Daily GK Update- 10th Oct, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Government to Launch Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 to Promote Healthy, Tobacco-Free Learning Environments: The Government will launch Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 (TFYC 3.0) to promote a tobacco-free learning environment and protect the health of students nationwide, jointly led by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Tobacco use remains a major public health challenge in India, claiming over 13 lakh lives annually, with 8.4% of students aged 13–15 years using tobacco and an average initiation age of 10 years, highlighting the need for youth-focused interventions.The 60-day campaign will include awareness drives, enforcement of tobacco-free campuses, capacity-building workshops for school heads and volunteers, counselling for students, and community initiatives to maintain 100-yard tobacco-free zones around educational institutions.

 

2. Third International Purple Festival Begins in Panaji, Goa: The third edition of the International Purple Festival began in Panaji, Goa, celebrating Persons with Disabilities and promoting empowerment, accessibility, and social integration.Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar praised the Goa government for organizing an international-standard festival and emphasized the importance of integrating Persons with Disabilities into mainstream national growth.

 

3. Kolkata Declared India’s Safest City for Fourth Consecutive Year, NCRB 2023 Data: Kolkata has been ranked India’s safest city for the fourth consecutive year according to the NCRB 2023 data, recording the lowest rate of cognizable crimes at 83.9 per lakh population among 19 major metropolitan cities.The total number of cognizable crimes in Kolkata declined from 14,591 in 2021 to 11,843 in 2023, showing a consistent decrease over the years.Crimes against women also declined, with 1,746 cases in 2023 and a rate of 25.7 per lakh population, making it among the lowest after Chennai (17.3) and Coimbatore (22.7).Kochi emerged as the most crime-prone city, followed by Delhi and Surat, while serious crimes in Kolkata, including adult and minor rape cases, placed the city 10th among 19 metros.The top 10 safest cities in India in 2023 are Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Chennai, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad, whereas the most unsafe cities include Kochi, Delhi, Surat, Jaipur, Patna, Indore, Lucknow, Nagpur, Kozhikode, and Ahmedabad.

 

4. Centre Releases ₹680.71 Crore to Strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions in West Bengal under 15th Finance Commission: The Union Government released ₹71 crore as the first instalment of Untied (Basic) Grants under the 15th Finance Commission for strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in West Bengal for FY 2025–26, covering 3,224 Gram Panchayats, 335 Block Panchayats, and 21 Zilla Parishads.During FY 2024–25 and 2025–26, a total of ₹4,181.23 crore has been released to West Bengal — including ₹2,082.13 crore as Untied Grants and ₹2,099.10 crore as Tied Grants — to enhance grassroots governance and service delivery.Untied Grants give Rural Local Bodies flexibility to fund location-specific development like roads, street lighting, digital connectivity, and environmental protection, while Tied Grants focus on sanitation, drinking water, and ODF maintenance.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mukesh Ambani Tops Forbes India Rich List 2025 with $105 Billion Net Worth: Mukesh Ambani has retained the top position on Forbes’ list of India’s 100 richest, with a net worth of $105 billion, while Gautam Adani ranked second with $92 billion, and Savitri Jindal third with $40.2 billion.JP Morgan valued Reliance Retail at $143 billion and Reliance Jio at $135 billion, noting that RIL’s consumer businesses will drive most of its future earnings growth.At the 48th AGM, Ambani announced that Reliance achieved record revenue of ₹10.71 lakh crore ($125.3 billion) and aims to transform into a deeptech enterprise focusing on clean energy, genomics, and AI.The combined wealth of India’s 100 richest fell by 9% to $1 trillion in 2025 due to a weaker rupee and stock market dip, though Ambani also regained the top spot in the Hurun India Rich List 2025 with wealth estimated at $105 billion.

 

2. Om Birla Leads Indian Delegation to 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla led the Indian Parliamentary Delegation to Bridgetown, Barbados, for the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) held from October 5–12, 2025, participating in the opening ceremony and representing India on a global parliamentary platform.

 

3. As part of the conference, Shri Birla chaired a workshop on “Leveraging Technology: Enhancing Democracy through Digital Transformations and Tackling the Digital Divide”, and addressed the General Assembly on “The Commonwealth: A Global Partner”, highlighting India’s commitment to democratic values, inclusive governance, and parliamentary cooperation.The Indian delegation, including 36 Presiding Officers from 24 State/UT Legislatures, actively participated in seven thematic workshops and bilateral meetings with counterparts from other Commonwealth nations, strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, global cooperation, and capacity building.

 

4. Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football’s First Billionaire Player with $1.4 Billion Net Worth: Cristiano Ronaldo has become football’s first billionaire player, with a net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.04 billion), according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which factors in career earnings, investments, and endorsements.Between 2002 and 2023, Ronaldo earned over $550 million (£410 million) in salary, including a decade-long Nike sponsorship deal worth nearly $18 million (£13.4 million) per year.After joining Al-Nassr in 2022, Ronaldo became the highest-paid footballer in history, with an annual salary of £177 million, and later signed a new two-year contract worth over $400 million (£298 million), keeping him at the club past his 42nd birthday.Comparatively, Lionel Messi earned over $600 million (£447 million) in pre-tax salary during his career, with a guaranteed $20 million (£15 million) annual pay since 2023, and is expected to receive a stake in Inter Miami upon retirement.

 

5. 10 October – World Mental Health Day: World Mental Health Day is observed every year on 10th October to raise global awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts to support mental well-being.Theme 2025 – Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and EmergenciesIt was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH).The day is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and focuses on promoting understanding, reducing stigma, and improving mental health care worldwide.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. US to Supply Advanced AMRAAM Missiles to Pakistan: The United States has confirmed supplying Pakistan with AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). This follows Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Washington. The deal is part of a new phase in defence cooperation between the two countries. It involves an expanded contract with Raytheon, the American defence manufacturer. The contract, now valued at over $2.51 billion, covers production of the missile’s latest variants, the C8 and D3, with completion expected by May 2030. The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a widely used beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile. Developed in the US during the late 1970s and 1980s, it became operational in 1991. Its key feature is the fire-and-forget capability. Once launched, the missile uses its onboard radar to track targets independently. This frees the pilot from guiding the missile, allowing long-range engagement. The latest versions, C8 and D3, offer improved range, accuracy and resistance to electronic countermeasures. The missile can reach speeds near Mach 4 and operate in all weather conditions.

 

2. India Marks 93rd Indian Air Force Day: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will celebrate its 93rd Air Force Day on 8 October 2025. This annual event honours the IAF’s establishment and its enduring role in India’s defence. The 2025 theme marks the IAF’s contribution to Operation Sindoor, showcasing its operational capabilities and commitment to national security. The IAF was established on 8 October 1932. It began with a modest fleet and limited personnel. The first operational flight took place on 1 April 1933. Over the decades, the IAF has grown into the world’s fourth-largest air force. It has played vital roles in wars, peacekeeping, and humanitarian missions. Air Force Day commemorates the IAF’s foundation and achievements. It honours the courage and sacrifice of its personnel. The day serves to boost morale and public awareness of the IAF’s role. Celebrations include parades, flypasts, and exhibitions demonstrating air power and technology.

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India Strengthens Fight Against Cyber Frauds: India’s digital landscape has rapidly expanded, with over 86% of households connected to the internet by 2025. This growth fuels convenience but also exposes citizens to increasing cyber frauds. Cybersecurity has become a national priority as incidents surged from 10.29 lakh in 2022 to 22.68 lakh in 2024. The government and stakeholders are intensifying efforts to protect the digital ecosystem. Cyber frauds in India have diversified, adapting to new technologies and user habits. Fraudsters use spoofing, phishing, and AI-driven deepfakes to deceive victims. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a widely used digital payment system, faces threats from compromised mobile numbers. Online betting apps have generated over ₹400 crore through fraudulent schemes. The growing financial damage demands robust detection and preventive strategies. India’s cybersecurity rests on strong laws. The Information Technology Act, 2000, addresses offences like identity theft and online impersonation. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, regulate social media and digital platforms. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, mandates lawful data handling and user consent. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, bans online money gaming to curb illicit digital ventures.

 

2. India Sets Solar, Wind Power Record in First Half of 2025: India achieved record growth in solar and wind energy in the first half of 2025. This growth helped reduce emissions from the power sector by 24 million tonnes compared to the same period in 2024. The increase in renewable energy outpaced the rise in electricity demand. This marks shift towards cleaner energy sources in India’s power mix. Solar power generation rose by 17 terawatt-hours (TWh) between January and June 2025. This represents a 25 percent increase over the previous year. Solar energy’s share in India’s total electricity generation increased to 9.2 percent from 7.4 percent in the same period last year. The growth in solar power alone exceeded the overall increase in electricity demand.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bajaj Finserv Rebrands Insurance Ventures as Bajaj General and Bajaj Life after Full Acquisition of Allianz Stake: Bajaj Finserv has officially rebranded its insurance businesses as Bajaj General Insurance and Bajaj Life Insurance after acquiring Allianz SE’s 26% stake, achieving full ownership of its insurance ventures.The company launched the campaign ‘100% Bajaj. Made in India. Made for India. Made by India,’ emphasizing its commitment to policyholders, business partners, and the future of insurance in India.The new brand identity reflects core values of trust, customer fairness, transparency, and a strong pledge to support India’s growth trajectory, according to Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman and MD.

 

2. RBI Launches Retail Sandbox for Digital Rupee to Boost Fintech Innovation and Tokenised Transactions: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a retail sandbox for its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), enabling fintech companies to develop and test digital currency-based solutions as part of the ongoing pilot.The retail e-rupee pilot — India’s version of the CBDC — was first launched on December 1, 2022, and currently has around 7 million users participating in the project.The RBI plans to use the wholesale segment of the CBDC as the foundational layer for this exercise, collaborating with select banks to ensure smoother integration and scalability.The initiative leverages digital tokenisation, which makes transactions faster, cheaper, and more secure, by converting traditional bank deposits into digital tokens that can be easily transferred or settled across systems.

 

3. Sanjay Kumar Hansda Appointed as Executive Director of RBI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Sanjay Kumar Hansda as Executive Director (ED) with effect from March 3, 2025.

He returned to RBI on October 6, 2025, after completing his deputation as Senior Advisor to the Executive Director (India) at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).As Executive Director, Hansda will oversee the Department of Economic and Policy Research; he holds a postgraduate degree in Economics from JNU and a diploma in Financial Services Management from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute, Mumbai.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Indian Peacekeepers Honoured by UNISFA for Dedicated Service in Abyei Region: Indian peacekeepers in Abyei were honoured by the Acting Head of Mission of UNISFA for their dedicated service in the oil-rich, contested border region between Sudan and South Sudan.The Abyei Area holds a special administrative status under the 2004 Abyei Protocol of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which ended the Second Sudanese Civil War.India is a major contributor to UN peacekeeping, having sent over 2,90,000 personnel since the 1950s, with over 5,000 troops currently serving in nine active UN missions worldwide.

 

2. Hungarian Author Laszlo Krasznahorkai Wins 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature for Visionary and Epic Works: Hungarian author Laszlo Krasznahorkai has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature 2025 “for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art.”Krasznahorkai, born in 1954 in Gyula, Hungary, is known for epic, absurdist, and grotesque literature, with his breakthrough novel ‘Satantango’ (1985) set in a remote rural area.His work ‘Herscht 07769’ has been praised as a great contemporary German novel, accurately depicting social unrest, reflecting his mastery in portraying complex human and societal themes.The Nobel Prize in Literature, awarded by the Swedish Academy, carries a cash award of 11 million crowns ($1.2 million); it was the fourth Nobel announced this week, after medicine, physics, and chemistry.

 

3. Sherry Singh Makes History as First Indian to Win Mrs Universe 2025: Sherry Singh made history by becoming the first Indian to win Mrs Universe 2025, at the 48th edition held in Okada, Manila, Philippines, with 120 international delegates competing.She represented India after being crowned Mrs India 2025 by UMB Pageants, impressing judges with her poise, eloquence, and advocacy for women’s empowerment and mental health awareness.The final results were: Winner – India (Sherry Singh), 1st Runner-up – Saint Petersburg, 2nd Runner-up – Philippines, 3rd Runner-up – Asia, and 4th Runner-up – Russia.