Current Affairs Thu Oct 09 2025

Daily Current Affairs – 09-10-2025

Economy News

IndiGo launches new Mumbai–Copenhagen flights, its third European route this year

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, on Wednesday announced the launch of direct flights from Mumbai to Copenhagen, Denmark, marking its third European destination this year.

The service will operate three times a week, strengthening air connectivity between India and northern Europe.

Earlier in July, IndiGo had expanded its presence in western Europe by launching non-stop flights to Amsterdam and Manchester. Until then, its European operations were limited to Istanbul (Turkey) and Tbilisi (Georgia).

The new route is expected to boost trade, tourism, and business travel between India and the Nordic region.

National News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on Wednesday, calling it a major step toward making the region one of Asia’s biggest aviation and logistics hubs.

He said the new airport would connect Maharashtra’s farmers to supermarkets in Europe and the Middle East, helping export fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood swiftly to global markets.

The airport will also reduce export costs for nearby small and medium enterprises (SMEs), attract greater investment, and create new international trade opportunities, he added.

Built at a cost of ₹19,650 crore, the greenfield NMIA is expected to become operational by December this year. It will serve as the second international airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, complementing the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to form a multi-airport system for the city.

Operated by the Adani Group, NMIA will handle 90 million passengers annually and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo.

Key features include an Automated People Mover (APM) connecting all four passenger terminals, a dedicated storage facility for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, 47 MW solar power generation, and electric bus connectivity.

Notably, NMIA will be the first airport in India connected via water taxis, adding a new dimension to sustainable transport.

Indian Air Force Celebrates 93rd Anniversary with Ceremonial Parade at Hindon Air Base

The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 93rd anniversary with a grand ceremonial parade at the Hindon Air Force Station on Wednesday, showcasing its legacy, strength, and commitment to innovation.

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, reviewed the parade in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the Army and Navy Chiefs, former Air Chiefs, and senior officers.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed their greetings through social media.

The ceremony began with a spectacular ‘Dhwaj’ flypast by three Mi-17 IV helicopters carrying the National Flag, IAF Flag, and Operation Sindoor Flag. The parade was commanded by Group Captain Chetan Pradeep Deshpande.

Following a precision march by the Air Warrior Drill Team, Air Chief Marshal Singh awarded medals to 97 air warriors and six unit citations for distinguished service.

Highlighting the IAF’s transformation, Singh said, “From humble beginnings, the Indian Air Force has evolved into the fourth-largest air force in the world, known for its speed, precision, and professionalism.” Referring to Operation Sindoor, he reaffirmed confidence in indigenous defence capabilities and reiterated the IAF’s ethos of ‘Train as you fight’.

The Heritage Flight featured classic aircraft such as the Tiger Moth, HT-2, and Harvard, representing the IAF’s evolution. Modern assets like Rafale, Su-30MKI, Apache, MiG-29, C-17 Globemaster, C-130J Super Hercules, and the Akash missile system were also showcased.

The flypast and air display will be held in Guwahati on November 9, marking the culmination of the IAF’s 93rd anniversary celebrations.

India Emerging as a Global Data Hub – PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed strong confidence that India is fast emerging as a global data hub, leading the world in digital growth and innovation.

PM Modi added that the new Telecommunications Bill would act as a robust framework for data security and technological innovation.

At present, India hosts over 150 operational data centers with a combined capacity of 1.5 lakh megawatts, while around 400 more data centers are under construction — expected to double India’s total capacity in the coming years.

International News

U.S. Senate Confirms Sergio Gor as Ambassador to India; Paul Kapur Appointed Regional Official for South and Central Asia

After months of delay, the U.S. Senate has officially confirmed Sergio Gor as the next U.S. Ambassador to India, while Paul Kapur has been appointed as the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia.

Mr. Gor, born in Sri Lanka and raised in the United States, has long-standing ties with the Indian subcontinent and is expected to play a key role in strengthening India-U.S. relations.

The Senate approved his nomination by a vote of 107 in favour and 47 against, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations between New Delhi and Washington.

The U.S. government said Mr. Gor’s appointment “underscores the importance of India-U.S. ties” and that he will lead efforts to address shared regional challenges across South and Central Asia.

Meanwhile, Mr. Paul Kapur, a noted scholar and diplomat, will oversee several strategic initiatives at the State Department. He previously headed the South Asian-American Policy Alliance (S.A.M.A.C.A) and has served in both Washington D.C. and New Delhi academic institutions, as well as India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Tamil Nadu News

Mudhalvar Marundhagam Inaugurated at Ripon Buildings

A Mudhalvar Marundhagam pharmacy was inaugurated at the Ripon Buildings on Wednesday by Mayor R. Priya.

The facility has been set up by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) at a cost of ₹12 lakh.

According to an official press release, the Mudhalvar Marundhagam scheme, launched on February 24, aims to establish 1,000 pharmacies across Tamil Nadu, including 44 in Chennai.

Of these, nine pharmacies will be managed by private entrepreneurs, while 35 will operate under cooperative societies.

Medicines at these pharmacies are sold 25% below procurement cost and up to 75% cheaper than private outlets, the release said.

The initiative is part of the government’s mission to ensure affordable and quality medicines for the public across the State.

Tamil Nadu Orders Removal of Caste-Based Street and Road Names by November 19

The Tamil Nadu government has directed that street and road names carrying caste or community identifiers be removed by November 19, following a recent court order.

The directive, issued from the State Secretariat, instructs that all names reflecting specific communities or individual references must be eliminated from street signs, road names, and public boards.

District Collectors, Municipal, and Corporation Commissioners have been tasked with ensuring full implementation of the order and reporting compliance to the government.

The move, the government stated, aims to promote social equality and communal harmony across the State by ensuring that public spaces remain inclusive and free from caste references.

New industries to promote value-added seafood production

Tamil Nadu Industries Minister T.R.B. Raja announced that the State Government has launched new modern industrial schemes aimed at promoting value-added seafood processing industries across the State.

The initiative is being implemented through a collaboration between the Tamil Nadu Industrial Facilitation Agency, the South Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), and various trade associations.

Speaking at a conference on technology and business opportunities, the Minister emphasized that value addition and innovation in seafood processing will enhance product quality, export competitiveness, and job creation in the coastal sector.

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