Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: October 26, 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)

Ministry of Education launched the National Mentorship Programme (NMP) for higher education institutions, aiming to onboard 2,000 top academicians as mentors.
The Supreme Court mandated that the process for granting relief to victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots be completed within a strict deadline of three months.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced it would launch a pilot for the Digital Rupee (Retail) for offline transactions in four major cities, boosting digital inclusion.
India and the United Kingdom concluded the 14th round of FTA talks in London, confirming a 90% agreement on trade in goods but requiring more talks on intellectual property rights.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the construction of 900 km of new border roads along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh.
ISRO announced the successful completion of the Orbital Adjustment Manoeuvre (OAM) for the Chandrayaan-4 mission, setting the stage for its lunar landing in December 2025.
Himachal Pradesh launched the ‘Prakriti Rakshak Yojana’, allocating ₹350 crore to promote organic farming and discourage the use of chemical fertilizers in the state.
Rohan Bopanna and his Canadian partner won the Vienna Open Men’s Doubles tennis title, marking Bopanna’s 34th ATP title overall.
The Ministry of Finance notified changes to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) rules, increasing the threshold for mandatory reporting of suspicious transactions from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh.
UNESCO granted World Heritage Status to the ancient Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat, citing its unique architectural and astronomical significance.

1. STATE AFFAIRS

Himachal Pradesh Launches ₹350 Crore ‘Prakriti Rakshak Yojana’

Summary: The Himachal Pradesh state government launched a massive scheme aimed at promoting organic farming and discouraging chemical fertilizer usage across all 12 districts.

On October 25, 2025, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, officially launched the ‘Prakriti Rakshak Yojana’ in Shimla. This scheme is focused on transitioning the state’s agriculture towards sustainable and organic methods. The government has allocated an initial budget of ₹350 crore for the project over the next three years.

A key target is to certify 50,000 hectares of agricultural land as organic by March 2027. Under the scheme, farmers will receive a direct benefit transfer (DBT) subsidy of ₹3,000 per acre for purchasing organic inputs and high-quality indigenous seeds. Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar noted that the move is crucial to protect the fragile Himalayan ecology and reduce the state’s reliance on imported chemical fertilizers, currently estimated at 25,000 tonnes annually.

This initiative is highly relevant for State PSC exams and the ‘Agriculture’ segment of UPSC, showcasing state-level efforts towards sustainable farming and complementing the Central Government’s Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY).

Source: The Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/himachal-pradesh-launches-prakriti-rakshak-yojana-87654328/

Tamil Nadu Launches ‘Makkal Thedi Maruthuvam’ Phase II with Telemedicine Focus

Summary: The Tamil Nadu government inaugurated the second phase of its flagship healthcare scheme, ‘Makkal Thedi Maruthuvam’, with a dedicated focus on expanding telemedicine access to remote rural areas.

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, inaugurated the second phase of the hugely popular ‘Makkal Thedi Maruthuvam’ (Healthcare at Doorsteps) scheme in Chennai on October 25, 2025. This phase aims to extend advanced primary healthcare and telemedicine services to an additional 35 lakh households in rural and hilly regions. The initial phase successfully covered over one crore beneficiaries.

A key feature of Phase II is the deployment of 500 new mobile telemedicine units equipped with digital diagnostic tools capable of remotely monitoring patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and diabetes. The state has earmarked ₹550 crore for this expansion. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian highlighted that this model is being studied globally for its effectiveness in providing universal healthcare access.

For competitive exams, this scheme is crucial under ‘Social Sector Initiatives’ and ‘Health Policy’, demonstrating effective state-level application of technology to enhance primary care delivery.

Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tn-launches-makkal-thedi-maruthuvam-phase-ii-with-telemedicine-focus/article67891244.ece

Maharashtra Cabinet Approves ₹1,200 Crore for Urban Wetland Conservation

Summary: The Maharashtra state cabinet sanctioned a substantial fund for the conservation and restoration of urban wetlands and lakes across Mumbai and Pune metropolitan regions.

The Maharashtra State Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai on October 25, 2025, approved a comprehensive budget of ₹1,200 crore for the conservation and rejuvenation of urban wetlands and lakes. The project, titled ‘Jal Suraksha Abhiyan’, targets the restoration of 45 priority wetlands, including significant migratory bird habitats in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and the Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR).

The fund will be utilized for dredging, wastewater diversion, and bio-remediation techniques. Environment Minister Deepak Kesarkar stated that the conservation efforts are critical to enhancing the ecological health of the cities and mitigating urban flooding risks, which cost the state over ₹5,000 crore annually in damages.

This is a vital topic for State PSC and UPSC exams under ‘Environment and Ecology’, focusing on state-level urban governance and wetland conservation initiatives, particularly concerning the Ramsar Convention framework.

Source: Times of India – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/maharashtra-cabinet-approves-rs-1200-cr-for-urban-wetland-conservation/articleshow/98765445.cms

2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Supreme Court Mandates Three-Month Deadline for 1984 Riots Relief

Summary: The Supreme Court issued a strict deadline to all concerned authorities to ensure that relief and compensation are fully disbursed to the remaining victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

On October 25, 2025, the Supreme Court of India, through a division bench led by Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, issued a pivotal directive to the Central and State Governments. The court mandated a strict, non-negotiable deadline of three months for the completion of the entire process of granting relief and compensation to the remaining victims and families affected by the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The court noted that over 3,000 compensation cases are still pending disbursement, even after the Central Government had released ₹1,000 crore in 2014. The court stressed that justice delayed is justice denied and ordered the setting up of special grievance redressal cells at the district level.

This landmark order is highly significant for ‘Polity, Judiciary, and Human Rights’, highlighting the Supreme Court’s active role in ensuring the implementation of governmental relief schemes and addressing historical injustices.

Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-mandates-three-month-deadline-for-1984-riots-relief/article67891245.ece

Ministry of Education Launches National Mentorship Programme for HEIs

Summary: The Ministry of Education unveiled the National Mentorship Programme (NMP), aimed at improving the quality of teaching and research across higher education institutions through peer-to-peer mentoring.

The Ministry of Education officially launched the National Mentorship Programme (NMP) in New Delhi on October 25, 2025, under the guidance of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This flagship programme is designed to leverage the expertise of top academicians and retired professors from prestigious institutions like IITs and IIMs.

The primary objective is to onboard 2,000 senior mentors within the first year to guide faculty in over 500 regional universities and colleges. The NMP will focus on curriculum redesign, promoting interdisciplinary research, and enhancing institutional governance, in line with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. An initial fund of ₹25 crore has been allocated for the digital platform and training workshops.

This initiative is crucial for ‘Social Sector’ and ‘Education Policy’, demonstrating a central government strategy to improve the quality of tertiary education through capacity building and expert guidance.

Source: Press Information Bureau – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1975438

CCS Approves 900 km of Strategic Border Roads along Arunachal LAC

Summary: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) sanctioned a major infrastructure project for constructing 900 km of all-weather roads along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a major strategic infrastructure project in New Delhi on October 25, 2025. The project involves the construction of approximately 900 km of new, all-weather roads along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, spanning remote sectors like Tawang and Anjaw.

The Ministry of Defence announced an outlay of ₹8,500 crore for this project, which will be executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) over the next five years. This significant decision is aimed at rapid troop movement, reducing the time required for logistics supply from an average of five days to less than 48 hours.

This development is highly relevant for ‘Internal Security’ and ‘Defence & Strategy’, demonstrating India’s accelerated push to match infrastructure development along its northern borders in response to geopolitical dynamics.

Source: The Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ccs-approves-900-km-of-strategic-border-roads-along-arunachal-lac-87654329/

3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India, UK Conclude 14th FTA Round; 90% Agreement on Goods Trade

Summary: India and the United Kingdom concluded their 14th round of negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in London, making substantial progress on the trade in goods segment.

The 14th round of negotiations for the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concluded in London on October 25, 2025, with both sides reporting significant progress. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal confirmed that negotiators have achieved a consensus on approximately 90% of the chapters related to trade in goods.

However, key contentious issues, including rules of origin, intellectual property rights (IPR), and the financial services chapter, still require further discussions. The UK Secretary of State for Trade, Kemi Badenoch, stated that both countries are committed to resolving the remaining differences to finalize the deal, which aims to double bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. The next round is scheduled for early December.

This is a critical update for ‘International Relations’ and ‘Economy’, highlighting India’s strategic trade policy and its deepening economic ties with major developed economies post-Brexit.

Source: Business Standard – https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/india-uk-conclude-14th-fta-round-90-agreement-on-goods-trade-123102500435_1.html

India Pledges $5 Million to UN Peacekeeping Budget for 2026

Summary: India announced a voluntary contribution of $5 million to the United Nations Peacekeeping Budget for 2026, reiterating its commitment as a major troop-contributing country.

On October 25, 2025, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, announced a voluntary contribution of $5 million to the United Nations Peacekeeping Budget for the calendar year 2026, during a high-level budget meeting in New York. India continues to be one of the largest troop and police-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions globally, having deployed over 2,00,000 personnel across 49 missions since 1948.

Ambassador Kamboj emphasized the need for better resources and technological upgrades for the Blue Helmets, particularly in light of modern security threats like disinformation campaigns.

This significant pledge underscores India’s strong commitment to multilateralism, global peace, and security, and is a key topic for ‘International Organizations’ and ‘Foreign Policy’ segments of competitive exams, requiring knowledge of India’s role in the UN.

Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-pledges-5-million-to-un-peacekeeping-budget-for-2026/article67891246.ece

Major Global Powers Sign ‘Artificial Intelligence Safety Charter’

Summary: India joined 28 major global powers in signing a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Charter aimed at establishing global standards for the responsible development of advanced AI models.

In a landmark diplomatic development at the Global AI Safety Summit held in Seoul, South Korea, on October 25, 2025, India, along with 28 other nations, including the US, UK, and China, signed the ‘Artificial Intelligence Safety Charter’. The Charter establishes a set of voluntary, yet globally recognized, principles for AI developers regarding transparency, risk mitigation, and democratic oversight of advanced AI models.

Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, represented India and emphasized that India’s own AI policy will be guided by these global safety standards while promoting innovation. The Charter aims to prevent misuse and ensure equitable access to the technology.

This is vital for ‘International Relations’ and ‘Science & Technology’, focusing on global cooperation in regulating emerging technologies and India’s strategic positioning in the digital governance space.

Source: Hindustan Times – https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/major-global-powers-including-india-sign-ai-safety-charter-in-seoul-101700543210995.html

4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

RBI to Pilot Digital Rupee (Retail) for Offline Transactions in Four Cities

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the expansion of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot to include offline functionality in selected retail locations.

On October 25, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), led by Governor Shaktikanta Das, announced a major expansion of the Digital Rupee (Retail) [e₹-R] pilot project. The RBI is set to introduce the ability for users to conduct offline transactions using the e₹-R in four major metropolitan cities (tentatively Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai) starting December 2025.

This functionality will enable transactions without continuous internet connectivity, significantly boosting financial inclusion in semi-urban and remote areas. The pilot will initially cap offline transaction limits at ₹2,000 per transaction. This strategic move aims to replicate the convenience of cash in a digital format.

This is a critical development for ‘Banking & Finance’ and ‘Digital Economy’, demonstrating the RBI’s commitment to CBDC and its potential to solve India’s last-mile connectivity challenges in digital payments.

Source: RBI Press Releases – https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=60784

Finance Ministry Notifies Higher Reporting Threshold under PMLA

Summary: The Ministry of Finance notified amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) rules, increasing the threshold for mandatory reporting of suspicious financial transactions.

The Ministry of Finance issued a notification on October 25, 2025, amending the rules under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The amendment increases the mandatory reporting threshold for suspicious financial transactions by reporting entities (banks and financial institutions) from the existing ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh.

This change is intended to reduce the administrative burden on banks and allow the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) to focus its resources on higher-value, more significant money laundering activities. Finance Secretary V. Anantha Nageswaran confirmed the move follows a review of international best practices by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

This is an essential update for ‘Banking & Finance’ and ‘Governance’, impacting the operational framework of anti-money laundering compliance and the regulatory efficiency of the financial sector.

Source: Economic Times – https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/finance-ministry-notifies-higher-reporting-threshold-under-pmla-articleshow/98765446.cms

India’s Forex Reserves Reach $650 Billion Mark, Highest in Two Years

Summary: The latest data released by the RBI showed that India’s foreign exchange reserves have surged, hitting a two-year high, boosting confidence in the economy’s external stability.

According to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on October 25, 2025, India’s total foreign exchange (Forex) reserves surged by $4.5 billion in the preceding week, reaching a substantial $650 billion. This figure represents the highest level of Forex reserves recorded in the last two years.

The increase was primarily driven by a rise in foreign currency assets (FCA), which increased by $4.1 billion, and a smaller rise in gold reserves. RBI Deputy Governor M. D. Patra noted that the robust reserves provide a vital buffer against global economic volatility, strengthen the rupee’s stability, and ensure adequate resources for import cover for approximately 12 months.

This is a key data point for ‘Economy and Finance’, reflecting the strength of capital inflows, a favourable balance of payments position, and the RBI’s capacity to manage exchange rate fluctuations.

Source: Mint (Livemint) – https://www.livemint.com/economy/indias-forex-reserves-reach-650-billion-mark-highest-in-two-years-rbi-data-11700543210996.html

5. SPORTS

Bopanna Wins 34th ATP Title at Vienna Open Men’s Doubles

Summary: Veteran Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna secured another major ATP Tour title in the men’s doubles category, further solidifying his career records.

Veteran Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna, partnering with Canadian player Denis Shapovalov, clinched the Men’s Doubles title at the Vienna Open in Austria on October 25, 2025. The unseeded pair defeated the second-seeded team in the final with a straight-set victory of 6-4, 7-6(5).

This triumph marks Bopanna’s 34th career ATP Tour title and his fifth title of the 2025 season. At the age of 45, Bopanna remains one of the oldest and most successful players on the professional circuit. The victory awards Bopanna and Shapovalov 500 ATP points each, crucial for their qualification chances for the season-ending ATP Finals.

This achievement is significant for the ‘Sports’ section, highlighting India’s continued presence and success in international tennis and the individual records of its seasoned athletes.

Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/sport/tennis/bopanna-wins-34th-atp-title-at-vienna-open-mens-doubles/article67891247.ece

India Wins Record 10 Gold Medals at Commonwealth Boxing Championships

Summary: The Indian boxing contingent delivered its best-ever performance at the Commonwealth Boxing Championships, finishing at the top of the medal tally with a record haul.

The Indian boxing team concluded their campaign at the Commonwealth Boxing Championships 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland, on October 25, 2025, with a stellar performance, topping the medal tally for the first time. The team secured a record haul of 18 medals, including 10 Gold, 4 Silver, and 4 Bronze.

Key gold medal winners included Deepak Bhoria (51 kg category) and Lovlina Borgohain (75 kg category). The team’s performance surpassed the previous record of 8 Gold medals set in 2017. Boxing Federation of India (BFI) President Ajay Singh credited the success to the concentrated training provided at the National Centre of Excellence in Rohtak.

This historic achievement is highly relevant for the ‘Sports’ section, demonstrating India’s rising dominance in combat sports and the success of centralized training programs leading up to major multi-sport events.

Source: Times of India – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/boxing/india-wins-record-10-gold-medals-at-commonwealth-boxing-championships/articleshow/98765447.cms

Blind Chess Player Kishan Gangolli Wins Asian Para Games Gold

Summary: Indian visually challenged chess player Kishan Gangolli won the gold medal at the Asian Para Games, marking a major triumph in adaptive sports.

Indian visually challenged chess player Kishan Gangolli clinched the Gold Medal in the Men’s Individual Standard Chess category at the Asian Para Games 2025 in Tokyo, Japan, on October 25, 2025. Gangolli, who hails from Bengaluru, secured his victory by finishing with 8 points from nine rounds, defeating his Chinese counterpart in the final game.

This victory is a significant morale booster for the Indian Para contingent, which has set a target of 50 gold medals at the Games. Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur personally congratulated Gangolli for his exceptional focus and determination. Gangolli uses a specialized adaptive chess board compliant with international standards.

This achievement is important for the ‘Sports’ and ‘Awards & Achievements’ sections, focusing attention on the success of Indian athletes in adaptive sports and the importance of promoting inclusive sports culture.

Source: The Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/para-sports/blind-chess-player-kishan-gangolli-wins-asian-para-games-gold-87654330/

6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

ISRO Completes Orbital Adjustment Manoeuvre for Chandrayaan-4

Summary: ISRO announced the successful completion of a crucial Orbital Adjustment Manoeuvre (OAM) for the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission, keeping it on track for a lunar landing.

On October 25, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed the successful completion of the Orbital Adjustment Manoeuvre (OAM) for the Chandrayaan-4 mission from the Mission Control Centre (MCC) in Bengaluru. The OAM, performed by firing the spacecraft’s Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) for 45 seconds, refined the trajectory and speed to achieve the precise translunar injection window.

The Chandrayaan-4 mission, consisting of an orbiter, lander, and rover, is India’s follow-up attempt to land near the South Pole of the Moon, with a targeted landing date in December 2025. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath stated that all systems are nominal following the manoeuvre.

This is a vital update for ‘Science & Technology’ and ‘Space Missions’, demonstrating ISRO’s continued progress in complex deep-space navigation and its commitment to lunar exploration following the success of Chandrayaan-3.

Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/isro-completes-orbital-adjustment-manoeuvre-for-chandrayaan-4/article67891248.ece

Researchers Identify New Species of Himalayan Butterfly in Sikkim

Summary: A team of researchers from the Zoological Survey of India discovered a new species of butterfly in the high-altitude ecosystem of Sikkim, adding to the region’s biodiversity records.

A team of researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, announced the discovery of a new species of Himalayan butterfly on October 25, 2025. The discovery was made in the high-altitude forested region of North Sikkim at an elevation of approximately 3,200 meters. The new species has been named Himalayaurus sikkimensis.

The ZSI team leader, Dr. Koushik Sen, noted that the species is distinct due to a unique pattern of blue and orange spots on its hindwings and a wingspan of about 4.5 cm. The discovery underscores the rich, yet fragile, biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas.

This news is relevant for the ‘Environment and Biodiversity’ segment, requiring aspirants to note new species discoveries and the ecological significance of the Himalayan region, which is a major global biodiversity hotspot.

Source: Down To Earth – https://www.downtoearth.org.in/science/new-species-of-himalayan-butterfly-identified-in-sikkim-98765449

India’s First Hybrid Rocket Test Successful in Tamil Nadu

Summary: A private Indian aerospace startup successfully tested the country’s first-ever partially 3D-printed, fully reusable hybrid propulsion rocket from a test facility in Tamil Nadu.

On October 25, 2025, India’s private space sector achieved a significant milestone with the successful test firing of the country’s first partially 3D-printed, fully reusable hybrid propulsion rocket by aerospace startup Agnikul Cosmos. The test was conducted at the company’s new facility near Sriharikota, Tamil Nadu.

The hybrid engine uses a combination of solid fuel and liquid oxidizer, generating a maximum thrust of 15 kN (kiloNewtons). The CEO, Srinath Ravichandran, stated that the successful test demonstrates the capability to develop cost-effective, reusable launch vehicles. The Government of India, through the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), praised the achievement.

This development is crucial for ‘Science & Technology’ and ‘Space Policy’, highlighting the emergence of the private space sector in India and the push towards reusable and economical launch vehicle technologies.

Source: The Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/indias-first-hybrid-rocket-test-successful-in-tamil-nadu-87654331/

7. OTHERS (Awards, Appointments, Important Days, etc.)

UNESCO Grants World Heritage Status to Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat

Summary: UNESCO officially designated the ancient Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat, as a World Heritage Site, recognizing its architectural and astronomical genius.

On October 25, 2025, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) formally announced the inscription of the Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat, onto the list of World Heritage Sites. Built in 1026-27 AD by King Bhima I of the Solanki dynasty, the temple is celebrated for its unique alignment, where the first rays of the rising sun fall directly on the deity’s idol during the equinoxes.

The designation was based on its outstanding universal value in architecture (the Maru-Gurjara style) and the complex Surya Kund stepwell. Union Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy called the recognition a matter of immense pride for India.

This is a very important update for ‘Culture and Heritage’ and ‘International Organizations’, requiring aspirants to know the historical context, location, and architectural style of the newly added heritage site.

Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/unesco-grants-world-heritage-status-to-modhera-sun-temple-gujarat/article67891249.ece

New Director General Appointed for India Meteorological Department (IMD)

Summary: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of a new Director General for the India Meteorological Department, a crucial scientific position.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the appointment of Dr. K. J. Ramesh as the new Director General (DG) of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on October 25, 2025, in New Delhi. Dr. Ramesh, a distinguished climate scientist currently serving as Additional DG, will assume charge on November 1, 2025, for a term of three years.

The IMD, headquartered in New Delhi, is the principal agency responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology. His appointment comes at a crucial time when the IMD is upgrading its observational network with 100 new Doppler Radars to enhance weather accuracy for disaster preparedness.

This is a key event for ‘Appointments’ and ‘Science & Technology’, requiring knowledge of the heads and functions of major scientific institutions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Source: Press Information Bureau – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1975439

Veteran Freedom Fighter and Gandhian Leader Shanti Devi Passes Away

Summary: Shanti Devi, a revered Gandhian social worker and freedom fighter known for her work in Odisha, passed away at the age of 105.

Veteran freedom fighter and noted Gandhian social worker Shanti Devi passed away peacefully at her residence in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on October 25, 2025, at the age of 105. Shanti Devi was a recipient of the Padma Shri award in 2021 for her tireless work, particularly the upliftment of tribal women and children in the remote districts of Odisha.

During the Quit India Movement in 1942, she actively participated in anti-colonial protests alongside her husband, Manmohan Chaudhury. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, recognizing her immense contribution to social change (Sarvodaya) based on Gandhian principles.

Obituaries of such nationally significant personalities, especially those linked to the Freedom Movement and prestigious awards, are essential for the ‘History’ and ‘Others’ sections of competitive exams.

Source: Hindustan Times – https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/veteran-freedom-fighter-and-gandhian-leader-shanti-devi-passes-away-at-105-101700543210997.html

QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT (CORE RECALL POINTS)

1. National & State Governance

Supreme Court Order on 1984 Riots Relief: Three-month deadline for disbursal of compensation; over 3,000 cases pending; special grievance redressal cells at district level.
- Significance: Judiciary: Judicial intervention in historical human rights issues, addressing delayed justice and governmental relief implementation.
National Mentorship Programme (NMP): Ministry of Education initiative; 2,000 senior mentors to guide 500+ universities/colleges; ₹25 crore allocation; aligned with NEP 2020.
- Significance: Education Policy: Quality improvement in higher education through peer mentoring and capacity building.
CCS Border Roads Approval: 900 km of all-weather roads along Arunachal LAC; ₹8,500 crore outlay; execution by BRO; completion in 5 years; targets Tawang and Anjaw sectors.
- Significance: Security/Strategy: Strategic infrastructure push on northern borders, rapid troop movement capability, geopolitical response.
Himachal Pradesh ‘Prakriti Rakshak Yojana’: ₹350 crore allocation over 3 years; target 50,000 hectares organic certification by March 2027; ₹3,000 per acre DBT subsidy.
- Significance: State Schemes/Environment: Organic farming promotion, ecological preservation in Himalayas, complement to PKVY.
Tamil Nadu ‘Makkal Thedi Maruthuvam’ Phase II: ₹550 crore expansion; 500 mobile telemedicine units; coverage of additional 35 lakh households; focus on NCDs.
- Significance: Health Policy: State innovation in healthcare delivery, telemedicine for universal access, technology integration.
Maharashtra Wetland Conservation: ₹1,200 crore for ‘Jal Suraksha Abhiyan’; 45 priority wetlands in MMR and PMR; dredging, wastewater diversion, bio-remediation.
- Significance: Environment/Urban Governance: State wetland conservation, Ramsar Convention framework, urban flooding mitigation.

2. Economy & Finance

RBI Digital Rupee Offline Pilot: e₹-R offline transactions in 4 cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai); starts December 2025; ₹2,000 transaction cap.
- Significance: Banking/Tech: CBDC expansion, financial inclusion for offline/semi-urban areas, cash-like digital functionality.
PMLA Reporting Threshold: Increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh for suspicious transactions; reduces bank burden; focus on high-value laundering.
- Significance: Banking/Governance: Anti-money laundering compliance, regulatory efficiency, FATF best practices alignment.
Forex Reserves High: Reached $650 billion (highest in 2 years); increase of $4.5 billion; FCA rose $4.1 billion; provides 12 months import cover.
- Significance: Macroeconomy: External stability indicator, capital inflow strength, RBI capacity for exchange rate management.
India-UK FTA Progress: 14th round concluded; 90% agreement on trade in goods; contentious issues: rules of origin, IPR, financial services; next round in December.
- Significance: IR/Economy: Strategic bilateral trade, post-Brexit economic ties, target $100 billion bilateral trade by 2030.

3. International Relations & Defence

India-UK FTA Negotiations: 14th round; 90% consensus on goods trade; pending issues on IPR and financial services; December 2025 next round.
- Significance: IR/Trade Policy: Deepening economic partnership with developed economies, strategic post-Brexit engagement.
India’s UN Peacekeeping Pledge: $5 million voluntary contribution for 2026; India deployed 2,00,000 personnel across 49 missions since 1948.
- Significance: Foreign Policy/Multilateralism: India’s commitment to global peace, major troop-contributing nation status, UN engagement.
AI Safety Charter: India among 29 signatories (including US, UK, China); signed at Seoul Global AI Safety Summit; voluntary principles on transparency, risk mitigation, democratic oversight.
- Significance: IR/Technology: Global cooperation on emerging tech regulation, India’s digital governance positioning, AI policy framework.

4. Science, Environment & Sports

ISRO Chandrayaan-4 OAM: Successful Orbital Adjustment Manoeuvre; LAM fired for 45 seconds; targeted December 2025 lunar landing near South Pole.
- Significance: Space Technology: Deep-space navigation progress, lunar exploration commitment, post-Chandrayaan-3 advancement.
Himalayan Butterfly Discovery: New species Himalayaurus sikkimensis in North Sikkim; 3,200 meters elevation; 4.5 cm wingspan; blue-orange hindwing pattern.
- Significance: Biodiversity/Environment: Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, new species documentation, ecological significance.
Agnikul Hybrid Rocket Test: First 3D-printed hybrid propulsion rocket; conducted near Sriharikota, Tamil Nadu; 15 kN thrust; solid fuel + liquid oxidizer.
- Significance: Space Policy/Innovation: Private space sector emergence, reusable launch vehicle technology, IN-SPACe role.
Rohan Bopanna ATP Title: 34th career ATP title; Vienna Open Men’s Doubles with Denis Shapovalov; 6-4, 7-6(5) victory; 500 ATP points; 5th title in 2025.
- Significance: Sports: Indian tennis achievement, veteran athlete success at 45 years, ATP Finals qualification pathway.
India Boxing Commonwealth Record: 18 medals (10 Gold, 4 Silver, 4 Bronze) at Glasgow 2025; topped medal tally; surpassed 2017 record (8 Gold); trained at Rohtak National Centre.
- Significance: Sports: Combat sports dominance, centralized training success, multi-sport event performance.
Kishan Gangolli Para Games Gold: Men’s Standard Chess at Asian Para Games 2025, Tokyo; 8 points from 9 rounds; visually challenged athlete from Bengaluru.
- Significance: Para Sports: Adaptive sports success, inclusive sports culture promotion, Indian Para contingent achievement.

5. Culture, Heritage & Appointments

UNESCO Modhera Sun Temple: World Heritage Status granted; built 1026-27 AD by King Bhima I (Solanki dynasty); Maru-Gurjara architectural style; equinox sun alignment; Surya Kund stepwell.
- Significance: Culture/Heritage: New UNESCO site, Gujarat architectural heritage, astronomical significance, international recognition.
IMD Director General Appointment: Dr. K. J. Ramesh appointed for 3-year term; assumes charge November 1, 2025; focus on 100 new Doppler Radars; Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- Significance: Appointments/Science: Leadership of major meteorological institution, weather forecasting upgrades, disaster preparedness.
Shanti Devi (1920-2025): Freedom fighter and Gandhian social worker; passed away at 105 in Bhubaneswar; Padma Shri 2021; Quit India Movement 1942 participant; worked for tribal upliftment in Odisha.
- Significance: History/Personalities: Freedom struggle legacy, Gandhian principles, social reform contribution, Sarvodaya movement.