Current Affairs 17 October 2025

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

India-Indonesia Naval Exercise “Samudra Shakti 2025” commenced in Visakhapatnam, APIn October 2025, the Indian Navy (IN) and the Indonesian Navy, commenced
the 5th edition of joint bilateral maritime exercise “Samudra Shakti 2025” in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP).

• The exercise is scheduled from October 14 to 17, 2025 and is conducted in two phases: the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase.

Background:
Origin: Samudra Shakti, initiated in 2018 under India’s Act East Policy, held its first bilateral naval exercise with Indonesia in Surabaya(Indonesia).
Previous edition: The 4th edition of the Samudra Shakti exercise was, held from May 17-19, 2023, in the South China Sea.
About Samudra Shakti 2025:
Aim: To boost interoperability, deepen mutual understanding, and exchange best practices between the two navies, underscoring their shared commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Participating Ships:

• India: Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kavaratti, an Anti-Submarine Warfare(ASW) Corvette of Eastern Fleet under the aegis of Eastern Naval Command (ENC).
• Indonesia: the Indonesian Navy Ship KRI John Lie, a Corvette (with an integral helicopter).

Phases of Exercise:

• Harbour Phase: The harbour phase includes activities to foster camaraderie and professional rapport, such as cross-deck visits, joint yoga sessions, friendly sports events, and professional Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE)
• Sea Phase: The sea phase will feature advanced maritime operations to enhance tactical coordination, including helicopter drills, air defence exercises, weapon firing, and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations.

About Indonesia:
President- Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo
Capital- Jakarta
Currency- Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

PLFS Monthly Bulletin September 2025: Unemployment Rate Rises Marginally to 5.2%On October 15, 2025, the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), released a report titled “Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin September 2025”.

• As per the report, the overall Unemployment Rate (UR) for persons aged 15 and above increased marginally to 5.2% in September 2025, up from 5.1% in August 2025, following two months of decline.

Highlights of PLFS Bulletin – September 2025:
Overall UR: The rural UR increased from 4.3% in August 2025 to 4.6% in September 2025 and urban UR from 6.7% to 6.8% in September 2025.
Gender-Specific: The report highlights the rise of female UR in urban areas to 9.3%  from 8.9%, contributing to the increase in overall female UR from 5.2% to 5.5% in September 2025.

• Male UR in rural areas slightly increased from 4.5% to 4.7% and from 5.9% to 6% in urban areas in September 2025.

Overall LFPR: As per the report, the overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) continued to rise for the third consecutive month from 54.2% in June 2025 to 55.3%, a five-month high in September 2025.

• In rural areas, LFPR increased from 56.1% to 57.4% and urban LFPR remained unchanged at 50.9% in September 2025.
• Female LFPR rose to 34.1% in September 2025, the highest since May, driven by rural growth from 35.2% in June to 37.9% in September.

Worker Population Ratio (WPR): In September 2025, India’s WPR for those aged 15+ was 52.4% overall, with 54.8% in rural areas and 47.4% in urban areas.
About the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI):
Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge, IC) Rao Inderjit Singh – (Constituency:Gurgaon, Haryana)

DRDO Signs MoU with SECI for 300 MW Solar Projects Across India
On 15 October 2025, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), to develop 300 megawatt (MW) capacity of solar-based renewable energy(RE) projects across DRDO establishments in India.

About DRDO-SECI Collaboration: 
Key Participants: The MoU exchange ceremony was held at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi, in the presence of Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D (DDR&D) and Chairman of DRDO, and Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of MNRE.
Target: Net-Zero energy campuses across all strategic DRDO locations by 2027.
Significance: Supports India’s broader clean energy and sustainability targets in public sector operations.

Paras Defense Signs MoU with Israel’s CIELO for Inertial solutions
In October 2025, the Paras Defense and Space Technologies Limited (PARAS) , a leading Indian, Defense and Space Optics, Electronics, and Electromagnetics, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Israel based Cielo Inertial Solutions Limited (CIELO), for the sale production and inertial sensors.

Key Details of MoU:
Collaboration: PARAS and CIELO will jointly leverage their expertise to promote and pursue opportunities in India for the adaptation, marketing, sale, and production of Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) and Closed-Loop Fibre Optic Gyroscope (FOG)-based Inertial Solutions in India.
Inertial Navigation System (INS): It uses accelerometers, gyroscopes, and a computer to calculate a moving object’s position and velocity.

A.R. Rahman Collaborate with Google Cloud to Develop AI-Powered Music Avatars
In October 2025, Oscar and Grammy-winning composer A.R. Rahman has collaborated with Google Cloud, a suite of cloud computing services offered by Google, to develop “Secret Mountain”, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered metahuman digital avatar band.

About Project Secret Mountain:
Significance: Secret Mountain combines storytelling, diverse music styles, and lifelike digital avatars to create engaging entertainment experiences.
Technologies: Google Cloud’s AI technology drives the Secret Mountain project, with Veo 3 creating realistic avatars and real-time videos, Imagen and Gemini Flash 2.5 (Nano Banana) producing high-quality visuals, and Gemini 2.5 Pro acting as the avatars’ “brain” to interact with fans in real time.
Digital Avatars: The band will showcase six diverse digital avatars, such as Cara, an Irish singer-songwriter; Zen Tam, a Tamil rapper; and Blessing, an African percussionist and vocalist.

Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Signs MoU to Set Up Dr. Ambedkar Chairs in Three Universities
On October 15, 2025, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E), signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with Mumbai University, Mumbai (Maharashtra), Jaipur National University, Jaipur (Rajasthan) and GB Pant University of Technology and Agriculture (Uttarakhand) to establish three new Dr. Ambedkar Chairs in their universities.

Dignitaries: The signing ceremony was chaired by Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, MoSJ&E, attended by Amit Yadav, Secretary, MoSJ&E and other senior officials, university representatives, and members of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC) in New Delhi, Delhi.
Total Chairs: With this move, three new Dr. Ambedkar Chairs have been added, totaling the number of operational Chairs to 28.
Scope: The new Chairs will facilitate interdisciplinary research, policy discussions, and educational programs on the legacy and ideals of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar especially social justice, equality, empowerment of marginalized communities, and constitutional values.
About Dr. Ambedkar Foundation:Dr. Ambedkar Foundation is a statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment established to carry forward the ideas and legacy of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar through education, research, advocacy, and public outreach.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Henley Passport Index 2025: India slips to 85th; Singapore ToppedOn October 15,2025, Henley & Partners, a British consultancy expertized in investment migration, released Henley Passport Index 2025 Global Ranking.  According to the index, the Indian passport has fallen to 85th position from 77th in July 2025, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 57 countries, and is tied with Mauritius.

• Singapore retains its position as the most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 193 of 227 destinations, with Japan and South Korea jointly holding the second place.

Highlights:
Top 5: Japan is demoted into Third place with Visa-Free Score difference of just one less country (i.e. 189 score)

• Five European Union (EU) nations, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland jointly hold the 4th position in the index with Visa-Free Score 188.
• Seven EU nations, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland and Netherland jointly hold the 5th position in the index with Visa-Free Score of 187.

Progress: The UAE  ranked 10th place, has made the highest progression by moving up to 8th place since July 2025, totaling to 184 destinations.
Decline: The UK is ranked 8th globally in 2025, having declined from its previous higher positions.

• The USA, which held the top spot in 2014, has dropped to 12th globally in 2025, marking the first time in its 20-year history that it has fallen out of the top 10.

>>Read Full News

Overview of IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 Held in Abu Dhabi, UAEThe International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress 2025 was held from October 9 to 15, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

• Theme: “Powering Transformative Conservation” focused on driving impactful dialogue, decisions, and initiatives for nature and people.

Highlights of the IUCN Conservation Congress 2025:
IUCN Adopts Strategic Vision and Announces Leadership:
Leadership: Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak will continue as IUCN President for a second term, working alongside newly elected members of the IUCN Commissions and Council.
Host Country: The Republic of Panamá has been selected to host the next IUCN World Protected and Conserved Areas Congress in September 2027, the leading global forum for protected area agendas.
4th World Heritage Outlook Report: During the event, IUCN launched the 4th World Heritage Outlook report, which found that climate change poses a threat to 43% of natural World Heritage sites globally.
IUCN New Member: During the event, Armenia became a ‘State Member’ of the IUCN, highlighting its commitment to advancing biodiversity conservation and sustainability on a global scale.
India Launches National Red List Roadmap & Vision 2025-30:During the congress, Union MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh unveiled India’s first National Red List Roadmap of India, a significant initiative aimed at assessing and monitoring the conservation status of India’s flora and fauna.

• Under the roadmap, he unveiled the first-ever Red List of Endangered Species of India and India’s vision 2025-2030 for the National Red List Assessment (NRLA).
• On October 10, 2025, Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park (NP) and Tiger Reserve (TR), Assam, was honored as the first Indian recipient of the IUCN WCPA Kenton R. Miller Award.

>>Read Full News

Overview of 78th WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia Held in Colombo, Sri LankaThe 78th session of World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Committee (RC78)for South-East Asia was held under the chairmanship of Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa, from October 13 to October 15, 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

• The event brought together health leaders and experts from across the South-East Asia Region (SEAR) to discuss key health priorities.
• The session was inaugurated by Jagath, Wickramaratne, Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

About 78th WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia:
Key Participants: The event was attended by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General (DG) of WHO; Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge of WHO South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO); health minister and other senior officials from member countries of the region.
India’s Representation: Union Minister of State (MoS) Anupriya Patel, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) of Government of India (GoI) represented India at the session, reflecting the country’s active role in advancing regional health cooperation and strengthening collective response mechanism in South and South-East Asia.
Colombo Declaration: During the ministerial round table, the member nations of SEAR unianimously adopted the Colombo Declaration on ‘Healthy Ageing through strengthened primary health care’, aimed at health and well-being of its ageing population, expected to double by 2050.

• This newly adopted declaration calls for the inclusion of healthy ageing in national policies and PHC-oriented health systems, ensuring accessible, equitable, integrated and age-responsive services across the continuum of care, from health promotion and prevention to rehabilitation, long-term care and palliative care.

About WHO SEARO:
The 1st regional committee for South-East was constituted in 1948. The committee comprises 10 member nations from South-East Asia region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste.

• The representatives of 10 member countries meet annually to discuss important public health challenges.

Regional Director- Saima Wazed
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
>>Read Full News

India and Panama Established 20-Member Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group
In October 2025, the Embassy of India in Panama announced the establishment of a 20-member India-Panama Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group at the National Assembly of Panama, marking a new phase in bilateral relations between India and Panama.

About India-Panama Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group:
Establishment: A formal Oath-Taking Ceremony was held at the National Assembly of Panama.

• The event was attended by Sumit Seth, Ambassador of India to Panama; Walkiria Chandler, President of the Commission for External Relations; and Jorge Bloise, President of the Friendship Group.

Aim: This initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration between India and Panama, with a focus on technology, healthcare, and sustainable development.
Significance: The formation of the Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group highlights Panama’s recognition of India as a strategic partner and emphasizes the deepening bilateral ties between the two nations.Launch of India–Panama Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group.

BANKING & FINANCE

India’s GIFT City climbs 3 places to 43rd in 38th GFCI rankings, New York TopsIn September 2025, the China Development Institute (CDI) in Shenzhen (China) and Z/Yen Partners in London (the United Kingdom, UK) released the 38th edition of the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 38).

• According to the index, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (Gift City) in Gujarat, has climbed from the 46th position in the previous edition to 43rd position in the 38th edition.

About Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 38)
Financial centres: The semi-annual report evaluates the competitiveness of 135 financial centres worldwide for this latest edition.
Instrumental Factors: The GFCI was compiled using 140 instrumental factors provided by third parties including the World Bank (WB), the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), and the UN (United Nation).
Top Financial Centres: New York (NY) City (United States of America, USA) continues to hold the top position with a rating of 766, followed by London (UK) in 2nd place with 765 points and HK (China) secures the third spot with a rating of 764.
Asia-Specific progress: The Asia–Pacific region demonstrated notable progress, with six of its financial centres featuring among the world’s top 15.
>>Read Full News

Universal Sompo Partners with APGB to Expand Insurance Services Across AP
On October 15, 2025, Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Limited (USGIC) partnered with Andhra Pradesh Grameena Bank (APGB) to offer range of insurance products across 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh (AP).

Affordable Insurance: Under the partnership, Universal Sompo will utilize the “State Insurance Plan” to provide affordable insurance solutions in AP.
Risk Coverage: The collaboration will offer customized products for rural and farming communities, covering risks such as crop loss, property damage, and health emergencies.
APGB: It operates with its 1,351 branches and serves rural and semi-urban communities, focusing on financial inclusion, supporting farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Priority Sector Lending (PSL), and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
About USGIC: USGIC, established in 2007, is a Joint Venture (JV) of Indian Bank (IB), Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), Karnataka Bank Limited, Dabur Investment Corporation and Sompo Japan Insurance Inc., Japan.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Military Leader Michael Randrianirina Sworn in as Transitional
President of MadagascarIn October 2025, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, leader of the elite Army Corps of Personnel and Administrative and Technical Services (CAPSAT) army unit, is sworn in as the Transitional President of Madagascar (interim), following a military coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina. 

Background:
Transitional Leadership:The High Constitutional Court of Madagascar invited Colonel Michael Randrianirina to assume the presidency after the military declared the dissolution of all state institutions, with the exception of the National Assembly.
African Union Response: The African Union suspended Madagascar with immediate effect for the unconstitutional change of government, condemning the coup and urging a swift return to civilian rule.
About Colonel Michael Randrianirina:
Career : He is a Malagasy military officer and a member of the CAPSAT.
Previous Role: He previously served as Governor of Androy (2016–2018) and later as a senior military commander leading the elite CAPSAT unit, since 2022.
Current Role:: He currently serves as the Chairman of the Council of the Presidency for Reform since 14 October 2025, following the 2025 coup confirmed by the High Constitutional Court.
About Madagascar:
Madagascar, located in the Indian Ocean off Africa’s east coast, gained independence from France in 1960.
Prime Minister (PM) – Ruphin Zafisambo
Capital – Antananarivo
Currency – Malagasy Ariary(MGA)

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

DRDO’s Indigenous Military Combat Parachute System Tested at 32,000 FeetIn October 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a combat free–fall jump using the Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) from an altitude of 32,000 feet.

• The test was conducted by test jumpers of the Indian Air Force (IAF), demonstrating the system’s efficiency and advanced design.

Details of Test:
Deployment: The combat free-fall jump was performed from 32,000 feet, with parachutes deployed at 30,000 feet.
Test Jumpers: The jump was executed by Wing Commander (Wg) Vishal Lakhesh, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) RJ Singh, and MWO Vivek Tiwari of IAF.
About Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS):
High Altitude: MCPS is the only operational parachute system of the Indian Armed Forces (Indian Army(IA), Indian Navy(IN), IAF) deployable above 25,000 feet.
Developers: The MCPS was developed by DRDO laboratories – Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Tactical Advantage: Provides controlled descent with superior steering, allowing safe exit, navigation, and precise landing at designated zones.
NavIC Support: The system is compatible with India’s indigenous satellite navigation system, Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), making it immune to external interference or denial of service.
Operational Readiness: Facilitates mass induction of indigenous parachutes, reduces reliance on imports, and ensures maximum operational readiness through minimal maintenance.
Record: India completes 32,000-foot jump, meeting global standards for High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) and High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) operations.
About Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO):
It is the Research and Development (R&D) wing of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Chairman– Dr. Samir Vankatpati Kamat
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Established-1958

ISRO Plans Crewed Moon Mission by 2040, Maiden Human Spaceflight Launch in 2027In October 2025, V Narayanan, Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the space agency has set the target to launch crewed moon mission by 2040, while its maiden human spaceflight mission ‘Gaganyaan’ is on track for launch in 2027.

• These announcements were made by him during the 35th convocation ceremony of Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) Mesra in Ranchi, Jharkhand.

Targeted Timelines of Other Space Projects: In addition to these, ISRO’s chairman informed about some of the ambitious space projects and sector reforms that were currently underway such as: national space station by 2035; and 3 crewed ‘Gaganyaan’ missions by 2026, with the 1st one that includes a half-humanoid robot ‘Vyommitra’, expected to be launched in December 2025.
VOM: He also informed that the Government of India (GoI) has approved a new space mission named ‘Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)’, aimed to study various facets of planet Venus including its surface and atmosphere.
Bharatiya Antriksh Station (BAS): It will be India’s 1st Space Station, designed on the lines of International Space Station (ISS), is expected to come up by 2035, and initial modules in space are expected as early as 2027.
About Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO):
Chairman- Dr. V. Narayanan
Headquarters- Bengaluru, Karnataka
Established- 1969
>>Read Full News

IMPORTANT DAYS

Global Handwashing Day 2025 – October 15Global Handwashing Day (GHD) is observed annually on October 15 to highlight the importance of washing hands with soap and water as a simple, effective, and affordable method to prevent infections.

• 15th October 2025 marks the observance of the 18th GHD.

Theme:
2025 Theme: “Be a Handwashing Hero!”
Focus: This year’s theme highlights that consistent hand hygiene is a life-saving action for individuals and communities.

Background: 
Origin: GHD was launched by the Global Handwashing Partnership (GHP) in August 2008 during the annual World Water Week (17-23 August 2008) held in Stockholm, Sweden.
First Observation: The first-ever GHD was celebrated on 15th October 2008, marking the beginning of an annual global initiative.
Related Awareness: In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) observes World Hand Hygiene Day every year on 5th May to promote awareness of handwashing as a key measure to prevent infections.
About Global Handwashing Partnership (GHP): GHP is an international coalition of public and private stakeholders that promotes handwashing with soap as a simple, effective, and affordable way to improve health, prevent infections, and save children’s lives.
Key Facts of Handwashing:
Disease Spread: Since around 80% of infectious diseases are spread by dirty hands, proper handwashing for 20 seconds can significantly reduce illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and norovirus.
Public Awareness: About 62% of people know that 20 seconds of handwashing is effective, while 13% underestimate and 24% overestimate the time needed; men are slightly more likely to underestimate.
Recommended Methods: Health experts like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend soap and water, or hand sanitizer with ≥60% alcohol when unavailable, with 93% of adults preferring soap and water over other options.

World Students’ Day 2025 – October 15World Students’ Day (WSD) is celebrated every year on 15 October to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,  the 11th President of India (from 2002 to 2007) and “Missile Man of India,” honoring students and the transformative role of education in society.

• 15th October 2025 marks the 94th birth anniversary of Dr. A.P.J Abdul kalam.
• 2025 Theme: “Empowering Students as Agents of Innovation and Change”.

About Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam:
Birth: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was Born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu (TN).
Scientific Contributions: He was a renowned aerospace scientist who contributed significantly to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Political career: He served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007, nominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Awards and Honours: In 1981, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in the field of Civil Service and in Padma Vibhushan in 1990 in the field of Science, and Engineering.

•  In 1997, he was awarded Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, for contributions to Science and Engineering.

>>Read Full News

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