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October 18 & 19 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Sports – Daily Current Affairs October 18 & 19

1. Who became the first Indian woman compound archer to win a medal at the Archery World Cup Final?
A) Deepika Kumari
B) Ankita Bhakat
C) Jyothi Surekha Vennam
D) Komalika Bari
E) Laishram Bombayla Devi
Answer: C) Jyothi Surekha Vennam

Event and Location:

• Event: Jyothi Surekha Vennam won bronze at Archery World Cup Final
• Location: Nanjing, China
• Date: October 18, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Jyothi Surekha Vennam clinched the bronze medal in the Archery World Cup Final by defeating world No. 2 Ella Gibson of Great Britain with a perfect score of 150-145.
• Objectives: To mark India’s best-ever performance in women’s compound archery at the World Cup Final and inspire greater participation in international-level archery from Indian athletes.

Important Terms Explained:

• Archery World Cup Final: The season-ending championship of the Archery World Cup series, featuring the top eight archers globally in each category.
• Compound Archery: A form of archery that uses a levering system of cables and pulleys to bend the limbs, offering higher accuracy and faster arrow speeds than recurve bows.
• Perfect Score (150/150): In compound archery, each arrow can score a maximum of 10 points. A perfect score of 150 means all 15 arrows hit the 10-point mark.

Tabular Summary:

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Obituary – Daily Current Affairs October 18 & 19

2. Which Nobel Prize–winning Chinese physicist, known for his work on Yang-Mills theory, passed away in October 2025?
A) Tsung-Dao Lee
B) Mo Yan
C) Yuan Longping
D) Chen-Ning Yang
E) Tu Youyou
Answer: D) Chen-Ning Yang

Event and Location:

• Event: Nobel Prize–winning physicist Chen-Ning Yang passed away at age 103
• Location: Beijing, China
• Date: October 18, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The passing of Chen-Ning Yang, a pioneering theoretical physicist and 1957 Nobel Laureate in Physics, was officially confirmed in Beijing.
• Objectives: To acknowledge the contributions of a globally renowned scientist whose work laid the foundation for modern quantum field theory and significantly influenced theoretical physics.

Important Terms Explained:

• Nobel Prize in Physics: An annual award presented by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for outstanding contributions in the field of physics.
• Yang–Mills Theory: A fundamental theory in particle physics developed by Chen-Ning Yang and Robert Mills in 1954, which became central to the Standard Model of particle physics.
• Standard Model: A theoretical framework in physics describing three of the four known fundamental forces (electromagnetic, weak, and strong interactions), excluding gravity.

Tabular Summary:

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3. Where did Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga pass away during a medical visit?
A) New Delhi
B) Bengaluru
C) Kochi
D) Chennai
E) Hyderabad
Answer: C) Kochi

Event and Location:

• Event: Death of Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga during a medical visit
• Location: Kochi, Kerala, India
• Date: October 15, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya and key opposition leader, died of a heart attack while undergoing treatment in Kerala, India. He collapsed during a morning walk and was declared dead at Devamatha Hospital.
• Objectives: To acknowledge the passing of a pan-African statesman, and highlight his contributions to Kenya’s pro-democracy movement, political reforms, and regional peace.

Important Terms Explained:

• Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): A medical emergency caused by a blockage that stops blood flow to the heart, often resulting in death if not treated immediately.
• Opposition Leader: A political leader who represents the primary political party not in power; Odinga led Azimio la Umoja, Kenya’s opposition alliance.
• Multiparty Democracy (Kenya): A democratic system allowing multiple political parties to participate—restored in 1991, largely influenced by Odinga’s activism.
• Azimio la Umoja: A political coalition in Kenya formed to challenge ruling parties in elections; it includes several major opposition factions.

Tabular Summary:

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs October 18 & 19

4. Which Indian state has recorded the highest number of mobile phone recoveries through the CEIR portal as of October 2025?
A) Maharashtra
B) Delhi
C) Karnataka
D) Telangana
E) Tamil Nadu
Answer: D) Telangana

Event and Location:

• Event: Telangana emerges as the national leader in mobile phone recovery using the CEIR portal
• Location: Telangana (with leading districts including Hyderabad, Warangal, Kamareddy)
• Date: October 16, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) portal is a Government of India initiative that enables citizens to block and recover lost/stolen mobile phones using the device’s IMEI number. Telangana has topped the nation in recoveries, with over 1 lakh phones recovered.
• Objectives: To enhance digital policing, improve public grievance redressal, and ensure personal data security through quick and efficient recovery of mobile devices.

Important Terms Explained:

• CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register): A centralized database of mobile device IMEI numbers allowing users to report lost or stolen phones, which are then blocked from all networks and tracked by law enforcement.
• IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity): A unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile phone, used to identify and track devices.
• Digital Policing: The use of technology tools and data systems like CEIR by law enforcement to prevent, detect, and solve crimes more efficiently.

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs October 18 & 19

5. What deadline has the Union Finance Minister set for banks to issue Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to all eligible farmers?
A) October 31, 2025
B) November 30, 2025
C) December 31, 2025
D) January 15, 2026
E) March 31, 2026
Answer: C) December 31, 2025

Event and Location:

• Event: Finance Minister directs banks to issue KCCs to all farmers and inaugurates agro-processing centre
• Location: Kasapur village, Kudligi taluk, Vijayanagara district, Karnataka
• Date: October 17, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman instructed all banks to ensure 100% issuance of Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) to eligible farmers by December 2025. She also inaugurated an agro-processing and training centre for groundnut and tamarind.
• Objectives: To expand institutional credit to all farmers, strengthen rural agro-processing infrastructure, and promote value addition and self-sufficiency in agriculture.

Important Terms Explained:

• Kisan Credit Card (KCC): A government-backed scheme introduced in 1998 to provide timely and affordable credit to farmers for crop production and related activities. It offers flexible credit limits and low interest rates.
• MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme): A scheme under which MPs recommend developmental works in their constituencies with an emphasis on creating durable community assets.
• NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development): An apex development financial institution that supports rural infrastructure, credit, and capacity building through refinancing and direct financing.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs October 18 & 19

6. Where did ASICS open its first company-owned and company-operated store in India under the single brand retail FDI policy?
A) Select Citywalk Delhi
B) DLF Mall of India Noida
C) Phoenix Marketcity Mumbai
D) Lulu Mall Kochi
E) Forum Mall Bengaluru
Answer: B) DLF Mall of India Noida

Event and Location:

• Event: ASICS opened its first company-owned and company-operated store in India
• Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
• Date: October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: ASICS launched its first company-owned and operated store after achieving 30% local sourcing in line with the single brand retail FDI policy.
• Objectives: The company aims to strengthen its direct retail presence in India and make India one of its top five global markets.

Important Terms Explained:

• Company-Owned and Company-Operated (COCO) Store: A retail outlet owned and run directly by the parent company, ensuring control over customer experience, pricing, and inventory.
• Single Brand Retail FDI Policy: An Indian government policy allowing 100% FDI in single-brand retail, with the condition of 30% mandatory local sourcing.
• Local Sourcing Norms (30%): Under this FDI policy, brands must procure 30% of the value of goods from Indian sources, particularly from MSMEs or local vendors.

Tabular Summary:

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7. What was the net profit reported by Punjab National Bank for Q2 of FY26?
A) ₹4200 crore
B) ₹4300 crore
C) ₹4600 crore
D) ₹4900 crore
E) ₹5000 crore
Answer: D) ₹4900 crore

Event and Location:

• Event: Punjab National Bank reported 14% rise in net profit for Q2 FY26
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Date: October 18, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Punjab National Bank announced its Q2 FY26 financial results, reporting a 14% rise in net profit and improvements in asset quality and digital banking adoption.
• Objectives: To showcase the bank’s financial strength, operational efficiency, and continued focus on retail, MSME, and digital banking growth.

Important Terms Explained:

• Net Interest Income (NII): The difference between the interest earned by the bank from its lending activities and the interest it pays on deposits.
• Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA): Total value of loans where the borrower has stopped making interest or principal payments for over 90 days.
• Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR): A financial metric that shows the extent to which a bank has made provisions against bad loans (NPAs). A higher ratio indicates better risk coverage.
• CASA (Current Account Savings Account): Low-cost deposits that help banks improve their margins, as they usually pay lower interest on these accounts.
• UPI (Unified Payments Interface): A real-time payment system developed by NPCI for instant money transfers between bank accounts through mobile apps.

Tabular Summary:

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8. Which companies have partnered to initiate hydrogen–natural gas blending projects in India’s city gas distribution sector?
A) NTPC GAIL and Adani Gas
B) Indian Oil BPCL and ONGC
C) KPI Green Hydrogen Desco Infratech and Naveriya Gas
D) Reliance Industries IOCL and HPCL
E) Tata Power GAIL and Torrent Gas
Answer: C) KPI Green Hydrogen Desco Infratech and Naveriya Gas

Event and Location:

• Event: Partnership announced for hydrogen–natural gas blending in city gas sector
• Location: India (Headquartered initiatives from Surat, Gujarat)
• Date: October 18, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: KPI Green Hydrogen and Ammonia, Desco Infratech Ltd, and Naveriya Gas will collaborate on hydrogen–natural gas blending initiatives within India’s city gas distribution sector.
• Objectives: To lower carbon emissions, reduce dependency on LNG imports, optimise existing city gas infrastructure, and support India’s clean energy transition and net-zero emissions target.

Important Terms Explained:

• Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources like solar or wind, resulting in zero carbon emissions.
• Hydrogen–Natural Gas Blending: The process of mixing green hydrogen with conventional natural gas to create a lower-carbon fuel blend that can be distributed through existing gas pipelines.
• City Gas Distribution (CGD): A system for delivering natural gas to households, commercial and industrial users within a city through pipelines.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: A national campaign by the Government of India aimed at promoting self-reliance in various sectors including energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

Tabular Summary:

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9. Where is the 100 MW wind power project, whose first 28 MW phase was commissioned by ACME Solar, located?
A) Bhavnagar Gujarat
B) Mundra Gujarat
C) Surendranagar Gujarat
D) Jamnagar Gujarat
E) Kutch Gujarat
Answer: C) Surendranagar Gujarat

Event and Location:

• Event: Commissioning of first phase of 100 MW wind project by ACME Solar
• Location: Surendranagar, Gujarat
• Date: October 18, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: ACME Solar commissioned the 28 MW first phase of its 100 MW wind power project in Gujarat, increasing its total operational renewable capacity to 2,918 MW.
• Objectives: To expand clean energy capacity, fulfill a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL), and strengthen India’s renewable energy transition.

Important Terms Explained:

• Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): A long-term contract between an electricity generator and a power purchaser (typically a utility) to buy electricity at a fixed rate over a set period.
• EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction): A form of contracting arrangement where the contractor is responsible for all activities from design to commissioning of a project.
• Pooling Station: An electrical node where power from multiple generating sources is collected and transmitted through a shared evacuation infrastructure.
• Power Finance Corporation (PFC): A government-owned financial institution under the Ministry of Power, which provides funding for power projects across India.

Tabular Summary:

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10. Why is the Samsung Electronics owner family selling a $1.2 billion stake in the company?
A) To invest in Tesla
B) To fund chip R&D projects
C) To cover inheritance tax and loans
D) To expand Samsung’s global offices
E) To fund a government-mandated divestment
Answer: C) To cover inheritance tax and loans

Event and Location:

• Event: Samsung Electronics owner family to sell $1.2 billion stake
• Location: Seoul, South Korea
• Date: October 18, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The mother and two sisters of Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee will sell 17.7 million shares (0.3%) valued at 1.73 trillion won ($1.22 billion), as disclosed in a filing with the Korea Exchange.
• Objectives: To cover inheritance tax liabilities and repay loans related to the estate of Lee Kun-hee, the late Samsung Group chairman who passed away in 2020.

Important Terms Explained:

• Inheritance Tax: A tax paid by heirs on assets passed down after the death of a family member; in this case, the Samsung family faces a massive 12 trillion won liability following the death of Lee Kun-hee.
• Share Buyback: A corporate strategy where a company repurchases its own shares from the marketplace, often to support share price or consolidate ownership—Samsung initiated a 10 trillion won buyback to protect stock value.
• Retail Shareholders: Individual investors (non-institutional) who own shares—Samsung Electronics has around 5 million retail investors, making it a widely held “national stock” in South Korea.

Tabular Summary:

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs October 18 & 19

11. Who has been selected for the 2024 National Handicraft Award for carving a traditional Dwarabagilu?
A) Naganna Badiger
B) Amarashilpi Jakanachari
C) Chandrashekhar Shilpi
D) Droupadi Murmu
E) Sagaranaadu Shilpi
Answer: C) Chandrashekhar Shilpi

Event and Location:

• Event: Selection of Chandrashekhar Shilpi for the 2024 National Handicraft Award
• Location: Kalaburagi, Karnataka
• Date: October 19, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Union Ministry of Textiles selected Chandrashekhar Y. Shilpi for the National Handicraft Award 2024 for his carved traditional Dwarabagilu (decorative doorway).
• Objectives: To recognize and promote excellence in India’s rich handicraft traditions, and to honour artisans who have made significant contributions to preserving and enhancing regional art forms.

Important Terms Explained:

• National Handicraft Award: An annual national-level honour conferred by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, to master artisans for outstanding contributions in handicrafts. The award includes a cash prize of ₹2 lakh and a plaque.
• Dwarabagilu: A traditional decorative wooden doorway, often found in temples or ancestral homes in South India, showcasing intricate carving and craftsmanship.
• Sagaranaadu Art Style: A traditional regional art form native to the Kalyana Karnataka region, incorporating distinctive carving patterns, deeply rooted in Karnataka’s artistic heritage.

Tabular Summary:

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12. Who received the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award from Telangana CM Revanth Reddy in October 2025?
A) V Hanumantha Rao
B) Uttam Kumar Reddy
C) Salman Khurshid
D) Rahul Gandhi
E) Mahesh Kumar Goud
Answer: C) Salman Khurshid

Event and Location:

• Event: Presentation of the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award to Salman Khurshid
• Location: Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana
• Date: October 19, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy presented the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award to senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid during the Sadbhavana Yatra Commemoration event.
• Objectives: To honour individuals who have contributed significantly to national unity, communal harmony, and uphold the values Rajiv Gandhi championed during his Sadbhavana Yatra.

Important Terms Explained:

• Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award: An award named after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, instituted to honour contributions toward communal harmony, peace, and national integrity. It is generally conferred on political leaders, social activists, or cultural figures.
• Sadbhavana Yatra: A journey undertaken by Rajiv Gandhi in the 1990s, aimed at spreading the message of peace, communal harmony, and national integration across India.
• Bharat Jodo Yatra: A political outreach initiative led by Rahul Gandhi, aimed at promoting unity and social harmony, reflecting ideals similar to those promoted by Rajiv Gandhi.

Tabular Summary:

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs October 18 & 19

13. Which Indian space mission made the first-ever direct observation of the Sun’s impact on the Moon’s surface?
A) Chandrayaan-1
B) Chandrayaan-3
C) Gaganyaan
D) Aditya-L1
E) Chandrayaan-2
Answer: E) Chandrayaan-2

Event and Location:

• Event: Chandrayaan-2 orbiter records first direct observation of solar wind interaction with the Moon
• Location: Moon’s surface (via Indian lunar orbiter)
• Date: October 19, 2025 (announcement by ISRO)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, using its onboard X-ray spectrometer, detected how solar winds interact with the lunar regolith, causing chemical and physical changes on the Moon’s surface.
• Objectives: To advance the global scientific understanding of the Moon’s space environment, lunar surface evolution, and to support future lunar resource utilization and deep space missions through first-hand data from the lunar orbit.

Important Terms Explained:

• Chandrayaan-2: India’s second lunar mission launched by ISRO in July 2019, consisting of an orbiter, lander (Vikram), and rover (Pragyan). Despite the lander’s crash, the orbiter continues to function and send valuable scientific data.
• Solar Wind: A stream of charged particles (mainly electrons and protons) emitted by the Sun, which interacts with celestial bodies, including the Moon, especially since the Moon lacks a global magnetic field or atmosphere.
• Lunar Regolith: A layer of loose, fragmented material covering solid rock on the Moon’s surface. It is formed by continuous meteorite impacts and space weathering, and it reacts to solar wind exposure.

Tabular Summary:

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs October 18 & 19

14. Where was the first batch of BrahMos missiles manufactured under the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor flagged off?
A) Kanpur
B) Jhansi
C) Sarojini Nagar Lucknow
D) Aligarh
E) Chitrakoot
Answer: C) Sarojini Nagar Lucknow

Event and Location:

• Event: First batch of Lucknow-made BrahMos missiles flagged off
• Location: Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
• Date: October 18, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath flagged off the first batch of BrahMos missiles manufactured at the new BrahMos Aerospace unit in Lucknow under the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC).
• Objectives: To promote self-reliance in defence manufacturing, boost India’s indigenous missile production capacity, and operationalize the UPDIC’s state-of-the-art defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Important Terms Explained:

• BrahMos Missile: A supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia, known for precision strike capabilities, and can be launched from land, air, and sea platforms.
• Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC): One of India’s two defence corridors aimed at promoting defence manufacturing, boosting private-sector participation, and reducing defence imports.
• Self-Reliance in Defence Manufacturing (Aatmanirbhar Bharat): A national mission to boost indigenous production in defence, reduce dependency on imports, and build India’s strategic capability.

Tabular Summary:

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15. What is the name of India’s largest consumer 3D printing farm launched by WOL3D in October 2025?
A) VISHWA
B) BRAHMA
C) TEJAS
D) SHAKTI
E) YANTRA
Answer: B) BRAHMA

Event and Location:

• Event: WOL3D launched India’s largest consumer 3D printing farm, BRAHMA
• Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Date: October 17, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: WOL3D launched BRAHMA, a 3D printing facility with over 200 printers, offering on-demand, scalable manufacturing using both FDM and SLA technologies.
• Objectives: To revolutionise smart manufacturing in India, promote mass customisation, support startups and enterprises, and lay the groundwork for localised, sustainable production ecosystems.

Important Terms Explained:

• 3D Printing Farm: A large-scale setup of multiple 3D printers working simultaneously to enable mass production or rapid prototyping.
• FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling): A 3D printing technology that uses a continuous filament of thermoplastic material to create objects layer by layer.
• SLA (Stereolithography): A high-resolution 3D printing technique using light to cure liquid resin into solid objects.
• Additive Manufacturing: A production method that builds components layer by layer from digital models, enabling precision, waste reduction, and customisation.

Tabular Summary:

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Schemes – Daily Current Affairs October 18 & 19

16. What is the primary objective of the Adi Karmayogi initiative mentioned by President Murmu at the National Conclave?
A) Distribute free land to Adivasis
B) Provide tribal reservations in jobs
C) Promote self-reliance and capacity-building among Adivasi communities
D) Offer free education to tribal youth abroad
E) Build smart cities in tribal areas
Answer: C) Promote self-reliance and capacity-building among Adivasi communities

Event and Location:

• Event: President Murmu addresses National Conclave on Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan
• Location: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
• Date: October 17, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The National Conclave on Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan was held in New Delhi to highlight the government’s ongoing tribal empowerment and capacity-building programme under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
• Objectives: To build self-reliance, infrastructure access, and civic participation among Adivasi communities, enabling them to think and speak for themselves through awareness and empowerment.

Important Terms Explained:

• Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan: A government-led capacity-building initiative aimed at empowering Adivasi (tribal) communities by enhancing their awareness, civic participation, and access to services and infrastructure.
• Adivasis: Indigenous tribal communities in India who have historically remained marginalised and disconnected from mainstream development but are now central to inclusive governance goals.
• Capacity Building: The process of developing skills, knowledge, and resources in communities or institutions to enable self-reliant and sustainable development.

Tabular Summary:

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17. What illegal activity did ‘Operation Numkhor’ expose in Kerala?
A) Drug smuggling through sea routes
B) Illegal gold trade in jewellery markets
C) Import of luxury vehicles from Bhutan and tax evasion
D) Land encroachment by real estate firms
E) Cyber frauds in government tenders
Answer: C) Import of luxury vehicles from Bhutan and tax evasion

Event and Location:

• Event: ‘Operation Numkhor’ exposes illegal import of vehicles and tax violations
• Location: Kerala (various districts), coordinated from Thiruvananthapuram
• Date: October 17, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate launched Operation Numkhor to investigate and seize illegally imported high-end, pre-owned luxury cars brought from Bhutan to Kerala without paying road tax or registration fees.
• Objectives: To crack down on tax evasion, bogus vehicle documentation, and non-compliance with Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) regulations, and bring the violators to justice.

Important Terms Explained:

• Operation Numkhor: A special operation led by the Customs (Preventive) Department targeting unlawful vehicle imports and regulatory violations in Kerala.
• Road Tax: A tax levied by the state government for using public roads, mandatory for vehicle registration in a particular state.
• Customs (Preventive): A wing of Indian Customs tasked with stopping smuggling, illegal imports, and violations of import-export regulations.
• Motor Vehicles Department (MVD): The state-level regulatory body overseeing vehicle registration, taxation, permits, and compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act.

Tabular Summary:

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18. What is the primary aim of the ₹600 crore ‘Kapas Kranti Mission’ launched by the Centre?
A) Promote organic cotton exports
B) Subsidise textile machinery
C) Promote high-yield, long-staple cotton cultivation
D) Increase cotton imports from Africa
E) Distribute cotton-based clothing to rural areas
Answer: C) Promote high-yield, long-staple cotton cultivation

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of ‘Kapas Kranti Mission’ to boost cotton productivity
• Location: Hyderabad, Telangana (national initiative with focus on Maharashtra and Telangana)
• Date: October 17, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Central Government has launched the ₹600 crore Kapas Kranti Mission to enhance long-staple cotton cultivation through scientific research, technology integration, and extension services.
• Objectives: To increase cotton yield, promote High-Density Plantation (HDP) methods among farmers, and improve cotton quality for global competitiveness in the textile sector.

Important Terms Explained:

• Kapas Kranti Mission: A government initiative aimed at revolutionising cotton farming by promoting the cultivation of high-yield, long-staple cotton varieties using modern agricultural practices.
• High-Density Plantation (HDP): A method of planting crops at higher density per unit area to increase yield, adopted successfully in Maharashtra’s Akola region.
• Long-Staple Cotton: Cotton with longer fiber length, which produces stronger and smoother yarn, ideal for high-quality textiles and exports.
• Extension Services: Outreach programmes that educate and train farmers on new techniques, seeds, and farming innovations.

Tabular Summary:

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19. What is the primary objective of Kerala’s newly launched ‘Neer Nira’ project?
A) Build water treatment plants in coastal areas
B) Recharge borewells and improve groundwater levels
C) Supply piped water to urban households
D) Desalinate seawater for agriculture
E) Create artificial lakes in hilly regions
Answer: B) Recharge borewells and improve groundwater levels

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of ‘Neer Nira’ project for borewell recharge
• Location: Kattappana, Idukki, Kerala
• Date: October 17, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Water Resources Department of Kerala launched the ‘Neer Nira’ project to recharge borewells using government subsidies in areas facing water scarcity.
• Objectives: To nurture and conserve groundwater resources, support sustainable agriculture, and ensure long-term water security in vulnerable districts.

Important Terms Explained:

• Borewell Recharge: A water conservation method that involves channeling rainwater or treated water into borewells to replenish groundwater levels.
• Subsidy: A financial aid provided by the government to reduce the cost burden on farmers or citizens while implementing beneficial projects.
• Vision 2031: A strategic long-term development framework by the Kerala government focusing on sustainable infrastructure, resource management, and environmental goals.

Tabular Summary:

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20. According to the 2024–25 NHA Annual Report, what percentage of total hospital admissions under AB-PMJAY are accounted for by women?
A) 35%
B) 42%
C) 49%
D) 52%
E) 58%
Answer: C) 49%

Event and Location:

• Event: NHA Report reveals women account for 49% of AB-PMJAY hospital admissions
• Location: Pan-India (report released in New Delhi)
• Date: October 18, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The National Health Authority (NHA) released its Annual Report 2024–25, showing that 49% of all hospital admissions under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY were for women beneficiaries.
• Objectives: To reflect improved healthcare access for women, ensure equitable utilisation of public health insurance, and track treatment trends under India’s flagship universal health coverage scheme.

Important Terms Explained:

• AB-PMJAY (Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana): India’s flagship health insurance scheme providing cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empanelled hospitals for secondary and tertiary care.
• National Health Authority (NHA): The implementing body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare responsible for managing AB-PMJAY.
• Haemodialysis: A life-saving medical procedure to treat kidney failure; it was the most availed treatment (14%) under AB-PMJAY in 2024–25.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs October 18 & 19

21. How much investment was committed during the Global Startup Summit held in Coimbatore in October 2025?
A) Rs 98 crore
B) Rs 110 crore
C) Rs 127 crore
D) Rs 134 crore
E) Rs 150 crore
Answer: C) Rs 127 crore

Event and Location:

• Event: Global Startup Summit attracts investment commitments in Tamil Nadu
• Location: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
• Date: October 18, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Global Startup Summit was held at the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA) grounds, featuring 21 international country pavilions and resulting in 23 MoUs and Rs 127 crore in investment commitments.
• Objectives: To boost startup activity, attract global investment, and contribute to Tamil Nadu’s goal of becoming a USD 1-trillion economy by 2030.

Important Terms Explained:

• Startup Summit: A business and technology event that brings together startups, investors, corporates, and government bodies to collaborate, showcase innovation, and secure funding or partnerships.
• MoU (Memorandum of Understanding): A formal agreement between two or more parties expressing intent to collaborate or invest, without being legally binding.
• USD 1-trillion Economy Goal: Tamil Nadu’s strategic vision to grow its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) to USD 1 trillion by 2030 through innovation, infrastructure, and investment.

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22. Which institution signed an MoU with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to offer customised professional management programmes?
A) IIM Ahmedabad
B) IIM Bangalore
C) IIM Kozhikode
D) XLRI Jamshedpur
E) MDI Gurgaon
Answer: C) IIM Kozhikode

Event and Location:

• Event: IIM Kozhikode and BEL sign MoU for customised management programmes
• Location: Kozhikode, Kerala
• Date: October 17, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed an MoU to offer customised Professional Post Graduate Diploma (PPGD) programmes for BEL executives.
• Objectives: To enhance leadership capabilities, strategic management skills, and domain expertise among BEL professionals, supporting organisational growth in defence and business sectors.

Important Terms Explained:

• MoU (Memorandum of Understanding): A formal agreement between two or more parties outlining shared goals and cooperative plans, often used in institutional partnerships.
• Professional Post Graduate Diploma (PPGD): A specialised academic programme designed for working professionals to deepen their expertise in targeted domains like management and strategy.
• Navratna PSU: A classification by the Government of India given to top-performing Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) with greater financial and operational autonomy; BEL holds this status under the Ministry of Defence.

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23. Where is the Tamil Nadu government setting up a new AI Centre of Excellence under the PPP model?
A) Chennai
B) Madurai
C) Tiruchirappalli
D) Coimbatore
E) Salem
Answer: D) Coimbatore

Event and Location:

• Event: Tamil Nadu to set up an AI Centre of Excellence under PPP model
• Location: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
• Date: October 17, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Tamil Nadu government has issued an order to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Artificial Intelligence in Coimbatore under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
• Objectives: To promote AI-based innovation, support digital infrastructure, and create a knowledge-driven technology ecosystem aligned with Tamil Nadu’s digital economy goals.

Important Terms Explained:

• Centre of Excellence (CoE): A dedicated facility that focuses on high-end research, innovation, and application in specific sectors—here, Artificial Intelligence.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): A branch of computer science focused on building systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence like learning, decision-making, and problem-solving.
• Public Private Partnership (PPP): A collaborative funding and operational model between government bodies and private sector entities to execute infrastructure or development projects efficiently.

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24. Which city is being officially declared as an “Extreme Poverty-Free City” as of October 2025?
A) Thiruvananthapuram
B) Kochi
C) Kozhikode
D) Kollam
E) Kannur
Answer: C) Kozhikode

Event and Location:

• Event: Kozhikode to be declared an “Extreme Poverty-Free City”
• Location: Kozhikode, Kerala
• Date: October 18, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Kozhikode Corporation conducted a year-long survey identifying 722 people living in extreme poverty, and implemented a comprehensive support plan to uplift them.
• Objectives: To provide food, medical care, employment support, and housing for the most vulnerable, thereby achieving the status of an extreme poverty-free city—a step toward inclusive urban development.

Important Terms Explained:

• Extreme Poverty: A condition where individuals live on less than the international poverty line, typically lacking access to basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare.
• Poverty-Free City Declaration: A formal recognition by a government body that extreme poverty has been eradicated through targeted welfare schemes and support systems.
• Urban Poverty Survey: A structured assessment carried out by municipal bodies to identify and document individuals or families living below acceptable living standards.

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25. What did K. Keshava Rao emphasize as essential while using AI in journalism during a national seminar?
A) Complete reliance on AI-generated news
B) Publishing unverified reports for speed
C) Rigorous verification and ethical reporting
D) Using AI to write editorials only
E) Avoiding technology in journalism altogether
Answer: C) Rigorous verification and ethical reporting

Event and Location:

• Event: National seminar on the future of journalism in the AI era
• Location: Hyderabad, Telangana (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University)
• Date: October 17, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: K. Keshava Rao, Adviser (Public Affairs) to the State Government, addressed journalists and media students on the responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence in journalism at a national seminar.
• Objectives: To caution against the misuse of AI in newsrooms and reinforce the importance of accuracy, authenticity, and ethics in journalism amid rising concerns over fake news and misinformation.

Important Terms Explained:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence such as language processing, data analysis, and decision-making.
• Fake News: False or misleading information presented as news, often intended to mislead or manipulate public opinion.
• Media Ethics: Principles that guide the conduct of journalism, emphasizing truth, fairness, accountability, and public interest.

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26. What was the theme of the MRPL-MSNIM Vigilance Awareness Competitions 2025?
A) Say No to Corruption
B) Youth for Integrity
C) Corruption-Free India
D) Vigilance: Our Shared Responsibility
E) United Against Corruption
Answer: D) Vigilance: Our Shared Responsibility

Event and Location:

• Event: MRPL-MSNIM Vigilance Awareness Competitions 2025
• Location: Mangaluru, Karnataka
• Date: October 14, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), in collaboration with Manel Srinivas Nayak Institute of Management (MSNIM), conducted Vigilance Awareness Week competitions involving students from coastal and Malnad Karnataka.
• Objectives: To raise awareness on anti-corruption practices, foster ethical behavior, and engage youth through creative and educational competitions around the theme ‘Vigilance: Our Shared Responsibility’.

Important Terms Explained:

• Vigilance Awareness Week: An annual initiative promoted by public sector enterprises in India to promote integrity and transparency, usually aligned with the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
• Elocution: A public speaking competition focusing on clarity of speech and persuasion, often used in awareness campaigns.
• Street Play: A form of theatrical performance in public spaces, used as an effective awareness tool to engage communities.

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27. Which 26-year-old literature graduate curated Tamil Nadu’s first book vending machines at railway stations?
A) Sahana Mira
B) Jashwanth Reddy
C) Mayawathi GV
D) Teja Kumar
E) B Jothi Ramalingam
Answer: C) Mayawathi GV

Event and Location:

• Event: Installation of Tamil Nadu’s first book vending machines at railway stations
• Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Date: October 19, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Installation of 24/7 book vending machines at MGR Central Station (Platform 6) and Tambaram Station (West entrance), offering fiction, non-fiction, and children’s activity books.
• Objectives: To promote reading culture among commuters and revive interest in literature during train travel using automated book kiosks that offer easy access to curated titles.

Important Terms Explained:

• Book Vending Machine: An automated kiosk that dispenses books to readers in exchange for payment, functioning without staff assistance and available round the clock.
• UPI (Unified Payments Interface): A digital payment system developed by NPCI that allows real-time bank transactions through mobile devices, enabling contactless payments at the vending machines.
• Southern Railways: One of the zones of Indian Railways responsible for railway operations in Tamil Nadu and parts of surrounding states, which supported the book vending machine initiative.

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28. ICICI Bank has committed ₹625 crore to set up radiation therapy facilities at which cancer centre?
A) All India Institute of Medical Sciences
B) Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute
C) Tata Memorial Centre Navi Mumbai
D) Adyar Cancer Institute
E) Narayana Health Cancer Centre
Answer: C) Tata Memorial Centre Navi Mumbai

Event and Location:

• Event: ICICI Bank’s CSR funding for setting up radiation therapy facilities
• Location: Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Date: October 19, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Construction of a new cancer care building named ICICI Foundation Block for Radiation Oncology at the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer (ACTREC), part of Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai.
• Objectives: To expand access to advanced radiation oncology services in India, strengthen cancer care infrastructure, and provide cutting-edge treatment through ICICI Bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.

Important Terms Explained:

• ICICI Bank: A leading private sector bank in India engaged in banking and financial services, including CSR-driven initiatives in healthcare, education, and rural development.
• CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility): A statutory mandate under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 requiring certain companies to spend a minimum percentage of profits on social development causes such as health, education, and environment.
• Tata Memorial Centre (TMC): A premier government-funded institution under the Department of Atomic Energy, specializing in cancer treatment, research, and education in India.

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Over All Review

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