11th October 2025

1. NCA, DoT and GSMA Signed MoU to Strengthen Telecom Policy, Research and Capacity Building
2. MoE and MoHFW Launched ‘Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0’ to Safeguard Student’s Health
3. WHO Report: India, Bangladesh, Nepal on Track to Achieve 30% Tobacco Use Reduction by Year-end
4. China Commences World’s 1st Solar-Thermal Power Plant in Gobi Desert
5. HSBC India Launches ‘HSBC Innovation Banking’ Platform
6. Pramerica Life Partnered with ESFB to Expand Bancassurance Across 18 States
7. Air India Partners with STARLUX Airlines to Boost Connectivity Between India & Taiwan
8. Forbes India Rich List 2025: Mukesh Ambani Retained Top Position with Net Worth of 105 Billion
9. General Ruphin Fortunant Zafisambo Appointed as Madagascar’s PM
10. Overview of UK PM Keir Starmer’s Visit to India from October 8 to 9, 2025
11. NTPC REL Signed MoU with Gujarat Govt for 15 GW Renewable Projects
12. C-DAC and ICAT Signed MoU to Develop Indigenous Automotive Solutions
13. ICG Conducted Two-day ReSAREX-25 at Sea off Panambur Coast
14. Overview of Global Fintech Fest 2025 held in Mumbai – Part I
15. RBI Appointed Sanjay Kumar Hansda as New ED from March 2026
16. Former Chairman Emeritus of ‘Prestige’ TT Jagannathan Passed Away
17. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy Launches “Maine Cancer Ko Jeet Liya” by Dr. P. Vijay Anand Reddy
18. World Migratory Bird Day 2025 – October 11
19. World Mental Health Day 2025 – October 10
20. Gujarat declares 2025 as “Year of Urban Development”
21. NeGD & Bharat Taxi Pioneer Cooperative Ride-Hailing
22. Delhi Declaration Elevates Global South Cities at COP30
23. Purple Fair 2025 Launched in Goa to Celebrate Inclusion
24. Srikrishna Museum in Kurukshetra to Get New Wing
25. Three Indian Ports Named Green Hydrogen Hubs
26. AIIA Boosts Ayush Insurance and Research Collaboration
27. Bumrah Becomes First Indian Pacer with 50 Matches Across All Format
28. Buddha’s Relics to Visit Russia’s Kalmykia for First Time

National News

1. Government to Launch Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0

• What:
  • The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will jointly launch the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 (TFYC 3.0) to create a tobacco-free environment for students across India.
• Why:
  • The campaign aims to protect young citizens’ health, promote a tobacco-free generation, and support India’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
• Tell me more:
  • TFYC 3.0 is a 60-day national campaign focusing on awareness, prevention, and enforcement to stop tobacco use among youth.
  • It encourages States and Union Territories to implement the Guidelines for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI).
  • Activities include enforcement drives, capacity-building workshops, counselling sessions, and community campaigns for 100-yard tobacco-free zones.
  • Students and schools will participate in awareness competitions and activities such as the World No Tobacco Day Quiz and the “School Challenge: Towards a Tobacco-Free Generation.”
  • The campaign supports both quitting tobacco and preventing its initiation among children and youth.

Source: PIB

2. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Visits India

• What:
  • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid his first official visit to India from 8–9 October 2025 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• Why:
  • The visit aimed to enhance economic, defence, technology, education, and climate cooperation and reaffirm both nations’ commitment to peace and a rules-based global order.
• Tell me more:
  • They agreed to fast-track ratification of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and strengthen trade via the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO).
  • Major UK universities received approval to open campuses in India, including Southampton, Liverpool, York, Aberdeen, Bristol, Queens Belfast, Coventry, Lancaster, and Surrey.
  • The India–UK Vision 2035 and a Defence Industrial Roadmap were adopted earlier during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UK in July 2025.
  • The Technology Security Initiative (TSI) supports joint work on AI, 6G, and cybersecurity with £24 million in initial funding.
  • The India–UK Climate Finance Initiative and Climate Tech Start-up Fund aim to boost green growth and innovation.

Source: MEA

3. Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai, where he emphasized India’s leadership in digital innovation and fintech inclusion.
• Why:
  • The address aimed to showcase India’s digital achievements, strengthen fintech cooperation with global partners, and promote inclusive, technology-driven financial growth.
• Tell me more:
  • This year’s event marks five years since the Global Fintech Fest began and features the United Kingdom as the partner country.
  • Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s fintech journey, citing UPI’s twenty billion monthly transactions worth over ₹25 lakh crore.
  • He said that out of every 100 real-time digital transactions worldwide, 50 occur in India, powered by the JAM Trinity – Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile.
  • He appreciated innovations such as Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and Open Credit Enablement Network (OCEN) for empowering MSMEs and easing credit access.
  • The Prime Minister also highlighted the India-AI Mission, focusing on equitable access, large-scale skilling, and responsible AI deployment.

Source: PIB

4. Delhi Declaration Adopted at ARISE Cities Forum 2025

• What:
  • The Delhi Declaration on Local Action for Global Climate Goals was adopted at the first ARISE Cities Forum 2025 in New Delhi to strengthen urban climate leadership across the Global South.
• Why:
  • The declaration aims to unite cities, local governments, and stakeholders in accelerating urban climate action, promoting resilience, equity, and sustainability in alignment with COP30 goals.
• Tell me more:
  • The forum was co-hosted by ICLEI South Asia and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) with over 200 delegates from 60 cities and 25 countries.
  • The declaration will be handed over to the COP30 Presidency in Belém as a collective urban commitment.
  • Key priorities include enhancing multilevel Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), promoting inclusive urban resilience, enabling just green transitions, and mobilising climate finance.
  • Other focus areas are adaptation, circularity, nature-based solutions, and empowering women, youth, and communities in climate governance.
  • The event marked ICLEI South Asia’s 20th year of work in sustainable urban development.

Source: PIB

5. Deendayal, VO Chidambaranar, and Paradip Declared Green Hydrogen Hubs

• What:
  • The Union Government has designated Deendayal, VO Chidambaranar, and Paradip Port areas as Green Hydrogen Hubs under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
• Why:
  • The move aims to promote large-scale hydrogen production, utilisation, and export, supporting India’s transition to clean energy and its net-zero goal by 2070.
• Tell me more:
  • The recognition was announced under Component B2 of NGHM’s revised guidelines.
  • The cluster-based approach under Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVIC) enables projects in designated hubs to access benefits from other government schemes.
  • Projects in these ports will focus on hydrogen derivatives, clean-fuel technologies, and supply-chain development.
  • The hubs will improve logistics, attract green investments, and foster collaboration between public and private sectors.
  • The model aims to address transport and cost challenges in long-distance hydrogen movement.

Source: BW

6. AIIA Strengthens Ayush Insurance and Research Collaboration

• What:
  • The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) hosted a meeting led by Director Prof. (Dr.) Pradeep Kumar Prajapati with Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, Chairman of the Core Group of Experts for Insurance, to discuss expanding insurance coverage in the Ayush sector.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to make Ayush treatments accessible through insurance inclusion and to integrate traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare.
• Tell me more:
  • Union Minister of State for Ayush Shri Prataprao Jadhav recently inaugurated the Project Management Unit (PMU) for Ayush Insurance at AIIA.
  • The PMU will ensure transparency, timely execution, and effective implementation of Ayush insurance-related schemes.
  • AIIA will act as a nodal centre for providing information and benefits of Ayush insurance to the public.

Source: PIB

State News

1. NTPC Signs MoU with Gujarat Government for Energy Projects

• What:
  • NTPC Limited has signed an initial agreement with the Government of Gujarat to explore opportunities in conventional and non-conventional energy sectors.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to strengthen NTPC’s energy presence in Gujarat and support India’s transition towards clean and sustainable energy.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed during the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference held in Mehsana.
  • It focuses on developing both traditional power generation and renewable energy projects in collaboration with the state government.
  • The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi.

Source: ET

2. Gujarat Declares 2025 as Year of Urban Development

• What:
  • Gujarat has declared 2025 as the Year of Urban Development to mark 20 years since the launch of the Well-Planned City Development Project initiated in 2005.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to celebrate Gujarat’s progress in sustainable urban development and promote further transformation through smart, clean, and inclusive cities.
• Tell me more:
  • The Urban Development Department held a statewide award ceremony at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, to honour cities excelling in cleanliness under the “2.2” initiative.
  • Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation was awarded the cleanest city in the 3–10 lakh population category, while Surat won the first Nirmal Gujarat Award.
  • Gujarat has sanctioned ₹8,220 crore for urban projects, including the Vikas Path project to modernise 91 roads and the ongoing Sabarmati Riverfront development.
  • The 2025 agenda focuses on housing, mobility, green infrastructure, and smart governance for inclusive urban growth.

Source: ANI

3. Goa Hosts 3rd International Purple Fest Celebrating Diversity

• What:
  • Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the 3rd edition of the International Purple Fest, showcasing talent and promoting inclusion for persons with disabilities.
• Why:
  • The festival aims to empower persons with disabilities, change societal perceptions, and celebrate their contributions as active members of society.
• Tell me more:
  • The fest was organised by the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

Source: PIB

4. Srikrishna Museum to Get New Fourth Block in Kurukshetra

• What:
  • The Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB) will add a fourth block to the Srikrishna Museum to enhance tourist experience and promote cultural heritage.
• Tell me more:
  • The museum, established in 1987 and shifted to its current building in 1991, already houses nine galleries across three blocks.
  • The fourth block will include three new galleries dedicated to Mahabharata sites, the 48-kos Kurukshetra region, and the Krishna Bhakti movement.
  • The new block will follow the same architectural style as the existing buildings and feature replicas of Krishna-Vishnu temples across India.

Source: TI

International News

1. China Switches On Dual-Tower Solar Thermal Power Plant

• What:
  • China has launched its first solar thermal power station with a dual-tower system in the Gobi Desert, built by the China Three Gorges Corporation.
• Why:
  • The project aims to use solar thermal technology in a more cost-effective and efficient way and support China’s clean energy expansion.
• Tell me more:
  • The plant is located in Guazhou County and uses about 27,000 mirrors to direct sunlight onto two 200-meter towers.
  • The system stores heat at up to 570°C, allowing power generation even after sunset or during cloudy weather.
  • The dual-tower design increases efficiency by 25% compared to a single tower since each tower captures sunlight during different times of the day.
  • The project is part of a large clean energy hub that will supply electricity to around half a million households annually.

Source: BS

2. Buddha’s Sacred Relics to Be Displayed in Kalmykia, Russia

• What:
  • The Government of India will take Buddha’s sacred relics to the Kalmykia Republic of Russia for their first-ever exposition in the region from 11th to 18th October 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • The exposition will be held in Elista, the capital of Kalmykia.
  • A high-level delegation of 11 senior Indian monks, led by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, will accompany the relics.
  • The Ministry of Culture is organising the event with the International Buddhist Confederation, National Museum, and Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
  • An MoU is expected to be signed between the Central Spiritual Administration of Buddhists and the International Buddhist Confederation.

Source: NOĀ

Banking and Economy

1. HSBC Commits $1 Billion for Indian Startups

• What:
  • HSBC has pledged $1 billion to provide loans to startups in India through its innovation banking platform.
• Tell me more:
  • India is the 13th market where HSBC has launched a dedicated platform for startups.
  • The funding amount increased from $50 million in 2020 to $600 million in 2024, now expanded to $1 billion.
  • The innovation banking programme began after HSBC acquired Silicon Valley Bank in the UK in March 2023.

Source: ET

2. Indel Money Announces Sixth Secured NCD Issue

• What:
  • Indel Money has launched its sixth public issue of secured Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) to raise up to ₹300 crore for business growth.
• Why:
  • The funds will be used mainly for onward lending, financing, repaying or prepaying borrowings, and general corporate purposes.
• Tell me more:
  • Each NCD has a face value of ₹1,000.
  • The base issue size is ₹150 crore, with an option to retain oversubscription up to ₹150 crore, making the total issue size ₹300 crore.
  • At least 75% of funds raised will be used for lending, financing, and repayment of borrowings, while up to 25% will be for general corporate purposes.
  • This is the sixth public issue of secured NCDs by Indel Money.

Source: ET

3. Pramerica Life Partners with Equitas Small Finance Bank

• What:
  • Pramerica Life Insurance has formed a strategic bancassurance partnership with Equitas Small Finance Bank to expand life insurance access across India.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to strengthen Pramerica Life’s distribution network, promote financial inclusion, and increase insurance penetration in line with IRDAI’s “Insurance for All by 2047” vision.
• Tell me more:
  • Equitas has nearly 1,000 outlets and 375 ATMs, providing a strong platform to reach urban and rural customers.
  • The product portfolio includes life, savings, health-oriented plans, and Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs).

Source: BS

4. Air India Partners with STARLUX Airlines

• What:
  • Air India has entered into an interline partnership with Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines to improve connectivity across Asia and access to Taipei.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to provide seamless travel options, better connectivity, and premium experiences for passengers of both airlines.
• Tell me more:
  • The partnership allows passengers to travel on both airlines’ networks with a single ticket, coordinated baggage handling, and smooth connections.
  • Air India customers can reach Taipei via Southeast Asian gateways such as Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, and Kuala Lumpur.
  • STARLUX passengers can connect to Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru through shared gateways.
  • STARLUX Airlines operates over 30 routes across Asia and the US and is known for high safety and service standards.

Source: ET

Reports and Indices

1. WHO Reports Big Tobacco Use Decline in South-East Asia

• What:
  • Bangladesh, India, and Nepal are expected to achieve at least a 30% relative reduction in tobacco use by the end of 2025, according to WHO.
• Why:
  • The goal is to reduce tobacco-related disease, disability, and death through strong policies, regulation, and public health measures.
• Tell me more:
  • The WHO South-East Asia Region has made the fastest global progress in reducing tobacco use, already meeting the global target by 2021.
  • Tobacco use in men fell from 70.1% in 2000 to 37.4% in 2024, and in women from 38% to 9.3%.
  • The region still has over 322 million adult tobacco users, 8.6 million adolescents, and around 288 million smokeless tobacco users.
  • E-cigarette use is rising, with about 1.8 million adults and 5 lakh adolescents using them.
  • WHO advocates measures such as higher taxes, smoke-free policies, health warnings, and bans on advertising.

Source: ET

2. Mukesh Ambani Tops Forbes India Rich List 2025

• What:
  • Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited, has retained the top position in Forbes’ list of India’s hundred richest people with a net worth of $105 billion.
• Tell me more:
  • JP Morgan valued Reliance Retail at $143 billion and Reliance Jio Infocomm at $135 billion, projecting them as key drivers of future earnings.
  • Gautam Adani and family hold the second position with $92 billion, while Savitri Jindal is third with $40.2 billion.
  • Sunil Mittal’s wealth rose by $3.5 billion to $34.2 billion, placing him fourth; Shiv Nadar is fifth with $33.2 billion.

Source: BS

Defence News

1. Indian Coast Guard Conducts ReSAREX–25 off Karnataka Coast

• What:
  • The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted a Regional Search and Rescue Exercise (ReSAREX–25) off the Karnataka coast to assess readiness for maritime emergencies.
• Why:
  • The exercise aimed to evaluate and enhance collective preparedness and coordination among maritime agencies in handling mass rescue operations at sea.
• Tell me more:
  • The exercise was organised by ICG District Headquarters No. 3 (Karnataka) under Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (West), Mumbai.
  • It involved key agencies including Karnataka Police, NDRF, INMCC, NMPA, MRPL, Coastal Security Police, Srinivas Hospital, and MRCC Mumbai.
  • The drill simulated a fire on a dhow named ‘Al Badariya’ off the Mangaluru coast, triggering a large-scale rescue operation.

Source: TOI

Important Days

1. World Migratory Bird Day 2025 – May 10 and October 11

• Theme: Creating bird-friendly cities & communities

Source: UN

2. World Mental Health Day 2025 – October 10

• Theme: Access to Services-Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies

Source: UN

Sports

1. Jasprit Bumrah Becomes First Indian Seamer with 50 Matches in All Formats

• What:
  • Jasprit Bumrah has become the first Indian fast bowler to play 50 matches in each cricket format after being picked for the second Test against the West Indies on October 10, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • Bumrah has played 50 Tests, 89 ODIs, and 75 T20Is, taking a total of 467 wickets.
  • His Test record includes 222 wickets at an average of 19.81 with 15 five-wicket hauls.
  • In ODIs, he has 149 wickets at an average of 23.55, while in T20Is, he has 96 wickets at an average of 17.85.
  • He recently became the fastest Indian bowler to take 50 Test wickets at home, achieving it in 1,747 balls.
  • Only a few Indian players such as MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, and KL Rahul have played 50+ matches in all formats.

Source: TOI

Memorandum of Understanding

1. National Communications Academy signs MoU with GSMA

• What:
  • The National Communications Academy (NCA) has signed a global Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the GSM Association (GSMA) to enhance collaboration in telecom and digital innovation.
• Why:
  • The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in telecom policy, research, and capacity building to boost India’s digital and telecom infrastructure.
• Tell me more:
  • Future collaborations with global universities in the US and UK are being explored for specialized research areas.
  • This MoU marks NCA’s first international collaboration.

Source: ANI

2. C-DAC and ICAT Partner for Indigenous Automotive Technologies

• What:
  • The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) have signed an MoU to develop indigenous technology solutions for India’s automotive sector.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to reduce dependence on foreign technologies and promote self-reliant, future-ready mobility in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed during the Traffic InfraTech Expo 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
  • It covers joint R&D, creation of testing standards, and cybersecurity solutions for the automotive industry.
  • C-DAC will design and develop technology solutions, while ICAT will handle testing, validation, certification, and industry linkages.

Source: PIB

3. NeGD Partners with Bharat Taxi for Cooperative Ride-Hailing

• What:
  • The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) has signed an MoU with Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited (Bharat Taxi) to provide strategic advisory and technical support for its national ride-hailing platform.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to create a cooperative-driven, transparent, and citizen-first ride-hailing platform aligned with the Digital India vision.
• Tell me more:
  • Bharat Taxi is jointly promoted by leading cooperative and financial institutions such as NCDC, IFFCO, AMUL, KRIBHCO, NAFED, NABARD, NDDB, and NCEL.
  • NeGD will assist in integrating Bharat Taxi with national platforms like DigiLocker, UMANG, and API Setu.
  • Bharat Taxi is scheduled to launch in December 2025.

Source: PIB

Appointments

1. Army General Appointed New Prime Minister of Madagascar

• Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has appointed army general Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the new prime minister to address growing protests in the country.

Source: NOA

2. RBI Appoints Sanjay Kumar Hansda as Executive Director

• What:
  • The Reserve Bank of India has appointed Sanjay Kumar Hansda as Executive Director (ED) with effect from March 3, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • Hansda will head the Department of Economic and Policy Research at RBI.
  • He returned to the RBI on October 6, 2025, after serving as Senior Advisor to ED (India) at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
  • Before promotion, he worked as Adviser in the Department of Economic and Policy Research.
  • He has also served in the Monetary Policy Department and the Internal Debt Management Department.
  • Hansda earlier worked as an Analyst (Financial Stability) at the Bank of England on secondment from RBI.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. TT Jagannathan, Former TTK Group Chairman, Passes Away

• TT Jagannathan, chairman emeritus of TTK Group and creator of the Prestige brand, passed away in Bengaluru on October 9 at the age of 77.

Source: TOI

2. Apollo Hospitals Launches ‘I Am a Cancer Survivor’ Book

• Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals launched the book “Maine Cancer Ko Jeet Liya (I Am a Cancer Survivor)” authored by Dr. Palkonda Vijay Anand Reddy, featuring 108 inspiring stories of cancer survivors.
• Apollo Hospitals was founded in 1983 in Chennai by Dr. Prathap Reddy.

Source: BS

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