Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 26&27 October, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
26 & 27 October, 2025

National Affairs

1. Lokpal of India

Context:

The Lokpal of India, the country’s apex anti-corruption ombudsman, is facing renewed scrutiny following a steep decline in complaints—from 2,469 in FY 2022–23 to just 233 in 2025—and public criticism over a tender to purchase seven BMW cars. The developments have raised concerns about the institution’s relevance, credibility, and accountability in India’s anti-corruption ecosystem.

About Lokpal of India

An independent statutory body established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, the Lokpal investigates corruption allegations against public functionaries including the Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and government officials.

Historical Context:

• Origins: Conceptualised after the India Against Corruption movement (2011) led by Anna Hazare.
• Legal Foundation: The Act came into force on 16 January 2014, creating a national-level anti-corruption authority.
• Constitution: The first Lokpal was appointed in March 2019, marking a milestone in institutionalising accountability mechanisms at the central level.

Composition and Structure

• Chairperson: Justice A.M. Khanwilkar (former Supreme Court judge) – as of 2025.
• Members: Seven in total — four judicial and three non-judicial members, including former judges and senior administrators.
• Appointment Process:
  Conducted by the President of India on recommendations from a Selection Committee comprising the Prime Minister, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition, Chief Justice of India, and an eminent jurist.

Powers and Functions

• Inquiry & Investigation: Independent authority to investigate cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
• Jurisdiction: Covers the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, MPs, and government officials (Groups A–D), as well as organizations receiving government funding.
• Supervisory Role: Exercises oversight over the CBI in referred corruption cases to ensure impartial investigation.
• Prosecution Powers: Can sanction prosecutions, attach assets, and recommend suspensions or transfers of accused officials.
• Quasi-Judicial Authority: Possesses powers similar to a civil court for summoning witnesses, demanding records, and issuing orders.

2. Government Plans Integration of RNI, CBC, and PIB for Unified Media Communication Framework

Source: TOI

Context:

The Government of India is planning to integrate three key media-nodal bodies — the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI), Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), and Press Information Bureau (PIB) — under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). The move aims to create a unified, transparent, and responsive communication system for government outreach and media interaction.

Key Highlights:

Purpose of Integration

• The integration seeks to streamline information dissemination, reduce duplication, and ensure faster, verified communication from government ministries.
• It will enhance coordination between departments and strengthen access to authentic government data for journalists.
• Regional and local media outlets will gain quicker and contextual updates, boosting decentralized communication.

Agencies Involved

• Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI): Regulates newspaper registration and publication details in India.
• Central Bureau of Communication (CBC): Formerly known as the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP); responsible for government advertising and public outreach.
• Press Information Bureau (PIB): The official agency that disseminates information, press releases, and briefings about government policies and initiatives.

Key Features of the Unified System

• Single-window access for journalists and media houses to obtain government:
  • Press releases
  • Policy briefs
  • Multimedia content
  • Verified statistics
• Unified database across print, television, and digital media platforms.
• Improved accountability and traceability of official information dissemination.
• Reduction of redundancy and communication delays in public announcements.

About the Three Key Bodies

Institution	Key Function	Administered By
RNI (Registrar of Newspapers for India)	Registers and monitors newspapers and periodicals, maintains publisher data	MIB
CBC (Central Bureau of Communication)	Handles government publicity, campaigns, and advertising	MIB
PIB (Press Information Bureau)	Issues press releases, conducts media briefings, and facilitates official communication	MIB

3. Trishul Military Exercise

Source: TOI

Context:

India has commenced a major tri-service military exercise named ‘Trishul’ along the western front with Pakistan, involving coordinated participation of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The exercise is being conducted from October 30 to November 10, 2025, with a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued for large sections of airspace over Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Key Highlights:

Nature and Objective of Exercise:

• Exercise Name: Trishul
• Duration: October 30 – November 10, 2025
• Forces Involved: Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and Indian Navy
• Aim: To test and enhance joint operational readiness, interoperability, and tri-service coordination in a high-intensity combat environment.
• The drills will include offensive, defensive, and amphibious operations across desert and coastal terrains.

Location and Scale:

• Conducted along India’s western front — Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the Sir Creek sector near the Rann of Kutch.
• NOTAM issued for civilian aircraft to avoid a large airspace region during the exercise.

Tri-Service Participation:

• Indian Army: Deployment of main battle tanks, howitzers, missile systems, and attack helicopters.
• Indian Air Force: High-tempo “Mahagujraj Operations” using Rafale and Sukhoi-30MKI fighters, IL-78 refuellers, AWACS, helicopters, and drones for precision missions.
• Indian Navy: Deployment of frigates and destroyers off the Gujarat coast to support amphibious and littoral warfare operations.

4. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Mudra Yojana (PMKMY)

Context:

The Indian government is preparing to launch a new initiative, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Mudra Yojana (PMKMY), aimed at integrating financing with skill development to boost workforce readiness across emerging sectors. The announcement is expected in the Union Budget 2026-27.

Background and Launch

• Launched by: Launched in 8 April 2015 Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.
• Parent Schemes:
  • Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) – for collateral-free loans up to ₹10 lakh to small entrepreneurs.
  • Skill India Mission (PMKVY) – to provide employable skill training.
• Objective: To provide financial support for skills training, ensuring access to high-quality government and private training providers, particularly where training costs are high.
• Target Beneficiaries: The scheme aims to cover all segments of society, including women, rural youth, and persons with disabilities, ensuring inclusive access to skill development.
• Implementation Features:
  • Five-year rollout plan.
  • Interest subvention for marginalized groups and special regions to improve affordability.
  • Use of blended finance models combining government funding, CSR, and philanthropic contributions.
  • Expansion of the skills finance market through credit guarantees and improved data for loan underwriting, reducing lender risk and increasing accessibility.

5. Maha MedTech Mission

Source: PIB

Context:

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), in partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has launched the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA) – Medical Technology (Maha MedTech). The initiative seeks to accelerate innovation, indigenization, and affordability in India’s medical technology sector while reducing dependence on costly imports.

Key Objectives of Maha MedTech Mission

• Public Health Impact: Support technologies that address priority diseases and improve access to safe and high-quality healthcare.
• Affordability and Accessibility: Encourage cost-effective and inclusive MedTech solutions to make healthcare more accessible to all.
• Self-Reliance and Competitiveness: Catalyze domestic innovation and manufacturing, strengthening India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision in the MedTech sector.

Funding Framework

• Eligible Entities: Academic and R&D institutions, hospitals, startups, MSMEs, and industry collaborations.
• Funding Range: ₹5–25 crore per project (up to ₹50 crore in exceptional cases).
• Disbursement Model: Milestone-linked funding, ensuring accountability and innovation outcomes.

Scope of the Mission

The mission encompasses a wide spectrum of medical devices and diagnostics, including:

• Equipment and subcomponents
• Implants, surgical and assistive devices
• Consumables and software-based solutions
• AI/ML-enabled platforms and robotics

Priority Areas: Tuberculosis, cancer, neonatal care, and primary healthcare — aligned with national health priorities and the Ayushman Bharat framework.

Enabling Ecosystem and Support Platforms

The Maha MedTech Mission will integrate several national initiatives to foster innovation and regulatory facilitation:

• Patent Mitra: Intellectual property protection and technology transfer assistance.
• MedTech Mitra: Support for regulatory guidance and market clearances.
• Clinical Trial Network: Facilitation of clinical validation and evidence generation.
• Mentorship: Guidance from industry experts and policymakers for commercialization readiness.

6. ISRO to Launch GSAT-7R (CMS-03)

Context:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch CMS-03 (GSAT-7R), a next-generation military communication satellite, in November 2025 using the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The satellite is designed to significantly enhance secure, real-time communication capabilities of India’s defence forces across land, air, and sea.

About GSAT-7R (CMS-03)

• Developed by: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
• Type: Advanced military communication satellite
• Launch Vehicle: LVM-3 (used previously for Chandrayaan-3 mission in 2023)
• Weight: Approximately 4,400 kg, the heaviest Indian communication satellite to be launched to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from Indian soil.
• Replaces: GSAT-7A, launched in 2018, which primarily served the Indian Air Force.

Mission Objective

To establish robust, encrypted, and long-range communication links for:

• The Indian Navy, Air Force, and Army
• Strategic command and control centres
• Network-centric warfare and maritime domain awareness operations

The satellite aims to ensure uninterrupted connectivity across vast oceanic regions and remote border terrains, enabling seamless coordination among India’s defence forces.

7. Janjatiya Gaurav Divas 2025

Context:

The Union Government has instructed all States and Union Territories to actively prepare for the fifth Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on November 15, 2025, which will mark the culmination of Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary celebrations. The initiative aims to celebrate tribal heritage, showcase cultural contributions, and highlight government schemes targeted at tribal welfare.

About Janjatiya Gaurav Divas

• First Observed: 15 November 2021
• Declared By: Government of India
• Purpose: To honour the contributions of tribal leaders and communities in India’s freedom struggle and nation-building.
• Date Significance: Marks the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter and social reformer from Jharkhand.

Theme and Objectives for 2025

• Cultural Celebration: Showcase the rich tribal traditions, arts, crafts, and folk heritage across states.
• Recognition of Tribal Heroes: Highlight the legacy of Birsa Munda and other tribal freedom fighters.
• Awareness on Government Initiatives: Display ongoing and new tribal welfare schemes under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
• Inclusive Development: Promote the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas through tribal empowerment.

Government Initiatives to be Highlighted

• Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN): Focus on holistic development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Providing quality education to tribal students.
• Van Dhan Vikas Kendras: Supporting forest-based livelihoods and entrepreneurship.
• Digital India initiatives for tribal regions, including digital literacy and connectivity projects.
• Tribal Health and Nutrition Mission to improve socio-economic indicators in remote tribal belts.

Banking/Finance

1. India’s Forex Reserves Cross $700 Billion for the First Time

Source: TOI

Context:

India’s foreign exchange reserves have touched a new milestone, crossing the $700 billion mark for the first time. The jump was mainly driven by an increase in gold reserves, boosted by both RBI’s purchases and a rise in global gold prices.

Key Highlights:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that total forex reserves surged by $8.5 billion, crossing $700 billion.
• Gold reserves rose sharply to over $60 billion, reflecting higher global prices and fresh RBI acquisitions.
• Foreign Currency Assets (FCA), which form the largest component, declined slightly by $1.2 billion due to exchange rate fluctuations.
• This increase marks a strong improvement in India’s external sector resilience and macro-financial stability.

About Forex Reserves:

• Definition: External assets held by the central bank in the form of foreign currencies, gold, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), and IMF reserve positions.
• Custodian: Managed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Objective:
  • Maintain currency stability and investor confidence.
  • Serve as a crisis buffer for external shocks or BoP (balance of payments) pressures.
  • Ensure liquidity for international trade and debt servicing.

Components of India’s Forex Reserves:

• Foreign Currency Assets (FCA) – the largest share, denominated in major currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, and JPY.
• Gold Reserves – held domestically and abroad by the RBI.
• Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) – allocated by the IMF.
• Reserve Position in IMF – India’s quota contribution with the IMF.

2. Government Clarifies LIC’s Investment Autonomy

Source: TOI

Context:

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Finance Ministry and NITI Aayog clarified that they have no role in the investment decisions of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). Officials emphasized that LIC’s investments are governed by board-approved policies, and all decisions are made independently, following regulatory norms laid down by SEBI and IRDAI.

Key Highlights:

Investment Autonomy of LIC

• LIC’s investments are governed by internal board-approved guidelines, not by any directive from DFS or NITI Aayog.
• The insurer’s investment strategy is based on market outlook, asset-liability management, and return optimization for policyholders.
• LIC is a listed entity and subject to regulatory oversight by SEBI (for equity holdings) and IRDAI (for insurance sector compliance).

About LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India)

• Founded: 1956 (through nationalisation of life insurers)
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Assets under Management (AUM): Over ₹55 lakh crore
• Listed: 2022 on BSE and NSE
• LIC is India’s largest institutional investor, managing funds across equities, debt, infrastructure, and sovereign securities.

3. MCX Launches Options Trading on Bullion Index ‘Bulldex’ Amid Gold-Silver Price Volatility

Source: TOI

Context:

The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) has announced the launch of monthly options contracts on its bullion index ‘Bulldex’, marking a key development in India’s commodity derivatives market. The move follows one of the most intense buying phases in gold and silver that the country has witnessed in recent years.

Key Highlights:

• Launch Date: Monday, with contracts expiring in November, December, and January 2026 available initially.
• Underlying Index: Bulldex, MCX’s bullion index, is based on gold and silver futures prices.
• Market Context: The launch coincides with a period of price correction in both gold and silver after a sustained rally in the global and domestic markets.
• India’s Global Standing: India ranks as the world’s top country in terms of the number of options contracts traded, according to the Futures Industry Association (FIA).
• Existing Framework: MCX, launched Bulldex futures in August 2020, and is now expanding the product suite to include options contracts for greater hedging flexibility and participation.

What is Options Trading?

Options Trading is a type of derivatives trading where investors buy or sell contracts that give them the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset (like a stock, index, or commodity) at a predetermined price (strike price) before or on a specific date (expiry date).

Key Concepts

1. Underlying Asset:

The financial instrument on which the option is based — for example, Nifty 50, Bank Nifty, or a specific stock like Reliance or Infosys.

2. Option Contract Types:

• Call Option (CE):
  Gives the holder the right to buy the underlying asset at a fixed price before expiry.
  • Traders buy calls if they expect prices to rise.
• Put Option (PE):
  Gives the holder the right to sell the underlying asset at a fixed price before expiry.
  • Traders buy puts if they expect prices to fall.

3. Strike Price:

The pre-decided price at which the buyer can buy (in a call) or sell (in a put) the asset.

4. Expiry Date:

The date when the option contract ends. In India, index options like Nifty and Bank Nifty have weekly and monthly expiries.

5. Premium:

The price paid by the buyer to the seller (writer) of the option to acquire the contract.

• It’s the cost of buying the “right” to trade the asset in the future.

4. Parametric Insurance

Source: BL

Context:

Recognizing the growing vulnerability of India’s smallholder farmers to climate shocks, the Government of India is planning to launch a nationwide climate-linked parametric insurance programme. The initiative aims to provide a transparent, data-driven protection mechanism against weather-induced agricultural losses—offering timely relief to the most vulnerable communities.

Background: Agriculture and Climate Vulnerability

• Employment and GDP: Agriculture employs nearly 50% of India’s population and contributes about 18% to GDP.
• Smallholder Dominance: Around 86% of Indian farmers are smallholders, managing limited landholdings and depending heavily on monsoons.
• Climate Risks: Erratic rainfall, droughts, floods, and cyclones have increasingly disrupted agricultural output, aggravating income instability and indebtedness among rural households.

Parametric Insurance

• Definition: Parametric (or index-based) insurance provides payouts automatically when a predefined climatic parameter (e.g., rainfall, temperature, wind speed) crosses a threshold.
• Mechanism: Unlike traditional crop insurance, no field inspection is required; payouts are based on satellite data, weather stations, or remote sensing metrics.
• Key Advantages:
  • Speed: Quick, automated claim settlements.
  • Transparency: Objective, data-based triggers reduce disputes and delays.
  • Simplicity: Fewer procedural hurdles and documentation requirements.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Lower administrative and underwriting costs.

Challenges with Traditional Insurance Models

• Existing Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched in 2016, replaced NAIS and MNAIS.
• Limitations:
  • High premium costs.
  • Delay in claim settlements due to field assessments.
  • Low penetration among marginalized and remote communities.
  • Complex procedures and limited trust among farmers.

Significance of the Climate-Linked Parametric Insurance

• Timely Risk Mitigation: Protects farmers from rapid-onset climate events like droughts or cyclones.
• Trust and Accessibility: Simplifies coverage, making insurance more inclusive and credible for smallholders.
• Financial Resilience: Reduces dependence on high-interest informal loans, curbing the cycle of rural indebtedness and poverty.
• Data-Driven Governance: Leverages satellite, IoT, and AI-enabled climate monitoring systems for transparent implementation.
• Alignment with Global Goals: Supports UN SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 1 (No Poverty) by strengthening climate adaptation in agriculture.

Agriculture

1. National Seeds Corporation Launches Modern Seed Processing and Management Systems to Boost Farm Productivity

Source: News on Air

Context:

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the National Seeds Corporation’s (NSC) new state-of-the-art seed processing plant in New Delhi, marking a major step toward ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds for farmers across India. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s seed supply chain, curb fake and substandard seeds, and enhance agricultural productivity and transparency through digital innovation.

New Seed Processing Infrastructure

• The newly inaugurated Beej Bhawan in Pusa, New Delhi, features a processing capacity of one ton per hour.
• Five additional NSC seed processing plants were virtually inaugurated in Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh), Dharwad and Hassan (Karnataka), Suratgarh (Rajasthan), and Raichur (Karnataka).
• Each of these plants is capable of processing four tons of seeds per hour, enabling large-scale production and distribution of certified seeds nationwide.

Addressing Quality and Counterfeit Concerns

• The Agriculture Minister highlighted that fake and substandard seeds had become a recurring challenge for farmers.
• The new plants will ensure that certified, high-germination seeds reach farmers efficiently and in time for the sowing seasons.
• NSC’s quality assurance and traceability mechanisms are designed to prevent fraudulent practices in seed supply chains.

Launch of Digital Platforms

• The Minister also launched Seed Management 2.0 and an online seed booking platform.
• These systems will allow farmers to book seeds online, ensuring real-time tracking, availability transparency, and reduction in middlemen dependency.
• The digital interface will also facilitate data-driven monitoring of seed demand and distribution across states.

Strengthening National Food Security

• Mr. Chouhan emphasized that seed availability and quality are foundational to increasing crop yields and farmers’ incomes.
• The initiative aligns with the government’s broader mission of achieving self-sufficiency in food production and boosting export potential.
• NSC has been tasked with creating a comprehensive roadmap to ensure small and marginal farmers receive timely access to superior seed varieties.

Role of the National Seeds Corporation (NSC)

• NSC, a Miniratna public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is responsible for producing, processing, and distributing quality seeds across the country.
• It plays a vital role in promoting high-yielding and climate-resilient crop varieties, contributing to both agricultural resilience and national food reserves.

Facts To Remember

1. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025

In a major step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat in security forces, indigenous dog breeds like Mudhol Hound and Rampur Hound will lead the parade during Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat on October 31, 2025. The move reflects the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2020 call to replace foreign dog breeds with resilient desi breeds in police and paramilitary forces.

2. Satish Shah passes away

An effortless performer who made even a corpse a timeless monument of Indian cinema, Satish Shah bid adieu in Mumbai from kidney failure. Not just a supporting player, Shah was often the spark that lit scenes with humour and elevated his co-actors’ performances.

3. Murmu inaugurates Yashoda Medicity in Ghaziabad

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Yashoda Medicity, a private hospital, at Indirapuram in Ghaziabad.

4. Shaina and Diksha claim gold as India finishes with best-ever medal haul

India recorded its best-ever showing at the Badminton Asia under-17 and under-15 Championships as Shaina Manimuthu and Diksha Sudhakar clinched gold medals in their respective categories.

5. Aman wins Jaipur IGPL invitational

Aman Raj ended a 22-month title drought, winning the IGPL Invitational over the weekend in Jaipur. The 30-year-old shot a final round of 2-under 68 after 61 and 61 on the first two days for a three-day total of 20-under to win by two shots ahead of Kartik Singh.

6. India’s Largest Hydropower Project Begins Test Run

Context:

The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, India’s largest hydropower project with a total capacity of 2,000 MW, has commenced the wet commissioning of its first 250-MW unit, indicating that the project is nearing operational status. The project spans the Arunachal Pradesh–Assam boundary.

7. IPL Biologicals Wins Bronze at 10th Bernard Blum Awards 2025 for Biocontrol Innovation ‘Bellator’

IPL Biologicals Ltd, a leading Indian company specializing in biological solutions for sustainable agriculture, has won the Bronze Award at the 10th Bernard Blum Awards 2025 for its innovative biocontrol product, Bellator.

About the Award

• Purpose: Recognizes innovative, effective, and environmentally sustainable biological crop protection products.
• Event: 10th Bernard Blum Awards 2025
• Venue: Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting (ABIM), Basel, Switzerland
• Organisers: Jointly hosted by the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) and FiBL (Research Institute of Organic Agriculture)

8. Paytm enables UPI payments for NRIs using international mobile numbers

Paytm has launched a service allowing Non-Resident Indians from 12 countries to make UPI payments in India using their international mobile numbers, the company announced today. The feature eliminates the need for a local Indian SIM card and works with NRE or NRO bank accounts.

9. Election Commission to Conduct Special Intensive Revision in 12 States, UTs

The Election Commission today announced that the second phase of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls will be conducted in 12 states and Union Territories. 

10. Indian Navy to Commission Indigenous Survey Vessel Ikshak in Kochi on December 6

Indian Navy will commission its indigenously built Survey Vessel Ikshak at Naval Base Kochi on the 6th of next month.

11. Union Home Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates Deep-Sea Fishing Boats at Mazgaon Dock, Mumbai

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah today inaugurated two boats for deep-sea fishing at Mazgaon Dock in Mumbai. 

12. Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 Begins Nationwide with Theme “Vigilance – Our Shared Responsibility”

    The Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 is being observed across the country from today to promote probity in public life and achieve a corruption-free society. 

13. Grand Finale of Model Rocketry and CANSAT India Student Competition Begins in UP

  In Uttar Pradesh, the 4-day-long grand finale of the Model Rocketry/CANSAT India Student Competition will start from today on the banks of the Narayani River at Tumkuhiraj, Kushinagar.

14. Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 announced

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 were announced today. Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar will be given the Vigyan Ratna award posthumously.