15th October 2025 

1. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Inaugurated & Laid Foundation Stones for 3 NH Projects in Puducherry over ₹2,000 Crore
2. TechBharat, Google Cloud India Launched India’s First AI CoE for Public Good
3. ICAI collaborates with MeitY to provide Sovereign AI Development
4. Maldives Became First Country to Achieve ‘Triple Elimination’ of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B
5. Muse, NPCI Partners to Launch India’s First Wearables Payment Ecosystem
6. Curie Money, ICICI Prudential AMC Partner for Instant Redemption with UPI
7. AIBI Re-elects Mahavir Lunawat as Chairman
8. India Beats West Indies in the 2nd Test by 7 Wickets
9. MoHFW Inaugurates CPR Awareness week 2025 – October 13 – 17
10. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Inaugurates Newly Developed Pulse Varieties at GBPUAT
11. NSD and Bharat Bhawan Partner to Revive Rangmandal Repertory
12. Finance Minister to Inaugurate dhaRti BioNest at IIT Dharwad
13. New Door-to-Door Freight & Parcel Services Launched by Railways
14. NHAI to Use All Municipal Waste in Roads by 2027
15. DRDO Signs MoU to Develop 300 MW Solar Projects Across India
16. Mahabharat’s Karna, Actor Pankaj Dheer, Passes Away at 68
17. India to Resume Postal Service to US from Tomorrow
18. Dan Katz Appointed IMF’s First Deputy Managing Director
19. Henley Passport Index 2025: Singapore Tops the World, India Slips to Rank 85
20. Govt Extends 16th Finance Commission Tenure Till Nov 30
21. India–Mongolia Sign MoUs, Announce Free Visas, Mark 70 Years
22. Adani, Google to Build India’s Largest AI Data Hub
23. India’s GDP Seen Growing 6.6% in 2025 Despite US Tariffs
24. EY, Microsoft Launch Free AI Skills Training in India
25. Vaishnaw Endorses Mappls as India’s Answer to Google Maps
26. 45th GITEX Global Opens in Dubai with 6,800+ Exhibitors
27. India Unveils $77 Billion Hydro Plan Amid China’s Dam Push

National News

1. India’s First AI Center of Excellence for Public Good Launched

• What:
  • TechBharat Research Foundation in collaboration with Google Cloud launched India’s first AI Center of Excellence (CoE) for Public Good in Visakhapatnam.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to use AI to solve citizen challenges in governance and support India’s goal of responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence.
• Tell me more:
  • TechBharat Research Foundation is a not-for-profit initiative by Hyderabad-based ParadigmIT and Quantela.
  • The CoE will focus on creating real-world AI applications for governance and citizen services using Google Cloud’s technology and expertise.
  • Google Cloud will provide AI development platforms, Gemini APIs, mentorship, and go-to-market support for large-scale adoption.
  • The TechBharat AI Fellowship, a 120-day national program, trains young talent to design AI solutions for public sector problems.
  • The CoE will build scalable solutions for both India and the Global South.

Source: BS

2. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Launches CPR Awareness Week 2025

• What:
  • The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched CPR Awareness Week (13–17 October 2025) to promote training and public participation in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to build awareness and train individuals in CPR to improve survival chances during cardiac emergencies, especially outside hospitals.
• Tell me more:
  • The Ministry’s goal is to ensure at least one CPR-trained person in every household, school, office, and public space.
  • Nearly 70% of cardiac arrests in India occur outside hospitals where immediate help is unavailable.
  • The Ministry has launched CPR awareness pledges and quizzes on MyGov and MyBharat platforms.

Source: PIB

3. Finance Minister Inaugurates dhaRti BioNest Incubation Centre at IIT Dharwad

• What:
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the dhaRti BioNest Incubation Centre at IIT Dharwad to support start-ups in biotechnology, deep tech, and healthcare.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to create a strong ecosystem for innovation, entrepreneurship, and research, enabling young innovators and start-ups to thrive within India.
• Tell me more:
  • The incubation centre has supported 15 start-ups under the Elevate Karnataka scheme with seed funding of ₹50 lakh each.
  • A sum of ₹5.29 crore from the Finance Minister’s MPLADS Fund has been sanctioned for the dhaRti Incubation Centre.
  • IIT Dharwad faculty and students participated in the inauguration event where the Minister also interacted with them.
  • The dhaRti Incubation Centre supports innovation in key areas like biotech, healthcare, and deep technology.

Source: TH

4. Indian Railways Launches Door-to-Door Delivery Service

• What:
  • Indian Railways has launched door-to-door delivery services from Mumbai to Kolkata for efficient and timely goods transportation.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to improve logistics efficiency, save costs and time, and offer better goods handling through multi-modal services.
• Tell me more:
  • The service provides around 7.5% cost savings and nearly 30% time savings compared to road transport.
  • Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) will manage last-mile delivery through business associates.
  • The initiative also includes the launch of a transit container train service from Delhi to Kolkata and an upgraded Integrated Logistics Hub at Sonik, Uttar Pradesh.
  • The Delhi–Kolkata service guarantees delivery within 120 hours.

Source: ET

5. Municipal Waste to Be Used for Road Construction by 2027

• What:
  • Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced that the National Highways Authority plans to use all municipal waste in India for road construction by 2027.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to promote sustainable infrastructure development while addressing the issue of waste management in the country.
• Tell me more:
  • Currently, around 80 lakh tonnes of municipal waste are being used for building highways.
  • 25 lakh tonnes of waste have been used in constructing the Ahmedabad–Pune Highway, and 40 lakh tonnes for the Mumbai–Delhi Highway.
  • Bio bitumen made from livestock waste, tested and certified by the Central Research Organisation, was used as an alternative to petroleum bitumen.

Source: NOA

6. President of Mongolia Undertakes State Visit to India

• What:
  • President of Mongolia, Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, undertook a State Visit to India from 13 to 16 October 2025 at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership between India and Mongolia.
• Why:
  • The visit aimed to strengthen strategic, economic, cultural, and defence cooperation while reaffirming the shared commitment to deepen bilateral relations.
• Tell me more:
  • During the visit, President Ukhnaa met President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior leaders to discuss expanding cooperation.
  • Both sides reaffirmed support for the $1.7 billion Mongol Oil Refinery Project, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee IT Centre, and the India–Mongolia Friendship School.
  • Memorandums of Understanding were signed on Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) and geology and mineral resources cooperation to boost development and trade.
  • India and Mongolia agreed to enhance collaboration in renewable energy, agriculture, defence exchanges, and connectivity.
  • The two nations condemned terrorism in all forms, calling for global cooperation to counter terror funding and eliminate safe havens.

Source: MEA

7. India Plans ₹6.4 Trillion Transmission Network from Brahmaputra Basin

• What:
  • The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has proposed a ₹6.4 trillion ($77 billion) transmission plan to transfer more than 76 gigawatts (GW) of hydroelectric capacity from the Brahmaputra basin by 2047.
• Why:
  • The plan aims to meet India’s growing electricity demand and support the country’s renewable energy and net zero targets.
• Tell me more:
  • The plan involves 208 large hydro projects across 12 sub-basins in northeastern India.
  • It includes 64.9 GW of potential hydro capacity and an additional 11.1 GW from pumped-storage plants.
  • The Brahmaputra basin, covering states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim, Mizoram, and Meghalaya, accounts for over 80% of India’s untapped hydro potential.
  • Arunachal Pradesh alone has 52.2 GW of identified hydro capacity.
  • The plan will be implemented in two phases — Phase 1 (till 2035) requiring ₹1.91 trillion and Phase 2 ₹4.52 trillion.

Source: RT

State News

1. Highway Projects Worth ₹2,000 Crore Launched in Puducherry

• What:
  • Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid foundation stones for three major National Highway projects worth over ₹2,000 crore in Puducherry to improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion.
• Why:
  • The projects aim to reduce travel time, decongest Puducherry city, lower fuel use and emissions, and boost tourism and trade in the Union Territory.
• Tell me more:
  • ₹25,000 crore worth of highway works have been planned for Puducherry, with several projects completed, ongoing, and in pipeline.
  • An additional ₹100 crore under the Setu Bandhan Scheme will be used for small bridges.
  • India now ranks third globally in automobile manufacturing, worth ₹22 lakh crore, generating 4.5 crore jobs.
  • Logistics costs dropped from 16% to 10%, with a single-digit target by December.

Source: DD

2. Uttarakhand CM Inaugurates Farmers Fair and Agricultural Expo

• What:
  • Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the 18th All India Farmers Fair and Agricultural Industry Exhibition at Pantnagar University, introducing new pulse varieties and releasing the book Pantnagar Pravah.
• Why:
  • The event aims to promote modern technology, innovation, and knowledge-sharing among farmers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to boost agricultural development and farmer income.
• Tell me more:
  • Over 400 stalls were set up, with more than 200 by agri-industries, startups, and entrepreneurs from across India; around 20,000 farmers participated.
  • Initiatives highlighted at the fair included interest-free loans up to ₹3 lakh, Kisan Credit Card loan limit increase, subsidies for equipment and horticulture, and schemes for irrigation, rainfed farming, and polyhouse construction.
  • Central government schemes like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Soil Health Card, and others are benefiting farmers in Uttarakhand.

Source: ANI

International News

1. Maldives Becomes First Country to Achieve Triple Elimination

• What:
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated the Maldives for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B, adding to its earlier validations for HIV and syphilis, making it the first country in the world to achieve ‘triple elimination’.
• Tell me more:
  • Maldives was earlier validated by WHO in 2019 for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.
  • The country achieved this success through an integrated maternal and child health approach with more than 95% antenatal care coverage and nearly universal testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
  • The country invests over 10% of its GDP in health to provide free antenatal care, vaccines, and diagnostic services to all residents, including migrants.

Source: WHO

2. 45th GITEX Global Opens in Dubai

• What:
  • The 45th edition of GITEX Global 2025 was inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the Dubai World Trade Centre, marking the UAE’s growing leadership in digital innovation and artificial intelligence.
• Why:
  • The event aims to position the UAE as a global digital leader by promoting innovation, AI integration, and sustainable economic transformation through technology.
• Tell me more:
  • GITEX 2025 is the world’s largest technology and AI showcase, featuring over 6,800 technology companies, 2,000 startups, and participation from 180 countries.
  • Sheikh Mohammed emphasized raising Dubai’s digital economy contribution to AED 100 billion by 2033 as part of the UAE’s vision to build a strong digital economy.
  • The five-day event aligns with national initiatives such as the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), the Dubai Blockchain Strategy, and UAE Vision 2031.
  • Leading companies like AWS, IBM, Huawei, Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, and Siemens showcased innovations in AI, robotics, cloud computing, and sustainable technology.
  • Futuristic tech such as flying cars, electric air taxis, autonomous vehicles, and robotics solutions were also displayed at the event.

Source: TOI

Banking and Economy

1. ICAI to Share Financial Data for India’s AI Model

• What:
  • The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is in discussions with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to provide financial and economic data of listed companies for India’s sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) model.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to support the development of India’s own large language models (LLMs) by supplying authenticated financial data.
• Tell me more:
  • ICAI has data such as balance sheets and audit reports of listed companies that can be provided to the LLMs being developed in India.
  • The country’s sovereign AI model is expected to be ready before the India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled on February 19-20 next year.
  • S. Krishnan is the Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Source: ET

2. India’s First Wearable Payments Ecosystem Launched

• What:
  • Indian tech startup Muse Wearables has partnered with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to launch India’s first wearable payments ecosystem powered by Muse Wallet and RuPay network.
• Tell me more:
  • Users can make instant payments by tapping Muse’s smart ring “Ring One” on any NFC-enabled PoS terminal.
  • Muse Wallet is already operational in over 40 countries.
  • It supports cards from nearly 600 banks, now expanding its global platform in India through RuPay.

Source: BS

3. Curie Money and ICICI Prudential AMC Launch UPI-Linked Liquid Fund

• What:
  • Curie Money, in partnership with ICICI Prudential AMC, has launched a first-of-its-kind solution in India combining liquid funds, instant redemption, and UPI payments in one platform.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to help retail investors grow their money steadily while ensuring instant access without any lock-ins or penalties.
• Tell me more:
  • Liquid Mutual Funds invest mainly in government bonds, securities, and treasury bills, offering low-risk and stable returns.
  • Liquid Mutual Funds belong to the debt mutual fund category and are less affected by equity market volatility.
  • It combines three important features — growth, liquidity, and accessibility.

Source: TW

4. India Resumes All International Postal Services to the USA

• What:
  • The Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications has resumed all categories of international postal services to the United States of America from 15 October 2025.
• Why:
  • The resumption aims to restore seamless export connectivity and support India’s exporters after meeting new U.S. customs requirements for import duty collection and clearance.
• Tell me more:
  • Services were suspended on 22 August 2025 following the U.S. Executive Order 14324, which ended the de minimis exemption for postal shipments.
  • India Post developed and tested a compliant Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) system in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)-approved Qualified Parties.
  • Under the DDP system, customs duties are collected in India at booking and remitted directly to U.S. authorities, ensuring fast clearance and no extra charges for recipients.
  • A flat 50% duty on the declared FOB value applies to postal goods from India to the USA, with no additional base or product-specific tariffs.
  • Exporters can now book all categories of international mail—EMS, Air Parcels, Registered Letters/Packets, and Tracked Packets—through Post Offices, IBCs, DNKs, or the India Post portal.
  • Postal tariffs remain unchanged, and India Post will not charge extra for facilitating DDP or Qualified Party services.

Source: PIB

5. Tenure of 16th Finance Commission Extended by One Month

• What:
  • The government has extended the tenure of the 16th Finance Commission by one month, with the new deadline for its report set to November 30, 2025.
• Why:
  • The extension is to allow more time for the Commission to complete its recommendations on tax distribution between the Centre and states for the five-year period starting April 1, 2026.
• Tell me more:
  • The 16th Finance Commission was set up on December 31, 2023, with Arvind Panagariya as Chairman.
  • The Commission’s report was initially due by October 31 and now extended to November 30, by Finance Ministry notification.
  • The Commission consists of four members, including full-time and part-time members, and is supported by Secretary Ritvik Pandey.
  • It will review revenue-sharing, suggest ways to increase revenue, and propose changes in disaster management funding under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
  • Members include Annie George Mathew, Manoj Panda, Soumya Kanti Ghosh, and T Rabi Sankar.
  • The 16th Finance Commission will influence Centre-state funding for the period 2026–2031.

Source: ET

6. Google, Adani, and Airtel to Build India’s Largest AI Hub

• What:
  • Google, Adani Enterprises, and Bharti Airtel have partnered to establish India’s largest Artificial Intelligence (AI) hub and data centre campus in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, with an investment of $15 billion (₹1.25 lakh crore) over five years (2026–2030).
• Why:
  • The project aims to create advanced AI and data infrastructure that will strengthen India’s position as a global technology and innovation hub.
• Tell me more:
  • The AI hub is part of Google’s “AI Hub India” initiative and will feature gigawatt-scale data centre operations powered by clean energy.
  • The facility will have new international subsea cable landings connecting India to Google’s global network.
  • Airtel will build a dedicated data centre and Cable Landing Station (CLS) in Visakhapatnam and develop an extensive fibre network for high-speed connectivity.
  • AdaniConneX, a partnership between Adani Enterprises and EdgeConneX, will co-develop the core infrastructure, investing in green energy, new transmission lines, and storage systems.
  • The total investment in the project is $15 billion, spread over 2026–2030.

Source: ET

7. EY India and Microsoft Launch Free AI Skills Passport

• What:
  • EY India, in partnership with Microsoft, has launched a free online programme called AI Skills Passport to provide equal access to AI education for learners aged 16 and above.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to equip students and early-career professionals with job-ready AI skills and bridge skill gaps among Indian professionals in an increasingly digital economy.
• Tell me more:
  • EY India will partner with not-for-profit organisations to mentor and support youth from economically weaker sections.
  • The programme is part of EY Ripples, EY’s global corporate responsibility initiative focusing on future-ready skill development.
  • The initiative supports Microsoft’s goal to equip 10 million Indians with AI skills by 2030.

Source: BS

Reports and Indices

1. Henley Passport Index 2025

• What:
  • The United States has dropped to 12th place in the 2025 Henley Passport Index rankings, marking the first time it has fallen out of the top 10 in the index’s 20-year history.
• Tell me more:
  • The U.S. passport now allows visa-free access to 180 of 227 destinations, tying with Malaysia.
  • Singapore tops the list with access to 193 destinations, followed by South Korea (190) and Japan (189).
  • Brazil, China, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea have recently introduced new travel restrictions impacting U.S. travelers.
  • The United Kingdom also fell in rank—from 6th to 8th—its lowest since 2015.
  • India dropped to 85th position, with visa-free access to 57 destinations, while Afghanistan ranks last with access to only 24 countries.

Source: TOI

GDP Forecasts

1. IMF Raises India’s GDP Growth Forecast for 2025

• What:
  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised India’s GDP growth outlook for 2025 to 6.6% from 6.4% while reducing the 2026 projection to 6.2%.
• Why:
  • The upward revision for 2025 reflects strong performance in the first quarter, which offset the impact of higher U.S. tariffs on imports from India.
• Tell me more:
  • According to the IMF’s October 2025 World Economic Outlook report, India’s growth remains resilient despite global tariff shocks.
  • The IMF noted that global growth is projected at 3.2% for 2025 and 3.1% for 2026, a slight downgrade from earlier forecasts.
  • Advanced economies are expected to grow about 1.5%, while emerging and developing economies are projected to grow just above 4%.

Source: TOI

Science and Technology

1. Government Backs Mappls App to Challenge Google Maps

• What:
  • India’s homegrown navigation app Mappls has gained significant traction after Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw endorsed it as a “Swadeshi platform” and urged citizens to try the indigenous alternative to Google Maps.
• Why:
  • The endorsement is part of India’s push for self-reliant technology and digital innovation, promoting homegrown solutions over foreign alternatives.
• Tell me more:
  • Mappls ranks #2 in the navigation category on App Store and has over one crore downloads on Google Play Store, with a tenfold increase in daily downloads after government support.
  • The app offers India-specific features like 3D junction views for complex flyovers, live traffic signal timers in Bengaluru, doorstep navigation, and multi-floor navigation for shopping complexes.
  • It provides real-time alerts for speed limits, accident-prone spots, sharp turns, and traffic cameras, along with fuel and toll expense estimation and NHAI FASTag support.
  • The platform supports nine regional languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Punjabi, Malayalam, and Gujarati.
  • MapMyIndia has urged the government to mandate pre-installation of Mappls on smartphones under the PLI scheme.

Source: ET

Sports

1. India Defeats West Indies, Wins Test Series 2-0

• What:
  • India defeated West Indies by 7 wickets in the second Test match at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, completing a 2-0 series clean sweep.
• Tell me more:
  • The win marked India’s 10th consecutive Test series victory against the West Indies.
  • The match was played at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Source: NOA

Memorandum of Understanding

1. NSD and Bharat Bhawan Sign MoU to Revive Rangmandal

• What:
  • The National School of Drama (NSD) and Bharat Bhawan in Bhopal signed an MoU to revive the Rangmandal Repertory, which had been inactive for over two decades.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to promote quality theatre and strengthen cultural activities in Madhya Pradesh and across India.
• Tell me more:
  • NSD Director and actor Chittaranjan Tripathy announced the revival plan during a press conference in New Delhi.

Source: NOA

2. DRDO and SECI Sign MoU for Renewable Energy Projects

• What:
  • Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) signed an MoU with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to develop 300 MW of solar-based renewable energy projects across DRDO establishments in India.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to create self-reliant, Net-Zero campuses at all strategic DRDO locations by 2027.
• Tell me more:
  • Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, and Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, attended the event.
  • SECI operates under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and is responsible for implementing renewable energy projects nationwide.

Source: BS

Appointments

1. Mahavir Lunawat Re-Elected as AIBI Chairman

• What:
  • Association of Investment Bankers India (AIBI) has re-elected Mahavir Lunawat as its Chairman for a two-year term starting October 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • Mahavir Lunawat is the Founder and Chairman of Pantomath Capital Advisors and has over 25 years of experience in investment banking, corporate strategy, and capital markets.
  • He is a member of SEBI’s PMAC, Ease of Doing Business Committee, and the Expert Committee on Direct Listing at GIFT IFSCA, Gujarat, and has previously served as a Central Council Member of ICSI.
  • AIBI also elected Abhijit Vaidya of Kotak Investment Banking and Lakha Nair of Axis Capital as Vice-Chairpersons.
  • Newly elected Directors include Neetu Ranka of Nuvama Wealth Management and Anurag Goyal of Investment Banking.
  • Directors re-elected at the Annual General Meeting include Mahavir Lunawat, Rajendra Naik, Ayush Jain, and Pinak Bhattacharya.

Source: ET

2. IMF Appoints Dan Katz as First Deputy Managing Director

• What:
  • The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the appointment of Dan Katz as First Deputy Managing Director, effective from October 6, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • Katz has also worked as a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, in a global macro hedge fund, and as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs.
  • As Chief of Staff at the U.S. Treasury, Katz represented the U.S. at global forums like the Financial Stability Board.

Source: IMF

Miscellaneous

1. Veteran Actor Pankaj Dheer Passes Away at 68

• Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for playing Karna in B. R. Chopra’s iconic TV series Mahabharat, passed away at the age of 68 after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Source: TOI

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