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)

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 16 October 2025

Q: Which two countries are participating in the 5th edition of the naval exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’?
A) India and Japan
B) India and Indonesia
C) India and Sri Lanka
D) India and Australia

Show Answer
➡️ Answer: B) India and Indonesia

Q. Which Indian city will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games?
A) New Delhi
B) Ahmedabad
C) Mumbai
D) Bengaluru

Show Answer
➡️ Answer: B) Ahmedabad

Q. The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹659.47 crore contract in October 2025 to equip which rifle of the Indian Army with advanced night sights?
A) INSAS
B) AK-203
C) SIG716
D) Tavor

Show Answer
➡️ Answer: C) SIG716

Q. “In October 2025, senior Naxal cadres surrendered in Gadchiroli. Who among them was a Polit Bureau Member of the Central Naxal Committee?”
A) Mallujola Venugopal Rao alias Bhupati
B) Ganesh Patil
C) Ramesh Yadav
D) Suresh Singh

Show Answer
➡️ Answer: A) Mallujola Venugopal Rao alias Bhupati

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.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 15 October 2025

Q. Who authored the book titled “Ready, Relevant and Resurgent II: Shaping a Future Ready Force”, released in October 2025?
a) Rajnath Singh
b) General Anil Chauhan
c) General Bipin Rawat
d) Ashok Kumar

Show Answer
Answer: b) General Anil Chauhan

Q. Where was the inaugural India–South Korea naval bilateral exercise held in October 2025?
a) Visakhapatnam
b) Busan
c) Chennai
d) Seoul

Show Answer
Answer: b) Busan

Q. What is the flat customs duty on shipments from India to the U.S. under the new DDP mechanism?
a) 25% of declared FOB value
b) 40% of declared FOB value
c) 50% of declared FOB value
d) 60% of declared FOB value

Show Answer
Answer: c) 50% of declared FOB value

Q: Which Indian city will host Google’s largest AI and data infrastructure hub outside the U.S.?
a) Bengaluru
b) Hyderabad
c) Visakhapatnam
d) Pune

Show Answer
Answer: c) Visakhapatnam

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.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 14 October 2025

Q. Who won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for their work on innovation and “creative destruction”?
a) Paul Krugman, Milton Friedman, and Ben Bernanke
b) Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt
c) Simon Johnson, James Robinson, and Daron Acemoglu
d) Ragnar Frisch, Jan Tinbergen, and Nikolaas Tinbergen

Show Answer
Ans: b) Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt

Q. Who is the President of Mongolia who visited India in October 2025?
a) Khaltmaagiin Battulga
b) Khurelsukh Ukhnaa
c) Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene
d) Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj

Show Answer
Ans: b) Khurelsukh Ukhnaa

Q.: In October 2025, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that recruitment for the Railway Protection Force (RPF) will be conducted every year. Which organisation has been entrusted with conducting this recruitment?
a) Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
b) Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
c) Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
d) National Recruitment Agency (NRA)

Show Answer
Ans: c) Staff Selection Commission (SSC)

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.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 13 October 2025

Q: The Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025 between India and Australia, held at Perth from 13–26 October 2025, was led by which regiment of the Indian Army?

A. Rajput Regiment
B. Sikh Regiment
C. Gorkha Rifles
D. Madras Regiment

Show Answer
Ans : C. Gorkha Rifles

Q: Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India from 9–16 October 2025 marked the first Taliban ministerial trip since 2021. Which religious institution did he visit during his stay to signal outreach to Indian Muslims?

A. Aligarh Muslim University
B. Jamia Millia Islamia
C. Darul Uloom Deoband
D. Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow

Show Answer
Ans : C. Darul Uloom Deoband

Q: The United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs’ Conclave 2025 hosted by India will be held in which city?

A. Mumbai
B. Bengaluru
C. New Delhi
D. Hyderabad

Show Answer
Ans: C. New Delhi

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.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 11 October 2025

Q. Maria Corina Machado, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025, is a political leader from which country?

A) Brazil
B) Colombia
C) Venezuela
D) Argentina

Show Answer
✅ Correct Answer: C) Venezuela

Q. In which event did India win a bronze medal at the BWF World Junior Championships 2025, held in Guwahati, Assam?

A) Men’s Singles
B) Women’s Doubles
C) Mixed Team Event
D) Men’s Doubles

Show Answer
Answer: C) Mixed Team Event

Q. Before its upgradation in October 2025, what was the nature of India’s diplomatic presence in Kabul?

A) No diplomatic mission at all
B) A full-fledged embassy
C) A limited Technical Mission
D) A consulate office

Show Answer
Answer: ✅ C) A limited Technical Mission

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.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 10 October 2025

Q. Who won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature?
A. Orhan Pamuk
B. Salman Rushdie
C. László Krasznahorkai
D. Kazuo Ishiguro

Show Answer
Ans: C. László Krasznahorkai

Q. Where was the first phase of the Israel–Hamas peace plan signed in October 2025?

A) Geneva, Switzerland
B) Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
C) Doha, Qatar
D) Jerusalem, Israel

Show Answer
✅ Correct Answer: B) Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

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.

Current Affairs MCQs : Dated – 9 October 2025

Q. Who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025?
A. John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis
B. Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi
C. Carolyn Bertozzi, Morten Meldal, and K. Barry Sharpless
D. Emmanuelle Charpentier, Jennifer Doudna, and Feng Zhang

Show Answer
Answer: B. Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi

Q. Who is the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who visited India in October 2025?
A. Rishi Sunak
B. Keir Starmer
C. Boris Johnson
D. Liz Truss

Show Answer
Answer: B. Keir Starmer

Q. When is World Mental Health Day observed every year?
A) 5 October
B) 10 October
C) 15 October
D) 20 October

Show Answer
Ans: B) 10 October

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.

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