Daily GK Update- 31st Oct, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Achieves Three Guinness World Records for Swasth Nari Campaign: India has achieved global recognition by securing three Guinness World Records under the “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan” (SNSPA), a nationwide initiative promoting women’s health and preventive care. The campaign, launched between September 17 and October 2, 2025, has been hailed as a landmark in India’s public health outreach and women-centric healthcare policy. The Union Health Ministry announced that India set records for the most people registering on a healthcare platform in a month (3.21 crore), the most people signing up for breast cancer screening online in a week (9.94 lakh), and the most participants in online vital signs screening at the state level in one week (1.25 lakh). These achievements underline the scale and efficiency of India’s digital health infrastructure and its ability to mobilise citizens for preventive healthcare.

 

2. PM Modi to Inaugurate New Chhattisgarh Assembly Building: As Chhattisgarh marks its 25th foundation day on November 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the newly constructed Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly building in Naya Raipur. The event, coinciding with the state’s silver jubilee celebrations, will be attended by the Governor, Chief Minister, Union Ministers, and senior officials. The new Assembly complex represents a blend of Chhattisgarh’s tribal heritage and modern architectural innovation. Located in Sector 19 of Naya Raipur, the sprawling Assembly complex covers 52 acres and has been constructed at a cost of ₹324 crore. It is divided into three major sections — the Assembly House, the Assembly Secretariat, and the Central Hall. The facility incorporates green design elements, including solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. With parking space for over 700 vehicles, the premises have been planned for both legislative functions and public accessibility. The architecture of the new Assembly draws inspiration from Chhattisgarh’s rich tribal art and regional traditions. The interiors showcase Bastar and Surguja art forms, while the grand dome pays homage to local palace architecture. 

 

3. Mohammad Azharuddin Sworn In as Minister in Telangana Cabinet: Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin has been sworn in as a minister in the Telangana cabinet, becoming the first member from the minority community in Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s council of ministers. The oath ceremony, held at Raj Bhavan, was administered by Governor Jishnu Dev Verma in the presence of top Congress leaders. With his induction, the cabinet strength has risen to 16, leaving room for two more ministers under the constitutional cap of 18. Azharuddin’s inclusion carries major political weight ahead of the Jubilee Hills by-election, which he is set to contest. The seat fell vacant after the death of BRS MLA Maganti Gopinath earlier this year. With a substantial Muslim voter base exceeding one lakh, the Congress hopes that Azharuddin’s candidature will consolidate minority support in Hyderabad and beyond. His induction also aligns with the party’s strategy to strengthen its minority outreach in view of the upcoming Bihar elections.

4. Rajnath Singh Proposes India-Asean Defence Think Tank Forum: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for the creation of a dedicated forum linking India and ASEAN defence think tanks to boost strategic cooperation and tackle emerging security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. The proposal was made during the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. Singh proposed an institutionalised dialogue platform to promote collaboration among defence experts, academics, and policy researchers from India and ASEAN nations. He said the initiative would enhance mutual understanding, drive capacity-building, and stimulate innovative policy ideas for regional security. ASEAN partners were invited to nominate leading defence institutions and experts for the proposed forum. Emphasising the Indo-Pacific’s strategic significance, Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to ASEAN’s central role in ensuring peace and stability. He said the ASEAN-India partnership would continue to act as a “strong pillar of stability” amid global uncertainties.

 

5. Sardar Patel’s Nation-Building Legacy: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel shaped India’s political map and its core institutions in the turbulent years around Independence. As deputy prime minister and home minister, he fused persuasion with firmness, building a cohesive Union while laying durable administrative and statistical foundations. His realist approach to security complemented his constitutional vision. In 1947, about 40% of India lay under 565 princely states. Patel, with V P Menon, secured Instruments of Accession through tact and pressure. The Nizam of Hyderabad’s refusal triggered Operation Polo in 1948, ending secessionist ambiguity and bringing the state into the Union. Patel’s method kept disorder limited and accelerated nationwide consolidation. Scepticism surrounded retaining a central service after colonial rule. Patel argued that an impartial, merit-based cadre was essential for national cohesion. Beginning with a conference of provincial premiers in October 1946, he piloted the creation of the Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service to replace the ICS. He urged young officers to serve with integrity, efficiency, and humility.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UNEP Adaptation Gap Report (AGR) 2025: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Adaptation Gap Report (AGR) 2025 presents an urgent call for global cooperation to address the severe underfunding of climate adaptation, even as climate-related disasters intensify worldwide. The report underscores the widening chasm between the financial resources needed to protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems and the funds actually being mobilised. It also evaluates global progress toward adaptation targets, highlighting systemic gaps in finance, planning, and implementation, particularly across developing nations. According to the report, desertification, and sea-level rise. These escalating financial needs indicate that adaptation costs are increasing at a much faster pace than the available funding mechanisms can accommodate.

2. India Grants Import Licences for Rare Earth Magnets from China: The Indian government has issued the first batch of import licences to four domestic firms, including the Indian arms of global suppliers such as Hitachi and Continental India, enabling them to directly procure rare earth (RE) magnets from China. This move offers significant relief to India’s automotive sector, which has faced severe disruptions since Beijing tightened export controls on these essential materials in April. The approved licences mark a key breakthrough, representing the first official clearances since China—responsible for nearly 90% of global RE magnet production—implemented stricter export procedures. These magnets, particularly neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB), are crucial for manufacturing electric vehicle (EV) motors, wind turbines, and a range of high-performance electronics. India’s dependence on Chinese supplies had placed its EV sector at risk, with manufacturers warning of possible production delays and cost escalations.

 

3. India and US Sign Landmark 10-Year Defence Framework Agreement: India and the United States have signed a landmark 10-year Defence Framework Agreement in Kuala Lumpur, marking a major step forward in deepening strategic and military cooperation between the two nations. The accord underscores their shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. The agreement was exchanged between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting. Both leaders described the pact as a significant milestone in bilateral ties, setting the stage for enhanced coordination, information sharing, and defence technology collaboration. Hegseth said that the agreement would serve as a “cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence,” emphasising that US-India defence relations “have never been stronger.” Under the new framework, both sides aim to intensify cooperation across the entire spectrum of defence engagements, from joint exercises and defence innovation to industrial collaboration and maritime security. The framework will act as a long-term policy direction document, guiding military and strategic exchanges between New Delhi and Washington over the next decade. Singh called the agreement a “new era” in bilateral partnership, reaffirming that defence remains a central pillar of India-US relations.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India Excludes China, Pakistan and Turkiye from 2026 International Fleet Review: India has decided not to invite China, Pakistan, and Turkiye to the upcoming third International Fleet Review (IFR) scheduled in Visakhapatnam in February 2026. The major maritime event will be reviewed by President Droupadi Murmu and held alongside the Milan multilateral naval exercise and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). So far, 55 nations have confirmed participation, including both the United States and Russia, underscoring India’s growing naval prominence. According to Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, the IFR will host a large number of countries, though the invite list does not include China, Pakistan, or Turkiye. A senior naval official confirmed that Turkiye was excluded for its support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, while Pakistan’s omission continues the long-standing policy of excluding adversarial states from Indian defence exercises. India’s cautious approach toward China stems from increasing strategic tensions and its growing presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

 

2. INS Gomati to Become Centrepiece of Naval Shaurya Museum in Lucknow: The decommissioned Indian Navy warship INS Gomati is set to find a new home in Lucknow as the centrepiece of Uttar Pradesh’s upcoming ‘Naval Shaurya Museum.’ The move marks a unique cultural and historical initiative by the Yogi Adityanath government, aiming to immortalise India’s naval heritage in a landlocked state. The museum project, expected to be completed by 2026, will highlight the Indian Navy’s valour and technological evolution. Commissioned in 1988, INS Gomati served the Indian Navy for over three decades before being decommissioned in May 2022. The indigenously designed guided-missile frigate played a crucial role in major operations, including Operation Cactus in 1988 and Operation Parakram in 2001–2002. Its transformation into a museum exhibit ensures that visitors will experience the ship’s operational deck, weapon systems, and control rooms, preserving the spirit of India’s naval strength. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the museum as a “living symbol of the Indian Navy’s indomitable courage.” Designed to resemble a ship, the structure will integrate naval aesthetics such as portholes, railings, and oceanic motifs. Sustainable features like natural lighting, eco-friendly materials, and cross-ventilation will shape its modern architecture. The museum complex will include thematic walkways, exhibition galleries, open-air memorials, and a light-and-sound arena, turning it into one of Lucknow’s landmark attractions.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Olympic Hockey Legend Manuel Frederick Passes Away at 78: Former Indian hockey goalkeeper Manuel Frederick, India’s first Olympic medallist from Kerala, passed away at the age of 78. A member of the bronze medal-winning team at the 1972 Munich Olympics, Frederick was widely celebrated for his fearless goalkeeping and his pioneering contribution to Indian hockey. Born in Burnassery, Kannur, in 1947, Frederick made history as the first Keralite to win an Olympic medal. He began his sports journey in the Indian Army’s school team in Bengaluru before rising through the ranks of domestic hockey. His early career saw him represent prominent clubs such as ASC, HAL in Karnataka, Services, Uttar Pradesh, and the famed Mohun Bagan in Kolkata. Frederick joined the Indian national hockey team in 1971, marking the start of a distinguished seven-year international career. At the 1972 Munich Olympics, he played a key role as goalkeeper in helping India clinch the bronze medal. He also represented India at two Hockey World Cups — the 1973 edition in the Netherlands, where India won silver, and the 1978 tournament in Argentina.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. PM Modi to Inaugurate India’s First Digital Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial and Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum in Chhattisgarh on the state’s 25th foundation day. The event will mark the launch of India’s first fully digital museum dedicated to tribal heroes, along with infrastructure projects worth over ₹14,260 crore. The grand celebration will take place in Naya Raipur, where the Prime Minister will also unveil a statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the newly constructed Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly. Built at a cost of ₹50 crore across 10 acres, the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial and Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum will serve as a global centre for tribal culture, valor, and history. The museum features 16 thematic galleries that chronicle centuries of tribal resistance to colonial rule. Each section combines historical artefacts, documentary footage, folk art, and digital storytelling to celebrate the unsung heroes of India’s freedom struggle. Visitors will also experience the “Aadi Shourya” e-book and museum portal launched by the Prime Minister.

 

2. Seven-Month Fishing Ban Imposed to Protect Olive Ridley Turtles in Gahirmatha: A seven-month fishing ban has come into effect in the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary of Odisha’s Kendrapada district from November 1 to May 31 to safeguard endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles during their annual mating and nesting season. The sanctuary, part of India’s richest marine biodiversity zones, witnesses the arrival of thousands of turtles each year along its pristine coastlines. The forest department has established 14 turtle protection camps, including four offshore ones at Madali, Sasanipada, Ekakula, and Babubali islands. Four patrolling boats have been deployed to prevent illegal fishing and protect the turtles. Marine police units from Jamboo, Talachua, and Tantiapala in Kendrapada, as well as the Coast Guard in Paradip, will assist forest personnel in enforcing the ban. Authorities have prohibited marine fishing within 20 km of the sanctuary’s 1,435 sq km coastline stretching from Hukitola to Dhamra.

 

3. Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Brightens Rapidly near Perihelion: Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS brightened markedly as it swung behind the sun, with researchers and skilled amateurs using multiple spacecraft to follow its progress up to perihelion on Thursday, 29 October. Though out of direct terrestrial view while near the sun, the object’s activity was captured in coronagraph imagery and heliophysics missions designed to monitor the solar environment. Observers leveraged space-based assets to overcome the comet’s solar glare. With 3I/ATLAS hidden from ground-based telescopes, coronagraphs and wide-field imagers traced its motion across the inner heliosphere. The behind-the-sun geometry temporarily prevented visual follow-up from Earth, but spacecraft vantage points provided continuous coverage until it moved out of instrument fields of view.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NITI Aayog Launches Reports on India’s Services Sector Growth and Employment Trends: NITI Aayog has unveiled two landmark reports under the Services Thematic Series, marking a significant step in understanding India’s services-led economic transformation. The reports were launched by Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, in the presence of Dr. Arvind Virmani, Member, NITI Aayog, and Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Adviser, Government of India. Senior officials, industry leaders, and academics participated in the event, which highlighted the centrality of services in India’s growth and employment narrative. The first report, ““India’s Services Sector: Insights from GVA Trends and State-Level Dynamics””, provides a comprehensive assessment of services output across states. The sector contributed around 55 per cent of India’s Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2024–25, reaffirming its dominance in the national economy. The findings reveal that while inter-state disparities persist, lagging regions are gradually catching up, indicating a trend toward balanced regional development. The study calls for investments in digital infrastructure, logistics, finance, and innovation to strengthen competitiveness and inclusivity across states.

 

Daily GK Update- 30th Oct, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Uttarakhand to Impose Green Tax on Out-of-State Vehicles from December 1: Uttarakhand government will implement a green tax on vehicles entering from other states starting December 1, 2025, aimed at reducing pollution, protecting the Himalayan ecosystem, and promoting environmental sustainability.The tax rates will vary by vehicle type — ₹80 for small passenger vehicles, ₹250 for small goods carriers, ₹140 for buses, and ₹120–₹700 for trucks, depending on their load capacity, as per the state transport department.To ensure strict enforcement, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are being installed at border checkpoints — 16 are already operational, and the number will be increased to 37 entry points across the state.The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways guidelines on green taxation, aiming to discourage use of old, polluting vehicles, promote cleaner alternatives, and generate revenue for anti-pollution measures — a system already in place in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.

 

2. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Viasat India Partner to Commercialise UAV Solutions: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Viasat India have expanded their collaboration in the satellite communication (satcom) sector to commercialise Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) solutions and promote skill development through a Centre of Excellence at BRBRAITT, focusing on UAVs, IoT, and emerging technologies.The partnership will introduce Viasat’s Velaris uncrewed air solutions in India, offering secure and reliable satellite connectivity for UAVs operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) using Viasat’s global L-band satellite network.This collaboration aligns with India’s Digital India mission, aiming to strengthen the low-altitude economy by fostering innovation, building indigenous technological capabilities, and enabling new opportunities in drone-based and advanced air mobility services.

 

3. Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 Begins Nationwide with Theme “Vigilance – Our Shared Responsibility”: Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 (from 27 October to 2 November) began across India to promote integrity, ethics, and transparency in public life, with the theme “Vigilance – Our Shared Responsibility.”The week commenced with pledge-taking ceremonies by public servants across ministries, departments, PSUs, banks, and organizations, led by Central Vigilance Commissioner Praveen Kumar Srivastava and Vigilance Commissioner A. S. Rajeev at the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), New Delhi.The observance, held annually in the last week of October to coincide with the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, includes awareness programs and activities to fight corruption and promote good governance.

 

4. Rishikesh’s Iconic Laxman Jhula Replaced by 132-Metre Glass Suspension Bridge ‘Bajrang Setu’: The historic Laxman Jhula, built in 1929 and closed in 2019 due to safety concerns, is being replaced by Bajrang Setu — a 132.5-meter-long glass suspension bridge over the Ganges River in Rishikesh, scheduled for completion by December 2025.Bajrang Setu features 3.5-inch thick toughened glass walkways, two-way lanes for light vehicles, and a design inspired by the Kedarnath Temple, with intricately carved towers symbolizing Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NITI Aayog Unveils Roadmap to Position India as a Global Leader in Advanced Manufacturing by 2035: NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub launched the roadmap “Reimagining Manufacturing: India’s Roadmap to Global Leadership in Advanced Manufacturing”, unveiled by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and top dignitaries in Pune.The roadmap identifies AI & ML, Advanced Materials, Digital Twins, and Robotics as high-impact technologies across 13 priority sectors, aiming to raise manufacturing’s share to 25% of GDP and create 100 million jobs by 2035.It provides a 10-year strategic roadmap to overcome barriers in R&D, infrastructure, and workforce readiness, warning of potential losses of US$ 270 billion by 2035 and US$ 1 trillion by 2047 if frontier technologies aren’t adopted.Developed jointly by NITI Aayog, CII, and Deloitte, the roadmap envisions India as a global advanced manufacturing hub and aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 through innovation-driven industrial transformation.

 

2. Taftan Volcano Near Iran–Pakistan Border Shows Signs of Awakening After 700,000 Years of Dormancy: The Taftan volcano, located near the Iran–Pakistan border, is showing renewed volcanic activity after being dormant for over 700,000 years, according to a study published in Geophysical Research Letters.Between July 2023 and May 2024, the volcano’s summit rose by 3.5 inches, indicating gas pressure buildup beneath the surface; scientists warn it could release energy either violently or quietly in the future.

 

3. Bhutan to Host Global Peace Prayer Festival 2025 in Thimphu from November 4 to 19: Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, will host the Global Peace Prayer Festival (GPPF) from November 4 to 19, 2025, aiming to promote world peace, compassion, and harmony amid global conflicts.The festival will feature spiritual leaders and monks from all schools of Buddhism, with key rituals like Jabzhi Dhoechog and Kalachakra initiation, along with the launch of the Guru App for spiritual guidance.A major highlight will be the ordination of over 250 Buddhist nuns (Gelongma) from November 15 to 19 — a landmark step toward gender equality in monastic traditions of Vajrayana Buddhism.

 

4. 28 October – International Animation Day: International Animation Day is celebrated every year on October 28, marking the first public performance of animated films by French artist Émile Reynaud in 1892 at the Musée Grévin in Paris.The day was proclaimed in 2002 by the International Animated Film Association (ASIFA) to honor the history, creativity, and evolution of animation as an art form.Various film screenings, workshops, and exhibitions are organized worldwide to recognize the contribution of animators and promote appreciation for animated films and visual storytelling.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India Maritime Week 2025 Inaugurated in Mumbai: Showcasing India’s $1 Trillion Maritime Vision: India Maritime Week 2025 (IMW 2025) was inaugurated at NESCO Grounds, Mumbai, organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in partnership with the Indian Ports Association under the theme “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision.”Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the event, attended by chief ministers of key coastal states — Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra), Bhupendra Patel (Gujarat), Pramod Sawant (Goa), and Mohan Charan Majhi (Odisha).The five-day event (Oct 27–31) brings together delegations from 11 countries, 100,000+ delegates from 85+ nations, 500+ exhibitors, and 350+ speakers, focusing on investment, innovation, and collaboration in maritime sectors such as ports, logistics, shipbuilding, green shipping, and inland waterways.The event supports national visions like Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasizing a $1 trillion maritime investment roadmap to make India a global maritime hub and Blue Economy leader.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Sujeet Kalkal Clinches Gold for India in Men’s Freestyle 65kg at U-23 World Wrestling Championships: India’s Sujeet Kalkal clinched the gold medal in the men’s freestyle 65 kg category at the U-23 World Wrestling Championships, defeating Uzbekistan’s Umidjon Jalolov by a dominant 10–0 margin.This is Sujeet Kalkal’s first-ever world title; he already holds two U-23 Asian titles and one U-20 Asian Championship gold.The Indian women’s team performed impressively at the same event, winning 5 bronze, 2 silver medals, and securing the team championship title, while Sujeet’s was India’s only men’s medal this year.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India Grants Import Licences for Rare Earth Magnets from China: The Indian government has issued the first batch of import licences to four domestic firms, including the Indian arms of global suppliers such as Hitachi and Continental India, enabling them to directly procure rare earth (RE) magnets from China. This move offers significant relief to India’s automotive sector, which has faced severe disruptions since Beijing tightened export controls on these essential materials in April. The approved licences mark a key breakthrough, representing the first official clearances since China—responsible for nearly 90% of global RE magnet production—implemented stricter export procedures. These magnets, particularly neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB), are crucial for manufacturing electric vehicle (EV) motors, wind turbines, and a range of high-performance electronics. India’s dependence on Chinese supplies had placed its EV sector at risk, with manufacturers warning of possible production delays and cost escalations. Industry sources revealed that the import licences are conditional and come with stringent checks. Companies must guarantee that the magnets will be used solely for civilian and automotive applications and not for defence purposes. Additionally, importers were required to obtain clearances from the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and provide assurances to Chinese authorities.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. UPI Launches ‘Pay with Mutual Fund’ Feature, Enabling Real-Time Payments Directly from Investments — A Global First in Fintech: India’s UPI has introduced a groundbreaking feature called ‘Pay with Mutual Fund’, allowing users to make real-time payments directly from their liquid mutual fund holdings — a global first in retail fintech innovation.The feature is backed by ICICI Prudential AMC, Bajaj Finserv AMC, and fintech startup Curie Money, enabling investors to use their liquid mutual fund units like a digital wallet for instant transactions.When a UPI payment is made, the equivalent amount is automatically redeemed from the user’s liquid mutual fund, providing seamless and instant fund transfer without routing money through a bank account.Liquid mutual funds, known for their low risk, high liquidity, and stable returns (around 6–7%), are ideal for this feature, combining investment growth with instant payment convenience.

 

2. RBI Launches HaRBInger 2025 Global Hackathon to Foster Secure and Inclusive Banking Innovations: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched HaRBInger 2025 – Innovation for Transformation, its fourth global hackathon, to promote secure, inclusive, and identity-driven banking innovations using emerging technologies.The theme for HaRBInger 2025 is “Secure Banking: Powered by Identity, Integrity, and Inclusivity,” focusing on protecting customer identity, fostering trust, and ensuring inclusive access to financial systems.Participants will develop solutions for three key problem areas — Tokenized KYC, Offline CBDC, and Enhancing Trust in Digital Financial Services — addressing major challenges in digital banking and security.

Registrations began on 23 October 2025, inviting individuals, startups, fintechs, and institutions globally, with entries evaluated on innovation, feasibility, and user-centric design.

 

3. VFS Capital Withdraws Application for Small Finance Bank Licence, Despite Strong FY25 Performance: VFS Capital Limited, a West Bengal-based NBFC-MFI, has withdrawn its application for a Small Finance Bank (SFB) licence, which it had submitted under the RBI’s “on tap” licensing guidelines for private sector SFBs.Incorporated in 1994, VFS Capital—formerly Village Financial Services Pvt Ltd—focuses on providing microfinance loans to rural women through the Joint Liability Group (JLG) model, with complete digital loan disbursement.The company’s promoters, Ajit Kumar Maity (Chairman) and Kuldip Maity (MD & CEO), hold 92.74% of the shareholding, while IDFC First Bank owns 7.03% as of December 2023.

 

Daily GK Update- 29th Oct, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary: India’s Only Haven Dedicated to the Elusive Indian Grey Wolf: Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary in Jharkhand’s Latehar district is India’s only wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the Indian grey wolf, a smaller and more elusive species adapted to dry grasslands and open forests.The sanctuary offers a raw, untouched wildlife experience, best visited between October and June, with peak wolf activity during the breeding season (November–February); nearby attractions include Netarhat hill station, Lodh Falls, and Betla National Park.Local tribal communities play a crucial role in conservation through traditional practices like avoiding forest entry during denning season and revering Sal trees, creating natural safe zones that help wolves thrive.

 

2. Ministry of Women and Child Development Launches New Helpline Number 1515 for POSHAN and PMMVY from November 1, 2025: The Ministry of Women and Child Development has announced a new toll-free helpline number 1515 for POSHAN and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), effective from 1st November 2025, replacing the existing number 14408.The change aims to make the helpline easier to remember and improve accessibility for beneficiaries seeking assistance under both nutrition and maternity benefit schemes.During the transition phase, callers facing connectivity issues with the new number 1515 can continue to use the old number 14408 until full integration is completed.

 

3. NBA Releases ₹55 Lakh to Tamil Nadu Farmers for Red Sanders Cultivation: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released ₹55 lakh to 18 farmers and cultivators of Red Sanders in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework—marking India’s first-ever farmer benefit-sharing initiative for biodiversity conservation.This step follows the NBA’s earlier ₹48 crore ABS release to forest departments of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, and aligns with the 2015 Expert Committee recommendations and the 2019 DGFT policy relaxation that allowed export of cultivated Red Sanders.The initiative promotes farm-based conservation and sustainable trade of Red Sanders, an endemic and valuable species of the Eastern Ghats, ensuring community participation, fair compensation, and reduced pressure on wild populations through legally cultivated sources.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Taal Volcano in the Philippines Spews Ash in Minor Eruptions; Alert Level Remains Low: Taal Volcano in the Philippines experienced four minor eruptions, producing steam-driven (phreatic) and steam-and-magma (phreatomagmatic) blasts with ash plumes rising up to 2,100 meters, as reported by PHIVOLCS.Located in Batangas province, about 60 km south of Manila, Taal Volcano sits within a large caldera and is known for its complex, unpredictable, and explosive eruptions, the last major one occurring in 2020.

2. Dame Sarah Mullally Appointed as First Female Archbishop of Canterbury: Dame Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, has been appointed as the first-ever female Archbishop of Canterbury, succeeding Justin Welby, who resigned following a safeguarding scandal.Aged 63, Mullally previously served as Chief Nursing Officer for England, and will officially assume the post in January at Canterbury Cathedral, followed by a formal enthronement ceremony attended by members of the royal family.Her appointment marks a historic moment for the Church of England, being the first selection since women were allowed to become bishops in 2014.

 

3. Xi Jinping Pushes for World AI Cooperation Organisation: Chinese President Xi Jinping used the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit platform to propose a global organisation to regulate and coordinate artificial intelligence (AI) development. The move is seen as Beijing’s attempt to position itself as a global leader in AI governance, offering an alternative to the US-led approach on technology and trade cooperation. Xi Jinping announced that China would push for the creation of a “World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization” during his address to APEC leaders in Gyeongju, South Korea. The proposed body, he said, would aim to establish governance rules, promote responsible innovation, and ensure that AI serves as a “public good for the international community.” According to Chinese officials, the organisation could be headquartered in Shanghai, one of the world’s most dynamic technology and commercial centres.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. BRO’s Project Arunank Marks 18th Raising Day, Strengthening Border Connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh: Project Arunank, a key initiative of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), celebrated its 18th Raising Day at Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh on October 24, 2025, marking 17 years of service in tough Himalayan terrains.Since its inception in 2008, the project has constructed and maintained over 696 km of roads and 1.18 km of major bridges, strengthening connectivity to remote valleys and aiding Armed Forces operations in border areas.A major achievement of Project Arunank includes the 278 km Hapoli–Sarli–Huri Road, blacktopped for the first time since Independence, significantly improving access to the Kurung Kumey district in Arunachal Pradesh.

 

2. Indian Army Celebrates 79th Infantry Day Honouring the Courage and Sacrifice of Its Brave Soldiers Across the Nation: Infantry Day 2025 was celebrated by the Indian Army with solemn tributes at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, marking 79 years of the Infantry’s unparalleled courage, sacrifice, and service to the nation.Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Amar Chakra to honour the brave Infantry soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.Infantry Day, observed annually on October 27, commemorates the historic 1947 landing of Indian Infantry troops at Srinagar Airport, a decisive move that defended Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan-backed tribal invaders. The day highlights the Infantry’s steadfast commitment to India’s sovereignty and unity, celebrated nationwide with seminars, marathons, felicitation ceremonies, and the release of the “Infantry Magazine.”

 

3. India Excludes China, Pakistan and Turkiye from 2026 International Fleet Review: India has decided not to invite China, Pakistan, and Turkiye to the upcoming third International Fleet Review (IFR) scheduled in Visakhapatnam in February 2026. The major maritime event will be reviewed by President Droupadi Murmu and held alongside the Milan multilateral naval exercise and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). So far, 55 nations have confirmed participation, including both the United States and Russia, underscoring India’s growing naval prominence. According to Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, the IFR will host a large number of countries, though the invite list does not include China, Pakistan, or Turkiye. A senior naval official confirmed that Turkiye was excluded for its support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, while Pakistan’s omission continues the long-standing policy of excluding adversarial states from Indian defence exercises. India’s cautious approach toward China stems from increasing strategic tensions and its growing presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. TEC and IIT Hyderabad Join Hands to Advance Research in 6G, AI, and Next-Gen Telecom Technologies: The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), signed an MoU with IIT Hyderabad to strengthen collaboration in advanced telecom technologies.The partnership will focus on joint studies, research, and technical contributions in areas like 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs).The MoU aims to develop India-specific standards, create test frameworks, and enhance India’s participation in global standardization activities, especially ITU-T Study Groups.

 

2. Shenzhou-21 – China Launches Youngest Astronaut and Lab Mice to Tiangong Space Station: China successfully has launched the Shenzhou-21 mission to its Tiangong space station, carrying a three-member crew that includes the country’s youngest-ever astronaut and four laboratory mice. The mission marks another stride in China’s rapidly expanding space programme, which aims to send astronauts to the Moon by 2030. The Long March-2F rocket lifted off at 11:44 pm local time (1544 GMT) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China’s Gobi Desert. The spacecraft is expected to dock with the Tiangong space station within three and a half hours of launch. Mission commander Zhang Lu, flight engineer Wu Fei, and payload specialist Zhang Hongzhang form the new crew for the six-month mission. At 32, Wu Fei is China’s youngest astronaut to enter orbit, representing the next generation of its space explorers. In a first for China, the mission carries four lab mice — two male and two female — for in-orbit biological experiments. These studies will examine the effects of microgravity on mammalian physiology and reproduction, forming part of China’s broader effort to prepare for long-duration lunar and interplanetary missions. The crew will also carry out multiple spacewalks, install anti-debris shields, and conduct educational outreach activities designed to inspire interest in science among young students.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Amit Shah Launches Deep-Sea Fishing Project; 200 Trawlers to Boost Coastal Fishermen: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated ‘Deep Sea Fishing Vessels’ under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) at Mazgaon Dock, Mumbai, in the presence of Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, DCMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and MoS Murlidhar Mohol.As part of this project, 200 trawlers will be provided to fishermen in three coastal states, with the first 14 trawlers launched under the cooperative-based fishing model to ensure that profits directly reach fishermen’s households instead of salaried intermediaries.Each deep-sea trawler can stay in the sea for up to 25 days and carry up to 20 tons of fish, with additional support ships planned for coordination and fish transport from the sea to the shore.

 

2. RBI Withdraws 2016 Circular on Lending Cap to Large Corporates, Retains Large Exposure Framework: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has withdrawn its 2016 circular that capped total banking system lending to a single large corporate borrower, aiming to reduce concentration risk.

The large exposure framework (LEF) will remain in place, limiting a bank’s exposure to 20% for a single borrower and 25% for a corporate group of its Tier 1 capital.The withdrawn circular had earlier reduced the lending threshold from ₹25,000 crore (FY18) → ₹15,000 crore (FY19) → ₹10,000 crore (FY20).RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the move follows a 10% decline in corporate share of total banking exposure, indicating lower systemic risk and does not signify any relaxation of financial stability norms.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Indian-Origin Historian Sunil Amrith Wins 2025 British Academy Book Prize for ‘The Burning Earth’: Indian-origin historian Sunil Amrith won the 2025 British Academy Book Prize for his book “The Burning Earth: An Environmental History of the Last 500 Years”, earning a £25,000 award for his outstanding non-fiction work.Currently a Professor of History at Yale University (U.S.), Amrith was born in Kenya, raised in Singapore, and educated at the University of Cambridge.The British Academy Book Prize, established in 2013, honours the world’s best non-fiction works in humanities and social sciences, with shortlisted authors also receiving £1,000 each.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily GK Update- 28th Oct, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Reliance and Meta launch ₹855-crore joint venture to develop enterprise AI products in India: Reliance Industries and Meta have announced a new ₹855-crore joint venture focused on developing enterprise-grade AI products in India. The collaboration aims to create AI solutions tailored for Indian businesses, enhancing automation, analytics, and digital operations.This partnership leverages Reliance’s digital infrastructure and Meta’s AI and cloud technologies to accelerate AI adoption across industries. The venture aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global AI innovation hub, fostering job creation and technological advancement.

 

2. Kerala Joins PM SHRI Scheme After Months of Debate, Secures ₹1,500 Crore Central Aid for School Development: Kerala signed an MoU with the Central Government to join the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme, marking a major policy shift after months of political debate and hesitation.The state had earlier opposed the scheme, fearing it might indirectly introduce the National Education Policy (NEP) in Kerala, but later decided to proceed despite objections from the Communist Party of India (CPI).Under the PM SHRI scheme, the Centre plans to upgrade two schools per block nationwide, providing each selected school ₹1 crore annually for five years to improve infrastructure and quality.Kerala’s Education Minister V. Sivankutty confirmed the move, stating it was essential to secure the Centre’s pending ₹1,500 crore for the state’s various educational programmes.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India rises to 9th rank globally in forest area, maintains 3rd position in annual forest gain: FAO report: India improved its global forest area rank to 9th position in the 2025 Global Forest Resource Assessment (GFRA) by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), up from 10th earlier, while retaining the 3rd spot in annual net forest gain.The GFRA 2025, released in Bali, found that global deforestation, though slowed, still occurs at an alarming rate of 10.9 million hectares per year, with fire, insects, and weather damaging millions of hectares annually.India’s forest cover stands at 72.7 million hectares (about 2% of the world’s total), with Asia being the only region to record an increase in forest area between 1990 and 2025—mainly due to gains in China and India.According to India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, the country’s forest cover stands at 71.5 million hectares. Globally, Russia has the highest forest cover (832.6 million hectares) followed by Brazil (486 million hectares), Canada (368.8 million hectares), the USA (308.8 million hectares), China (227 million hectares), Congo (139 million hectares), Australia (133.5 million hectares), Indonesia (96 million hectares), India (72.7 million hectares) and Peru (67 million hectares).

 

2. Saudi Arabia Abolishes 50-Year-Old Kafala System: Saudi Arabia has officially abolished its 50-year-old Kafala (sponsorship) system, a major labour reform announced in June 2025, impacting nearly 13 million migrant workers—mainly from South and Southeast Asia.The Kafala system, introduced in the 1950s, tied workers’ residency and employment to their employers (kafeel), often leading to exploitation, abuse, and restricted job mobility, as workers required employer consent for job changes or travel.Under the new contractual employment model, workers can change employers without approval, leave the country without exit visas, and gain legal protections, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform agenda to modernize its economy and labor rights framework.The reform is hailed as a historic step in advancing labor rights in the Gulf region, expected to reduce exploitation, improve working conditions, and empower migrant workers with greater freedom, fairness, and dignity.

 

3. Timor-Leste Joins ASEAN as 11th Member at 47th Summit in Kuala Lumpur: Timor-Leste officially became the 11th member of ASEAN during the 47th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marking the bloc’s first expansion since 1999.The inclusion was confirmed through a formal signing ceremony attended by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and ASEAN leaders, symbolizing the nation’s entry into the regional alliance.ASEAN, established in 1967 in Bangkok, originally had five founding members — Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand — and now focuses on the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability” under Malaysia’s 2025 chairmanship.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Manish Gupta Appointed as India’s Next Ambassador to Ireland, Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Manish Gupta, currently serving as India’s High Commissioner to Ghana, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Ireland and is expected to take up the assignment shortly.India-Ireland relations have deep historical roots, with formal diplomatic ties established in 1947 and India opening its Embassy in Dublin in 1951; a significant Indian community of around 80,000 people resides in Ireland, contributing to healthcare, IT, engineering, and management sectors.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Olympic Gold Medallist Abhinav Bindra Chosen as Torch-Bearer for Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics: Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra has been selected as a torch-bearer for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled from February 6–22, 2026, in Italy.Bindra, who won gold in the 10m air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, expressed his honour and excitement on social media, highlighting the Olympic flame as a symbol of dreams, perseverance, and unity.The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games will be the fourth Winter Olympics hosted by Italy, featuring 116 medal events across 16 disciplines, which is an increase from Beijing 2022.

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Cyclone Montha likely to intensify into a severe storm: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Montha is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28, bringing heavy rainfall across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.The name ‘Montha’, meaning a beautiful or fragrant flower, was contributed by Thailand, and names are selected from a rotating list of neutral, non-political, and culturally sensitive names given by 13 member countries under the WMO/ESCAP Panel.IMD, one of the six Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs) worldwide, provides cyclone and storm surge advisories to 13 countries including India, Bangladesh, Oman, and UAE. The next cyclones after Montha will be named Senyar (UAE), Ditwah (Yemen), Arnab (Bangladesh), and Murasu (India).

 

2. Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales unite to create a leading European space company: Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales have announced a major joint venture to merge their satellite and space operations, aiming to build a “leading European player in space” and offer a homegrown alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink.The new entity will combine complementary technologies and employ around 25,000 people across Europe, with Airbus holding a 35% stake and Leonardo and Thales owning 32.5% each; space launcher development will not be part of its operations.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Blackstone to invest ₹6,196 crore in Federal Bank: Blackstone, through its affiliate Asia II Topco XIII Pte Ltd, will invest ₹6,196.51 crore in Federal Bank via a preferential issue on a private placement basis, making it the largest shareholder.The bank will issue 272.97 million warrants, each convertible into one equity share at ₹227 per share, which will give Blackstone a 9.99% stake post-conversion, subject to approval.Blackstone will initially pay 25% of the issue price, with the remaining 75% payable upon conversion, and will gain the right to nominate one non-executive director if it maintains at least a 5% stake.

 

2. PNB sells 10% stake in Canara HSBC Life Insurance for ₹1,007 crore: Punjab National Bank (PNB) has divested 10% of its stake in Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Ltd, reducing its shareholding from 23% to 13%, through an Offer for Sale (OFS) during the insurer’s IPO.The sale generated approximately ₹1,007 crore for PNB from the sale of 9.5 crore shares at ₹106 per share, with buyers being public investors, not related parties.This divestment is part of PNB’s capital optimization strategy, aimed at unlocking value in non-core assets while retaining a strategic presence in financial services; the bank recently reported a 14% YoY profit rise to ₹4,904 crore for the September quarter.

 

 

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Nilgiris Scientist Dr Ashokkumar Veeramuthu Named Among World’s Top Scientists for Third Consecutive Year: Dr Ashokkumar Veeramuthu from Nilgiris has been listed among the World’s Top Scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier Publishers for the third consecutive year (2023, 2024, and 2025).His research focuses on linking science with society, addressing issues like environmental protection, waste management, and human health through sustainable solutions.

Ashokkumar has developed microalgae-based clean fuels, plastic-to-useable material technologies, and received the “Brain Pool: Visiting Global Scientist Award” from the National Research Foundation of Korea for his global contributions to sustainable research.