14th October 2025

1. Global Finance Recognizes DBS Bank as Asia’s Safest Bank for 17th Consecutive Year
2. GalaxEyeSpace to Launch World’s First Multi-Sensor EO Satellite ‘Mission Drishti’ in 2026
3. Rajputana Royals Won Inaugural Archery Premier League 2025
4. Oscar Winning Actress Diane Keaton Passed Away
5. World Arthritis Day 2025 – October 12
6. Assam CM Launched ‘Shraddhanjali’ Scheme for Repatriation of Mortal Remains
7. Kaziranga Director Sonali Ghosh Wins Global Sustainability Award
8. World Standards Day 2025
9. Retail Inflation Falls to 1.54% in September, 8-Year Low
10. India’s Net Direct Tax Collection Rises 6.33% to ₹11.89 Lakh Crore
11. Assam CM Launches “CM Flight” for Global Careers
12. Forest Rangers Honored with 2025 International Ranger Awards
13. Three Landmark Initiatives Unveiled at Purple Fest 2025
14. India, Australia Begin Joint Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025
15. Climate Change Top Threat to Natural World Heritage Sites
16. Palau Hosts World’s First Live Underwater Interview
17. Netflix India Partners with IICT, FICCI to Support India’s AVGC-XR Sector
18. Flipkart & Pine Labs Launches ‘Flipkart Bharat Yatra Card’
19. Gurugram gets India’s first QR-Based kiosk to pay Traffic Fines
20. 5 Maharashtra Beaches Received International Blue Flag Certification

State News

1. Gurugram Traffic Police Launch QR-Based Kiosk for Fine Payments

• What
  • Gurugram traffic police launched a QR code-based kiosk at Ambience Mall to let citizens check and instantly pay their traffic fines.
• Why
  • The initiative aims to make fine payment easier, promote behavioural change among commuters, and support the “Challan Nahi, Salah Milegi” campaign.
• Tell me more
  • The kiosk was inaugurated by Dr Rajesh Mohan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Gurugram.
  • It was launched under the CSR partnership of Gurugram traffic police with Narayana Hospital Trust and Ambience Mall management.
  • The initiative is said to be the first of its kind in India.

Source: HT

2. Five Maharashtra Beaches Get International Blue Flag Tag

• What
  • Five beaches in Maharashtra have received the international Blue Flag certification for meeting global environmental and cleanliness standards.
• Why
  • The recognition aims to promote eco-friendly tourism by ensuring beaches meet global standards of cleanliness, safety, and sustainability.
• Tell me more
  • The certified beaches are Shrivardhan and Nagaon in Raigad district, Parnaka in Palghar, and Guhagar and Ladghar in Ratnagiri district.
  • The certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) based in Denmark.
  • The Blue Flag status is given to beaches that meet 33 criteria related to environment, safety, and public amenities.
  • The Blue Flag certification covers areas such as water quality, environmental education, and management.

Source: NOA

3. Assam Launches ‘Shraddhanjali’ Scheme for Mortal Remains

• Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the ‘Shraddhanjali’ scheme on October 6, 2025, to bring back the mortal remains of people from Assam who die outside the State.
• The scheme aims to ensure the dignified return of the bodies of deceased persons from outside Assam to their families.

Source: TH

4. Assam Launches CM-FLIGHT to Train Youth in Japanese

• What:
  • Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Chief Minister’s Foreign Languages Initiative for Global Human Talent (CM-FLIGHT) to train Assam’s youth in Japanese language and global workplace skills.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to make Assam’s youth globally employable by equipping them with foreign language proficiency and cultural readiness for international work opportunities.
• Tell me more:
  • In the first batch, 180 candidates will receive Japanese language training (JFT Basic/JLPT N4) through ASEAN-ONE Co. Ltd, Jaceex Ventures LLP, and Meiko Career Partners Co. Ltd.
  • The program focuses initially on Japan under its Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program, covering sectors like healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and food processing.
  • Each candidate’s training cost is supported by ₹1,00,000 for instruction and ₹50,000 as post-placement assistance for relocation, visa, and settlement costs.
  • A partnership with Toshiaki Nishikawa of ASEAN One Company reduced training fees from ₹3.6 lakh to ₹1.8 lakh, making candidates pay only about ₹30,000 after government support.
  • Assam targets to place 50,000 youth in Japan by 2030, which may increase to one lakh depending on the state’s engagement.

Source: ET

5. Three New Accessibility Initiatives Launched at Purple Fest Goa 2025

• What:
  • Three new initiatives to strengthen accessibility in listening, reading, and writing for persons with disabilities were launched on the second day of the International Purple Fest Goa 2025.
• Why:
  • The aim is to promote inclusive education, skill development, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities through accessible learning and communication tools.
• Tell me more:
  • The initiatives were launched by Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of India.
  • The first initiative was the IELTS Training Handbook for Persons with Disabilities, developed by Believe in the Invisible (BITI) with DEPwD support, authored by Anjali Vyas.
  • The second was ISLRTC’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Certification in ISL Interpretation / Skill Course for SODA (Siblings of Deaf Adults) and CODA (Children of Deaf Adults).
  • ISLRTC also announced a Specialized Basic Training Programme on American and British Sign Languages beginning December 3, 2025, for Indian sign language professionals.

Source: DD

International News

1. Palau Hosts World’s First Live Underwater Interview

• What:
  • Palau successfully hosted the world’s first-ever live underwater interview, conducted by President Surangel Whipps Jr with Estonian Olympic swimmer and activist Merle Liivand.
• Tell me more:
  • The underwater interview used the LiFi Talking Mask technology, which transmits sound through light underwater.
  • Palau is a Pacific archipelago of about 340 islands located east of the Philippines.

Source: NOA

Banking and Economy

1. FICCI-IICT-Netflix India Join Hands to Boost AVGC-XR Talent

• What
  • FICCI and IICT partnered with Netflix India to train and support talent in India’s AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics & Extended Reality) sector.
• Tell me more
  • The MoU was exchanged at the 25th edition of FICCI Frames in presence of Sh. Sanjay Jaju.
  • IICT will design industry-focused curricula and offer workshops, masterclasses, and guest lectures from experts.
  • The Netflix Fund for Creative Equity will provide scholarships to underrepresented talent.
  • Netflix will join IICT’s national councils to offer strategic guidance for AVGC-XR growth.

Source: PIB

2. Flipkart and Pine Labs Launch Bharat Yatra Card for Transit Payments

• What
  • Flipkart and Pine Labs launched the Flipkart Bharat Yatra Card, a digital prepaid card for public transport payments in India.
• Why
  • The card aims to make commuting faster and easier by reducing queues, removing recharge delays, and improving payment efficiency in public transport.
• Tell me more
  • The Economic Survey 2025 reported India’s metro ridership at 10.2 million daily in January 2025, showing growing demand for such cashless systems.
  • Bharat Connect was formerly known as Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS).

Source: CNBC

3. India’s Retail Inflation Falls to 1.54% in September

• What:
  • India’s retail inflation dropped to 1.54% in September from 2.07% in August, falling below the Reserve Bank of India’s 2–6% target range due to declining food prices.
• Tell me more:
  • This is the lowest retail inflation since June 2017, against economists’ forecast of 1.70%.
  • Food inflation fell to -2.28% in September from -0.69% in August as vegetable prices dropped 21.38%.
  • Rural and urban inflation stood at -2.17% and -2.47%, respectively.
  • RBI has projected FY26 inflation at 2.6%, lower than its previous forecast of 3.1%.
  • Core inflation was 4.2% in August, remaining largely stable.

Source: ET

4. Net Direct Tax Collection Rises 6.33% in FY25

• India’s net direct tax collection increased by 6.33% to over ₹11.89 lakh crore in the current financial year till October 12.

Source: (NOA

Reports and Indices

1. IUCN Report Warns of Climate Threats to Heritage Sites

• What:
  • The IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4 report revealed that climate change has become the biggest threat to the world’s natural World Heritage sites, affecting almost half of them.
• Why:
  • The report aims to highlight the need for urgent global action to protect natural World Heritage sites from increasing climate-related risks and environmental pressures.
• Tell me more:
  • The report was released at the IUCN Congress in Abu Dhabi.
  • It found that 43% of natural World Heritage sites face severe climate risks, making it the top threat worldwide.
  • Invasive alien species impact 30% of the sites, while diseases affecting wildlife and plants have risen from 2% in 2020 to 9% in 2025.
  • The report is based on a decade of global assessments since 2014, showing a decline in sites’ conservation status from 62% in 2020 to 57% in 2025.

Source: NOA

Defence News

1. India-Australia Joint Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025 Begins in Perth

• What:
  • The fourth edition of the India-Australia joint military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025 began in Perth, Australia, with participation from the Indian Army.
• Why:
  • The exercise aims to enhance military cooperation, improve interoperability, and enable both armies to exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures in sub-conventional warfare.
• Tell me more:
  • An Indian Army contingent of 120 personnel departed to join the exercise, which will conclude on October 26.

Source: NOA

Science and Technology

1. GalaxEye to Launch World’s First Multi-Sensor EO Satellite

• What
  • Space-tech startup GalaxEye will launch ‘Mission Drishti’, the world’s first multi-sensor Earth observation satellite, in the first quarter of next year.
• Why
  • The mission aims to provide continuous, high-resolution, all-weather imagery and advanced geospatial analysis for governments, defence, and industries.
• Tell me more
  • Mission Drishti is India’s largest privately built satellite, weighing 160 kg, and offers 1.5 metre resolution.
  • It uses GalaxEye’s proprietary SyncFused Opto-SAR technology, combining Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and multispectral sensors on a single platform.
  • The satellite has undergone structural testing at ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre to withstand extreme space conditions.

Source: ET

Awards

1. DBS Named Safest Bank in Asia for 17th Year

• What
  • DBS has been named the “Safest Bank in Asia” for 2025, marking its 17th consecutive year receiving this recognition.
• Why
  • The award highlights DBS’s strong financial stability, effective risk management, and solid governance standards.
• Tell me more
  • DBS also ranked 2nd in the “World’s 50 Safest Commercial Banks” list.
  • The rankings were part of Global Finance’s annual evaluation of the 500 largest banks worldwide.
  • The assessment considered long-term foreign currency ratings from Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s.

Source: BS

2. Sonali Ghosh Wins Kenton R. Miller Award

• What:
  • Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, became the first Indian to receive the Kenton R. Miller Award for innovation in national parks and protected area sustainability.
• Why:
  • She was honoured for promoting a conservation model that combines community engagement, awareness-building, and traditional ecological knowledge with modern science.
• Tell me more:
  • The award was presented in Abu Dhabi.
  • It was jointly given to Sonali Ghosh and Ecuador’s Roque Simón Sevilla Larrea.
  • Dr. Ghosh’s model had significant impact in the biodiversity-rich regions of Manas and Kaziranga in Assam.
  • The Kenton R. Miller Award is presented every two years to recognise innovation and leadership in protected area management.
  • Larrea was recognised for integrating sustainability in tourism, insurance, and environmental sectors through his company Grupo Futuro.

Source: TH

3. IUCN Honours 13 Rangers with 2025 International Ranger Awards

• What:
  • The IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) presented the 2025 International Ranger Awards to 13 rangers and ranger teams for their courage and dedication to nature conservation.
• Why:
  • The awards aim to honour frontline conservation heroes and raise public awareness about the critical role rangers play in protecting forests and wildlife globally.
• Tell me more:
  • Winners received financial grants ranging from USD 5,000 to 25,000 to support local conservation efforts.
  • The awardees represent 13 countries, including Ukraine, Burkina Faso, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
  • Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh attended the ceremony and released the report “Guardians of the Wild.”

Source: NOA

Important Days

1. World Arthritis Day 2025 – October 12

• Theme: Achieve Your Dreams

Source: MIC

2. World Standards Day 2025 – October 14

Sports

1. India Wins Four Bronze Medals at Asian Aquatics Championships

• What
  • Srihari Nataraj, Bhavya Sachdeva, Sajan Prakash and the men’s relay team won bronze medals on the final day of swimming and diving events at the 11th Asian Aquatics Championships 2025 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad.
• Why
  • This edition marked India’s best-ever medal tally in the history of the Asian Aquatics Championships.
• Tell me more
  • India finished with 13 medals in total — four silver and nine bronze — securing ninth position overall.
  • Bhavya Sachdeva’s bronze in women’s 400m freestyle was India’s first medal in the women’s category at the event.
  • Sajan Prakash took bronze in men’s 200m butterfly, and Srihari Nataraj in men’s 100m backstroke.
  • China led the championship.

Source: OC

2. Rajputana Royals Win Inaugural Archery Premier League Title

• What
  • Rajputana Royals (RR) won the first-ever Archery Premier League (APL) title after defeating Prithviraj Yoddhas in a shoot-off final in New Delhi.
• Why
  • The APL aims to give Indian archers international exposure, competitive experience, and confidence similar to that of global events like the Olympics.
• Tell me more
  • Key RR players included Ojas Pravin Deotale, Ankita Bhakat, Mete Gazoz, and Ella Gibson, who secured victory for their team.
  • Prithviraj Yoddhas, led by Abhishek Verma with teammates Matias Grande, Gatha Kadake, and Andrea Becerra, scored a perfect 80 in one set — the first in APL history.
  • Ojas Pravin Deotale, India’s first male archer to win an individual compound gold at the World Championships (2023), emphasized APL’s role in preparing Indian players for global competitions.

Source: ANI

Miscellaneous

1. Hollywood Legend Diane Keaton Passes Away at 79

• Oscar-Winning Hollywood actress Diane Keaton passed away at the age of 79 due to pneumonia.

Source: TN

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