30th October 2025

1. Uber and Nvidia Forge Ambitious 100,000‑Robotaxi Partnership
2. President Murmu Becomes First President to Fly in Rafale Jet
3. Trump Receives South Korea’s Top Honour and Golden Crown
4. World’s 10 Most Valuable Companies in 2025, Tech Giants Dominate the Trillion-Dollar Race
5. Uttar Pradesh to Get 76th District Named Kalyan Singh Nagar
6. India Post Special Cover Unveiled Commemorating Coal India’s Golden Jubilee and SECL’s Ruby Jubilee
7. WaveX collaborates with T-Hub to boost India’s AVGC-XR Startup ecosystem
8. Overview of 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
9. Elon Musk Launches AI-Powered Encyclopaedia ‘Grokipedia’
10. PayPal partners with OpenAI to create In-Chat-Payments in ChatGPT
11. TASL and Safran Inaugurate Rs.425 Crore Aero Engine Components Facility at Adibatla, Telangana
12. World Food Prize Honors Padma Shri awardee Chef Sanjeev Kapoor as ‘Top Agri-Food Pioneer’
13. Dr. Patrick Herminie Sworn-in as 6th President of Republic of Seychelles
14. Scientists Discovers Super-Earth ‘GJ 251c’ Located 20 Light-Years from Earth
15. Comet 3I/ATLAS to reach closest point to the Sun
16. International Stuttering Awareness Day 2025 – October 22
17. Remembering Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on His Death Anniversary – Celebrating Ekta Diwas
18. BPCL and Cochin Port Join Forces to Drive the LNG Maritime Revolution
19. India and Nepal Strengthen Their Partnership Through New Energy Cooperation
20. Russia Unveils Its Advanced Poseidon Underwater Drone
21. At 92, the World’s Oldest President Continues to Serve in Office
22. ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Set to Bring Global Cricket Fever Again
23. India Exports Its GI-Tagged Limes to the UK for the First Time
24. NASA’s Study of Comet 3I/ATLAS May Offer Clues to How Planets Formed

National News

1. India and Nepal Sign Power Cooperation Agreements

• What:
  • India and Nepal signed two major agreements to build new cross-border power transmission lines and strengthen regional energy trade.
• Why:
  • The agreements aim to boost electricity trade, enhance grid reliability, and support sustainable regional energy growth.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreements were signed between India’s POWERGRID and the Nepal Electricity Authority.
  • They cover two major 400 kilovolt transmission systems: Inaruwa (Nepal)–New Purnea (India) and Lamki, Dododhara (Nepal)–Bareilly (India).
  • The signing ceremony took place in New Delhi in the presence of India’s Power Minister Manohar Lal and Nepal’s Energy Minister Kulman Ghising.
  • Two joint venture entities, one in India and another in Nepal, will be established to develop these projects.

Source: NOA

2. President Droupadi Murmu Takes Sortie in Rafale Fighter Jet

• What:
  • President Droupadi Murmu became the first President of India to take a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet at the Air Force Station in Ambala, Haryana.
• Why:
  • The flight aimed to showcase India’s defence strength and boost pride in the nation’s military capabilities.
• Tell me more:
  • In 2023, Murmu also took a sortie in a Sukhoi-30 MKI at the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam.
  • The Ambala Air Force team organised the entire sortie successfully.
  • Former Presidents A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil had also taken sorties in Sukhoi-30 MKI jets in 2006 and 2009, respectively.

Source: IE

State News

1. Vizhinjam Port to Host India’s First LNG Bunkering Facility

• What:
  • Vizhinjam International Seaport will become India’s first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering facility through a partnership between Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).
• Why:
  • The project aims to promote low-carbon and sustainable shipping in line with the International Maritime Organization’s global decarbonisation goals.
• Tell me more:
  • The initiative was formalised through an MoU signed during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai between AVPPL and BPCL.
  • Ashwini Gupta, CEO of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), and Rahul Tandon, head of BPCL’s Gas Business, exchanged the MoU in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.
  • BPCL will provide its technical and operational expertise to ensure reliable LNG bunkering services matching global standards.
  • Located near the East-West international shipping corridor, Vizhinjam offers a strategic advantage as a transshipment and refuelling point.
  • The port’s next phase of development is expected to start by November to strengthen its position as a global hub for green maritime operations.

Source: IE

2. WaveX and T-Hub Partner to Boost Media-Tech Startups

• What:
  • WaveX, under Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, signed an MoU with T-Hub to strengthen India’s creative, content, and media-technology startup ecosystem.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to nurture startups, empower creators, and support structured incubation and growth in media, entertainment, and immersive technology sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • WaveX is a national accelerator launched under the WAVES initiative to support innovation in India’s AVGC-XR sector (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Extended Reality).
  • The joining was witnessed by government officials from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Government of Telangana.
  • T-Hub supports over 2,000 startups with market access, funding, and infrastructure, and acts as an incubator for programs like iDEX and AIC.
  • WaveX will set up up to 10 incubation centres across India for the AVGC XR ecosystem.
  • At the WAVES Summit in Mumbai, WaveX enabled direct pitching and networking for over 100 startups.

Source: PIB

3. TASL and Safran Set Up Aero Engine Parts Facility in Telangana

• What:
  • Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and Safran Aircraft Engines established a new plant in Adibatla, Telangana, to produce complex rotating parts for CFM LEAP engines with an investment of Rs 425 crore.
• Why:
  • The facility aims to boost high-precision aerospace manufacturing and strengthen Telangana’s position as an aero-engine hub.
• Tell me more:
  • The unit will manufacture bearing housings and low-pressure turbine shafts for LEAP engines used by Airbus and Boeing.
  • It will create 500 skilled jobs and bring together advanced machining and special processes under one roof.
  • Telangana doubled its aerospace and defence exports to Rs 30,742 crore in nine months of 2024-25, showing rapid sector growth.
  • Safran Aircraft Engines considers manufacturing in India key to supply chain resilience and proximity to markets.
  • India is the third largest operator of LEAP engines globally, with 75% of its commercial aircraft equipped with CFM’s turbofan engines.

Source: TOI

4. Uttar Pradesh to Establish 76th District Kalyan Singh Nagar

• What:
  • Uttar Pradesh will set up its 76th district named Kalyan Singh Nagar, combining areas from Aligarh and Bulandshahr, as announced by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
• Why:
  • The new district honours the birthplace and workplace of former Chief Minister Kalyan Singh and aims to improve administration.
• Tell me more:
  • At Independence, India had about 230 districts and Uttar Pradesh had between 35 to 38 districts.
  • India currently has 797 districts spread across 28 states and 8 union territories.
  • Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh formed the most new districts over the past decade, with 19 each; Madhya Pradesh created 10 new districts in 24 years.
  • State governments alone have the authority to create districts, usually by executive order or law, and central government approval is not required.

Source: N18

International News

1. Russia Tests Nuclear-Powered Underwater Drone ‘Poseidon’

• What:
  • Russia conducted a test of its nuclear-powered underwater drone named ‘Poseidon,’ as announced by President Vladimir Putin.
• Why:
  • The test was part of Russia’s efforts to advance new strategic deterrent systems and demonstrate defense capabilities amid ongoing tensions with Western nations.
• Tell me more:
  • The drone’s destructive power is said to surpass that of Russia’s Sarmat intercontinental missile.
  • Poseidon is an autonomous, nuclear-powered underwater vehicle designed to reach great depths and high speeds.
  • This was the second major nuclear system test by Russia within seven days, following the Burevestnik missile.

Source: TOI

2. Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Makes Closest Approach to Earth

• What:
  • The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS made its closest approach to Earth on 29 October 2025, coming from beyond the Solar System.
• Why:
  • The comet’s visit provides a rare opportunity for scientists to study materials from another star system and understand the origin of planetary systems.
• Tell me more:
  • 3I/ATLAS was discovered in July 2025 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Hawaii.
  • It travels on a hyperbolic path, confirming it as an interstellar visitor that will not return.
  • The comet will pass Earth at a safe distance of 1.8 astronomical units, or about 167 million miles.
  • It contains carbon dioxide, hydrogen cyanide, and atomic nickel vapour, giving it a greenish-blue glow.
  • Astronomers expect it to reappear in December 2025 for observation from the Northern Hemisphere.

Source: TOI

3. US-South Korea Advance Talks on $350 Billion Investment Deal

• What:
  • The United States and South Korea made progress on trade negotiations involving $350 billion of investment in the US economy, during President Donald Trump’s Asia visit.
• Why:
  • The deal aims to strengthen financial commitments, promote cooperation in shipbuilding, and reduce US tariffs on South Korean automobile exports.
• Tell me more:
  • Korea prefers offering loans and guarantees rather than direct investment, and requested a swap line to manage currency flow.
  • The agreement covers gradual investments and seeks ways to structure profit sharing and investment formats.
  • South Korea currently faces a 25% tariff on automobiles exported to the US, compared to 15% for Japanese and European competitors.
  • President Donald Trump received the “Grand Order of Mugunghwa,” South Korea’s highest national award.

Source: EN RT

4. 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur

• What:
  • The 47th ASEAN Summit concluded in Kuala Lumpur, with India’s Prime Minister addressing the event virtually and External Affairs Minister present in person.
• Why:
  • The summit aimed to strengthen economic ties, security cooperation, and regional connectivity among ASEAN nations and strategic partners like India.
• Tell me more:
  • ASEAN consists of 11 countries, with Timor Leste recently joining the group.
  • ASEAN is important for India due to high trade volumes, connectivity projects, historical links, and geopolitical significance in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • The summit addressed US-China trade tensions and China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.
  • The India-ASEAN free trade agreement review was discussed due to concerns over tariff advantages for other countries.
  • The summit highlighted efforts in sustainable tourism and major connectivity projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Highway and Kaladan project.

Source: IE

Banking and Economy

1. Uber and Nvidia to Deploy 100,000 Robotaxis by 2027

• What:
  • Uber and Nvidia have announced a partnership to deploy 100,000 robotaxis starting in 2027, powered by Nvidia’s AI infrastructure.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to accelerate the use of autonomous vehicles and create a large-scale framework for AI-driven mobility.
• Tell me more:
  • Nvidia will work with car makers Stellantis, Lucid, and Mercedes-Benz to connect current vehicles with future autonomous fleets.
  • Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said robotaxis will make transport safer, cleaner, and more efficient.
  • Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated that Nvidia’s AI technology is key to achieving Level-4 autonomy, where vehicles can drive independently.
  • Uber already allows users in select US cities to hail robotaxis operated by Google-owned Waymo.

Source: ET

2. NVIDIA Becomes World’s Most Valuable Company in 2025

• What:
  • NVIDIA achieved the highest market value in the world, surpassing Microsoft and Apple with over $4 trillion in market capitalisation in 2025.
• Why:
  • The record valuations reflect strong investor confidence in technology firms despite global economic uncertainty and trade tensions.
• Tell me more:
  • Microsoft and Apple also crossed the $4 trillion mark in 2025, with Apple’s valuation boosted by the launch of the iPhone 17 series.

Source: IE

3. Coal India’s Golden Jubilee and SECL’s Ruby Jubilee Celebrated

• What:
  • South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a Coal India subsidiary, released an India Post “Special Cover” to mark Coal India’s 50 years and SECL’s 40 years of contributions to India’s energy sector.
• Why:
  • The initiative honours Coal India’s legacy, SECL’s achievements, and highlights their roles in powering the nation and promoting innovation.
• Tell me more:
  • The release included a Special Cancellation Cachet, unveiled during a ceremony attended by leaders of Coal India and SECL.
  • The cover was issued by India Post’s Chhattisgarh Postal Circle in collaboration with SECL, making it a collectible item.
  • The event was part of Special Campaign 5.0, which focuses on institutional cleanliness and achievement celebration in public sector organizations.
  • Coal India Limited meets over 70% of India’s coal demand, and in its Golden Jubilee year, achieved record coal production, dispatch, and overburden removal.
  • SECL, with its Gevra Mine, is known for operational excellence and sustainable mining, serving Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

Source: PIB

4. PayPal Integrates Digital Wallet with ChatGPT for E-Commerce

• What:
  • PayPal has entered an agreement with OpenAI to embed its digital wallet into ChatGPT, enabling users to pay for goods and services discovered through the AI platform.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to make digital payments easier, safer, and more convenient for consumers and merchants using ChatGPT.
• Tell me more:
  • PayPal users can buy products directly from ChatGPT with the “Buy with PayPal” button, while merchants can list and sell items on the platform.
  • PayPal will handle payment validation, merchant routing, and background transaction processes for ChatGPT sellers.
  • Payments can be made using linked bank accounts, credit cards, or saved balances within PayPal.
  • PayPal plans to expand its use of OpenAI’s enterprise AI tools to boost product development and is an early partner in agentic AI-driven shopping.

Source: TOI

Science and Technology

1. Elon Musk’s Grokipedia Launched as AI Encyclopaedia

• Elon Musk’s Grokipedia, an AI-generated online encyclopaedia by xAI, was launched this week with about 885,000 entries.
• The platform aims to offer a “less biased” alternative to Wikipedia, seeking to redefine how facts and knowledge are presented online.

Source: TOI

2. Nearby ‘Super-Earth’ GJ 251 c May Host Life

• What:
  • Astronomers have discovered GJ 251 c, a nearby “super-Earth” exoplanet about 18 light-years away that may be able to host life.
• Why:
  • The exoplanet was found to orbit its star’s habitable zone, where conditions could support liquid water, making it a strong candidate in the search for life beyond Earth.
• Tell me more:
  • GJ 251 c is about four times more massive than Earth and is likely a rocky planet.
  • It orbits a faint red dwarf star within the constellation Gemini.
  • The planet’s presence was detected by the wobble it causes in its star’s movement during a 54-day orbit.
  • The discovery is based on two decades of observations using instruments like the HPF and NEID spectrometers.

Source: IT

3. Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Reaches Closest Point to Sun

• What:
  • Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS reached its perihelion, its closest point to the Sun, causing excitement among astronomers.
• Why:
  • The event presents a rare chance to study the behaviour, composition, and origins of a comet from outside our solar system as it undergoes heightened activity.
• Tell me more:
  • 3I/ATLAS is possibly not a regular comet and may be a piece of technology from an advanced alien civilisation, according to recent research.
  • At perihelion, the comet’s surface ice sublimates, creating a glowing coma and striking dust and ion tails.
  • 3I/ATLAS is currently near solar conjunction and hidden from Earth-based telescopes but is being monitored by space missions like NASA’s Psyche and ESA’s JUICE.
  • The James Webb Space Telescope captured images of 3I/ATLAS in August 2025.

Source: TOI

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. APEDA Facilitates First Air Shipment of GI-Tagged Limes to UK

• What:
  • The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first-ever air shipment of GI-tagged Indi Lime from Karnataka and Puliyankudi Lime from Tamil Nadu to the United Kingdom.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to empower farmers, promote India’s agri-products globally, and open new export opportunities.
• Tell me more:
  • Earlier, APEDA had exported three metric tons of GI-tagged Swadeshi Indi Lime from Vijayapura, Karnataka, to the United Arab Emirates.
  • GI-tagged products are recognized for their unique qualities linked to their place of origin.
  • Swadeshi Indi Lime is known for its strong aroma and distinct taste, strengthening India’s export portfolio.
  • Exports of Gharwali apples and apricots from Kargil have also reached new markets in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar.

Source: TP

Awards

1. Sanjeev Kapoor Honoured as Top Agri-Food Pioneer

• What:
  • Celebrated chef, author, and Padma Shri awardee Sanjeev Kapoor has been recognised as a Top Agri-Food Pioneer by the World Food Prize Foundation.
• Why:
  • The honour acknowledges Kapoor’s contribution in promoting healthy and sustainable eating, supporting Indian agriculture, and enhancing global food security.
• Tell me more:
  • The recognition ceremony took place in Des Moines, Iowa, during the Borlaug Dialogue Week.
  • The World Food Prize Foundation brings together leaders, scientists, and policymakers to discuss food security and climate resilience.
  • Borlaug Dialogue Week is an annual forum for global food system innovations.

Source: ET

Important Days

1. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025 (150th Anniversary) – October 31

• What:
  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s only living grandson and his family will attend the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Sardar Patel, observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on October 31 at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.
• Tell me more:
  • Sardar Patel unified 565 princely states to lay the foundation of modern India.
  • Gautambhai Patel, who studied engineering in Pune and the USA, earlier worked with NASA and taught in Mumbai before retiring in 2001.
  • From November 1 to 15, 2025, Ekta Nagar will host Bharat Parv with cultural performances and a food festival culminating on November 15, celebrating Birsa Munda Jayanti.
  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on 31st October, 1875 and died on 15th December, 1950.

Source: TOI DD

2. International Stuttering Awareness Day 2025 – October 22

• Theme: “A DIVERSE STUTTERING COMMUNITY – Meeting Challenges With Strengths”

Source: ISAD

Sports

1. India and Sri Lanka to Host T20 World Cup 2026

• What:
  • The T20 World Cup 2026 will be held in India and Sri Lanka in February and March 2026, with 20 teams participating in the tournament.
• Why:
  • The event aims to bring together top cricketing nations for the 10th edition of the men’s T20 World Cup.
• Tell me more:
  • Seventeen out of twenty teams have already qualified for the tournament.
  • The Netherlands and Italy secured their spots after finishing as the top two teams in the European Qualifiers, marking Italy’s first-ever cricket World Cup qualification.
  • Canada qualified earlier by winning all six matches in the Americas Regional Final.
  • Nepal, Oman, and the UAE booked their places through the Asia-EAP Qualifiers.
  • Zimbabwe and Namibia qualified after reaching the finals of the Africa Qualifiers held in October 2025.

Source: OC

Appointments

1. Paul Biya Wins 8th Term as Cameroon’s President

• What:
  • Paul Biya, aged 92, has won his eighth term as Cameroon’s president by securing 53.66% of the votes in the national election.
• Why:
  • The election result allows Paul Biya to continue his longstanding rule as head of state, extending his leadership until nearly 100 years of age.
• Tell me more:
  • Biya first became president in 1982 and has maintained control for over four decades.
  • Cameroon gained independence from France in 1960.
  • Paul Biya is the world’s oldest serving head of state.
  • The ruling party is the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement.

Source: FP

2. Dr. Patrick Herminie Sworn In as Sixth President of the Republic of Seychelles

Source: GOV

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