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Maria Corina Machado Wins 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

On 10 October 2025, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering commitment to promoting democracy and leading a peaceful transition from dictatorship in Venezuela. The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised her for keeping the spirit of democratic resistance alive despite political persecution and threats.

Machado, founder of the electoral watchdog Súmate and a former member of Venezuela’s National Assembly, has been a central figure in organizing peaceful protests and advocating for civil liberties. Her recognition highlights the global importance of non-violent activism and democratic resilience in the face of authoritarianism.

The award ceremony will take place on 10 December 2025 in Oslo, Norway.

Israel and Hamas Sign First Phase of Peace Plan

On 9 October 2025, Israel and Hamas signed the first phase of a landmark peace agreement aimed at ending a two-year war that has devastated Gaza and strained regional stability. The deal, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States, includes:

  • Release of 20 Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners
  • Israeli troop withdrawal to a designated line within Gaza
  • Humanitarian aid: 400 trucks per day allowed into Gaza for the first five days
  • Framework for future negotiations on governance, disarmament, and reconstruction

The agreement was signed in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, and hailed by leaders as a breakthrough. While critical issues remain unresolved, the deal marks a hopeful step toward lasting peace in the region.

Hungarian Writer László Krasznahorkai Wins 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature

Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature for his “compelling and visionary works that reaffirm the power of art amid apocalyptic terror.”

Born in Gyula, Hungary (1954), Krasznahorkai is celebrated for his long, philosophical, and complex prose, often exploring despair, chaos, and the search for meaning.

His major works include:

  • Satantango (1985)
  • The Melancholy of Resistance (1989)
  • War and War (1999)
  • Seiobo There Below (2008)
  • Baron Wenckheim’s Homecoming (2016)

World Mental Health Day 2025

World Mental Health Day is observed every year on 10 October to raise awareness and promote global action for mental well-being. The 2025 theme — “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” — focuses on ensuring mental health support for people affected by conflicts, displacement, natural disasters, and health crises.

The day was first initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992 and is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). It reminds us that mental health is essential to overall health and that stigma must be reduced through awareness and care.

Research shows that 1 in 5 people may experience mental health issues during or after emergencies. However, only 2% of global health budgets are dedicated to mental health, limiting access to crucial care.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s India Visit 2025 – A New Era of India–UK Partnership

From October 8–9, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made his first official visit to India, marking a significant step forward in India–UK bilateral relations. The visit, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused on strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership under the Vision 2035 Roadmap, covering areas such as trade, defence, climate, energy, education, and innovation.

Starmer led the UK’s largest-ever trade delegation of over 100 leaders, promoting the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which aims to remove tariffs on 90% of goods and boost trade by £25.5 billion annually. Both leaders also launched the Technology Security Initiative (TSI) to collaborate on AI, quantum computing, biotech, and critical minerals.

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 – Awarded for Developing Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)

On October 8, 2025, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa (Japan), Richard Robson (Australia), and Omar M. Yaghi (United States) for their pioneering development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) — molecular structures with large internal spaces that allow gases and chemicals to pass through.

Their discovery has revolutionized materials science, enabling applications in gas storage, catalysis, and environmental purification. Each laureate will receive an equal share of the 11 million Swedish kronor prize.

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) Inauguration

On October 8, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), marking a major milestone in India’s aviation infrastructure. Built at Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, with an investment of ₹19,650 crore, the project is developed under a PPP model by Adani Airports Holdings Ltd (74%) and CIDCO (26%).

Phase 1 of NMIA can handle 20 million passengers and 0.8 million metric tonnes of cargo annually, supporting up to 380 flights per day. The lotus-inspired design by Zaha Hadid Architects features advanced sustainability elements like 47 MW solar power, Sustainable Aviation Fuel storage, and electric mobility solutions.

NMIA offers multimodal connectivity through road, rail, metro, and water taxi links, and includes an Automated People Mover (APM) for terminal transfers. It will operate alongside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), making Mumbai India’s first dual-airport city.

Indian Air Force Day 2025 – 93rd Anniversary Celebrations at Hindon Air Base

On October 8, 2025, India celebrated the 93rd Air Force Day at Hindon Air Base, Ghaziabad, honoring the courage, legacy, and advanced capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The theme for 2025, “Operation Sindoor,” highlighted the IAF’s decisive role in protecting national security through successful air strikes after the Pahalgam attack.

The event featured a grand parade, flypast showcasing aircraft like Rafale, Su-30MKI, MiG-29, Apache, and C-17 Globemaster, and a farewell to the MiG-21 Bison after six decades of service. Indigenous systems like Netra AEW&C and Akash Missile System were also displayed.

The IAF, founded on October 8, 1932, continues to embody its motto “नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्” (“Touch the Sky with Glory”), symbolizing strength, precision, and unwavering dedication to the nation.

Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 – Quantum Physics on a Chip

On 7 October 2025, American scientists John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for their pioneering experiments demonstrating quantum physics on a chip.

Their work proved that quantum effects like tunnelling and energy quantisation can occur in macroscopic electrical circuits, advancing the development of quantum computers, sensors, and cryptography.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded them 11 million Swedish kronor, recognizing their contribution as a major milestone in modern quantum technology and physics research.

Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi Win 2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine for Discovery of Regulatory T Cells

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell (both from the USA), and Shimon Sakaguchi (Japan) for their groundbreaking discovery on peripheral immune tolerance.

The Nobel Committee announced the award on 6th October 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden, recognizing the trio for identifying regulatory T cells (Tregs) — crucial immune components that prevent the immune system from attacking the body’s own tissues. Their discovery has opened new pathways for treating autoimmune diseases, cancer, and improving organ transplantation outcomes.

The prize, worth 11 million Swedish kronor, will be shared equally among the three laureates.

  • Mary E. Brunkow (b. 1961) – Ph.D. from Princeton University; Senior Programme Manager at the Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle.
  • Fred Ramsdell (b. 1960) – Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles; Scientific Advisor at Sonoma Biotherapeutics, San Francisco.
  • Shimon Sakaguchi (b. 1951) – M.D. (1976) and Ph.D. (1983) from Kyoto University; Distinguished Professor at Osaka University, Japan.

Their pioneering work has revolutionized immunology and influenced clinical trials and therapeutic innovations worldwide.

(Note: The 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for discovering microRNA and its role in gene regulation.)

6th Global Fintech Fest 2025 Begins in Mumbai with Focus on AI-Powered Finance

The 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) began in Mumbai on 7th October 2025. The event was inaugurated by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The theme for this year’s festival is “Empowering Finance for a Better World Powered by AI.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are scheduled to deliver the keynote address on 9th October, where they will also interact with industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators.

A major highlight of GFF 2025 is the “Bharat AI Experience Zone” set up by NPCI and NVIDIA, showcasing India’s advancements in AI-driven fintech. The event features a large expo with over 400 exhibitors, along with workshops, hackathons, investment pitches, fintech awards, and various networking sessions.

The three-day event, held at Mumbai’s Jio World Centre, is expected to attract over one lakh visitors and 7,500 participating companies, making it one of the largest global gatherings in the fintech sector.

Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 Announcement

The Election Commission of India has announced that the Bihar Assembly Elections will be held in two phases — on 6th November and 11th November 2025, with vote counting on 14th November. The election will cover 243 assembly seats, with 121 constituencies voting in the first phase and 122 in the second.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that over 90,712 polling booths will be set up for 7.43 crore voters.

  • First phase notification: 10th October; nominations open till 17th October.
  • Second phase notification: 13th October; nominations open till 20th October.

UIDAI Waives Aadhaar Biometric Update Charges for Children Aged 5–17 Years

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has waived Aadhaar biometric update charges for children aged 5 to 17 years for one year, effective from 1 October 2025. This move will benefit around six crore children across India.

Aadhaar enrollment for children below five years requires only basic demographic details (name, photo, date of birth, gender, and address) since biometrics are not taken at that age. The first mandatory biometric update is done when a child turns five, and the second at fifteen. These updates, now free for the 5–7 and 15–17 age groups, would otherwise cost ₹125 per update.

Exercise KONKAN-2025 – Strengthening India-UK Naval Partnership

The India-UK naval exercise KONKAN-2025 began on 5 October 2025 off India’s western coast, strengthening maritime cooperation under the India-UK Vision 2035. Conducted in two phases till 12 October, it includes harbour activities like professional exchanges and sea drills on anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.

The exercise features INS Vikrant from India and the UK Carrier Strike Group (HMS Prince of Wales), with participation from Norway and Japan. Afterward, the UK group will hold a joint drill with the Indian Air Force on 14 October 2025.

Shubman Gill Appointed as India’s New ODI Captain

On 4 October 2025, Shubman Gill was officially appointed as India’s new ODI captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma, for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia. This will be Gill’s first ODI series as captain, after previously leading India in Test and T20I formats.

So far, Gill has played 55 ODIs, scoring 2,775 runs with eight centuries, marking him as one of India’s most promising young leaders.

India’s ODI Squad vs Australia (October 2025)

Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal.

India’s Record-Breaking Triumph at World Para Athletics Championships 2025

India achieved its best-ever performance at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025, held for the first time in India at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. The Indian team won a record 22 medals — 6 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze, surpassing the previous record of 17 medals from 2024 (Kobe, Japan).

Top performances included Sumit Antil’s gold in javelin throw (71.37 m), Shailesh Kumar’s gold and Asian record in high jump T63, and Simran Sharma’s sprint double (gold in 100m T12, silver in 200m T12). Other notable medalists were Preeti Pal, Rinku Hooda, Sandip Sanjay Sargar, Nishad Kumar, Soman Rana, and Ekta Bhyan.

India hosted its largest-ever contingent of 73 athletes (54 men and 19 women). Government programs like TOPS and Khelo India played a vital role, with 37 medalists emerging from them. The nation also achieved a top-10 finish in the overall medal tally, marking a new era in Indian para sports and strengthening India’s bid to host future global events, including the Paralympic Games.

SSC Introduces Major Reforms for Transparent & Fair Examinations

On 3 October 2025, The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced significant reforms to make its recruitment exams more transparent, secure, and candidate-friendly.

Transparency: Candidates can now view their question papers, responses, and correct answers. Selected past papers will also be published as official sample sets. Restrictions apply only during ongoing multi-shift exams.

Candidate Welfare: Fee for challenging questions has been reduced from ₹100 to ₹50. A grievance redressal portal has been launched alongside a toll-free helpline.

Fairness in Evaluation: Introduction of equi-percentile normalization to remove variations across exam shifts.

Security Measures: Aadhaar-based authentication to prevent impersonation, digital vault for secure paper transmission, and IT agency support to prevent hacking.

India Wins ISSA Award 2025 for Outstanding Achievement in Social Security

On 1 October 2025, India was honoured with the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Award 2025 for Outstanding Achievement in Social Security at the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The award recognised the Modi government’s success in expanding social protection coverage from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, benefiting over 940 million citizens.

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya received the award on behalf of India, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Antyodaya. India now holds the highest representation (30 seats) in the ISSA General Assembly.

Key initiatives highlighted include the e-Shram portal (database of 310 million unorganised workers), the National Career Service (NCS) portal, and contributions of EPFO and ESIC in providing pension, healthcare, and insurance benefits.

Union Cabinet Decisions (1 October 2025): DA Hike, New KVs, Pulses Mission, MSP Hike & Assam Highway Project

On 1 October 2025, the Union Cabinet approved several major decisions:

  1. Dearness Allowance (DA) & Dearness Relief (DR): Increased by 3%, effective from 1 July 2025, benefiting about 49.2 lakh employees and 68.7 lakh pensioners.
  2. New Kendriya Vidyalayas: Approval for 57 new schools with an outlay of ₹5,862 crore, creating 4,600 teaching posts and benefiting 87,000 students. This includes schools in aspirational districts, LWE areas, and the Northeast.
  3. Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: A six-year mission (2025–31) with an outlay of ₹11,440 crore to achieve 350 lakh tonnes production by 2030-31, benefiting 2 crore farmers through improved seeds, procurement, and infrastructure.
  4. MSP Hike for Rabi Crops (2026-27): Highest increase for safflower (+₹600/qtl) followed by lentil (+₹300/qtl) to ensure remunerative prices.
  5. Infrastructure Project in Assam: Widening and upgrading of the Kalibor–Numaligarh section of NH-715 (85 km) to four lanes at a cost of ₹6,957 crore under EPC mode.

Cabinet approves Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2026-27

On 1 October 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Rabi crops for the Marketing Season 2026–27 to ensure remunerative prices for farmers.

  • The highest MSP hike was for safflower (+₹600/qtl), followed by lentil/masur (+₹300/qtl).
  • Increases for other crops: rapeseed & mustard (+₹250/qtl), gram (+₹225/qtl), barley (+₹170/qtl), and wheat (+₹160/qtl).
  • Final MSPs (per quintal) are: wheat ₹2,585, barley ₹2,150, gram ₹5,875, lentil ₹7,000, rapeseed & mustard ₹6,200, and safflower ₹6,540.
  • The increase aligns with the Union Budget 2018-19 promise to set MSPs at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production.
  • Margins over cost of production: wheat (109%), rapeseed & mustard (93%), lentil (89%), gram (59%), barley (58%), and safflower (50%).

US 20-Point Peace Plan for Gaza

The US Peace Plan for Gaza, proposed by President Donald Trump in September 2025, aims to end the Israel-Hamas conflict through a 20-point framework.

Key provisions include an immediate ceasefire, hostage exchange, Gaza’s demilitarization, and governance by a technocratic Palestinian committee under international oversight.

Hamas is excluded from future rule, and reconstruction—estimated at $200 billion—will involve global partners like India. An international peacekeeping force will ensure security. Hamas has 3–4 days to accept; rejection may trigger full US support for Israeli military action.

Shirish Chandra Murmu Appointed as RBI Deputy Governor

The government has appointed Shirish Chandra Murmu as the new Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a three-year tenure starting on or after 9 October 2025.

He replaces M Rajeshwar Rao, whose extended term ends on 8 October 2025. Murmu, currently an Executive Director at RBI overseeing the Department of Supervision, will join the team of four deputy governors alongside T Rabi Sankar, Swaminathan J, and Poonam Gupta.

As per the RBI Act, 1934, the RBI must have four deputy governors: two from within RBI, one from commercial banking, and one economist for monetary policy.

India & Bhutan to Launch First Cross-Border Rail Projects

On 29 September 2025, India and Bhutan agreed to establish their first-ever cross-border railway projects, with a total investment of ₹4,033 crore, fully funded by India.

The projects include the 69 km Kokrajhar–Gelephu line costing ₹3,456 crore and the 20 km Banarhat–Samtse line costing ₹577 crore. The rail links will connect Bhutanese cities Gelephu and Samtse to India’s railway network at Kokrajhar (Assam) and Banarhat (West Bengal).

The initiative follows an MoU signed during PM Modi’s visit to Bhutan last year. Officials emphasized that the projects reflect the deep trust, cultural ties, and developmental partnership between India and Bhutan, with India being Bhutan’s largest trading partner and key contributor to its modernization.

ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 begins on 30 September 2025 with India facing Sri Lanka at Guwahati. This is the 13th edition of the tournament, featuring 8 teams — Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

A total of 28 league matches will be played in a round-robin format across four venues in India and one in Colombo. The high-profile India vs Pakistan clash is scheduled for 5 October in Colombo.

The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals. Australia, with seven titles, are the most successful team, followed by England (four) and New Zealand (one). India aims to win their first ICC title.

India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve Added to UNESCO List

On 27 September 2025, India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh was included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves during the 37th Session of the ICC-MAB. With this, India now has 13 biosphere reserves in the global network, highlighting its commitment to biodiversity and sustainable development.

Additionally, India designated two new Ramsar sites in Bihar—Gokul Jalashay (Buxar, 448 ha) and Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran, 319 ha). This raised India’s total Ramsar sites to 93, covering 13.6 lakh hectares, strengthening wetland conservation and climate resilience.

India Wins Asia Cup Title 2025

On 29 September 2025, India defeated Pakistan by five wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to win their record ninth Asia Cup title. Chasing 147, Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 off 53 balls anchored India’s innings after an early collapse at 20/3. Key partnerships with Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube sealed the win with two balls to spare.

India maintained a perfect record against Pakistan in the tournament, beating them thrice (group stage, Super Four, and final). Pakistan, despite a strong opening stand, were bowled out for 146.

Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana – Bihar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi & CM Nitish Kumar on 26 September 2025 launched Bihar’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana.

  • Budget: ₹7,500 crore
  • Beneficiaries: 75 lakh women (₹10,000 each in Phase 1, via DBT)
  • Further Support: Up to ₹2 lakh for successful enterprises
  • Sectors Supported: Agriculture, animal husbandry, tailoring, weaving, handicrafts, etc.

Training & Support:

  • SHG resource persons to train and mentor women
  • Development of Gramin Haat Bazaars for product sales

Eligibility:

  • Women 18–60 years, residents of Bihar
  • Not an income tax payer or government employee (self/husband)

MiG-21 Bids Final Farewell

On 26 September 2025, the Indian Air Force retired the MiG-21 after six decades of service, marking the end of an era. The farewell ceremony at Chandigarh Air Base was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, CDS General Anil Chauhan, and IAF Chief Air Marshal AP Singh.

Highlights included:

  • Ceremonial flypast and aerial combat display with Jaguars.
  • Akash Ganga paratroopers saluting from 8,000 feet.
  • Historical note: The MiG-21 was first inducted in 1963, led by Wing Commander Dilbagh Singh in Chandigarh.

Defence Minister praised the aircraft for its decisive role in multiple operations, calling it a legendary chapter in India’s air power.

Ladakh Protests Turn Violent Over Statehood Demand

On 24 September 2025, peaceful protests in Leh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion for Ladakh escalated into violence. The agitation, led jointly by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), saw clashes with police, leaving 4 dead and over 80 injured, including security personnel. Curfew and prohibitory orders were imposed.

The movement, described by activist Sonam Wangchuk as a “Gen-Z revolution,” is fuelled by concerns over unemployment, lack of representation, and ecological threats. Protesters seek statehood, constitutional safeguards for tribal rights, and protection of Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem.

While the Union government accused Wangchuk of inciting unrest, opposition parties backed the protesters. The crisis highlights tensions over identity, governance, and sustainability in post-Article 370 Ladakh.

UAE Unveils Sovereign Mobility Cloud & Dubai Autonomous Zone

Event: Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport 24–25 Sept 2025.

Sovereign Mobility Cloud:

  • Launched by the UAE, enabled by Core42’s Sovereign Public Cloud and powered by Microsoft Azure.
  • Provides secure digital infrastructure for autonomous mobility.
  • Ensures data sovereignty (all data hosted in UAE under national rules).
  • Supports HD mapping, telematics, fleet ops, traffic management, digital twins.
  • Backed by Space42 for pilot deployment & commercial rollout.
  • Builds on success of TXAI driverless service (600,000 km, 20,000 passenger trips).

Dubai Autonomous Zone (DAZ):

15-km dedicated corridor for driverless vehicles & marine transport.

  • Operational: Early 2026.
  • Coverage: Al Jaddaf Metro – Dubai Creek Harbour – Dubai Festival City.
  • Autonomous transport options: Driverless Metro, RoboTaxis, RoboBuses, shuttles, delivery bots, road sweepers, autonomous abras.
  • RoboTaxi trials by end of 2025, goal: 1,000 vehicles by 2028.
  • Collaboration: Uber + RTA + WeRide for autonomous cars.
  • Safety focus: 50+ vehicles testing in Jumeirah for real-world data.
  • Benefits: shorter travel, cost reduction, app-based booking (2026), accessibility for elderly/disabled, lower emissions.
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