Daily Current Affairs – 15-10-2025
Economy News
IMF Projects India’s Growth at 6.6% in 2025; Lowers 2026 Forecast to 6.2%
The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its October 2025 outlook report, revised India’s economic growth forecast upward to 6.6% for 2025, while lowering its 2026 projection to 6.2%.
The IMF’s report attributes the upward revision to India’s robust first-quarter performance, which helped offset the impact of U.S. tariff measures introduced under President Donald Trump’s administration earlier this year.
According to the data, India’s GDP growth reached a five-quarter high of 7.8% in the quarter ending June 2025, led primarily by manufacturing, services, and construction sectors.
However, the 2026 downward adjustment reflects an expectation that this strong momentum may gradually taper off over the coming quarters.
On a global scale, the IMF raised its world growth forecast by 20 basis points to 3.2% for 2025, while maintaining the 2026 projection at 3.1%.
The Fund warned that “uncertainty and protectionist trade policies” continue to weigh on global growth. Nonetheless, it noted that the impact of U.S. tariffs on India was “smaller than initially anticipated.”
Economists view this revised projection as a reflection of India’s resilient domestic demand and structural reforms, which have helped sustain economic momentum despite global headwinds.
International News
Saudi Arabia, India to Strengthen Textile Sector Partnership — Focus on Trade and Technology
In a move to deepen economic cooperation, Saudi Arabia and India have agreed to strengthen bilateral collaboration in the textile and apparel sector, highlighting opportunities for investment and technology exchange.
A high-level Saudi delegation led by Vice-Minister for Industry and Mineral Resources Khalil ibn Salamah met with Union Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao in New Delhi to discuss strategic cooperation and potential joint ventures in textile manufacturing and trade.
According to official data, India was the second-largest supplier to Saudi Arabia’s textile and apparel industry in 2024, exporting goods worth $517.5 million (approximately ₹4,300 crore) and holding an 11.2% market share.
During the meeting, both sides acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s strength in petrochemical-based industries and India’s growing capabilities in man-made fibres and technical textiles.
Officials noted that this collaboration could pave the way for new industrial partnerships, joint R&D initiatives, and expanded trade opportunities, further strengthening the long-standing India–Saudi economic relationship.
Infosys Wins £1.2 Billion U.K. NHS Deal to Modernize Workforce System
Indian IT major Infosys has secured a £1.2 billion (approximately ₹12,800 crore) contract from the U.K. National Health Service (NHS) Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) to build a next-generation, data-driven workforce management platform for NHS employees.
The 15-year agreement aims to replace the existing Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system, which currently manages payroll for 1.9 million NHS staff across England and Wales, handling an annual salary disbursement of nearly £55 billion, according to an official statement.
The upcoming platform will leverage advanced digital and AI technologies to deliver a modern, flexible, and integrated workforce solution that supports the entire employee lifecycle — from recruitment and onboarding to payroll, career development, and retirement.
Infosys stated that the project will not only enhance efficiency but also enable the NHS to better manage its vast workforce through real-time analytics and improved service delivery.
Madagascar Military Takes Control After President Rajoelina’s Impeachment
Madagascar’s political crisis deepened on Tuesday as an elite military unit seized control of the government, hours after the National Assembly voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina following weeks of youth-led anti-government protests.
According to reports, President Rajoelina, believed to be in hiding outside the country, had earlier rejected mounting public calls for his resignation. The protests, which began on September 25, had gained the backing of the CAPSAT military unit, prompting widespread unrest.
At the presidential palace, CAPSAT Commander Colonel Michael Randrianirina announced that a joint governing council comprising officers from the army, gendarmerie, and national police would assume administrative control.
The impeachment motion against Rajoelina passed with 130 votes in favour, comfortably exceeding the two-thirds majority required in the 163-member National Assembly. The vote went ahead despite Rajoelina’s last-minute decree attempting to dissolve parliament.
India Resumes All Postal Services to the US from August 15
The Indian Postal Department has announced that all postal services to the United States, which were temporarily suspended, will resume from Wednesday, August 15.
Postal operations to the US had been halted after the United States imposed additional tariffs on Indian imports in August last year. The suspension was implemented through the Aspandoor International Mail Center.
In a recent statement, the postal department confirmed that, following the resolution of tariff-related issues and compliance with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, services will now function as before.
According to the updated arrangements, no new taxes or surcharges will apply to government postal services. The earlier fixed postal rates will remain unchanged, ensuring that mail and parcel delivery between the two countries continues without additional cost to customers.
The department clarified that while private courier and commercial cargo services may still be subject to certain import duties, the government postal channel has been exempted.
China Begins Construction of Its 4th Aircraft Carrier
China has begun construction of its fourth aircraft carrier, marking another major step in its efforts to strengthen its naval and maritime defence capabilities, according to a report from the South China Morning Post based in Hong Kong.
The new carrier is being built at one of China’s key naval shipbuilding facilities, adding to the country’s rapidly growing fleet. Currently, China operates two active aircraft carriers, while a third carrier — which has successfully completed sea trials and training exercises — is expected to be commissioned into service soon.
The fourth carrier, now under construction, is reportedly designed with advanced propulsion and near-shore operational capability, allowing for greater attack range and the integration of cutting-edge naval technologies.
Experts suggest that the development of this carrier reflects China’s ambition to build a modern, blue-water navy capable of projecting power across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
This expansion places China among a select group of nations with multiple aircraft carriers, underscoring its growing influence in global maritime security and defence strategy.
Nobel Peace Prize Row: Venezuela Shuts Down Embassy in Norway
The government of Venezuela has announced the closure of its embassy in Norway, reportedly in protest over the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded this year to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
In an official statement, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry said the move was part of a broader diplomatic restructuring, though it did not directly refer to the Nobel award controversy.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee had earlier praised Machado for her courage in defending democracy in Venezuela, calling her efforts “a beacon of resistance in a repressive political climate.”
Following the announcement, Norwegian authorities confirmed that the Venezuelan embassy in Oslo has been formally shut down, signaling a diplomatic strain between the two countries.
This development marks another episode in the tense political relations between Caracas and Oslo, as Venezuela continues to accuse Western nations of interfering in its domestic politics under the guise of democracy promotion.
SpaceX Achieves Milestone with 11th Starship Test Flight
American aerospace company SpaceX achieved yet another milestone as its Starship rocket successfully completed its 11th test flight, marking another step toward reusable spaceflight technology.
The massive rocket was launched from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas, carrying a set of satellites into Earth’s orbit. Following the deployment, the Starship booster made a controlled descent and successfully landed back at the launchpad, showcasing significant advancements in precision landing systems.
Standing 123 meters tall, the Starship is currently the world’s largest and most powerful rocket. The test validated crucial systems required for future interplanetary missions, including NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to send astronauts to the Moon using Starship in the coming years.
This successful test strengthens SpaceX’s position as a global leader in commercial space innovation and brings humanity one step closer to sustainable space exploration.
India Rising as a Global Power — UK PM Keir Starmer Praises India’
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised India as a rising power on the global stage, highlighting the country’s growing economic influence and expanding global partnerships.
Addressing the UK Parliament on Tuesday after his recent two-day visit to India, Starmer emphasized that the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in July marked a historic milestone in strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
“The agreement will open new avenues for trade, boost employment, and deepen our cooperation across sectors,” he said. Starmer added that India is steadily moving toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, reflecting its dynamic growth trajectory.
The British Prime Minister also revealed plans to establish more innovative UK universities in India, reinforcing Britain’s role as a leader in international education collaboration.
During his India visit, Starmer led the largest-ever British trade delegation, resulting in several new agreements and investments in the defence and healthcare manufacturing sectors. These deals are expected to bring in £1.3 billion (approximately ₹15,350 crore) and generate over 10,000 new jobs in the UK.
India–Mongolia Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to being a strong and reliable partner in Mongolia’s development journey, following bilateral talks with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh in New Delhi on Tuesday.
During the high-level meeting, both leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation across key areas — defence, energy, trade, education, health, and culture — and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
This visit marked President Khürelsükh’s first official trip to India since taking office in 2021, and the talks are viewed as a major milestone in India-Mongolia relations, especially in the defence and strategic cooperation sectors.
Several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance collaboration in heritage conservation, waste management, and emerging technologies.
Speaking to the media after the talks, PM Modi said,
“India and Mongolia share a bond that spans centuries. Mongolia may be a landlocked nation, but India, with its vast maritime outreach, stands as a democratic partner committed to its development and regional stability.”
The partnership also extends to supporting Afghanistan and other regional countries, reinforcing India’s broader goal of promoting peace, democracy, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Eurasian regions.
In a gesture to boost connectivity and people-to-people ties, India has also announced plans to offer free e-visa facilities for Mongolian citizens (final approval pending).
Tamil Nadu News
Tamil Nadu Launches Medical Insurance Scheme for Athletes
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated a medical insurance scheme for sportspersons in a ceremony organized by the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority in Chennai on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said that the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to the health and well-being of athletes and students. He also launched medical insurance benefits for students studying in higher secondary and vocational colleges in Madurai, Trichy, Coimbatore, as well as for persons with disabilities and members of other social groups.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the Tamil Nadu government continues to organize Chief Minister’s Trophy tournaments across the state to identify talented athletes and provide them with high-quality professional training.
To further strengthen the sports ecosystem, training centers in Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, Coimbatore, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, and Salem are being upgraded with modern facilities. These centers aim to give athletes from rural and underprivileged backgrounds greater opportunities to excel at the state and national levels.
Kalaignar Women’s Rights Scheme Empowers Tamil Nadu Families
A recent report by the State Planning Commission of Tamil Nadu has emphasized that women play a crucial role in managing family income and expenditure, and that the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (Kalaignar Women’s Rights Scheme) has significantly strengthened their economic independence and social status.
The report was prepared by members of the State Planning Commission, along with social activists, researchers, and women’s development experts from Chennai. It highlights that the scheme is not just a financial support initiative, but a transformative step in Tamil Nadu’s social and economic landscape.
According to Deputy Chairman Jayaranjan, the scheme has provided women with greater control over household finances, allowing them to meet essential family needs and make informed spending decisions. Women, who are often the primary financial planners of their households, now enjoy increased decision-making power and financial autonomy.
The report notes that with the additional monthly allowance, women are able to improve their children’s education, health, and nutrition, leading to measurable benefits in overall family welfare.
Experts have termed the Kalaignar scheme as a model of inclusive development, stating that it not only uplifts women but also contributes to Tamil Nadu’s broader socio-economic growth.
National News
India’s Maritime Tech Set to Sail Ahead — ₹80 Lakh Crore Investment Expected by 2047
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced that India’s domestic maritime technology sector is projected to attract investments worth ₹80 lakh crore by 2047, as part of the country’s goal to become a developed maritime power.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai ahead of the 4th Indian Maritime Summit, scheduled from August 27 to 31, Sonowal said the upcoming event will mark a major milestone for India’s maritime sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the summit and address delegates from across the world.
The minister added that by 2047, India aims to build global-standard port infrastructure, advanced shipbuilding capabilities, and sustainable logistics networks, creating massive investment potential across the blue economy.
Over 100 countries and 500 industry experts are expected to participate in the summit, along with over one lakh visitors, showcasing India’s growing maritime ambitions.
Union Waterways Secretary Vijay Kumar elaborated that during the five-day event, India expects:
₹3 lakh crore investment in the shipbuilding sector,
₹2 lakh crore in maritime finance,
₹1 lakh crore in port modernization, and
Up to ₹10 lakh crore in domestic maritime technology.
M Modi to Launch ₹13,430-Crore Development Projects in Andhra Pradesh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Andhra Pradesh on Thursday afternoon to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for development projects worth ₹13,430 crore, aimed at boosting infrastructure and industrial growth in the state.
As part of the visit, PM Modi will first offer prayers at the Srisailam Sri Bramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and also among the 52 Shakti Peethas in India — a temple revered for housing both divine shrines within a single complex.
After the visit to Srisailam, the Prime Minister will proceed to Srikalahasti Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple to seek blessings. Historical records indicate that these temple precincts were worshipped by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during his southern expedition in 1677.
Later, in Kurnool, PM Modi will dedicate and launch multiple key projects covering sectors such as road transport, railways, defence manufacturing, energy, and fisheries infrastructure.
According to an official press release from the Central Government, these initiatives are expected to enhance connectivity, strengthen industrial production, and promote employment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh. The Prime Minister will also address a public gathering following the inauguration ceremony.
India’s ₹1.33 Lakh Crore AI Revolution
In a major stride toward technological advancement, Andhra Pradesh has signed a landmark agreement worth ₹1.33 lakh crore to establish a cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and Innovation Centre in Gurugram. The initiative, hailed as one of the largest regional technology investments in India, is expected to create thousands of job opportunities and boost the nation’s digital transformation.
The agreement was formalized in the presence of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, and CIA Chairman C.I.A. Venkatraman.
Under Chandrababu Naidu’s visionary “SD Platform” initiative, the project aims to accelerate AI-based innovation, develop advanced technological frameworks, and assist the government in promoting socio-economic development and public service modernization.
Operating from Gurugram—India’s emerging digital technology hub—the AI center will serve as a model for other states, helping expand AI-driven programs nationwide.
According to Selvi Agachchithari Kanthar Pichai, CEO of the Gurugram-based firm leading the initiative, the AI expansion plan will make technology more accessible, enhance skill development, and contribute significantly to India’s economic growth and global competitiveness.