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Daily Current Affairs 25th October 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India unveils Fourth Global Hackathon ‘HaRBInger 2025’ to drive innovation in secure banking

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a global hackathon “HaRBInger 2025 – Innovation for Transformation” to promote secure, innovative, and user-centric financial solutions.
  • The theme of HaRBInger 2025 is “Secure Banking: Powered by Identity, Integrity, and Inclusivity.”
  • Participants will develop solutions under three problem statements:
  • ‘Tokenised KYC’
  • ‘Offline CBDC’
  • ‘Enhancing Trust’
  • Eligible participants include individuals, teams, or entities aged 18 and above who can legally enter into a contractual agreement.
  • A hackathon is an event where participants collaborate to develop innovative solutions to given challenges.
  • The winner for each problem statement will receive ₹40 lakh, and the runner-up will get ₹20 lakh.
  • A special prize of ₹20 lakh will be awarded to the best all-woman team across all problem statements.
  • Each shortlisted team for the solution development phase will receive a ₹5 lakh stipend for prototype development.

Reserve Bank of India Proposes Mandatory Implementation of Unique Transaction Identifier  for Over-the-Counter Derivative Deals

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed mandating a Unique Transaction Identifier (UTI) for all transactions in Over-the-Counter (OTC) markets for rupee interest rate and foreign currency derivatives starting April 1, 2026.
  • A draft circular titled ‘UTI for OTC Derivative Transactions in India’ has been released by the RBI to seek stakeholder comments by November 14, 2025.

Key Highlights :

  • OTC derivatives refer to contracts traded directly between parties rather than on a regulated exchange.
  • The UTI will have a maximum of 52 characters, consisting of the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) of the generating entity followed by a unique identifier, ensuring uniqueness throughout the transaction’s lifecycle.
  • The UTI requirement will apply to Rupee interest rate derivatives, forward contracts in Government securities, foreign currency derivatives, foreign currency interest rate derivatives, and credit derivatives.
  • The UTI generating entity for an OTC derivative transaction will be determined using a waterfall hierarchy, which establishes a priority order of entities responsible for generating the UTI.
  • If the first entity in the hierarchy is unable or unwilling to generate the UTI, the next entity in the sequence will take responsibility.
  • While the LEI identifies counterparties, the UTI serves as a single unique reference number for each transaction, helping policymakers obtain a comprehensive view of OTC derivatives markets and facilitate global aggregation.
  • The move aligns with global regulatory practices, as UTI and LEI reporting frameworks have been implemented or are being adopted in major international jurisdictions.

Securities and Exchange Board of India bans First Overseas Capital Limited from securities market for two years over regulatory violations

  • The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has barred First Overseas Capital Limited (FOCL) from accessing the securities market for two years for violating regulatory norms.
  • FOCL is prohibited from taking new merchant banking mandates, including IPOs and corporate advisory, during this two-year period.
  • The company has been fined ₹20 lakh for multiple regulatory violations.
  • SEBI found that FOCL exceeded its underwriting limit, failed to maintain adequate net worth, and accepted public deposits to meet underwriting obligations.
  • FOCL was non-compliant with capital adequacy norms since FY2018–19 and achieved the required ₹5 crore net worth only after a Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) directive in December 2024.
  • SEBI observed that the violations were repetitive and showed mala fide intent, indicating the actions were not in good faith.
  • The order is effective immediately, and FOCL must pay the ₹20 lakh fine within 45 days.

Securities and Exchange Board of India Proposes Relaxing Geo-Tagging Rules for Non-Resident Indian Clients During Re-KYC and Digital Onboarding

  • The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed easing the geo-tagging requirement for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) clients during re-KYC or digital onboarding/V-CIP (Video Client Identification Process).
  • The proposal aims to relax the need for NRI clients to be physically present in India during KYC verification.
  • The move follows stakeholder requests to make compliance simpler for overseas investors.
  • Currently, intermediaries must verify physical presence in India using geo-tagging during KYC or re-KYC.
  • Under the proposed changes, existing NRI clients will not need to be in India for re-KYC or KYC updates.
  • Intermediaries must still ensure GPS coordinates match the latitude and longitude of the client’s proof of address.
  • Video identification systems must include security safeguards such as random prompts, time-stamping, and protection against spoofed IP addresses.

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority  issues Consultation Paper to align valuation norms for Long-Only Pension Funds investing in Government Securities and computing Net Asset Value

  • The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) released a consultation paper titled ‘Alignment of Valuation Guidelines with the Core Objectives of Long-only Funds when Investing in Government Securities and Calculation of Net Asset Value (NAV)’.
  • The objective is to enhance transparency in pension wealth accumulation for subscribers while ensuring long-term financial stability and economic relevance.
  • The paper proposes a dual valuation framework — ‘accrual’ and ‘fair market’ — for long-dated Government Securities held under NPS and APY.
  • This initiative aims to align pension fund investments with long-term capital formation, promoting funding for productive and long-gestation infrastructure projects.
  • Net Asset Value (NAV) represents the difference between a company’s assets and liabilities, calculated at the end of each business day.

International Financial Services Centres Authority to Introduce Video-Based KYC Guidelines for NRI Onboarding by November 2025

  • The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) will issue video-based KYC guidelines for onboarding Non-Resident Indian (NRI) customers by November 2025.
  • The move aligns with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s directive to make the KYC process more efficient and flexible under the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) framework.
  • Once implemented, NRIs can open deposit and investment accounts digitally, eliminating the need for paper-based applications.
  • IFSCA, in collaboration with UIDAI and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is developing an unassisted face authentication system to enable remote KYC completion for NRIs from abroad, such as San Francisco or Dubai.
  • The foreign currency settlement system recently launched at GIFT IFSC by the Finance Minister will facilitate real-time settlements, improving liquidity management and regulatory compliance.

RBI FAQs-Exchange Earner’s Foreign Currency (EEFC) Account

  • Exchange Earners’ Foreign Currency (EEFC) Account is an account maintained in foreign currency with an Authorised Dealer Category-I bank to allow foreign exchange earners, including exporters, to credit 100% of their foreign exchange earnings without converting them into rupees, thereby reducing transaction costs.

Key Highlights :

  • All resident foreign exchange earners, such as individuals and companies, are eligible to open EEFC accounts.
  • The EEFC account can be held only as a Current Account, and no interest is payable on these accounts.
  • 100% of foreign exchange earnings can be credited to the EEFC account, provided that the accruals in the account during a month are converted into rupees on or before the last day of the following month after adjusting for approved purposes.
  • Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units cannot open EEFC accounts; however, they may open a Foreign Currency Account under Regulation 4(D) of FEMA (Foreign Currency Accounts by a person Resident in India) Regulations, 2016.
  • Cheque facility is available for operating an EEFC account.
  • Permissible credits include: inward remittances through normal banking channels, foreign exchange payments to/from 100% EOUs, EPZ, STP, or EHTP units, advance remittances for exports, professional earnings, re-credit of unutilised foreign currency, repayments of trade-related loans, and disinvestment proceeds from ADR/GDR conversions.
  • Foreign exchange earnings received through an international credit card (reimbursed in foreign exchange) can be credited to the EEFC account.
  • Permissible debits include payments outside India for current or capital account transactions under FEMA, foreign exchange payments to 100% EOUs, customs duty payments, trade-related loans/advances to importers abroad, and foreign exchange payments to residents for goods/services such as airfare or hotels.
  • There is no restriction on rupee withdrawals from an EEFC account; however, withdrawn rupees cannot be reconverted into foreign currency or re-credited to the account.
  • EEFC balances can be hedged against exchange rate risk through forward contracts, which must remain earmarked for delivery, though rollover is allowed.
  • Resident individuals may include resident relatives (as per Section 2(77) of the Companies Act, 2013) as joint holders on a ‘former or survivor’ basis in an EEFC account.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

India Approves Domestic Grid Connection for Adani Power’s Godda Plant

  • The Government of India has approved the connection of Adani Power’s Godda Ultra Super Critical Thermal Plant (1,600 MW) in Jharkhand to the national electricity grid, allowing it to supply power domestically in addition to exports to Bangladesh.
  • The Godda plant, a coal-based ultra supercritical thermal power station, was originally commissioned solely for export to Bangladesh under a long-term agreement.
  • The plant will connect via a Line-In Line-Out (LILO) arrangement on the Kahalgaon–Maithon B 400 kV transmission line, under Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003, covering 56 villages across Godda and Poreyahat tehsils.
  • The approval is valid for 25 years, subject to clearances from Railways, Civil Aviation, Highways, Defence, local authorities, wildlife, and environment regulators.
  • Significance of the approval:
    • Strategic Grid Flexibility: The plant can now serve both domestic and export demand, enhancing grid resilience.
    • Boosting National Supply: Adds 1,600 MW to India’s electricity availability, meeting rising domestic demand and improving plant utilisation.
    • Policy Precedent: First instance of an export-oriented power plant integrated into India’s Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS).
  • Regulatory and policy adjustments include:
    • Ministry of Power: Revised cross-border electricity trade guidelines (Aug 2024)
    • Central Electricity Authority (CEA): Modified procedures for cross-border power flow
    • Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC): Amended General Network Access (GNA) and ISTS regulations

About Jharkhand:

  • Capital: Ranchi
  • Chief Minister: Hemant Soren
  • Governor: Santosh Gangwar
  • National Parks: Betla National Park
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries: Palamau Wildlife Sanctuary, Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

  • Jharkhand is set to become the first Indian state to launch a Mining Tourism Project, aiming to showcase its rich mineral heritage through guided mine tours and cultural experiences.

India Re-Elected as Vice-Chairperson of COP10 Bureau

  • India has been re-elected as Vice-Chairperson of the COP10 Bureau under the International Convention against Doping in Sport during the 10th Session of COP10 held at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris.
  • The session marked the 20th anniversary of the Convention, the world’s only legally binding international framework to eliminate doping in sports.

Key Highlights

  • India’s delegation was led by Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports) and Anant Kumar, Director General of NADA, engaging with 190+ State Parties and representatives from IOC, WADA, and African Union.
  • India was re-elected as Vice-Chairperson for the Asia-Pacific region (Group IV) for 2025–2027, strengthening its role in anti-doping policy and international cooperation.
  • Other Bureau members include Azerbaijan (Chairperson), Brazil, Zambia, and Saudi Arabia (Regional Vice-Chairs).
  • Key topics at COP10 included strengthening compliance, governance mechanisms, enhancing funding for the Global Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport, and tackling emerging threats like gene manipulation, misuse of traditional medicines, and ethical challenges in sports.
  • India contributed with Interactive Boards showing milestones of the Anti-Doping Convention and successfully proposed the Values Education through Sport (VETS) initiative to:
    • Promote ethics, integrity, and fair play in sports
    • Encourage youth engagement in values-based learning
    • Strengthen sports organizations’ role in fostering clean sport culture
  • India’s re-election signifies its growing global reputation in sports governance, effectiveness of NADA India, and reinforces its position as a thought leader in ethical sports promotion.
  • The move aligns with government programs such as the Fit India Movement and Khelo India, emphasizing the promotion of clean sports and youth development.

India Launches Online National Drug Licensing System (ONDLS) to Curb Toxic Syrup Deaths

  • In response to fatal child deaths linked to toxic cough syrups, India has launched the Online National Drug Licensing System (ONDLS), developed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
  • The system enables real-time tracking of high-risk pharmaceutical solvents, ensuring that only verified and safe ingredients are used in medicine manufacturing.

Key Highlights

  • The initiative was triggered by multiple child deaths in Madhya Pradesh caused by diethylene glycol (DEG)-contaminated cough syrups, exposing serious gaps in quality control and ingredient traceability.
  • DEG, a highly toxic industrial solvent, has caused several mass poisoning incidents in India since the 1970s, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) and Indian authorities to demand stricter oversight.
  • ONDLS functions as a centralised digital platform to:
    • Monitor and license pharma-grade solvent production
    • Track each batch from manufacture to end-user
    • Ensure documentation and certificate verification
    • Block unverified or non-compliant batches from market entry
  • Initially a digitisation tool for licensing, ONDLS has now evolved into a complete traceability system for liquid formulations like syrups, which carry a higher contamination risk.
  • The CDSCO has identified the following high-risk solvents for mandatory tracking under ONDLS:
    • Glycerin
    • Propylene glycol
    • Sorbitol
    • Maltitol
    • Ethyl alcohol
    • Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate
  • While safe in pure form, these solvents can become toxic when adulterated with industrial-grade chemicals such as DEG.
  • Implementation features include:
    • Mandatory batch-wise entries for all licensed solvent manufacturers
    • An “old licence management” module for existing licences
    • Oversight by state-level drug controllers, responsible for:
      • Conducting inspections and compliance audits
      • Organising awareness and training programs for manufacturers
  • The CDSCO circular, issued on October 22, 2025, follows a high-level review meeting chaired by the Union Health Secretary, reinforcing India’s commitment to pharmaceutical safety, accountability, and global confidence in drug quality.

Five Maharashtra Beaches Earn Prestigious Blue Flag Certification

  • In a significant achievement for eco-tourism, five beaches from Maharashtra have received the international Blue Flag certification, marking a milestone for India’s sustainable coastal development efforts.
  • The announcement was made by Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, highlighting the state’s focus on promoting clean, safe, and environmentally responsible tourism.
  • The five newly certified beaches are:
    • Shrivardhan Beach – Raigad district
    • Nagaon Beach – Raigad district
    • Parnaka Beach – Palghar district
    • Guhagar Beach – Ratnagiri district
    • Ladghar Beach – Ratnagiri district
  • The Blue Flag certification is an international eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark, known as the global benchmark for sustainable beach management.
  • To qualify, beaches must meet 33 stringent criteria covering:
    • Water quality and marine safety
    • Environmental education and awareness
    • Eco-friendly management practices
    • Public amenities and accessibility
    • Sustainable tourism infrastructure
  • This recognition aligns with India’s Blue Economy goals and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water.
  • India’s Blue Flag initiative is part of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Programme (ICZMP), aimed at expanding clean and green coasts nationwide.
  • Other Indian beaches that have previously received Blue Flag certification include Kappad (Kerala), Ghoghla (Diu), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Golden Beach (Odisha), Kovalam (Tamil Nadu), Shivrajpur (Gujarat), and Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka).

About Maharashtra:

  • Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis
  • Governor: Acharya Devvrat
  • Capital: Mumbai
  • National Parks: Tadoba National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Chandoli National Park, Gugamal National Park, Navegaon National Park
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

  • On 15 September 2025, Acharya Devvrat, the Governor of Gujarat, officially took oath as the Governor of Maharashtra at a ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. The oath of office was administered by Bombay High Court Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar.

Kerala to Build Its First Underwater Tunnel Connecting Vypin and Fort Kochi

  • Kerala is set to construct its first underwater tunnel connecting Vypin and Fort Kochi as part of the state’s coastal highway development project.
  • The project will reduce the current 16 km road distance to a 3 km sub-sea journey beneath the Arabian Sea, greatly improving connectivity in Kochi — one of India’s busiest port cities.
  • It will be developed by the Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL) at an estimated cost of ₹2,672 crore.

Key Highlights

  • The tunnel will be 2.75 km long (1.75 km bored tunnel + 1 km cut-and-cover) with a twin-tube structure for separate directions.
  • It will have an outer diameter of 12.5 m, inner width of 11.25 m, and will run 35 metres below sea level.
  • Safety measures include emergency stops every 250 m, escape passages every 500 m, and advanced ventilation and fire safety systems.
  • This is the first sub-sea tunnel in Kerala, comparable only to Kolkata’s Hooghly River Metro Tunnel, India’s first underwater rail tunnel.
  • The tunnel will reduce travel time between Vypin and Fort Kochi from over 2 hours to just 30 minutes.
  • Current travel options rely on congested ferry routes or a 16 km detour via Goshree Bridge.
  • Commuters will pay only ₹50–₹100 per trip, compared to around ₹300 currently, helping them save nearly ₹1,500 per month.
  • Plans for a bridge were earlier dropped as it required extreme height for cargo ships and large land acquisition, making it costly and disruptive.
  • The tunnel requires only 100 metres of land on each end, causes minimal disruption to port operations, and reduces environmental impact.

About Kerala:

  • Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
  • Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
  • Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
  • National Parks: Eravikulam National Park, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley National Park, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Chilika Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

  • In a landmark announcement, Kerala Chief Minister declared the state as India’s first fully digitally literate state, achieving a significant milestone under the Digi Kerala project.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Tuvalu Becomes 90th Member of International Union for Conservation of Nature, Strengthening Pacific Conservation Efforts

  • Tuvalu has officially become the 90th State Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) after formally endorsing the IUCN Statutes.
  • The Ministry of Environment of Tuvalu will act as the official liaison with the IUCN Secretariat, strengthening its commitment to global biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
  • Tuvalu comprises nine atolls and low-lying islands with a total land area of 26 sq. km, but an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of around 900,000 sq. km, rich in marine biodiversity, coral reefs, and fisheries.
  • The country faces severe climate challenges, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and invasive species, threatening both its ecosystems and livelihoods.
  • As a new IUCN member, Tuvalu can collaborate globally to enhance conservation, resilience, and ensure its voice in international environmental policymaking.
  • The membership coincides with the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, allowing Tuvalu to engage with global leaders and partners in environmental governance.
  • This milestone opens doors for collaboration with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Global Environment Facility (GEF) to promote innovative and inclusive conservation strategies.

About International Union for Conservation of Nature :

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

About Tuvalu :

  • Prime Minister : Feleti Teo
  • Capital: Funafuti
  • Currencies: Australian Dollar, Tuvaluan dollar

India and Bhutan Hold 14th Border Management and Security Meeting in Thimphu

  • The 14th India–Bhutan Meeting on Border Management and Security was held in Thimphu, Bhutan, from October 16–17, 2025.
  • The Indian delegation was led by Rajendra Kumar, Secretary, Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • The Bhutanese side was headed by Sonam Wangyel, Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • The Indian delegation included representatives from Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Land Ports Authority of India, Department of Telecommunications, Narcotics Control Bureau, Survey of India, Customs, and officials from Assam, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Both sides reviewed bilateral security cooperation and border management issues, including mobile signal spill-over, Integrated Check Posts (ICPs), maintenance of boundary pillars, and cross-border movement.
  • The last India–Bhutan Border Management and Security Meeting was held in 2019.

World Health Organization  confirms Fiji as the 26th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem

  • Fiji has been validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, marking a major public health achievement.
  • Trachoma, a neglected tropical disease (NTD) and the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, no longer poses a public health threat in Fiji.
  • Trachoma is the first NTD eliminated in Fiji, making it the 26th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem and the 58th country globally to eliminate at least one NTD.
  • On October 8, 2024, the WHO declared that India has also eliminated trachoma as a public health problem.
  • The WHO Road Map for NTDs (2021–2030) targets the prevention, control, elimination, and eradication of 20 diseases and disease groups by 2030.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Indian-Origin Historian Sunil Amrith Wins 2025 British Academy Book Prize

  • Sunil Amrith, an Indian-origin historian, has won the 2025 British Academy Book Prize for his book “The Burning Earth: An Environmental History of the Last 500 Years.”
  • The award carries a cash prize of £25,000 and honours exceptional non-fiction work in the humanities and social sciences, recognising research that deepens public understanding of global issues.
  • Amrith’s book presents a sweeping historical narrative linking empire, environment, and human progress, earning praise for its relevance to modern climate challenges.
  • About the Author:
    • At 46 years old, Amrith is a professor of history at Yale University.
    • Born in Kenya to South Indian parents and raised in Singapore, he pursued higher education at the University of Cambridge.
    • He previously won the MacArthur Fellowship (Genius Grant) in 2017 and is widely respected for connecting historical study with global issues such as climate change, colonialism, and migration.
  • About “The Burning Earth”
    • The book reinterprets global history through an ecological lens, covering over five centuries of human-environment interaction.
    • Key events explored include:
      • The conquest of the Americas and its ecological consequences
      • British gold mining in South Africa
      • Environmental effects of the World Wars
      • Colonial extraction and industrialisation and their long-term damage
    • The British Academy praised it for “reframing history through an ecological lens,” highlighting how environmental degradation and human progress have been intertwined for centuries.
  • About the British Academy Book Prize
    • Established in 2013, the prize celebrates excellence in non-fiction across the humanities and social sciences.
    • It promotes research-based writing that connects academic scholarship with society.
    • Past winners include Patrick Wright and Kapka Kassabova.
    • In addition to the main prize, each shortlisted author receives £1,000.
  • 2025 Shortlist Included:
    • William Dalrymple – “The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World”
    • Lucy Ash – “The Baton and The Cross”
    • Bronwen Everill – “Africonomics”
    • Sophie Harman – “Sick of It”
    • Graeme Lawson – “Sound Tracks”
  • The British Academy commended the 2025 shortlist for its global relevance and its contribution to contemporary debates in history, economics, health, and culture.

Ayodhya Sets Two Guinness World Records During Deepotsav 2025

  • Ayodhya celebrated Deepotsav 2025 with unparalleled grandeur, lighting over 26 lakh oil lamps and earning two Guinness World Records, reaffirming its status as a global centre of faith and culture.
  • The records were achieved for:
    • Most Oil Lamps Lit Simultaneously – 26,17,215 diyas illuminated along the banks of the Saryu River, verified by drone imaging and certified by Guinness World Records.
    • Largest Aarti Participation – 2,128 priests and devotees performed Maa Saryu Aarti together with precise coordination and ritual discipline.
  • The festival showcased a spectacular mix of spiritual devotion, technology, and cultural heritage, featuring:
    • Ram Leela performances depicting Lord Ram’s life.
    • Laser and drone shows at Ram ki Paidi, believed to mark Lord Ram’s nirvana site.
    • Fireworks and temple illuminations across the city, creating a divine visual experience.
  • Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the gathering, emphasizing:
    • The symbolism of Diwali as a triumph of truth and righteousness, reflecting the values of Sanatana Dharma.
    • Ayodhya’s emergence as a global pilgrimage centre, with the Ram Mandir nearing completion.
    • Deepotsav’s role in showcasing India’s cultural pride, heritage, and unity to the world.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Signs MoU with Kotak Mahindra Bank to Boost Startups Across India

  • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd.
  • The collaboration aims to enhance financial and non-financial support for startups across India.
  • The partnership seeks to create a comprehensive framework enabling startups to access:
    • Customized banking solutions
    • Credit and funding opportunities
    • Digital and payment infrastructure
    • Capacity-building programs
  • Under the MoU, Kotak Mahindra Bank will provide DPIIT-recognised startups with:
    • Zero-balance current accounts
    • Working capital and term loans
    • API-based banking platforms
    • Digital payment solutions
    • Specialized startup cards
  • The Bank will also facilitate mentorship, investment advisory, incubation support, and networking platforms to help startups progress from ideation to scale.
  • The initiative offers a dynamic support system including banking services, advisory, technology enablement, funding access, and market linkages.
  • The partnership combines Kotak’s financial expertise and DPIIT’s policy leadership, aiming to accelerate India’s transition toward a self-reliant, innovation-driven economy.

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Signs MoU with Primus Partners to Strengthen India’s Startup and Innovation Ecosystem

  • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Primus Partners Pvt Ltd.
  • The partnership aims to enhance collaboration towards strengthening India’s startup and innovation ecosystem.
  • The MoU focuses on supporting early-stage and growth-stage product startups through:
    • Structured capacity-building interventions
    • Expert mentorship
    • Market access initiatives
    • Policy awareness drives
    • Facilitation of technology integration
  • Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, stated that the collaboration reaffirms DPIIT’s commitment to fostering an innovation-led economy that thrives on creativity, technology, and enterprise.
  • The MoU reinforces DPIIT’s focus on industry-led engagement to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem, promoting innovation, self-reliance, and inclusive economic growth.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

IAS Officer Tarun Kumar Pithode Appointed as Full-Time Member Secretary of Commission for Air Quality Management

  • Shri Tarun Kumar Pithode, a 2009-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has taken charge as the new full-time Member Secretary of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas.
  • He assumed charge with effect from October 23, 2025.
  • Prior to this, he served as Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
  • Shri Pithode has been appointed for a tenure of five years, up to September 8, 2029, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
  • He succeeds Shri Arvind Kumar Nautiyal, IRSME (1992 batch), in this key position.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Defence Acquisition Council Approves ₹79,000 Crore Proposals to Boost Armed Forces’ Capabilities

  • Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, approved proposals worth about ₹79,000 crore on October 23, 2025, in New Delhi.

Key Highlights :

Indian Army Acquisitions (AoN Accorded)

  • Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS) – to enhance capability in neutralising enemy combat vehicles, bunkers, and fortifications.
  • Ground Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES) – to provide round-the-clock electronic intelligence on enemy emitters.
  • High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) with Material Handling Cranes – to improve logistics support across diverse terrains.

Indian Navy Acquisitions (AoN Accorded)

  • Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) – to enable amphibious operations and Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR)
  • 30mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG) – to strengthen Low Intensity Maritime Operations and anti-piracy roles.
  • Advanced Light Weight Torpedoes (ALWT) – indigenously developed by DRDO’s Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, capable of targeting conventional, nuclear, and midget submarines.
  • Electro Optical Infra-Red Search and Track System and Smart Ammunition for 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount – to boost surveillance and precision attack

Indian Air Force (IAF) Acquisition (AoN Accorded)

  • Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) – capable of autonomous take-off, landing, navigation, detection, and payload delivery in mission areas.

Cochin Shipyard Hands Over First Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft ‘Mahe’ to Indian Navy

  • Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has delivered ‘Mahe’, the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs), to the Indian Navy.
  • The ASW SWCs are indigenously designed and built by Cochin Shipyard, showcasing India’s self-reliance in naval shipbuilding.
  • The 78-metre-long warship is the largest Indian Naval warship to be propelled by a Diesel Engine–Waterjet combination.
  • The vessel has been designed for Underwater Surveillance, Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO).
  • The ship’s design follows the Classification Rules of Det Norske Veritas (DNV), ensuring high safety and performance standards.
  • The ASW SWCs will enhance underwater domain awareness, Anti-Submarine Warfare, and Mine Laying capabilities of the Indian Navy.
  • Earlier, the sixth vessel, named INS Magdala, was launched at Cochin Shipyard, further advancing the series production of ASW SWCs.
  • The delivery of the first ship was scheduled for the end of October 2025, marking a milestone in the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) initiative in defence manufacturing.

Southern Command to conduct Tri-Services Exercise ‘Trishul’ to boost joint operational readiness

  • Southern Command, headquartered in Pune, will conduct the Tri-Services Exercise “Trishul” in coordination with the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
  • The exercise will feature offensive operations in creek and desert sectors and amphibious operations off the Saurashtra coast.
  • It will test multi-domain operational capabilities, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Electronic Warfare (EW), and Cyber operations.
  • The exercise aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “JAI” vision — Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation — to enhance India’s defence preparedness and inter-service coordination.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Veteran Adman Piyush Pandey, Creator of Iconic Indian Campaigns, Passed Away at 70

  • Veteran advertising professional Piyush Pandey passed away at the age of 70.
  • He was one of India’s most influential figures in the advertising industry, credited with creating several iconic campaigns.
  • The Padma Shri awardee was the face of Ogilvy India for over 40 years, shaping the nation’s advertising landscape.

About Piyush Pandey :

  • Born in 1955 in Jaipur, he played cricket for Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy before joining Ogilvy in 1982.
  • Pandey revolutionised Indian advertising by shifting from English-heavy ads to emotionally resonant, Indian-language storytelling.
  • He created memorable campaigns for brands like Asian Paints (“Har khushi mein rang laaye”), Cadbury (“Kuch Khaas Hai”), Fevicol, and Hutch.
  • In January 2024, he transitioned to an advisory role after serving as Chairman Global Creative and Executive Chairman of Ogilvy India.
  • Under his leadership, Ogilvy India became one of the world’s most awarded agencies, mentoring generations of creative talent.

Key Awards and Contributions

  • In 2018, Piyush and his brother Prasoon Pandey became the first Asians to receive the Lion of St. Mark at the Cannes Lions Festival.
  • He received the CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award (2012) and was the first advertising professional to be awarded the Padma Shri (2016).
  • Beyond advertising, he contributed to culture and politics — he wrote “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” (1988), co-wrote the film Bhopal Express, and crafted the 2014 political slogan “Ab ki baar, Modi sarkar.”

Daily CA One- Liner: October 25

  • The Government of India has approved the connection of Adani Power’s Godda Ultra Super Critical Thermal Plant (1,600 MW) in Jharkhand to the national electricity grid, allowing it to supply power domestically in addition to exports to Bangladesh
  • India has been re-elected as Vice-Chairperson of the COP10 Bureau under the International Convention against Doping in Sport during the 10th Session of COP10 held at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris
  • In response to fatal child deaths linked to toxic cough syrups, India has launched the Online National Drug Licensing System (ONDLS), developed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation
  • In a significant achievement for eco-tourism, five beaches from Maharashtra have received the international Blue Flag certification, marking a milestone for India’s sustainable coastal development efforts
  • Kerala is set to construct its first underwater tunnel connecting Vypin and Fort Kochi as part of the state’s coastal highway development project
  • Sunil Amrith, an Indian-origin historian, has won the 2025 British Academy Book Prize for his book “The Burning Earth: An Environmental History of the Last 500 Years
  • Ayodhya celebrated Deepotsav 2025 with unparalleled grandeur, lighting over 26 lakh oil lamps and earning two Guinness World Records, reaffirming its status as a global centre of faith and culture
  • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd
  • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Primus Partners Pvt Ltd.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a global hackathon “HaRBInger 2025 – Innovation for Transformation” to promote secure, innovative, and user-centric financial solutions.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed mandating a Unique Transaction Identifier (UTI) for all transactions in Over-the-Counter (OTC) markets for rupee interest rate and foreign currency derivatives starting April 1, 2026.
  • The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has barred First Overseas Capital Limited (FOCL) from accessing the securities market for two years for violating regulatory norms.
  • The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed easing the geo-tagging requirement for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) clients during re-KYC or digital onboarding/V-CIP (Video Client Identification Process).
  • The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) released a consultation paper titled ‘Alignment of Valuation Guidelines with the Core Objectives of Long-only Funds when Investing in Government Securities and Calculation of Net Asset Value (NAV)’.
  • The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) will issue video-based KYC guidelines for onboarding Non-Resident Indian (NRI) customers by November 2025.
  • Exchange Earners’ Foreign Currency (EEFC) Account is an account maintained in foreign currency with an Authorised Dealer Category-I bank to allow foreign exchange earners, including exporters, to credit 100% of their foreign exchange earnings without converting them into rupees, thereby reducing transaction costs.
  • Tuvalu has officially become the 90th State Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) after formally endorsing the IUCN Statutes.
  • The 14th India–Bhutan Meeting on Border Management and Security was held in Thimphu, Bhutan, from October 16–17, 2025.
  • Fiji has been validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, marking a major public health achievement.
  • Shri Tarun Kumar Pithode, a 2009-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has taken charge as the new full-time Member Secretary of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas.
  • Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, approved proposals worth about ₹79,000 crore on October 23, 2025, in New Delhi.
  • Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has delivered ‘Mahe’, the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs), to the Indian Navy.
  • Southern Command, headquartered in Pune, will conduct the Tri-Services Exercise “Trishul” in coordination with the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
  • Veteran advertising professional Piyush Pandey passed away at the age of 70.

This post was last modified on October 25, 2025 10:29 am

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