Daily Current Affairs – 08-10-2025
Personalities, Awards and Events
Three American Scientists Win 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for Quantum Research
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics has been jointly awarded to three American scientists — John Clauser (83), Michel H. Devoret (72), and John M. Bording (67) — for their groundbreaking contributions to quantum computing and quantum physics research.
The Nobel Committee recognized their development of innovative tools for studying quantum systems at the atomic and subatomic levels, paving the way for next-generation quantum processors and advanced research in quantum technology. Their work has significantly deepened scientific understanding of quantum behavior, enabling more accurate manipulation of atoms and particles.
According to the committee, their discoveries will have far-reaching applications in fields such as space research, gravitational studies, and atomic energy, and could revolutionize the future of quantum computing and precision measurement technologies.
This marks the 119th Nobel Prize in Physics, which will be presented at a ceremony in Stockholm on October 10. The award underscores the growing importance of quantum science in shaping the future of modern technology.
Tamil Nadu News
Tamil Nadu Government Redefines ‘Patients’ as ‘Medical Beneficiaries’ in New Order
The Tamil Nadu Government has issued a new Government Order (GO) directing that individuals visiting hospitals will henceforth be referred to as ‘medical beneficiaries’ instead of ‘patients’.
The order, released by Health Department Secretary P. Senthilkumar, states that the change is being implemented in accordance with the guidance of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. This initiative follows the Chief Minister’s appeal made during the launch of the ‘Nalam Kaakkum Stalin’ scheme in August 2024, where he emphasized the need to replace the term ‘patients’ with ‘medical beneficiaries’ to reflect dignity and compassion in healthcare.
Mr. Stalin had also advised hospital staff to treat those seeking medical care with empathy and familial warmth. In line with his vision, the government has now formally adopted the new terminology across all state-run healthcare institutions.
TNSDC Launches ‘GenRise’ to Empower 35,000 Youth by 2028
The Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC), under the State government’s Vetri Nichayam initiative, has launched a new programme titled ‘GenRise’ in collaboration with the Generation India Foundation. The initiative aims to upskill and empower 35,000 young people across Tamil Nadu by March 2028.
Tamil Nadu Records 3,170 Elephants in Latest Statewide Synchronised Census
The latest synchronised elephant census conducted in May 2025 has revealed that Tamil Nadu is home to 3,170 wild elephants, marking an increase of 107 from the 2024 count of 3,063. The survey, carried out over three days, covered all five elephant reserves across 26 forest divisions, spanning 8,989.63 sq.km of elephant habitats.
According to the Forest Department, the elephant density stood at 0.35 elephants per sq.km under the Block Count method and 0.37 elephants per sq.km under the Line Transect Dung Count method. The highest number of elephants were recorded in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, which alone accounted for nearly half of the total sightings. Other major sightings were reported from Anamalai (Pollachi), Sathyamangalam, Erode, and Coimbatore divisions.
The Nilgiri Elephant Reserve, part of the Nilgiri–Eastern Ghats landscape, recorded the highest population and density, supporting about 70–80% of Tamil Nadu’s elephant population along with Coimbatore, forming a continuous habitat shared with Karnataka and Kerala.
The demographic analysis revealed that adult elephants constituted 44% of the population, followed by sub-adults (31%), calves (14%), and juveniles (11%), with a sex ratio of 1:1.77 (male to female). Forest officials said the results indicate a stable and healthy elephant population, consistent with previous surveys.
The report also suggested refining future surveys by incorporating region-specific decay rates to improve accuracy between direct and indirect counting methods.
International News
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Arrives in India for Two-Day Visit; to Meet PM Modi
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to arrive in India on a two-day official visit beginning October 8, marking his first visit to India after assuming office. During the trip, he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties in key sectors such as trade, investment, technology, and security, along with regional and global issues.
Both leaders are expected to hold detailed discussions on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (TCA), the India–UK Roadmap 2035, and the Strategic Trade Partnership (STPA). The British delegation includes over 100 representatives, comprising university vice-chancellors and industry leaders.
Starmer and Modi will also address the 6th Global Fintech Summit in Mumbai, which will feature participation from 75 countries, over 1 lakh business delegates, 7,500 companies, and 800 speakers.
As part of his engagements, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the third phase of the Mumbai Metro, constructed at a cost of ₹37,270 crore, and open the Central International Airport on Wednesday. He will also launch the ‘Mumbai In’ service, designed to integrate 11 major transport services across the city’s metro network.
National News
Centre Sanctions ₹707 Crore Relief for Flood-Hit Gujarat and Assam
The Central Government has approved an additional ₹707.97 crore in financial assistance to Gujarat and Assam, which were affected by floods and landslides in 2024. The decision was taken during a high-level committee meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
According to the Ministry, the relief amount will be released from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), with ₹313.69 crore allotted to Assam and ₹394.28 crore to Gujarat.
The committee also cleared ₹903.67 crore under the NDRF for Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan to support the expansion and modernisation of fire services in these states.
Economy News
RBI Waits for Global Rollout Before Expanding India’s Digital Currency
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has stated that it is not in a hurry to expand the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) for retail use across the country, preferring to wait for other nations to launch their own digital currencies. Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, RBI Deputy Governor Rabi Sankar said the most suitable use-case for CBDC currently lies in cross-border transactions, though a retail version may follow later.
His comments align with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s recent call for countries to prepare for the adoption of stablecoins.
At the same event, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) introduced a new biometric authentication feature for UPI payments, allowing users to verify transactions using fingerprints or facial data instead of a PIN. The feature, launched by Financial Services Secretary M. Nagaraju, aims to enhance convenience and security, especially for senior citizens and first-time users.
Reports and Indices
World Bank Upgrades India’s FY26 Growth Forecast to 6.5%
In its latest South Asia Development Update, the World Bank has raised India’s FY2025–26 growth forecast to 6.5%, up from 6.3%, citing robust domestic demand and the positive impact of GST rate reductions. The report highlighted that India’s real GDP growth surged to 7.8% in the April–June 2025 quarter, exceeding expectations due to strong private consumption, investment activity, and stable prices.
The World Bank also noted that India continues to be the world’s fastest-growing major economy, supported by steady consumer demand, improved agricultural output, and rising rural wages. It further said that the government’s GST reforms, which streamline tax slabs and simplify compliance, are expected to enhance business efficiency.
However, the forecast for FY2026–27 has been revised downward to 6.3% from 6.5%, attributing the slowdown to the U.S. tariffs of around 50% on nearly three-fourths of India’s exports.
Sports News
Chandrasekhar and Lara Honoured with CEAT Lifetime Achievement Awards
The CEAT Cricket Awards 2024–25 ceremony was held in Mumbai on Tuesday to recognise outstanding performers across domestic and international cricket. Legendary cricketers B.S. Chandrasekhar and Brian Lara were honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Awards for their remarkable contributions to the sport.
Among other winners, Harsh Dubey was named Domestic Cricketer of the Year, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi received the Emerging Young Player of the Year. In the international categories, Harry Brook and Prabath Jayasuriya bagged the Test Batter and Test Bowler of the Year awards respectively.
Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma were recognised as the Women’s International Batter and Bowler of the Year.
Matt Henry and Kane Williamson won the ODI Bowler and ODI Batter of the Year awards, while Sanju Samson and Varun Chakaravarthy took home the T20I Batter and T20I Bowler of the Year honours.
Joe Root was named Men’s International Cricketer of the Year, and Temba Bavuma received the Exemplary Leadership Award.
Special awards were presented to Shreyas Iyer for scoring the most runs in the Champions Trophy and to Rohit Sharma for leading his team to victory in the same tournament.
Wrestler Aman Sehrawat Suspended for One Year by WFI
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has imposed a one-year suspension on Paris Olympics bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat for violating the 57 kg weight limit during the World Championships held in Zagreb. Sehrawat exceeded the prescribed limit by 1.7 kg and was subsequently disqualified from the competition. Following this, the WFI officially suspended him on September 23, barring him from participating in all wrestling-related events at both national and international levels for a year.