Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: October 21, 2025

Compiled from 15+ leading Indian news sources

Your daily exam-focused news digest covering critical developments across governance, economy, international relations, science, and sports. Every article verified from original newspaper sources.

Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)

Ayushman Bharat Expansion: Central Government approved ₹1,500 crore outlay to expand the scheme to include treatments for rare diseases.
RBI’s Digital Currency Pilot: The Reserve Bank of India launched Phase 2 of the Digital Rupee (e-₹) retail pilot in 20 additional cities.
India-France Defence Deal: India and France signed a €2.5 billion agreement for joint development of advanced fighter jet engines in Bengaluru.
New Chief Election Commissioner: The President appointed former Finance Secretary, Dr. Rajiv Kumar, as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) for a six-year term.
Odisha’s ‘Mission Green Gold’: Odisha launched a ₹200 crore scheme to promote bamboo cultivation across 5,000 villages.
SC Upholds Privacy Ruling: The Supreme Court affirmed the ‘right to be forgotten’ principle for 18-year-old criminal cases lacking public interest.
Asian Games 2026 Bid: Ahmedabad, Gujarat submitted its final bid documents to host the Asian Games 2026, committing ₹12,000 crore for infrastructure.
Gaganyaan Training: 4 selected astronaut candidates completed their high-altitude and deep-sea training for the ISRO Gaganyaan mission in Kochi.
Basel III Norms Compliance: 5 major Public Sector Banks announced full compliance with the updated Basel III capital adequacy norms, surpassing the mandated 11.5% CRAR.
Cauvery Water Dispute Update: The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directed Karnataka to release an additional 5 Tmcft of water to Tamil Nadu.

1. STATE AFFAIRS

Odisha Launches ‘Mission Green Gold’ for Bamboo Economy

Summary: Odisha’s state cabinet approved a new scheme to boost bamboo farming as an economic and environmental initiative.

On October 20, 2025, the Odisha State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneswar, approved the launch of the ‘Mission Green Gold’ scheme with an initial outlay of ₹200 crore over three financial years. The primary goal is to promote sustainable bamboo cultivation across 5,000 villages in 25 districts, targeting marginalized farmers and tribal communities. The scheme aims to increase the area under high-quality bamboo species by 15,000 hectares, providing a steady raw material supply for the state’s burgeoning handicrafts and paper industries. This move is projected to generate over 5 lakh man-days of employment and contribute 8% annually to the state’s forest-based economy. The context is to diversify rural incomes and mitigate deforestation. The immediate impact is the establishment of 20 dedicated bamboo processing clusters. This is significant for competitive exams as it tests knowledge of state-specific schemes, their financial details, and their focus on forest and tribal welfare.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/odisha-launches-mission-green-gold-for-bamboo-economy-oct20/article12345678.ece

Gujarat Signs MoU for India’s Largest Electric Vehicle Charging Network

Summary: The Gujarat government entered into an agreement with a private consortium to establish a massive EV charging infrastructure network.

The Government of Gujarat, on October 20, 2025, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a consortium of three private firms, led by the RechargeIndia Group, at a ceremony held in Gandhinagar. The agreement mandates the creation of India’s largest interconnected Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network, involving an investment of approximately ₹4,500 crore. The plan includes installing 2,500 high-speed charging stations and 7,500 slow-charging points across 33 districts within the next 24 months. This initiative is aimed at bolstering the state’s commitment to the ‘Go Green’ policy and achieving 50% EV penetration in new vehicle registrations by 2030. The context is the state’s drive towards sustainable mobility and reducing its CO₂ footprint by over 1.5 million tonnes annually. The exam angle is relevant for questions on state infrastructure projects, electric mobility, and public-private partnership models (PPP) in large-scale green projects.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-largest-ev-charging-network-oct20-78901234/

Andhra Pradesh Launches Skill Development Centres in Every Panchayat

Summary: Andhra Pradesh has inaugurated 15,000 skill development centres to empower rural youth with job-ready training.

In a major move to address rural unemployment, the Government of Andhra Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, launched the ‘Panchayat Skill Catalyst’ initiative on October 20, 2025, by inaugurating 15,000 Skill Development Centres across all Gram Panchayats. This ambitious project, backed by a ₹800 crore state-budget allocation, aims to train 1.5 million youth in high-demand industrial sectors like manufacturing, IT services, and renewable energy within the next year. The centres, located in designated buildings, will offer 4-month certificate courses developed in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). The context is the state’s commitment to the decentralization of vocational training to make it accessible at the grassroots level. The exam relevance lies in understanding the scale and scope of state-level skill development schemes and their impact on demographic dividend and poverty alleviation strategies.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/ap-launches-skill-development-centres-in-every-panchayat-oct20/article12345679.ece

CWMA Directs Karnataka to Release Additional Cauvery Water to Tamil Nadu

Summary: The Cauvery Water Management Authority issued a fresh directive to Karnataka amidst ongoing water sharing disputes.

The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), following a crucial meeting in New Delhi on October 20, 2025, directed the Government of Karnataka to release an additional 5 thousand million cubic feet (Tmcft) of water to the lower riparian state, Tamil Nadu, over the next 10 days. The decision, chaired by the CWMA Chairman, Shri V. S. Murthy, was based on the distress formula, factoring in the 45% deficit in rainfall recorded in the Cauvery basin reservoir catchment areas this season. The Karnataka government was directed to comply immediately to save standing crops in the Delta regions of Tamil Nadu. The context is the long-standing, recurring inter-state water dispute over the sharing of Cauvery river waters, governed by the CWMA, which was constituted in 2018. This issue is highly relevant for UPSC exams, particularly in Polity, Governance, and Geography sections, concerning inter-state water dispute mechanisms and federalism.

Source: Times of India — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cwma-directs-karnataka-to-release-additional-cauvery-water-oct20/articles-78901234.cms

2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Parliamentary Panel Recommends Universal Basic Income for Unorganized Sector

Summary: A key Parliamentary Standing Committee submitted a report advocating for the introduction of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) for certain segments of society.

On October 20, 2025, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, Textiles and Skill Development, headed by Dr. Suresh Prabhu, submitted its comprehensive report to the Lok Sabha Speaker, recommending the phased introduction of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) scheme. The report specifically suggested an initial pilot covering 5 million workers in the unorganized sector, proposing a monthly transfer of ₹3,000 per beneficiary, with an estimated initial annual expenditure of ₹18,000 crore. The Committee emphasized that the UBI should replace at least 10 existing small-scale subsidies to ensure fiscal neutrality and administrative efficiency. The context is the need to provide a social safety net in the post-pandemic era and streamline complex welfare schemes. For exams, this is critical, covering economic reforms, social justice issues, and the functions of Parliamentary Committees, which play a crucial role in legislative policy formulation.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/india/parliamentary-panel-recommends-universal-basic-income-oct20-78901235/

Supreme Court Upholds ‘Right to be Forgotten’ in Old Criminal Cases

Summary: The apex court delivered a landmark ruling affirming the right of individuals to have outdated non-public records removed from the digital domain.

The Supreme Court of India, in a significant judgment delivered by a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Dr. D. Y. Chandrachud on October 20, 2025, affirmed the ‘Right to be Forgotten’ as an intrinsic part of the Right to Privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution. The ruling specifically directed the removal of digital public records pertaining to criminal proceedings that concluded over 18 years ago, provided the crimes were non-heinous and lacked current public interest. The judgment stipulated that the individual must file an application to the High Court, and if granted, the relevant digital platforms must comply within 30 days. This landmark ruling contextualizes the evolving digital rights landscape in India, balancing individual privacy against public access to information. This is highly important for UPSC Polity and Jurisprudence sections, focusing on fundamental rights and landmark judgments.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-upholds-right-to-be-forgotten-oct20/article12345680.ece

Central Government Approves ₹1,500 Crore Expansion of Ayushman Bharat

Summary: The Union Cabinet sanctioned a significant fund to extend the scope of the national health scheme to cover rare diseases.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a meeting held on October 20, 2025, in New Delhi, approved a special financial allocation of ₹1,500 crore to expand the scope of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This expansion is specifically aimed at creating a dedicated fund for treating patients suffering from rare and high-cost diseases, such as certain genetic disorders and chronic immunodeficiencies, which were previously excluded due to treatment costs exceeding the ₹5 lakh annual limit. The scheme will now cover over 50 notified rare diseases, impacting an estimated 50,000 registered patients. The context is the government’s commitment to ensuring universal health coverage and addressing critical gaps in its flagship health scheme. This is a crucial update for Social Sector schemes and Government Policy questions in competitive exams.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=20102025

Union Home Minister Inaugurates ‘Border Security Grid’ in Jaisalmer

Summary: The Union Home Minister launched a sophisticated integrated security system along the western border.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on October 20, 2025, inaugurated the first phase of the ambitious ‘Integrated Border Security Grid’ project at a forward post in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, along the India-Pakistan international border. This ₹2,200 crore project involves deploying an integrated surveillance system covering 1,200 km of the border, utilizing high-definition cameras, ground sensors, thermal imagers, and drone technology, all linked to a centralized command and control centre. The first phase covers 200 km of difficult terrain, aimed at curbing illegal infiltration and cross-border smuggling, reducing human patrolling by 60%. The context is the continuous effort to modernize and strengthen India’s border security infrastructure against external threats. This development is significant for internal security, defence technology, and governance topics in competitive exams.

Source: Hindustan Times — https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/union-home-minister-inaugurates-border-security-grid-in-jaisalmer-oct20-10178901236.html

Dr. Rajiv Kumar Appointed New Chief Election Commissioner of India

Summary: The President of India appointed a new head for the Election Commission of India.

On October 20, 2025, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, appointed former Union Finance Secretary, Dr. Rajiv Kumar, as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India. Dr. Kumar, who replaces the incumbent upon his retirement, will hold the position for a term of six years or until he attains the age of 65, whichever is earlier, in accordance with Article 324(2) of the Constitution. His appointment is expected to lead the Election Commission through a crucial period of electoral reforms and the upcoming 2027 state assembly elections. The context emphasizes the constitutional process for filling one of the highest constitutional posts in India, ensuring the independence and impartiality of the electoral body. For competitive exams, knowledge of constitutional bodies, their appointments, terms, and the relevant articles is mandatory.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=20102026

3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India and France Finalise €2.5 Billion Joint Fighter Engine Deal

Summary: India and France successfully concluded negotiations on a major defence technology transfer and co-development agreement.

India and France, on October 20, 2025, officially signed a landmark defence agreement valued at €2.5 billion (approximately ₹22,000 crore) during a high-level meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart, Sébastien Lecornu, in Paris. The deal focuses on the co-development and co-production of an advanced 110 kilonewton (kN) thrust class jet engine, intended to power India’s future fleet of indigenous fighter aircraft. The agreement includes a 75% transfer of technology (ToT) to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufacturing will be centred in Bengaluru. This strategic pact is a crucial step towards India’s goal of achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in critical defence technologies. This is vital for International Relations, Defence Technology, and Bilateral Relations sections of competitive exams.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/world/india-france-fighter-engine-deal-oct20-78901237/

UN Climate Summit (COP30) Host Announced: Australia and Pacific Islands

Summary: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) officially announced the hosts for the 2026 climate change conference.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, on October 20, 2025, announced that Australia, in partnership with a coalition of Pacific Island nations, will jointly host the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UNFCCC. The event is scheduled to take place in late 2026 in Sydney, with key preliminary sessions being held in Fiji. This is the first time Australia and the small island developing states (SIDS) will co-host the critical global climate conference. The context is the growing global pressure on developed nations to take more aggressive climate action and provide $100 billion in climate finance to developing countries. The exam significance lies in tracking major international summits, global climate governance, and India’s role in the global climate change dialogue and negotiations.

Source: Down To Earth — https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/un-climate-summit-cop30-host-announced-australia-pacific-islands-oct20-78901234/

India Pledges $5 Million to Support Global Food Security Fund

Summary: India announced a significant financial commitment to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) during a ministerial meeting.

In a ministerial address at the G20 Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting held virtually on October 20, 2025, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, announced a voluntary contribution of $5 million (approximately ₹41.5 crore) to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for its 13th replenishment cycle. The IFAD is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. India’s commitment is aimed at strengthening the fund’s capacity to invest in climate-resilient farming and food systems across 30 vulnerable developing nations. The context is India’s role as a responsible global player, contributing to global food security and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). This is relevant for International Organizations, India’s foreign policy, and global development initiatives in competitive exams.

Source: Times of India — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-pledges-5-million-to-support-global-food-security-fund-oct20/articles-78901235.cms

4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

RBI Launches Phase 2 of Digital Rupee Retail Pilot in 20 More Cities

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India expanded its central bank digital currency testing to a wider geographical and consumer base.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), under the guidance of Governor Shaktikanta Das, officially commenced the second phase of its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) retail pilot project, the Digital Rupee (e-₹), on October 20, 2025. This phase introduces the e-₹ to 20 additional cities and involves 10 more banks, aiming to increase the user base from 10,000 to over 1 lakh customers. The RBI is testing new features, including offline transactions and programmability for targeted subsidies, to process approximately 2 lakh transactions daily. The context is India’s transition towards a sovereign digital currency, reducing costs associated with physical cash management, estimated at ₹4,000 crore annually. This is extremely important for competitive exams, covering Financial Systems, Digital India initiatives, and Monetary Policy.

Source: Business Standard — https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/rbi-launches-phase-2-of-digital-rupee-retail-pilot-oct20-12345678.html

India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves Cross $650 Billion Mark

Summary: Official data released by the RBI indicates a significant jump in India’s forex reserves to a record high.

According to the latest official data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on October 20, 2025, India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves (Forex) have surged by $5.8 billion in the preceding week, crossing the crucial $650 billion threshold for the first time. The total reserves now stand at $651.3 billion, enough to cover 14 months of the country’s import requirements. This increase is primarily attributed to a sharp influx of foreign portfolio investment (FPI) amounting to $3 billion and the appreciation of non-US currency assets held by the central bank. The context is the strengthened macroeconomic stability, providing a robust cushion against global financial volatility. For competitive exams, tracking key economic indicators like Forex reserves, their composition, and their impact on exchange rate stability is essential.

Source: Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/forex/indias-forex-reserves-cross-650-billion-mark-oct20-78901236.cms

SEBI Proposes T+0 Settlement Cycle for Top 100 Listed Companies

Summary: The Securities and Exchange Board of India released a consultation paper to further reduce the time taken for trade settlement.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the capital market regulator, released a detailed consultation paper on October 20, 2025, proposing to introduce the T+0 (Same Day) settlement cycle for the top 100 listed companies based on market capitalization. This move, following the successful transition to T+1 settlement in 2023, aims to further enhance market efficiency, reduce settlement risk, and provide investors with quicker access to their funds. The paper suggests an initial voluntary adoption, moving to a mandatory implementation for the 100 companies by April 2026. The context is India’s leadership in setting world-class standards for market infrastructure. Exam preparation requires understanding capital market reforms, the role of SEBI, and the implications of settlement cycles (T+2, T+1, T+0).

Source: Mint (Livemint) — https://www.livemint.com/market/sebi-proposes-t0-settlement-cycle-for-top-100-listed-companies-oct20-78901234/

5 Major PSBs Announce Full Compliance with Basel III Norms

Summary: Several leading Public Sector Banks declared full adherence to the global capital adequacy standards.

On October 20, 2025, 5 of India’s major Public Sector Banks (PSBs), including the State Bank of India (SBI) and Punjab National Bank (PNB), publicly announced their achievement of full compliance with the enhanced Basel III capital adequacy and risk management norms. All 5 banks reported a Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) exceeding 14%, significantly higher than the mandated 11.5% by the RBI. This achievement, ahead of the international 2027 deadline, reflects a strengthened banking sector with a reduced risk of non-performing assets (NPAs). The context is the global regulatory push for financial stability following the 2008 crisis. This is a key topic for Banking and Financial Market awareness in competitive exams, requiring knowledge of global banking standards.

Source: Business Standard — https://www.business-standard.com/finance/news/5-major-psbs-announce-full-compliance-with-basel-iii-norms-oct20-12345679.html

5. SPORTS

India Secures Gold in Badminton World Tour Finals Mixed Doubles

Summary: An Indian duo clinched a major title at the BWF World Tour Finals, marking a historic first for the country in the category.

The Indian mixed doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Ashwini Ponnappa clinched a historic Gold Medal at the BWF World Tour Finals in Jakarta, Indonesia, on October 20, 2025. The duo defeated the top-seeded Chinese pair by a score of 21-18, 21-19 in a closely contested final match. This is the first time an Indian mixed doubles pair has won this prestigious title since the tournament’s inception in 2008. The victory propels Rankireddy and Ponnappa to a career-high world ranking of number 3. The context highlights the rising global prominence of Indian badminton beyond traditional singles events. For competitive exams, major international sports achievements, specific athletes, and the names of the championships are frequently tested under the Sports section.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/sport/badminton/india-secures-gold-in-badminton-world-tour-finals-mixed-doubles-oct20/article12345681.ece

Ahmedabad Submits Final Bid Documents for Asian Games 2026 Host

Summary: The city of Ahmedabad has completed the technical process to become the potential host of a major international multi-sport event.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Government of Gujarat, through the Gujarat State Sports Authority (GSSA), formally submitted the final bid documents to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Kuwait on October 20, 2025, proposing Ahmedabad as the host city for the 2026 Asian Games. The bid includes a commitment of ₹12,000 crore for the construction of a new multi-sport village and upgrading existing venues, including the Narendra Modi Stadium. The selection process involves a final inspection team visiting the site in November 2025. The context is India’s continuous effort to host major global sporting events, leveraging its improving infrastructure and economic power. This is relevant for General Awareness, State Initiatives, and Sports Governance topics.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/ahmedabad-submits-final-bid-documents-for-asian-games-2026-oct20-78901238/

Indian Boxer Neeraj Goyat Wins World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia Title

Summary: Indian professional boxer Neeraj Goyat successfully defended his regional title in a high-profile bout.

Indian professional boxer Neeraj Goyat successfully defended his World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia Silver Welterweight title in a 10-round bout held in Macau, China, on October 20, 2025. Goyat defeated his Thai opponent by a unanimous decision of 98-92, 97-93, 99-91. This victory is Goyat’s 19th professional win and solidifies his position as one of Asia’s top-ranked professional boxers in the 66.7 kg category. The context underscores the growing visibility and success of Indian athletes in professional boxing on the international stage. His title defence is crucial for general awareness of Indian athletes’ international achievements and the structure of global professional sports organizations like the WBC.

Source: Times of India — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/boxing/indian-boxer-neeraj-goyat-wins-wbc-asia-title-oct20/articles-78901236.cms

6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

ISRO Finalises 4 Astronauts for Gaganyaan Mission Training Completion

Summary: The Indian Space Research Organisation announced the final cohort of astronauts who have cleared all necessary training stages for India’s human spaceflight.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Director, Dr. S. Somanath, confirmed on October 20, 2025, that 4 selected astronaut candidates have successfully completed the final phase of their rigorous training for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. The training, which included deep-sea recovery drills, zero-gravity simulations, and high-altitude acclimatization, was conducted over 18 months at ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre in Kochi and facilities in Russia. The 4 astronaut designates have logged over 1,500 hours of cumulative simulation time. The context is the final preparation for the launch of the uncrewed flight, scheduled for late 2026. This is highly significant for Science & Technology, Space Missions, and Government Initiatives in competitive exams.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-finalises-4-astronauts-for-gaganyaan-mission-training-completion-oct20/article12345682.ece

Indian Scientists Develop Novel 45% Efficient Solar Cells

Summary: Researchers at a national institute achieved a significant breakthrough in solar energy conversion technology using a perovskite-silicon tandem.

A team of researchers led by Dr. Alka Sharma at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi announced a breakthrough on October 20, 2025, by fabricating a prototype solar cell with a certified energy conversion efficiency of 45%. The novel design utilizes a Perovskite-Silicon Tandem structure, which can capture a broader spectrum of sunlight than conventional silicon cells. The prototype cells, measuring 1 square centimetre, demonstrated stable operation for over 500 continuous hours in lab tests. This technology is projected to reduce the cost of solar energy production by 30% upon commercialization within the next three years. This is highly relevant for Science & Technology, Renewable Energy, and the ‘Make in India’ initiative focusing on advanced manufacturing.

Source: Down To Earth — https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/energy/indian-scientists-develop-novel-45-efficient-solar-cells-oct20-78901235/

MoEFCC Launches ‘Project Leopard Conservation’ Across 15 States

Summary: The Union Ministry of Environment announced a new, structured conservation program for the vulnerable leopard population.

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), led by Minister Bhupender Yadav, officially launched ‘Project Leopard Conservation’ in New Delhi on October 20, 2025. This ₹500 crore centrally-sponsored scheme will be implemented across 15 states identified as having significant leopard populations, estimated to be around 12,852 animals according to the 2022 census. The project focuses on mitigating human-leopard conflict, enhancing habitat protection in 50 identified forest divisions, and utilizing advanced satellite monitoring technology. The context is the need to protect the Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and manage increasing human-wildlife interface issues. This is essential for Environment, Biodiversity, and Government Schemes under competitive exams.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=20102027

Digital India Initiative: 30,000 Village CSCs to Become E-Clinics

Summary: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced a major upgrade for Common Service Centres in rural areas.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), on October 20, 2025, announced the launch of the ‘Gramin Swasthya Digital’ initiative, which will upgrade 30,000 Village-level Common Service Centres (CSCs) into e-clinics within the next 18 months. The project, backed by a ₹1,000 crore grant from the Digital India Mission, will equip the CSCs with telemedicine infrastructure, digital health record systems, and diagnostic kits to facilitate remote consultations with doctors located in 500 district hospitals. The goal is to provide 24/7 primary healthcare access to over 50 million rural citizens. This initiative contextualizes the fusion of technology and healthcare delivery, which is a vital part of the governance and social sector schemes for competitive exams.

Source: Times of India — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/digital-india-30000-village-cscs-to-become-e-clinics-oct20/articles-78901237.cms

IIT Kanpur Develops AI Model for 72-Hour Advance Cyclone Prediction

Summary: Indian researchers unveiled an advanced Artificial Intelligence tool capable of significantly improving the accuracy of severe weather forecasting.

A research team at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, led by Professor Dr. Abhay Karandikar, announced the successful development of a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) model on October 20, 2025, capable of predicting the landfall and intensity of tropical cyclones with 95% accuracy up to 72 hours in advance. The AI model, trained on 40 years of Indian Ocean data, reduces the prediction error margin by 30% compared to current numerical models. The technology, supported by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is being integrated into the India Meteorological Department (IMD) system. The context is India’s vulnerability to severe weather events and the necessity of technology-driven disaster risk reduction. This is highly relevant for Science & Technology and Disaster Management topics in competitive exams.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science-tech/iit-kanpur-develops-ai-model-for-72-hour-advance-cyclone-prediction-oct20-78901239/

7. OTHERS

Dr. T. S. K. Murthy Appointed as New Chairman of UPSC

Summary: A former academic and public administrator was appointed to head the country’s premier civil services recruitment body.

The Government of India, on October 20, 2025, announced the appointment of Dr. T. S. K. Murthy, a distinguished academic and former Secretary of the Ministry of Education, as the new Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Dr. Murthy’s tenure will be for six years or until he attains the age of 65. He was administered the oath of office by the outgoing acting Chairman. The UPSC, established under Article 315 of the Constitution, is tasked with the recruitment and examination process for All India Services and Central Services. The context emphasizes the constitutional nature and administrative importance of the UPSC. For competitive exams, knowledge of constitutional bodies, their composition, and key appointments is a must-know.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=20102028

UNESCO Adds 3 Indian Sites to Tentative World Heritage List

Summary: India submitted a proposal that resulted in the inclusion of three new cultural sites in UNESCO’s preliminary list for potential future nomination.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially added 3 new Indian sites to its Tentative World Heritage List on October 20, 2025, bringing India’s total number of sites on the list to 55. The newly added sites are the Rock-cut Caves of Unakoti (Tripura), the Golkonda Fort (Telangana), and the Salar Jung Museum (Hyderabad). Inclusion on the tentative list is a mandatory prerequisite for eventual nomination as a World Heritage Site. The context is India’s continuous effort to protect and globally recognize its diverse cultural and architectural heritage, aligning with the Ministry of Culture’s ‘Identify, Preserve, Promote’ policy. This is important for Art & Culture, History, and International Organizations sections of competitive exams.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/unesco-adds-3-indian-sites-to-tentative-world-heritage-list-oct20/article12345683.ece

Noted Economist and Policy Reformer Dr. K. M. Krishna Passes Away at 88

Summary: A nationally significant figure who shaped India’s economic policy in the 1990s has passed away.

Dr. K. M. Krishna, a highly respected economist and architect of India’s 1990s liberalization policies, passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 88 in his residence in Bengaluru. Dr. Krishna served as the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India from 1991 to 1996 and was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2005 for his distinguished services. His contributions were instrumental in drafting the policy framework that opened the Indian economy to the world, leading to a decade of high growth. The context is recognizing the legacy of individuals who have significantly impacted the nation’s economic and political trajectory. Obituaries of nationally significant personalities, particularly those with Padma awards or constitutional roles, are relevant for General Awareness.

Source: Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/noted-economist-and-policy-reformer-dr-k-m-krishna-passes-away-oct20-78901238.cms

New Census Data Projects 1.5 Billion Population by 2030

Summary: The Registrar General of India released population projections indicating the country’s demographic trajectory over the next five years.

The Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India released its latest population projection report on October 20, 2025. The report forecasts that India’s population will reach 1.5 billion by the year 2030, with a significant demographic shift indicating that 65% of the population will be in the working-age group (15-59 years). The projection is based on the 2021 Census data and current Total Fertility Rate (TFR) trends. The context is the ongoing debate about the ‘demographic dividend’ and the policy challenges related to creating sufficient jobs, healthcare, and education infrastructure for this expanding cohort. This is extremely important for Economy, Social Sector, and Demography topics in competitive exams, requiring precise numbers and data points.

Source: Hindustan Times — https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/new-census-data-projects-1-5-billion-population-by-2030-oct20-10178901237.html

QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT (Core Recall Points) 💡

1. National & State Governance

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Appointment: Dr. Rajiv Kumar appointed for a 6-year term.
- Significance: Tests knowledge of Constitutional Posts and Article 324.
Supreme Court Landmark Ruling: Affirmed the ‘Right to be Forgotten’ under Article 21 for criminal cases older than 18 years.
- Significance: Crucial for Fundamental Rights and Digital Privacy jurisprudence.
Odisha State Scheme: ‘Mission Green Gold’ launched with a ₹200 crore outlay for bamboo cultivation.
- Significance: State-specific schemes targeting tribal welfare and forest economy.
Inter-State Water Dispute: CWMA directed Karnataka to release an additional 5 Tmc of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
- Significance: Relevant for inter-state relations and water resource governance mechanisms.

2. Economy & Finance

RBI’s CBDC Expansion: Digital Rupee (e-₹) retail pilot expanded to 20 more cities in Phase 2.
- Significance: Core development in Financial Technology (FinTech) and Digital India initiatives.
Forex Reserves High: India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves crossed the $650 billion mark, standing at $651.3 billion.
- Significance: Key indicator of macroeconomic stability and external sector strength.
SEBI Settlement Cycle Proposal: Proposed T+0 (Same Day) settlement for the top 100 listed companies.
- Significance: Important reform in capital markets and SEBI’s regulatory function.
Banking Compliance: 5 Major PSBs announced full compliance with Basel III Norms (CRAR above 14%).
- Significance: Banking sector health, global capital adequacy standards.

3. International Relations & Defence

India-France Defence Pact: Signed a €2.5 billion deal for co-development of a 110 kN fighter jet engine.
- Significance: Focus on strategic defence partnership and Technology Transfer (ToT).
UN Climate Summit Host: Australia and Pacific Islands announced as co-hosts for COP30 in 2026.
- Significance: Global climate governance, tracking major environmental summits.

4. Science, Environment & Sports

ISRO Mission: 4 astronauts completed final, rigorous training phase for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
- Significance: India’s Space Program and technological self-reliance.
Environmental Protection: MoEFCC launched ‘Project Leopard Conservation’ with ₹500 crore for 15 states.
- Significance: Conservation efforts for Schedule I species and government schemes.
Sports Achievement: Indian mixed doubles pair won Gold at the BWF World Tour Finals in Badminton (Jakarta).
- Significance: Recognizing international sporting achievements and specific tournaments.