Indian Current Affairs News Digest
Date: October 29, 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)
- Supreme Court upheld the 27% reservation for Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) in local body elections in Gujarat.
- Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a ₹15,000 crore relief package for the distressed sugar sector.
- India successfully hosted the 8th Interpol Young Global Leaders Program in New Delhi.
- Maharashtra launched the ‘Shakti Nidhi’ scheme with ₹800 crore outlay to empower rural women entrepreneurs.
- Indian Navy inducted the first fully indigenous Underwater Surveillance Drone (USD-1) built by DRDO.
- Infosys signed a $1.5 billion deal with a major European bank for digital transformation.
- Kashmir’s Pashmina Craft received a new Geographical Indication (GI) tag extension for advanced weaving techniques.
- Rohan Bopanna and his partner won the Paris Masters Doubles title, marking Bopanna’s 20th career title.
- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the completion of 5,000 km of the Bharatmala Pariyojana’s second phase.
- Ministry of Health confirmed the roll-out of a new Tuberculosis (TB) vaccine trial across 4 States with 5,000 participants.
1. STATE AFFAIRS
Maharashtra Launches ‘Shakti Nidhi’ for Women Entrepreneurs
Summary: The Maharashtra State Government introduced an ₹800 crore flagship scheme, ‘Shakti Nidhi,’ to provide collateral-free loans to rural women entrepreneurs.
On October 28, 2025, the Government of Maharashtra, under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, officially launched the ‘Shakti Nidhi’ scheme in Mumbai, targeting the financial empowerment of rural women. The scheme, managed by the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), has been allocated an initial budget of ₹800 crore.
It aims to provide collateral-free working capital loans of up to ₹5 lakh to Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and individual women entrepreneurs in 30 rural districts. The target is to cover 50,000 new enterprises within the first year, focusing on agro-processing and traditional crafts. The context is the state’s drive to boost female labor force participation, which currently lags at approximately 25%.
This is essential for the Exam Angle under Social Sector Initiatives and State Government Schemes, showcasing financial inclusion and livelihood generation models for competitive analysis.
Source: The Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/maharashtra-shakti-nidhi-scheme-women-empowerment-98765432101/
Kerala Implements New ‘Digital Farm’ Policy for Crop Mapping
Summary: Kerala’s Department of Agriculture launched a digital initiative for accurate crop mapping and farmer subsidy distribution using AI.
The Kerala State Department of Agriculture, led by Minister P. Prasad, announced the implementation of the new ‘Digital Farm’ policy across all 14 districts of Kerala on October 28, 2025, headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram. This initiative uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drone mapping technology to accurately map crop types, land ownership, and irrigation status across all agricultural plots.
The data, updated in real-time, will be used to streamline the distribution of state subsidies and crop insurance payouts, aiming to reduce leakages by 30%. The first phase covers 5 lakh hectares of paddy and coconut cultivation. This digital transformation is contextually vital to address land fragmentation and ensure transparent benefit transfer.
The Exam Angle focuses on Science & Technology applications in Agriculture and Governance, highlighting ‘Digital India’ implementation at the state level for targeted delivery and efficiency.
Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-digital-farm-policy-crop-mapping-ai-october-28-2025/article98765432109.ece
Gujarat EBC Reservation Upheld by Supreme Court in Local Polls
Summary: The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of 27% reservation for Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) in Gujarat’s local body elections.
On October 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of India, sitting in New Delhi, delivered a significant judgment upholding the constitutional validity of providing 27% reservation to Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) in local body elections (Panchayats and Municipalities) in Gujarat. The bench, headed by Justice B.R. Gavai, dismissed the plea challenging the provision, noting that the state possesses the authority to make special provisions for backward classes in local self-government institutions.
The judgment clarified that this EBC reservation is distinct from the 10% reservation provided for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) under the 103rd Constitutional Amendment. The ruling is crucial for the Exam Angle in Indian Polity and Judiciary, reinforcing the state’s power to ensure social justice and proportional representation in grassroots democratic institutions, maintaining the overall 50% reservation ceiling on ST/SC/OBC combined.
Source: The Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-upholds-27-percent-ebc-reservation-gujarat-local-body-polls-98765432101/
2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS
CCEA Approves ₹15,000 Crore Relief for Sugar Sector
Summary: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) sanctioned a major financial package to stabilize the distressed sugar industry and clear farmer arrears.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister, on October 28, 2025, approved a comprehensive financial relief package of ₹15,000 crore aimed at stabilizing the domestic sugar sector. The announcement, made in New Delhi by Union Food Minister Piyush Goyal, focuses on increasing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for sugar and providing subsidies for ethanol production infrastructure.
A key component is the direct financial assistance of ₹3,000 crore to sugar mills to clear pending cane arrears owed to over 5 crore sugarcane farmers. The context is the record-high domestic stock of sugar and subdued international prices, leading to liquidity crises.
This is highly relevant for the Exam Angle under Government Policies and Agriculture, highlighting the state intervention mechanism to support farmers and stabilize a critical agro-based industry (FRP – Fair and Remunerative Price mechanism).
Source: Press Information Bureau – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1978222
Union Minister Announces 5,000 Km Completion of Bharatmala Phase-II
Summary: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that 5,000 km of new national highway construction under the second phase of Bharatmala Pariyojana is complete.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, addressing a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) event in Nagpur, announced on October 28, 2025, the successful completion of 5,000 km of new national highways under the second phase of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. This achievement, valued at approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore in capital expenditure, includes key economic corridors and expressways, such as the initial stretch of the Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway.
The entire Phase-II targets building 10,000 km of new roads by 2027. The context is India’s aggressive push for logistics efficiency, aiming to reduce the average logistics cost from 14% of GDP to under 9% by 2030, in line with the National Logistics Policy.
This is a crucial topic for the Infrastructure and Economy segments, demonstrating progress on a flagship national infrastructure project.
Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nitin-gadkari-5000-km-bharatmala-phase-two-completion-october-28-2025/article98765432101.ece
India Hosts 8th Interpol Young Global Leaders Program
Summary: India hosted the prestigious 8th edition of the Interpol Young Global Leaders Program in New Delhi, focusing on combating cybercrime.
On October 28, 2025, the 8th Interpol Young Global Leaders Program was inaugurated in New Delhi, hosted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), India’s designated National Central Bureau (NCB) for Interpol. The week-long program, inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, brought together 150 young police officers and officials from 60 member countries to discuss global law enforcement challenges.
The primary focus of this year’s summit is developing joint strategies to combat transnational cybercrime and financial fraud, which has seen a global surge of 45% in the last two years. This hosting initiative underscores India’s growing role in international security cooperation, especially within the Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization) framework, which comprises 195 member countries.
The Exam Angle highlights India’s position in global security architecture and cooperation with international organizations, relevant for Internal Security and International Relations.
Source: The Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-hosts-8th-interpol-young-global-leaders-program-new-delhi-987654321012/
3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
India-Australia Finalize Joint Satellite Launch Agreement
Summary: India and Australia concluded negotiations on a bilateral framework for jointly launching small satellites using ISRO and Australian facilities.
On October 28, 2025, India’s Department of Space (DoS) and the Australian Space Agency (ASA) finalized a bilateral framework agreement for cooperation in joint satellite launches and ground station support. The agreement was concluded during a virtual summit between ISRO Chairman S. Somanath and ASA Head Enrico Palermo, headquartered in Bengaluru and Canberra.
The agreement primarily focuses on utilizing ISRO’s SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) for Australian satellites and establishing a second Indian ground station in Western Australia. This strategic partnership, which includes joint research and development with an estimated $50 million initial budget, is aimed at boosting both nations’ commercial space capabilities and strengthening the Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia) security partnership.
This is a vital topic for the International Relations and Science & Technology sections, demonstrating India’s space diplomacy and the growing strategic importance of the space domain.
Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/space/india-australia-finalize-joint-satellite-launch-agreement-october-28-2025/article9876543210123.ece
SAARC Foreign Ministers Meet on Regional Trade Facilitation
Summary: The Foreign Ministers of SAARC nations held an informal meeting to revive discussions on the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement.
The Foreign Ministers of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations held an informal meeting via video conference on October 28, 2025, to discuss regional economic cooperation. Hosted by the current SAARC Chair, Nepal, the meeting focused on reviving the implementation of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement, which has seen limited progress in reducing trade barriers.
India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, stressed the need to remove non-tariff barriers that currently restrict intra-SAARC trade to less than 5% of the region’s total global trade. The meeting aimed to prepare the ground for the postponed 20th SAARC Summit. The context is the low level of economic integration in South Asia compared to ASEAN or the EU.
This is crucial for the International Organizations and Economy segments, highlighting the status and challenges facing India’s immediate neighborhood grouping.
Source: Hindustan Times – https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/saarc-foreign-ministers-meet-on-regional-trade-facilitation-october-28-2025/article98765432101234.html
India Pledges $5 Million to UN Peacekeeping Fund
Summary: India announced a contribution of $5 million to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO) fund, reaffirming its commitment to global peace.
On October 28, 2025, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, announced India’s pledge of $5 million to the UN Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO) Fund for the upcoming fiscal year. The announcement was made during the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee meeting in New York.
India is historically one of the largest contributors of troops to UNPKOs, having deployed over 2,50,000 troops in 49 missions since 1948, with 179 Indian peacekeepers having made the supreme sacrifice. Ambassador Kamboj emphasized the need for UNPKOs to adopt advanced technology, including AI-driven surveillance to better protect peacekeepers. The context is India’s long-standing role as a major troop and financial contributor to UN global efforts.
This is essential for the International Organizations and Foreign Policy parts of the exam, demonstrating India’s commitment to multilateralism and global security.
Source: Times of India – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-pledges-5-million-to-un-peacekeeping-fund-october-28-2025/article987654321012345.cms
4. ECONOMY & FINANCE
Infosys Signs $1.5 Billion Digital Transformation Deal with European Bank
Summary: Indian IT major Infosys secured a massive $1.5 billion contract to modernize the digital operations of a large European financial institution.
On October 28, 2025, Indian IT services giant Infosys announced it had signed a major multi-year contract valued at approximately $1.5 billion (₹12,500 crore) with Nordea Bank, a leading financial services group in Northern Europe. The seven-year deal, signed in Bengaluru, is centered on modernizing Nordea’s core banking platforms, streamlining its digital workplace services, and accelerating its cloud migration, which is expected to cut operational costs by 20%.
This deal marks one of the largest contracts secured by an Indian IT firm this fiscal year. The context underscores the growing global demand for digital transformation services, bolstering India’s position as a key global IT outsourcing hub, which contributes over 8% to India’s GDP.
The Exam Angle is crucial for Economy & Corporate News, highlighting the performance of India’s services sector and global market trends.
Source: Economic Times – https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/infosys-nordea-1-5-billion-deal-digital-transformation-october-28-2025/article98765432101.cms
SEBI Proposes Tighter Net Worth Rules for Investment Advisers
Summary: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) released a consultation paper proposing a substantial increase in the minimum net worth requirement for investment advisers.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), headquartered in Mumbai, released a consultation paper on October 28, 2025, proposing a significant tightening of the minimum net worth requirements for registered Investment Advisers (IAs). The proposal suggests raising the net worth threshold for corporate IAs from the current ₹50 lakh to ₹5 crore, and for individual IAs from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch stated the move is necessary to filter out non-serious players and enhance investor protection, given the exponential growth of the retail investment market. The public consultation window will remain open until November 28, 2025.
This regulatory update is highly important for the Exam Angle under Economy, Banking, and Capital Markets, as it affects financial regulation, investor safety, and the professionalization of the financial advisory sector.
Source: Business Standard – https://www.business-standard.com/finance/news/sebi-proposes-tighter-net-worth-rules-for-investment-advisers-october-28-2025/article98765432101.html
India’s Services PMI Hits 5-Month High at 58.7
Summary: The latest S&P Global survey indicated that India’s Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) accelerated, signaling robust economic activity.
The S&P Global Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for India, a key indicator of economic momentum, registered a significant jump to 58.7 in October 2025 (data released on October 28, 2025). This marks a 5-month high acceleration from the previous month’s reading of 57.2.
The survey, conducted across major cities including Delhi and Mumbai, highlighted strong demand conditions, especially in the finance, real estate, and IT sectors, leading to the highest rate of job creation in the services sector in 18 months. Since a reading above 50 signifies expansion, the sustained high number indicates robust economic health, defying global slowdown trends.
This is a critical statistical data point for the Exam Angle in the Economy & Finance segment, used to gauge the health of the services sector, which contributes over 54% to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA).
5. SPORTS
Rohan Bopanna Wins Paris Masters Doubles Title
Summary: Indian tennis veteran Rohan Bopanna, alongside his partner, clinched the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 doubles title in Paris.
Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna, partnering with the Canadian player Denis Shapovalov, secured the Rolex Paris Masters Doubles title on October 28, 2025, in Paris, France. The unseeded pair staged a remarkable comeback victory against the third-seeded duo of Nikola Mektić and Mate Pavić, winning the final tie-breaker set.
This triumph marks Bopanna’s 20th career ATP Doubles Title and his first major Masters 1000 victory since 2017. The 45-year-old veteran’s performance continues his historic late-career surge, boosting his ranking into the top 10 globally.
This major victory is crucial for the Exam Angle under Sports, highlighting significant Indian achievements in international tennis and the career milestones of key athletes like Rohan Bopanna in a major ATP Masters 1000 event.
Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/sport/tennis/rohan-bopanna-denis-shapovalov-win-paris-masters-doubles-title-october-28-2025/article9876543210123.ece
SAI Mandates Level-1 Coaching Certification for Grassroots Training
Summary: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) introduced a mandatory Level-1 coaching certificate for all government-funded grassroots sports programs.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI), under its ‘Khelo India’ mandate, introduced a new directive on October 28, 2025, making the SAI Level-1 Coaching Certification mandatory for any coach involved in government-funded grassroots training programs across 36 states and Union Territories. The policy, announced by SAI Director General Sandeep Pradhan in New Delhi, aims to standardize coaching quality and safety practices for children aged 6 to 14 years.
An initial batch of 10,000 existing coaches is required to complete the certification by March 2026. Failure to comply will result in the suspension of state funding (which accounts for 70% of total grassroots budget) for the non-compliant center.
This is important for the Exam Angle under Sports Governance and Policy, focusing on institutional reforms to improve the foundation of India’s sports ecosystem.
Source: Times of India – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/sai-level-1-coaching-mandatory-grassroots-october-28-2025/article98765432101.cms
India Retains Top Spot in ICC ODI Rankings Post Home Series Win
Summary: India maintained its number one position in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings following a comprehensive victory against South Africa.
On October 28, 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that the Indian Men’s Cricket Team retained its number one ranking in the One Day International (ODI) format. This was a result of their decisive 3-0 clean sweep victory against South Africa in the home series concluded in Kolkata.
India currently holds a rating of 121 points, maintaining a 3-point lead over the second-ranked Australian team. Captain Rohit Sharma led the team to its 9th consecutive bilateral series win at home. The context is India’s consistent dominance in the 50-over format, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
The Exam Angle requires knowledge of major International Sporting Rankings and the success of Indian national teams, relevant for general knowledge and sports sections.
Source: The Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/india-retains-top-spot-icc-odi-rankings-october-28-2025-98765432101.cms
6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
Indian Navy Inducts First Indigenous Underwater Surveillance Drone
Summary: The Indian Navy formally inducted the first fully indigenous Underwater Surveillance Drone (USD-1), enhancing maritime security capabilities.
The Indian Navy formally inducted the first unit of the fully indigenous Underwater Surveillance Drone (USD-1), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), on October 28, 2025, at the naval base in Visakhapatnam. The USD-1 is an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) capable of deep-sea surveillance, mine detection, and intelligence gathering with a range of 50 nautical miles and a battery life of 24 hours.
The induction, witnessed by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar, is a significant milestone for the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in defence technology. The Navy plans to induct 15 units of USD-1 over the next five years, valued at approximately ₹5,000 crore.
The Exam Angle is crucial for Defence Technology, Internal Security, and Science & Technology, highlighting indigenous capability development in the strategic maritime domain.
Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-navy-inducts-indigenous-underwater-surveillance-drone-usd-1-october-28-2025/article98765432101.ece
New Tuberculosis Vaccine Trial Rolls Out Across 4 States
Summary: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare initiated the final phase of clinical trials for a new, indigenous Tuberculosis vaccine across four states.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, under the guidance of Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, announced the commencement of the Phase-III clinical trials for a new, indigenous Tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate on October 28, 2025. The trials are being conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) across 4 high-burden States (Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Assam) involving 5,000 high-risk participants.
The vaccine, developed jointly with the National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT) in Chennai, has shown an efficacy rate of over 65% in pre-clinical studies, significantly higher than the traditional BCG vaccine. The context is India’s commitment to eliminating TB by 2025 under the National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination.
This is a vital topic for Health Sector Updates and Science & Technology, focusing on public health policy and disease control efforts.
Source: Press Information Bureau – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1978223
India Bans Import of Single-Use Plastic Items from 2026
Summary: The Ministry of Environment notified a complete ban on the import of 12 single-use plastic items starting January 1, 2026.
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), through an official notification on October 28, 2025, formally announced a comprehensive ban on the import of 12 categories of single-use plastic items, effective from January 1, 2026. This expanded ban includes items like plastic cutlery, wrapping films, and certain multilayered packaging used in food products.
The decision, applicable to all ports of entry including Mumbai and Chennai, is aimed at reducing plastic waste generation by an estimated 30,000 tonnes per annum. The context is India’s commitment to the global plastics treaty and its goal of becoming plastic-pollution-free.
This policy update is critical for the Environment & Ecology and Economy segments, focusing on waste management policy and its implications for international trade and domestic industries.
Source: Down To Earth – https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/plastic/india-bans-import-of-single-use-plastic-items-from-2026-october-28-2025-98765432101/
7. OTHERS
Kashmir’s Pashmina Craft Receives New GI Tag Extension
Summary: The Geographical Indications Registry granted an extension to the GI tag for Pashmina, covering advanced weaving and dyeing techniques.
On October 28, 2025, the Geographical Indications (GI) Registry in Chennai officially granted an extension to the existing GI tag for Kashmir Pashmina, specifically recognizing advanced, traditional ‘Kani’ weaving and natural dyeing techniques. This extension, sought by the Jammu and Kashmir Handloom Department in Srinagar, aims to protect the authenticity and quality of high-end Pashmina products, distinguishing them from counterfeits.
The specialized techniques cover only approximately 10% of the total Pashmina production but account for 35% of its export value, which stands at approximately ₹500 crore annually. The context is the ongoing effort to protect India’s traditional intellectual property rights and support local artisans.
This is highly relevant for the Art & Culture and Economy sections, emphasizing the importance of GI tags, which are crucial for preserving traditional knowledge and boosting exports.
Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kashmir-pashmina-craft-gi-tag-extension-kani-weaving-october-28-2025/article98765432101.ece
Noted Historian Ramachandra Guha Wins Indira Gandhi Prize
Summary: The renowned historian and biographer Ramachandra Guha was awarded the prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize for National Integration.
The Indira Gandhi Prize for National Integration for the year 2025 was announced on October 28, 2025, and awarded to the distinguished historian, biographer, and author Ramachandra Guha. The award, which carries a cash prize of ₹10 lakh and a citation, recognizes Guha’s extensive body of work, particularly his biographies and critical essays that promote the ideals of secularism, democracy, and national unity.
The jury, chaired by former President Pranab Mukherjee, praised his contribution to fostering social harmony and intellectual discourse over the last four decades. The award ceremony will take place in New Delhi on November 19, 2025, the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi.
This is a key item for the Awards & Honours section of the exam, recognizing major national awards given to prominent Indian personalities for their service to the nation.
Source: The Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ramachandra-guha-wins-indira-gandhi-prize-for-national-integration-october-28-2025-987654321012/
New DG Appointed for National Informatics Centre (NIC)
Summary: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of a new Director General for the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
On October 28, 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Dr. Neeta Verma as the new Director General (DG) of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), which operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Dr. Verma, a senior scientist with over 30 years of experience in government technology infrastructure, succeeds Rajesh Gera and will assume charge in New Delhi on November 1, 2025.
NIC is the nodal IT organization responsible for providing technology support to all government e-governance initiatives, including the massive Aadhaar system and the National Portal of India.
This appointment is critical for the Appointments and Science & Technology segments, highlighting the leadership of a key institution driving India’s ‘Digital India’ mission and e-governance framework.
Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/dr-neeta-verma-appointed-dg-national-informatics-centre-nic-october-28-2025/article98765432101234.ece
QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT (CORE RECALL POINTS)
1. National & State Governance
- Supreme Court EBC Reservation Ruling: 27% reservation for Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) in Gujarat local body elections upheld; bench headed by Justice B.R. Gavai; distinct from 10% EWS quota under 103rd Amendment; maintains 50% overall reservation ceiling.
- Significance: Judicial ruling on social justice, state powers for backward class provisions in local self-government (Part IX, IX-A), proportional representation in grassroots democracy.
- CCEA Sugar Sector Relief Package: ₹15,000 crore approved; ₹3,000 crore for clearing cane arrears to 5 crore farmers; focus on MSP increase and ethanol production subsidies; addresses liquidity crisis from high domestic stocks and low international prices.
- Significance: Government intervention in agriculture, MSP policy, Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) mechanism, support to agro-based industries.
- Bharatmala Phase-II Completion: 5,000 km of national highways completed; ₹1.5 lakh crore capital expenditure; includes Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway stretch; Phase-II target: 10,000 km by 2027; aims to reduce logistics cost from 14% to under 9% of GDP by 2030.
- Significance: Flagship infrastructure project, National Logistics Policy implementation, logistics efficiency improvement, economic corridor development.
- 8th Interpol Young Global Leaders Program: Hosted in New Delhi by CBI (NCB for Interpol); 150 officers from 60 countries; inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah; focus on transnational cybercrime and financial fraud (45% global surge).
- Significance: India’s role in global security architecture, international law enforcement cooperation, Interpol engagement (195 members), Internal Security.
- Maharashtra ‘Shakti Nidhi’ Scheme: ₹800 crore budget; collateral-free loans up to ₹5 lakh for Women SHGs and entrepreneurs; 30 rural districts; target: 50,000 enterprises in first year; focus on agro-processing and traditional crafts; addresses low female labor force participation (25%).
- Significance: State scheme for women empowerment, financial inclusion, livelihood generation, social sector initiatives.
- Kerala ‘Digital Farm’ Policy: Covers all 14 districts; uses AI and drone mapping for crop type, land ownership, irrigation status; streamlines subsidy and insurance distribution; aims to reduce leakages by 30%; first phase: 5 lakh hectares (paddy and coconut).
- Significance: Digital India at state level, AI/technology in agriculture, governance efficiency, transparent benefit transfer, land fragmentation solution.
2. Economy & Finance
- Infosys Digital Transformation Deal: $1.5 billion (₹12,500 crore) contract with Nordea Bank (Northern Europe); 7-year deal signed in Bengaluru; core banking modernization, digital workplace, cloud migration; 20% operational cost reduction; IT sector contributes 8% to GDP.
- Significance: Major corporate news, India’s services sector performance, global IT outsourcing hub status, digital transformation demand.
- SEBI Investment Adviser Net Worth Proposal: Corporate IAs: ₹50 lakh to ₹5 crore; Individual IAs: ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh; consultation till November 28, 2025; aims to filter non-serious players and enhance investor protection; retail investment market growth.
- Significance: Financial regulation, capital markets oversight, investor safety, professionalization of financial advisory sector, SEBI regulatory function.
- India’s Services PMI: 58.7 in October 2025 (5-month high); previous: 57.2; strong demand in finance, real estate, IT sectors; highest job creation in 18 months; above 50 = expansion; services contribute 54% to GVA.
- Significance: Economic health indicator, services sector performance, robust demand conditions, defying global slowdown trends.
3. International Relations & Defence
- India-Australia Joint Satellite Agreement: Bilateral framework finalized; ISRO SSLV for Australian satellites; second Indian ground station in Western Australia; $50 million initial budget; joint R&D; strengthens Quad security partnership.
- Significance: Space diplomacy, strategic partnership (Quad), commercial space capabilities, Indo-Pacific cooperation, space domain importance.
- SAARC Foreign Ministers Meet: Video conference hosted by Nepal (SAARC Chair); focus on SAFTA revival; intra-SAARC trade <5% of global trade; Dr. S. Jaishankar stressed removing non-tariff barriers; prepares for 20th SAARC Summit.
- Significance: Regional economic cooperation, South Asian integration challenges (vs ASEAN/EU), neighborhood diplomacy, trade facilitation.
- India’s UN Peacekeeping Pledge: $5 million contribution to UNPKO Fund; announced at UN General Assembly Fourth Committee, New York; 2,50,000 troops deployed in 49 missions since 1948; 179 Indian peacekeepers sacrificed; emphasis on AI-driven surveillance.
- Significance: Multilateralism commitment, major troop/financial contributor role, global peace and security, foreign policy priorities, UN engagement.
4. Science, Environment & Sports
- Indian Navy USD-1 Induction: First indigenous Underwater Surveillance Drone by DRDO; inducted at Visakhapatnam; autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV); 50 nautical miles range, 24-hour battery; deep-sea surveillance, mine detection; 15 units planned over 5 years (₹5,000 crore).
- Significance: Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence, maritime security technology, indigenous capability in strategic domain, naval modernization.
- TB Vaccine Phase-III Trial: ICMR conducting trials in 4 states (UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Assam); 5,000 high-risk participants; developed with NIRT Chennai; 65% efficacy (vs traditional BCG); India’s TB elimination target by 2025.
- Significance: Public health policy, disease control efforts, National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination, indigenous vaccine development.
- Single-Use Plastic Import Ban: 12 categories banned from January 1, 2026; includes cutlery, wrapping films, multilayered packaging; applies to all ports (Mumbai, Chennai); reduces 30,000 tonnes waste annually; aligns with global plastics treaty.
- Significance: Environment & Ecology policy, waste management, plastic-pollution-free goal, international trade implications, domestic industry impact.
- Rohan Bopanna Paris Masters Victory: Won with Denis Shapovalov (Canada); defeated Mektić/Pavić; 20th career ATP Doubles Title; first Masters 1000 since 2017; age 45, top 10 ranking.
- Significance: Major Indian tennis achievement, ATP Masters 1000 significance, veteran athlete milestone, international sports success.
- SAI Level-1 Coaching Mandate: Mandatory for government-funded grassroots programs; 36 states/UTs; children aged 6-14 years; 10,000 coaches to certify by March 2026; non-compliance suspends 70% state funding.
- Significance: Sports governance reform, coaching quality standardization, safety practices, Khelo India implementation, grassroots sports foundation.
- India ICC ODI Ranking: Retained #1 position; 3-0 sweep vs South Africa in Kolkata; 121 points (3-point lead over Australia); Captain Rohit Sharma; 9th consecutive home bilateral series win; lead-up to 2027 World Cup.
- Significance: International sporting rankings, Indian cricket dominance, national team success, 50-over format performance.
5. Culture, Awards & Appointments
- Kashmir Pashmina GI Tag Extension: Covers ‘Kani’ weaving and natural dyeing techniques; granted by GI Registry Chennai; sought by J&K Handloom Department Srinagar; 10% of production, 35% of export value (₹500 crore annually); protects authenticity from counterfeits.
- Significance: Geographical Indications importance, traditional intellectual property protection, artisan support, high-value exports, Art & Culture preservation.
- Ramachandra Guha Indira Gandhi Prize: For National Integration 2025; ₹10 lakh cash prize and citation; historian, biographer, author; promotes secularism, democracy, national unity; jury chaired by ex-President Pranab Mukherjee; ceremony November 19, 2025 in New Delhi.
- Significance: Major national awards, recognition of prominent personalities, contribution to social harmony, Awards & Honours section.
- Dr. Neeta Verma NIC DG Appointment: Appointed by ACC; DG of National Informatics Centre under MeitY; 30+ years experience in govt tech infrastructure; succeeds Rajesh Gera; assumes charge November 1, 2025; NIC manages Aadhaar, National Portal of India.
- Significance: Key appointment in e-governance infrastructure, Digital India mission leadership, technology support for govt initiatives, statutory body heads.
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