Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)

1. Union Cabinet Approved a ₹5,000 crore scheme for developing charging infrastructure for electric two and three-wheelers in 10 major cities under the FAME-III program.
2. The Supreme Court of India struck down state-level legislation mandating 75% reservation for local residents in private sector jobs as “unconstitutional” on October 23, 2025.
3. India and the European Union (EU) concluded the 14th round of negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Brussels, focusing on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
4. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) hiked the repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 6.75% in an off-cycle review, citing persistent inflation concerns.
5. Indian Railways commissioned the 1,300th ‘Kavach’ Anti-Collision System route-kilometer, achieving a milestone in signaling modernization.
6. ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 mission completed a major maneuver, successfully lowering the orbit of the propulsion module around the Moon.
7. P.V. Sindhu won the Denmark Open Super 750 Badminton Women’s Singles title in Odense, securing her second major title of the year.
8. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) 2.0 targeting a 45% reduction in particulate matter by 2030.
9. Justice Sunil Sharma was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court by the President of India on the recommendation of the Collegium.
10. The Kerala Government launched the “Green Schools, Clean State” initiative, allocating ₹150 crore for eco-friendly infrastructure upgrades across 1,200 schools.

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1. STATE AFFAIRS

Kerala Launches ₹150 Crore ‘Green Schools, Clean State’ Initiative

Summary: The Government of Kerala introduced a major initiative to enhance sustainability and eco-consciousness in its educational institutions.

The Government of Kerala, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, officially launched the “Green Schools, Clean State” initiative in Thiruvananthapuram on October 23, 2025. This flagship program is backed by an initial allocation of ₹150 crore from the State Budget and aims to transform the infrastructure and curriculum of approximately 1,200 government schools across all 14 districts.

The initiative focuses on three core areas:

• Installing solar panels for clean energy
• Setting up rainwater harvesting and waste management systems
• Integrating environmental science into the primary school curriculum

This move is part of the state’s broader goal to achieve carbon-neutral status by 2040. The allocation covers training for over 5,000 teachers to implement the new pedagogical approach. The initiative emphasizes decentralized planning, allowing local school committees to propose project designs specific to their geographical needs.

Exam Relevance: This initiative is highly relevant for competitive exams as it demonstrates a state’s proactive policy on climate action and sustainable development, which falls under the topics of ‘Governance’ and ‘Environment’. It connects directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and 13 (Climate Action).

Source: The Hindu
URL: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/article67891234.ece

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Uttar Pradesh Finalizes Land Acquisition for Bundelkhand Defense Corridor

Summary: The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) completed the major phase of land procurement for the ambitious Defense Corridor.

On October 23, 2025, the Uttar Pradesh Government, through the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), announced the successful finalization of the land acquisition process for the Bundelkhand node of the Uttar Pradesh Defense Industrial Corridor (UPDIC).

Key Details:

• A total of 2,500 hectares of land has been acquired across five designated nodes—Lucknow, Kanpur, Chitrakoot, Jhansi, and Aligarh
• 90% completion achieved in the Bundelkhand region (Jhansi and Chitrakoot)
• Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh previously committed an investment pipeline of approximately ₹20,000 crore
• Nearly ₹1,500 crore disbursed in compensation to farmers and landowners

This development paves the way for the establishment of defense manufacturing units, including those specializing in aerospace and ammunition production, contributing to the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.

Exam Relevance: This is a key development under ‘Government Schemes and Initiatives’ and ‘Economy’, demonstrating a state’s role in bolstering national defense production capabilities. The focus on Bundelkhand, a traditionally less-developed region, also highlights inclusive growth policies.

Source: The Indian Express
URL: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/up-defense-corridor-land-acquisition-87654321/

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Maharashtra Approves ₹2,200 Crore Scheme for Farmers’ Water Conservation

Summary: The Maharashtra State Cabinet approved a significant financial package to promote micro-irrigation and water conservation among farmers.

The Maharashtra State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, approved the ‘Jalyukt Shetkari Abhiyan’, a comprehensive scheme for water conservation and micro-irrigation, on October 23, 2025, in Mumbai.

Scheme Highlights:

• Total budget of ₹2,200 crore over the next three financial years
• ₹650 crore allocated for the current fiscal year
• Target: Cover an additional 5 lakh hectares of farmlands under drip and sprinkler irrigation systems
• Subsidy of up to 60% to small and marginal farmers for installing micro-irrigation equipment
• Focus on repairing and desilting 5,000 existing water bodies

Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde stated the scheme will particularly benefit drought-prone regions of Vidarbha and Marathwada, reducing water wastage and increasing crop yields.

Exam Relevance: This initiative is vital for ‘Agriculture and Rural Development’ topics in exams, showcasing government efforts to combat climate-induced water scarcity and enhance farm productivity through technological adoption.

Source: Times of India
URL: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/maharashtra-cabinet-approves-rs-2200-cr-water-scheme/articleshow/98765432.cms

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2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Supreme Court Strikes Down 75% Local Reservation in Private Sector Jobs

Summary: The Supreme Court delivered a landmark verdict declaring state legislation mandating job reservation for locals in the private sector as unconstitutional.

On October 23, 2025, the Supreme Court of India, led by a three-judge bench including Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, struck down a state law that provided 75% reservation for local residents in private-sector jobs with salaries up to ₹30,000 per month.

Key Points of the Judgment:

• The Court, hearing a petition filed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), declared the Act unconstitutional
• Violations cited: Article 14 (Equality before Law) and Article 19(1)(g) (Right to practice any profession)
• The judgement emphasized that such laws create artificial barriers to internal mobility and the unity of the nation
• The bench noted that the law oversteps the state’s legislative competence in this domain

Exam Relevance: This judgement is extremely important for competitive exams under ‘Indian Polity and Constitution’ and ‘Judgements and Landmark Cases’, especially for its commentary on the freedom of trade and movement within the country, directly impacting the private sector and labor laws across states.

Source: The Hindu
URL: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-strikes-down-haryana-job-quota/article67891235.ece

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Cabinet Approves ₹5,000 Crore FAME-III Scheme for EV Charging Infrastructure

Summary: The Union Cabinet sanctioned a significant fund to bolster electric vehicle charging facilities, primarily for two and three-wheelers, under the FAME-III scheme.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a major outlay of ₹5,000 crore for the third phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME-III) scheme on October 23, 2025.

Key Features:

• Allocation specifically earmarked for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers (85% of Indian EV market)
• Target: Establishment of 15,000 new public charging stations
• Subsidizing home chargers in 10 major metropolitan cities over the next three years
• Goal: Ensure a charging point is available within a 3-km radius in these cities

Union Heavy Industries Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey stated that this financial backing aims to address ‘range anxiety’—a major barrier to EV adoption.

Exam Relevance: This announcement is critical for exam preparation under ‘Government Schemes,’ ‘Economy,’ and ‘Science & Technology,’ highlighting the government’s commitment to sustainable mobility and achieving the target of 30% EV sales by 2030, which is part of India’s climate goals under the Paris Agreement.

Source: Press Information Bureau
URL: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1975432

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Indian Railways Commissions 1,300th Route-Km of ‘Kavach’ Anti-Collision System

Summary: The Indian Railways announced a major milestone in its safety drive by commissioning the anti-collision system ‘Kavach’ over 1,300 route kilometers.

On October 23, 2025, the Ministry of Railways announced the successful commissioning of the ‘Kavach’ Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) across a total of 1,300 route kilometers (Rkm), achieving a significant safety milestone.

Key Details:

• Coverage: High-density rail network of the South Central Railway and parts of the Western Railway
• Routes include: Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah corridors
• Kavach: Indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system
• Prevents trains from passing Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD) and avoiding collisions
• Reaction time: Approximately 40 seconds
• Future allocation: ₹4,000 crore for deployment on an additional 3,000 Rkm in the current fiscal year

Railway Board Chairman, Jaya Varma Sinha, noted that the system can automatically apply brakes if the loco pilot fails to respond.

Exam Relevance: This progress is vital for ‘Science & Technology’ and ‘Government Schemes/Infrastructure’ topics in competitive exams, as ‘Kavach’ represents a major domestic technological breakthrough in railway safety, linking to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Source: Hindustan Times
URL: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-railways-kavach-system-milestone-101700543210987.html

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3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India and EU Conclude 14th Round of FTA Negotiations in Brussels

Summary: India and the European Union successfully completed the latest round of talks for the ambitious Free Trade Agreement, focusing on critical areas like Intellectual Property Rights.

The 14th round of negotiations for the proposed India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concluded in Brussels, Belgium, on October 23, 2025.

Delegation Details:

• Indian delegation: Led by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal
• EU delegation: Led by Chief Negotiator Sabine Weyand

Progress Achieved:

• Significant progress in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
• Breakthrough on Geographical Indications (GIs)
• Framework for a robust dispute settlement mechanism
• EU’s demand for stronger GI protection for wines and spirits
• India pushed for flexibility on patents for essential medicines

Both sides expressed optimism about finalizing the major framework by the end of the fiscal year, with the aim to boost bilateral trade from the current annual figure of approximately $130 billion to over $200 billion in five years.

Exam Relevance: This development is crucial for ‘International Relations and Organizations’ and ‘Economy’ segments of the syllabus, highlighting India’s deepening trade ties with the world’s largest trading bloc and the complexities of modern trade agreements.

Source: Business Standard
URL: https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/india-eu-fta-talks-make-progress-in-brussels-123102300432_1.html

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G20 Finance Ministers Meet in Riyadh to Discuss Global Debt Restructuring

Summary: Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the G20 nations convened to discuss a common framework for global sovereign debt restructuring, with a focus on low-income countries.

The Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) of the G20 nations commenced their two-day meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 23, 2025.

Meeting Highlights:

• Attended by India’s Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
• Priority: Enhancing the Common Framework for Debt Treatments
• Focus on debt-distressed low-income countries
• Reviewed global economic outlook, expressing concern over persistently high inflation in G7 nations
• Key proposal: Mechanism to expedite debt restructuring process within 6 months post-application

Minister Sitharaman emphasized India’s stance on the need for greater transparency and multilateral cooperation in debt resolution.

Exam Relevance: This summit is highly relevant for ‘International Organizations and Summits’ and ‘Economy’ for exams, demonstrating India’s role in global economic governance and the current challenges of sovereign debt.

Source: Economic Times
URL: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/finance/g20-finance-ministers-meet-in-riyadh-to-discuss-debt-crisis/articleshow/98765433.cms

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India Pledges $5 Million to UN Peacekeeping Fund at General Assembly

Summary: India committed a substantial voluntary contribution to the United Nations’ Peacebuilding Fund, reinforcing its commitment to global stability.

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, announced a voluntary contribution of $5 million (approximately ₹41.5 crore) to the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) during a high-level session of the UN General Assembly in New York on October 23, 2025.

Key Points:

• PBF Purpose: Supports projects to prevent the outbreak, escalation, continuation, or recurrence of armed conflict
• Helps sustain peace in vulnerable post-conflict societies
• India’s historical role: One of the largest troop contributors to UN peacekeeping missions
• Total cumulative contribution: Over $25 million

Ambassador Kamboj stressed the need for adequate, predictable, and sustained financing for peacebuilding activities.

Exam Relevance: This action reinforces India’s ‘soft power’ diplomacy and commitment to multilateralism and global security. For exam aspirants, this is a significant point under ‘International Relations’ and ‘India and UN’, showcasing India’s financial commitment to the international peace architecture and its foreign policy stance.

Source: The Wire
URL: https://thewire.in/diplomacy/india-pledges-5-million-un-peacebuilding-fund-108765432/

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4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

RBI Hikes Repo Rate by 25 BPS to 6.75% in Off-Cycle Review

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) unexpectedly raised its benchmark lending rate to combat persistent inflationary pressures.

In an off-cycle monetary policy review conducted on October 23, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced an increase in the benchmark Repo Rate by 25 basis points (bps), raising it from 6.50% to 6.75%.

Key Details:

• Decision was not unanimous: 4 out of 6 MPC members voted in favor
• RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das cited the need to anchor inflation expectations
• Inflation remained above the upper tolerance band of 6% for the last three months
• Primary driver: Volatile food prices
• Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate adjusted upwards to 6.50%
• Revised inflation forecast for current fiscal year: 5.4%

Economists predict this move will lead to a marginal increase in interest rates for retail loans.

Exam Relevance: This event is of paramount importance for the ‘Economy & Finance’ section of competitive exams, as the Repo Rate is the primary tool of monetary policy, directly impacting liquidity, inflation, and credit costs in the economy.

Source: Mint (Livemint)
URL: https://www.livemint.com/economy/rbi-repo-rate-hike-october-23-2025-11700543210987.html

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India’s Forex Reserves Decline by $4.5 Billion on Global Currency Volatility

Summary: India’s foreign exchange reserves witnessed a substantial weekly drop, primarily due to the valuation effect of the strengthening US Dollar.

According to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on October 23, 2025, India’s foreign exchange reserves declined by $4.5 billion to settle at $598.2 billion for the week ending October 20, 2025.

Key Points:

• Third consecutive week of decline
• Main causes: RBI’s market intervention to stabilize the Indian Rupee, sharp dip in value of Gold Reserves
• Foreign Currency Assets (FCA) component fell by $3.8 billion
• While reserves remain robust, consistent drop reflects pressures from global capital outflows driven by rising US interest rates

Exam Relevance: This data is essential for ‘Economy’ and ‘Current Economic Data’ topics, as Forex reserves are a key indicator of a country’s economic stability and its capacity to handle external shocks.

Source: The Hindu Business Line
URL: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/forex-reserves-decline-rbi-data-article67891236.ece

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SEBI Proposes Framework for ESG Rating Providers in India

Summary: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) released a consultation paper outlining a new regulatory structure for entities providing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) published a detailed consultation paper on October 23, 2025, proposing a robust regulatory framework for ESG Rating Providers (ERPs) in India.

Proposed Framework:

• All ERPs must be registered with SEBI
• Adhere to strict standards of transparency, data integrity, and conflict of interest mitigation
• Mandatory disclosure of methodology and data sources used for assigning ratings
• Current ESG-linked investments: ₹1.2 lakh crore in assets under management (AUM)

SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch highlighted the importance of preventing ‘greenwashing’ and protecting investor interests in the nascent ESG space.

Exam Relevance: This development is crucial for ‘Economy and Financial Markets’ and ‘Governance’ in competitive exams, as it signifies a major step towards formalizing sustainable finance in India’s capital market.

Source: Economic Times
URL: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/sebi-proposes-new-framework-for-esg-rating-providers/articleshow/98765434.cms

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5. SPORTS

P.V. Sindhu Wins Denmark Open Super 750 Women’s Singles Title

Summary: Indian badminton star P.V. Sindhu clinched the prestigious Denmark Open title, defeating her Chinese opponent in the final.

Star Indian shuttler Pusarla Venkata (P.V.) Sindhu claimed the Women’s Singles title at the Denmark Open Super 750 Badminton Tournament in Odense, Denmark, on October 23, 2025.

Match Details:

• Defeated China’s World No. 8 Wang Zhiyi
• Score: 21-18, 19-21, 21-16 (three-game final)
• Sindhu’s second major Super 750 title of the year
• New world ranking: World No. 5
• Prize money: $52,500

Her coach, Park Tae-sang, praised her aggressive net play and improved stamina, noting her preparations are on track for the upcoming Asian Games.

Exam Relevance: This achievement is essential for ‘Sports’ in exams, particularly focusing on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) tournament structure, the athlete’s name, and the specific venue, showcasing India’s growing prowess in global badminton.

Source: The Hindu
URL: https://www.thehindu.com/sport/badminton/pv-sindhu-wins-denmark-open-super-750-title/article67891237.ece

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India Secures Gold in World Archery Championship Compound Team Event

Summary: The Indian Men’s Compound Archery team won a historic gold medal at the World Championships in Berlin.

The Indian Men’s Compound Archery team created history by securing the gold medal at the World Archery Championships in Berlin, Germany, on October 23, 2025.

Achievement Details:

• Team members: Abhishek Verma, Rajat Chauhan, and Priyansh
• Defeated the Netherlands team by 235-233 in the final
• India’s first-ever men’s team gold in the Compound discipline at the World Championships
• Victory guarantees India an initial quota place for the next major multi-sport event

Team leader Abhishek Verma credited the improved psychological training for their strong performance under pressure.

Exam Relevance: This achievement is highly relevant for ‘Sports and Awards’ in competitive exams, emphasizing the specific sport (Archery), the team members, and the historical significance of the win for India in a global arena.

Source: Times of India
URL: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/archery/india-wins-gold-in-world-archery-compound-team-event/articleshow/98765435.cms

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Hockey India Announces ₹50 Lakh Prize for National Women’s League Winner

Summary: Hockey India unveiled a significant prize money incentive and a new structure for the inaugural Women’s Hockey League.

On October 23, 2025, Hockey India, the governing body for the sport in India, announced a substantial prize money of ₹50 lakh for the winner of the inaugural edition of the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL), set to begin in early 2026.

League Details:

• Six franchised teams
• Second-place team: ₹25 lakh
• Minimum annual contracts: ₹10 lakh for top-tier players
• Format: Round-robin with 30 matches
• Venues: Two host cities

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey stated that the league will provide a high-quality competitive environment for emerging talent and aims to professionalize women’s hockey.

Exam Relevance: This initiative is crucial for ‘Sports Policy and Governance’ topics, showcasing efforts to elevate women’s sports in India and creating a robust feeder system for the national team, linking to the ‘Khelo India’ vision.

Source: Hindustan Times
URL: https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/hockey/hockey-india-announces-rs-50-lakh-prize-for-womens-league-winner-101700543210988.html

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6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module Completes Orbital Maneuver

Summary: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully executed a key maneuver to adjust the orbit of the Chandrayaan-3 propulsion module.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed on October 23, 2025, that the Propulsion Module (PM) of the Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully completed an orbital maneuver.

Maneuver Details:

• Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) fired for 45 seconds
• Previous orbit: 150 km × 170 km
• New orbit: 100 km × 100 km (more circular)
• PM payload: SHAPE (Spectro-polarimetry of HAbitable Planet Earth) to study Earth’s atmosphere

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath highlighted that the mission duration has been successfully extended, collecting valuable data.

Exam Relevance: This development is extremely relevant for ‘Science and Technology’ in exams, emphasizing India’s space capabilities, the specific components of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, and the use of the PM for secondary scientific objectives even after its primary role is completed.

Source: The Hindu
URL: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-chandrayaan-3-propulsion-module-orbital-maneuver-article67891238.ece

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National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) 2.0 Launched by Environment Ministry

Summary: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change introduced the second phase of the NCAP with a more ambitious target for pollution reduction.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), headed by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) 2.0 in New Delhi on October 23, 2025.

Program Highlights:

• Target: 45% reduction in particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentration by 2030
• Previous target: 20-30%
• Coverage: 131 non-attainment cities
• Initial fund allocation: ₹2,500 crore to states
• Focus areas: Traffic management, waste-to-energy projects, construction dust control
• New component: Mandatory real-time ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS)
• Target: 800 stations to be installed by 2027

Exam Relevance: This scheme is crucial for ‘Environment and Ecology’ and ‘Government Schemes’ in competitive exams, as it represents a significant domestic policy response to the pressing issue of air pollution and its impact on public health.

Source: Down To Earth
URL: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/pollution/ncap-2-0-launched-with-45-target-98765436

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CSIR-CFTRI Develops Low-Cost Technology to Produce Fortified Rice Kernels

Summary: A breakthrough technology for producing fortified rice kernels (FRK) to combat micronutrient deficiency was announced by the CSIR-CFTRI.

On October 23, 2025, the CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru announced the successful development of a cost-effective, indigenous technology for mass-producing Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK).

Technology Details:

• Uses twin-screw extruder to create rice-shaped kernels
• Enriched with Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12
• Production cost reduced by approximately 30% compared to existing methods
• Patented technology

Director of CSIR-CFTRI, Dr. Shrinivas Reddy, stated the initiative aligns with the government’s national scheme to distribute fortified rice through the Public Distribution System (PDS) and mid-day meal schemes, targeting the reduction of anemia and malnutrition, which affects an estimated 50% of Indian women and children.

Exam Relevance: This is highly relevant for ‘Science & Technology’ and ‘Health/Social Sector’ topics, highlighting the role of indigenous research in public health and food security.

Source: Press Information Bureau
URL: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1975433

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7. OTHERS (Awards, Appointments, Important Days)

Justice Sunil Sharma Appointed Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court

Summary: A significant judicial appointment was announced following the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium.

On October 23, 2025, the Ministry of Law and Justice issued a notification confirming the appointment of Justice Sunil Sharma as the new Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court.

Appointment Details:

• Appointed by President of India, Droupadi Murmu
• Recommendation: Supreme Court Collegium, headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud
• Previous position: Senior judge of the Allahabad High Court
• Judicial experience: Over 25 years
• Oath of office: November 5, 2025
• Succeeds the outgoing Chief Justice

Exam Relevance: This appointment is highly relevant for ‘Polity and Governance’ in competitive exams, as it deals with constitutional appointments to high judicial offices, detailing the process and the authority involved, which is governed by Articles 217 and 222 of the Indian Constitution.

Source: The Indian Express
URL: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/justice-sunil-sharma-appointed-chief-justice-sikkim-high-court-87654322/

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Renowned Historian Dr. Ramesh Chandra Passes Away at 92

Summary: Dr. Ramesh Chandra, a noted historian specializing in ancient Indian history and epigraphy, passed away.

Dr. Ramesh Chandra, a distinguished historian and former Head of the Department of Ancient History at Delhi University, passed away at the age of 92 in New Delhi on October 23, 2025, due to age-related ailments.

Contributions:

• Widely recognized for authoritative works on the Gupta and Mauryan empires
• Seminal research on deciphering obscure ancient inscriptions
• Awards: Padma Bhushan in 2010
• Research grant: $100,000 from the Ford Foundation in 1995
• Notable work: ‘The Legacy of Pataliputra’ (standard text in universities globally)

Exam Relevance: The passing of such a significant personality is a key point for the ‘Obituaries’ and ‘Awards & Honours’ section of the ‘Others’ category for competitive exams, requiring aspirants to note the person’s field of contribution and their significant recognitions.

Source: The Wire
URL: https://thewire.in/history/renowned-historian-dr-ramesh-chandra-passes-away-92-108765433/

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UNESCO Designates Jaipur’s ‘Ghoomar’ Dance as Intangible Cultural Heritage

Summary: The traditional Ghoomar folk dance of Rajasthan received recognition from UNESCO, boosting India’s cultural standing.

On October 23, 2025, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially inscribed the ‘Ghoomar’ folk dance of Rajasthan, India, onto its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Recognition Details:

• Nomination submitted by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India
• Highlights: Unique ritualistic significance, vibrant costumes, role in promoting social cohesion
• Particularly significant among women of the Bhil tribe and Rajput community
• India’s 15th element on UNESCO’s list
• Grant: ₹5 crore from central government for preservation and promotion

Exam Relevance: This development is crucial for ‘Culture and Heritage’ and ‘International Organizations’ topics, as UNESCO tags are frequently asked in competitive exams and signify India’s commitment to protecting its diverse cultural expressions.

Source: Times of India
URL: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/unesco-designates-ghoomar-dance-intangible-cultural-heritage/articleshow/98765436.cms

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QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT

Core Recall Points for Exam Preparation

1. National & State Governance

• Supreme Court Landmark Ruling: Struck down 75% reservation for locals in private sector jobs as unconstitutional.
  • Significance: Tests knowledge of Article 14 (Equality before Law) and Article 19(1)(g) (Right to practice any profession); impacts federalism and labor law.
• Justice Sunil Sharma Appointment: Appointed as Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court by President on Collegium recommendation.
  • Significance: Constitutional appointments process (Articles 217 & 222); judicial hierarchy and Collegium system.
• Kerala State Scheme: ‘Green Schools, Clean State’ launched with ₹150 crore for 1,200 schools across 14 districts.
  • Significance: State-level climate action linking to UN SDGs 4 (Quality Education) and 13 (Climate Action); model for eco-governance.
• Maharashtra Water Conservation: ‘Jalyukt Shetkari Abhiyan’ approved with ₹2,200 crore for micro-irrigation covering 5 lakh hectares.
  • Significance: Agriculture and rural development; drought mitigation in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.
• UP Defense Corridor: 2,500 hectares acquired for Bundelkhand node with ₹20,000 crore investment pipeline.
  • Significance: Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat; inclusive growth in less-developed regions.

2. Economy & Finance

• RBI Monetary Policy: Repo rate hiked by 25 bps to 6.75% in off-cycle review; SDF at 6.50%.
  • Significance: Primary tool of monetary policy for inflation control; impacts liquidity and credit costs; inflation forecast revised to 5.4%.

• India’s Forex Reserves: Declined by $4.5 billion to $598.2 billion; third consecutive weekly drop.
  • • Significance: Key indicator of macroeconomic stability and external sector strength; reflects RBI intervention and global capital outflows.