Daily GK Update- 5th Oct, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. SAIL’s MTI Partners with IIM Jammu to Launch Executive Education Programmes for Future-Ready Leaders: SAIL’s Management Training Institute (MTI) signed an MoU with IIM Jammu to collaborate on Executive Education Programmes for developing future-ready leaders.The partnership aims to strengthen organisational capacity, adopt global best practices, and promote nation-building through leadership excellence, reflecting SAIL’s commitment to nurturing capable leaders.The MoU was signed by Shri Sanjay Dhar (MTI, SAIL) and Cmdr Kesavan Baskkaran (IIM Jammu), in the presence of senior officials from both SAIL and IIM Jammu, including Shri K.K. Singh, Shri B.S. Popli, and Dr. Rajesh Sikka.

 

2. Ashwini Vaishnaw Launches NIELIT Digital University Platform: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) Digital University (NDU) Platform in New Delhi, aiming to democratize access to quality digital education with courses in AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Semiconductors.As part of the event, five new NIELIT Centres were virtually inaugurated in Muzaffarpur, Balasore, Tirupati, Daman, and Lunglei, further strengthening India’s digital skilling ecosystem.The launch also featured a panel discussion on “Role of AI in Digitization of Education”, felicitation of top DevSecOps students, and signing of MoUs with industry partners to boost academia-industry collaboration.

 

3. Rajesh Agrawal Takes Charge as Secretary, Department of Commerce: Senior IAS officer Rajesh Agrawal assumed charge as Secretary, Department of Commerce on 1 October 2025, succeeding Sunil Barthwal, who retired on 30 September.He brings 30 years of experience in governance, policy-making, and implementation across sectors like skilling, power, fertilisers, agriculture, and MSMEs.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 2 October – International Day of Non-Violence: The International Day of Non-Violence is observed every year on 2 October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who led India’s freedom struggle through non-violent resistance.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established this day in 2007 to spread the message of peace, tolerance, and non-violence.The day aims to inspire individuals, communities, and nations to resolve conflicts through dialogue and compassion instead of violence.

 

2. Indian Marine Fish to Get MSC Certification by 2026: India is on the verge of securing Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for about 10 marine and saline fish and shrimp varieties by 2026. This move aims to enhance seafood exports and promote sustainable fishing practices. The certification will open new markets and increase revenue for the fisheries sector by an estimated 30%. The Union Government is supporting this initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) by subsidising theMSC certification is a global standard for sustainable fishing. It assures consumers that seafood is sourced responsibly, maintaining fish stocks and protecting marine ecosystems. Certified products often command higher prices internationally. For India, this means better access to affluent markets such as Europe and Japan, which demand sustainability. It also reduces dependency on traditional markets like the United States, which may impose higher tariffs or trade restrictions.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Lieutenant General Virendra Vats Assumes Charge as Director General of NCC: Lieutenant General Virendra Vats assumed charge as the Director General (DG) of the National Cadet Corps (NCC).He was commissioned into the 19 KUMAON Regiment of the Indian Army in December 1988 and has served as Commandant at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.He succeeds Lieutenant General Gurbirpal Singh as the head of NCC.

 

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.

 

SPORTS

 

1. England All-Rounder Chris Woakes Announces Retirement from International Cricket: England all-rounder Chris Woakes has announced his retirement from international cricket, stating it is the right time for him to step away from the game.Woakes played 217 matches for England across all formats since his debut in 2011, taking 396 wickets and scoring 3,705 runs.He was a key member of England’s 2019 World Cup-winning team and also won the T20 World Cup in 2022, contributing significantly with both bat and ball.

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Typhoon Matmo Hits Southern China Causing Major Disruptions: Typhoon Matmo struck southern China in 2025, causing widespread disruption and forcing over 151,000 people to evacuate. The storm made landfall in Guangdong Province with strong winds and heavy rainfall. Authorities issued warnings about flooding as the cyclone moved inland towards Guangxi Province, gradually weakening but still posing serious risks. Typhoon Matmo travelled across the South China Sea before reaching southern China. It carried sustained winds of 104 miles per hour, comparable to a Category 2 hurricane in the Atlantic. The storm’s strength caused damage to infrastructure and transportation networks in coastal areas. Over 151,000 residents were evacuated from vulnerable zones in Guangdong Province. Local governments coordinated emergency responses to minimise casualties and damage. Shelters and relief centres were set up to support displaced populations during the storm.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Finance Minister launches the Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS) at GIFT City: The Union Finance Minister launched the Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS) at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in October 2025. This new system enables real-time settlement of foreign currency transactions within GIFT City. It marks leap from the previous 36-48 hour delays under correspondent banking. The FCSS places GIFT City among a few global financial hubs with local foreign currency settlement infrastructure. This development is expected to enhance liquidity, reduce risks, and improve operational efficiency in international finance. The FCSS is a mechanism that allows Indian banks in GIFT City to settle foreign currency trades locally. Previously, these transactions depended on foreign correspondent banks, causing delays and higher costs. The system uses a local settlement bank as a hub where member banks hold accounts for direct inter-bank settlements. Initially, it supports US dollar transactions with plans to include more currencies. The system operates under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, and is regulated by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).

 

2. India’s Export Growth Outpaces Global Markets in 2025: India’s export sector continues to outpace global growth in 2025. With a 7.1% growth rate compared to the world’s 2.5%, India is strengthening its position as a key player in international trade. The share of exports in India’s GDP rose to 21.2% in 2024, reflecting the increasing importance of exports in the economy. Government reforms, digitalisation, and entrepreneurial initiatives are driving this growth, with a target of USD 1 trillion exports set for 2025-26. Merchandise exports grew by 2.31% in April-August 2025, reaching USD 183.74 billion. Non-petroleum and non-gems exports rose 7.76%, led by engineering goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Electronic goods surged 40.63% driven by Make in India and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes. Smartphone exports alone crossed INR 1 lakh crore in five months. Other cereals, meat, dairy, poultry and tea exports recorded double-digit growth, supported by government policies like the Agriculture Export Policy and APEDA.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Mysuru Journalist Amshi Prasannakumar to Receive Hombale Samhita Harinikumar Krishi Media Award 2025: Amshi Prasannakumar, a senior journalist from Mysuru, has been selected for the ‘Hombale Samhita Harinikumar Alumni Krishi Media Award – 2025’ for his contribution to agricultural reporting.The award recognises journalists in print and electronic media for creating awareness among farmers and promoting agricultural issues.The award will be presented on October 11, 2025, at the Alumni Association, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Veterinary College Campus, Hebbal; Mr. Prasannakumar is a former president of the Mysore District Journalists’ Association and a member of the Karnataka Media Academy.

 

2. India Wins Prestigious ISSA Award 2025 for Outstanding Achievement in Social Security: India honoured with International Social Security Association (ISSA) Award 2025 for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Social Security’ at the World Social Security Forum in Kuala Lumpur, recognising expansion of coverage from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, benefitting over 940 million citizens.

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya received the award on behalf of India, highlighting initiatives like the e-Shram portal (310 million workers) and National Career Service portal connecting youth to global opportunities.With strengthened institutions like EPFO and ESIC, India now holds 30 seats in ISSA General Assembly (highest vote share globally), showcasing its leadership in digital-driven social protection.