Daily Current Affairs – 05-10-2025
Personalities, Awards and Events
Asheesh Pandey Takes Charge as New MD & CEO of Union Bank of India
Veteran banker Asheesh Pandey has officially assumed charge as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of the Union Bank of India, one of the country’s leading public sector banks.
With over 27 years of experience in the banking industry, Pandey began his career at the Industrial Finance Branch of the erstwhile Corporation Bank in Mumbai, later serving in its Investment and International Banking Division.
Before joining Union Bank of India, Pandey was the Executive Director of Bank of Maharashtra for more than three years. During his tenure, he played a key role in advancing the bank’s corporate credit, treasury operations, digital lending solutions, and technology-driven innovations such as Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Robotic Process Automation (RPA).
National News
PM Modi Launches ₹60,000 Crore ‘Gyan’ Scheme to Boost Skill Development and Self-Reliant India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 4 launched the ‘Gyan’ (Growth, Youth, and Advancement Network) scheme — a massive ₹60,000 crore initiative aimed at empowering youth through skill development, education, and employment generation as part of the AatmaNirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision.
Addressing the launch event, PM Modi said the scheme would transform India into a global knowledge hub by providing modern digital learning infrastructure and training opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, including 1,000 Adi Dravidar and 4,000 tribal students in the initial phase.
The scheme will link educational institutions across states through a unified digital platform developed under Digital India, with an estimated investment of ₹62,000 crore. Additionally, the government announced a five-year plan to open 10,000 new schools, including 5,000 tribal schools, in collaboration with NITI Aayog and NCERT.
PM Modi emphasized that the initiative will create a skilled, tech-driven generation capable of leading the nation’s 21st-century innovations, adding that a separate ₹1,000 crore fund has been set aside for promoting new technologies and improving educational quality.
The Prime Minister also highlighted complementary welfare measures across the country, including Bihar’s new monthly ₹1,000 allowance scheme for five lakh graduate students, and initiatives to boost technical and vocational education through 4,000–8,000 new training centers.
The Centre also announced additional national programmes, including:
A new blood test-based early cancer detection system,
A firefighter modernization scheme with 200 new fire stations and 1,200 fire vehicles.
India Commissions First Indigenous Stealth Destroyer INS Imphal into Navy
In a major boost to India’s maritime defense capabilities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned INS Imphal, the country’s first indigenous stealth-guided missile destroyer, into the Indian Navy in Mumbai today.
Developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, INS Imphal represents a milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The warship, built with over 60% indigenous components, showcases the nation’s growing expertise in advanced naval design and production.
The 11,000-ton destroyer is equipped with cutting-edge weaponry, including modern missiles, advanced surveillance radars, electronic warfare systems, and stealth features that enhance its combat efficiency and survivability at sea.
Designed and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), Mumbai, INS Imphal is the third ship under Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class destroyers). Its commissioning reflects India’s strategic push to modernize its naval fleet with indigenously designed and manufactured warships to ensure national security and maritime dominance.
Centre Orders Nationwide Inspection After M.P. and Kerala Ban Coldrif Cough Syrup
The Union Health Ministry has launched a nationwide inspection of pharmaceutical manufacturing units after the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department detected excess diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic chemical — in samples of the Coldrif cough syrup brand.
Officials confirmed that 19 manufacturing units across six States are under scrutiny. The probe follows the death of at least 10 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, allegedly linked to the consumption of the contaminated cough syrup.
In response, the Madhya Pradesh government has banned the sale and distribution of Coldrif within the State, while Kerala has also imposed a similar statewide ban on its sale.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has halted the production and sale of all products from Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Coldrif located in Kancheepuram district. The move came after lab tests revealed the syrup was “not of standard quality” and “adulterated with diethylene glycol.”
The Union Health Ministry said the inspection aims to identify quality lapses in drug manufacturing and recommend stricter safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
International News
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Meets Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay in Thimphu on October 4, where both sides held discussions to further strengthen the India–Bhutan bilateral partnership.
During his visit, Misri also called on Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Foreign Minister Dr. Tandi Dorji. The talks focused on enhancing connectivity projects, particularly the India–Bhutan railway line, which was agreed upon by the two governments last year.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation in infrastructure, trade, and regional connectivity, underlining the close friendship and trust that define India–Bhutan relations.
Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, in a post on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), said, “I had a productive discussion with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on transport connectivity projects and on expanding the enduring partnership between India and Bhutan.”
The meeting highlights India’s continued engagement with Bhutan, one of its closest neighbours and strategic partners in the Himalayan region.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Visit India on October 8 for Two-Day Official Trip
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, will arrive in India on October 8 for a two-day official visit, marking his first trip to India since assuming office. The announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday.
The visit comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and is expected to strengthen bilateral relations between India and the U.K. A series of key agreements are likely to be signed on October 8, focusing on trade, investment, technology, defense, energy, healthcare, and education as part of a strategic roadmap extending up to 2035.
During his stay, Prime Minister Starmer will travel from New Delhi to Mumbai, where he is scheduled to address the Global Finance Summit, attended by industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers from across the world.
Officials said the visit would reaffirm the commitment of both nations to enhance economic cooperation, innovation partnerships, and defense collaboration, further deepening the India–U.K. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Sakuko Higashitama Becomes Japan’s First Female Prime Minister
In a historic political milestone, Sakuko Higashitama (64) has been elected as Japan’s first female Prime Minister, ushering in a new era of leadership in the country.
A seasoned politician with extensive experience as Foreign Minister and Finance Minister, Higashitama’s rise to the top post marks a significant turning point in Japan’s political history. Her election comes following the resignation of former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who stepped down amid public dissatisfaction and criticism over his government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Initially facing low support within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) during the 2023 leadership race, Higashitama’s political fortunes improved after allegations surfaced against Yuki Ishida, former Tokyo Mayor and a long-time party ally. The controversy shifted party dynamics in her favor, paving the way for her victory in the recent election.
As the country’s first woman to hold the office, Prime Minister Higashitama is expected to focus on revitalizing Japan’s economy, managing the post-pandemic recovery, and addressing regional challenges, particularly those involving China.
Sri Lanka Makes Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Mandatory for All Tourists
The Government of Sri Lanka has announced that Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will now be mandatory for all foreign tourists entering the country, effective October 15, 2025.
According to the Department of Immigration and Emigration, the decision aims to streamline entry procedures and strengthen border management. Tourists must obtain the ETA approval online before arrival, replacing the earlier e-Visa system that was introduced in April 2024 but later suspended.
The government decided to reinstate the ETA system after a four-month halt in e-Visa operations. The suspension had created confusion among travelers and impacted tourism entry processing.
Bhavani Jamakkalam Weaver Honoured at London Fashion Week
In a proud moment for India’s handloom heritage, 69-year-old master weaver S. Sakthivel from Bhavani, Erode district, received a red-carpet welcome at London Fashion Week 2023, marking a historic recognition for the traditional Bhavani Jamakkalam craft on the global stage.
Sakthivel, who has dedicated over five decades (54 years) to weaving the iconic Bhavani Jamakkalams, walked the ramp alongside Dubai-based designer Vino Sinja. Dressed in traditional attire and carrying a model of the spinning wheel, he earned a standing ovation from the international audience, showcasing the vibrant colors and intricate patterns that define Erode’s weaving culture.
Economy News
India’s Forex Reserves Fall by $70.02 Billion, Touch Two-Year Low
India’s foreign exchange (forex) reserves fell sharply by $70.02 billion in the week ending August 26, reaching a two-year low of $561.04 billion, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
In the previous week ending August 19, the reserves had already dipped by $39.6 billion, showing a continued downtrend in the country’s forex position.
The decline was primarily driven by a fall in Foreign Currency Assets (FCA), which dropped by $70.25 billion, while gold reserves saw a marginal rise of $223.8 million, taking their total value to $9.50 billion.
Additionally, Special Drawing Rights (SDR) fell by $90 million to $1.87 billion, and India’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) declined by $89 million to $467.3 million.
Experts attribute the fall to global currency fluctuations and valuation changes in foreign assets, adding pressure on India’s external balance. The current level marks the lowest forex reserve position since 2021, reflecting the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar and volatile global market conditions.
Tamil Nadu News
Tamil Nadu Launches Pilot Cancer Screening Programme in Coimbatore and Ariyalur
In a major step toward strengthening early cancer detection, the Tamil Nadu Health Department has launched a pilot cancer screening programme in Coimbatore and Ariyalur districts.
Under the initiative, colorectal cancer screening is being conducted in Coimbatore, while breast and cervical cancer screening for women is underway in Ariyalur. The project is being jointly implemented by the Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as part of the Tamil Nadu Non-Communicable Diseases (Oncology) Project.
According to officials, the programme focuses on early identification and timely treatment of cancer patients through government healthcare facilities. A public awareness campaign is also being planned to educate people about the importance of regular cancer screening and early diagnosis.
Confirmatory and treatment services are available at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, Pollachi Government Hospital, and in Ariyalur at the District Government Hospital and Jayamkondam Government Hospital.
For diagnosis, colonoscopy is used for colorectal cancer, while colposcopy and mammography are used for cervical and breast cancer screening respectively. Patients with confirmed cases will be referred for further staging and treatment at regional cancer centres.
To strengthen cancer care infrastructure, the State is establishing a 750-bed Regional Cancer Centre at Karur Medical College Hospital, along with existing facilities in Madurai, Thanjavur, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, and Chennai (Royapettah Hospital).
Sports News
India Shines at Para Athletics: Ekta and Soman Bag Silver, Praveen Wins Bronze
India registered its best-ever performance at the World Para Athletics Championships, finishing the event with 18 medals, surpassing its previous record of 17 medals won in Kobe.
Ekta Bhyan clinched the silver medal in the F51 Club Throw category with a best effort of 19.80m, finishing behind Ukraine’s Zoia Ovsi. In the Shot Put F57 event, Soman Rana also added a silver to India’s tally, while Praveen Kumar claimed bronze in the High Jump T64 category — marking his first world championship medal.
Praveen, who earlier won gold at the Asian Para Games in China, expressed his happiness, dedicating his success to his coach, the Sports Authority of India, and the Paralympic Committee of India.
In another notable performance, Chakkungal Parambil set a new Asian record with a jump of 5.74m in the women’s Long Jump T47 category, finishing fourth.