Daily GK Update- 11th Oct, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NITI Aayog Launches “AI for Inclusive Societal Development” Roadmap to Empower India’s 490 Million Informal Workers: NITI Aayog launched the “AI for Inclusive Societal Development” roadmap, a first-of-its-kind national initiative aimed at leveraging AI and frontier technologies to improve the lives and livelihoods of India’s 490 million informal workers.The roadmap, developed in partnership with Deloitte, focuses on the informal sector—which contributes nearly half of India’s GDP—addressing challenges such as financial insecurity, limited market access, and lack of skills and social protection.The initiative emphasizes collaboration between government, industry, academia, and civil society, highlighting that empowering informal workers is essential for achieving India’s $30 trillion Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and ensuring sustainable economic growth.

 

2. Delhi Government Launches Collateral-Free Loan Scheme to Empower Small Businesses and Women Entrepreneurs: The Delhi government has launched a collateral-free loan scheme to support small businesses and women entrepreneurs, aiming to enhance the city’s economic growth and improve access to credit without requiring personal or business assets as security.The scheme, with an initial allocation of ₹5 crore in FY26 and a phased ₹50 crore contribution in partnership with Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), provides guarantee coverage of up to 95% to reduce lenders’ risk.Under the initiative, loans up to ₹10 crore are available for small and women-led enterprises, with higher coverage for women entrepreneurs, Agniveer-promoted MSMEs, and micro units, supporting sectors like manufacturing, services, retail, and education.

 

3. Three Major Indian Ports Recognised as Green Hydrogen Hubs Under National Mission: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has officially recognised Deendayal Port (Gujarat), V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tamil Nadu), and Paradip Port (Odisha) as Green Hydrogen Hubs under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, advancing India’s clean energy transition.Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal called it a defining moment in India’s maritime journey and emphasised the government’s push for sustainable development and achieving net zero by 2070.The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make India a global hub for production, utilisation, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives, promoting large-scale hydrogen hubs as key centres for production and consumption.

 

4. Tamil Nadu Allocates ₹1 Crore for Four Endangered Species: Tamil Nadu government allocated ₹1 crore for conserving four lesser-known endangered species. The move aims to protect the lion-tailed macaque, Madras hedgehog, striped hyena, and hump-headed mahseer. This initiative broadens conservation focus beyond popular animals like elephants and tigers. It marks the ecological importance of these species and the need for targeted protection. The lion-tailed macaque received ₹48.5 lakh. This primate is endemic to the Western Ghats and survives in fragmented rainforest patches. The Madras hedgehog, a nocturnal mammal found in semi-arid areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, was allotted ₹20.5 lakh. The striped hyena, a near-threatened scavenger declining in places like Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, got ₹14 lakh. The critically endangered hump-headed mahseer, affected by dams, overfishing, and pollution in the Moyar River, was supported with ₹17 lakh.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. International Purple Fest 2025 in Goa Showcases India’s Commitment to Inclusion and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities: The third edition of the International Purple Fest – Purple Fair 2025 was inaugurated in Goa, celebrating the talent, resilience, and entrepreneurship of persons with disabilities and promoting an inclusive and accessible society.Leaders, including Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant, Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, and MoS Ramdas Athawale, emphasised that persons with disabilities are empowered individuals contributing actively to the nation’s growth, not merely beneficiaries.The event, jointly organised by the Government of India and the Goa government, saw participation from international organizations and activists, with DEPwD Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal highlighting initiatives like resolving 50,000 complaints and CSR projects worth ₹50 crore.

 

2. India Becomes Second-Highest Contributor in THE World University Rankings 2026; IISc Bangalore Leads National List: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, has been ranked as India’s top university in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, securing a spot in the 201–250 rank band.India has achieved a major milestone by becoming the country with the second-highest number of ranked universities, trailing only the United States.Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (Chennai) improved its ranking to the 351–400 band, while Jamia Millia Islamia (Delhi) and Shoolini University (Himachal Pradesh) were placed in the 401–500 category.Prestigious institutions like BHU, IIT Indore, KIIT University, Lovely Professional University, Mahatma Gandhi University, and UPES Dehradun are ranked in the 501–600 range.Several universities including AMU, Amity, IIT Patna, NIT Rourkela, University of Delhi, and VIT Vellore feature in the 601–800 rank band, reflecting India’s broad representation across multiple categories.Globally, the University of Oxford retained the No. 1 spot for the 10th consecutive year, while Princeton University reached joint 3rd place, and China and Hong Kong strengthened their presence with 13 and 6 universities, respectively, in the top 200.

 

3. World Bank and SEWA Launch BETI Project to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Gujarat with Digital Tools: The World Bank’s BETI (Business Enterprise Technology for Indian women) project, in collaboration with SEWA, has trained micro-level women entrepreneurs in Gujarat to use digital tools and financial management skills to build and manage their businesses.The initiative extends the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign by adding a focus on economic empowerment — termed ‘Beti Kamao’ — helping women become entrepreneurs and job creators.The pilot, implemented in Mehsana, Ahmedabad, Anand, and Bodeli, equipped women with mobile-based tools to improve bookkeeping, inventory management, debt tracking, and product cataloguing for sales.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Union Minister George Kurian Commissions 250-Tonne Slipway Cradle to Boost India’s Blue Economy and Fisheries Modernisation: Union Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian commissioned a 250-tonne capacity slipway cradle, enhancing docking and maintenance capabilities for vessels ranging from fishing boats to research ships.The slipway cradle, built by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) at a cost of ₹1.78 crore, is a heavy-duty steel platform designed for the safe hauling and launching of vessels up to 250 tonnes.The facility supports India’s vision of a sustainable Blue Economy and will integrate transponders on fishing vessels in collaboration with ISRO for real-time communication and access to fish-rich area forecasts.

 

2. DRDO Unveils Indian Radio Software Architecture 1.0: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officially launched the Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) standard version 1.0 in October 2025. This milestone aims to enhance interoperability in military communication across the Indian Armed Forces. IRSA sets a national benchmark for Software Defined Radios (SDR), marking a key step towards self-reliance in defence communication technology. IRSA was developed through collaboration among DRDO, Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), and the Tri-Services. The standard was formally released during a national workshop held at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. The event brought together defence officials, industry representatives, academia, and research institutions. It brought into light the journey of IRSA from concept to reality and discussed future collaboration and adoption plans.

 

3. 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. 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 the certification process. MSC 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.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Max Life Pension Fund Management Withdraws Licence: Max Life Pension Fund Management has voluntarily surrendered its licence, and its registration with the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has been cancelled.NPS subscribers of Max Life Pension have been transferred to other pension funds in accordance with regulatory guidelines, ensuring uninterrupted fund management.From April 19, 2025, all pension assets previously managed by Max Life have been shifted to UTI Pension Fund, and from June 21, 2025, subscribers registered through Max Life as PoP have been moved to Axis Bank.Subscribers’ accumulated corpus continues to earn returns under the new fund managers, and under PFRDA rules, NPS investors can change their Pension Fund Manager (PFM) once per year for Tier-I accounts and multiple times for Tier-II accounts.

 

2. NPCI And RBI Launches Biometric UPI Authentication: India’s digital payments landscape took step forward in 2025. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched biometric and wearable glass recognition authentication for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions. This innovation aims to make payments more secure, seamless and inclusive. Users can now authenticate UPI transactions using biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition. This data is linked to Aadhaar and stored securely on the user’s device. The process eliminates the need for traditional PINs, enhancing privacy and security. Authentication happens locally on the device, ensuring sensitive data never leaves the phone. A new UPI Lite feature enables hands-free small-value payments via smart glasses. Users scan a QR code and authenticate payments with voice commands. This innovation removes the need for phones, PINs or touch inputs during transactions, making payments swift and convenient.

 

 

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. María Corina Machado Wins Nobel Peace Prize 2025 for Championing Democracy in Venezuela: María Corina Machado of Venezuela has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 for her relentless efforts to promote democratic rights and lead a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela.Despite threats to her life and living in hiding, she continued her struggle within the country, inspiring millions and uniting Venezuela’s opposition. The announcement was made by Jørgen Watne Frydnes, Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee; in 2024, the prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese movement of atomic bomb survivors (Hibakusha).

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.

Daily GK Update- 9th Oct, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Inaugurates Satcom Summit at IMC 2025: Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated the Satcom Summit at India Mobile Congress 2025, highlighting satellite communication as a tool for digital inclusion and empowerment of farmers, students, doctors, and remote communities.The government aims to connect 38,260 remote villages under the Universal Service Obligation Fund and Digital Bharat Nidhi, with around 29,000 villages already connected, and announced major policy reforms including GMPCS licenses to OneWeb and Jio, and a Letter of Intent to Starlink.India’s SATCOM sector, valued at $4.3 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $14.8 billion by 2033, will get a ₹900 crore National SATCOM Monitoring Facility, reinforcing the country’s role as a global hub in satellite communications and space innovation.

 

2. India’s Solar Capacity Hits 125 GW, Becomes Third-Largest Producer Ahead of 8th ISA Assembly: India’s solar power capacity has reached 125 GW, making the country the third-largest solar energy producer globally, according to Union Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi.The 8th session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly is scheduled from October 27 to 30 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with ISA membership now at 124 countries.The ISA, a collaborative initiative between India and France, aims to combat climate change by promoting solar energy, targeting USD 1 trillion in solar investments by 2030 and reducing technology and financing costs.Initiatives like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana have already enabled over 20 lakh households to benefit from rooftop solar installations, highlighting India’s efforts to translate national ambition into local impact.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 9 October – World Postal Day: World Postal Day is observed annually on 9 October to celebrate the role of postal services in connecting people and facilitating communication globally.Theme 2025 – #Post for People: Local ServiceThe day commemorates the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874, which standardised and improved international mail delivery.World Postal Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of postal networks in social and economic development, especially in remote and rural areas.

 

2. 10 October 2025 – World Sight Day: World Sight Day is observed this year on 10 October 2025 (second Thursday of October) to raise global awareness about eye health and vision care.Theme 2025 – #LoveYourEyesThe day emphasizes the importance of preventing blindness, improving access to eye care services, and promoting early detection of eye conditions.

 

3. NPCI Partners with PayPal to Integrate UPI with PayPal World for Seamless Global Payments: NPCI and PayPal announced a collaboration to integrate India’s UPI with PayPal World, making India’s instant payments platform the first to launch on the global digital payments network.The collaboration aims to create a seamless, interoperable platform for consumers and merchants, enabling frictionless interactions between domestic wallets and global payment systems.PayPal CEO Alex Chriss emphasised that the move focuses on connecting India to the world, rather than competing with UPI, reflecting India’s growing importance in the global payments ecosystem.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Centre approves ₹903 crore for fire services in Haryana, MP, and Rajasthan under NDRF: The Centre has approved over 903 crore rupees to Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan under the National Disaster Response Fund for the expansion and modernisation of fire services.A High-Level Committee, under the Chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has approved the assistance. Out of the total amount, more than 117 crore rupees have been approved for Haryana, 397 crore for Madhya Pradesh and over 388 crore rupees for Rajasthan.The committee has also approved over 707 crore rupees of additional Central assistance to Assam and Gujarat from NDRF, affected by floods and landslides during 2024.During the current financial year, the Central Government has released 13 thousand 603 crore rupees to 27 States under the State Disaster Response Fund and over two thousand crore rupees under NDRF to 12 States.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Government Unveils Logo for India-AI Impact Summit 2026: The Government of India unveiled the logo for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled on February 19–20, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi; the winning design by Shri Ajith P. Suresh was chosen from 599 entries submitted via the MyGov platform.The logo symbolizes India’s vision of ethical and responsible AI, featuring the Ashoka Chakra for governance and justice, and neural network flares representing AI’s transformative and inclusive power across sectors and geographies.The vibrant gradient and modern typography in the logo reflect innovation, diversity, and clarity, merging tradition with modernity to portray India’s leadership in shaping the global AI movement through the MeitY-hosted summit.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Crosses ₹10,907 Crore in Loans, Empowering Over 5.79 Lakh Households with Rooftop Solar Energy: The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has achieved a major milestone with Public Sector Banks sanctioning over 5.79 lakh loan applications worth ₹10,907 crore as of September 2025, promoting household solar energy adoption.The scheme encourages rooftop solar installations with collateral-free loans up to ₹2 lakh, offered at competitive interest rates, featuring simplified documentation and longer repayment periods linked to electricity cost savings.All loan applications are processed digitally via the JanSamarth Portal, which is integrated with the National Portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in), ensuring seamless, transparent, and data-driven loan disbursal.Recent improvements include allowing co-applicants, removing capacity-based restrictions, and simplifying documentation, based on feedback from both beneficiaries and banks.

 

2. ICICI Bank and Visa Launch Corporate Sapphiro Forex Card with Premium Benefits for International Business Travelers: ICICI Bank and Visa launched the Corporate Sapphiro Forex Card, the first prepaid card in Asia powered by Visa Infinite, targeting entrepreneurs and corporate leaders traveling internationally.The card allows transactions in 15 currencies with zero cross-currency markup, offering benefits like airport lounge access, meet-and-assist services, a complimentary international eSIM, and ATM fee waivers.Customers can apply and load the card digitally via ICICI Bank’s InstaBIZ app, with plans to expand to large corporate employees through Corporate Internet Banking, supporting seamless international business travel.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi Win 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for Metal–Organic Frameworks

 : The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi for the development of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), announced by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.Metal–organic frameworks are molecular constructions with large spaces that allow gases and chemicals to flow, enabling applications such as harvesting water from desert air, capturing carbon dioxide, storing toxic gases, and catalyzing chemical reactions.In 1989, Richard Robson pioneered combining positively charged copper ions with a four-armed molecule, laying the initial concept of MOFs, although the structure was unstable. Susumu Kitagawa and Omar Yaghi enhanced Robson’s concept by creating stable and flexible MOFs with rational design, demonstrating their ability to be modified for new and useful properties.

Daily GK Update- 8th Oct, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurates 9th Edition of India Mobile Congress 2025 in New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 9th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, under the theme “Innovate to Transform”, showcasing India’s commitment to digital innovation and transformation.IMC 2025, Asia’s largest telecom, media, and technology event, features participation from over 150 countries, 400 companies, and 1.5 lakh visitors, focusing on key themes like 6G, AI, Quantum Communications, and Semiconductors.

Later in the day, PM Modi inaugurated Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport and Phase 2B of Mumbai Metro Line-3, besides launching ‘Mumbai One’, India’s first integrated public transport app.He also launched the Short-Term Employability Program in Maharashtra to enhance youth skills across 400 ITIs and 150 Technical Schools, and is set to host UK PM Keir Starmer to strengthen the India-UK ‘Vision 2035’ partnership.

 

2. PM VIKAS MoU Signed with IIT Palakkad for Minority Skilling: The Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, launched a key skilling project in October 2025. This initiative, under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme, aims to empower minority communities in Kerala. The project is implemented in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Palakkad. It focuses on equipping youth with advanced technical skills in emerging fields. The collaboration targets the socio-economic upliftment of minorities through skill development and employment opportunities. The PM VIKAS scheme is a flagship programme designed to promote socio-economic empowerment of minority communities. It focuses on skill development and entrepreneurship. The scheme aims to create sustainable livelihoods and enhance employability. The recent MoU signing with IIT Palakkad marks step in these efforts. The project targets future-ready skills in technology domains. It aligns with national priorities of inclusive growth and innovation.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Baratang Mud Volcano in Andaman Erupts After 20 Years: The Baratang mud volcano in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands erupted violently on 2 October 2025, ending over 20 years of dormancy, producing a 3–4 metre-high mound and spreading mud over 1,000 sq. metres.Located about 150 km from Port Blair in the North and Middle Andaman district, the Baratang mud volcano is India’s only known mud volcano and a unique geological tourist attraction.Mud volcanoes are formed by the eruption of mud, water, and gases (mainly methane) from deep underground, unlike regular volcanoes that emit lava; these eruptions occur when gases and fluids push upward, creating cone-shaped mounds or domes.

 

2. India’s First Direct Air Cargo Mission to Antarctica Departs with 18 Tons of Scientific Equipment: A heavy-duty Russian cargo plane embarked for Antarctica, carrying large scientific instruments and equipment to study atmospheric and climate changes.This marked the first-ever direct air cargo mission from India to Antarctica, operated by IL-76 under DROMLAN, transporting 18 tons of gear, medicines, provisions, and essentials for Indian researchers at Bharati and Maitri research bases.The specialized cargo plane, usually deployed for military transport including by the Indian Army, was re-routed via Goa’s Manohar International Airport (Mopa) and will enroute South Africa’s Cape Town before reaching Antarctica.

 

3. Singapore Renames Site of Zubeen Garg’s Passing as Zubeen Garg Island: Singapore’s St. John’s Island has been renamed “Zubeen Garg Island” on Google Maps as a symbolic tribute to the late singer.The renaming was initiated by enthusiastic fans who added the new label using Google Maps’ “Add a missing place” feature, rather than through any formal government order.The gesture reflects the deep emotional resonance of Zubeen Garg’s legacy, making his memory a permanent part of geographic maps beyond Assam

 

4. 7 October – World Cotton Day: World Cotton Day is observed every year on 7 October to recognise the global importance of cotton in trade, economy, and sustainable development.The day aims to promote fair trade practices, sustainability, and the livelihoods of cotton farmers, especially in developing countries.Theme 2025 – The Fabric of Our LivesInitiated by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in collaboration with international cotton-producing nations, the day highlights cotton’s contribution to economic growth and global commerce.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. ICGS Akshar Commissioned at Karaikal: Boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India’s Maritime Strength: The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Akshar, the second vessel in the Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) series, was commissioned at Karaikal, Puducherry, and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) with over 60% indigenous content, promoting Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.The 51-metre-long, 320-ton vessel is powered by twin 3,000 KW diesel engines, offering a top speed of 27 knots and an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles, equipped with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) for enhanced manoeuvrability.It features advanced weapon systems including a 30 mm CRN 91 gun and two 12.7 mm Stabilized Remote-Controlled Guns (SRCG) with a fire-control system, along with automation technologies like IBS, IPMS, and APMS.

 

2. Goodluck India Signs Tripartite MoU for DRDO’s AMCA Programme: Goodluck India, a leading special steel manufacturer, has signed a tripartite MoU with BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (BATL) and Axiscades Technologies to jointly bid for DRDO’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.The AMCA programme aims to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft equipped with advanced avionics, super-cruise capability, internal weapon bays, and electronic warfare systems, marking a major leap in India’s defence technology.The collaboration supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, focusing on enhancing indigenous defence manufacturing and strengthening India’s self-reliance in aerospace and defence capabilities.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Linthoi Chanambam Wins India’s First-Ever Medal at Judo Junior World Championships: Judo player Linthoi Chanambam won India’s first-ever medal at the Judo Junior World Championships in Lima, Peru.The 19-year-old clinched the bronze medal in the women’s 63 kg category by defeating Netherlands’ Joni Geilen. After losing her Group D final match to Japan’s So Morichika, Chanambam entered the medal match through the repechage route and secured the bronze.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Cyclone Shakhti Intensifies into Severe Storm over Arabian Sea: Cyclone Shakhti, the first post-monsoon cyclone over the Arabian Sea in 2025, has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds around 100 kmph, creating rough sea conditions off India’s western coast.The storm’s name, ‘Shakhti’, was suggested by Sri Lanka following the World Meteorological Organisation/ESCAP naming convention for tropical cyclones.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Hero Future Energies secures ₹1,908 cr funding from SBI, Canara Bank: Hero Future Energies has secured ₹1,908 crore in funding from State Bank of India (lead) and Canara Bank to support renewable energy projects.The funds will be used to develop a 120 MW renewable hybrid project at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, integrating wind, solar, and storage technologies to provide reliable peak power.The project, contracted with SJVN, has a repayment period of 21 years, ensuring timely execution and commencement of commercial operations.

 

2. IIHL Mauritius Acquires 100% Stake in Sterling Bank, Bahamas: IndusInd International Holdings Ltd. (IIHL), Mauritius, has completed the acquisition of 100% stake in Sterling Bank, Bahamas, after previously acquiring 51% in September 2022; the acquisition was made through IIHL’s wholly owned subsidiary, IIHL (Capital), Mauritius.Sterling Bank will be renamed as ‘IIHL Bank & Trust Ltd.’, marking IIHL’s expansion in the global Banking, Financial Services, Securities, and Insurance (BFSI) sector.IIHL, with a net worth of $1.26 billion (as of August 31, 2025), aims to enhance long-term shareholder value, expand globally, and achieve a $50 billion global market capitalisation by 2030 in the BFSI sector.

 

3. Zomato and HDFC Pension Launch NPS Model to Secure Retirement Benefits for Delivery Partners: Zomato and HDFC Pension launched the ‘NPS Platform Workers Model’ to provide delivery partners access to formal retirement benefits, formally inaugurated by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on October 1.Over 30,000 Zomato delivery partners have already generated their PRANs within 72 hours, with the platform aiming to cover more than 1 lakh delivery partners under NPS by 2025.The model offers long-term financial security, including lump sum payments and monthly pensions at retirement, along with flexibility for small, regular contributions, addressing the current gap in retirement awareness and savings among platform workers.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. President Murmu Presents MY Bharat NSS Awards 2022-23 at Rashtrapati Bhavan: President Droupadi Murmu presented the MY Bharat – National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards 2022-23 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, honoring 40 NSS Units, Programme Officers, and Volunteers for their outstanding contributions.The National Service Scheme Award, conferred by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, recognises NSS members for their exceptional community service and nation-building efforts.NSS, launched in 1969 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, aims to develop the personality and character of student youth through voluntary community service; Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya was also present at the ceremony.

 

2. Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 Awarded to Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis for Pioneering Quantum Experiments: John Clarke (UK), Michel Devoret (France), and John Martinis (USA) have been awarded the Nobel Prize for their pioneering experiments on quantum mechanics, specifically demonstrating macroscopic quantum tunnelling using superconducting circuits.The trio devised circuits with two superconductors separated by a Josephson junction, showing that all particles in the superconductor could act collectively, simulating current flow even without voltage.Their research laid the foundation for superconducting qubits, essential for practical quantum computers that operate with qubits rather than classical bits, enabling exponentially faster computation and advanced quantum technologies. Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis collaborated at UC Berkeley with careful experimental precision over decades. They will equally share the prize of 11 million Swedish kroner (approximately ₹1 crore).