Current Affairs

Current Affairs is the most important part of every competitive exam in India. At gknow.in, we provide accurate, exam-focused, and easy-to-read current affairs to help aspirants prepare confidently for SSC, UPSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, State PCS, and other government exams.

This parent category covers all major current affairs topics, including:

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  • International Affairs – Global events, agreements, and geopolitical updates

  • Awards & Honours – National and international recognitions

  • Culture & Heritage – Festivals, traditions, and notable cultural events

  • Science & Technology – ISRO, DRDO, space missions, innovations, discoveries

  • Polity & Governance – Constitutional amendments, committees, judicial updates

  • Important Days & Themes – Monthly observances and exam-relevant themes

  • Government Schemes – New initiatives, updates, launches, and budgets

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International Day for the Eradication of Poverty – October 17

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed on October 17, highlights global efforts to end poverty and uphold the rights and dignity of the poor.

It began on 17 October 1987, when Father Joseph Wresinski led a gathering in Paris to honor victims of poverty. The UN General Assembly later recognized it officially in 1992 through Resolution 47/196.

The day supports Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1)End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

Theme 2025: “Supporting Families, Ending Maltreatment” – focusing on strengthening family support and fighting institutional neglect.

Events worldwide include awareness campaigns, policy dialogues, and tributes to those affected. Despite progress, 700 million people still live in extreme poverty, reminding the world that poverty is both an economic and human rights issue.

National Security Guard (NSG) Raising Day – October 16

National Security Guard (NSG) Raising Day is observed every year on October 16 to commemorate the formation of India’s elite counterterrorism and special operations force, known as the Black Cats.

The NSG was established on October 16, 1984, after Operation Blue Star, to combat terrorism and ensure internal security. It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is renowned as the “Zero Error Force” for its precision, discipline, and courage.

The day honors the valor and sacrifices of NSG personnel through ceremonies, parades, and tributes at its main base in Manesar, Haryana.

Key Operations:

  • Operation Black Tornado (2008) – Mumbai terror attacks
  • Akshardham Temple attack (2002)
  • Pathankot Airbase attack (2016)

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.

Ahmedabad Recommended to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

On October 15, 2025, the Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport recommended Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with final approval due on November 26, 2025, in Glasgow.

Backed by the Government of India, Gujarat, and the Commonwealth Games Association of India, the bid highlights Ahmedabad’s world-class infrastructure like the Narendra Modi Stadium. The 2030 Games will mark the centenary of the Commonwealth Games and be India’s second time hosting after 2010.

The event will boost India’s global sporting image, tourism, and development, reflecting initiatives like Khelo India. India’s bid won over Nigeria, and leaders called it a proud moment for the nation.

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.

Google to Build Largest AI and Data Infrastructure Hub Outside the U.S. in Visakhapatnam

In October 2025, Google announced a $15 billion investment to build its largest AI and data infrastructure hub outside the U.S. in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in partnership with Adani Group and Bharti Airtel.

The 1-gigawatt data center campus, powered by renewable energy and supported by subsea cable and fiber networks, will enhance AI, cloud, and digital infrastructure in India.

Unveiled at the Bharat AI Shakti event in New Delhi, the project is expected to create over 1 lakh jobs, boost AI adoption, and strengthen Indo-U.S. tech collaboration. Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu called it a milestone toward making Visakhapatnam an “AI City.”

India Post Resumes All International Postal Services to the U.S. from October 15, 2025

India Post announced that all international postal services to the U.S. will resume from October 15, 2025. The services were suspended since August 2025 due to new U.S. Customs (CBP) rules.

A new Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) system now allows customs duties to be collected in India before dispatch, ensuring smooth delivery in the U.S. without extra fees. A flat 50% customs duty applies on the declared value.

Postal rates remain unchanged, benefiting MSMEs, artisans, and small exporters. Services like EMS, Air Parcels, Registered and Tracked Packets to the U.S. can now be booked at Post Offices, IBCs, DNKs, or indiapost.gov.in.

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.

CDS General Anil Chauhan’s Book “Ready, Relevant and Resurgent II: Shaping a Future Ready Force”

On 14 October 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released a book titled “Ready, Relevant and Resurgent II: Shaping a Future Ready Force”, authored by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan.

The book provides a comprehensive roadmap for preparing India’s Armed Forces for future challenges. It analyzes the changing nature of warfare, including domains like cyberspace, space-enabled operations, and cognitive warfare. Emphasizing leadership, adaptability, and technological integration, the book outlines strategies to build a resilient and modern military.

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.

Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa on a four-day state visit to India (October 13–16, 2025)

Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa is on a four-day state visit to India (October 13–16, 2025) — his first as Head of State — marking the 70th anniversary of India-Mongolia diplomatic ties.

The visit highlights the growing strategic partnership between the two democracies, focusing on energy, mining, defense, education, and cultural cooperation. High-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu aim to strengthen bilateral relations through new MoUs and discussions on regional security and connectivity.

The visit also underscores the “Third Neighbor” policy of Mongolia and India’s engagement with Central Asia, reinforcing shared values of democracy, peace, and development.

2025 Nobel Prize in Economics Awarded for Work on Innovation and Creative Destruction

Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for explaining how innovation and “creative destruction” drive long-term economic growth.

Their research shows that new technologies replace old ones, improving living standards but also requiring continuous innovation to avoid stagnation.

  • Mokyr (Northwestern University) studied historical factors behind technological progress.
  • Aghion (Collège de France, INSEAD, LSE) and Howitt (Brown University) built a model showing how innovation fuels growth.

Aghion urged Europe to balance competition and industrial policy, learning from the U.S. and China.
The prize, worth 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.2 million), was the final Nobel of 2025.

United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs’ Conclave in New Delhi (14–16 October 2025)

The Indian Army will host the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs’ Conclave in New Delhi from 14–16 October 2025, bringing together senior military leaders from 32 nations engaged in UN peacekeeping operations.

The conclave will provide a platform to discuss operational challenges, interoperability, inclusivity, evolving threats, and the role of technology and training in strengthening global peacekeeping. As one of the largest contributors to UN missions, India aims to promote cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and a shared vision for future UN peacekeeping strategies.

Participating nations include Australia, Bangladesh, France, Nepal, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and several others from Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. The conclave reaffirms India’s commitment to global peace, stability, and cooperation.

Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi’s Visit to India (9–16 October 2025)

Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India from 9 to 16 October 2025, marking the first Taliban ministerial visit to India since 2021. His week-long trip included stops in New Delhi, Deoband, and Agra, symbolizing a blend of diplomatic, religious, and cultural outreach.

Muttaqi held talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval on regional security, counterterrorism, and humanitarian cooperation. His visit to Darul Uloom Deoband represented a gesture of religious solidarity, while his tour of the Taj Mahal in Agra served as an act of cultural diplomacy.

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.

India Upgrades Technical Mission in Kabul to Full Embassy

India will upgrade its Technical Mission in Kabul to a full Embassy, signaling full diplomatic re-engagement with Afghanistan. Announcing this on 10 October 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, stability, and development.

India pledged continued development aid, including 20 ambulances, medical equipment, vaccines, food supplies, and help in rebuilding earthquake-hit and refugee housing. Six new projects will also be launched.

Jaishankar said India will resume work on infrastructure, water management, and mining cooperation, and expand educational and sports exchanges, especially in cricket. He also stressed joint efforts against cross-border terrorism.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is visiting India after the UN temporarily lifted his travel ban to allow diplomatic talks.

India Wins Bronze at BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships 2025

On 10 October 2025, the Indian junior badminton team secured a historic bronze medal in the Mixed Team event at the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships, held in Guwahati, Assam. This marks India’s first-ever podium finish in this category.

India defeated South Korea in the quarterfinals and put up a strong fight against Indonesia in the semifinals before settling for bronze. Strategic player changes and standout performances from athletes like Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu contributed to the team’s success.

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.
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