NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Former President Ram Nath Kovind says country has built comprehensive framework for protection of human rights: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) celebrated its 32nd Foundation Day on October 16 at Vigyan Bhawan, with former President Ram Nath Kovind as the chief guest and NHRC Chairperson Justice (retd) V. Ramasubramanian presiding over the event.
Since its establishment in 1993, NHRC has handled over 23.79 lakh cases, recommended ₹263 crore in relief, and issued 31 advisories on issues like child protection, transgender welfare, environmental safety, and dignity of the dead.As part of the celebrations, a national conference on “Human Rights of Prison Inmates” was organized, bringing together experts from the judiciary, ministries, academia, and civil society to discuss the welfare and dignity of prisoners.
2. Centre Notifies Notaries (Amendment) Rules, 2025; Increases Notary Limits for Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Nagaland: The Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, has notified the Notaries (Amendment) Rules, 2025 through G.S.R. 763(E), amending the Notaries Rules, 1956 under Section 15 of the Notaries Act, 1952.The amendment increases the maximum number of Notaries appointed by State Governments: Gujarat – 6,000, Tamil Nadu – 3,500, Rajasthan – 3,000, and Nagaland – 400.This decision was taken following requests from the respective State Governments, considering population growth, an increase in administrative divisions, and rising demand for Notary services.The new rules, titled Notaries (Amendment) Rules, 2025, come into effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette as per the Ministry’s notification.
3. 21 October – Police Commemoration Day: Police Commemoration Day is observed every year on 21st October to honor the bravery and sacrifice of police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.The day marks the martyrdom of 10 CRPF soldiers who were killed by Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh, in 1959 while protecting India’s borders.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. NITI Aayog’s WEP and DP World Launch ‘We Rise’ Initiative to Empower Women Entrepreneurs for Global Expansion: NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and DP World launched the joint initiative ‘We Rise – Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises’ under WEP’s Award to Reward (ATR) programme to help women-led MSMEs expand globally through mentorship, trade facilitation, and partnerships.Under this initiative, 100 high-potential women entrepreneurs will be mentored to enhance export readiness and showcase their products at Bharat Mart, Dubai (Jebel Ali Free Zone)—a global B2B and B2C marketplace offering access to international buyers.With over 90,000 women entrepreneurs already engaged on the WEP platform, this collaboration marks a strong public private partnership aimed at promoting women-led development, inclusive trade, and global business expansion in line with the Government of India’s vision for women-led growth.
2. Flipkart and Pine Labs Launch ‘Bharat Yatra Card’ to Simplify Public Transport Payments Across India: Flipkart in collaboration with Pine Labs has launched the Flipkart Bharat Yatra Card, a digital prepaid card to simplify payments for public transport across India.The card is NCMC-enabled, allowing commuters to make seamless payments in metros, buses, and other transit systems that accept the National Common Mobility Card.Priced at ₹50, the reloadable, non-KYC smart card allows users to load up to ₹2,000 offline and manage funds via UPI apps, Bharat Yatra Card app, Bharat Connect, or metro counters.
3. 20 October – World Statistics Day: World Statistics Day is celebrated every five years on 20 October to recognise the importance of statistics in shaping evidence-based policies and decision-making worldwide.Theme 2025 – Driving change with quality statistics and data for everyoneThe day emphasises the role of high-quality official statistics in sustainable development, informed governance, and addressing global challenges like health, economy, and climate change.
4. 22 October – International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD): International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD) is observed every year on October 22 to raise global awareness about stuttering (stammering) and support individuals who experience it.ISAD aims to reduce stigma, promote understanding and acceptance, and encourage speech therapy and early intervention for those who stutter.Theme 2025 – A Diverse Stuttering Community – Meeting Challenges With StrengthsThe day was established in 1998 by the International Stuttering Association (ISA), International Fluency Association (IFA), and European League of Stuttering Associations (ELSA).
OTHER UPDATES:
SPORTS
1. Lionel Messi Wins 2025 MLS Golden Boot with Record-Breaking Season for Inter Miami: Lionel Messi won the 2025 MLS Golden Boot, scoring 29 goals and 19 assists in his second full season with Inter Miami CF, becoming both Miami’s first Golden Boot winner and the first Argentine to win it since Taty Castellanos (2021).With 48 goal contributions, Messi came just one short of Carlos Vela’s 2019 record, and is now on track to become MLS’s first back-to-back MVP winner after Miami’s remarkable 2024 Supporters’ Shield success.Earlier this week, Messi also became the all-time assist leader in men’s international football, reaching 60 assists after Argentina’s 6-0 win over Puerto Rico.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. UIDAI Launches SITAA Initiative to Boost Aadhaar Security and Promote Indigenous Innovation in Digital Identity: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced the Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar (SITAA) to enhance India’s digital identity ecosystem and counter threats like deepfakes, spoofing, and presentation attacks.UIDAI signed MoUs with MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) and NASSCOM — MSH will offer technical mentoring and incubation support, while NASSCOM will provide industry linkages and global outreach.SITAA will promote co-development of secure and scalable Aadhaar authentication solutions focusing on AI, biometrics, data privacy, and authentication frameworks.The pilot phase includes challenges for (i) Face Liveness Detection, (ii) Presentation Attack Detection (PAD), and (iii) Contactless Fingerprint Authentication to enhance biometric security.The program supports Atmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging indigenous innovation and aims to build a future-ready, globally benchmarked authentication framework for India’s digital public infrastructure.
2. OpenAI Plans Historic IPO Targeting $1 Trillion Valuation: OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is preparing for one of the most significant stock market listings in history, with a potential valuation of up to $1 trillion. The company aims to raise at least $60 billion through the initial public offering (IPO), according to individuals familiar with early discussions. Although plans remain preliminary, the scale of the proposed listing has already drawn major market attention. OpenAI’s Chief Financial Officer, Sarah Frier, has reportedly indicated a target for a 2027 public debut. However, some financial advisers believe the listing could occur as early as late next year. CEO Sam Altman has previously acknowledged that an IPO is the most viable route to sustain the company’s capital-intensive AI development, which demands significant funding for data centres and advanced computing infrastructure.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. India’s Industrial Growth Slows in September, Hits Five-Year Low for First Half of FY 2025-26: India’s industrial output witnessed a modest slowdown in September 2025, with growth dipping to 4%, marking a three-month low. Data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation show that the first half of FY 2025-26 recorded the weakest industrial growth in at least five years, signalling broad-based moderation across key sectors. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) expanded by just 3% in April–September 2025, compared with 4.1% during the same period last year. This marks the slowest growth rate since FY 2020-21. The index had surged by 24% in FY 2021-22 due to the post-pandemic rebound, but subsequent years saw a steady deceleration — 7% in FY 2022-23 and 6.3% in FY 2023-24. A contraction in mining and primary goods sectors contributed significantly to the September slowdown. Mining activity fell by 0.45% in September after a 6.6% expansion in August. The primary goods sector also weakened, growing only 1.4% compared with 5.4% in the previous month. These declines highlight supply-side pressures that continue to affect the core industrial segments.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Five Maharashtra Beaches Awarded International Blue Flag Certification for Cleanliness and Sustainability: Five beaches in Maharashtra—Shrivardhan and Nagaon (Raigad), Parnaka (Palghar), and Guhagar and Ladghar (Ratnagiri)—have received the international Blue Flag certification, announced by Minister Aditi Tatkare Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) based in Denmark. It recognises beaches and marinas that meet 33 stringent criteria.These criteria focus on environmental education, water quality, safety, environmental management, and public amenities. The certification promotes sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.
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