28th October 2025

1. Overview of 2nd Edition of IN’s Commanders’ Conference Held in New Delhi
2. Ramco Systems, ePlane Signed MoU to Advance India’s Electric Air Taxi Ecosystem
3. ANRF, ICMR, and Gates Foundation Jointly Launches ‘MAHA MedTech Mission’
4. RBI approves the re-appointment of C S Rajan as Part-Time Chairman of Kotak Mahindra Bank
5. Reliance and Meta invest Rs 855 crores in new AI Joint Venture
6. Russia Successfully Tests Nuclear-Powered ‘Burevestnik’ Cruise Missile
7. Overview of Yonex French Open Badminton 2025 held in Cesson-Sévigné, France
8. Indian GM D Gukesh and Divya Deshmukh Won Gold at 2025 European Chess Club Cup
9. India beats Argentina 10-9 to win KogniVera International Polo Cup 2025 in New Delhi
10. Padma Awardee & Renowned Plastic Surgeon Dr. K. Mathangi Ramakrishnan Passed Away
11. 79th Infantry Day 2025 – October 27
12. World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2025 – October 27
13. International Animation Day 2025 – October 28
14. Dyslexia Awareness Month 2025 – October 1-31
15. Odisha Government Approves ‘B-MAAN’ scheme to Boost Aviation sector
16. Vessel ‘Sindhu’ Launches Historic Voyage to Barren Island
17. Catherine Connolly Elected Ireland’s 10th President
18. Stellerus to Launch First 3D Wind Data Satellite Network
19. Japan Launches World’s First Yen-Pegged Stablecoin
20. PM Modi Declares 2026 as ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation
21. Cyclone Montha: Formation, Impact, and Other Details
22. Aurangabad Railway Station Renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
23. FIFA Launches ASEAN Cup to Boost Southeast Asian Football
24. Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 Begins Nationwide
25. Uttarakhand to Levy Green Tax on Out-of-State Vehicles
26. Justice Surya Kant to Become 53rd Chief Justice of India
27. RBIs gold reserves crossed 880 tonnes by September

National News

1. Mission MAHA-MedTech Launched to Boost Medical Innovations

• What:
  • Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), along with ICMR and the Gates Foundation, launched the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA)-Medical Technology to promote innovation in India’s medical technology sector.
• Why:
  • The mission aims to reduce dependence on costly imports, improve access to affordable and quality medical technologies, and strengthen indigenous manufacturing and development.
• Tell me more:
  • The mission will provide funding of ₹5–25 crore per project, and up to ₹50 crore in special cases, to support MedTech innovations.
  • It will support academic and R&D institutions, hospitals, startups, MSMEs, and industry collaborations with milestone-linked financial aid.
  • The mission focuses on medical devices, diagnostics, implants, assistive technologies, surgical tools, consumables, and software-based solutions.
  • Projects aligned with national health priorities like tuberculosis, cancer, neonatal care, and primary health care will be encouraged.
  • Applications can be submitted through the ANRF portal, with the concept note window open from 15 September to 7 November 2025, and full proposal submissions starting in December 2025.

Source: PIB

2. 22nd ASEAN-India Summit Held Virtually

• What:
  • The 22nd ASEAN-India Summit was held on 26 October 2025, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated virtually along with ASEAN leaders to review and enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• Why:
  • The summit aimed to strengthen ASEAN-India cooperation in areas such as trade, maritime security, renewable energy, and regional development, promoting inclusivity and sustainability under the Malaysian Chair’s theme.
• Tell me more:
  • Prime Minister congratulated Timor Leste on joining as the 11th ASEAN member and assured India’s support for its development.
  • He called for an early review of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AITIGA) to unlock the relationship’s economic potential.
  • Key announcements included implementation of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026–2030), renewable energy training for 400 professionals from ASEAN countries, and support for the ASEAN Power Grid.
  • India proposed 2026 as the “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation,” along with plans for a Defence Ministers’ Meeting and Maritime Exercise.
  • 2025 is the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism.
  • Other initiatives included the establishment of a Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University and hosting a Maritime Heritage Festival at Lothal, Gujarat.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Passenger Vessel ‘Sindhu’ Completes Maiden Voyage to Barren Island

• What:
  • Passenger vessel ‘Sindhu’ completed its first voyage to Barren Island, the only active volcano in the Indian subcontinent, and returned safely to Haddo Wharf in Port Blair.
• Why:
  • The voyage was launched to promote tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and to offer travellers a unique experience of witnessing the active volcano.
• Tell me more:
  • It offers four accommodation types — Coral Suite (₹8,310), Reef Suite (₹6,340), Island Breeze (₹4,290), and Lagoon (₹3,180) — with food available for an additional ₹2,000.
  • The administration plans to operate two such trips every month to boost regional tourism.
  • This is the first time such a passenger service has been launched by the Union Territory Administration to Barren Island.
  • Barren Island is uninhabited and known for its red-glowing volcanic crest visible from a few nautical miles away.

Source: TH

2. Aurangabad Railway Station Renamed as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

• What:
  • The Aurangabad Railway Station in Maharashtra has been renamed as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station, with the new station code ‘CPSN’.
• Why:
  • The renaming aims to honour the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and align with the Maharashtra government’s decision to rename Aurangabad city as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
• Tell me more:
  • The railway station comes under the Nanded Division of South Central Railway.
  • The Aurangabad Railway Station was originally inaugurated in 1900 during the reign of the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan.
  • Aurangabad city was founded in 1610 by Malik Ambar, a Siddi general of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate.
  • The city was initially named Khirki (or Khadki) and later renamed Fatehpur by Malik Ambar’s son Fateh Khan.
  • In 1653, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb invaded the Deccan and renamed the city Aurangabad after making it his capital.

Source: IE

3. Uttarakhand to Impose Green Tax on Vehicles from December 2025

• What:
  • The Uttarakhand government has announced a green tax on vehicles entering the state from other states, effective from December 1, 2025.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to reduce vehicular pollution, protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, and promote environmental cleanliness across the state.
• Tell me more:
  • Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will capture vehicle registration numbers at border checkpoints to monitor tax collection.
  • Currently, 16 ANPR cameras have been installed at state entry points, and the number will be increased to 37.

Source: ET

International News

1. Russia Successfully Tests Nuclear-Powered Burevestnik Missile

• What:
  • Russia successfully tested its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, with President Vladimir Putin announcing plans to move toward its deployment.
• Why:
  • The test aimed to demonstrate Russia’s advanced missile capabilities and send a message that it would not yield to Western pressure over the war in Ukraine.
• Tell me more:
  • The missile, also known as 9M730 Burevestnik or Storm Petrel, is claimed to evade all defence systems.
  • It travelled about 14,000 kilometres and remained airborne for around 15 hours during the test.
  • The test coincided with a nuclear drill and came as the United States, under President Donald Trump, adopted a tougher stance on Russia.

Source: TOI

2. HKUST Start-up Stellerus to Launch 3D Wind Data Satellites

• What:
  • Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) start-up Stellerus Technology aims to become the world’s first provider of satellite-enabled 3D wind data to support industries like wind power, transport, and insurance.
• Why:
  • The initiative seeks to make accurate and affordable wind data globally available to improve weather forecasting, reduce operating costs, and help industries manage climate-related risks.
• Tell me more:
  • Founded in 2023, Stellerus is leveraging China’s low-cost satellite manufacturing to make data collection economically viable.
  • Stellerus won the HKUST-Sino Group entrepreneurship competition and is based at Hong Kong Science and Technology Park.
  • Stellerus plans to assist aviation and shipping sectors in route optimisation and fuel efficiency using its wind data.
  • The data will also help wind farm operators avoid building expensive wind monitoring towers and improve power sales.

Source: SCMP

3. Japan Launches World’s First Yen-Pegged Stablecoin

• What:
  • Japanese startup JPYC launched the world’s first stablecoin pegged to the yen, fully convertible to the Japanese currency and backed by domestic savings and Japanese government bonds.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to promote digital payments and integrate blockchain technology into Japan’s financial system, where cash and credit cards still dominate.
• Tell me more:
  • The JPYC stablecoin will initially carry no transaction fees to encourage usage, with profits earned from interest on government bond holdings.
  • Japan’s three megabanks are also planning to issue their own stablecoins to promote adoption of digital assets.
  • The country created laws in 2023 permitting stablecoin issuance, enabling this launch.
  • Bank of Japan’s Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino highlighted that stablecoins could partially replace bank deposits and urged regulators to adapt.
  • The ratio of cashless payments in Japan rose to 42.8% in 2024 from 13.2% in 2010, showing growing acceptance of digital payments.

Source: TH

Banking and Economy

1. Reliance and Meta Form Joint Venture for AI Services

• What:
  • Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Meta Platforms have created a new company, Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Limited (REIL), to develop and sell enterprise AI services for businesses.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to strengthen both companies’ positions in the market for AI-based business solutions and enhance enterprise technology capabilities.
• Tell me more:
  • The joint venture involves an initial investment of about Rs 855 crore, with Reliance Intelligence Limited holding 70% and Meta’s Facebook Overseas, Inc. holding 30% stake.
  • REIL was officially incorporated in India on October 24, 2025, as the joint venture vehicle for the partnership.

Source: ET

2. India’s Gold Reserves Cross $100 Billion Mark

• What:
  • India’s gold reserves crossed the $100 billion mark for the first time, reaching $108.5 billion as of October 17, 2025, driven by rising demand and diversification by global central banks.
• Why:
  • Central banks, including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), are buying gold to reduce exposure to US dollar assets and diversify reserves amid global political and economic uncertainties.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s gold reserves rose from $102.3 billion on October 10 to $108.5 billion on October 17, marking a $6.2 billion weekly increase.
  • The RBI’s total gold holdings stood at 880.18 metric tonnes at the end of September 2025, up from 879.58 metric tonnes at the end of 2024-25.
  • The central bank bought 0.6 metric tonnes of gold in the first half of 2025-26, including 0.4 tonnes in June and 0.2 tonnes in September.
  • Global central banks collectively added 166 tonnes of gold to their official reserves in recent months.
  • Despite a 6.3% drop in international gold prices to $4,113.05 an ounce in October 2025, demand from investors and central banks remained strong.

Source: ET1 ET2

Defence News

1. Indian Navy Holds Second Commanders’ Conference 2025 in New Delhi

• What:
  • The second edition of the Indian Navy’s biannual Commanders’ Conference 2025 was held in New Delhi from 22 to 24 October 2025 to review operations, preparedness, and future plans.
• Why:
  • The conference aimed to strengthen combat capabilities, interoperability, and joint operations with other armed forces to deter emerging threats and ensure maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region and Indo-Pacific.
• Tell me more:
  • The adoption of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Machine Learning for combat and safety solutions was also a key focus.
  • The discussions aligned with the Government’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across all Regions).

Source: PIB

Important Days

1. 79th Infantry Day 2025 – October 27

• What:
  • The Indian Army celebrated Infantry Day, also known as Shaurya Diwas, with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the National War Memorial in New Delhi to honour the bravery and sacrifice of Infantry soldiers.
• Why:
  • The day commemorates the landing of Indian Army Infantry troops at Srinagar airport on 27 October 1947, which safeguarded India’s territorial integrity from a Pakistan-backed invasion.
• Tell me more:
  • General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, laid a wreath at the Amar Chakra to pay tribute to fallen soldiers.
  • Events like the Field Marshal KM Cariappa Memorial Seminar in Lucknow, Shauryaveer Run, and Felicitation of Veer Naris were organised as part of nationwide celebrations.
  • An ‘Infantry Magazine’ was also released, showcasing capability development and stories of bravery.

Source: PIB

2. World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2025 – October 27

• Theme: A Window to the World

Source: UN

3. International Animation Day 2025 – October 28

4. Dyslexia Awareness Month 2025 – October 1-31

• What:
  • The ‘Walk for Dyslexia 2025’ was flagged off at Kartavya Path, New Delhi by Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Sanjay Kumar, and Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Rajesh Aggarwal, to promote awareness and inclusion for individuals with Dyslexia.
• Why:
  • The walk aimed to spread awareness about Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs) like Dyslexia and to promote early identification, understanding, and inclusion of children with learning differences.
• Tell me more:
  • The event was held on October 26, 2025, at Kartavya Path as part of Dyslexia Awareness Month and was co-organised by Changeinkk Foundation, UNESCO MGEIP, Orkids Foundation, and Soch Foundation.
  • The colour of the event was red, and monuments such as Rashtrapati Bhawan and the Secretariat were illuminated in red for Dyslexia awareness.
  • Sanjay Kumar highlighted the importance of the PRASHAST 2.0 mobile app developed by NCERT for early screening of disabilities including Dyslexia.
  • October is observed as Dyslexia Awareness Month, and October 8 is recognised as International Dyslexia Awareness Day.

Source: PIB

5. Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 – October 27 to November 2

• What:
  • Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 is being observed nationwide from 27 October to 2 November to promote integrity and transparency in public life under the theme “Vigilance – Our Shared Responsibility”.
• Tell me more:
  • Central Vigilance Commissioner Praveen Kumar Srivastava and Vigilance Commissioner A. S. Rajeev administered the vigilance pledge at the Central Vigilance Commission in New Delhi.
  • Vigilance Awareness Week is observed annually in the last week of October in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birthday.
  • The initiative is organised under the directives of the Central Vigilance Commission.

Source: NOA PIB

Sports

1. YONEX French Open 2025

• Men’s Singles: Anders Antonsen (Denmark)
• Women’s Singles: An Se-young (South Korea)

Source: BWF

2. SuperChess Wins 40th European Club Cup 2025

• What:
  • SuperChess won the 40th European Club Cup 2025 Open with a perfect score of 14/14, beating Tuxera Aquaprofit Nagykanizsai Sakk Klub 3.5-2.5 in the final round.
• Why:
  • The victory highlighted SuperChess’s dominance and strong team performance in one of Europe’s most prestigious chess tournaments.
• Tell me more:
  • Alkaloid finished second for the second consecutive year, while defending champion Novy Bor secured third place.
  • In the women’s section, Cercle d’échecs de Monte-Carlo won the 29th European Club Cup Women with 13/14 points after drawing with Turkish Airlines sports club.
  • World Champion GM D Gukesh represented SuperChess and drew against GM Vladimir Fedoseev in the final round.
  • GM Divya Deshmukh, playing for Cercle d’échecs de Monte-Carlo, helped her team secure the women’s title.

Source: TOI

3. India Defeats Argentina to Win KogniVera International Polo Cup 2025

• What:
  • India defeated Argentina 10-9 in the KogniVera International Polo Cup 2025, held at the Jaipur Polo Ground in New Delhi on October 25, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • The Indian team was captained by Arjuna awardee Simran Singh Shergill, with HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh, Syed Shamsheer Ali, and Siddhant Sharma as players, and Hurr Ali as reserve.
  • India’s win marked the return of international polo to Delhi after almost a decade.
  • Talks for the match began at the FIP General Assembly in Buenos Aires, leading to collaboration between the Indian Polo Association, Polo World, and the Argentine Polo Association.

Source: FP

4. FIFA and ASEAN Launch New Football Tournament

• What:
  • FIFA and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) announced the launch of the new FIFA ASEAN Cup to promote football development across the Southeast Asian region.
• Why:
  • The tournament aims to strengthen regional cooperation in sports, enhance national team football standards, and encourage the growth of football culture in ASEAN countries.
• Tell me more:
  • The announcement was made during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding for the collaboration.
  • The tournament will feature national teams from all ASEAN member states.
  • Its format will be inspired by the FIFA Arab Cup, first organised in 2021.
  • FIFA will coordinate with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), and member associations to finalise the structure.

Source: RT

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Ramco Systems Signs MoU with The ePlane Company

• What:
  • Ramco Systems signed an MoU with The ePlane Company (Ubifly Technologies Pvt Ltd) to implement Ramco’s Aviation Software for managing the lifecycle of flying electric taxis and related operations.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to support the development of India’s urban air mobility ecosystem by enabling efficient management of ePlane’s electric aircraft operations.
• Tell me more:
  • The ePlane Company is developing India’s first flying electric taxi, the e200X, which will also be used for air ambulance and air cargo services.
  • Ramco Aviation Software will be deployed in phases as the e200X progresses through certification and manufacturing.
  • Ramco Aviation Software is used by over 90 aviation organisations globally, including airlines, MROs, and defence forces.
  • The e200X began its type certification process in December 2024.

Source: ET

Appointments

1. RBI Approves Reappointment of C S Rajan as Kotak Bank Chairman

• The Reserve Bank of India approved the reappointment of C S Rajan as Part-Time Chairman of Kotak Mahindra Bank for a new term from January 1, 2026, to October 21, 2027.
• He also worked with the IL&FS Board, where he served as Managing Director and later as Non-Executive Chairman until September 2024.
• He served as Deputy Chairman of the Chief Minister of Rajasthan’s Advisory Council after retirement from civil service.
• He is also an Independent Director on the Board of Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Source: ET

2. Catherine Connolly Elected as Ireland’s 10th President

• What:
  • Independent left-wing politician Catherine Connolly was elected as Ireland’s 10th President after a landslide victory against her rival Heather Humphreys.
• Tell me more:
  • Catherine Connolly has been a Member of Parliament since 2016, representing the Galway West constituency.
  • She previously served as Deputy Speaker of the Irish Parliament.
  • The Irish presidency is largely a ceremonial position with responsibilities such as representing the country and performing formal duties.

Source: NOA

3. Justice Surya Kant Recommended as Next Chief Justice of India

• What:
  • Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai has recommended Justice Surya Kant, the senior-most judge after him, as his successor.
• Why:
  • The recommendation follows the established convention that the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is elevated to the position of Chief Justice of India.
• Tell me more:
  • Justice BR Gavai’s tenure as CJI ends on November 23, 2025.
  • Upon approval by the Law Ministry, Justice Surya Kant will become the 53rd Chief Justice of India and will serve until February 9, 2027.
  • If appointed, he will be the first person from Haryana to hold the position of Chief Justice of India.
  • Justice Kant was born in Hisar, Haryana, and completed his law degree from Maharshi Dayanand University in 1984.

Source: IT

Miscellaneous

1. Dr Mathangi Ramakrishnan, Pioneer of Burns Care, Passes Away at 91

• What:
  • Dr Mathangi Ramakrishnan, who established India’s largest government burns treatment centre and pioneered comprehensive burns care at Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital, passed away at the age of 91.
• Tell me more:
  • In the 1970s, she separated plastic surgery from general surgery and introduced placenta-based therapy for treating burns patients.
  • After HIV/AIDS risks emerged, she co-developed a collagen-based treatment with the Central Leather Research Institute.
  • She co-patented collagen-based therapy for burn care.
  • She received the Padma Shri, BC Roy Award, and Avvaiyar Award from the Tamil Nadu government.
  • She was also known for her musical interests and learned to play the veena in her 70s.

Source: TOI

2. Cyclone Montha Forms Over Bay of Bengal

• What:
  • The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a Cyclonic Storm named Cyclone Montha by October 27 and into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by October 28.
• Tell me more:
  • The cyclone is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall over Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe, coastal Karnataka, Telangana, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
  • Tropical cyclones form over warm ocean waters with low-pressure systems and high humidity.
  • The Bay of Bengal frequently witnesses cyclones due to its warm sea surface temperatures and favourable wind patterns.
  • The name “Montha” follows the naming convention set by the World Meteorological Organization for the Indian Ocean Region.

Source: IE

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