National News
Buddha’s Relics to Visit Russia’s Kalmykia for First Time
- For the first time, the sacred relics of Buddha will be taken from India to Kalmykia Republic, Russia, for an exposition in Elista from October 11–18, aimed at blessing local Buddhist devotees.
- The event, organized by the Ministry of Culture along with the International Buddhist Confederation, National Museum, and IGNCA, will feature a high-level Indian delegation led by UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya.
- A MoU is also expected to be signed between the Central Spiritual Administration of Buddhists and the International Buddhist Confederation.
Three Indian Ports Named Green Hydrogen Hubs
- Three major Indian ports—Deendayal Port (Gujarat), V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tamil Nadu), and Paradip Port (Odisha)—have been recognised as Green Hydrogen Hubs under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, marking a key step in building an integrated hydrogen ecosystem.
- The move supports India’s clean energy transition and its goal to achieve net zero by 2070, with the mission aiming to make India a global leader in green hydrogen production, utilisation, and export.
State News
Srikrishna Museum in Kurukshetra to Get New Wing
- The Srikrishna Museum in Kurukshetra, dedicated to Lord Krishna and the Mahabharata, is set to get a fourth block to boost tourism and enhance visitor experience.
- Managed by the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB), the new block will feature three galleries focused on Mahabharata-era sites, the 48-kos Kurukshetra region, and the Krishna Bhakti movement, along with replicas of Krishna-Vishnu temples and a Mahabharata-themed outdoor zone.
- This expansion, part of a larger master plan, aims to increase footfall and will incorporate modern technology to engage newer generations, with funding proposals to be submitted to the Union Ministry of Culture.
- The 3rd International Purple Fest 2025 was inaugurated in Goa by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, celebrating inclusion, talent, and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
- The festival showcased India’s commitment to inclusive governance, with active participation from government officials, NGOs, and disability rights advocates, promoting dignity, independence, and opportunities for all.
International News
India‑UK Launch Connectivity & Innovation Centre
- India and the UK have launched the India-UK Connectivity & Innovation Centre with a joint investment of £24 million to drive research, innovation, and global standards in advanced telecommunications.
- The initiative, under the UK-India Technology Security Initiative, focuses on AI-driven telecom transformation, non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), and telecom cybersecurity.
- It aims to unite industry-academic partnerships, boost digital inclusion, and shape 6G technologies, reflecting the shared goals of the Prime Minister–Prime Minister 2035 Vision.
Agreements News
AIIA Boosts Ayush Insurance and Research Collaboration
- The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) is strengthening its efforts in integrating Ayush systems with mainstream healthcare by advancing insurance coverage and promoting evidence-based research.
- AIIA Director Prof. (Dr.) Pradeep Kumar Prajapati met with Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra and Dr. Sanjay Srivastava to discuss enhancing Ayush insurance schemes through the newly launched Project Management Unit (PMU) and fostering collaborative research with institutions like MRIIRS.
- These initiatives aim to boost accessibility, credibility, and policy innovation in traditional medicine.
NeGD & Bharat Taxi Pioneer Cooperative Ride‑Hailing
- The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) has partnered with Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd. to launch Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-driven, citizen-first national ride-hailing platform, in December 2025.
- This initiative, aligned with the Digital India vision, focuses on platform integration, cybersecurity, privacy, and inclusive access.
- Supported by major cooperatives like IFFCO, AMUL, and NABARD, Bharat Taxi will integrate with DigiLocker, UMANG, and API Setu to deliver secure, seamless services and transform India’s mobility ecosystem through a trust-based, transparent, and tech-enabled model.
Appointments News
Castrol India MD Resigns, Interim CEO Appointed
- Kedar Lele, Managing Director of Castrol India, has resigned to pursue other opportunities and will step down on December 31, 2025.
- The company’s board appointed Saugata Basuray, Wholetime Director & Head of B2C Sales, as Interim CEO effective January 1, 2026, until a new Managing Director is appointed. Castrol India’s shares closed slightly down following the announcement.
Rishi Sunak Joins Microsoft and Anthropic as Adviser
- Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has joined Microsoft and AI startup Anthropic as a paid senior adviser focusing on global strategy and geopolitical trends, with all proceeds from these roles pledged to charity.
- He is restricted from lobbying the UK government on their behalf and will continue to support his charity, The Richmond Project, aimed at improving numeracy in the UK.
Defense News
India-UK Hold First Joint Carrier Strike Exercise
- The Indian Navy and UK Royal Navy conducted their first-ever combined Carrier Strike Group exercise during Exercise Konkan 2025 (Oct 5–9), marking a historic moment in bilateral defence cooperation.
- The UK’s HMS Prince of Wales and India’s INS Vikrant led the drills, supported by allied ships from Norway and Japan, showcasing advanced air-sea combat readiness.
- The exercise demonstrated strengthened strategic ties, interoperability, and maritime coordination between the two nations.
Summits & Conferences News
Delhi Declaration Elevates Global South Cities at COP30
- The Delhi Declaration on Local Action for Global Climate Goals, adopted at the first ARISE Cities Forum 2025, unites cities and local governments from the Global South to amplify urban climate leadership ahead of COP30 in Belém.
- It calls for stronger multilevel cooperation, inclusive urban resilience, and direct climate finance access to achieve Paris Agreement goals.
- The declaration emphasizes local climate action, just green transitions, and empowering communities, marking a milestone in recognizing cities as key partners in global climate governance.
Sports News
Bumrah Becomes First Indian Pacer with 50 Matches Across All Format
- Jasprit Bumrah made history by becoming the first Indian fast bowler to play 50 Test matches and also achieve 50+ appearances in all three international formats (Tests, ODIs, T20Is), during the second Test against West Indies in Delhi.
- Bumrah joins elite company alongside players like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja.
- Amid workload management, he’ll only play T20s during the upcoming Australia tour, focusing on preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
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