Daily Current Affairs – 25-10-2025
Economy News
Federal Bank Approves ₹6,196 Crore Fundraise via Blackstone Group Entity
Federal Bank announced on Friday that its Board of Directors has approved a fundraise of over ₹6,196 crore through the issuance of preferential warrants to Blackstone Group entity, Asia II Topco XIII Pte Ltd.
The move marks a significant strategic investment partnership between one of India’s leading private sector banks and the global investment giant Blackstone, aimed at strengthening the bank’s capital base and supporting future expansion plans.
In a regulatory filing, Federal Bank stated that the Board has also approved granting a special right to the investor to nominate one non-executive director on the bank’s board.
This right will come into effect after the investor exercises all the allotted warrants and continues to hold at least 5% of the paid-up share capital of the bank.
The proposed investment reflects growing global investor confidence in India’s banking and financial services sector, particularly in mid-sized banks demonstrating consistent growth and strong asset quality.
National News
Gyan Bharatam Mission to Sign MoUs with Institutes for Manuscript Preservation
The Gyan Bharatam Mission, a flagship initiative under the Union Ministry of Culture, will sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with around 20 institutions across India on Saturday for the conservation, digitisation, and preservation of ancient manuscripts.
According to a senior ministry official, 30 more institutes will sign similar MoUs in the coming days. The list includes notable institutions such as the Asiatic Society (Kolkata), University of Kashmir (Srinagar), Hindi Sahitya Sammelan (Prayagraj), and the Government Oriental Manuscript Library (Chennai).
Announced during this year’s Union Budget, the Gyan Bharatam Mission aims to identify, document, conserve, digitise, and promote India’s vast manuscript heritage through a National Digital Repository (NDR)—a dedicated online platform to share this rich knowledge base globally.
World Bank Approves ₹2,457 Crore Loan for Kerala’s Health Sector Development
The World Bank has approved a ₹2,457 crore ($280 million) loan to support the development of Kerala’s health sector. The initiative primarily aims to enhance healthcare access and infrastructure for over one crore elderly and chronically ill citizens in the state.
Focus on Non-Communicable Diseases and Senior Care
According to the World Bank’s statement, the project is designed to provide specialized medical facilities for people suffering from hypertension and diabetes, who account for nearly 90% of Kerala’s affected population. It also aims to improve healthcare services for senior citizens and increase life expectancy across the state.
The new project will establish an end-to-end health information system to track patient records, treatment details, and healthcare services. This digital transformation will ensure real-time monitoring and efficient delivery of medical support.
In addition, the scheme will introduce measures to detect and treat breast and cervical cancer in women at early stages. This is expected to significantly strengthen Kerala’s preventive healthcare framework and improve long-term health outcomes.
Tamil Nadu News
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin Releases First Copy of A Sun from the South
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday released the first copy of A Sun from the South, jointly published by the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation and KSL Media.
The English book is a translation of the original Tamil work “Therkilirunthu Oru Sooriyan” (தெற்கிலிருந்து ஒரு சூரியன்) by journalist Vijayasankar Ramachandran, celebrating Tamil Nadu’s progressive journey and leadership ideals. The Minister for School Education, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, and senior government officials were present at the launch event.
In another event, the Chief Minister handed over an official order to provide 45 kg of sandalwood free of cost to the Nagore Dargah for the celebration of the Periya Andavar Kandoori festival. The symbolic gesture highlights Tamil Nadu’s commitment to supporting religious and cultural harmony.
The event was attended by Minister S.M. Nasar, MLA J. Mohamed Shanavas, and Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, among others.
On the same occasion, the Chief Minister flagged off 45 vehicles purchased at a cost of ₹4 crore for the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and rapid response systems across the state.
‘Innuyir Kaappom – Nammai Kaakkum 48’ Scheme Extended Till January 2027
The Tamil Nadu government has announced the extension of the ‘Innuyir Kaappom – Nammai Kaakkum 48’ scheme under the insurance model until January 2027, through a government order issued by P. Senthilkumar, Secretary of the Department of People’s Welfare.
The scheme aims to prevent fatalities in road accidents by ensuring free advanced treatment for accident victims during the first 48 hours, a critical period for survival. It covers 101 types of life-saving treatments up to ₹2 lakh at both government and private hospitals.
Even individuals without the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance are eligible to receive free treatment under this initiative. To ensure wide access, the program is being implemented through 723 private and government hospitals across Tamil Nadu.
Initially implemented till January 2024, the Director of the Health Project recommended extending the program until June 10, 2027, under the insurance framework. The government has accepted this recommendation, confirming that the scheme will continue providing cashless emergency medical support for road accident victims statewide.
Cyclone ‘Montha’
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a new cyclonic system is likely to take shape over the Bay of Bengal in the coming days.
At present, the disturbance exists as a low-pressure area, which may gradually intensify into a cyclonic storm depending on the sea surface temperature and wind patterns.
If the system strengthens into a cyclone, it will be named ‘Montha’, a name suggested by Thailand under the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) international cyclone naming guidelines.
Cyclone Naming System – Explained
To ensure clear communication and easy identification, tropical cyclones are given names by regional meteorological authorities. This helps scientists, weather forecasters, and disaster management teams to coordinate effectively and avoid confusion when multiple systems are active.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) manages the global naming protocol for cyclones.
For the North Indian Ocean region — which covers both the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea — the India Meteorological Department (IMD) functions as the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC).
Cyclone naming in this region began in 2000, with eight member countries — India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Maldives, Oman, and Pakistan.
In 2018, five additional countries — Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen — joined the panel.
Each country contributes a list of names, which are used in sequence, and once a name is used, it is retired permanently.
Accordingly, the upcoming system will be named ‘Montha’ if it reaches cyclonic intensity.
About Cyclones
A cyclone is a large atmospheric system that forms over warm ocean waters, typically above 26°C.
It is characterized by low atmospheric pressure and spiraling high-speed winds that rotate around a calm central region known as the eye.
When warm, moist air rises and condenses, it releases latent heat, which acts as the energy source for the cyclone’s development and sustenance.
Such systems often bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and sea surges, posing serious risks to coastal regions of India, especially along the east coast.
Personalities, Awards and Events
Booker Prize Foundation Launches New Award for Children’s Fiction
The Booker Prize Foundation has announced the launch of a new Booker Prize dedicated to children’s fiction, marking a major expansion of one of the world’s most prestigious literary honors.
The foundation confirmed that a jury comprising both children and senior authors will select the winner, who will receive a prize of £50,000 (approx. ₹58.49 lakh). The Booker Prize, considered the highest recognition in English literature, has been awarded since 1969, while the International Booker Prize was introduced in 2005 to honor global literary works in translation.
Submissions for the first-ever Booker Prize for Children’s Books will open next year, with the winner to be announced in 2027. Eligible books must be fiction written for children aged 8 to 12, published in the UK or Ireland, either originally in English or translated into English. Furthermore, a minimum of 30,000 copies of the shortlisted and winning books will be distributed to children to promote reading and literary engagement.
The 2025 Booker Prize ceremony will be held in London on November 10, where acclaimed English author Penelope Lively will deliver a special address on the new initiative.
In a related update, the International Booker Prize for this year has been awarded to ‘Heart Land’, written by Kannada author Banu Mushtaq and translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi—a proud moment for Indian literature on the global stage.
Sports News
Priya Malik Wins Bronze at U-23 World Wrestling Championships
India’s Priya Malik added another feather to the nation’s sporting achievements by winning a bronze medal at the ongoing U-23 World Wrestling Championships in Serbia.
Competing in the women’s 76 kg category, Priya put up a dominant performance in the bronze medal bout, defeating Edna Olmos of Mexico with an impressive score of 8–1. This marks India’s second medal in the competition so far.
In other events, Nisha (55 kg), Pulkit (65 kg), and Shifti (68 kg), who had earlier advanced to the semifinals, lost their matches but will now compete for bronze medals through the repechage rounds.
Nisha lost 4–6 to Tuba Demir of Turkey.
Pulkit went down 6–9 to Elizaveta Petliakova of Russia.
Shifti was defeated 6–10 by Alina Levkinkova of Russia.
Meanwhile, in the 53 kg category, Hansika Lamba stormed into the semifinals after a 10–0 victory over Dilshoda Matraimova of Uzbekistan. In the 57 kg division, Neha Sharma has also secured a repechage opportunity, keeping India’s medal hopes alive.
Double Gold for India in Asian Youth Games Kabaddi
India showcased its supremacy in kabaddi at the Asian Youth Games 2025 in Bahrain, clinching gold medals in both men’s and women’s categories.
In a thrilling men’s final, India edged past Iran with a narrow score of 35–32 to secure the top podium finish. The women’s team, meanwhile, produced a spectacular performance, crushing Iran 75–21 in a one-sided final to claim the gold.
In women’s 100m hurdles, Sherrai Arnold Ambro clocked 13.73 seconds to bag the silver medal. In shot put, Jasmin Kaur finished third with a throw of 14.86 meters, earning a bronze medal. In the men’s 5,000m race walk, Pavan Mondal finished third with a timing of 24 minutes and 48.92 seconds, securing another bronze for the country.
So far, India has won medals across kabaddi, athletics, and martial arts disciplines such as Kurash and Taekwondo. As of 8 PM on Friday, the fifth day of the competition, India ranked 5th on the medal tally with a total of 12 medals – 2 gold, 3 silver, and 7 bronze.
China continues to lead the standings with 9 gold, 11 silver, and 3 bronze medals (total 23 medals).
International News
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan to Visit Seychelles for Presidential Inauguration
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan will embark on a two-day visit to Seychelles from October 26 to 27, to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Seychelles’ new President, Patrick Herminie.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in its official press release on Friday, confirmed that the visit is being undertaken at the invitation of the Government of Seychelles.
Seychelles, located in the Indian Ocean, is a key partner in India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and plays a significant role in India’s engagement with the Global South. India is committed to enhancing cooperation with Seychelles in areas such as maritime security, development partnership, and regional stability.
The MEA noted that this visit by the Vice President will further strengthen the close, long-standing, and time-tested bilateral relationship between India and Seychelles. The trip underscores India’s continued focus on strategic ties with island nations in the Indian Ocean region.
It is noteworthy that C.P. Radhakrishnan assumed office as the Vice President of India in September 2025. His visit marks one of his first major international engagements in this role.
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan to Visit Seychelles for Presidential Inauguration
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan will embark on a two-day visit to Seychelles from October 26 to 27, to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Seychelles’ new President, Patrick Herminie.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in its official press release on Friday, confirmed that the visit is being undertaken at the invitation of the Government of Seychelles.
Seychelles, located in the Indian Ocean, is a key partner in India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and plays a significant role in India’s engagement with the Global South. India is committed to enhancing cooperation with Seychelles in areas such as maritime security, development partnership, and regional stability.
The MEA noted that this visit by the Vice President will further strengthen the close, long-standing, and time-tested bilateral relationship between India and Seychelles. The trip underscores India’s continued focus on strategic ties with island nations in the Indian Ocean region.
It is noteworthy that C.P. Radhakrishnan assumed office as the Vice President of India in September 2025. His visit marks one of his first major international engagements in this role.
Canada Releases Special Diwali Postage Stamp to Celebrate Multicultural Harmony
In a gesture celebrating cultural diversity, Canada Post has released a special Diwali postage stamp to mark the Festival of Lights. The stamp features an image of Goddess Lakshmi, along with the word ‘Diwali’ written in Hindi, and a traditional Rangoli design, symbolizing prosperity and festive spirit.
The Indian High Commission in Canada expressed its gratitude to Canada Post for this initiative. According to official data, Canada is home to 1.8 million people of Indian origin and 1 million Indian citizens, reflecting strong cultural ties between the two nations.
In 2023, bilateral ties between India and Canada were strained after then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim India firmly rejected. The diplomatic tension had caused a significant setback in relations.
However, after Mark Carney, an economist, took office as Prime Minister in March 2025, Canada has been taking steps to restore friendly relations with India. The release of the Diwali stamp is seen as a symbolic gesture of renewed goodwill and cultural cooperation between the two nations.