Daily GK Update- 24th Oct, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ministry of Civil Aviation Celebrates 9th Anniversary of UDAN: The Ministry of Civil Aviation celebrated the 9th anniversary of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) in New Delhi, highlighting its role in making air travel affordable and accessible for common citizens.Since its launch on 21st October 2016, UDAN has operationalised 649 routes connecting 93 unserved and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes, serving over 1.56 crore passengers through 3.23 lakh flights.The Government has supported UDAN through Viability Gap Funding of over Rs. 4,300 crore and Rs. 4,638 crore invested in airport development, with recent initiatives including Comprehensive Guidelines for Seaplane Operations (Aug 2024) and UDAN 5.5 for seaplanes and helicopters.The Ministry plans to continue UDAN beyond April 2027 under an Expanded UDAN Framework, focusing on hilly, North-Eastern, and aspirational regions, aiming to develop around 120 new destinations, promoting inclusive and sustainable air connectivity.

 

2. Coal India & IIT Madras Join Hands to Establish Centre for Sustainable Energy: Coal India Limited (CIL) has signed an MoU with IIT Madras to set up the “Centre for Sustainable Energy”, which will act as a hub for advanced research and development in sustainable energy technologies.The Centre, supported by CIL’s funding, aims to develop low-carbon technologies, repurpose coal mines, and redefine coal as a feedstock for India’s clean energy future, aligning with CIL’s diversification goals.This collaboration highlights a shared vision of accelerating India’s energy transition through indigenous innovation and research, contributing to the country’s net-zero emissions target by 2070.

 

3. Piyush Goyal Leads India’s Delegation at XVIth UNCTAD Session in Geneva: Union Minister Piyush Goyal led the Indian delegation at the 16th Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XVI) in Geneva, where he delivered India’s national statement and participated in major global trade discussions.Established in 1964, UNCTAD aims to promote the integration of developing nations into the global economy through policies focused on trade, investment, and sustainable development.In his address, Goyal highlighted India’s economic transformation, noting that India has become one of the top five global economies and the fastest-growing large economy with an average 7% annual growth rate over the past three years.

He emphasized India’s achievement in lifting millions out of poverty, strengthening the middle class, and reaffirmed India’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable global growth, resonating with UNCTAD XVI’s theme — “Shaping the Future: Driving Economic Transformation for Equitable, Inclusive, and Sustainable Development.”

 

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Upgrades Technical Mission in Kabul to Embassy : India restored the status of its Technical Mission in Kabul to that of an Embassy, emphasizing the commitment to deepen bilateral engagement with Afghanistan in all areas of mutual interest.The decision was announced by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during his meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, who visited India.The Embassy of India in Kabul will enhance India’s contribution to Afghanistan’s comprehensive development, including humanitarian assistance, capacity-building initiatives, public infrastructure, healthcare, and earthquake rehabilitation.

 

2. Dragon Ball’s Goku Voice Actor Masako Nozawa Becomes Japan’s First Voice Performer Named Person of Cultural Merit’: Masako Nozawa, the legendary voice of Goku in Dragon Ball, has become the first voice actor to receive Japan’s prestigious Person of Cultural Merit recognition.The award, announced by Nippon TV, honors her exceptional contribution to Japanese culture and includes a lifelong pension of 3.5 million yen per year.At 88 years old with a career spanning over six decades, Nozawa will attend the official ceremony on November 3 in Tokyo, alongside other distinguished honorees.

 

3. 24 October – United Nations Day: United Nations Day is celebrated every year on 24 October to mark the anniversary of the establishment of the UN in 1945, when the UN Charter came into effect.The day highlights the UN’s mission of maintaining international peace, promoting human rights, and encouraging global cooperation for sustainable development.First observed in 1948, and in 1971, the UN General Assembly recommended that the day be observed as an international public holiday.The UN Charter was signed in San Francisco on 26 June 1945 and came into force on 24 October 1945, after ratification by the five permanent members of the Security Council.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Global Firepower Index 2025: World’s Strongest Militaries Revealed: The Global Firepower (GFP) Index 2025 presents a detailed analysis of the world’s most powerful armed forces. Covering more than 60 assessment factors — from manpower and defence budgets to logistics and technology — it evaluates each nation’s ability to project and sustain military strength. A lower Power Index (PwrIndx) score signifies greater overall capability, reflecting modernisation trends and global strategic realignments. The United States continues to lead the GFP 2025 rankings, maintaining its position as the most powerful military in the world. With a defence budget surpassing $860 billion and a vast global base network, America’s superiority extends across land, sea, air, and cyber domains. Advanced assets such as F-35 fighter jets, nuclear submarines, andspace-based systems give it unmatched power projection and deterrence. Its global influence remains unparalleled, sustained by continuous innovation and strategic reach.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra Honoured with Lieutenant Colonel Rank in Indian Army: Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was officially conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army at a special ceremony in New Delhi, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.Born in Khandra village, Panipat (Haryana), Neeraj joined the Indian Army in 2016 and has served with The Rajputana Rifles, bringing immense national pride through his outstanding athletic achievements.He made history by becoming India’s first Olympic gold medalist in track and field (Tokyo 2020), later adding a silver at Paris 2024 and a gold at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, along with multiple wins at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League.In recognition of his exceptional contributions, President Droupadi Murmu granted him the honorary commission on April 16, 2025; his personal best throw of 90.23m (2025) stands as a milestone in Indian sports, and he holds numerous national honors including the Padma Shri, Khel Ratna, and Arjuna Award.

 

2. Goa CM Unveils Official Logo & Anthem for FIDE Chess World Cup 2025: Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant unveiled the official logo and anthem for the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025, with the anthem sung by Daler Mehndi and the logo reflecting Goa’s culture and the game of chess.Highlighting chess as a tool to develop focus, strategic thinking, and leadership among students, the CM urged schools and colleges in Goa to integrate chess into their educational curriculum.The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025, returning to India after 23 years, will be held in Goa from October 31 to November 17, featuring 206 players from 82 countries and a total prize pool of $2 million, including top players like Gukesh D, Arjun Erigaisi, Anish Giri, and Wesley So.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India–UK Launch Ramanujan Research Fellowship for Young Scientists: India and the United Kingdom have jointly launched the Ramanujan Junior Researchers Programme, a new initiative to promote scientific collaboration between young physicists and mathematicians from both nations.Supported by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST), the programme was announced after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to India, drawing inspiration from Srinivasa Ramanujan’s 1913 collaboration with G.H. Hardy.In the first phase, up to six PhD students from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) will visit the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences (LIMS) for research and lectures.The second phase will introduce Ramanujan Junior Fellowships — three-year positions at LIMS for early-career Indian researchers, allowing them to engage in advanced theoretical research alongside British scientists at the Royal Institution, Mayfair.

 

2. India Launches SOAR Programme to Build an AI-Ready Generation: The Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) programme, launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in July 2025, aims to integrtate AI learning into school education, preparing students and teachers for a rapidly evolving digital world.SOAR targets students from classes 6–12 with three 15-hour modules and teachers with a 45-hour module, covering foundational AI, machine learning, data literacy, and ethical technology use, fostering curiosity and responsible innovation.Aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Skill India Mission, the initiative addresses growing demand for AI-skilled professionals across sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and education, while supporting vocational training programmes such as PMKVY 4.0 and NAPS-2.The Union Budget 2025–26 allocated ₹500 crore to establish a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education, focusing on AI-based learning tools, multilingual resources, innovative classroom practices, and strengthening curriculum development across schools and technical institutions.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. National Biodiversity Authority Releases ₹67 Lakh to Dapur BMC for Equitable Benefit Sharing: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released ₹67 lakh to the Dapur Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) in Sinnar Taluk, Nashik (Maharashtra), through the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board, ensuring equitable benefit sharing with local communities.The payment represents Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) revenue earned from a company that used microorganisms from Dapur’s soil to develop probiotic supplements, as per Section 44 of the Biological Diversity Act and Maharashtra Biological Diversity Rules.Established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, the NBA safeguards India’s biological resources and ensures fair benefit distribution to local custodians—advancing India’s vision of sustainable and inclusive biodiversity management that links conservation with community welfare.

 

Daily GK Update- 23rd Oct, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Former President Ram Nath Kovind says country has built comprehensive framework for protection of human rights: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) celebrated its 32nd Foundation Day on October 16 at Vigyan Bhawan, with former President Ram Nath Kovind as the chief guest and NHRC Chairperson Justice (retd) V. Ramasubramanian presiding over the event.

Since its establishment in 1993, NHRC has handled over 23.79 lakh cases, recommended ₹263 crore in relief, and issued 31 advisories on issues like child protection, transgender welfare, environmental safety, and dignity of the dead.As part of the celebrations, a national conference on “Human Rights of Prison Inmates” was organized, bringing together experts from the judiciary, ministries, academia, and civil society to discuss the welfare and dignity of prisoners.

 

2. Centre Notifies Notaries (Amendment) Rules, 2025; Increases Notary Limits for Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Nagaland: The Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, has notified the Notaries (Amendment) Rules, 2025 through G.S.R. 763(E), amending the Notaries Rules, 1956 under Section 15 of the Notaries Act, 1952.The amendment increases the maximum number of Notaries appointed by State Governments: Gujarat – 6,000, Tamil Nadu – 3,500, Rajasthan – 3,000, and Nagaland – 400.This decision was taken following requests from the respective State Governments, considering population growth, an increase in administrative divisions, and rising demand for Notary services.The new rules, titled Notaries (Amendment) Rules, 2025, come into effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette as per the Ministry’s notification.

 

3. 21 October – Police Commemoration Day: Police Commemoration Day is observed every year on 21st October to honor the bravery and sacrifice of police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.The day marks the martyrdom of 10 CRPF soldiers who were killed by Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh, in 1959 while protecting India’s borders.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NITI Aayog’s WEP and DP World Launch ‘We Rise’ Initiative to Empower Women Entrepreneurs for Global Expansion: NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and DP World launched the joint initiative ‘We Rise – Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises’ under WEP’s Award to Reward (ATR) programme to help women-led MSMEs expand globally through mentorship, trade facilitation, and partnerships.Under this initiative, 100 high-potential women entrepreneurs will be mentored to enhance export readiness and showcase their products at Bharat Mart, Dubai (Jebel Ali Free Zone)—a global B2B and B2C marketplace offering access to international buyers.With over 90,000 women entrepreneurs already engaged on the WEP platform, this collaboration marks a strong public private partnership aimed at promoting women-led development, inclusive trade, and global business expansion in line with the Government of India’s vision for women-led growth.

 

2. Flipkart and Pine Labs Launch ‘Bharat Yatra Card’ to Simplify Public Transport Payments Across India: Flipkart in collaboration with Pine Labs has launched the Flipkart Bharat Yatra Card, a digital prepaid card to simplify payments for public transport across India.The card is NCMC-enabled, allowing commuters to make seamless payments in metros, buses, and other transit systems that accept the National Common Mobility Card.Priced at ₹50, the reloadable, non-KYC smart card allows users to load up to ₹2,000 offline and manage funds via UPI apps, Bharat Yatra Card app, Bharat Connect, or metro counters.

 

3. 20 October – World Statistics Day: World Statistics Day is celebrated every five years on 20 October to recognise the importance of statistics in shaping evidence-based policies and decision-making worldwide.Theme 2025 – Driving change with quality statistics and data for everyoneThe day emphasises the role of high-quality official statistics in sustainable development, informed governance, and addressing global challenges like health, economy, and climate change.

 

4. 22 October – International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD): International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD) is observed every year on October 22 to raise global awareness about stuttering (stammering) and support individuals who experience it.ISAD aims to reduce stigma, promote understanding and acceptance, and encourage speech therapy and early intervention for those who stutter.Theme 2025 – A Diverse Stuttering Community – Meeting Challenges With StrengthsThe day was established in 1998 by the International Stuttering Association (ISA), International Fluency Association (IFA), and European League of Stuttering Associations (ELSA).

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Lionel Messi Wins 2025 MLS Golden Boot with Record-Breaking Season for Inter Miami: Lionel Messi won the 2025 MLS Golden Boot, scoring 29 goals and 19 assists in his second full season with Inter Miami CF, becoming both Miami’s first Golden Boot winner and the first Argentine to win it since Taty Castellanos (2021).With 48 goal contributions, Messi came just one short of Carlos Vela’s 2019 record, and is now on track to become MLS’s first back-to-back MVP winner after Miami’s remarkable 2024 Supporters’ Shield success.Earlier this week, Messi also became the all-time assist leader in men’s international football, reaching 60 assists after Argentina’s 6-0 win over Puerto Rico.

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. UIDAI Launches SITAA Initiative to Boost Aadhaar Security and Promote Indigenous Innovation in Digital Identity: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced the Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar (SITAA) to enhance India’s digital identity ecosystem and counter threats like deepfakes, spoofing, and presentation attacks.UIDAI signed MoUs with MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) and NASSCOM — MSH will offer technical mentoring and incubation support, while NASSCOM will provide industry linkages and global outreach.SITAA will promote co-development of secure and scalable Aadhaar authentication solutions focusing on AI, biometrics, data privacy, and authentication frameworks.The pilot phase includes challenges for (i) Face Liveness Detection, (ii) Presentation Attack Detection (PAD), and (iii) Contactless Fingerprint Authentication to enhance biometric security.The program supports Atmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging indigenous innovation and aims to build a future-ready, globally benchmarked authentication framework for India’s digital public infrastructure.

 

2. OpenAI Plans Historic IPO Targeting $1 Trillion Valuation: OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is preparing for one of the most significant stock market listings in history, with a potential valuation of up to $1 trillion. The company aims to raise at least $60 billion through the initial public offering (IPO), according to individuals familiar with early discussions. Although plans remain preliminary, the scale of the proposed listing has already drawn major market attention. OpenAI’s Chief Financial Officer, Sarah Frier, has reportedly indicated a target for a 2027 public debut. However, some financial advisers believe the listing could occur as early as late next year. CEO Sam Altman has previously acknowledged that an IPO is the most viable route to sustain the company’s capital-intensive AI development, which demands significant funding for data centres and advanced computing infrastructure.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s Industrial Growth Slows in September, Hits Five-Year Low for First Half of FY 2025-26: India’s industrial output witnessed a modest slowdown in September 2025, with growth dipping to 4%, marking a three-month low. Data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation show that the first half of FY 2025-26 recorded the weakest industrial growth in at least five years, signalling broad-based moderation across key sectors. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) expanded by just 3% in April–September 2025, compared with 4.1% during the same period last year. This marks the slowest growth rate since FY 2020-21. The index had surged by 24% in FY 2021-22 due to the post-pandemic rebound, but subsequent years saw a steady deceleration — 7% in FY 2022-23 and 6.3% in FY 2023-24. A contraction in mining and primary goods sectors contributed significantly to the September slowdown. Mining activity fell by 0.45% in September after a 6.6% expansion in August. The primary goods sector also weakened, growing only 1.4% compared with 5.4% in the previous month. These declines highlight supply-side pressures that continue to affect the core industrial segments.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Five Maharashtra Beaches Awarded International Blue Flag Certification for Cleanliness and Sustainability: Five beaches in Maharashtra—Shrivardhan and Nagaon (Raigad), Parnaka (Palghar), and Guhagar and Ladghar (Ratnagiri)—have received the international Blue Flag certification, announced by Minister Aditi Tatkare Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) based in Denmark. It recognises beaches and marinas that meet 33 stringent criteria.These criteria focus on environmental education, water quality, safety, environmental management, and public amenities. The certification promotes sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.

 

Daily GK Update- 22nd Oct, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates BioNEST Incubation Centre at IIT Dharwad: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the BioNEST Incubation Centre (BIC) at IIT Dharwad in collaboration with Research and Technology Incubator (dhaRti), aiming to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students.The FM emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable green models and zero emissions by 2047, highlighting support for renewable energy enterprises through subsidies, green bonds, and CSR funds, while noting the need for advanced technology in sectors like steel and cement to reduce emissions.Sitharaman stressed the importance of industry-academia collaboration, urging technology institutes to update curricula, provide hands-on experience, and help students develop multiple skill sets to meet the evolving needs of the job market and technological advancements.

 

2. BSNL Launches ₹1 Diwali 4G Plan Offering 30 Days of Free Services for New Customers: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched a special ₹1 Diwali 4G plan as a festive offer for new customers across India.The plan, valid from 15th of this month to 15th of next month, provides 30 days of free mobile services including unlimited calls, 2GB data per day, and 100 SMS per day.BSNL CMD A. Robert J. Ravi announced that the offer lets users experience the Make-in-India 4G network, along with five additional festive plans for different customer segments.

 

3. Anant Goenka Named FICCI President-Elect for 2025-26: FICCI announced Anant Goenka, Vice Chairman of RPG Group, as President-Elect for 2025-26, succeeding Harsha Vardhan Agarwal after the annual general meeting.Mr Goenka has previously served as MD and CEO of CEAT and has also worked with Unilever and KEC International.He holds an MBA from Kellogg School of Management and a BS in Economics from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Elected Unopposed to UN Human Rights Council for 2026–2028 Term: India has been elected unopposed to the UN Human Rights Council for the seventh time, for the 2026–2028 term, starting next year.Permanent Representative P. Harish stated that the election reflects India’s strong commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms, expressing gratitude for the global support.The Human Rights Council, established in 2006 by the UN General Assembly, has 47 member countries and serves as the primary UN body for promoting and protecting human rights globally.

 

2. AmazonFACE Project Simulates Future Climate to Study Rainforest Adaptation: In the heart of Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, scientists are conducting a groundbreaking experiment to simulate future atmospheric conditions and study how the biome might adapt to rising carbon dioxide levels. Known as the AmazonFACE project, this large-scale research effort aims to provide critical insights ahead of the COP30 United Nations Climate Summit, which Brazil will host next month. Located near Manaus, the AmazonFACE site consists of six towering steel rings built above the forest canopy, each encompassing 50 to 70 mature trees. Scientists plan to infuse three of these rings with carbon dioxide concentrations forecast for the coming decades, while the remaining rings serve as control groups. “We’re trying to create the atmosphere of the future,” explained Carlos Quesada from the National Institute for Amazon Research (INPA), which leads the project alongside Universidade Estadual de Campinas.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Defence Minister Approves 100% Hike in Financial Assistance for Ex-Servicemen and Dependents: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a 100% increase in financial assistance, doubling the penury grant from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per month per beneficiary, supporting aged and non-pensioner Ex-Servicemen and widows above 65 years with no regular income.The education grant has been raised from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month per child for up to two dependent children, while the marriage grant has increased from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh per beneficiary.The revised rates are effective for applications submitted from 1st November 2025, with an annual financial implication of approximately ₹257 crore.These schemes are funded through the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, a subset of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, reinforcing the government’s commitment to the social security of veterans and their families.

 

2. Indian Navy Hosts 5th Edition of Bilateral Maritime Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti – 2025’ with Indonesian Navy at Visakhapatnam: The Indian Navy is hosting the 5th edition of the Indo-Indonesian bilateral maritime exercise ‘Samudra Shakti – 2025’ at Visakhapatnam, with participation from INS Kavaratti and Indonesian Navy Ship KRI John Lie.The harbour phase includes activities like Cross Deck Visits, Joint Yoga Sessions, Friendly Sports Fixtures, and Professional Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) to enhance professional ties.The sea phase will feature advanced maritime operations such as Helicopter Operations, Air Defence Exercises, Weapon Firing Drills, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises to strengthen tactical coordination.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. ANRF Approves Special Purpose Fund and Guidelines to Operationalize ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme for Private Sector-Led Innovation: The Executive Council of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has approved the establishment of a Special Purpose Fund (SPF), Implementation Guidelines, and Governance Framework for the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, aimed at boosting private sector-led R&D in sunrise sectors.The Department of Science & Technology (DST), with inputs from the Departments of Economic Affairs and Expenditure, prepared the Implementation Guidelines and Special Financial Rules, ensuring efficient governance and smooth execution to promote long-term innovation-driven growth.The RDI scheme will follow a two-tiered funding model, where the SPF under ANRF will manage the ₹1 lakh crore corpus and channel funds to second-level managers like AIFs, DFIs, and NBFCs, who will recommend investments through expert committees operating independently from the government.

 

2. Bharti Airtel Partners with IBM to Expand Cloud Services and Launch Multizone Regions in India: Bharti Airtel has partnered with IBM to offer the tech giant’s services through its Airtel Cloud platform, catering to growing demand for computing capacity.The partnership enables Airtel Cloud customers to deploy AI-ready servers and other IBM offerings in regulated sectors like banking, healthcare, and government.IBM and Airtel plan to establish two new Multizone Regions (MZRs) in Mumbai and Chennai to strengthen cloud infrastructure in India.Airtel’s collaboration with IBM complements its ongoing partnership with Google for a data center in Visakhapatnam, following Google’s $15 billion AI investment plan in Andhra Pradesh.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Ministry of Labour & Employment Signs MoU with Zomato to Offer 2.5 Lakh Flexible Livelihood Opportunities Annually via NCS Portal: The Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE) signed an MoU with Zomato in New Delhi to enhance access to flexible and technology-enabled livelihood opportunities through the National Career Service (NCS) platform, aiming to integrate platform economy roles into the formal employment system.The NCS portal, launched in 2015, has mobilised over 7.7 crore vacancies, becoming a vital bridge between job seekers and employers, while this collaboration with Zomato will help connect more youth and women to dignified livelihoods.Under the new ‘Aggregator’ category, Zomato will list around 2.5 lakh flexible livelihood opportunities annually on the NCS portal, supporting the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision to expand formalisation and social security coverage for gig and platform workers.

 

2. Arjun Ram Meghwal Launches LIMBS Live Cases Dashboard to Boost Transparency and Efficiency in 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 real-time information on all cases scheduled for hearing in the next seven days across the Supreme Court, High Courts, and other courts, allowing ministers and officers to monitor updates directly from their offices.The LIMBS portal currently tracks around 7 lakh live cases from 53 Ministries and Departments, enabling data-driven insights, better inter-ministerial coordination, and promoting the government’s vision of technology-enabled governance.

 

Daily GK Update- 21st Oct, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ministry of Social Justice Signs MoUs with Three Universities to Establish New Dr Ambedkar Chairs: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment signed MoUs with three universities—University of Mumbai, Jaipur National University, and G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology—to establish new Dr Ambedkar Chairs promoting research on Dr B R Ambedkar’s vision and philosophy.The initiative will strengthen policy-oriented research and enhance public awareness on social justice, equality, and empowerment of marginalised communities.With the addition of these new Chairs, the total number of operational Dr Ambedkar Chairs in India has increased to 28, furthering the goal of building an equitable and inclusive society as envisioned by Dr Ambedkar.

 

2. ANRF Approves Special Purpose Fund and Guidelines to Operationalize ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme for Private Sector-Led Innovation: The Executive Council of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has approved the establishment of a Special Purpose Fund (SPF), Implementation Guidelines, and Governance Framework for the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, aimed at boosting private sector-led R&D in sunrise sectors.The Department of Science & Technology (DST), with inputs from the Departments of Economic Affairs and Expenditure, prepared the Implementation Guidelines and Special Financial Rules, ensuring efficient governance and smooth execution to promote long-term innovation-driven growth.The RDI scheme will follow a two-tiered funding model, where the SPF under ANRF will manage the ₹1 lakh crore corpus and channel funds to second-level managers like AIFs, DFIs, and NBFCs, who will recommend investments through expert committees operating independently from the government.

 

3. Ministry of Labour & Employment Signs MoU with Zomato to Offer 2.5 Lakh Flexible Livelihood Opportunities Annually via NCS Portal: The Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE) signed an MoU with Zomato in New Delhi to enhance access to flexible and technology-enabled livelihood opportunities through the National Career Service (NCS) platform, aiming to integrate platform economy roles into the formal employment system.The NCS portal, launched in 2015, has mobilised over 7.7 crore vacancies, becoming a vital bridge between job seekers and employers, while this collaboration with Zomato will help connect more youth and women to dignified livelihoods.Under the new ‘Aggregator’ category, Zomato will list around 2.5 lakh flexible livelihood opportunities annually on the NCS portal, supporting the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision to expand formalisation and social security coverage for gig and platform workers.

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Armenia Joins IUCN, Boosting Global Biodiversity Conservation and Preparing for COP17: Armenia became the newest State Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) during the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, highlighting its commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.The membership will provide Armenia access to global expertise, innovative tools, and international partnerships, supporting its preparations to host COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2026.Armenia, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is home to diverse habitats and several rare species like the Caucasian leopard, Bezoar goat, and Sevan trout, and continues to advance biodiversity policies, forest restoration, and Nature-based Solutions.

 

2. 18 October – World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day is observed every year on 18 October to raise awareness about menopause and support women’s health during midlife and beyond.Theme 2025 – Lifestyle MedicineThe day was established by the International Menopause Society (IMS) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO).It aims to promote understanding of the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges faced by women during menopause.

 

3. Engagement Without Recognition: India's Taliban Policy: Afghanistan's Foreign Minister visited New Delhi, marking the highest-level Taliban visit since 2021, prompting India to upgrade its Kabul technical mission to a full embassy, without formally recognizing the Taliban government, maintaining its policy of “engagement without recognition.” Engagement Without Recognition: Recognising a government (de jure) and engaging with a regime (de facto) are separate political acts governed by international law.  India does not accept the Taliban’s de jure legitimacy but maintains functional diplomatic channels through its embassy in Kabul. Purpose of Engagement: To coordinate humanitarian aid, development projects, and political dialogue while safeguarding India’s strategic and security interests. International Law Basis: This approach aligns with Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations (1961) and Consular Relations (1963), which allow embassies to function without formal recognition of the host government. Precedents: India has used similar models for Taiwan and the Myanmar junta, engaging without recognising their governments formally.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. BrahMos Missile: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the BrahMos missiles were a symbol of India’s growing indigenous strength in defence manufacturing and every inch of Pakistan was within their reach.Nomenclature: It is named after the Brahmaputra River of India and the Moskva River of Russia.Range: An Indo-Russian joint venture, the standard BrahMos missile has a range of 290 km and but extended-range versions can reach up to 500 km. Future variants like the BrahMos-II are planned to have a much longer range of up to 1,500 km.Fastest cruise missile: It is the world’s fastest cruise missile with a top speed of Mach 2.8 (about three times the speed of sound). Two-stage missile; It is a two-stage (solid propellant engine in the first stage and liquid ramjet in the second) missile. The solid propellant booster engine propels it to supersonic speed before separating, and during the cruise phase, the liquid ramjet or second stage, propels the missile closer to 3 Mach.Launch platforms: It is a multiplatform missile which can be launched with great accuracy from land, air and sea having multi-capability capabilities and can operate during day and night despite bad weather. Uniqueness: It operates on the “fire and forget” principle i.e. it does not require guidance after launch. It also carries a conventional warhead weighing 200 to 300 kg.Propulsion and Flight: Jet engines are the primary mode of propulsion for cruise missiles. Most cruise missiles are subsonic and use Turbofan and Turbojet engines. While less common, supersonic and hypersonic cruise missiles utilize Ramjet and Scramjet engines.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Fifth Khelo India University Games to Be Held Across 7 Cities in Rajasthan: The fifth Khelo India University Games (KIUG) will be held from November 24 across 7 cities in Rajasthan—Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, and Bharatpur—with over 5,000 university athletes participating in 23 medal sports and one demonstration sport, Kho-Kho.Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted that the Rajasthan edition will showcase India’s growing sports ecosystem, inspire students to balance academics and sports, and strengthen the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ through healthy competition.This year’s medal sports include archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, fencing, football, hockey, judo, kabaddi, mallakhamb, rugby, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, yogasana, cycling, beach volleyball, canoeing, and kayaking, while Kho-Kho will be featured as a demonstration sport.For the first time, beach volleyball, canoeing and kayaking, and cycling are being introduced in the KIUG programme, reflecting the initiative’s aim to expand sports opportunities and promote talent development nationwide.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Bharti Airtel Partners with IBM to Expand Cloud Services and Launch Multizone Regions in India: Bharti Airtel has partnered with IBM to offer the tech giant’s services through its Airtel Cloud platform, catering to growing demand for computing capacity.The partnership enables Airtel Cloud customers to deploy AI-ready servers and other IBM offerings in regulated sectors like banking, healthcare, and government.IBM and Airtel plan to establish two new Multizone Regions (MZRs) in Mumbai and Chennai to strengthen cloud infrastructure in India.Airtel’s collaboration with IBM complements its ongoing partnership with Google for a data center in Visakhapatnam, following Google’s $15 billion AI investment plan in Andhra Pradesh.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India- MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement: India and Brazil have announced a joint declaration to expand the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), strengthening India’s trade ties with Latin America, especially within the Mercosur bloc of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. India–Brazil Joint Declaration:   Both nations agreed that the PTA will be significantly broadened to include both tariff and non-tariff issues, allowing more trade to benefit from preferential access. A technical dialogue will soon begin, led by the Joint Administration Committee established under Article 23 of the PTA. This will help define the scope and modalities of the expanded deal. The move aims to broaden tariff preferences and scale up bilateral trade between India and Brazil from the existing USD 12.2 billion to USD 20 billion by 2030. 

 

2. India - MERCOSUR PTA: India signed a Framework Agreement in 2003 to facilitate trade negotiations through reciprocal tariff preferences, followed by a PTA in 2004, which was implemented in 2009 in accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO). A PTA allows countries to give preferential tariff access on certain products, unlike FTAs, which are broader and cover more goods.

 

3. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): Chief Minister of Delhi appealed to residents to celebrate Deepavali by bursting only certified green crackers as the Capital’s air quality index (AQI) crossed 300, prompting the enforcement of stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).Nature: GRAP is a set of emergency measures that kick in to prevent further deterioration of air quality once it reaches a certain threshold in the Delhi-NCR region.Judgement: It was approved by the Supreme Court in 2016 after the Supreme Court’s order in the matter of M. C. Mehta vs. Union of India (2016) and notified in 2017.Implementation: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas oversees the implementation of GRAP. It collaborates with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).Evolution:Till 2020, the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA) used to order States to implement GRAP measures.The EPCA was dissolved and replaced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in 2020.From 2021 onwards, the GRAP is being implemented by the CAQM.Role of IITM and IMD: CAQM relies on air quality and meteorological forecasts by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Daily GK Update- 20th Oct, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM-SHRI Scheme: The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) appears divided over the Kerala government’s move to sign a MoU with the Union government to access the Prime Minister’s Schools for Raising India (PM SHRI) government school modernisation funds.Launch: It is a centrally sponsored initiative, launched in 2022, by the Government of India aimed at establishing over 14,500 PM SHRI Schools by enhancing existing schools to showcase the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.Objective: The primary objective is to create an inclusive and nurturing environment that promotes the well-being and safety of every student, offering diverse learning experiences and access to quality infrastructure and resources.Funding: The funding pattern is 60:40 between Centre and State Governments and UTs with legislature (except J&K). The sharing pattern is 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States and UT of J&K and 100% central funding for the Union Territories without legislature.Need of MoU: States must confirm their participation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Education Ministry.Duration: The duration of the scheme is from 2022-23 to 2026-27, after which it shall be the responsibility of the states/UTs to continue to maintain the benchmarks achieved by these schools.

 

2. Indian Wolf: A discreet, charismatic denizen of scrubland and grasslands, the Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is likely to be classified as a new species by the IUCN. Nature: The Indian wolf is one of the most ancient and genetically unique wolf lineages in the world, endemic to the Indian subcontinent.Scientific Name: Canis lupus pallipes, commonly referred to as the Peninsular wolf or Indian grey wolf.Uniqueness: Fossil and genetic studies show that it diverged from other wolfspecies thousands of years ago, making it one of the oldest wolf lineages in the world.Conservation status:It is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).It is placed under ‘Schedule 1’ of the Wildlife Protection Act.Distribution: The Indian wolf was historically found across northern and western India, from Punjab and Haryana to Rajasthan and Maharashtra, thriving in open plains and semi-arid regions.

Drastic reduction in population: Due to habitat loss, persecution, and expanding agriculture, the species has now vanished from many areas, including parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Its population has dwindled to just around 3,000 individuals in India and Pakistan.Best models for co-existence: The wolf, like the bustards and other denizens of the open natural ecosystems, do not need strict protected areas. Rather they serve as the best models for co-existence, and this is what needs to be incentivised.

 

3. Decarbonising Indian Railways: In July 2025, the Indian Railways successfully conducted a trial run of India’s first hydrogen-powered coach at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai. It reflects the Indian Railways’ broader ambition of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Electrification and DFCs: Nearly 45,000 km of broad-gauge track electrified in the past decade; 98% of the broad-gauge network now runs on electricity, aimed at reducing diesel reliance and cutting GHG emissions. Efforts are underway to increase the rail freight share to 45% by 2030 through Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs). Renewable Energy Integration: A total of 756 MW of renewable capacity commissioned - including 553 MW solar, 103 MW wind, and 100 MW hybrid. Over 2,000 railway stations now run on solar power; several have received the BEE “Shunya” net-zero certification. 

 

4. Hydrogen for Heritage Initiative: Under this programme, 35 hydrogen-powered trains will be introduced, including the one successfully tested at ICF in July 2025. This initiative aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, promoting hydrogen as a clean fuel alternative for non-electrified routes. Climate Finance Support: Since FY2023, India has issued ₹58,000 crore in sovereign green bonds, with ₹42,000 crore directed to transport electrification and rail expansion. The Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) plays a key role, including a USD 500 million green bond (2017) and a ₹7,500 crore loan to NTPC Green Energy for renewable capacity building. The World Bank has also extended a USD 245 million loan under the Rail Logistics Project to enhance freight efficiency. 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Engagement Without Recognition: India's Taliban Policy: Afghanistan's Foreign Minister visited New Delhi, marking the highest-level Taliban visit since 2021, prompting India to upgrade its Kabul technical mission to a full embassy, without formally recognizing the Taliban government, maintaining its policy of “engagement without recognition.” Engagement Without Recognition: Recognising a government (de jure) and engaging with a regime (de facto) are separate political acts governed by international law.  India does not accept the Taliban’s de jure legitimacy but maintains functional diplomatic channels through its embassy in Kabul. Purpose of Engagement: To coordinate humanitarian aid, development projects, and political dialogue while safeguarding India’s strategic and security interests. 

 

2. International Law Basis: This approach aligns with Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations (1961) and Consular Relations (1963), which allow embassies to function without formal recognition of the host government. Precedents: India has used similar models for Taiwan and the Myanmar junta, engaging without recognising their governments formally. 

 

3. India- MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement: India and Brazil have announced a joint declaration to expand the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), strengthening India’s trade ties with Latin America, especially within the Mercosur bloc of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. India–Brazil Joint Declaration:   Both nations agreed that the PTA will be significantly broadened to include both tariff and non-tariff issues, allowing more trade to benefit from preferential access. A technical dialogue will soon begin, led by the Joint Administration Committee established under Article 23 of the PTA. This will help define the scope and modalities of the expanded deal. The move aims to broaden tariff preferences and scale up bilateral trade between India and Brazil from the existing USD 12.2 billion to USD 20 billion by 2030. India - MERCOSUR PTA: India signed a Framework Agreement in 2003 to facilitate trade negotiations through reciprocal tariff preferences, followed by a PTA in 2004, which was implemented in 2009 in accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO). A PTA allows countries to give preferential tariff access on certain products, unlike FTAs, which are broader and cover more goods. India - MERCOSUR PTA is implemented through five annexes, covering tariff concessions for Indian and MERCOSUR products, rules of origin, safeguard measures, and a dispute settlement mechanism.  These annexes provide the framework to operationalise and manage trade under the agreement. It currently covers around 450 tariff lines, providing limited duty concessions.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. BrahMos Missile: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the BrahMos missiles were a symbol of India’s growing indigenous strength in defence manufacturing and every inch of Pakistan was within their reach.Nomenclature: It is named after the Brahmaputra River of India and the Moskva River of Russia.Range: An Indo-Russian joint venture, the standard BrahMos missile has a range of 290 km and but extended-range versions can reach up to 500 km. Future variants like the BrahMos-II are planned to have a much longer range of up to 1,500 km.Fastest cruise missile: It is the world’s fastest cruise missile with a top speed of Mach 2.8 (about three times the speed of sound). Two-stage missile; It is a two-stage (solid propellant engine in the first stage and liquid ramjet in the second) missile. The solid propellant booster engine propels it to supersonic speed before separating, and during the cruise phase, the liquid ramjet or second stage, propels the missile closer to 3 Mach.Launch platforms: It is a multiplatform missile which can be launched with great accuracy from land, air and sea having multi-capability capabilities and can operate during day and night despite bad weather. Uniqueness: It operates on the “fire and forget” principle i.e. it does not require guidance after launch. It also carries a conventional warhead weighing 200 to 300 kg.Propulsion and Flight: Jet engines are the primary mode of propulsion for cruise missiles. Most cruise missiles are subsonic and use Turbofan and Turbojet engines. While less common, supersonic and hypersonic cruise missiles utilize Ramjet and Scramjet engines.

 

2. The New Arc of India–Australia Collaboration: India’s Defence Minister’s 2025 visit to Australia marked a new milestone in bilateral defence ties, with operational and industrial agreements that transformed the partnership from strategic convergence to practical interoperability across the Indo-Pacific maritime domain. The inaugural India–Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue produced agreements such as the Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap and renewal of the Defence and Security Cooperation Declaration.Establishment of Joint Staff Talks, submarine-rescue cooperation, and air-to-air refuelling arrangementsstrengthened interoperability and tactical coordination.The partnership now enables contingency planning, joint exercises, and information-sharing across air and maritime domains.Elevated from Strategic Partnership (2009) to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2020), the relationship is underpinned by shared democratic values and economic interdependence.Regularised dialogues and annual ministerial meetings ensure institutional continuity beyond political cycles.Strengthened defence cooperation aligns with Quad objectives and reinforces India’s leadership in the southern Indo-Pacific.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Chandrayaan-2: The lunar orbiter of India’s second moon mission, Chandrayaan-2, has made the first-ever observation of the effects of the sun’s coronal mass ejection (CME) on the moon.Nature: It is the second lunar exploration mission developed by ISRO after Chandrayaan-1. It is the 1st Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on moon with indigenous technology.

Objectives:to study lunar topography, mineralogy, elemental abundance, the lunar exosphere, and signatures of hydroxyl and water ice;to study the water ice in the south polar region and thickness of the lunar regolith on the surface; andto map the lunar surface and help to prepare 3D maps of it.Launch vehicle: It was launched using India’s most powerful launcher GSLV MK-III from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh.Components:There are three components of the mission, a lunar orbiter, the Vikram lunar lander, and the Pragyan rover. The mission’s lander is named Vikram after Dr Vikram A Sarabhai, the Father of the Indian Space Programme.

The lander, rover and orbiter will perform mineralogical and elemental studies of the lunar surface. The orbiter is deployed at an altitude of 100 kilometers above the surface of the Moon.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): Chief Minister of Delhi appealed to residents to celebrate Deepavali by bursting only certified green crackers as the Capital’s air quality index (AQI) crossed 300, prompting the enforcement of stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).Nature: GRAP is a set of emergency measures that kick in to prevent further deterioration of air quality once it reaches a certain threshold in the Delhi-NCR region.Judgement: It was approved by the Supreme Court in 2016 after the Supreme Court’s order in the matter of M. C. Mehta vs. Union of India (2016) and notified in 2017.Implementation: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas oversees the implementation of GRAP. It collaborates with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).Evolution:Till 2020, the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA) used to order States to implement GRAP measures.The EPCA was dissolved and replaced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in 2020.From 2021 onwards, the GRAP is being implemented by the CAQM.

 

2. Role of IITM and IMD: CAQM relies on air quality and meteorological forecasts by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).The Private Sector Problem in India’s Growth Story: Despite robust GDP growth and major policy incentives — from corporate tax cuts to infrastructure push — private sector investment in India remains sluggish, forcing the government to continue as the main driver of capital formation and growth. India’s Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), representing all investments in fixed assets, has been declining since 2011–12, staying below 30% of GDP for most years after 2014.Within GFCF, the private corporate sector’s share has steadily fallen, especially post-2019, despite major corporate tax cuts.In FY24, while nominal GDP grew by 12%, private and household investment shares dropped, with only government spending rising — indicating an imbalanced investment recovery.The government aimed to trigger a self-sustaining growth cycle by boosting consumption demand (through income-tax reliefs, GST rate cuts, and direct transfers).

Large-scale public infrastructure investment — roads, ports, logistics, and railways — was meant to “crowd in” private investment.Structural reforms like the corporate tax cut (2019), PLI schemes, and ease of doing business initiatives sought to enhance private sector confidence and profitability.