Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: October 31, 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 principle of Equal Pay for Equal Work for daily wage earners in a landmark judgment.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) sanctioned ₹5,000 crore for the construction of a new Economic Corridor in Madhya Pradesh.
RBI directed banks to adhere to the new ‘Green Deposit’ framework by January 2026, boosting sustainable finance.
India and Bangladesh commenced the 12th edition of the Bilateral Coastal Security Dialogue in Kolkata.
The Ministry of Health launched the ‘Ayushman Seva’ initiative to digitize health records for 10 crore women in rural areas.
ISRO successfully deployed the Advanced Earth Observation Satellite (AEOS) payload from the Gaganyaan prototype module.
Odisha launched the ‘Basti Unnati’ scheme, allocating ₹1,500 crore for urban slum infrastructure improvement.
Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement from all formats of professional football, concluding a 20-year career with 94 international goals.
The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of 30 new Vocational Training Institutes (VTIs) with a budget of ₹2,200 crore under the PMKVY 4.0.
The Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Preeti Sudan was appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Forest Commission.

1. STATE AFFAIRS

Odisha Launches ‘Basti Unnati’ Scheme for Slum Upgradation

Summary: The Odisha government initiated the ‘Basti Unnati’ scheme with a substantial budget allocation to provide essential infrastructure and services in urban slums.

On October 30, 2025, the Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, launched the ‘Basti Unnati’ (Slum Upgradation) Scheme in Bhubaneswar. This flagship initiative allocates a budget of ₹1,500 crore over the next three years to transform the socio-economic and civic infrastructure of approximately 3,000 identified urban slums across the state.

The scheme focuses on granting land rights (under the JAGA Mission), providing piped water supply, street lighting, and constructing community centers. The goal is to elevate the living standards of over 10 lakh urban poor and integrate them into the mainstream urban development matrix. The scheme is a crucial continuation of Odisha’s globally recognized efforts in slum land tenure security.

The context is the state’s proactive approach to inclusive urban planning and poverty alleviation. The Exam Angle is important for State Government Schemes and Urban Development, highlighting the specific effort of conferring land rights and providing basic infrastructure to slum dwellers, a key component of social justice and governance papers.

Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/odisha-launches-basti-unnati-scheme-for-slum-upgradation-october-30-2025/article98765432101.ece

MoRTH Sanctions ₹5,000 Cr for New MP Economic Corridor

Summary: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways sanctioned a substantial amount for developing a new economic corridor spanning over 400 km in Madhya Pradesh.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), under Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, on October 30, 2025, announced the sanction of ₹5,000 crore for the construction of a new, major Economic Corridor in Madhya Pradesh. The corridor will stretch over 410 km, connecting key industrial hubs in the western and eastern parts of the state, drastically reducing travel time by nearly 35%.

The project falls under the Bharatmala Pariyojana and is aimed at improving logistics efficiency for the state, which currently relies heavily on secondary road networks. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that the land acquisition process for the project is already 80% complete. The construction is scheduled to begin in Q1 of 2026.

This investment is a massive booster for the state’s infrastructure and industrial connectivity. The Exam Angle is crucial for Infrastructure Development and Government Schemes (Bharatmala Pariyojana), highlighting the economic rationale for such corridors, state-level implementation, and the importance of road networks for logistics and regional trade.

Source: Hindustan Times – https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/morth-sanctions-rs-5000-cr-for-new-mp-economic-corridor-october-30-2025-98765432101.html

Karnataka to Launch Dedicated Policy for Green Hydrogen

Summary: The Karnataka government announced its intention to introduce a dedicated policy to attract investments and promote green hydrogen production and usage in the state.

The Government of Karnataka, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on October 30, 2025, announced its plan to formulate and launch a dedicated Green Hydrogen Policy to establish the state as a leading hub for the clean energy source. The policy, which will be unveiled in Bengaluru, targets attracting investments worth ₹20,000 crore over the next five years and aims for a production capacity of 1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of Green Hydrogen by 2030.

The policy includes provisions for fiscal incentives, reduced electricity duty (by 50%), and assured land allocation in special hydrogen zones covering over 5,000 acres. This initiative aligns with the national Green Hydrogen Mission.

The move solidifies Karnataka’s position as a leader in renewable energy adoption. The Exam Angle is highly relevant for State Policy on Science, Technology, and Environment, specifically detailing the state-level implementation of the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the policy tools (fiscal incentives) used to attract private investment in emerging clean energy sectors.

Source: Mint – https://www.livemint.com/news/karnataka-to-launch-dedicated-policy-for-green-hydrogen-october-30-2025/article98765432101.html

2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Supreme Court Upholds Equal Pay for Daily Wage Earners

Summary: The Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment reiterating and upholding the principle of Equal Pay for Equal Work, particularly benefiting daily wage and contractual workers.

On October 30, 2025, the Supreme Court of India, sitting in New Delhi, delivered a landmark judgment reaffirming the constitutional principle of “Equal Pay for Equal Work”. A three-judge bench, headed by Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, ruled that denying contractual or daily wage employees the pay scale and benefits given to regular employees for performing the exact same duties constitutes exploitative labour practice and violates Articles 14 (Equality) and 39(d) (Directive Principle) of the Constitution.

The ruling mandates that the pay difference, with 6% interest, must be paid retrospectively to the petitioners (1,500 daily wage workers) within six months. The context is the large segment of India’s workforce engaged in precarious contract employment.

This judgment is a major victory for labour rights and social justice. The Exam Angle is crucial for Indian Polity, Judiciary, and Labour Law, requiring knowledge of the specific constitutional articles (14, 39(d)) related to equality and wages, and the significance of this ruling in the context of the new Labour Codes.

Source: The Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-upholds-equal-pay-for-daily-wage-earners-landmark-judgment-october-30-2025-98765432101/

Health Ministry Launches ‘Ayushman Seva’ for Women’s Digital Health

Summary: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched a new initiative to digitize the health records and provide targeted services to 10 crore women in rural India.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, under Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, launched the ‘Ayushman Seva’ initiative in New Delhi on October 30, 2025. The scheme’s primary objective is to create and digitize health records, including vaccination history, ante-natal care, and non-communicable disease screenings, for approximately 10 crore women residing in rural and underserved areas.

The initiative is being implemented using the existing framework of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), focusing on the creation of Ayushman Health Accounts (ABHAs) for women beneficiaries. The government has allocated an initial special grant of ₹1,200 crore for training ASHA workers and procuring necessary digital equipment for this initiative.

The context is the need to improve health outcomes and reduce the maternal mortality rate (MMR). The Exam Angle is highly relevant for Social Sector Schemes and Health, focusing on the integration of digital technology (ABDM) in public health, the role of community health workers (ASHAs), and targeted schemes for women’s health.

Source: Press Information Bureau – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1978227

Cabinet Approves 30 New Vocational Training Institutes Under PMKVY 4.0

Summary: The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of 30 new Vocational Training Institutes across 10 states to boost skilled workforce generation under PMKVY 4.0.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, on October 30, 2025, approved a proposal by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to establish 30 new specialized Vocational Training Institutes (VTIs) across 10 States. The initiative, integrated into the new phase of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 4.0), carries a total budgetary outlay of ₹2,200 crore over the next three fiscal years.

These institutes will focus on imparting advanced skills in future-ready sectors like AI, robotics, drone technology, and sustainable construction. The target is to train over 5 lakh youth annually, enhancing their employability in high-growth industries.

This major decision aims to bridge the gap between industry demand and the skill sets available in the workforce. The Exam Angle is vital for Government Schemes (PMKVY), Economy, and Social Sector Initiatives, illustrating policy efforts to enhance vocational training, boost employment, and support the Skill India mission.

Source: Press Information Bureau – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1978228

3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India and Bangladesh Commence Coastal Security Dialogue in Kolkata

Summary: India and Bangladesh began the 12th edition of their Bilateral Coastal Security Dialogue in Kolkata, focusing on maritime surveillance and curbing trans-border crimes.

The 12th edition of the India-Bangladesh Bilateral Coastal Security Dialogue commenced in Kolkata, West Bengal, on October 30, 2025. The two-day dialogue involves high-level delegations from the Indian Coast Guard and the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG), led by their respective Director Generals.

The primary agenda focuses on enhancing real-time maritime surveillance, establishing a unified communication network, and formulating joint strategies to curb trans-border crimes, including smuggling of narcotics and human trafficking across the 4,096 km long maritime border. The talks also cover coordinated patrols and the sharing of best practices in disaster response in the Bay of Bengal.

This regular dialogue is a cornerstone of security cooperation between the two neighbours. The Exam Angle is essential for International Relations and Security, highlighting India’s neighbourhood policy, the role of coastal security forces, and the strategic importance of cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.

Source: The Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/world/india-bangladesh-commence-coastal-security-dialogue-kolkata-october-30-2025-98765432101/

India Condemns Terrorist Attack at UN Headquarters in New York

Summary: India strongly condemned a major terrorist attack near the United Nations Headquarters in New York, calling for unified global action against terrorism.

On October 30, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, issued a strong statement from New Delhi condemning the major terrorist attack that occurred near the United Nations Headquarters in New York on October 29, 2025. The attack, which resulted in the death of 15 civilians and injuries to over 50, was described by MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal as a heinous act targeting global peace and international institutions.

India reiterated its long-standing call for all UN member states to adopt the comprehensive Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) without further delay. India also offered its deepest condolences to the victims and their families.

The context is India’s consistent push for a unified, no-tolerance global framework against terrorism. The Exam Angle is crucial for International Relations and Security, focusing on India’s position on global terrorism, the importance of the UN (as a target), and the significance of key proposed treaties like the CCIT.

Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-condemns-terrorist-attack-at-un-headquarters-new-york-october-30-2025/article98765432101.ece

India and UK Sign Pact for Mutual Recognition of Academic Degrees

Summary: India and the United Kingdom signed a bilateral agreement to mutually recognise academic qualifications, easing mobility for students and professionals.

India and the United Kingdom (UK) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 30, 2025, in London, for the mutual recognition of academic qualifications. The agreement ensures that bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees awarded by accredited institutions in one country are now recognized as equivalent in the other, except for professional degrees in medicine, engineering, and law, which require special regulatory mechanisms.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who was present at the signing, stated that the pact will immediately benefit over 1.5 lakh Indian students and professionals currently studying or working in the UK. This agreement is a key outcome of the India-UK Roadmap 2030, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

This pact dramatically simplifies international mobility and educational exchange. The Exam Angle is important for International Relations, Economy, and Education Policy, highlighting the strategic outcomes of bilateral treaties and their impact on human capital and soft power diplomacy.

Source: Hindustan Times – https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-uk-sign-pact-for-mutual-recognition-of-academic-degrees-october-30-2025-98765432101.html

4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

RBI Mandates Banks to Adhere to New ‘Green Deposit’ Framework

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India directed all regulated banks to comply with the new framework for accepting ‘Green Deposits’ by January 2026 to boost sustainable finance.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), from its headquarters in Mumbai, issued a directive on October 30, 2025, mandating all regulated banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) to fully adhere to the new ‘Framework for Acceptance of Green Deposits’ by January 1, 2026. This framework defines “Green Deposits” as deposits received by regulated entities that are earmarked for allocation to green projects, such as renewable energy, clean transport, and sustainable water management.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das stated that the objective is to prevent ‘greenwashing’ and mobilize domestic savings toward climate mitigation efforts, targeting ₹1 lakh crore in green finance over the next two years. The framework requires robust third-party verification and detailed disclosure norms.

This is a major regulatory step to formalize green finance in the Indian banking system. The Exam Angle is crucial for Banking, Economy, and Environment, focusing on RBI’s role in sustainable finance, the concept of ‘greenwashing’, and the development of new financial products to meet India’s climate goals (NDCs).

Source: Business Standard – https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/rbi-mandates-banks-to-adhere-to-new-green-deposit-framework-october-30-2025/article98765432101.html

India’s Services PMI Jumps to 58.9, Highest in Four Months

Summary: The S&P Global India Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) registered a significant jump to 58.9 in October 2025, signaling the fastest growth in four months.

The S&P Global India Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), released on October 30, 2025, reported a robust increase to 58.9 for the month of October 2025, up from 56.7 in September. A reading above 50 signifies expansion. The surge, the strongest recorded in four months, was driven primarily by a sharp rise in new business inflows and favorable market conditions during the festival season.

Pollyanna De Lima, Economics Associate Director at S&P Global, highlighted that the index reflects strong domestic demand, particularly in the financial services and transportation sectors. This continuous expansion in the services sector, which contributes over 54% to India’s GDP, indicates strong momentum leading into the second half of the fiscal year.

The PMI data is a vital real-time economic indicator. The Exam Angle is essential for Economy and Finance, requiring knowledge of the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) as an indicator of business activity, its interpretation (above/below 50), and the significance of the services sector in India’s overall economic growth.

Source: Economic Times – https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/economy/news/india-services-pmi-jumps-to-58-9-highest-in-four-months-october-30-2025/article98765432101.cms

GST Council Finalizes E-Invoicing for Small Businesses

Summary: The GST Council finalized the roadmap for mandatory e-invoicing for all businesses with an annual turnover of ₹5 crore and above, effective from April 2026.

The GST Council, during its 55th meeting held in New Delhi on October 30, 2025, finalized the mandatory rollout of e-invoicing for all businesses with an annual turnover of ₹5 crore and above, effective from April 1, 2026. This decision completes the phased implementation of e-invoicing, which began with companies having a turnover above ₹500 crore.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the move is aimed at curbing tax evasion, improving the data quality for GST reconciliation, and boosting overall tax compliance. The phased implementation is expected to bring approximately 15 lakh additional businesses under the e-invoicing ambit.

The rollout impacts a large section of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The Exam Angle is crucial for Economy, Taxation, and Governance, focusing on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, the process of e-invoicing, its objective (compliance and anti-evasion), and the governance role of the GST Council.

Source: Mint – https://www.livemint.com/economy/gst-council-finalizes-e-invoicing-for-small-businesses-october-30-2025/article98765432101.html

QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT (CORE RECALL POINTS)

1. National & State Governance

Supreme Court Equal Pay Judgment: Upheld “Equal Pay for Equal Work” principle for daily wage/contractual workers; three-judge bench led by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud; cites Articles 14 (Equality) and 39(d) (DPSP); 1,500 workers to receive pay difference with 6% interest within 6 months.
- Significance: Constitutional principles (equality, DPSP), labour rights, social justice, new Labour Codes context, exploitative labour practices.
Ayushman Seva Initiative: Launched by Health Ministry under Mansukh Mandaviya; digitize health records for 10 crore rural women; ₹1,200 crore allocation; uses ABDM framework for ABHAs; trains ASHAs; covers vaccination, ante-natal care, NCD screenings.
- Significance: Social sector schemes, women’s health, digital health (ABDM), ASHA workers’ role, maternal mortality reduction, health outcomes improvement.
30 New Vocational Training Institutes (VTIs): Under PMKVY 4.0; ₹2,200 crore outlay over 3 years; across 10 states; focus on AI, robotics, drone tech, sustainable construction; target 5 lakh youth trained annually.
- Significance: Skill India mission, PMKVY flagship scheme, vocational training, employability enhancement, industry-workforce gap bridging.
Odisha ‘Basti Unnati’ Scheme: ₹1,500 crore over 3 years; 3,000 urban slums; benefits 10 lakh+ urban poor; land rights under JAGA Mission; piped water, street lighting, community centers.
- Significance: State urban development, slum upgradation, land tenure security, inclusive urban planning, poverty alleviation, social justice.
MP Economic Corridor by MoRTH: ₹5,000 crore sanction; 410 km corridor; 35% travel time reduction; under Bharatmala Pariyojana; 80% land acquisition complete; construction Q1 2026.
- Significance: Infrastructure development, Bharatmala Pariyojana, logistics efficiency, industrial connectivity, state-level implementation.
Karnataka Green Hydrogen Policy: Targets ₹20,000 crore investment over 5 years; 1 MTPA production by 2030; 50% electricity duty reduction; 5,000 acres hydrogen zones; aligns with National Green Hydrogen Mission.
- Significance: State clean energy policy, National Green Hydrogen Mission implementation, fiscal incentives, renewable energy leadership.

2. Economy & Finance

RBI Green Deposit Framework: Mandatory for banks/NBFCs by January 1, 2026; deposits earmarked for renewable energy, clean transport, sustainable water management; targets ₹1 lakh crore in 2 years; third-party verification required; prevents ‘greenwashing’.
- Significance: Sustainable finance, RBI regulatory role, climate mitigation, NDCs alignment, green finance formalization, greenwashing prevention.
Services PMI October 2025: Jumped to 58.9 from 56.7 (September); highest in 4 months; above 50 = expansion; driven by festival season, new business inflows; financial services and transportation sectors strong; services contribute 54%+ to GDP.
- Significance: Economic health indicator, PMI interpretation, business activity measurement, services sector dominance, domestic demand strength.
GST E-Invoicing Finalization: 55th GST Council meeting; mandatory for ₹5 crore+ turnover from April 1, 2026; completes phased implementation (started at ₹500 crore); 15 lakh additional businesses; curbs tax evasion, improves compliance.
- Significance: GST regime evolution, tax compliance, e-invoicing process, MSME impact, GST Council role, anti-evasion measures.

3. International Relations & Defence

India-Bangladesh Coastal Security Dialogue: 12th edition in Kolkata; Indian Coast Guard and Bangladesh Coast Guard DGs; 4,096 km maritime border; real-time surveillance, unified communication, coordinated patrols; curbs narcotics smuggling, human trafficking; Bay of Bengal disaster response.
- Significance: Neighbourhood policy, coastal security cooperation, trans-border crime prevention, Bay of Bengal strategic importance, bilateral security architecture.
India Condemns UN HQ Attack: Attack near UN Headquarters New York (October 29); 15 deaths, 50+ injuries; MEA statement by Randhir Jaiswal; calls for Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) adoption.
- Significance: India’s counter-terrorism stance, global terrorism framework, CCIT importance, UN security, international institutions as targets.
India-UK Academic Degree Recognition MoU: Signed in London; mutual recognition of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees; exceptions: medicine, engineering, law (special mechanisms); benefits 1.5 lakh+ Indian students/professionals; India-UK Roadmap 2030 outcome.
- Significance: Bilateral treaties, educational exchange, international mobility, human capital development, soft power diplomacy, strategic partnership.

4. Science, Environment & Sports

ISRO Gaganyaan AEOS Deployment: Advanced Earth Observation Satellite payload (250 kg) deployed from Gaganyaan prototype; 400 km altitude; validates deployment mechanism for future manned missions; 6-month trial; high-resolution imagery capability.
- Significance: Gaganyaan mission progress, payload deployment technology, manned spaceflight preparation, satellite constellation launches, technological readiness.
CSIR Fluoride-Sorb Technology: Cost-effective water purification; reduces fluoride to <1.0 mg/L; processes 10,000 litres/day; ₹0.05/litre cost; pilot in Telangana; uses indigenous absorbent; addresses Fluorosis; PPP commercialization.
- Significance: Public health solutions, CSIR research role, water contamination (fluoride), Fluorosis prevention, affordable technology, rural health challenges.
New Drone Regulations: MoCA amendments to Drone Rules 2021; 30% renewable energy mandatory in manufacturing for drones >2 kg; effective April 2026; ₹5 lakh fine for non-compliance; aligns with non-fossil fuel capacity goals.
- Significance: Technology policy, sustainable manufacturing, environmental regulations, Drone Shakti initiative, green manufacturing practices, climate action integration.
Sunil Chhetri Retirement: 20-year career ends; 94 international goals in 150 matches; third-highest active global scorer; India’s most-capped player and highest goal-scorer; debut 2005; 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, multiple SAFF Championships.
- Significance: Sports achievements, important personalities, Indian football legacy, international sporting records, career milestones.
Deepa Malik Elected PCA Vice-President: Paralympic Committee of Asia VP; elected in Kuala Lumpur; 70% vote majority; 2016 Rio Paralympics silver (shot put F53); President of Paralympic Committee of India; oversees 44 member countries.
- Significance: International appointments, para-sports leadership, India’s global sports diplomacy, disability sports development, PCA organizational structure.
Asian Junior Boxing Championship: Amman, Jordan; 15 medals (4 Gold, 5 Silver, 6 Bronze); third in overall tally; Akash Kumar (57kg) and Aisha Khan (48kg) gold medalists; 25+ countries; SAI preparation support ₹50 lakh+.
- Significance: International junior sports achievements, boxing talent depth, SAI training programs, medal winners’ names, tournament specifics.

5. Appointments & Others

Preeti Sudan NFC Chairperson: Retired IFS officer; National Forest Commission Chairperson; 3-year term; former Union Health Secretary; NFC established 2003; reviews forest policy; current forest cover 24.6%; sustainable forest management mandate.
- Significance: Environmental governance appointments, NFC statutory body role, forest policy formulation, bureaucratic expertise in policy.
Lt. Gen. Ashok Kumar BRO DG: 35th Director General of Border Roads Organisation; Corps of Engineers officer; Ministry of Defence agency; maintains 60,000+ km border roads; mandate: complete 1,500 km ICBR Project; operates at 15,000+ feet altitudes.
- Significance: Defence appointments, BRO strategic importance, border infrastructure, national security, India-China border roads, high-altitude operations.
World Thrift Day 2025: October 30; theme “Save Today, Secure Your Future”; established 1924 (Milan, Italy Congress); promoted by Finance Ministry and RBI; India’s gross domestic savings ~30% of GDP; financial literacy focus.
- Significance: Important days, financial literacy, savings awareness, economic discipline, banking sector promotion, youth/rural focus.

📚 Stay consistent. Stay informed. Stay ahead.

💪 Your daily dose of exam-ready current affairs.