momentous day.
• Given in an operating room at Massachusetts General Hospital, it is regarded as one of the pivotal moments in medical history.

Daily CA One- Liner: October 16

• Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the Vishwas Scheme during the 238th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of EPFO in New Delhi
• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw publicly endorsed Mappls, a navigation app developed by MapmyIndia, as a viable alternative to Google Maps, promoting digital self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat
• The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has provided tap water connections to over 15.71 crore rural households, achieving more than 80% national coverage since its launch in August 2019
• The Government of India has extended the tenure of the 16th Finance Commission by one month, moving the report submission deadline from October 31 to November 30, 2025
• Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw has virtually inaugurated three new door-to-door freight and parcel services designed to enhance India’s logistics ecosystem
• The 70th Filmfare Awards 2025 took place at EKA Arena, Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad, celebrating achievements in Hindi cinema. The ceremony was hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, and Maniesh Paul
• The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to implement solar-based renewable energy projects across its establishments
• The National School of Drama (NSD) and Bharat Bhawan, Bhopal, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to revive the Rangmandal Repertory, which has been inactive for over two decades
• India hosted the 11th Asian Aquatics Championships for the first time at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, marking only the second occasion South Asia hosted this prestigious event.
• A Reserve Bank of India (RBI) bulletin paper found that Telangana records the highest usage intensity of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in per capita terms among all Indian States.
• The World Bank has raised India’s GDP growth forecast to 6.5% for FY26, up from 6.3% projected in June 2025, citing resilient domestic demand, rural recovery, and the impact of GST reforms.
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised India’s Gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for 2025–26 to 6.6% from 6.4% earlier, despite US punitive tariffs on Indian exports.
• The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has simplified its withdrawal rules, allowing members to withdraw up to 100% of their EPF balance, including both employee and employer contributions.
• An Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is a computerised machine that allows customers to access their bank accounts for cash withdrawal and perform financial and non-financial transactions without visiting a bank branch.
• Armenia has become the newest State Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) during the 2025 World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, marking a major step in its global environmental engagement.
• India has been elected unopposed to the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for the seventh time for a three-year term (2026–2028) starting next year.
• The Indian Navy is hosting the 5th edition of the Indo-Indonesian Joint Bilateral Maritime Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti – 2025’ at Visakhapatnam from 14–17 October 2025.
• NATO’s annual nuclear deterrence exercise ‘Steadfast Noon’ is being hosted by the Netherlands in 2025, marking its role as this year’s host nation.
• Elon Musk’s SpaceX successfully launched its 11th Starship rocket from Texas, marking the final test flight of the current version before the company begins testing an upgraded Starship for Moon and Mars missions.
• AdaniConnex, a joint venture of Adani Enterprises, has partnered with Google to build India’s largest data centre campus in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, marking a $15 billion investment over five years.
• The Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) has been evaluated separately by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for the first time, marking a major step toward its independent recognition and targeted conservation.
• Goa’s Agriculture Minister and former Chief Minister Ravi Naik passed away on October 15, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest at the age of 79.
• World Food Day 2025 is observed annually on the 16th of October.
• World Anaesthesia Day is observed on the 16th of October 2025.