Daily GK Update- 4th Nov, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Lucknow Declared UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ for Its Rich Awadhi Culinary Heritage: Lucknow has been officially declared a UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference held in Uzbekistan, recognizing its rich Awadhi cuisine and culinary heritage.The recognition highlights Lucknow’s centuries-old food traditions and positions Uttar Pradesh among the world’s top gastronomic destinations, promoting cultural diplomacy and sustainable tourism.Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people of Lucknow and urged global visitors to explore its vibrant culture and world-famous culinary traditions.

 

2. Kerala Becomes India’s First State to Declare Itself Free from Extreme Poverty under EPEP Initiative: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared the State free from extreme poverty during a special Assembly session on Kerala Piravi, making Kerala the first Indian State to make such a declaration under the Extreme Poverty Alleviation Project (EPEP) launched in 2021.The EPEP initiative identified 1,03,099 individuals from 64,006 families as extremely poor, ensuring them access to food, housing, healthcare, education, and livelihood support through coordinated efforts by local bodies, Kudumbashree, and government departments.With an investment of over ₹1,000 crore, Kerala’s achievement aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), setting a model for other states in eradicating extreme poverty and promoting inclusive development.

 

3. Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti 2025: Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. In 2025, this sacred occasion being observed on 5 November 2025, coinciding with the full moon day (Kartik Purnima) in the Hindu lunar calendar. The day symbolises peace, equality, and the remembrance of Guru Nanak’s spiritual teachings. Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti holds great spiritual and cultural importance for Sikhs and people across faiths. The day celebrates the divine birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 1469 at Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. His message of “Ik Onkar” (One God) and universal brotherhood remains a guiding light for humanity.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. COP30 to take place 6-21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil: The 30th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) is scheduled for 6-21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil.The host city, Belém, located in the Amazon region, was chosen to highlight forest, biodiversity and ecosystem protection as central climate priorities.The summit faces logistical challenges: accommodation costs have soared, hotel capacity is stretched, and some nations are considering reducing their delegation or skipping the event.A key agenda item is turning the findings of the Global Stocktake into action—with focus on enhanced national climate plans (NDCs), scaling climate finance, and accelerating implementation ahead of and during COP30.

 

2. Dr. Deepak Mittal Assumes Charge as India’s Ambassador-Designate to UAE: Dr Deepak Mittal, a 1998-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has assumed charge as the Ambassador-Designate of India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bringing with him over two decades of diplomatic experience across several key international postings.He has previously served in Indian missions in Egypt, Israel, and Bangladesh, and also held roles as Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City and Ambassador to Qatar, strengthening India’s diplomatic engagement in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

 

3. 3 November – World Sandwich Day: World Sandwich Day is observed every year on November 3 to celebrate one of the world’s most popular and versatile foods — the sandwich.The day commemorates John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who is credited with inventing the sandwich in the 18th century.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. L&T and US-Based GA-ASI Partner to Manufacture Advanced MALE Drones in India for Armed Forces under Atmanirbhar Bharat: Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) of the US have formed a strategic partnership to manufacture Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in India for the Indian Armed Forces, with L&T serving as the prime bidder and GA-ASI as the technology partner for the Defence Ministry’s 87 MALE RPAS programme.The collaboration will enable domestic production of GA-ASI’s combat-proven MQ-series RPAS platforms, already in use globally for surveillance and strike missions, aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives through significant technology transfer and indigenous content.

 

2. AXISCADES and France’s Cilas Join Hands to Develop Laser-Based Counter-Drone Systems for Indian Armed Forces: AXISCADES Technologies Limited (India) and Cilas S.A. (France) signed an MoU to jointly develop and supply advanced counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) technologies for the Indian Armed Forces, integrating Cilas’ Helma-P high-energy laser weapon into vehicle-mounted defence systems.Under the collaboration, AXISCADES will design the overall system architecture as per Indian Army requirements, co-developing a vehicle-mounted counter-drone solution that combines Helma-P with its command and control system, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative through local integration and manufacturing.The Helma-P laser, already used by NATO forces, the French Navy, and during the Paris Olympics, strengthens India-France defence cooperation in advanced military technologies; AXISCADES employs 3,000+ professionals globally, while Cilas (est. 1966) specializes in laser technologies for defence, security, and space.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Former Indian Hockey Goalkeeper Manuel Frederick Dies: Former Indian hockey goalkeeper Manuel Frederick, who won a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics, passed away at the age of 78.Hailing from Kannur, Kerala, he was the first athlete from the state to win an Olympic medal, a feat later matched by P.R. Sreejesh in 2021.Representing India from 1971 to 1978, Frederick showcased exceptional goalkeeping skills in two Hockey World Cups — winning silver in Amstelveen (1973) and competing in Buenos Aires (1978). He also played for ASC, HAL, Services, Uttar Pradesh, and Mohun Bagan during his career.Awarded the Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, Frederick is remembered as one of India’s finest goalkeepers.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India to Triple Rare Earth Magnet Incentives to $788 Million: India plans to expand its rare earth magnet manufacturing incentive scheme to over ₹7,000 crore ($788 million), nearly tripling the earlier allocation. The move seeks to secure critical materials for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defence as the country works to reduce reliance on China, which dominates the global supply chain. The expansion follows China’s tightening of export controls in April amid its trade dispute with the United States, which disrupted rare earth magnet supplies worldwide. India’s plan mirrors global efforts by the US, Japan, and Europe to build alternative sources. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised that critical minerals should not be “weaponised”, calling for diversified and stable supply chains. The revised proposal, awaiting cabinet approval, will support around five domestic firms through a mix of production-linked and capital subsidies. State-owned enterprises are leading early partnerships with overseas miners to secure raw materials. The programme’s goal is to attract global magnet makers to establish local joint ventures or subsidiaries, strengthening India’s industrial base in strategic sectors.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s GST Collections Rise 4.6% to ₹1.96 Lakh Crore in October 2025: India’s GST collections rose 6% year-on-year in October 2025 to about ₹1.96 lakh crore, marking the 10th consecutive month with revenues above the ₹1.8 lakh crore mark, as per official data. In the April–October period of FY26, GST collections grew 9% to ₹13.89 lakh crore, compared to ₹12.74 lakh crore in the same period last fiscal (FY25).Net GST collections (after refunds) stood at ₹1.69 lakh crore in October 2025, 0.6% higher than October 2024, reflecting strong festive demand after the September 22 GST rate cuts.

 

2. UPI Transactions Hit Record ₹27.28 Lakh Crore in October 2025: UPI transactions hit an all-time high in October 2025, reaching ₹27.28 lakh crore in value and 20.7 billion in volume, driven by strong festive season spending, as per data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).The transaction value grew 16% year-on-year (₹27.28 lakh crore vs ₹23.49 lakh crore) and 9.5% month-on-month, showing the growing trust and reach of digital payments across India.UPI now accounts for 85% of India’s digital transactions and operates in seven countries, including the UAE, Singapore, France, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius, reflecting its expanding global footprint and robust digital infrastructure.

 

3. ADB Approves USD 460 Million Loan to Boost Solar-Powered Irrigation and Rural Energy Infrastructure in Maharashtra: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 460 million results-based loan to modernise rural power infrastructure and promote solar-powered irrigation in Maharashtra, ensuring farmers receive reliable daytime electricity.The project, titled “Maharashtra Power Distribution Enhancement Program for Agricultural Solarization,” aligns with the state’s Power Sector Vision 2030, focusing on renewable energy adoption, rural energy access, and financial sustainability.An additional USD 40 million concessional loan from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), administered by ADB, will support clean energy initiatives under this programme.

 

Daily GK Update- 3rd Nov, 2025

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NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Shri George Kurian Launches Marine Fisheries Census 2025 and VYAS Apps: Union Minister

of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri George Kurian launched the Marine

Fisheries Census 2025 along with two mobile applications — VYAS App and Fisheries Census

App, marking India’s first fully digital fisheries enumeration exercise.The census is being

conducted under the theme “Smart Census, Smarter Fisheries,” aimed at enhancing efficiency,

transparency, and accuracy in fisheries data collection through digital innovation.The census will

cover all coastal states and Union Territories, capturing detailed information on marine fishers,

fishing villages, vessels, and resources, supporting evidence-based policymaking for the sector.

The initiative is being carried out by the Department of Fisheries in collaboration with ICAR

Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and Fishery Survey of India (FSI) to

modernize India’s marine fisheries management framework.

2. UIDAI Launches ‘Aadhaar Vision 2032’ to Redefine India’s Digital Identity Ecosystem:

UIDAI has initiated a comprehensive technological and strategic review to frame ‘Aadhaar Vision

2032’, a roadmap to guide Aadhaar’s evolution over the next decade and strengthen India’s

digital identity ecosystem.The vision aims to upgrade Aadhaar’s technology stack, integrate

emerging digital innovations, and ensure that the platform remains secure, inclusive, and future

ready in alignment with India’s digital economy.A high-level Expert Committee chaired by Shri

Neelkanth Mishra, Chairperson of UIDAI, has been constituted to steer the transformation and

design the next-generation Aadhaar architecture.The upcoming Aadhaar Vision 2032 framework

will align with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act and emerging global standards,

ensuring privacy, interoperability, and technological excellence in digital ID systems.

3. TCoE Launches ‘Samriddh Gram Phygital Services’ Pilot to Empower Rural India Through

Digital and Physical Integration: The Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCoE) have launched the

Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project in collaboration with key partners to combine

physical and digital (phygital) service delivery for rural transformation.The project leverages

BharatNet connectivity to provide seamless digital access to essential services, ensuring

sustainable development and digital empowerment in rural areas.Three villages — Ari and Umri

(Madhya Pradesh), Narakoduru (Andhra Pradesh), and Chaurawala (Uttar Pradesh) — have been

selected for the pilot, each hosting a Samriddhi Kendra as an integrated digital service hub.

4. Punjab Declares Rohu (Labeo Rohita) as State Fish to Boost Aquaculture and Rural Economy:

Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian

declared Rohu (Labeo Rohita) as the State Fish of Punjab, recognizing its ecological and economic

significance in the state’s thriving aquaculture sector.Punjab currently has 43,683 acres under

fish farming, producing 2 lakh metric tonnes of fish annually — with Rohu contributing 42,353

metric tonnes (21.18%), valued between ₹160–₹200 per kg, and known for its high nutritional F

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value rich in proteins, vitamins A, B, D, and Omega-3 fatty acids.The move will help the

government formulate targeted policies to boost Rohu’s population, expand aquaculture, and

enhance rural employment, supported by ₹30.63 crore subsidies to 637 beneficiaries under the

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Nvidia Becomes World’s First $5 Trillion Company, Powering Global AI Revolution: Nvidia has

become the world’s first company to achieve a US$5 trillion market valuation, driven by booming

investor confidence in artificial intelligence (AI), just three months after surpassing the $4 trillion

mark.The company’s GPUs—originally designed for gaming—are now the backbone of AI systems

powering technologies like ChatGPT, image generators, and autonomous tools, making Nvidia

central to the global AI revolution.Nvidia recently announced $500 billion in chip orders, a

robotaxi partnership with Uber, $1 billion investment in Nokia for 6G, and plans to build seven

new AI supercomputers with the U.S. Department of Energy, underscoring its rapid global

expansion.CEO of Nividia – Jensen Huang

2. 1 November – World Vegan Day: World Vegan Day is observed every year on 1st November to

encourage people to adopt a vegan lifestyle that avoids all forms of animal products.The day was

first celebrated in 1994 by Louise Wallis, then Chair of The Vegan Society (UK), marking the 50th

anniversary of the society’s founding in 1944.Theme 2025 – Veganism and its Positive Impact on

the Planet, Animals, and Human Health

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

1. India to Host IFR 2026, MILAN 2026, and IONS Conclave Together in Visakhapatnam — A

Landmark in Maritime Diplomacy: India will host three major international naval events —

International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and IONS Conclave of Chiefs

— simultaneously in Visakhapatnam from February 15–25, 2026, marking a first in India’s

maritime diplomacy.The events aim to operationalise PM Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision

(Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), expanding the

earlier SAGAR initiative to promote regional maritime cooperation and sustainable growth.A

Presidential Fleet Review featuring INS Vikrant, Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class

frigates, and Arnala-class corvettes will highlight India’s indigenous naval capabilities, with

participation from foreign navies and the Indian Coast Guard.The IONS Conclave of Chiefs (2025–

27 chairmanship) will bring together 25 member states and 9 observers, while Exercise MILAN F

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2026 will focus on interoperability and maritime security — reinforcing India’s role as a ‘Preferred

Security Partner’ in the Indo-Pacific.

2. Indian Army Hosts ‘Veer Yuva’ Forum to Empower Youth for National Security and

Development: The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies

(CLAWS), hosted the Young Leaders Forum (Veer Yuva) in New Delhi as a pre-event to the

upcoming Chanakya Defence Dialogue (CDD) 2025.The forum, themed “Empowering Youth for

India’s National Security and Development,” brought together young leaders from the military,

academia, entrepreneurship, NCC, and CAPFs, encouraging dialogue on youth-driven national

development.Conducted in hybrid mode, the event was live-streamed to Army training

institutions, IITs, and universities across India, ensuring widespread participation of youth in

discussions on India’s defence transformation and security awareness.

SPORTS

1. Punjab’s Namitbir Singh Walia Becomes Second International Master in Chess After

Dushyant Sharma: Namitbir Singh Walia from Jalandhar, Punjab, has earned the title of

International Master (IM) in Chess after finishing 4th overall at the 3rd Annemasse International

Masters Tournament held in France.A student of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi,

Namitbir began playing chess at the age of six and was initially coached by Kanwarjit Singh until

2020 before moving on to advanced training.He became the second player from Punjab to

achieve the International Master title, following Dushyant Sharma, who became Punjab’s first IM

in February 2022 — both trained under Kanwarjit Singh.

2. India Win First-Ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup: The Indian women’s cricket team created

history by winning their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, defeating South Africa by

52 runs in Navi Mumbai. Shafali Verma scored a brilliant 87 runs and took two wickets, while

Deepti Sharma produced a match-winning spell of 5 for 39, earning India a memorable

victory.Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Tournament for her consistent all-round

performance, while Shafali Verma received the Player of the Match award for her stellar

contribution with both bat and ball in the final.The Indian team received a record prize money of

₹37.3 crore, marking a 239% increase from the previous edition, reflecting the rapid growth,

recognition, and rising popularity of women’s cricket both in India and globally.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. IBM and AICTE Collaborate to Establish National AI Lab in New Delhi to Boost Research,

Innovation, and Skilling in Artificial Intelligence: IBM has partnered with the All India Council for

Technical Education (AICTE) to establish a National AI Lab at the AICTE Headquarters in New

Delhi, serving as a national hub for AI research, innovation, and skilling under IBM’s annual CSR

initiative linked to the India AI Impact Summit 2026.The lab will feature advanced computing

infrastructure, AI software platforms, and a digital repository accessible to AICTE institutions F

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across India, offering training programs for students, faculty, and researchers in AI, cloud

computing, and sustainability.Central to this initiative is IBM SkillsBuild, a global education

program offering 1,000+ free courses in AI and tech skills, supporting IBM’s global goal to skill 30

million people by 2030, including 2 million in AI by 2026.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. NPCI Expands UPI Payments to Malaysia through Razorpay Partnership: In a major step

toward globalising India’s digital payments ecosystem, “”NPCI International Payments Limited

(NIPL)”” has partnered with “”Razorpay Curlec”” to enable “”UPI transactions in Malaysia””. The

integration allows Indian travellers to make instant, secure payments to Malaysian merchants

using their preferred UPI-enabled apps. Announced during the “”Global Fintech Fest 2025″”, the

partnership connects Malaysia’s payment infrastructure with India’s Unified Payments

Interface (UPI). It will allow local merchants on Razorpay Curlec’s network to accept payments

from visiting Indians directly in Malaysian ringgit. The move provides travellers with a frictionless

payment experience while ensuring local settlement and compliance for businesses. According

to “”Ritesh Shukla””, Managing Director and CEO of NIPL, the initiative represents “a significant

milestone in expanding UPI’s international reach.” He added that the goal is to make digital

transactions abroad as seamless for Indians as they are at home. The move also aligns with India’s

broader strategy to establish UPI as a global payments benchmark across Asia and beyond.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Balaji Krishnan Wins Global Recognition for Ethical AI Research in Financial Management:

Indian-origin scientist Balaji Krishnan won the Best Paper Award at the International Conference

on Computing and Communication Networks (ICCCNet-UK 2025) for his research on ethical AI in

financial management, focusing on transparent and personalized advisory systems.His patented

design (UK Design Patent No. 6408749) integrates algorithmic transparency into financial

applications, enabling auditable and explainable AI solutions that meet regulatory and ethical

standards.A six-week pilot of his framework showed promising outcomes — budget adherence

increased from 57% to 80%, and critical alerts fell by nearly 60%, aligning with OECD 2024 and

Bank of England 2025 responsible automation standards.

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DAILY GK Update- 2nd Nov, 2025

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. EPFO Hosts Gurcharan Das in 22nd Edition of ‘Reimagining Governance: Discourse for Excellence’: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), through its Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Academy of Social Security (PDUNASS), organised the 22nd edition of “Reimagining Governance: Discourse for Excellence (RGDE)”.Gurcharan Das, renowned author, public intellectual, and former CEO of Procter & Gamble India, was the keynote speaker at the event.Around 800 EPFO officers from across India participated, as the session focused on ethics, public service, and excellence in governance, continuing PDNASS’s monthly knowledge series.

 

2. President Droupadi Murmu Becomes First Indian President to Fly in Two Fighter Jets: President Droupadi Murmu made history by becoming the first President of India to fly in two different fighter jets, taking a Rafale sortie from the Indian Air Force Station, Ambala, on October 29, 2025. She had earlier flown in a Sukhoi-30 MKI from Tezpur, Assam, in April 2023.The 30-minute sortie, piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, covered around 200 km, reaching an altitude of 15,000 feet and a speed of 700 km/h.She was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour on arrival and interacted with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India’s first woman Rafale pilot, before the flight.

 

3. MSDE, Aditya Birla Capital Foundation & BITS Pilani Launch Innovation and Start-up Challenge for NSTI Students: The Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with the Aditya Birla Capital Foundation (ABCF) and Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS) of BITS Pilani to launch an Innovation and Start-up Challenge for NSTI students across India.The program aims to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and start-up culture among students enrolled in National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), fostering creativity and self-employment opportunities.33 NSTIs are operating nationwide with over 10,000 trainees pursuing vocational training under Craft Instructor Training Schemes (CITS) and Craftsmen Training Schemes (CTS), preparing a skilled workforce for various industries.

 

4. Kishan Reddy Launches KOYLA SHAKTI Dashboard and CLAMP Portal to Revolutionize Coal Sector Digitization: Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, launched two digital initiatives — KOYLA SHAKTI Dashboard and CLAMP Portal — via video conference in New Delhi, aiming to modernise India’s coal sector.A unified digital platform integrating the entire coal value chain from mine to market, enabling real-time coordination among coal companies, railways, ports, and industries to improve logistics, transparency, and decision-making.The Coal Land Acquisition, Management, and Payment (CLAMP) Portal digitizes land acquisition, compensation, and R&R processes, serving as a centralized repository to ensure transparency, accountability, and faster execution in land-related matters.

 

5. NHAI Simplifies ‘Know Your Vehicle (KYV)’ Process to Ease FASTag User Experience: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has simplified the Know Your Vehicle (KYV) process for FASTag users to enhance convenience and customer experience, as per new guidelines issued by the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL).Under the revised rules, FASTag services will not be discontinued for non-compliant users; instead, they will be given adequate time to complete the KYV process.The simplified process now requires only a front photo showing the number plate and FASTag, eliminating the need for side photographs, while RC details will be fetched automatically from the Vahan portal using vehicle, chassis, or mobile number.Existing FASTags issued before the KYV policy will remain active unless misuse or complaints are reported, and issuer banks will send SMS reminders to users to complete their KYV.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Malaysia Hands Over ASEAN Chairmanship to the Philippines at 47th ASEAN Summit: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chairmanship was formally handed over by Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia to Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of Philippines, who will assume the chairmanship in 2026.The handover took place at the closing ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, with Malaysia symbolically passing the gavel to the Philippines, marking Manila’s sixth term as ASEAN Chair.The transition highlights ASEAN’s evolving focus on deepening regional integration, broadening membership (e.g., the accession of TimorLeste as the 11th member), and reinforcing the bloc’s role amid growing global geopolitical and economic challenges.

 

2. 31 October – Rashtriya Ekta Diwas: Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) is celebrated every year on 31 October to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the Iron Man of India for his pivotal role in unifying the nation after independence.Theme 2025 – Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar BharatThe day was first observed in 2014, when the Government of India introduced it to honour Patel’s contribution to national integration and administrative reforms.The Statue of Unity in Gujarat, the world’s tallest statue, stands as a symbol of his vision for a united and strong India.

 

3. 29 October – International Day of Care and Support: The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 29 October as the International Day of Care and Support in 2023, to recognise the crucial role of paid and unpaid care work in sustaining societies and economies.The day aims to promote gender equality by recognising, reducing, redistributing, and rewarding unpaid care and domestic work, which is largely carried out by women worldwide.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Pakistan’s Hangor-Class Submarines and Possible Shift in Naval Balance in Indian Ocean: Pakistan’s naval capabilities are set for a major boost from next year with the induction of advanced Hangor-class submarines built in collaboration with China. The move marks a significant enhancement in Pakistan’s maritime posture and is expected to challenge India’s current conventional submarine advantage in the region. Under a $5 billion agreement, Pakistan will acquire eight Hangor-class (Type 039A Yuan-class) diesel-electric submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP). Four of these are being constructed in China, while the remaining four are being built at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works. The first vessel is expected to enter active service in 2026, with full delivery by 2028. This cooperation reflects deepening military ties between China and Pakistan, extending from land to sea domains. The Hangor-class boats come fitted with advanced sensors, weapons, and AIP systems that allow them to remain submerged for up to three weeks—offering a critical stealth advantage. Conventional diesel-electric submarines must surface every few days to recharge batteries, while AIP-enabled vessels can maintain longer underwater endurance. These capabilities significantly enhance Pakistan’s anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strength in the Arabian Sea.

SPORTS

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Global ‘Baby Bust’ Forecast by 2100: A new study published in “The Lancet” warns that the world is heading towards a dramatic decline in fertility rates, with 97% of countries expected to have below-replacement birth levels by 2100. Researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) describe this as a “demographically divided world” that could reshape economies and societies worldwide. According to the study, the total fertility rate (TFR) — the average number of children born per woman — must remain at 2.1 to sustain population levels. By 2050, 155 of 204 countries (76%) will fall below this replacement level, rising to 198 nations (97%) by 2100. The global TFR has halved in seven decades, dropping from 5.0 in 1950 to 2.2 in 2021. Nations such as South Korea and Serbia have some of the world’s lowest rates, under 1.1 children per woman. While fertility rates are plummeting in Europe, East Asia, and North America, parts of sub-Saharan Africa continue to experience population surges. Countries like Chad report a TFR as high as seven births per woman, twice the global average. This stark contrast is creating what experts term a dual demographic challenge — ageing populations in wealthy nations and youth bulges in developing regions.

 

2. COP30 Brazil: India Advocates Fair Climate Deal for Developing Nations: As nations prepare for the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, India’s delegation is set to prioritise fairness, finance, and technology access over new emission-cutting commitments. The summit, marking a decade since the Paris Agreement, will see Brazil showcase its forest conservation success alongside the proposed “Tropical Forest Forever Fund,” even as contradictions in its climate strategy draw scrutiny. Brazil, the fifth-largest global emitter, recorded a 17 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2024, its sharpest decline in 16 years, mainly due to curbs on Amazon and Cerrado deforestation. The country plans to introduce a “Tropical Forest Forever Fund” — a permanent, multilateral financing mechanism rewarding tropical nations for forest preservation. The initiative aligns with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s aim to make COP30 a “COP of implementation,” centred on tangible results and long-term funding models.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India to Spotlight “Inclusive Growth” at World Social Summit in Doha: Union Minister for Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya will represent India at the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD-2) in Doha, Qatar, from 4–6 November 2025. The Summit aims to reaffirm global commitment to eradicating poverty, promoting decent work, and advancing social inclusion nearly three decades after the 1995 Copenhagen Summit. During the Opening Plenary, Mandaviya will deliver India’s National Statement, outlining the nation’s transformative progress in social and economic development. He will also take part in the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration and address a high-level round table on strengthening the three pillars of social development — poverty eradication, full and productive employment, and social inclusion. At the Summit, India will present its remarkable progress in poverty alleviation and social protection. Between 2011 and 2023, 248 million Indians were lifted out of multidimensional poverty, reducing poverty levels to just 2.3 per cent in 2022–23. Flagship initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, PM Awas Yojana, and Jan Dhan Yojana have been central to this success. The JAM Trinity—Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile—has transformed welfare delivery, ensuring transparency and efficiency in benefit distribution.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Kerala State Film Awards 2025: The 55th Kerala State Film Awards were announced in Thrissur by State Minister for Fisheries, Culture, and Youth Affairs, Saji Cherian. Chaired by veteran actor Prakash Raj, the seven-member jury selected the winners from 128 film entries submitted for the 2024 season. “Manjummel Boys” emerged as the biggest winner, sweeping several major categories including Best Film and Best Director. Veteran actor Mammootty won the Best Actor award for his stellar performance in “Bramayugam”, while Shamla Hamza bagged the Best Actress award for “Feminichi Fathima”. The Best Film honour went to “Manjummel Boys”, directed by Chidambaram S Poduval, who also received the Best Director award. The Best Second Film was awarded to “Feminichi Fathima” and “Premalu” won Best Popular Film. The awards recognised excellence across all aspects of filmmaking. “Manjummel Boys” led in several categories such as Best Cinematography (Shyju Khalid), Best Production Design (Ajayan Chalissery), Best Original Screenplay (Chidambaram S Poduval), Best Sound Design, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Lyricist (Vedan). Sushin Shyam won Best Music Director for “Bougainvillea”, and Christo Xavier received Best Background Score for “Bramayugam”.

 

Daily GK Update- 1st Nov, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. DoSJE Signs MoU with Persolkelly India to Boost Employment Opportunities for SC and Backward Class Communities: The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE) signed an MoU with Persolkelly India Pvt. Ltd., a leading HR and staffing company, to enhance employment opportunities for candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Backward Classes (BC) communities.Through this initiative, verified candidate data will be shared with the HR partner to enable better placements, while beneficiaries will receive free counselling, resume building, interview preparation, and placement assistance.The partnership ensures data privacy, transparency, and regular monitoring, while helping connect skilled SC and BC candidates with suitable jobs across sectors.

 

2. PM Modi Inaugurates ₹1,219 Crore Development Projects in Kevadia of Sardar Patel’s 150th Jayanti: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several development projects worth ₹1,219 crore in Kevadia, of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary.The projects include the Birsa Munda Bhavan, a residential complex for GSEC and SSNNL employees, the first phase of the hospitality district, and a Bonsai Garden, enhancing the region’s cultural and tourism infrastructure.During the event, the PM also flagged off electric buses to promote eco-friendly transport and released a commemorative coin and postage stamp in honor of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Patel.

 

3. Government Launches ‘Model Youth Gram Sabha’ Initiative to Empower Students in Grassroots Democracy Across 1,000+ Schools Nationwide: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, launched the first-ever “Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS)” initiative on 30th October 2025 in New Delhi.During the event, a Training Module and the MYGS Portal were unveiled to enhance the effective implementation of the initiative, strengthen teacher capacity, and encourage active student participation in grassroots democracy.The initiative will be implemented across over 1,000 schools nationwide, including Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs), and various State Government Schools.

 

4. Justice Surya Kant Appointed as 53rd Chief Justice of India: Justice Surya Kant was appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on October 30, 2025, and will assume office on November 24, 2025, serving till February 9, 2027.The Department of Justice, Union Law Ministry, issued the official notification of his appointment; he will succeed Justice Bhushan R. Gavai, who retires on November 23.A distinguished legal career began in 1985 at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where he later became the youngest Advocate General of Haryana in 2000 and was elevated as a High Court Judge in 2004.Justice Surya Kant has also served as Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court (2018), was elevated to the Supreme Court (2019), and currently serves as the Executive Chairman of NALSA (since May 2025).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UN Launches First-Ever Global Convention Against Cybercrime in Hanoi to Strengthen International Digital Security Framework: The United Nations Convention against Cybercrime was held in Hanoi, Vietnam, in October 2025, co-hosted by Vietnam and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), marking a major global effort to combat cybercrime.The Convention opened for signature on 25–26 October 2025 in Hanoi and will remain open at the UN Headquarters in New York until 31 December 2026, allowing countries to join the global framework.It aims to establish the world’s first international legal framework to prevent, investigate, and prosecute cybercrimes, including ransomware, financial fraud, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images — the first treaty to criminalise such digital offences.

 

2. Malaysia Hands Over ASEAN Chairmanship to the Philippines at 47th ASEAN Summit: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chairmanship was formally handed over by Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia to Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of Philippines, who will assume the chairmanship in 2026.The handover took place at the closing ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, with Malaysia symbolically passing the gavel to the Philippines, marking Manila’s sixth term as ASEAN Chair.The transition highlights ASEAN’s evolving focus on deepening regional integration, broadening membership (e.g., the accession of TimorLeste as the 11th member), and reinforcing the bloc’s role amid growing global geopolitical and economic challenges.

 

3. 30 October – World Thrift Day: World Thrift Day is observed every year on 30 October in India to promote the importance of saving money and financial security among citizens.The day was first celebrated in 1924 during the First International Thrift Congress held in Milan, Italy, where the concept of promoting thrift and savings was introduced.Theme 2025 – Conquer your Tomorrow

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy Leads Tri-Services Exercise “Trishul” 2025: The Indian Navy will lead the Tri-Services Exercise (TSE-2025) “Trishul,” conducted jointly with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. Scheduled to begin in early November 2025, the large-scale operation aims to enhance synergy, interoperability, and joint operational readiness among the three Services. The exercise will be coordinated by the Headquarters Western Naval Command in collaboration with all three Services. It will cover diverse terrains, including the creek and desert sectors of Rajasthan and Gujarat, and extend to maritime zones in the North Arabian Sea. The operations will involve amphibious missions, carrier-based operations, and extensive land-air-sea coordination, marking one of India’s largest integrated military drills. Principal formations taking part include the Army’s Southern Command, the Navy’s Western Command, and the Air Force’s South Western Command. The Indian Coast Guard, Border Security Force, and several central agencies are also contributing, ensuring comprehensive inter-agency coordination. Their participation underlines India’s focus on jointness across uniformed and civil defence entities to address modern security challenges.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Aptostichus ramirezae: California’s Hidden Spider: A new species of trapdoor spider, “Aptostichus ramirezae”, has been discovered by scientists from the University of California, Davis. Found in California’s coastal dunes, this hidden species was previously mistaken for its close relative “Aptostichus simus”. The finding not only expands scientific understanding of spider diversity but also highlights urgent conservation concerns for fragile coastal ecosystems. The discovery, published in “Ecology and Evolution”, emerged from a detailed genetic analysis of spiders long thought to be “Aptostichus simus”. Researchers found distinct genomic differences, confirming that populations across the California coast actually represent two separate species. The newly recognised “Aptostichus ramirezae” is named after arachnologist Martina Giselle Ramirez for her pioneering research and mentorship in spider genetics. Trapdoor spiders are elusive relatives of tarantulas. Females spend their lives in silk-lined burrows hidden beneath sand, emerging only to capture prey lured by surface vibrations. Their hinged, camouflaged trapdoor conceals them from predators and passersby alike. This adaptation makes them masters of concealment, thriving unnoticed along the California shoreline from Monterey to Baja California.

 

2. The Neuroscience behind Popcorn Brain: Modern lives are steeped in rapid digital stimuli. Constant alerts, short videos and infinite feeds train the mind to expect novelty every few seconds. This pattern, dubbed “popcorn brain”, leaves the brain restless in quiet moments, shortens attention spans, and erodes patience for deep work or slow leisure. The term captures a brain primed for bursts—like kernels popping—rather than sustained thought. Offline, this creates agitation, fidgeting and urges to check a screen. Activities once soothing, such as reading or unhurried conversation, start to feel dull. Over time, the threshold for stimulation rises and calm feels uncomfortable. Notifications and scrolling trigger quick dopamine hits that reward micro-checking. App-hopping fragments working memory and makes task-switching habitual. The prefrontal cortex—key for planning and self-control—gets overruled by reward-seeking loops. Sleep debt and blue-light exposure further impair executive function, compounding lapses in focus the next day.

 

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI and BoB to Lead Creation of Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation (IDPIC) to Curb Bank Frauds in Real Time: The State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of Baroda (BoB) will lead the establishment of a new digital payments intelligence platform aimed at detecting and preventing fraudulent transactions in real time across Indian banks.The new entity, named Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation (IDPIC), will be incorporated as a Section 8 company with an authorised capital of ₹500 crore and a paid-up capital of ₹200 crore, with all 12 state-run banks holding equity stakes.The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved IDPIC’s articles of association, and initially, two senior executives from SBI and BoB will serve as directors, with SBI contributing ₹10 crore as initial funding.

 

2. Modi launches ₹1 lakh-crore RDI fund at ESTIC: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science & Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, unveiling a ₹1 lakh-crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund to catalyse private R&D. He also announced the Anusandhan Research Foundation to strengthen research across universities and industry. The RDI Fund targets high-risk, high-impact projects that often struggle for capital. It aims to derisk early stages, crowd-in private money, and accelerate commercialisation. The Prime Minister framed the corpus as a bridge from lab to market, signalling policy support for deep-tech, hardware and frontier science. The new foundation will coordinate competitive grants, fellowships and centres of excellence. It is designed to tighten links among universities, startups and industry. The goal is steady pipelines of translational research, better IP generation, and faster scale-up of breakthroughs into domestic manufacturing.