Daily Current Affairs 22nd October 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Centre Releases ₹730 Crore to Boost Rural Local Bodies

• The Union Government has released over ₹730 crore under the 15th Finance Commission grants to strengthen Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Gujarat and Haryana for FY 2025–26.
• Gujarat received ₹522.20 crore (second installment for FY 2024–25) across District, Block, and Gram Panchayats, plus an additional ₹13.6 crore for newly eligible bodies.
• Haryana got its first installment of ₹195.13 crore covering similar local bodies.
• These grants, recommended by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Jal Shakti, empower Panchayati Raj Institutions to address local development needs and basic services like sanitation and water management.

India Rises to 9th Globally in Forest Area, Retains 3rd Rank in Annual Forest Gain

• India has risen to the 9th position globally in total forest area and continues to hold the 3rd spot for annual forest gain, according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 by FAO.
• This achievement highlights the success of government initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, including afforestation, forest protection, and the popular ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ campaign, reflecting strong community participation and commitment to sustainable forest management.

International News

India Upgrades Kabul Mission to Full Embassy Status

• India has officially upgraded its Technical Mission in Kabul to the Embassy of India in Afghanistan, marking its first formal diplomatic expansion since the Taliban takeover in 2021.
• Announced during Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s recent visit, the move reinforces India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s development, humanitarian aid, and capacity-building aligned with Afghan priorities.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also pledged greater cooperation on terrorism, natural resources, and healthcare, handing over 20 ambulances as a gesture of support. Plans for increased flights and collaborative development projects were also discussed.

Rodrigo Paz Elected New President of Bolivia

• Bolivia has elected Rodrigo Paz as its new president, ending 20 years of socialist rule under Evo Morales. Winning with 54.5% of the vote, Paz advocates market reforms and “capitalism for all.”
• Facing a severe economic crisis with fuel shortages, high inflation, and shrinking reserves, Paz promises tax cuts, decentralization, and economic stabilization while preserving social programs.
• Analysts highlight the need for parliamentary cooperation and managing social unrest to ensure a stable transition and revive the economy.

Peru Declares 30-Day State of Emergency in Lima

• Peru’s President Jose Jeri declared a 30-day state of emergency in Lima and Callao to combat rising crime, following recent protests that caused one death and over 100 injuries.
• The measure allows the deployment of armed forces alongside police to restore public order. Jeri emphasized shifting “from defense to offense” to regain peace, tranquility, and public trust.

Economy News

India’s Retail Sector Records Historic Festive Sales of ₹5.4 Lakh Crore in Goods

• India’s retail sector achieved record festive season sales of ₹5.4 lakh crore in goods and ₹65,000 crore in services between Navratri and Diwali, marking a 25% increase from last year.
• A CAIT survey found that 72% of traders saw higher sales, largely due to GST rate reductions on key categories like confectionery, home decor, footwear, and consumer durables, boosting price competitiveness and purchase momentum.

Awards News

SAIME Aquaculture Model from Sundarbans Earns FAO Global Recognition

• The Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems (SAIME) model, developed by the Nature Environment and Wildlife Society, has received Global Technical Recognition from the FAO for promoting climate-adaptive shrimp farming in the Sundarbans mangrove forest.
• The initiative focuses on protecting mangroves, reducing blue carbon emissions, empowering local farmers, and enhancing market access through sustainable practices and certification, supported by the Global Nature Fund and partners.

Defense News

INS Sahyadri Joins India-Japan Maritime Exercise JAIMEX 25

• INS Sahyadri arrived in Yokosuka to participate in the India-Japan Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX 25), reflecting the growing strategic convergence between the two nations.
• The exercise, held west of Kyushu from October 16–17, involved Japan’s JS Asahi, JS Oumi, a submarine, and support from the JGSDF and JASDF, aiming to boost tactical interoperability and regional stability.
• As part of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, the exercise underscores the importance of India-Japan defence cooperation in maintaining Indo-Pacific peace and maritime order.

Schemes News

9 Years of UDAN Scheme: Connecting India For Affordable Regional Air Travel

• The UDAN scheme (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), launched on 21 October 2016, has completed 9 years, facilitating over 1.56 crore passengers through 3.23 lakh flights. It has connected 93 underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes, across 649 routes.
• With over ₹4,300 crore disbursed as Viability Gap Funding and ₹4,638 crore invested in airport development, UDAN has transformed regional air connectivity.
• The government plans to extend it beyond April 2027 under an Expanded UDAN Framework, with a focus on hilly, North-Eastern, and aspirational regions, including 30 water aerodromes under UDAN 5.5 for seaplanes and helicopters.

Summits & Conferences News

India-Led Codex Panel Finalizes Standards for These Products

• At the 8th session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH), international standards for vanilla, large cardamom, and coriander were finalized, bringing the total to 19 Codex spice standards.
• Established in 2013 at India’s request, CCSCH operates under the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), a global food standards body co-founded by FAO and WHO.
• India’s Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce, hosts the CCSCH secretariat in Kochi. While Codex standards are non-binding, they are recognized under the WTO’s SPS Agreement as the global benchmark for food safety and fair trade practices.

Science & Technology News

India, UK Launch Ramanujan Fellowship for Young Scientists

• India and the UK have launched the Ramanujan Junior Researchers Programme, a new DST-backed research fellowship enabling young Indian physicists and mathematicians to conduct joint research at the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences (LIMS).
• Inspired by Ramanujan’s 1913 collaboration with G.H. Hardy, the initiative aims to nurture talent through PhD visits and later three-year fellowships.
• Championed by the Indian High Commission in the UK, the programme highlights growing India-UK scientific collaboration, offering a platform for next-gen researchers to innovate in a globally renowned research environment.

India Surpasses $20 Billion in AI Investments, Poised for Global Leadership

• India has surpassed $20 billion in cumulative and new investment commitments in artificial intelligence (AI) as of 2025, according to the Ministry of Electronics and IT, marking a major milestone in its journey to become a global AI leader.
• The Stanford AI Index Report 2025 noted that from 2013 to 2024, India’s private AI investment totaled $11.1 billion, rising to $12.3 billion with government contributions.
• With current investments nearing those of Canada, India is rapidly gaining ground in the global AI innovation landscape.

OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Atlas Browser for Mac Users

• OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Atlas, a new AI-powered web browser for macOS that integrates ChatGPT directly into browsing.
• It offers features like contextual assistance, built-in memory, and an Agent mode that can perform tasks (e.g., filling forms, shopping, scheduling) on user commands.
• Atlas includes a sidebar, inline writing suggestions, and a search-chat hybrid interface.
• The browser supports optional memory, keeps data private, and is now available for Free, Plus, Pro, and Go users, with Windows and mobile versions coming soon.

Important Days News

Gujarati New Year 2025: Bestu Varas Date, History, Significance And Quotes

• The Gujarati New Year, known as Bestu Varas, falls on 22 October 2025, marking the first day of Kartik (Kartik Sud Ekam) in the Vikram Samvat 2082 calendar.
• Celebrated right after Diwali, it symbolizes spiritual renewal, business beginnings through Chopda Pujan, and cultural identity.
• Rooted in the Vikram Samvat tradition and tied to tales like Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan, Bestu Varas is observed with home decorations, temple visits, festive attire, greetings like “Saal Mubarak”, and community gatherings, especially among the Gujarati diaspora.

Govardhan Puja: Significance, Story, and Celebrations of Annakut Festival

• Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is celebrated a day after Diwali to honor Lord Krishna’s miraculous lifting of Govardhan Hill to protect Gokul’s villagers from Indra’s storm.
• Rooted in Brijbhoomi traditions, the festival promotes devotion, nature worship, and divine protection.
• Celebrated mainly in Mathura, Vrindavan, and across Hindu communities, it features cow dung hillocks, Parikrama, Chappan Bhog offerings, and temple rituals.
• The festival underscores themes of faith, environmental harmony, community sharing, and Krishna’s message of Bhakti over ritual.