Daily GK Update- 15th Oct, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Piyush Goyal Unveils ‘LEAPS 2025’ to Promote Excellence, Innovation, and Sustainability in India’s Logistics Sector: Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched the Logistics Excellence, Advancement, and Performance Shield (LEAPS) 2025 during the 4th Anniversary of PM GatiShakti at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.LEAPS 2025, an initiative of DPIIT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aims to benchmark logistics excellence and align with the National Logistics Policy (NLP) and PM GatiShakti vision.The initiative promotes innovation, sustainability, and ESG practices, inviting participation from air, road, rail, and sea operators, MSMEs, startups, and academia across 13 award categories.Registrations are open on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal (awards.gov.in) until 15th November 2025, aiming to build a future-ready logistics ecosystem supporting Make in India and Viksit Bharat 2047.

 

2. Alliance Air Unveils ‘Fare Se Fursat’ – India’s First Fixed Airfare Scheme to Make Flying Affordable and Predictable: Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu launched ‘Fare Se Fursat’, a first-of-its-kind fixed airfare scheme by Alliance Air, ensuring constant fares irrespective of booking dates.The pilot phase will run from October 13 to December 31, 2025, across select routes to assess operational feasibility and passenger response.The initiative aligns with the UDAN scheme’s vision of making aviation affordable for the middle and lower-middle class, eliminating stress from fluctuating ticket prices.The scheme supports Tier-2 and Tier-3 city travelers, promoting “Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik”, and could set a new model for transparent and stable regional airfares in India.

 

3. NITI Aayog Releases Report on India’s Blue Economy to Harness Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries: NITI Aayog launched the report “India’s Blue Economy: Strategy for Harnessing Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries”, highlighting the potential of India’s 2 million sq. km EEZ and 11,098 km coastline to expand deep-sea fisheries.India is the second-largest fish-producing country, supporting 30 million livelihoods and earning ₹60,523 crore in exports during FY 2023–24, with deep-sea resources largely untapped.The report proposes a science-based, technology-enabled, socially inclusive, and ecologically sustainable framework, emphasising policy reform, fleet modernisation, community participation, and investment priorities.A three-phase strategy (2025-28, 2029-32, 2033 onwards) aims to strengthen governance, boost exports, ensure ecological sustainability, and position India as a global leader in sustainable deep-sea fisheries.

 

4. Arjun Ram Meghwal Launches LIMBS Live Cases Dashboard to Enhance Government Litigation Management: Union Minister of State for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, inaugurated the Live Cases Dashboard of the Legal Information Management and Briefing System (LIMBS) in New Delhi to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government litigation management.The dashboard provides details of all cases scheduled in the next seven days across the Supreme Court, High Courts, and other courts involving various ministries, allowing officers and ministers to monitor and receive updates directly from their office.LIMBS presents real-time data visualisation of court cases, enabling proactive decision-making, better inter-ministerial coordination, and efficient management of around 7 lakh live cases from 53 Ministries and Departments.

 

5. 15 October – Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is observed every year on 15 October across the world to honour babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, or infant death.The day seeks to provide comfort and support to grieving parents and families while raising public awareness about the impact of pregnancy and infant loss.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NeGD Partners with Bharat Taxi to Launch India’s First Cooperative Ride-Hailing Platform: The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) of Digital India Corporation, under MeitY, has partnered with Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited to support Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-led national ride-hailing platform.An MoU has been signed to provide strategic advisory and technical support in areas like platform integration, cybersecurity, data privacy, compliance, and governance.Bharat Taxi is promoted by major cooperatives and financial institutions such as NCDC, IFFCO, AMUL, KRIBHCO, NAFED, NABARD, NDDB, and NCEL, reflecting the cooperative movement aligned with the Digital India vision.NeGD’s support covers platform integration with national digital systems, security and compliance, program advisory, and UI/UX enhancements, aiming for a transparent, inclusive, and citizen-centric mobility solution launching in December 2025.

 

2. India and Mongolia Sign 10 MoUs, Strengthen Strategic, Cultural, and Economic Ties: India and Mongolia signed ten MoUs covering humanitarian aid, heritage restoration, immigration, geology and mineral resources, promotion of cooperatives, and sharing of digital solutions during Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa’s visit to New Delhi.Both leaders released commemorative stamps marking 70 years of bilateral relations. India will provide free e-visas to Mongolian citizens and sponsor annual visits of young Mongolian cultural ambassadors. Collaboration between Nalanda University and Gandan Monastery will strengthen spiritual and educational ties.India supports Mongolia’s development, including the $1.7 billion Oil Refinery Project enhancing Mongolia’s energy security. Both nations reaffirmed shared values, close partnership in international forums, and cooperation in resilient supply chains and critical minerals.A Mongolian air carrier will operate charter flights to India, boosting tourism and business. The MoU on digital cooperation marks a landmark agreement, reflecting deep-rooted friendship and laying the foundation for closer collaboration across multiple sectors.

 

3. WSFx Global Pay and Zaggle Launch Co-Branded GlobalPay Forex Card for Seamless Corporate Travel: WSFx Global Pay and Zaggle have jointly launched the GlobalPay Co-Branded Forex Card in India, catering to both corporate and individual international travel needs.The card provides global airport lounge access, airport transit hotels, doorstep visa assistance, global SIM cards, instant travel insurance, and optional privileges like golf club access, airport spas, curated food & beverage, and valet services.Zaggle’s platform supports OCR-powered receipt capture, real-time spend tracking, automated expense approvals, and seamless reconciliation, ensuring transparency, control, and compliance for corporate transactions.The partnership combines GlobalPay’s forex expertise with Zaggle’s enterprise network to offer scalable, compliant solutions for international travel expenses, benefiting businesses and regulators alike.

 

4. 15 October – Global Handwashing Day: Global Handwashing Day is observed every year on 15 October to promote the importance of hand hygiene in preventing diseases and saving lives.Theme 2025 – It Might Be Gloves. It’s Always Hand Hygiene.The day was first launched in 2008 by the Global Handwashing Partnership, a coalition of international stakeholders.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. WTI Marks 25 Years of Van Rakshak Project, Honours India’s Forest Protectors: India’s forest protectors, known as Van Rakshaks, play a vital role in conserving the country’s biodiversity. A recent report by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) commemorates 25 years of support to these frontline staff. It marks their courage, sacrifices, and the challenges they face while safeguarding India’s forests and wildlife. The WTI released a report titled Guardians of the Wild – Supporting India’s Frontline Forest Staff in Abu Dhabi. It features stories of 540 rangers killed or injured in duty. The report was launched by Kirtivardhan Singh, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. It emphasises the critical role of Van Rakshaks in protecting over 1,100 protected areas and numerous forests. Van Rakshaks patrol forests day and night. They monitor wildlife and address human-wildlife conflicts. They combat poaching and wildlife crime. Their work often involves life-threatening risks. They also respond to emergencies like forest fires and animal rescues. These duties demand physical endurance, vigilance, and deep knowledge of the ecosystem.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Valentin Vacherot Becomes Lowest-Ranked Player to Win ATP Masters 1000 Title at 2025 Shanghai Masters: Valentin Vacherot, a 26-year-old qualifier from Monaco, won his first ATP title at the 2025 Shanghai Masters by defeating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the final.

Ranked 204, Vacherot became the lowest-ranked player ever to win a Masters 1000 event, including a remarkable semifinal victory over Novak Djokovic.The win propels him into the ATP top 50, earns him over $1.1 million, and was an emotional milestone, with Vacherot celebrating the victory with tears and family.

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. GalaxEye Launches India’s First Multi-Sensor Earth Observation Satellite: The Indian space-tech start-up GalaxEye announced the launch of ‘Mission Drishti’ in early 2026. This satellite is the world’s first multi-sensor Earth observation platform combining synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and high-resolution optical payloads. It marks step in India’s private space sector and global space technology. Mission Drishti weighs 160 kg and offers 1.5 metre resolution imagery. It is India’s largest privately built satellite and the highest resolution satellite developed domestically. The satellite is designed to operate in all weather conditions and at any time of day, providing continuous Earth observation capabilities. The satellite integrates multiple sensing technologies on a single platform. It carries synthetic aperture radar for imaging through clouds and darkness and high-resolution optical sensors for detailed visual data. This combination allows comprehensive geospatial analysis previously unavailable from a single satellite.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. National Household Income Survey (NHIS) 2026 to Measure Household Income Across India: NHIS 2026, the first pan-India survey on household income, will provide critical data on living conditions, income, and expenditure patterns, supporting poverty analysis, CPI rebasing, and national accounts preparation.Conducted by NSO under MoSPI, the survey builds on decades of National Sample Survey (NSS) experience capturing household welfare, consumption, employment, health, and assets.A Technical Expert Group (TEG), chaired by Dr. Surjit S. Bhalla, guided the survey design, and a pre-testing exercise was conducted across 15 Regional Offices covering urban and rural areas, affluent and non-affluent segments.Pre-testing helped refine the draft questionnaire, ensuring clarity, flow, reliability, and user-friendliness before final field deployment.The Draft Schedule and Pre-Testing Report have been uploaded on MoSPI’s website, inviting feedback from researchers, policymakers, institutions, and the public by 30th October 2025 to improve survey quality and policy relevance.

 

2. CotoPay launches India’s First e-RUPI Voucher Issuance Stack for Businesses: CotoPay has launched a platform enabling businesses to manage their expenses using the existing UPI ecosystem, bringing the convenience of UPI payments to corporate spends for both employees and businesses.Businesses can issue UPI Vouchers to employees, locked for specific purposes like meals, fuel, or general spends. Vouchers are non-transferable, redeemable only at merchant-linked accounts, and visible in existing UPI apps like Google Pay, BHIM, and bob iPay.Businesses gain full control and visibility over employee spends through CotoPay’s dashboard, tracking merchant name, time, date, and spend value, while any unutilized funds are automatically refunded to the business.

 

3. Muse Wearables Partners with NPCI to Launch India’s First Wearable Payments Ecosystem: Indian tech startup Muse Wearables has partnered with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to introduce India’s first wearable payments ecosystem using Muse Wallet and the RuPay network.Users can make instant, secure payments by tapping Muse’s smart ring, “Ring One,” on any NFC-enabled point-of-sale terminal, without needing a phone, card, or wallet.Muse Wallet, already operational in over 40 countries and supporting cards from nearly 600 banks, is bringing its platform to India via RuPay to provide easy and secure digital payments.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Sonali Ghosh Becomes First Indian to Win IUCN’s Kenton R. Miller Award for Innovation in National Parks: Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, became the first Indian to receive the Kenton R. Miller Award for innovation in national parks and protected area sustainability.She was honoured by the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) at a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi.The Kenton R. Miller Award, established in 2006, is presented biennially by the IUCN-WCPA to individuals or teams demonstrating impactful innovations in protected area management and sustainability.The WCPA, a key technical commission of the IUCN, works globally to promote effective governance, management, and conservation of national parks, reserves, and marine protected areas.

Daily GK Update- 14th Oct, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Arulmigu Ekambaranathar Temple in Kanchipuram to Hold Grand Consecration on December 8 After 17 Years: The Arulmigu Ekambaranathar Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, will hold its consecration ceremony on December 8, 2025, after a 17-year gap, as announced by the state’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekar Babu.The 1,300-year-old temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, received patronage from the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara dynasties and is renowned for its tall Dravidian-style gateway tower.Due to 34 extensive renovation works costing around ₹28 crore, the consecration was delayed beyond the traditional 12-year cycle; restoration was carried out under strict preservation guidelines.In Turkey’s Denizli region, archaeologists unearthed a 2,700-year-old temple dedicated to the ‘Mother Goddess’, featuring a monumental structure, ritual cave, and twin stone statues reflecting Phrygian spiritual and artistic traditions.

 

2. GST Reforms Set to Boost Jharkhand’s Industrial Growth and Unlock Economic Potential: Jharkhand, formed in 2000, is rich in natural resources with vast iron ore reserves, strong steel and heavy engineering industries, and 29% forest cover, one of the highest in India.As a tribal-dominated state, Jharkhand’s economy also relies heavily on agriculture and allied sectors, providing livelihood to a large share of its population.The recent GST reforms have introduced significant tax rate reductions across key industries, unlocking Jharkhand’s economic growth potential and boosting industrial competitiveness.Jharkhand contributes 20–25% of India’s steel output, hosting major hubs like Jamshedpur (Tata Steel) and Bokaro (SAIL), supporting over 1 lakh workers and a strong MSME and vendor network in metal and engineering sectors.

 

3. Gurugram Launches India’s First QR Code-Based Traffic Challan Payment Kiosk: Gurugram becomes the first city in India to launch a QR code-based kiosk for digital payment of traffic challans, simplifying and speeding up the process.The kiosk, set up at Ambience Mall, was developed jointly by Gurugram Police and the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority under a CSR initiative.Drivers can check and pay outstanding challans by entering their vehicle number and scanning a QR code; however, court-pending or 90+ days overdue challans cannot be paid through it.Similar kiosks will soon be installed at other high-footfall locations, aiming to ease police workload and enhance citizen convenience using digital technology.

 

4. 13 October – Breast Cancer Awareness Day: Breast Cancer Awareness Day is observed on 13 October each year to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.The day emphasises the importance of regular screening, self-examination, and timely medical intervention to reduce mortality rates.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, EFTA Sign Landmark TEPA to Unlock $100 Billion Investment and Create 1 Million Jobs: India and EFTA (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) signed the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) on 10 March 2024, which came into effect on 1 October 2025, marking India’s first FTA with developed European nations.The agreement includes a $100 billion investment and 1 million job creation commitment over 15 years — the first binding pledge of its kind in any Indian FTA.TEPA enhances market access, technology cooperation, and sustainability, while protecting key sectors like dairy, soya, coal, and agriculture, and promoting services trade through professional mobility and digital delivery.

 

2. Monu Ratra Appointed as CEO of Capri Global Capital: Monu Ratra, former CEO of IIFL Home Finance, is set to join Capri Global Capital as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).At Capri Global, he will oversee overall operations and lead the company’s medium-term growth strategy, reporting directly to MD and promoter Rajesh Sharma.Capri Global Capital, a retail-focused NBFC with ₹24,753 crore AUM and 0.56 million customers, offers loans in MSME, gold, construction, and housing segments through its subsidiary, Capri Global Housing Finance.

 

3. 13 October – International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction: International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) is observed on 13 October every year to promote a global culture of disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness.The day aims to raise awareness about reducing vulnerabilities and risks associated with natural and man-made disasters.Theme 2025 – Fund Resilience, Not Disasters

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Fourth Edition of India-Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025 to Commence in Perth: The fourth edition of India-Australia joint military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025 will begin in Perth, Australia, with a 120-member Indian Army contingent led by a Battalion of Gorkha Rifles participating from various arms and services.The exercise aims to enhance military cooperation, improve interoperability, and allow participating armies to exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures in sub-conventional warfare in urban or semi-urban terrain, focusing on joint company-level operations in open and semi-desert areas.AUSTRAHIND 2025 will provide an opportunity to hone operational capabilities, integrate emerging technologies, and operate jointly in a combat environment, thereby strengthening defence cooperation and camaraderie between Indian and Australian Army troops.

 

2. Hamas–Doghmush Conflict, 2025: The Hamas–Doghmush conflict 2025 is a violent armed clashes that erupted in October 2025 between the Hamas movement, which governs the Gaza Strip, and the Doghmush clan, one of Gaza’s most powerful and influential families. The confrontation occurred shortly after a ceasefire temporarily halted the Gaza war and marked one of the most severe internal Palestinian armed conflicts in recent years. The fighting centred mainly in the Tel al-Hawa and Sabra neighbourhoods of Gaza City, resulting in significant casualties, widespread displacement of civilians, and renewed concerns over Hamas’s internal security measures during the fragile post-war period. Since seizing control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, Hamas has periodically launched crackdowns against individuals and groups accused of collaborating with Israel or challenging its authority. The group’s military courts have conducted summary trials and executions of alleged collaborators, acts repeatedly condemned by international human rights organisations as extrajudicial killings. Hamas, however, has justified these actions as essential to maintaining internal order and national security.
In the months preceding the 2025 conflict, Gaza had endured extensive devastation due to the 2024–2025 Gaza war, after which a ceasefire agreement took effect in October 2025. According to regional and international reports, immediately following the ceasefire, Hamas redeployed nearly 7,000 fighters to reassert control over the Strip, re-establish security institutions, and arrest individuals suspected of dissent or espionage. Dozens of people were detained, including members of rival political factions and clans hostile to Hamas.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Smriti Mandhana Creates History with Five Consecutive 50+ Scores Against Multiple Opponents in Women’s ODIs: Smriti Mandhana returned to top form in the ongoing Women’s World Cup against Australia, scoring 80 runs off 66 balls and achieving multiple world records, including being the fastest to 5000 ODI runs and the first batter to score over 1000 runs in a calendar year.She became the first player in the world to record five consecutive 50-plus scores against multiple opponents in ODIs, with her latest streak achieved against Australia.Over the last five innings against Australia, Mandhana has scored 485 runs, including three centuries, an 80, and a 58, with this run beginning at the WACA in Perth in December last year.

 

2. Sachin Tendulkar Launches ‘TEN x YOU’ Sportswear Brand to Inspire a Sport-Playing India: Sachin Tendulkar launched his new sportswear and athleisure brand “TEN x YOU” under SRT10 Athleisure Pvt. Ltd., co-founded with Karthik Gurumurthy and Karan Arora, aimed initially at cricket players and later for all sports enthusiasts.The brand focuses on India-specific designs, considering factors like wider feet, diverse body structures, and climate conditions, offering products tested for comfort, durability, and style across all playing levels.TEN x YOU plans to target ₹4–5 crore monthly revenue initially, aiming for ₹30–35 crore within 18 months, with future export plans, and shoe prices ranging from ₹5,000–₹9,000 per pair.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. EY India and Microsoft Launch Free ‘AI Skills Passport’ Programme to Bridge India’s AI Talent Gap: EY India has partnered with Microsoft to launch the AI Skills Passport, a free online programme aimed at providing quality AI education for learners aged 16 and above.The initiative seeks to equip students and early-career professionals with job-ready AI skills, following its global launch which saw over 40,000 enrolments and 13,000 completions.With only 31% of Indian professionals feeling adequately prepared to use AI tools (as per Nasscom), the programme aims to bridge the AI skills gap and support India’s growing demand for skilled AI talent in the digital economy.

 

2. Indian Railways to Collaborate with MapmyIndia’s Mappls App to Boost Swadeshi Digital Infrastructure: Indian Railways is set to sign an MoU with MapmyIndia to integrate its Mappls navigation app into the railway network, promoting the government’s “Har Ghar Swadeshi” initiative.The collaboration aims to enhance operational efficiency and safety in Indian Railways by leveraging a comprehensive indigenous navigation system.This partnership represents a broader push for self-reliant digital infrastructure, supporting local technology companies and demonstrating public-private collaboration for national development.

 

3. GalaxEye to Launch India’s Largest Privately Built Multi-Sensor EO Satellite ‘Mission Drishti’ in 2026: GalaxEye plans to launch ‘Mission Drishti’, the world’s first multi-sensor Earth Observation (EO) satellite, in the first quarter of 2026, marking India’s largest privately built satellite weighing 160 kg.Mission Drishti integrates Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and high-resolution optical payloads on a single platform, enabling all-weather, real-time Earth observation.This launch initiates GalaxEye’s satellite constellation program, with 8–12 satellites planned to be launched successively until 2029 for near-real-time global EO applications.The satellite will support governments, defence agencies, and industries in border surveillance, disaster management, infrastructure monitoring, agriculture, and financial/insurance assessment.GalaxEye’s proprietary Sync Fused Opto-SAR technology aims to revolutionise Earth observation, transforming space technology into actionable intelligence for businesses, governments, and communities.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PM Modi Launches Rs 35,440 Crore Agriculture Schemes: The Government of India launched two agricultural schemes in 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses. These initiatives aim to boost productivity, strengthen rural economies, and enhance farmers’ incomes across the country. The schemes come with a combined investment of over Rs 35,000 crore and target 100 specially selected districts. The PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana focuses on crop diversification, sustainable farming, irrigation, storage, and credit availability. It integrates 36 government schemes for a unified approach. The Dalhan Atmanirbharata Mission aims to increase pulse production by expanding cultivation area and improving procurement and processing. It targets nutritional security and benefits nearly two crore pulse farmers.

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt Win 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics for Innovation-Driven Growth: Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt won the 2025 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for their work on innovation-driven economic growth.Mokyr highlighted the importance of scientific explanations for innovations, while Aghion and Howitt developed the concept of creative destruction, showing how new products replace older ones and drive growth.The Economics Nobel, officially called the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, has been awarded 56 times since 1968, with only three women among the laureates.

Daily GK Update- 13th Oct, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Karnataka Becomes First State to Implement Menstrual Leave Policy for Both Government and Private Sectors: Karnataka State Cabinet approved the Karnataka Menstrual Leave Policy-2025, granting one day of paid leave per month for women employees across both government and private sectors, making Karnataka the first state in India to cover all sectors.The policy follows recommendations from a Labour Department committee advocating paid menstrual leave and is applicable to all sectors employing women, aiming to support employee well-being and inclusion.

 

2. India to launch ‘Red List’ survey to assess extinction risks to plants and animals: India has launched the National Red List Assessment of Indian Flora and Fauna, a first-of-its-kind initiative to evaluate the extinction risk of nearly 11,000 species of plants and animals by 2030, following the IUCN Red List methodology.The project aims to create a science-based, nationally coordinated red-listing system and publish National Red Data Books on flora and fauna, supported by a user-friendly online database and a team of 300 certified assessors for future assessments.The initiative, led by the Ministry of Environment, involves key organisations like the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), IUCN India, and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), aligning with India’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).The ₹95 crore project, primarily funded by BSI and ZSI, seeks to strengthen conservation planning and policy-making amid alarming global biodiversity loss, as highlighted in the Living Planet Report 2024, which recorded a 73% decline in vertebrate species since 1970.

 

3. Sonali Sen Gupta Appointed as New Executive Director of RBI: Sonali Sen Gupta appointed as Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Executive Director with effect from October 9, 2025.She has over three decades of experience at RBI, previously serving as Regional Director for Karnataka, and has worked in departments like Financial Inclusion, HR Management, Banking Regulation, and Supervision.As Executive Director, she will oversee Consumer Education & Protection, Financial Inclusion & Development, and Inspection Departments; she holds an MBA in Banking & Finance and is a Certified Associate of IIBF.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Inaugurates Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai, Showcasing AI and Innovation in Finance: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, highlighting the role of technology in transforming the financial ecosystem.The event brought together over 100,000 participants from 75+ countries, including 7,500 companies, 800 speakers, 400 exhibitors, and 70 regulators, making it one of the world’s largest fintech gatherings.The fest’s theme, ‘Empowering Finance for a Better World’ – Powered by AI, Augmented Intelligence, Innovation, and Inclusion, emphasized the convergence of technology and human insight in creating an ethical and sustainable financial future, with participation from global regulators like MAS (Singapore), Deutsche Bundesbank (Germany), Banque de France, and FINMA (Switzerland).

 

2. Former UK PM Rishi Sunak Joins Microsoft and AI Startup Anthropic as Senior Adviser on Global Strategy: Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has joined Microsoft and AI startup Anthropic as a senior adviser, focusing on global strategy, macroeconomic, and geopolitical trends.Sunak, who stepped down as Conservative Party leader after the July general election defeat, continues to serve as a Member of Parliament in the UK.His part-time advisory role with Anthropic is fully compliant with ACoBA regulations, restricting him from engaging with UK government officials on behalf of the company.

 

3. 11 October – World Migratory Bird Day: World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is observed on 11 October every year to raise awareness about the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats.Theme 2025 – Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and CommunitiesThe day highlights the threats migratory birds face, including habitat loss, climate change, hunting, and pollution, emphasising the need for global cooperation.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army to Deploy Indigenous ‘Saksham’ CUAS Grid System for Real-Time Drone Threat Neutralisation and Airspace Security: The Indian Army has initiated procurement of the indigenously developed ‘Saksham’ Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) Grid System, designed to detect, track, identify, and neutralise hostile drones and unmanned aerial systems in real time across the Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS).Developed in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Saksham integrates AI-driven analytics, CUAS sensors, weapons systems, and the Army Data Network (ADN) to create a real-time Recognised UAS Picture (RUASP) for commanders, enabling automated decision support and 3D battlefield visualisation.

 

2. Indian Army to Host UN Troop Contributing Countries Conclave in New Delhi from October 14: The Indian Army will host the Conclave of Chiefs of United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) in New Delhi from October 14, bringing together representatives from 32 UN troop-contributing nations, including 15 Chiefs and 17 Vice Chiefs.The three-day conclave aims to discuss operational challenges, evolving threats, best practices, and future peacekeeping strategies, reflecting the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and India’s strong commitment to UN peace missions.

 

 

 

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rohit Sharma, Joe Root Shine at CEAT Cricket Rating Awards 2025: The 27th CEAT Cricket Rating Awards were held in Mumbai, honouring global cricket talents, with Rohit Sharma receiving a special memento for leading India to two ICC titles in 2024.Joe Root was named Best Male International Cricketer of the Year, while Brian Lara and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards.Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya won the Men’s Test Bowler of the Year award, highlighting outstanding international cricket performances.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. DoT and ITU Host ‘AI for Good – Impact India’ Summit at IMC 2025 to Promote Responsible and Inclusive AI Innovation: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) co-hosted the “AI for Good – Impact India” Conference 2025 at IMC 2025 in New Delhi, inaugurated by Dr. Neeraj Mittal and Mr. Bilel Jamoussi.The summit gathered global AI leaders, policymakers, industry experts, start-ups, and academia to discuss how AI can drive sustainable and inclusive development across sectors.ITU, founded in 1865, is a UN specialised agency for ICTs, responsible for setting global telecom standards, managing radio spectrum and satellite orbits, and promoting digital inclusion worldwide.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Issues ‘Letter of Caution’ to Axis Bank Over KYC Norms Non-Compliance: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a ‘Letter of Caution’ to Axis Bank for non-compliance with Know-Your-Customer (KYC) norms, urging the bank to exercise extreme caution and diligence.RBI acknowledged the remedial actions and system improvements already undertaken by Axis Bank but emphasised the need for strict adherence to KYC regulations in the future.Axis Bank stated that it has initiated corrective measures and does not expect any material impact on its financial, operational, or other activities due to the cautionary letter.

 

2. HDFC Bank Unveils India’s First “My Business QR” Powered by Vyaparify to Digitally Empower Bharat’s SMEs’ : HDFC Bank has launched India’s first “My Business QR”, powered by Vyaparify, aimed at giving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) their first digital commerce identity and unifying payments, communication, and business visibility.The My Business QR serves as a single smart QR solution, integrating payments, identity, engagement, and commerce, thereby helping entrepreneurs manage and grow their businesses more efficiently.Vyaparify, the tech platform behind the innovation, enables businesses to create a digital identity, showcase products, collect payments, and connect via WhatsApp, serving as a commerce playbook for Bharat’s SMEs.

 

3. Razorpay, NPCI, and OpenAI Launch India’s First AI-Powered Agentic Payments on ChatGPT: Razorpay, NPCI, and OpenAI have collaborated to launch Agentic Payments on ChatGPT, enabling users in India to shop and pay within a single AI chat environment without leaving the platform.

The system leverages UPI innovations like UPI Circle and UPI Reserve Pay, backed by Axis Bank and Airtel Payments Bank, providing a seamless, secure, and real-time transactional experience for AI-powered shopping.BigBasket is among the first merchants to participate, allowing ChatGPT users to browse products, select items, and complete purchases via AI agents, with features like instant tracking, revocation, and user-controlled checkout, marking India’s first UPI-integrated conversational payment experience.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Delhi Government Triples Prize Money for State Handicraft Awards: The Delhi government has tripled the award money under the State Handicraft Awards Scheme to promote “Vocal for Local”, “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, and “Make in India” initiatives.The prize for the Rajya Shilpkaar Puraskar (State Award) has been increased from ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000, and the Rajya Dakshata Puraskar (State Merit Award) from ₹20,000 to ₹75,000. The number of awards has also been doubled to six Shilpkaar Puraskars (including one reserved for women) and 18 Dakshata Puraskars across diverse craft forms.This marks the first major revision in 12 years, reflecting the government’s intent to value traditional craftsmanship and inspire artisans to innovate and preserve Delhi’s craft heritage.New categories have been introduced for startups, young artisans, women, and specially-abled craftsmen to ensure inclusivity and wider recognition.

Daily GK Update- 12th Oct, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 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.

 

2. Fiji Launches First-Ever National Child Safeguarding Policy to Strengthen Child Protection Across the Country: Fiji has launched its first-ever National Child Safeguarding Policy, establishing a national benchmark to ensure child safety across all sectors of society.The policy mandates child-safe practices in all services involving children, including a Child Protection Code of Conduct, safe recruitment and vetting processes, and risk mitigation strategies to prevent harm.The initiative addresses regional concerns in the Pacific, where cultural taboos, limited resources, and underreporting have often left cases of child abuse hidden or unresolved.

 

3. Deepika Padukone Named India’s First Mental Health Ambassador to Promote Awareness and Well-Being: Renowned actor Deepika Padukone has been appointed as the first-ever Mental Health Ambassador of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, expressing her honour and commitment to the role.She aims to support India’s mental health initiatives under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, contributing to strengthening the nation’s mental health framework.This partnership focuses on raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting mental well-being across India, marking a significant step in prioritising mental health.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 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.

 

2. Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Appointed as Global Brand Ambassadors for Pay10 Ahead of UPI App Launch: Fintech firm Pay10 has appointed Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma as global brand ambassadors ahead of the launch of its UPI-enabled payments app in India.The collaboration aims to promote safe, seamless, and smart digital transactions while engaging India’s growing population of tech-savvy users.Pay10 believes the duo reflects the brand’s values of trust, innovation, and reliability, making them ideal representatives for a platform that seeks to make digital payments accessible to all.

 

3. 11 October – International Day of the Girl Child: The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on 11 October to highlight the challenges faced by girls and promote their empowerment and human rights.Theme 2025 – The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisisThe day was first declared by the United Nations in 2011, following a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly.

 

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. Pakistan–Afghanistan Conflict (2025): The Pakistan–Afghanistan War of 2025 is the armed confrontations and escalating hostilities between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, ruled by the Taliban, and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The conflict began in October 2025 following a series of explosions in Kabul and southeastern Afghanistan, which the Taliban government blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad denied responsibility but accused Kabul of harbouring Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants responsible for numerous attacks within Pakistani territory. The fighting marks one of the most serious escalations in relations between the two neighbouring countries since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The roots of the 2025 conflict can be traced to the complex and often uneasy relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan following the Taliban takeover of Kabul in August 2021. Pakistan, long perceived as a key backer of the Taliban, expected the new regime to curtail militant activity along the border. However, Islamabad soon accused the Taliban of sheltering TTP fighters, a banned militant organisation ideologically aligned with the Afghan Taliban.
The TTP, or Pakistan Taliban, has waged a violent insurgency against the Pakistani state since the mid-2000s, demanding the enforcement of a strict interpretation of Islamic law and opposing Islamabad’s alignment with Western powers. After 2021, the group re-emerged from its sanctuaries in eastern Afghanistan, leading to a surge in attacks on Pakistani security forces.

 

3. 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.

SPORTS

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. 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.

 

2. 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.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. 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.

 

2. RBI Launches Unified Interface to Tokenize Assets: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced the Unified Markets Interface (UMI), a pioneering financial market infrastructure aimed at asset tokenisation. Announced in 2025 by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, UMI leverages blockchain technology and wholesale Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to digitise real-world assets. This innovation promises to enhance market efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. UMI enables conversion of physical assets into digital tokens on a blockchain. This process creates fractional ownership, allowing global trading of smaller asset portions. Tokenisation improves settlement speed using smart contracts and broadens market access. The pilot phase of UMI has shown positive signs in boosting market efficiency. The interface integrates wholesale CBDC for asset settlements. Wholesale CBDC is a digital form of central bank money used by financial institutions. Its use in UMI ensures secure, fast, and transparent transactions. This integration is expected to reduce reliance on traditional intermediaries and lower transaction costs.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Nobel Prize in Literature 2025 Awarded to László Krasznahorkai: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced on 9 October 2025 that the Nobel Prize in Literature for the year has been awarded to Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai. The award recognises his compelling and visionary body of work that explores themes of apocalyptic terror while affirming the enduring power of art. The Nobel Prize in Literature is part of the annual Nobel Prize announcements. Recently, the Literature Prize followed those in Physiology or Medicine, Physics, and Chemistry announced earlier in the week. The Peace Prize and the Prize in Economic Sciences are scheduled for announcement later in October. Each Nobel Prize carries a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to approximately ₹1.03 crore. The awards ceremony takes place on 10 December, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.