23rd October 2025

1. Chennai Becomes First Indian City to Implement Real-Time Flood Forecasting System
2. Naval Group Signs MoU with MDL to Foster Submarine Export Cooperation
3. ADB, World Bank Signed USD 3 Billion EEA to Boost Lending for Developing Nations
4. Ola Electric Launches Its First Residential BESS ‘Ola Shakti’
5. Justice Prathiba M. Singh Appointed as Chair of WIPO Advisory Board of Judges
6. Overview of 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships Held in Cairo, Egypt
7. Goa CM Pramod Sawant Unveils Official Logo & Anthem for FIDE World Cup 2025
8. Sultan of Johor Cup 2025: India Clinched Silver after Narrow 2-1 Loss to Australia
9. World Iodine Deficiency Day 2025 – October 21
10. India Launches Online National Drug Licensing System
11. India Raises Bhairav Battalions for Rapid Strike Missions
12. New Zealand Plans Social Media Ban for Under-16s
13. Karthik Narain Joins Google Cloud as Chief Product Officer
14. Saudi Arabia Abolishes Kafala System
15. Kerala to Be Declared India’s First Extreme Poverty-Free State
16. AP CM Naidu Begins UAE Visit to Attract Green Investments
17. NHAI Launches AI-Based Highway Monitoring Using 3D Survey
18. Centre Offers Article 371 to Ladakh Amid Statehood Talks
19. Coal India, IIT Madras to Launch Sustainable Energy Centre
20. Ningol Chakouba 2025 in Manipur
21. Neeraj Chopra Honoured as Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army

National News

1. NHAI to Deploy Network Survey Vehicles Across 23 States

• What:
  • The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will deploy Network Survey Vehicles (NSVs) in 23 states to collect, process, and analyse road inventory and pavement condition data for 20,933 km of National Highways.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to accurately assess road conditions and defects to improve maintenance, safety, and quality standards of National Highways.
• Tell me more:
  • The NSVs will gather data on surface cracking, potholes, patches, and other pavement defects.
  • The surveys will use a 3D laser-based NSV system capable of automatically detecting and reporting defects without human intervention.
  • The collected data will be uploaded to NHAI’s AI-based portal “Data Lake” for analysis.
  • A dedicated expert team at NHAI will evaluate the data to enhance highway management and maintenance practices.
  • The initiative strengthens NHAI’s efforts to maintain high-quality road infrastructure across India.

Source: NOA

2. IIT Madras and Coal India Launch Centre for Sustainable Energy

• What:
  • The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has partnered with Coal India Limited (CIL) to establish a Centre for Sustainable Energy to support India’s transition toward a low-carbon and sustainable energy future.
• Why:
  • The centre aims to accelerate India’s clean energy transition, strengthen long-term energy security, and contribute to the country’s goal of achieving Net-Zero Emissions by 2070.
• Tell me more:
  • The Centre for Sustainable Energy will act as a Centre of Excellence for research, innovation, and technology development in sustainable energy.
  • The MoU for the collaboration was signed between IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti and Coal India’s Director (Technical) Achut Ghatak in the presence of CIL Chairman P.M. Prasad.
  • The centre will be led by Prof. Satyanarayanan Seshadri, Head of The Energy Consortium, and Prof. Rajnish Kumar, Head of the School of Sustainability, IIT Madras.
  • Research will focus on four key areas: Sustainable Materials and Circular Economy, Mine Repurposing and Fleet Electrification, Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, and Materials for Energy Storage from Coal.

Source: IITM

State News

1. Chennai Becomes India’s First City with Real-Time Flood Forecasting System

• What:
  • A Real-Time Flood Forecasting and Spatial Decision Support System (RTFF & SDSS) has become fully operational in Chennai, making it the first Indian city to launch such a real-time flood forecasting system.
• Why:
  • The system has been launched to provide accurate flood forecasts, save lives, and minimize flood-related damage during heavy rainfall in Chennai.
• Tell me more:
  • The project costs about Rs 107.2 crores and covers lakes, rivers, storm water drains, and the sea.
  • It will provide forecasts for river and tank water levels as well as street-level floods in vulnerable areas like Pulianthope, Nungambakkam, Mambalam, Saidapet, Velachery, Meenambakkam, and Mudichur.
  • The system covers around 4974 sq km, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Ranipet districts.
  • It focuses on river sub-basins of Adyar, Cooum, Kosasthalaiyar, and Kovalam rivers.
  • The RTFF & SDSS compiles real-time data using Automatic Rain Gauges, Weather Stations, Water Level Recorders, and Gate Sensors.

Source: TN

2. Kerala to Be Declared Extreme Poverty-Free on November 1

• What:
  • Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will officially declare Kerala as “extreme poverty-free” on November 1, coinciding with the state’s formation day.
• Why:
  • The declaration marks Kerala’s achievement in eradicating extreme poverty, making it the first state in India and the second region in the world to reach this milestone.
• Tell me more:
  • Film stars and MPs Kamal Haasan, Mammootty, and Mohanlal will attend as chief guests.
  • Extreme poverty refers to an inability to afford basic necessities like food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and education.
  • The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than $2.15 (about Rs 180) per person per day.

Source: IT

3. Andhra Pradesh CM Begins UAE Visit to Boost Investments

• What:
  • Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu began his three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to strengthen economic ties and attract global investments to the state.
• Why:
  • The visit aims to promote Andhra Pradesh as a global investment destination and invite industry leaders to the upcoming CII Partnership Summit 2025 in Visakhapatnam.
• Tell me more:
  • On the first day, the Chief Minister met A. Amarnath, Charge d’Affaires of the Indian Embassy, and Satish Sivan, Consul General of India, in Dubai.
  • He highlighted that India-UAE relations have grown stronger over the last decade, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
  • Naidu stated that Andhra Pradesh is prioritising green energy, data centres, quantum computing, and food processing sectors for investments.
  • Sobha Group Chairman Ravi P.N.C. Menon announced a ₹100 crore contribution to build a world-class library in Amaravati.

Source: TH

4. Ladakh’s Demand to Get Statehood Status

• What:
  • Civil society groups from Ladakh resumed talks with the Union Home Ministry (MHA) regarding Ladakh’s political status and demands for Statehood and constitutional safeguards.
• Why:
  • The discussions aim to address the ongoing demands for Statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, ensuring greater autonomy and protection of tribal rights.
• Tell me more:
  • MHA indicated that special provisions under Article 371 of the Constitution could be considered for Ladakh, though no assurance was given.
  • Both LAB and KDA reiterated their demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule and full Statehood for Ladakh.
  • The groups also demanded the unconditional release of activist Sonam Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act after the September 24 protest violence in Leh, and sought compensation for victims.

Source: TH

5. Manipur Celebrates Ningol Chakouba Festival Strengthening Family Bonds

• What:
  • The festival of Ningol Chakouba, symbolising the bond of love between married women and their brothers along with paternal families, is being celebrated across Manipur today.
• Why:
  • The festival aims to strengthen family relationships by bringing married daughters back to their paternal homes to share love, affection, and togetherness through a traditional feast.
• Tell me more:
  • Ningol Chakouba is celebrated annually on the second day of the Hiyangei month in the Meitei calendar.
  • The phrase “Ningol Chakouba” comes from Manipuri—‘Ningol’ meaning married women and ‘Chakouba’ meaning a grand feast.
  • Fish curry is an essential part of the Ningol Chakouba feast.

Source: NOA

International News

1. ADB Signs $3 Billion Exposure Exchange Agreement with World Bank

• What:
  • The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $3 billion sovereign exposure exchange agreement (EEA) with the World Bank to boost its lending capacity for developing member countries.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to reduce ADB’s portfolio concentration risks and increase its ability to provide more financial support to its member countries.
• Tell me more:
  • This is ADB’s first EEA with the World Bank and sixth overall with multilateral development banks (MDBs) since 2020, raising the total exchange amount to $9 billion.
  • A sovereign exposure exchange means that when countries exchange their loan responsibilities (sovereign exposures), it helps balance their financial risk.
  • This way, countries with higher credit risk share some of it with those having lower credit risk. As a result, the overall risk reduces, freeing up funds and allowing the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to lend more money in the future
  • ADB Vice-President Roberta Casali emphasized that collaboration between MDBs is vital to expand reach during global challenges.
  • World Bank’s CFO Anshula Kant reiterated the importance of cooperation among MDBs to maximize global lending capacity.

Source: ADB

2. New Zealand Proposes Law to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16

• What:
  • New Zealand lawmaker Catherine Wedd has introduced a bill to ban children under 16 from accessing social media, requiring age verification by social media companies.
• Tell me more:
  • The bill is supported by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who may adopt it as a government bill for faster approval.
  • The proposal aligns New Zealand’s policy with Australia’s 2024 law banning children under 16 from using social media.
  • Australia became the first country to pass a similar law in November 2024.

Source: NOA DD

3. Saudi Arabia Abolishes Decades-Old Kafala Labour System

• What:
  • Saudi Arabia has abolished the decades-old Kafala labour sponsorship system that controlled the rights and lives of millions of foreign workers in the country.
• Why:
  • The move aims to improve migrant welfare, protect labour rights, and align Saudi Arabia’s employment system with international standards as part of Vision 2030 reforms.
• Tell me more:
  • Announced in June 2025, the reform will benefit around 13 million migrant workers, mainly from South and Southeast Asia.
  • The Kafala system, introduced in the 1950s, tied every migrant worker to a local sponsor (Kafeel) who controlled their job, movement, and legal status.
  • Under the new contract-based system, workers can change jobs and leave the country without employer approval or exit visas.
  • Access to labour courts and grievance mechanisms has been strengthened to help workers seek justice.
  • The reform supports Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan to modernise the economy and attract skilled professionals.

Source: IT

Banking and Economy

1. Ola Electric Launches ‘Ola Shakti’ for Home Energy Storage

• What:
  • Ola Electric has entered India’s ₹1 trillion battery energy storage systems (BESS) market with the launch of its first residential energy solution, Ola Shakti.
• Why:
  • The launch aims to extend Ola’s innovation in electric mobility to homes, helping households store and use clean energy intelligently and efficiently.
• Tell me more:
  • Ola Shakti is the first fully indigenously designed, engineered, and manufactured residential BESS in India.
  • India’s BESS market is projected to grow to over ₹3 trillion by 2030.
  • Ola aims to scale its annual BESS consumption to 5 Gigawatt hour (GWh) in the coming years.

Source: BS

Defence News

1. Indian Army to Operationalise Bhairav Light Combat Battalions

• What:
  • The Indian Army is set to make its specialised Bhairav Light Combat Battalions fully operational within six months, marking a significant step in its transformation process.
• Why:
  • The Bhairav battalions have been created to fill the gap between conventional infantry units and Special Forces for rapid, high-impact operations along India’s borders with China and Pakistan.
• Tell me more:
  • Five Bhairav battalions are already functional, four are being raised, and the remaining 16 will be operational within six months.
  • The units are designed to conduct cross-border operations, reconnaissance, and disruption missions, while freeing Special Forces for strategic tasks.
  • Three Bhairav units have been deployed under the Northern Command in Leh, Srinagar, and Nagrota, and two others are positioned in desert and hill sectors.

Source: IE

Science and Technology

1. CDSCO Launches Digital Monitoring System for High-Risk Drug Solvents

• What:
  • The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has launched a Digital Monitoring System on the ONDLS (Online National Drug Licensing System) portal to oversee the production, movement, and quality of high-risk ingredients used in cough syrup formulations.
• Why:
  • The system was introduced to prevent contamination incidents like those linked to child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan caused by toxic diethylene glycol (DEG) in cough syrups.
• Tell me more:
  • The system will track the supply chain, testing, and quality of high-risk solvents such as glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, maltitol, and ethyl alcohol.
  • All manufacturers of pharmaceutical-grade solvents must now register and upload data, including batch details, quantity, and certificates of analysis (CoA), on the ONDLS portal.
  • State drug controllers must ensure that no batch of solvents is released without prior testing and approval.
  • The directive requires periodic inspections and awareness drives for manufacturers to promote safe testing of raw materials, especially for paediatric syrups.
  • The digital system is fully operational and aims to improve transparency, accountability, and traceability in drug manufacturing.

Source: IT

Important Days

1. World Iodine Deficiency Day 2025 – October 21

Sports

1. 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, Egypt

• The 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships 2025 took place in Cairo, Egypt, from 11 to 18 October 2025. It was the first time this global event was held in Africa.
• The competition was hosted at the Egypt International Olympic Games City in the New Administrative Capital.
• China emerged as the top nation once again.
• The next championship will be held in Manama, Bahrain, in December 2026 — the first time the event will be organized for three consecutive years.

Source: PO1 PO2

2. Goa Unveils Logo and Anthem for FIDE Chess World Cup 2025

• What:
  • Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant launched the official logo and anthem of the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa.
• Tell me more:
  • The official anthem is sung by popular singer Daler Mehndi, and the event logo is inspired by Goa’s cultural heritage and the game of chess.
  • The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 will be held in Goa from October 31 to November 17.
  • This edition marks the return of the tournament to India after 23 years.
  • The competition will feature 206 players from 82 countries, with total prize money worth $2 million.
  • Renowned players such as Gukesh D, Arjun Erigaisi, Anish Giri, Wesley So, Vincent Keymer, Hans Niemann, and Faustino Oro will participate.

Source: NOA

3. India Wins Silver at Sultan of Johor Cup (Hockey) 2025

• India won the silver medal after a close 2–1 loss to Australia in the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 held in Malaysia.
• The Sultan of Johor Cup is an annual international under-21 men’s field hockey tournament held in Malaysia.

Source: NOA

4. Neeraj Chopra Conferred Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel

• What:
  • Neeraj Chopra, India’s top track and field athlete, was awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel by the Indian Army at a ceremony in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The Indian Army honoured Neeraj Chopra for his outstanding achievements and contributions to sports, bringing glory to the nation.
• Tell me more:
  • Neeraj’s official appointment was on April 16, while the pipping ceremony took place on Wednesday.
  • He joined the Indian Army in 2016 as a Naib Subedar in the 4 Rajputana Rifles and now serves in the Territorial Army.
  • Neeraj was promoted to Subedar in 2018 after winning gold at the Asian and Commonwealth Games, and to Subedar Major in 2022.
  • He has won major titles including Olympic gold (Tokyo 2020), World Championship gold (Budapest 2023), and multiple Asian and Commonwealth Games medals.
  • His personal best throw of 90.23 metres in 2025 is a national record.

Source: OC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Naval Group and MDL Extend MoU for Submarine Exports

• What:
  • Naval Group France and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) have extended their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation for the joint export of submarines to a mutually friendly country.
• Why:
  • The extension aims to enhance Indo-French collaboration in submarine design, engineering, and export under a shared vision of strengthening maritime defence cooperation.
• Tell me more:
  • The renewed MoU was signed on October 16, 2025, building upon the original agreement of July 2023.
  • It supports the export of India-built, latest-generation Scorpene-class submarines to international partners.
  • The collaboration aligns with the Indo-French Horizon 2047 roadmap, celebrating 25 years of the India-France Strategic Partnership.

Source: ET

Appointments

1. Justice Prathiba M. Singh Appointed Chair of WIPO Advisory Board

• What:
  • Delhi High Court judge Justice Prathiba M. Singh has been appointed as the Chair of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Advisory Board of Judges for the 2025–27 term.
• Tell me more:
  • Justice Singh’s appointment marks the first time an Indian and an Asian judge has been chosen as Chair of WIPO’s Advisory Board of Judges.
  • Justice Singh previously chaired the Delhi High Court’s Intellectual Property Division (2021–22) and has made key contributions to IP reforms and legal education.

Source: HT

2. Google Cloud Appoints Karthik Narain as Chief Product and Business Officer

• Google Cloud has appointed Karthik Narain, former Chief Technology Officer at Accenture, as its new Chief Product and Business Officer.
• Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian announced the appointment through LinkedIn posts.
• Before joining Google Cloud, Karthik Narain served as CTO and Group Executive – Technology at Accenture.

Source: LM

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