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Daily Current Affairs 22nd October 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Launches Real-Time Foreign Currency Settlement System at GIFT City

  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the real-time Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS) at GIFT City, eliminating the earlier 36–48 hour delay in forex settlements.

Key Highlights :

  • Under the FCSS, a locally selected settlement bank will directly clear inter-bank foreign currency transactions within GIFT IFSC, bypassing Nostro accounts and intermediaries.
  • The system enables instant forex settlement, enhancing efficiency, liquidity management, and operational resilience under the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007.
  • With the launch of FCSS, GIFT-IFSC joins leading global financial hubs such as Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Manila, which already have local forex settlement systems.
  • CCIL IFSC Limited, a subsidiary of the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd (CCIL), is the designated Payment System Operator (PSO) for FCSS.
  • The system’s software is being developed by Indian Financial Technology & Allied Services (IFTAS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • For US dollar settlements, Standard Chartered Bank has been designated as the partner bank, reducing settlement time from up to two days to just 4–5 seconds.
  • GIFT City is India’s first global financial hub and Special Economic Zone (SEZ), hosting international banking, insurance, fintech, capital markets, and offshore derivatives trading under liberal tax and regulatory frameworks.

ICICI Bank and Visa Launch Asia’s First Visa Infinite Corporate Forex Card for Business Travellers

  • ICICI Bank in collaboration with Visa launched the Corporate Sapphiro Forex Card, Asia’s first Visa Infinite-powered prepaid forex card designed for entrepreneurs and business travellers.
  • The card supports 15 currencies with zero cross-currency markup, enabling travel across multiple countries using even a single loaded currency.
  • It offers premium benefits worth over ₹15,000, including 2 free international lounge visits, meet-and-assist airport services, free international eSIM, 3 monthly ATM fee waivers, and preferential hotel and airline rates.

About ICICI Bank:

  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • CEO: Sandeep Bakhshi
  • Founded Year: 1994 (as a bank; ICICI established in 1955)
  • Slogan: “Hum Hai Na, Khayal Apka”

Reserve Bank of India Launches Offline Digital Rupee (e₹) at Global Fintech Fest 2025 to Boost India’s Digital Finance Ecosystem

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched the offline digital rupee (e₹) at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s digital finance evolution.
  • The e₹ is India’s official Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), functioning like physical cash in digital form, and stored in bank wallets offered by SBI, ICICI, HDFC, and Union Bank.
  • These wallets are available on Google Play and Apple App Store, enabling instant P2P (person-to-person) and P2M (person-to-merchant)
  • The e₹ supports offline payments using minimal network connectivity or NFC tap technology, ensuring accessibility in rural and remote regions.
  • The programmable e₹ is being tested in government schemes like Gujarat’s G-SAFAL and Andhra Pradesh’s DEEPAM 2.0, promoting efficient subsidy delivery, financial inclusion, and transparency.
  • India’s first retail e-rupee pilot began on December 1, 2022, with over 7 million users participating so far.

SBI General Insurance Launches ‘Health Alpha’ — a Customizable Retail Health Plan with 50+ Optional Benefits

  • SBI General Insurance launched ‘Health Alpha’, a customizable retail health insurance plan that allows policyholders to tailor coverage with over 50 optional benefits, based on the theme “Your Health. Your Cover. Your Way.”
  • The plan offers sum insured options from ₹5 lakh to unlimited coverage, with policy terms up to 5 years and no upper age limit for adults.
  • Key features include up to 10x cumulative bonus, Unlimited & Endless Sum Insured options, critical illness cover, global cover, and an industry-first Gym & Sports Injury OPD Cover.
  • SBI General Insurance aims to make Health Alpha a benchmark in customized health insurance, strengthening its retail health segment through strong distribution, recognition, and brand trust.

Expenditure Finance Committee Approves ₹7,300 Crore Scheme to Boost Domestic Production of Rare Earth Magnets

  • The Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) has approved a ₹7,300 crore incentive scheme to promote domestic production of rare earth magnets, essential for EVs, wind turbines, and electronics.
  • The scheme will run for seven years and was initially proposed with an outlay of ₹1,350 crore, later revised to ₹7,300 crore to strengthen India’s manufacturing capacity in this strategic sector.
  • Of the total outlay, ₹6,500 crore is earmarked for capital expenditure and ₹800 crore for operational support, focused on setting up processing units and supply chains within India.
  • The initiative aims to increase India’s rare earth magnet output to 6,000 tonnes by 2030, up from 1,500 metric tonnes, making the country self-reliant in domestic demand.
  • IREL (India) Ltd remains the only PSU engaged in rare earth mining and refining in the country.
  • The decision follows China’s export restrictions on rare earth elements, which disrupted global supply chains and affected Indian industries.
  • EV and wind turbine manufacturers currently account for over 50% of India’s 4,010 MT rare earth demand (2025), projected to double to 8,220 MT by 2030.

Reserve Bank of India Plans Phone-Locking System to Help Lenders Curb Defaults on Credit-Based Mobile Purchases

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is exploring a phone security platform that would enable lenders to remotely lock mobile phones bought on credit if borrowers default on payments.
  • The initiative aims to reduce bad loans while ensuring consumer protection and data privacy.
  • The RBI is analyzing pros and cons, weighing borrowers’ rights against creditors’ recovery mechanisms.
  • The RBI recently directed lenders to halt existing phone-locking practices, which involved apps installed during loan disbursement.
  • Upcoming guidelines under the Fair Practices Code may require explicit borrower consent and restrict lenders from accessing personal data.
  • The move could benefit consumer lenders such as Bajaj Finance, DMI Finance, and Cholamandalam Finance, as over one-third of phones in India are purchased through small-ticket credit loans.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Proposes Training Women as “Pension Sakhis” to Boost National Pension System (NPS) Enrolment

  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed training women as “Pension Sakhis”, similar to LIC’s Bima Sakhis, to increase enrolment in the National Pension System (NPS).
  • She emphasized better coordination in India’s pension ecosystem, referring to the Forum for Regulatory Coordination and Development of Pension Products, established in August 2025.
  • The Multiple Scheme Framework (MSF) for non-government NPS subscribers was launched on October 1, 2025, allowing 100% equity allocation and flexibility to invest across different CRAs under one PRAN.
  • Under the MSF, fund managers can design schemes based on subscriber needs, replacing the previous single-scheme-per-subscriber model with a 75% equity cap.
  • Introduced in 2004, the NPS transformed India’s pension model from Defined-Benefit (DB) to Defined-Contribution (DC), making it a comprehensive retirement planning tool for all citizens.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : NATIONAL & STATE NEWS

Centre Notifies Notaries (Amendment) Rules, 2025 to Expand Number of Notaries in Four States

  • The Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, has notified the Notaries (Amendment) Rules, 2025 via S.R. 763(E) dated 17 October 2025, under Section 15 of the Notaries Act, 1952 (53 of 1952).
  • The Notaries (Amendment) Rules, 2025 amended the Notaries Rules, 1956, and came into force upon publication in the Official Gazette.
  • The amendment increases the maximum number of Notaries that may be appointed by the State Governments of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Nagaland.
  • The revised limits are as follows:
    • Gujarat: increased from 2,900 to 6,000
    • Tamil Nadu: increased from 2,500 to 3,500
    • Rajasthan: increased from 2,000 to 3,000
    • Nagaland: increased from 200 to 400
  • This decision was taken in response to requests from State Governments, considering the growth in population, administrative divisions, and rising demand for Notary services.

Centre Disburses ₹730 Crore XV Finance Commission Grants to Boost Rural Local Bodies in Gujarat and Haryana

  • The Union Government released XV Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants for Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Gujarat and Haryana during FY 2025–26 to strengthen grassroots governance.
  • In Gujarat, the 2nd installment of Untied Grants for FY 2024–25 amounting to ₹522.20 crore was released for 38 District Panchayats, 247 Block Panchayats, and 14,547 Gram Panchayats.
  • Additionally, ₹13.5989 crore of the withheld 1st installment was released to 6 District Panchayats, 5 Block Panchayats, and 78 Gram Panchayats in Gujarat.
  • In Haryana, the 1st installment of Untied Grants for FY 2025–26 worth ₹195.129 crore was released for 18 District Panchayats, 134 Block Panchayats, and 6,164 Gram Panchayats.
  • The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation) recommend the release of XV-FC Grants, which are disbursed by the Ministry of Finance in two installments per financial year.
  • Untied Grants are to be utilized by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)/RLBs for location-specific needs under the 29 Subjects in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, excluding salaries and establishment costs.
  • Tied Grants are meant for sanitation and maintenance of ODF status, including waste and fecal sludge management, and for drinking water supply, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling.

India’s Sacred Buddha Relics in Kalmykia Attract Over 90,000 Devotees, Marking Historic Spiritual Event in Russia

  • The Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from India are on display at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery (Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha) in Kalmykia, Russia, attracting over 90,000 devotees.
  • The Indian delegation led by Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, includes senior Indian monks conducting religious services and blessings for the predominantly Buddhist population.
  • The event, which began on October 11, 2025, has seen queues nearly one kilometer long, reflecting strong spiritual enthusiasm among visitors.
  • This is the first-ever exposition of its kind in Kalmykia, highlighting the historical and civilizational ties between India and Russia.
  • Organized by India’s Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the National Museum, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), the exposition will continue until October 18, 2025, emphasizing India’s shared Buddhist heritage with Russia.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

United States and Australia Sign Critical Minerals Deal to Strengthen Supply Chains and Curb China’s Dominance

  • United States (US) President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a critical minerals agreement on October 21, 2025, at the White House, aimed at strengthening Western supply chain resilience and reducing China’s dominance in critical minerals.
  • The agreement establishes an $8.5 billion mineral supply pipeline, with both nations contributing $1 billion each within six months to develop mining and processing infrastructure for key minerals such as lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements.
  • The initiative is designed to reduce dependency on Chinese-controlled supply chains that dominate the global market for rare earths, gallium, and other strategic materials.
  • The agreement includes minimum price floors for critical minerals to stabilise markets and permit reforms to accelerate mining and processing projects.
  • Both nations agreed to collaborate on geological mapping, mineral recycling, and asset protection for national security purposes.

Key Highlights :

  • A key clause prevents foreign (particularly Chinese) acquisitions of critical mineral assets on national security grounds, reinforcing supply chain security.
  • The S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) announced $2.2 billion in letters of interest to support Australian companies working on rare earth and strategic mineral projects.
  • The supported companies include Arafura Rare Earths, Northern Minerals, Latrobe Magnesium, Graphinex, Sunrise Energy Metals, VHM, and RZ Resources.
  • These projects aim to boost industries such as aerospace, defence, communication technology, and advanced manufacturing, while revitalising the U.S. high-tech industrial base.
  • A major highlight is the Pentagon’s plan to establish a gallium refinery in Western Australia, challenging China’s export restrictions on gallium, a key material for semiconductors and satellite communications.
  • The move reflects growing resource nationalism and the West’s strategy to bypass Chinese supply chain control over critical minerals essential for defence, technology, and clean energy sectors.
  • Overall, the agreement marks a strategic realignment of global mineral supply chains, deepening U.S.-Australia cooperation in critical resources and industrial security.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Sanae Takaichi Elected as Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

  • Takaichi Sanae has been elected as Japan’s first female Prime Minister, marking a historic milestone in the country’s political history.
  • Leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), she will form a coalition government with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) after the LDP’s split from Komeito.
  • Takaichi Sanae secured 237 votes in the 465-seat Lower House and 125 votes in the Upper House (just one vote above the majority), becoming Japan’s 104th Prime Minister, succeeding Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned after electoral setbacks.
  • Takaichi’s Cabinet includes key political figures — Koizumi Shinjiro (Defence Minister), Hayashi Yoshimasa (Internal Affairs & Communications), Motegi Toshimitsu (Foreign Minister), and Katayama Satsuki (Finance Minister) — indicating unity among factions.
  • The new LDP-JIP coalition government will prioritise economic reform, national security, energy policy, and foreign relations.

About Japan :

  • Capital: Tokyo
  • Currency : Japanese yen

CURRENT AFFAIRS : MOU & AGREEMENTS

International Union for Conservation of Nature and International Renewable Energy Agency Sign MoU at Abu Dhabi Congress to Advance Renewable Energy and Biodiversity Goals

  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.
  • The MoU establishes a framework for joint action to ensure the global transition to renewable energy also safeguards biodiversity, supports communities, and advances the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • IUCN and IRENA will jointly promote a shift from fossil fuels to renewables while mitigating environmental impacts.
  • The partnership will focus on biodiversity impact assessment tools, conservation co-benefit projects, and sharing policy guidance, research, and best practices.
  • Both organisations will explore capacity-building initiatives and technical cooperation to enhance sustainable energy development.
  • The MoU is valid for three years, with options for renewal and expansion, reflecting a shared commitment to climate action and conservation.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Raksha Mantri Inaugurates Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant at PTC Industries’ Strategic Materials Technology Complex in Lucknow

  • Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh dedicated to the nation a Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant at PTC Industries’ Strategic Materials Technology Complex in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on October 18, 2025.
  • The Minister emphasised that India must produce rare materials used in defence and aerospace to ensure technological sovereignty and become a technology creator.
  • The new plant is one of the first private sector units to manufacture aero-engine and superalloy components, marking a major step towards indigenous production of rare materials.
  • The establishment of the plant places India among the select nations capable of producing critical defence and aerospace materials.

Key Highlights :

  • With this capability, India will be able to manufacture parts for fighter jets, missiles, naval systems, and satellites, enhancing strategic self-reliance.
  • The Strategic Materials Technology Complex, spread over 50 acres with an investment of ₹1,000 crore, has a production capacity of 6,000 tonnes per annum of aviation-grade Titanium and Superalloys from domestic and recycled sources.
  • The complex will generate direct and indirect employment in Uttar Pradesh and strengthen the UP Defence Industrial Corridor, linking start-ups and MSMEs for defence production.
  • He highlighted India’s transition from “Make in India” to “Design, Develop and Deliver in India”, emphasising the role of the private sector in defence innovation.
  • An MoU was signed between PTC Industries and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to jointly design, develop, and manufacture propulsion systems, guided bombs, and small aeroengines for missiles, UAVs, and loitering munitions.
  • The collaboration between PTC and BDL aims to accelerate indigenisation of advanced propulsion technologies and reduce import dependence.
  • PTC Industries received a Letter of Technical Acceptance (LoTA) from CEMILAC, DRDO for the indigenous development of Titanium Rear Fin Root Casting for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), developed with DMRL and ADA.
  • Another LoTA from CEMILAC was granted for Oil Tank Assembly Titanium Castings for the Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE-2), in collaboration with GTRE.
  • PTC Industries also received a purchase order for manufacturing Single-Crystal ‘Ready-to-Fit’ Turbine Blades for the Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE-2), marking a milestone in domestic jet engine technology.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Chandrayaan-2 Detects Impact of Solar Coronal Mass Ejections on the Moon’s Exosphere

  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a major scientific breakthrough by making the first-ever direct observation of how the Sun’s Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) affect the Moon’s exosphere through its Chandrayaan-2 lunar orbiter.
  • The observation was made using Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2 (CHACE-2) instrument onboard Chandrayaan-2, confirming that solar activity can significantly alter the lunar exosphere.
  • On May 10, 2024, a rare series of CMEs impacted the Moon, allowing CHACE-2 to record a substantial increase in total pressure of the sunlit lunar exosphere.
  • The number density of neutral atoms and molecules in the lunar exosphere rose more than tenfold, matching theoretical predictions that previously lacked direct observational evidence.

Key Highlights :

  • Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are massive bursts of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona, consisting mainly of Hydrogen and Helium ions, which can impact celestial bodies when emitted.
  • Since the Moon lacks a global magnetic field and atmosphere, the effects of CMEs are direct and intense, making its exosphere highly sensitive to solar fluctuations.
  • The Moon’s exosphere is a surface boundary exosphere, meaning its gases and atoms are directly influenced by the lunar surface and are produced through solar radiation, solar wind, and meteorite impacts.
  • The CME impact caused an enhanced release of atoms from the lunar surface, temporarily increasing the density and pressure of the exosphere.
  • This finding provides valuable insight into lunar space weather and the interaction between solar activity and airless celestial bodies.
  • The discovery also highlights potential challenges for future lunar bases, as CME events can temporarily alter the Moon’s environment, affecting infrastructure and human activity.
  • The result strengthens ISRO’s reputation in planetary science and interplanetary research, placing India among a select group of nations conducting advanced lunar studies.
  • Chandrayaan-2, launched in 2019, continues to deliver scientific results through its orbiter, despite the lander’s unsuccessful touchdown.

Air India Partners with Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines for Seamless Interline Travel Connectivity

  • Air India signed an interline partnership with Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines to enable seamless travel on combined itineraries.
  • The agreement allows Air India passengers to access Taipei through Southeast Asian gateways such as Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, and Kuala Lumpur.
  • STARLUX passengers can now connect to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru via these shared gateways.
  • The partnership enhances premium travel options and strengthens full-service connectivity for passengers of both airlines.
  • Air India recently launched India’s first non-stop flight to the Philippines, connecting Delhi and Manila.

Zoho Unveils “Vani”, a Visual Collaboration Platform to Boost Team Productivity and Engagement

  • Zoho launched “Vani”, a visual-first workplace collaboration platform designed to enhance team productivity and interactivity.
  • Vani allows teams to transition from static tools to dynamic, interactive workspaces for brainstorming, planning, and project execution.
  • It follows a “space and zone” model, where spaces represent project canvases and zones organize work by contributor, function, or phase.
  • The platform integrates AI-powered tools for content generation, flowcharts, summaries, and insights.
  • Arattai, launched by Zoho in 2021, is a “Made in India” social networking and messaging app, with the Tamil word meaning “chat” or “chit-chat.”
  • Arattai supports chats, file sharing, voice/video calls, status updates, and channel broadcasting, and is available on smartphones, desktops, and Android TV.
  • The app recently topped India’s app store charts, outperforming WhatsApp, Telegram, and Threads.
  • With improved security and performance while maintaining privacy, Arattai could become a major competitor to WhatsApp in India.

India to Launch Finternet by 2026, a Digital Public Infrastructure Focused on Asset Tokenisation and AI

  • Finternet, India’s upcoming Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), is expected to go live in 2026, focusing on tokenisation of assets and artificial intelligence (AI).
  • The platform will integrate land, property, bonds, and financial investments under one digital framework where they can be tokenised for simplified management and transactions.
  • The initiative promotes tokenisation within regulatory frameworks, setting it apart from cryptocurrency-based systems.
  • Finternet aims to ensure regulatory compliance while unlocking the potential of tokenised assets for individuals and institutions.
  • The core objective is to digitally convert physical assets such as land, real estate, and gold into secure digital tokens, enhancing transparency and efficiency.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SPORTS NEWS

Verstappen Triumphs at US Grand Prix, Intensifies F1 Championship Battle

  • Max Verstappen won the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix 2025, marking his third win in four races, tightening the three-way title battle with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
  • The race took place at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, where Verstappen also won the Saturday Sprint Race, securing a double victory for the weekend.
  • This was Verstappen’s 68th career win, and he now has four wins in five years at the US Grand Prix circuit.
  • Verstappen is now 40 points behind Piastri and 26 behind Norris, keeping him in strong contention for a historic fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship title.
  • Lando Norris finished second, overtaking Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, and reduced his gap to Piastri to just 14 points, intensifying the championship race.
  • Ferrari secured 3rd and 4th places through Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, showing resilience after internal pressure and a public statement of support from Chairman John Elkann for Team Principal Fred Vasseur.
  • The Drivers’ Standings after the US Grand Prix:
    • Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – Leader
    • Lando Norris (McLaren)14 points behind
    • Max Verstappen (Red Bull)40 points behind
  • The next event is the Mexico City Grand Prix, where Verstappen holds a record five career wins, making it a critical race for the title chase.
  • The 2025 F1 season is shaping up as one of the closest and most competitive title fights in recent years, with only five Grand Prix and two Sprint Races

Daily CA on October 22:

  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the real-time Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS) at GIFT City, eliminating the earlier 36–48 hour delay in forex settlements.
  • ICICI Bank in collaboration with Visa launched the Corporate Sapphiro Forex Card, Asia’s first Visa Infinite-powered prepaid forex card designed for entrepreneurs and business travellers.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched the offline digital rupee (e₹) at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s digital finance evolution.
  • SBI General Insurance launched ‘Health Alpha’, a customizable retail health insurance plan that allows policyholders to tailor coverage with over 50 optional benefits, based on the theme “Your Health. Your Cover. Your Way.”
  • The Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) has approved a ₹7,300 crore incentive scheme to promote domestic production of rare earth magnets, essential for EVs, wind turbines, and electronics.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is exploring a phone security platform that would enable lenders to remotely lock mobile phones bought on credit if borrowers default on payments.
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed training women as “Pension Sakhis”, similar to LIC’s Bima Sakhis, to increase enrolment in the National Pension System (NPS).
  • The Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, has notified the Notaries (Amendment) Rules, 2025 via S.R. 763(E) dated 17 October 2025, under Section 15 of the Notaries Act, 1952 (53 of 1952).
  • The Union Government released XV Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants for Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Gujarat and Haryana during FY 2025–26 to strengthen grassroots governance.
  • The Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from India are on display at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery (Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha) in Kalmykia, Russia, attracting over 90,000 devotees.
  • United States (US) President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a critical minerals agreement on October 21, 2025, at the White House, aimed at strengthening Western supply chain resilience and reducing China’s dominance in critical minerals.
  • Takaichi Sanae has been elected as Japan’s first female Prime Minister, marking a historic milestone in the country’s political history.
  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.
  • Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh dedicated to the nation a Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant at PTC Industries’ Strategic Materials Technology Complex in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on October 18, 2025.
  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a major scientific breakthrough by making the first-ever direct observation of how the Sun’s Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) affect the Moon’s exosphere through its Chandrayaan-2 lunar orbiter.
  • Air India signed an interline partnership with Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines to enable seamless travel on combined itineraries.
  • Zoho launched “Vani”, a visual-first workplace collaboration platform designed to enhance team productivity and interactivity.
  • Finternet, India’s upcoming Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), is expected to go live in 2026, focusing on tokenisation of assets and artificial intelligence (AI).
  • Max Verstappen won the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix 2025, marking his third win in four races, tightening the three-way title battle with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

This post was last modified on October 22, 2025 10:53 am