National News

Aadhaar Mascot Symbol Design Competition

• The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has invited creative individuals across the country to design a mascot symbol for Aadhaar.
• The competition is being conducted on the MyGov portal, and all Indian citizens can participate individually or as a team. The last date to apply is 31 October 2025.

Related facts:

11th Edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF)

• The 11th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) will be held in Chandigarh in December 2025.

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Constitution of Advisory Committee for Transgender Persons

• The Supreme Court has constituted a dedicated committee to formulate a National Equal Opportunity Policy for transgender persons.
• This committee will be chaired by retired Justice Asha Menon.
• The committee aims to enable equal opportunities at work, inclusive medical care, and protection for transgender persons.

International News

World’s Best Tourism Village 2025

• The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has officially recognized the scenic town of Bled in Slovenia as one of the World’s Best Tourism Villages for 2025.
• This honor is awarded to villages that promote sustainable and community-based tourism while preserving their natural and cultural heritage.

Key Facts:

Operation Chevaleres Night 3

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) sent 7,200 tons of relief material to the Gaza Strip under Operation Chevaleres Night 3.
• The relief consignment included food supplies and medical assistance.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) :

Coup in Madagascar

• A military coup took place in Madagascar following a widespread popular uprising.
• After the coup, Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as the country’s President. Prior to the coup, President Andry Rajoelina was removed from office through impeachment and fled the country.
• This political upheaval was primarily driven by large-scale protests led by youth (Gen-Z) against power and water shortages, rising inflation, unemployment, and corruption.

Madagascar :

Sports News

Hyundai Archery World Cup 2025

• The final of the Hyundai Archery World Cup 2025 was held in Nanjing, China from 17 to 19 October 2025.
• This was the 19th edition of the World Cup. In a historic achievement, Indian archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam won the bronze medal.

Hyundai Archery World Cup Final 2025 :

Centenary Edition of the Commonwealth Games

• The Executive Board of the Commonwealth Games has officially selected Ahmedabad as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
• The final decision will be taken on 26 November 2025 during the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) meeting in Glasgow.

Commonwealth Games :

Defence News

BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile Manufactured in Lucknow

• On 18 October 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles manufactured in Lucknow.

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Successful Test of ‘NAG Mark-II’ Anti-Tank Guided Missile

• On 17 October 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the indigenously developed ‘NAG Mark-II’ Anti-Tank Guided Missile from the ‘Jorawar’ light tank.

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Inauguration of the First LCA Tejas Mark 1A Fighter Jet

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the first Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A produced at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Nashik unit.

On the occasion, he also inaugurated :

MoU Between IIT Delhi and Indian Navy

• The Indian Navy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi aimed at enhancing the quality of life for naval personnel on ships.
• Under this collaboration, a Research and Design Centre will be established to focus on achieving this goal through innovative designs.
• The MoU was signed by Rear Admiral Arvind Rawal, Assistant Chief of Materiel (Dockyard & Refit) of the Indian Navy, and Professor Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi.

Art and Culture

Kati Bihu Festival

• The Kati Bihu Festival (Kongali Bihu) is being celebrated across Assam on 18 October 2025.
• It is observed on the first day of the Kati (Ahina) month in the Assamese calendar, which usually falls in mid-October.

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Dhanteras

• The festival of Dhanteras 2025 was celebrated across India on October 18, 2025.
• This festival is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of the Kartik month and marks the beginning of the Diwali festival.
• Dhanteras is also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanvantari Jayanti.

Person In News

Mehul Choksi

• A Belgian court has approved the extradition of fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi.
• Choksi is accused in a ₹13,000 crore fraud case linked to the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

Reports and Indexes

Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2025

• The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) jointly released the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2025 on 17 October 2025.
• The report is titled “Overlapping Hardships: Poverty and Climate Hazards”, highlighting the linkages between poverty and climate-related risks.

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