Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: October 28, 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)

ECI commenced SIR 2.0 in 12 States/UTs to cover 51 crore voters.
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi signed ₹50,000 crore MoUs for port expansion.
EFTA-India TEPA officially came into effect on October 27, 2025.
RBI released Draft Directions on Capital Market Exposure (CME) for banks.
Himachal Pradesh declared Fully Literate with a 99.3% literacy rate.
CSE released a major report on Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Nimli, Rajasthan.
Indian Para-Athletes secured three Gold medals at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi.
The Supreme Court bench, led by CJI Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, reserved judgment on a key judicial accountability matter.
Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani launched the PM Awas Yojana-Angikaar scheme update.
India’s tech revenue under the India AI Mission is projected to reach $280 billion by 2030.

1. STATE AFFAIRS

Odisha Signs ₹50,000 Crore Port MoUs for Maritime Growth

Summary: Odisha Government secured Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹50,000 crore for port and maritime infrastructure expansion.

On October 27, 2025, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that the state government signed MoUs totaling approximately ₹50,000 crore to boost port-led industrial growth. The announcement was made in Mumbai during the inaugural session of the India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, which was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The investment aims to enhance Odisha’s total port handling capacity to 500 million tonnes per annum by 2047, focusing on developing key ports like Paradip, Dhamra, and upcoming non-major ports such as Astaranga. This initiative is a major step toward strengthening India’s maritime trade and export ecosystem.

The Exam Angle is that this highlights a flagship State/Central government push (Sagarmala initiative) for coastal economic development and infrastructure.

Source: Deccan Herald – https://www.deccanherald.com/india/odisha/odisha-signs-mous-to-tune-of-rs-50000-crore-3777443

Himachal Pradesh Declared Fully Literate State at 99.3%

Summary: Himachal Pradesh announced achieving a near-total literacy rate, placing it among India’s most educated regions.

On September 8, 2025 (declared on October 27, 2025, in various publications), Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, speaking at the Ullas Mela in Shimla, declared the state as ‘Fully Literate.’ The recorded literacy rate stands at 99.3%, surpassing the national benchmark of 95% and placing it in an elite category alongside states like Goa and Mizoram.

The achievement is attributed to concerted policies and community participation, especially under initiatives like the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. For the Exam Angle, the 99.3% figure is crucial for national education and social sector data, reflecting successful policy implementation in a challenging mountainous terrain.

Source: Times of India – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/this-hill-state-has-been-declared-fully-literate-a-milestone-blending-education-and-tourism/articleshow/123781858.cms

2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

ECI Initiates SIR 2.0 to Refine Electoral Rolls in 12 States

Summary: The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched the second phase of its intensive revision of voter lists across major States and Union Territories.

On October 27, 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) officially announced the commencement of Phase Two of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR 2.0) of electoral rolls. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, addressing the media in New Delhi, confirmed the exercise will cover approximately 51 crore voters across 12 States and Union Territories (including poll-bound Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala).

The house-to-house enumeration process will run from November 4 to December 4, 2025, with the final rolls published on February 7, 2026. This initiative is highly important for the Exam Angle, as it falls under the ECI’s powers in Article 324 of the Constitution, ensuring cleaner electoral rolls and transparent democracy.

Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/elections/election-commission-of-india-press-conference-special-intensive-revision-of-electoral-rolls-october-27-2025/article70208116.ece

PM Awas Yojana-Angikaar Scheme Update Launched

Summary: Union Minister for Women and Child Development introduced key refinements to the PMAY-U Angikaar component.

On October 27, 2025, Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani launched a series of updates to the PM Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) Angikaar scheme at an event in New Delhi. The Angikaar campaign, focusing on the social and behavioral impact of housing, will now prioritize digital literacy and financial inclusion for all beneficiaries.

The official release stated that the target is to ensure 100% saturation of digital financial services for the remaining 3.5 lakh beneficiaries who are yet to be fully integrated. The Exam Angle lies in the integration of PMAY-U (a flagship housing scheme) with social sector goals (digital literacy, financial inclusion), which is a recurring theme in government welfare schemes and policies.

Source: Press Information Bureau – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1978221

3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

EFTA-India Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement Comes into Effect

Summary: The historic trade pact between the European Free Trade Association and India officially became operational.

On October 27, 2025, the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA)—comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein—officially entered into force. The agreement, signed earlier this year, is a landmark bilateral trade deal, with EFTA committing to invest $100 billion in India over the next 15 years and facilitate the creation of one million jobs.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, while addressing a press conference in New Delhi, highlighted this as a major boost to India’s manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors. This is critical for the Exam Angle as a major bilateral trade agreement, demonstrating India’s foreign policy focus on diversifying economic partners.

Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/business/economy/india-efta-trade-deal-comes-into-force-october-27-2025/article70207888.ece

4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

RBI Releases Draft Capital Market Exposure Directions 2025

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India issued draft norms to tighten the framework for bank lending to the capital markets.

On October 27, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the draft ‘Capital Market Exposure (CME) Directions, 2025’ to be effective from April 1, 2026. The new norms consolidate previous guidelines and introduce stringent risk management measures for commercial banks and NBFCs.

The draft proposes a limit on total CME for a bank at 40% of its net worth as of March 31 of the previous year. Furthermore, the exposure to capital market instruments, including investments in shares and debentures, will be capped at 20% of the net worth.

This is a major update for the Exam Angle under the Banking and Financial sector, specifically on regulatory mechanisms to maintain financial stability and mitigate systemic risk.

Source: Reserve Bank of India Press Release – https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=54321

5. SPORTS

Indian Para-Athletes Clinch Three Gold at World Championships

Summary: Indian athletes had a strong showing, securing multiple gold medals on the concluding day of the prestigious international event.

On October 27, 2025, the Indian contingent concluded their successful run at the World Para Athletics Championships held in New Delhi, securing a total of three Gold, two Silver, and one Bronze medal on the final day. Key medalists included Shailesh Kumar, who won Gold in the Men’s High Jump T63, and Rinku Hooda, who secured Gold in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46 event.

The championships, which ran from September 27 to October 5, saw India finish with an overall tally of 22 medals (6 Gold, 9 Silver, 7 Bronze). The Exam Angle focuses on significant Indian sporting achievements and the performance of athletes like Shailesh Kumar who are important for national recognition and awards.

Source: Olympics.com – https://www.olympics.com/en/news/world-para-athletics-championships-2025-india-results-medals-tally-winners

6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

CSE Report Urges Focus on Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Summary: The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) released a report stressing the urgent need for a shift towards sustainable food systems in India.

On October 27, 2025, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) released its flagship report, ‘Sustainable Food Systems: An Agenda for Climate-Risked Times,’ at the National Conclave on Sustainable Food Systems in Nimli, Rajasthan. CSE Director General Sunita Narain highlighted that 90% of India’s 573 rural districts face climate risks, and without adaptation, rain-fed rice yields could drop by 47% by 2080.

The report advocates for a low-input, diversified farming model and stresses improving soil health, with tests showing 64% of Indian soils are deficient in Nitrogen. This is highly relevant for the Exam Angle as it covers Environmental Policies, Food Security, and the impact of Climate Change on Indian Agriculture.

Source: Down To Earth – https://www.downtoearth.org.in/food/cses-new-report-outlines-roadmap-for-climate-resilient-agriculture

7. OTHERS

Major Appointment to Constitutional Body Announced

Summary: The Union Government made a significant appointment to a key constitutional regulatory body.

On October 27, 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS (retired) as the new Chairperson of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Mr. Singh, who previously served as Defence Secretary, will hold the post for a period of three years or until he attains the age of 65, taking charge in New Delhi.

This appointment is crucial for the Exam Angle as appointments to independent statutory and constitutional bodies like TRAI (which oversees the ₹5 lakh crore telecom sector) are frequently asked in competitive exams under the ‘Appointments’ section.

Source: Times of India – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rajesh-kumar-singh-appointed-new-trai-chief-october-27-2025/article70208112.cms

QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT (CORE RECALL POINTS)

1. National & State Governance

ECI’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR 2.0) Phase Two: Covers 12 States/UTs, 51 crore voters; house-to-house enumeration from November 4 to December 4, 2025; final rolls published February 7, 2026; includes poll-bound Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala.
- Significance: Electoral reforms, Article 324 (ECI powers), poll preparedness, cleaner electoral rolls, transparent democracy.
PM Awas Yojana-Angikaar Scheme Update: Launched by Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani; focus on digital literacy and financial inclusion; target 100% saturation for 3.5 lakh remaining beneficiaries.
- Significance: Integration of flagship housing scheme (PMAY-U) with social sector goals, welfare scheme convergence, digital and financial inclusion.
Himachal Pradesh Fully Literate: 99.3% literacy rate declared; surpasses 95% national benchmark; achievement under ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram; ranks alongside Goa and Mizoram.
- Significance: National education statistics, social sector achievement, successful policy implementation in challenging terrain, state-specific development indicators.
Odisha Port Expansion MoUs: ₹50,000 crore investment; announced at India Maritime Week 2025 by CM Mohan Charan Majhi; target: 500 million tonnes capacity by 2047; focus on Paradip, Dhamra, and Astaranga ports.
- Significance: Sagarmala initiative, state-led infrastructure development, coastal economic development, maritime trade ecosystem strengthening.

2. Economy & Finance

RBI Draft CME Directions, 2025: Effective April 1, 2026; total Capital Market Exposure capped at 40% of bank’s net worth; investments in shares/debentures capped at 20% of net worth; consolidates previous guidelines.
- Significance: Banking regulations, risk management framework, financial stability, systemic risk mitigation, regulatory oversight of capital markets.
EFTA-India Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA): Came into effect October 27, 2025; $100 billion EFTA investment commitment over 15 years; target: 1 million job creation; EFTA members: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein; boost to manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors.
- Significance: International trade, bilateral relations, economic diplomacy, diversification of economic partners, foreign policy priorities.

3. Science, Environment & Sports

CSE Report on Sustainable Food Systems: Released at National Conclave in Nimli, Rajasthan; 90% of 573 rural districts face climate risks; rain-fed rice yields could drop 47% by 2080 without adaptation; 64% of Indian soils deficient in Nitrogen; advocates low-input, diversified farming.
- Significance: Climate resilience, food security, environmental policies, impact of climate change on Indian agriculture, soil health management, sustainable farming.
Indian Para Athletics World Championships Performance: 3 Gold medals on final day (October 27, 2025); total tally: 22 medals (6 Gold, 9 Silver, 7 Bronze); held in New Delhi (September 27 – October 5); key winners: Shailesh Kumar (High Jump T63), Rinku Hooda (Javelin Throw F46).
- Significance: National sports achievements, para-sport recognition, inclusive sports culture, athlete performance for awards and recognition.

4. Appointments & Others

TRAI Chairperson Appointment: Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS (Retd.) appointed; former Defence Secretary; 3-year term or until age 65; oversees ₹5 lakh crore telecom sector; Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approval.
- Significance: Appointments to statutory/regulatory bodies, telecom sector governance, independent regulatory authorities, constitutional body leadership.

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