National News
NHAI Launches AI-Based Highway Monitoring Using 3D Survey
- The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will deploy 3D laser-based Network Survey Vehicles (NSVs) across 23 states, covering 20,933 km of national highways to collect and analyze road inventory and pavement condition data.
- This AI-driven system will automatically detect road defects like cracks, potholes, and patches, with data uploaded to NHAI’s AI-based Data Lake for expert analysis, enhancing highway monitoring and maintenance.
State News
Ningol Chakouba 2025: Celebrating in Manipur
- Manipur is celebrating Ningol Chakouba, a traditional festival symbolizing the bond between married women and their brothers.
- Observed on the second day of Hiyangei month in the Meitei calendar, the festival involves married women visiting their paternal homes, sharing a grand feast, and receiving gifts from their brothers.
- The celebrations began with the Annual Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition at Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal, organized by the Manipur Fisheries Department, emphasizing the festival’s signature dish—fish curry.
AP CM Naidu Begins UAE Visit to Attract Green Investments
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is on a three-day UAE visit to boost foreign investments in green energy, digital infrastructure, and urban development.
- He met with top Indian diplomats and business leaders in Dubai, promoting Andhra Pradesh as a global investment hub.
- Naidu emphasized the state’s investor-friendly policies and highlighted projects in renewable energy, data centres, and smart city initiatives in Amaravati and Visakhapatnam.
- A key highlight was a ₹100 crore donation pledge by UAE real estate leader Ravi P.N.C. Menon for a world-class public library in Amaravati, enhancing the region’s cultural and educational landscape.
Kerala to Be Declared India’s First Extreme Poverty-Free State
- Kerala is set to become India’s first state officially declared “free of extreme poverty” on November 1, 2025, announced by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
- This milestone follows the state’s extreme poverty eradication programme launched in 2021, focusing on uplifting families through integrated housing, food, health, and income support, alongside long-term rehabilitation via employment and education.
- Kerala’s success stems from its high literacy, universal healthcare, strong local governance, and decentralized planning, setting a benchmark for inclusive growth and social development nationwide.
Chennai Becomes First City to Launch Real-Time Flood Forecasting System
- In October 2025, Chennai became the first Indian city to implement a Real-Time Flood Forecasting and Spatial Decision Support System (RTFF & SDSS), enhancing its flood preparedness over a 4,974 sq km area covering key river basins.
- Funded by the World Bank and managed by TNUIFSL, the system integrates data from Automatic Rain Gauges, Weather Stations, Water Level Recorders, and Gate Sensors.
- Developed with UK firms and supervised by IIT Madras, it operates through a Hydro Modelling Control Room and regional centers to enable timely flood forecasting and response.
Centre Offers Article 371 to Ladakh Amid Statehood Talks
- Ladakh civil society groups, Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), resumed talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after recent violence, where
- The government has offered the possibility of applying Article 371, which provides special provisions to specific states for safeguarding local laws, culture, and administration.
- It is currently applied in 12 Indian states, including Nagaland, Assam, Mizoram, and Sikkim.
International News
Saudi Arabia Abolishes Kafala System What It Means?
- Saudi Arabia has officially abolished the kafala system, a decades-old labor sponsorship framework widely criticised as modern-day slavery for its harsh control over foreign workers, many of whom are Indians.
- Under kafala, employers could confiscate passports, restrict job changes, and deny basic rights, trapping workers in exploitative conditions.
- The new contract-based employment system grants workers freedom to change jobs without employer approval, leave the country without exit visas, and access legal protections through labor courts.
- This reform, part of Saudi’s Vision 2030 economic modernization, is significant for Indian workers as it promises improved labor rights, mobility, and protections, ending decades of abuse under the kafala regime.
New Zealand Plans Social Media Ban for Under-16s
- New Zealand is set to debate a bill, introduced by National Party lawmaker Catherine Wedd, that would restrict social media access for children under 16 by requiring platforms to implement age verification measures before account creation.
- This move follows Australia’s 2024 law banning social media use for under-16s and aims to address concerns about mental health risks, cyberbullying, and misinformation affecting teens.
- While supported by the National Party, the bill’s fate is uncertain due to coalition partner hesitations.
- Critics like civil-liberties group PILLAR warn it may compromise privacy and freedom online by exposing users’ data through mandatory age checks.
Economy News
India’s Net FDI Falls 159% in August 2025
- In August 2025, India’s Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) fell by 159%, marking the second time this financial year that outflows exceeded inflows.
- While gross FDI inflows stood at $6,049 million, down 30.6% from last year, the net FDI for April-August 2025 was still 121% higher than the same period last year at $10,128 million.
- Net FDI—calculated as gross inflows minus repatriations and outward investments—reflects investor confidence and economic attractiveness, impacting capital stability, job creation, and currency strength.
Agreement News
Coal India, IIT Madras to Launch Sustainable Energy Centre
- Coal India Limited (CIL) and IIT Madras have signed an MoU to establish the Centre for Sustainable Energy, focusing on R&D in low-carbon technologies, repurposing coal mines, and supporting India’s clean energy transition.
- Funded by CIL, the Centre aims to drive innovation, promote energy security, and advance decarbonization efforts.
- Both leaders emphasized the importance of industry-academia collaboration and developing human capital through advanced research programs to empower future green energy experts.
Appointments News
Karthik Narain Joins Google Cloud as Chief Product Officer
- Google CEO Sundar Pichai has welcomed Karthik Narain, former Accenture CTO, as the new Chief Product and Business Officer of Google Cloud.
- Narain will oversee product and engineering teams across cloud, data, developer tools, and Applied AI, as well as lead Google Cloud’s go-to-market strategy and work with the Public Sector division.
- With over 25 years in tech consulting, including leadership roles at Accenture and HCLTech, Narain aims to leverage his expertise to drive Google Cloud’s growth and accelerate AI-driven business transformation.
- Pichai highlighted Narain as a “key leader” who will help build on Google Cloud’s recent successes like Gemini Enterprise.
Neeraj Chopra Honoured as Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army
- Neeraj Chopra, India’s two-time Olympic medallist javelin thrower, has been conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army during a ceremony in New Delhi, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.
- Joining the Indian Army in 2016 as Naib Subedar, Neeraj has received several honors including the Arjuna Award (2018), Khel Ratna (2021), Padma Shri (2022), and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2022).
- The Defence Minister praised him as a symbol of perseverance, patriotism, discipline, and national pride, inspiring both sportspersons and soldiers alike.
Justice Prathiba Singh Named Chair of WIPO Advisory Boar
- In a historic first for India, Delhi High Court judge Prathiba M. Singh has been appointed Chair of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Advisory Board of Judges for 2025–27.
- WIPO, a UN specialised agency for protecting intellectual property (IP) globally, relies on this board of international judges for guidance on judicial matters in IP law.
Defense News
India Raises Bhairav Battalions for Rapid Strike Missions
- The Indian Army is raising 25 Bhairav Battalions—elite, 250‑strong hybrid units positioned between regular infantry and Special Forces—tasked with surprise strikes, counter‑insurgency, deep reconnaissance and rapid cross‑border operations (five operational so far); the move, prompted by lessons from Operation Sindoor, complements broader modernisation like Ashni platoons (drone warfare), Rudra brigades (combined arms), Shaktibaan regiments (swarm drones) and Divyastra batteries (drone‑guided artillery).
Sports News
India Unveils FIDE World Cup 2025 Logo and Anthem
- Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant unveiled the official logo and anthem of the FIDE World Cup 2025, marking the return of this prestigious chess tournament to India after 23 years.
- Scheduled from October 31 to November 27, 2025 in North Goa, the event will feature 206 players from 82 countries competing for a USD 2 million prize.
- The anthem, voiced by music legend Daler Mehndi and featuring the Prime Minister in its video, celebrates India’s chess prowess and Goa’s vibrant culture.
- The colorful logo reflects Goa’s coastal charm and sunny vibe, symbolizing the perfect blend of sport, culture, and tourism.
Important Days News
Bhai Dooj 2025: Date, Shubh Muhurat, History and Significance
- Bhai Dooj 2025, a Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, will be observed on Thursday, October 23, 2025, during the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Kartik month.
- The shubh muhurat for the tilak ceremony is from 1:13 PM to 3:28 PM. Rooted in the legend of Lord Yama and his sister Yamuna, the festival signifies a sister’s love and prayers for her brother’s long life.
- Known regionally as Bhau Beej in Maharashtra and Bhai Phonta in West Bengal, it involves tilak rituals, aarti, sweets, and gift exchanges.
- Bhai Dooj highlights family unity, cultural continuity, and the emotional depth of sibling relationships.
Obituaries News
Singer Rishabh Tandon Passes Away at 35 from Heart Attack
- Actor-singer Rishabh Tandon tragically passed away at age 35 from a heart attack while visiting family in Delhi for Diwali.
- Having recently celebrated his birthday on October 10, he was in Delhi since August to care for his ailing father.
- His family has requested privacy during this difficult time. Rishabh was known for popular songs like Yeh Ashiqui and Ishq Fakeerana, and was married to Olesya Nedobegova.
Current Affairs Today | 23 Oct Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam