Daily Current Affairs 25 October 2026
Daily current affairs for 25 October 2026 — 22 verified news items across Science & Tech, National, Sports & more, with exam-angle notes, keywords and practice…
Part of October 2026 current affairs: the month's top stories by topic
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In this digest · 22 items
Science & Tech
ISRO Plans Four Functional Launch Pads by 2029
ISRO chief V. Narayanan said India is expected to have four functional launch pads by 2029, with private partnerships supporting the expansion. The upcoming Kulasekarapattinam SSLV spaceport is planned to include integration buildings, launch pads, rail-track systems, and telemetry, tracking and command systems. Narayanan also outlined plans for uncrewed Gaganyaan tests and Chandrayaan-5, a joint mission with Japan that will feature a 350-kg rover.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 By which year does ISRO aim to have four functional launch pads?
- A2027
- B2028
- C2029Correct
- D2030
Explanation ISRO chief V. Narayanan said India is expected to have four functional launch pads by 2029.
Q2 Which planned facility is described as an SSLV spaceport?
- AKulasekarapattinamCorrect
- BGaganyaan
- CChandrayaan-5
- DJapan
Explanation The source identifies the upcoming Kulasekarapattinam facility as an SSLV spaceport.
National
Jaishankar Rejects Terrorism as Statecraft, Calls for Dialogue and Diplomacy
At a Chinmaya event, S. Jaishankar said that using terrorism as an instrument of statecraft is simply unacceptable. He cited the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the West Asia region, and said India expresses global sentiment when it states that dialogue and diplomacy are the only solution. His remarks linked the rejection of terrorism as statecraft with the need to address conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What did Jaishankar say about using terrorism as an instrument of statecraft?
- AIt is simply unacceptableCorrect
- BIt is the only solution
- CIt expresses global sentiment
- DIt is a conflict in West Asia
Explanation The source headline and text state that Jaishankar called the use of terrorism as an instrument of statecraft simply unacceptable.
Q2 According to Jaishankar, what is the only solution to the conflicts he cited?
- ADialogue and diplomacyCorrect
- BTerrorism as statecraft
- CThe conflict in Ukraine
- DThe West Asia region
Explanation Jaishankar said India expresses global sentiment when it states that dialogue and diplomacy are the only solution.
NHAI Issues Guidelines for Toilet Facilities and Parking at Toll Plazas
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued guidelines covering the upgradation, maintenance and smart monitoring of toilet facilities and parking at National Highway toll plazas. The guidelines require at least one universally accessible toilet at each covered toll plaza and introduce QR code-based citizen feedback. They also provide for financial penalties for agencies that fail to maintain the required standards.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is required at each toll plaza covered by the NHAI guidelines?
- AAt least one universally accessible toiletCorrect
- BA QR code at every parking space
- CA financial penalty for every agency
- DA smart monitoring system for each vehicle
Explanation The guidelines mandate at least one universally accessible toilet at each covered toll plaza.
Q2 How do the guidelines enable citizen feedback?
- AThrough QR codesCorrect
- BThrough financial penalties
- CThrough universally accessible toilets
- DThrough toll plaza parking
Explanation The guidelines provide for QR code-based citizen feedback.
Sports
Ahmedabad to Host Senior Weightlifting World Championships in 2029
Ahmedabad is set to host the senior Weightlifting World Championships in 2029, according to reports identifying the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). This will be the maiden senior Weightlifting World Championships to be held in India. Thus, the announced host city is Ahmedabad, the country is India, and the year is 2029. The reports do not provide further details about the championships.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which city is set to host the senior Weightlifting World Championships in 2029?
- AAhmedabadCorrect
- BChennai
- CMumbai
- DNew Delhi
Explanation The reports identify Ahmedabad as the host city for the 2029 championships.
Q2 What is notable about the 2029 senior Weightlifting World Championships in India?
- AThey will be the maiden senior Weightlifting World Championships held in India.Correct
- BThey will be the first international sports event held in India.
- CThey will be the first championships organised by the IWF.
- DThey will be the first Weightlifting World Championships held in Asia.
Explanation The report states that this will be the maiden senior Weightlifting World Championships to be held in India.
PV Sindhu Reaches French Open Final After Defeating Hina Akechi
PV Sindhu reached the French Open badminton final after defeating Japan’s Hina Akechi. Sindhu won the match 21-10, 20-22, 21-16 in one hour and 13 minutes. The Indian Express headline reported that Sindhu was ready to give a fight to An Se-young in the final. The reports identify the match as a semifinal and confirm Sindhu’s progression to the final.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Whom did PV Sindhu defeat to reach the French Open final?
- AHina AkechiCorrect
- BAn Se-young
- CPV Sindhu
- DThe Hindu
Explanation Sindhu defeated Japan’s Hina Akechi in the semifinal.
Q2 What was the scoreline of Sindhu’s win over Hina Akechi?
- A21-10, 20-22, 21-16Correct
- B21-16, 20-22, 21-10
- C21-10, 21-16, 20-22
- D20-22, 21-10, 21-16
Explanation The reported score was 21-10, 20-22, 21-16.
Tilak Varma's unbeaten fifty guides India to four-wicket T20I win
India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the second T20I in Christchurch. Chasing a target of 180, India had slumped to 112 for six in the 15th over. Tilak Varma then helped turn the match around, finishing unbeaten on 51 from 26 balls. His innings included six fours and a six. The report highlights his contribution to India's successful chase after the team had lost six wickets.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was India's score in the 15th over during the chase?
- A180
- B112 for sixCorrect
- C51 not out
- D26 balls
Explanation India had slipped to 112 for six in the 15th over.
Q2 How many runs did Tilak Varma score in the second T20I?
- A26 balls
- BSix fours
- C51 not outCorrect
- D180
Explanation Tilak Varma scored an unbeaten 51 off 26 balls.
Bodhana Sivanandan Becomes International Master at Eleven
England’s Bodhana Sivanandan became an International Master at the age of 11, breaking a 38-year-old record, according to the report. At this week’s European Women’s Chess Club Cup, she came close to drawing her opening-round match against Russian Grandmaster Aleksandra Goryachkina. In the third round, Sivanandan defeated Belarusian International Master Olga Badelka. The report identifies Sivanandan’s achievement as becoming the youngest female International Master.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 At what age did Bodhana Sivanandan become an International Master?
- A11Correct
- B38
- CEuropean Women's Chess Club Cup
- DOlga Badelka
Explanation The report states that Sivanandan became an International Master at the age of 11.
Q2 Whom did Sivanandan defeat in the third round?
- AAleksandra Goryachkina
- BOlga BadelkaCorrect
- CBodhana Sivanandan
- DEuropean Women's Chess Club Cup
Explanation The report says she defeated Belarusian International Master Olga Badelka in the third round.
Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Sivakumar Win Badminton Gold at Asian Para Games
At the Asian Para Games 2026, Indian badminton players Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Sivakumar were reported to have won gold medals. Nitesh Kumar beat Pramod Bhagat in what the report described as a clinical performance. Naveen Sivakumar defeated Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan. The report’s headline also says Thulasimathi and Nitya claimed silver medals. The supplied report does not provide further event details.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Whom did Naveen Sivakumar defeat, according to the report?
- APramod Bhagat
- BFredy SetiawanCorrect
- CNitesh Kumar
- DThulasimathi
Explanation The report says Naveen Sivakumar defeated Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan.
Q2 What medal did Thulasimathi and Nitya claim, according to the report’s headline?
- AGold
- BBronze
- CSilverCorrect
- DNo medal
Explanation The headline says Thulasimathi and Nitya claimed silver medals.
USA to Host Inaugural Women’s Club World Cup in 2028
The United States will host the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup in 2028, according to FIFA. The source identifies the event as a women’s football competition and names the U.S. as its host. It also notes that the country has a track record of staging large sporting events, including co-hosting the men’s World Cup earlier this year. The report provides no further details about the tournament format, participating clubs or schedule.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which country will host the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup in 2028?
- AUnited StatesCorrect
- BCanada
- CFrance
- DAustralia
Explanation The source headline states that the USA will host the event.
Q2 In which year is the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup scheduled to be hosted by the United States?
- A2026
- B2027
- C2028Correct
- D2029
Explanation The source headline gives 2028 as the year.
Economy
IRDAI Extends Feedback Deadline for Proposed Distribution Reforms
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) extended the deadline for feedback on its proposed distribution reforms to October 31. The reforms were set out in a consultation paper that proposed significant changes to current regulation, including caps on commissions and expenses of management. The consultation process received an encouraging response, with more than 650 comments received, according to The Hindu. The sources do not specify further details of the proposed changes.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the extended deadline for feedback on IRDAI’s proposed distribution reforms?
- AOctober 31Correct
- BOctober 24
- COctober 25
- D650 comments
Explanation The sources state that IRDAI extended the feedback deadline to October 31.
Q2 Which proposed measures were mentioned in IRDAI’s consultation paper?
- ACaps on commissions and expenses of managementCorrect
- BA ban on all insurance distribution
- CA change to the feedback deadline to November 30
- DA limit of 650 consultation papers
Explanation The consultation paper proposed changes to current regulation, including caps on commissions and expenses of management.
India Probes Scotch Classification as Trade Group Flags India-UK Pact Risks
India is examining whether bulk Scotch concentrates imported from Britain by Diageo and Pernod qualify for the lower tariff under the India-UK trade deal. The companies blend the concentrates in India to produce local brands including Royal Stag, Blenders Pride and McDowell’s. The classification issue has drawn concern from the trade group ISWAI, which says it risks undermining in practice a market-access benefit negotiated and agreed between India and the United Kingdom.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 From which country are the bulk Scotch concentrates imported?
- ABritainCorrect
- BIndia
- CRoyal Stag
- DISWAI
Explanation The source says the companies import bulk Scotch concentrates from Britain.
Q2 What does ISWAI say the classification issue risks undermining in practice?
- ARoyal Stag
- BBlenders Pride
- CA market-access benefit negotiated between India and the United KingdomCorrect
- DMcDowell’s
Explanation ISWAI says the issue risks undermining an important market-access benefit agreed between India and the United Kingdom.
India’s Core Industries Record September Growth Amid Questions Over Sustainability
India’s core industrial sectors recorded a series-high growth rate of 7.9% in September, supported by strong performances in coal, electricity, steel and refinery products. The increase signals an industrial uptick, but its sustainability remains uncertain. Some of the momentum appears linked to temporary factors, including higher power demand during a heat wave and increased refining activity driven by imported oil. Rising global crude prices, mounting foreign-exchange pressures and continued reliance on infrastructure spending also feature among the concerns raised in the report.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What growth rate did India’s core industrial sectors record in September?
- A7.9%Correct
- B7.0%
- C9.7%
- D5.9%
Explanation The source reports a series-high growth rate of 7.9% in September.
Q2 Which group of sectors was identified as contributing to the September growth?
- ACoal, electricity, steel and refinery productsCorrect
- BAgriculture, textiles, cement and fertilisers
- CTelecommunications, tourism, banking and railways
- DAutomobiles, pharmaceuticals, aviation and shipping
Explanation The source attributes strong performances to coal, electricity, steel and refinery products.
International
Jaishankar’s Baku Visit Seeks India-Azerbaijan Diplomatic Reset
India and Azerbaijan are seeking a diplomatic reset after tensions linked to Operation Sindoor. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Baku is aimed at rebuilding ties through cooperation in trade, energy and connectivity. Bilateral trade between the countries stood at $401 million in 2025. The relationship has faced strain over Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan and India’s ties with Armenia. The visit comes a year after Operation Sindoor strained India-Azerbaijan ties.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which city did S Jaishankar visit as part of efforts to reset India-Azerbaijan ties?
- ABakuCorrect
- BYerevan
- CIslamabad
- DNew Delhi
Explanation The source identifies Jaishankar’s visit to Baku as part of efforts to rebuild ties.
Q2 What was bilateral trade between India and Azerbaijan in 2025, according to the source?
- A$401 millionCorrect
- B$310 million
- C$450 million
- D$201 million
Explanation The source reports bilateral trade of $401 million in 2025.
Russia and Ukraine Agree to Localised Ceasefire in Oleshky
Russia and Ukraine agreed to a localised ceasefire in Oleshky, brokered by Melania Trump. The ceasefire is intended to allow aid deliveries and civilian evacuations in the Russian-occupied city. Melania Trump said non-military teams from both countries would be able to visit residents in their homes and coordinate transport for people wishing to evacuate to either Russia or Ukraine. Mines, drone attacks and damaged infrastructure have left residents struggling to access food and leave safely.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Where was the localised ceasefire brokered by Melania Trump agreed?
- AOleshkyCorrect
- BKyiv
- CMoscow
- DWashington
Explanation The sources identify Oleshky as the location of the localised ceasefire.
Q2 What were non-military teams from Russia and Ukraine expected to coordinate?
- ATransportation for residents wishing to evacuateCorrect
- BRepairs to damaged infrastructure
- CMine clearance operations
- DDrone attack investigations
Explanation Melania Trump said the teams would coordinate transportation for residents wishing to evacuate to either Russia or Ukraine.
Government Schemes
11 Crore Farmers Receive Unique Digital IDs for Agricultural Services
A total of 11 crore farmers have received unique digital IDs, according to the reports. The IDs are expected to enable transparent, efficient and timely access to government schemes, bank credit, crop insurance and disaster relief. The reports describe the development as a digital agriculture push. They do not provide further details about how the IDs are issued or the specific schemes and services covered.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 How many farmers have received unique digital IDs, according to the reports?
- A11 croreCorrect
- BGovernment schemes, bank credit and crop insurance
- CTransparent, efficient and timely access
- DCrop insurance and disaster relief
Explanation The reports state that 11 crore farmers have received unique digital IDs.
Q2 Which option gives the complete set of access areas listed for the farmer IDs?
- AGovernment schemes, bank credit, crop insurance and disaster reliefCorrect
- BGovernment schemes and bank credit
- CCrop insurance and disaster relief
- DBank credit and crop insurance
Explanation The source lists access to government schemes, bank credit, crop insurance and disaster relief.
AgriStack Issues 11 Crore Farmer IDs, With Women Making Up 26%
The Centre has issued 11 crore unique farmer IDs under AgriStack, as reported by BusinessLine on October 24, 2026. The initiative is part of the Digital Agriculture Mission and has surpassed the March 2027 target, according to the report. Women account for 26% of the IDs. The digital identity is intended to help farmers access government schemes, bank loans, crop insurance and disaster relief, and to sell produce. It is designed to reduce paperwork and repeated verification.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 How many farmer IDs had the Centre issued under AgriStack?
- A11 croreCorrect
- B26 crore
- CMarch 2027
- DOctober 24, 2026
Explanation The report states that the Centre had issued 11 crore farmer IDs.
Q2 What share of the issued farmer IDs belong to women?
- A11%
- B26%Correct
- C50%
- D74%
Explanation The source headline reports that women account for 26% of the farmer IDs.
Telangana Announces Four-Month Employment Scheme Amid Drought Fears
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced a four-month employment scheme to support workers, with the scheme set to begin after Sankranti. The announcement came amid El Niño and fears of prolonged drought, as reservoirs were critically low and many pump sets had run dry. The state government will monitor water supplies, provide cattle fodder and drinking water, and create additional workdays. The source does not specify the scheme’s budget or the number of workers it will cover.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 How long is Telangana’s announced employment scheme intended to run?
- ATwo months
- BFour monthsCorrect
- CSix months
- DOne year
Explanation The source states that Revanth Reddy announced a four-month employment scheme.
Q2 When is Telangana’s employment scheme set to begin?
- ABefore Sankranti
- BAfter SankrantiCorrect
- CDuring the monsoon
- DAt the end of the year
Explanation The source says the scheme will start after Sankranti.
Awards
Sitaram Raul Wins Invertebrates Category at Wildlife Photography Awards
Indian photographer Sitaram Raul won the Behaviour: Invertebrates category at Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026. His winning image, titled “Shifting Sand,” captures a scorpion burrowing into Rajasthan’s Thar Desert. Raul took the photograph after hours of patient observation. The image shows the scorpion burrowing in the desert, and the award places Raul’s work in the competition’s invertebrates category. The report identifies the location as the Thar Desert in Rajasthan.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which category did Sitaram Raul win at Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026?
- AThar Desert
- BBehaviour: InvertebratesCorrect
- CShifting Sand
- DRajasthan
Explanation Sitaram Raul won the Behaviour: Invertebrates category.
Q2 What is the title of Sitaram Raul’s award-winning image?
- ASitaram Raul
- BWildlife Photographer of the Year 2026
- CShifting SandCorrect
- DBehaviour: Invertebrates
Explanation His winning image is titled “Shifting Sand.”
Banking
DIPAM Secretary Assures IDBI Bank Staff on Fairfax Sale Deal
A Livemint report dated 24 October 2026 said that IDBI Bank employees’ service conditions would remain unchanged in connection with the bank’s ₹52,878 crore sale deal with Fairfax. DIPAM Secretary Arunish Chawla said staff and pensioners had “nothing to fear” from the deal. The report’s central assurance concerns service conditions for employees and reassurance to both staff and pensioners at IDBI Bank.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who gave the assurance that IDBI Bank staff and pensioners had “nothing to fear” from the deal?
- AArunish ChawlaCorrect
- BFairfax
- CIDBI Bank
- DLivemint
Explanation The source identifies Arunish Chawla as the DIPAM Secretary who gave the assurance.
Q2 What was the stated value of the IDBI Bank deal with Fairfax?
- A₹52,878 croreCorrect
- B₹52,000 crore
- C₹57,828 crore
- D₹28,578 crore
Explanation The source states that the deal with Fairfax was valued at ₹52,878 crore.
Tamil Nadu
Madras High Court Allows Life Convicts 40 Days’ Annual Leave in Two Instalments
The Madras High Court ruled that life convicts can avail themselves of 40 days of annual leave in two instalments. Justices Anita Sumanth and Sunder Mohan held that prison authorities cannot compel convicts to take the leave only once a year. The ruling concerns both the annual leave entitlement and how it may be divided across the year: the leave may be taken in two instalments rather than being restricted to a single annual occasion.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 How many days of annual leave can life convicts avail under the Madras High Court ruling?
- A20 days
- B30 days
- C40 daysCorrect
- D50 days
Explanation The source states that life convicts can avail themselves of 40 days of annual leave.
Q2 What did the Madras High Court rule about the instalments in which life convicts may take annual leave?
- AIt may be taken in two instalmentsCorrect
- BIt must be taken in one instalment
- CIt may be taken in three instalments
- DIt must be taken in four instalments
Explanation The court held that the 40 days of annual leave can be taken in two instalments and cannot be restricted to a single occasion in the year.
Cauvery Panel Directs Karnataka to Release Water to Tamil Nadu
The Cauvery panel directed Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu at the rate of 3,000 cusecs for the next 15 days. Tamil Nadu had sought a release of 14,236 cusecs a day, including a claimed backlog of 13.829 tmcft. Karnataka cited severe drought. The report records the panel’s direction, Tamil Nadu’s requested release rate and claimed backlog, and Karnataka’s stated drought position.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 At what rate did the Cauvery panel direct Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu?
- A3,000 cusecsCorrect
- B14,236 cusecs
- C13.829 tmcft
- D15 days
Explanation The panel directed Karnataka to release water at the rate of 3,000 cusecs.
Q2 Which State had sought a release of 14,236 cusecs a day?
- AKarnataka
- BTamil NaduCorrect
- CThe Cauvery panel
- DNeither State
Explanation Tamil Nadu had sought a release of 14,236 cusecs a day, including a claimed backlog of 13.829 tmcft.
Tamil Nadu Raises Food Allowance for Hostel and Residential School Students
Tamil Nadu’s Social Justice Department has raised the food allowance for students in hostels and residential schools. A Government Order (G.O.) formalising the change was issued by the department. The move followed an announcement by Minister Vanni Arasu during the Budget session. The report does not specify the revised allowance amount or the date on which the G.O. was issued.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which department issued the G.O. raising the food allowance?
- ASocial Justice DepartmentCorrect
- BEducation Department
- CFinance Department
- DHealth Department
Explanation The source states that the G.O. was issued by the Social Justice Department.
Q2 For students in which settings was the food allowance raised?
- AHostels and residential schoolsCorrect
- BUniversities and colleges
- CHospitals and clinics
- DLibraries and museums
Explanation The source identifies students in hostels and residential schools as the beneficiaries.
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