Daily Current Affairs – 10-10-2025
International News
India–Australia strengthen defence ties: Three key agreements signed during ministerial dialogue
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Australian counterpart Richard Marles co-chaired the inaugural India–Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue held in Canberra on Thursday.
The dialogue focused on strengthening defence cooperation and ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the meeting, the two nations signed three major defence agreements covering military equipment, space cooperation, and cybersecurity. The sides also finalized accords on information sharing, submarine search and rescue operations, and joint staff talks.
The visit marks five years of the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, highlighting the growing convergence in security and defence policies.
Afghanistan’s Interim Foreign Minister Maulavi Amir Khan Muttaqi visits India on private trip
Afghanistan’s interim government Foreign Minister Maulavi Amir Khan Muttaqi has arrived in India on a private visit, marking the first such visit by a Taliban government representative since the group took control of Afghanistan in 2021.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declined to comment on Muttaqi’s visit but noted that diplomatic and trade engagements between the two countries continue. Currently, six Indian officials are stationed in Kabul, managing the operations of the Indian Embassy.
India continues to import goods from Afghanistan, primarily pomegranates and saffron.
While bilateral relations remained strained following the Taliban’s takeover, India has extended humanitarian aid to Afghanistan via Pakistan in recent years.
China announces new export restrictions on rare earths and related technologies
China on Thursday announced new export controls on rare earth elements and related technologies, expanding its oversight over materials critical for global industries.
The move comes ahead of an expected meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, amid growing trade and technology tensions.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, foreign companies must now obtain special licenses to export products that contain even trace amounts of rare earth elements sourced from China.
Beijing will also require permits for technologies linked to rare earth mining, smelting, recycling, and magnet manufacturing, further tightening control over the sector.
China currently accounts for about 70% of global rare earth mining and nearly 90% of its processing, giving it a dominant role in the supply chain for critical minerals used in electronics, defense, and renewable energy industries.
Modi, Starmer call for “Two-State Solution” to resolve Israel-Palestine conflict
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his U.K. counterpart Keir Starmer on Thursday jointly called for a “two-state solution” to end the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, while expressing support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace initiative.
During a phone conversation, Mr. Modi congratulated President Trump on the progress of the peace plan and reviewed the positive momentum in India–U.S. trade talks, reaffirming the intent to maintain close coordination.
Welcoming Mr. Starmer, Mr. Modi said the India–U.K. partnership remains a “vital pillar of global stability and economic growth” in today’s uncertain international environment. Both leaders emphasized the need for “a just and lasting peace” and pledged to strengthen maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
In a joint statement issued in Mumbai, they supported an “immediate and lasting ceasefire”, the release of hostages, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The statement reiterated their shared commitment to a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state as part of the two-state framework.
Mr. Modi and Mr. Starmer also agreed to work closely within the Commonwealth on climate change, sustainable development, and youth engagement, benefiting the 2.5 billion people across member nations.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reaffirmed India’s stance against illegal immigration and commitment to advancing talks on the Migration and Mobility Partnership. Mr. Starmer and Mr. Modi also condemned recent violent attacks in Manchester and Pahalgam, calling for unity against terrorism.
Israel, Hamas agree to ceasefire deal to free hostages
Israel and Hamas on Thursday reached a ceasefire agreement aimed at releasing the remaining hostages. Israel confirmed that all parties had signed the first phase of the deal and described it as “a step that will bring an end to the ongoing war.”
Senior Hamas leader Osama Hamdan said the group rejected the proposed transitional Palestinian authority, stating, “No Palestinian will accept this arrangement. All factions, including the Palestinian Authority, oppose it,” he told Qatar-based Al Araby broadcaster.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump noted that the issue of Hamas surrendering its weapons would be addressed in the second phase of the peace plan.
India, U.K. sign £350-million missile deal; to boost defence and naval cooperation
India on Thursday signed a £350-million defence deal with the United Kingdom to procure Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) for the Indian Army. The missiles will be manufactured in Belfast, U.K., and mark a major step in strengthening India-U.K. defence cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his U.K. counterpart Keir Starmer also agreed to enhance collaboration on electric-powered engines for Naval ships, an initiative valued at £250 million.
According to a U.K. government release, 64 Indian companies have pledged investments worth £1.3 billion (₹15,430 crore) in the U.K., underscoring the growing economic confidence between the two nations following progress in the proposed India-U.K. trade deal.
Officials added that the missile contract paves the way for a broader complex weapons partnership currently under negotiation between the two governments.
Tamil Nadu News
State’s longest GT Road double-decker flyover
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the second tier of the Chennai GT Road–Koyambedu double-decker flyover, the longest elevated corridor in the State, on Thursday.
The newly opened structure aims to ensure signal-free traffic movement across major junctions in the city. The flyover includes four ascent and descent ramps located at Anna Salai, Koyambedu, GT Road, and the Airport stretch.
📍 Key Specifications:
GT Road Flyover length: 577 metres
Anna Salai Flyover length: 483 metres
Jamkoppu Ascent Ramp: 561 metres
Anna Salai Ascent Ramp: 411 metres
Descent Ramps: up to 391 metres long
The project, part of Tamil Nadu’s major urban transport modernisation efforts, is expected to significantly decongest traffic on Chennai’s arterial roads.
The first tier of the Koyambedu flyover, spanning 7.10 km, was inaugurated in August 2020 at a cost of ₹1,791.23 crore.
The complete double-decker corridor, measuring 17.25 km, will be the longest of its kind in India, constructed at an estimated cost of ₹994 crore.
Tamil Nadu CM launches ₹1000-crore ‘Co-creation Fund’ to boost start-ups at Global Summit
At the Global Start-up Summit, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a ₹1000-crore Co-creation Fund to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s start-up ecosystem.
The fund, to be managed by StartUp TN, will invest in venture capital funds, which in turn will support start-ups operating in Tamil Nadu. The initiative aims to foster new VC firms in the State and attract major global investors, he said.
Mr. Stalin noted that the government is working towards making Tamil Nadu a $1 trillion economy by 2030, focusing on both high-tech and labour-intensive industries.
Over the past four years, the number of registered start-ups in the State has risen from 2,032 to 12,000, with half of them led by women entrepreneurs.
Key Allocations:
Dedicated start-up funding: ₹20 crore in FY 2024-25
Equity investment for SC/ST-led start-ups increased from ₹30 crore (2022-23) to ₹50 crore (2023-24)
₹129.24 crore raised through the TANFUND platform last year.
According to Inc42, the average funding per Tamil Nadu-based start-up grew from $1 million in 2016 to $6 million in 2024, reflecting investor confidence in the State’s innovation ecosystem.
Jewellery Park Project:
The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a Jewellery Park at the SIDCO Industrial Estate, Coimbatore, to be built on 2.46 acres at a cost of ₹126.12 crore.
Implemented by the Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation (TANSIDCO) under the MSME Department, the first phase will include a five-storey complex costing ₹81.40 crore, expected to generate employment for thousands of artisans and goldsmiths.
Tamil Nadu declares July 1 as ‘Revenue Department Day’ marking start of Fasli year
The Tamil Nadu government has announced that July 1, which marks the beginning of the Fasli revenue year, will henceforth be observed as “Revenue Department Day.”
The Fasli calendar is a traditional agricultural and revenue accounting system followed across parts of India, beginning annually on July 1 as per the Gregorian calendar.
In Tamil Nadu, the Fasli year serves as the reference framework for land revenue accounts, village record updation, Jamabandi (revenue audits), and annual crop cultivation reports.
The Fasli system is believed to have originated during the Mughal era and was retained by colonial administrators for revenue management.
The Commissioner of Revenue Administration had earlier proposed that July 1 be designated as “Revenue Department Day,” a recommendation that the state government has now officially approved.
ASI documents 10 rare Chola-era inscriptions from Vedapureeswarar temple, Therazhandur
The Epigraphy Division of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently documented 10 inscriptions dating back to the Imperial Chola period from the Vedapureeswarar temple at Therazhandur in Mayiladuthurai district.
A team led by Assistant Epigraphist P.T. Nagarajan, along with A. Kathavarayan and A.A. Manikandan, carried out the 12-day documentation exercise. The inscriptions were found on the door jambs of the Ardhamandapam and within the Mahamandapam.
Two Tamil inscriptions belonging to the 34th and 44th regnal years of Kulottunga Chola I (12th century CE) record a donation of five gold coins (kāsu) to Brahmins for lighting the temple lamps — Tiruvilakku and Sandhivilakku.
Other inscriptions from the reign of Kulottunga Chola III mention donations for rituals (Tirumanjanam) and penalties for defaulters, while one from the time of Rajaraja II records contributions for lighting the “Nundavilakku.”
Based on architectural features, experts say the temple belongs to the early phase of the Imperial Chola era. The ASI has also initiated efforts to document five more fragile and partially damaged inscriptions from the site.
Personalities, Awards and Events
Nobel Prize in Literature 2025: László Krasznahorkai
Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai has won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature “for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, amid apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art,” the Swedish Academy announced.
• Prize Money: SEK 11 million (≈ USD 1.2 million).
• About the Laureate: Born Jan 5, 1954 (Gyula, Hungary); acclaimed for dense, demanding novels. Debut ‘Sátántangó’ (1985) made him a literary sensation in Hungary.
Select Honours:
– 2025: Nobel Prize in Literature
– 2024: Prix Formentor
– 2021: Austrian State Prize for European Literature
– 2019: National Book Award (Translated Literature, USA) – Baron Wenckheim’s Homecoming
– 2015: Man Booker International Prize
– 2014/2013: Best Translated Book Award (Seiobo There Below, Satantango)
– Hungary’s Kossuth Prize, among others.
Notable Works in English (translations):
Satantango; The Melancholy of Resistance; War & War; Seiobo There Below; The World Goes On; Baron Wenckheim’s Homecoming; Spadework for a Palace; A Mountain to the North, a Lake to the South…; Herscht 07769 (translated by George Szirtes, Ottilie Mulzet, John Bátki, etc.).
Nobel Literature Prize – Key Facts:
– First awarded 1901; 117 awards till 2024; 121 laureates.
– Not awarded in 1914, 1918, 1935, 1940–43.
– Women 18, men 103 (till 2024).
– First laureate: Sully Prudhomme (1901); first woman: Selma Lagerlöf (1909).
– First Indian & first non-European: Rabindranath Tagore (1913, Gitanjali).
– 2024 laureate: Han Kang (South Korea).
– Youngest: Rudyard Kipling (41, 1907); Oldest: Doris Lessing (87, 2007).
– Laureate receives a gold medal, diploma, and SEK 11 million.
National News
NTPC Renewable Energy, Gujarat govt sign MoU to develop 15 GW of solar and wind projects
NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Green Energy, on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Gujarat to develop large-scale renewable energy projects in the State.
Under the agreement, NTPC REL will develop solar parks and projects with a total capacity of 10 GW and wind power projects with 5 GW capacity, amounting to a combined 15 GW of green energy generation.
Currently, NTPC REL is executing four solar power projects (2.36 GW total), three wind power projects (354 MW), and one hybrid project (226 MW) in different stages of implementation across Gujarat.
The MoU marks a major step in expanding Gujarat’s renewable energy infrastructure and strengthening India’s transition towards sustainable power generation.
Election Commission warns political parties against misuse of AI during campaigns
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has cautioned political parties against misusing artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools for creating deepfakes or spreading false and misleading content during election campaigns.
The EC directed that any AI-generated or digitally altered content shared through social media or advertisements for campaigning must be clearly labelled as “AI-Generated,” “Digitally Enhanced,” or “Synthetic Content.”
A strict vigil is being maintained over social media to prevent disruption of the electoral environment. The Commission has also put in place comprehensive arrangements to ensure effective enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, warning that any violations will be dealt with firmly.
Judicial officers with seven years in Bar eligible for appointment as District Judges: Supreme Court
In a major ruling aimed at bringing young talent into the higher judiciary, a Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud on Thursday held that judicial officers who have seven years of experience in the Bar before joining the judicial service are eligible for appointment as District or Additional District Judges.
Until now, only practising advocates with at least seven years’ experience were eligible for direct recruitment to the post of District Judge. The court has now clarified that judicial officers with a combined experience of seven years — as advocates and in judicial service — will also qualify.
The Bench observed that ignoring earlier practice as advocates had led to a loss of experience and motivation, possibly contributing to case pendency in lower courts.
Citing Article 233(2) of the Constitution, the court said no explicit eligibility criteria bar judicial officers from such appointments. It held that “a person who has been or is in judicial service, and has a total experience of seven years or more as an advocate and judicial officer, shall be eligible to be considered for appointment as District Judge or Additional District Judge.”
The court also directed that the minimum age for applying for these posts — for both advocates and judicial officers — shall be 35 years as on the date of application.
Economy News
India launches pilot project for AI-powered e-commerce payments via ChatGPT
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and fintech firm Razorpay, in collaboration with Microsoft-backed OpenAI, have launched a pilot project to enable AI-driven payments through ChatGPT.
The initiative marks the first integration of UPI-based payments within an AI platform, allowing users to make transactions directly through ChatGPT using conversational commands.
According to NPCI and Razorpay, the pilot will assess how the system can be scaled across e-commerce and other sectors, and how AI agents equipped with payment credentials can autonomously perform secure, reliable, and user-controlled transactions on behalf of users.
The move represents a major step in blending India’s UPI infrastructure with emerging AI technologies, paving the way for smarter and more intuitive digital payment experiences.
States’ News
Karnataka becomes first State to approve menstrual leave policy covering both public and private sectors
In a landmark move, the Karnataka State Cabinet on Thursday approved the Karnataka Menstrual Leave Policy–2025, which ensures one day of paid leave every month for women employees across both government and private sectors.
With this decision, Karnataka becomes the first Indian State to include both public and private sector employees under a menstrual leave policy.
Earlier, Odisha and Bihar had introduced similar provisions only for government employees, while Kerala implemented the policy within its universities.
The initiative marks a progressive step towards gender inclusivity and workplace welfare, setting an example for other States to follow.
Sports News
India secures historic first-ever medal at World Junior Mixed Team Badminton Championships
India created history on Thursday by storming into the semifinals of the World Junior Mixed Team Badminton Championships, guaranteeing its first-ever medal in the tournament’s history.
In a thrilling quarterfinal clash, India defeated Korea 45-30, 45-33 to seal its semifinal berth. The Indian team will now face Indonesia, which overcame Taiwan 45-35 in the other quarterfinal.
The match began with a setback as Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu lost 5-9 in the boys’ doubles. However, the girls’ duo K. Vennala and U. Reshika fought back to edge past Cheon Hye In and Moon In Seo 10-9, narrowing the gap.
Rounak Chouhan then registered a tight 11-9 win to bring India level before Unnati Hooda delivered a commanding performance, defeating Kim Han Bi 15-9 to push India ahead.
In the final stages, Lalramsanga–Bhargav and Rounak–Unnati sealed the victory with consistent performances, ensuring India a spot in the semifinals and thereby its maiden world team medal.
This victory marks a historic moment for Indian badminton, highlighting the rise of the country’s next-generation talent on the global stage.
Environment News
India launches ‘National Red List Assessment’ to evaluate extinction risks of plant and animal species
India is set to launch a National Red List Assessment to evaluate how vulnerable its 11,000 plant and animal species are to extinction — the first comprehensive biodiversity risk assessment of its kind in the country.
The initiative will provide a scientifically accurate picture of threats faced by species, going beyond existing “scheduled” classifications under Indian law. The assessment, following the IUCN Red List global methodology, will continue till 2030.
According to the Environment Ministry, the goal is to create a science-based national red listing system and publish National Red Data Books on flora and fauna by 2030. These will serve as a central database for conservation planning and threat mitigation. The project will also train 300 certified assessors to enhance India’s technical capacity in biodiversity monitoring.
Minister of State for Environment Kirtivardhan Singh said the initiative aligns with India’s international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).
The project, to be fully funded through public funds, will be implemented by the Zoological Survey of India with an estimated budget of ₹95 crore, said scientist Pratyush Mahapatra.
Science and Technology News
Indian Army inducts indigenously developed ‘Saksham’ system to counter aerial threats
The Indian Army has inducted the indigenously developed ‘Saksham’ Counter-Unmanned Aerial System Grid, aimed at strengthening its ability to detect and neutralise hostile drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Developed jointly with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad, Saksham — short for Situational Awareness for Kinetic Soft and Hard Kill Assets Management — is a modular and advanced Command-and-Control (C2) system that operates on the Army’s secure data network.
The system provides comprehensive airspace surveillance and protection across tactical battlefield zones, enabling the Army to track, identify, and engage aerial threats in real time.
The induction of Saksham marks a major step in enhancing India’s indigenous defence technology and aerial security capabilities.