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National Current Affairs of India, Important for competitive Exams.

Police Commemoration Day on October 21: Remembering the Heroes of Hot Springs (1959)

Police Commemoration Day is observed every year on October 21 to honor the supreme sacrifices made by police personnel in the line of duty. The day originated from the 1959 Hot Springs incident in Ladakh, where ten CRPF jawans were martyred after being ambushed by Chinese troops.

The main ceremony takes place at the National Police Memorial (NPM) in New Delhi, featuring the Wall of Valour, a central sculpture, and a museum dedicated to police history.

In 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the national tribute, with state-level parades, exhibitions, and outreach programs organized across India to honor fallen heroes. Police units also engaged with schools and communities to spread awareness about the courage and service of the force.

Rajnath Singh Unveils First Tejas LCA Mk1A Fighter Jet at HAL Nashik

On 17 October 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the first Tejas LCA Mk1A fighter jet from HAL’s new Nashik production line and inaugurated a second production line for the HTT-40 trainer aircraft.

Rajnath Singh noted that before 2014, around 65–70% of defence equipment was imported, but now about 65% is produced domestically. He praised HAL Nashik for its six-decade contribution to strengthening India’s defence manufacturing.

The Tejas LCA Mk1A is an advanced, 4.5-generation, multi-role fighter jet designed to replace the MiG-21s, featuring improved avionics, air-to-air refuelling, and capabilities for air defence, ground attack, and maritime strike missions.

Q. Which organization developed the Tejas LCA Mk1A fighter jet?
A) DRDO
B) ISRO
C) Bharat Dynamics Limited
D) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

Ans: D) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

61 Senior Naxal Cadres, Including Polit Bureau Member, Surrender in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra

On October 15, 2025, in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, 61 senior Naxal cadres, including Polit Bureau Member Mallujola Venugopal Rao alias Bhupati, surrendered before the Gadchiroli Police in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The surrendered group, with a collective bounty of ₹6 crore, included top ranks such as divisional and area committee members.

CM Fadnavis called it the biggest Naxal surrender in Maharashtra’s history, symbolizing the success of efforts led by the Prime Minister and Home Minister against Maoist insurgency. He welcomed the cadres into the mainstream by presenting them a copy of the Indian Constitution, assuring jobs and rehabilitation support.

The CM also stated that North Gadchiroli is now largely Naxal-free and announced a ₹1 crore reward for the Gadchiroli Police for their success in anti-Naxal operations.

Defence Ministry signs ₹659 Crore Deal for Advanced Night Sight for SIG716 Assault Rifle

On October 15, 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a ₹659.47 crore contract to equip the Indian Army’s SIG716 assault rifles with advanced night sights, greatly enhancing night combat capability.

The indigenous upgrade, under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, was awarded to a consortium of MKU Limited and Medbit Technologies, ensuring over 51% local content. The new sights allow accurate targeting up to 500 metres in starlight, boosting operational readiness in border and counter-insurgency operations.

India and Indonesia Conduct 5th Edition of Naval Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’ at Visakhapatnam

The Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy are conducting the 5th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise “Samudra Shakti” from October 14 to 17 at Visakhapatnam. The exercise aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two navies.

INS Kavaratti, an anti-submarine warfare corvette, and KRI John Lie, an Indonesian corvette with a helicopter, are participating. The event includes a harbour phase with professional exchanges, yoga, and sports, and a sea phase involving advanced naval drills like helicopter manoeuvres, air defence, weapon firing, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations to boost tactical coordination and joint operational skills.

India–South Korea Hold First-Ever Naval Bilateral Exercise at Busan

The first-ever India–South Korea naval bilateral exercise began on 13 October 2025 at Busan Naval Base, marking a significant step in the growing strategic partnership between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN). The INS Sahyadri, a Shivalik-class stealth frigate built in India under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, participated alongside ROKS Gyeongnam.

The exercise includes harbour and sea phases focusing on interoperability, mutual understanding, and tactical coordination. Activities during the harbour phase include professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, and sports events, while the sea phase features complex joint manoeuvres and operational drills.

RPF Recruitment to Be Held Annually by SSC, Announces Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

On 13 October 2025, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Railway Protection Force (RPF) recruitment will now be conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Speaking at the 41st Raising Day of the RPF in Valsad, Gujarat, he also unveiled modernization plans, including VHF sets, digital, and drone training for RPF personnel.

Highlighting Indian Railways’ progress, he stated that 35,000 km of new tracks have been built, 99% electrification achieved, and 7,300 stations are under redevelopment, with 110 completed.

India–Australia joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND in Perth from 13–26 October 2025

The fourth edition of India–Australia joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025 began in Perth, Australia, on 13 October 2025. The exercise, running till 26 October, involves 120 Indian Army personnel, led by a Battalion of Gorkha Rifles.

It aims to enhance defence cooperation, improve interoperability, and exchange tactics and techniques for sub-conventional warfare in urban and semi-urban terrain. The focus is on joint company-level operations in open and semi-desert areas, including joint planning, tactical drills, and special arms skills. The exercise will help both armies hone operational capabilities, integrate emerging technologies, and strengthen mutual camaraderie.

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.

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.

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.

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%).

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.

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.

Extension of General Anil Chauhan as Chief of Defence Staff

On 24 September 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the extension of service of General Anil Chauhan as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, up to 30 May 2026 or until further orders.

General Anil Chauhan was originally appointed as CDS on 28 September 2022.

He is a decorated officer, honored with Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal for his exemplary service to the Indian Army.

Cabinet Approves Expansion of Medical Seats

On 24 September 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the third phase of a centrally sponsored scheme to add 5,023 MBBS seats and 5,000 PG seats in existing government medical colleges and institutes. With a total cost of ₹15,034 crore (₹10,303 crore central share & ₹4,731 crore state share) over 2025–29, the move aims to:

  • Boost availability of doctors and specialists
  • Introduce new medical specialities
  • Improve opportunities for students
  • Enhance quality of medical education to global standards

World Food India 2025 from 25–28 September 2025

World Food India 2025, organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, is being held from 25–28 September 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The 4th edition of this global summit aims to position India as the “Food Basket of the World”, attract investment, strengthen farm-to-fork linkages, support micro-enterprises, and promote sustainable, nutrition-focused technologies.

Over 90 countries, including partner nations New Zealand and Saudi Arabia, and focus countries like Japan, UAE, Vietnam, and Russia, are participating. The event features 2,000+ exhibitors, 150+ international delegates, and 100,000+ visitors.

India’s first overseas defence manufacturing facility inaugurated in Morocco

On 23 September 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Moroccan counterpart Abdelatif Loudyi inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s (TASL) defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid, Morocco.

The plant, Morocco’s largest defence unit and the first by an Indian private company in Africa, will produce Wheeled Armoured Platforms jointly developed by TASL and DRDO for the Royal Moroccan Army, with deliveries starting next month. Singh highlighted the project as a symbol of the India–Morocco strategic partnership, aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and a hub for exports to Africa and Europe, generating jobs and boosting defence technology collaboration.

Praveer Ranjan Appointed DG of CISF, Praveen Kumar to Lead ITBP

Praveer Ranjan (1993-batch IPS, AGMUT cadre) appointed Director General of CISF.

  • Takes charge on 1 Oct 2025, succeeding Rajwinder Singh Bhatti (retiring 30 Sep 2025).
  • Tenure till 31 Jul 2029.
  • CISF protects airports, nuclear plants, and key govt. installations.

Praveen Kumar (1993-batch IPS, West Bengal cadre) appointed Director General of ITBP.

  • Takes charge on 1 Oct 2025, succeeding Rahul Rasgotra (retiring 30 Sep 2025).
  • Tenure till 30 Sep 2030.
  • ITBP guards the India-China border in Himalayan terrain.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute on 1965 War Diamond Jubilee

On 19 September 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with veterans and families of soldiers as the Army marked 60 years of the 1965 India-Pakistan War at South Block, Delhi. He saluted the courage of troops and the nation’s unity, recalling the Battle of Asal Uttar and the sacrifice of CQMH Abdul Hamid, Param Vir Chakra awardee.

Singh praised the leadership of PM Lal Bahadur Shastri and said India’s victories, including recent Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack, show the nation’s growing strength. He assured continued focus on soldier welfare, modernisation, and training. The event featured Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, veterans, gallantry awardees, and a documentary on key battles like Asal Uttar, Akhnoor, and Khem Karan.

DoP and BSNL Partner to Expand Mobile Connectivity Through Post Offices

On 17 September 2025, the Department of Posts (DoP) and BSNL signed an MoU in New Delhi to expand mobile connectivity across India. Under the agreement, over 1.65 lakh Post Offices will serve as Points of Sale for BSNL SIM cards and recharges, making telecom services more accessible, especially in rural and remote areas.

The initiative, already successful in Assam, aims to bridge the digital divide, promote Digital India, and support financial inclusion. DoP will onboard customers and handle transactions, while BSNL will provide SIM stock and training. The partnership is valid for one year (renewable) with strict monitoring, cybersecurity, and data privacy measures.

India Participates in Russia-Led Zapad-2025 Military Exercise

In September 2025, India participated in the Zapad-2025 military exercise with Russia and Belarus at the Mulino Training Ground, Nizhny Novgorod.

The large-scale drills involved over 100,000 troops, 333 aircraft, and 247 naval vessels across 41 sites. India sent 65 personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, led by the Kumaon Regiment.

The exercise focused on joint tactical drills, counter-terrorism operations, and interoperability. Other participants included Iran, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Congo, and Mali.

CBSE’s New Rules for Class 10 & 12 Board Exams

On 15 September 2025, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced new guidelines for board exams:

Attendance Rule:

  • 75% attendance is mandatory to appear in Class 10 & 12 board exams.
  • Attendance will be directly linked to internal assessment.
  • Students failing to meet this requirement will not be allowed to sit for exams.

Additional Subjects:

  • Class 10: Students may opt for two additional subjects (besides five compulsory).
  • Class 12: Students may opt for one additional subject.
  • These subjects must be studied over two academic years.

Restrictions on Schools:

  • Schools cannot offer subjects without trained teachers, labs, or board approval.
  • Students cannot take such subjects as main or additional papers.

Compartment/Essential Repeat Students: Students in these categories for additional subjects may reappear as private candidates.

Mizoram’s First Railway Link – Bairabi–Sairang Line

On 13 September 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 51.38 km Bairabi–Sairang railway line, giving Mizoram its first-ever rail connection.

  • The project features 48 tunnels, 142 bridges (including Bridge No. 196 at 114 m), built at a cost of ₹8,070 crore over two decades.
  • The line connects Sairang (near Aizawl) with Bairabi, linking Mizoram to Assam’s Silchar and the national network.
  • Aizawl becomes the 4th NE capital (after Guwahati, Agartala, Itanagar) to get direct rail connectivity.
  • New services launched:
    • Sairang–Delhi Rajdhani Express
    • Sairang–Kolkata Express
    • Sairang–Guwahati Express

Adi Sanskriti: World’s First Digital Tribal University

On September 10, 2025, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched Adi Sanskriti at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi — the world’s first Digital Tribal University. This initiative blends technology with tradition to preserve tribal heritage, empower communities, and promote education.

🎓 Key Features

  • Adi Vishwavidyalaya: Digital academy with 45+ online courses on tribal dance, music, crafts, and folklore.
  • Adi Sampada: Repository of 5,000+ curated documents on tribal art, textiles, and traditions.
  • Adi Haat: Online marketplace (linked with TRIFED) connecting tribal artisans directly with buyers.

🌿 Purpose

  • Preserve endangered tribal languages and traditions.
  • Provide education and digital access to tribal communities.
  • Create sustainable livelihoods by reducing middlemen.
  • Build global awareness of India’s tribal culture.

🛠️ Collaboration

Developed with Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) from 15 states, ensuring authenticity and grassroots participation.

Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay’s India Visit

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, accompanied by his spouse Aum Tashi Doma, paid a four-day official visit to India from September 3–6, 2025 to deepen bilateral, cultural, and spiritual ties.

His visit included Ayodhya (Ram Janmabhoomi & Hanumangarhi Temples), Rajgir (Consecration of the Royal Bhutan Temple with Je Khenpo), and Nalanda University, where he highlighted Bhutan’s Vajrayana traditions.

In Delhi, he held talks with Indian leaders including EAM S. Jaishankar. The visit underscored India–Bhutan friendship, Buddhist spiritual heritage, and regional cooperation under India’s Act East Policy.

PM Modi Inaugurates Semicon India 2025 in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Semicon India 2025 on 2 September at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The three-day conference (2–4 September) aims to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem, positioning the country as a global hub for chip design, manufacturing, and innovation.

Semicon India 2025 has drawn 20,750+ participants, 2,500 delegates from 48+ countries, 150+ speakers (including 50+ global leaders), and 350+ exhibitors. Highlights include country pavilions, international roundtables, workforce development, and startup innovation showcases.

Following earlier editions in Bengaluru (2022), Gandhinagar (2023), and Greater Noida (2024), the New Delhi edition marks another milestone in advancing India’s semiconductor journey.

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