National News
1. Indian Railways to patronise 'Aabhar' online store in a bid to encourage local artisans
● In a bid to promote local talent, the Indian Railways will patronise the newly launched 'Aabhar' online store that will showcase a range of exquisite gift items manufactured by indigenous tribes, handloom weavers and others coming under the ambit of One District One Product (ODOP) and Geographical Indication (GI) products.
● The online store hosted by the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) sources gift items exclusively from the Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIE), Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), and various Central and State Handicraft and Handloom Emporiums.
● Promoted with the 'Vocal for Local' campaign, the store would offer a variety of articles and hampers that could be used in official events, ceremonies, and functions. The objective is to promote social inclusion and encourage local artisans and traditional industries.
● Promote rich heritage Sharing details of the website and liaison officers to facilitate the purchase, the Railway Board referred to a note issued by the Chief Executive Officer, GeM, which stated that the purpose of the initiative was also to promote India's rich heritage through handlooms, handicrafts, artisanal goods, etc., by providing market access to local artisans, rural entrepreneurs and womenled enterprises. The GeM is aimed at supporting a sustainable and inclusive economic development.
● To provide a market for local/indigenous products and create additional in-come opportunities for the marginalised sections of society, the railways launched 'One Station One Product' (OSOP) scheme over its network a few years ago where articles, like artefacts made by indi-genous tribes, handlooms by local weavers, and handicrafts like chikankari were showcased.
2. The three-day Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2025 concluded in New Delhi.
● It was conducted by the Indian Navy from October 28 to 30, 2025.
● The dialogue was themed ‘Promoting Holistic Maritime Security and Growth: Regional Capacity-Building and Capability-Enhancement.’
● Representatives from over thirty countries in and beyond the Indo-Pacific attended the dialogue.
● A session on the Blue Economy and seabed infrastructure highlighted challenges in protecting underwater assets.
● Discussions focused on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and enhanced ASEAN-India cooperation.
● A publication titled ‘Maritime Perspectives: The Blue Economy and Resilience’ was released by National Maritime Foundation (NMF).
● Sanjeev Sanyal, member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, released the book ‘Operationalising Project MAUSAM’ by NMF.
● IPRD-2025 offered valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners.
● The dialogue explored ways to foster regional maritime collaboration and formulate new multilateral initiatives.
3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Raipur to take part in 25th Statehood Day celebrations of Chhattisgarh.
● He attended the Silver Jubilee event in Raipur. This event marking 25 years since the formation of Chhattisgarh.
● He inaugurated and lay the foundation stones for development projects worth more than ₹14,000 crore.
● He interacted with about 2,500 children who recovered from congenital heart conditions.
● This interaction was part of the ‘Dil Ki Baat’ programme at Shri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital.
● He also opened the Shanti Shikhar centre of the Prajapita Brahma Kumaris.
● He inaugurated the newly constructed building of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly in Raipur.
● At the Assembly premises, he unveiled a statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
● He inaugurated the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial and the Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museum developed in Nava Raipur.
● Chhattisgarh was granted statehood on 1 November 2000. It was a part of Madhya Pradesh. Its capital is Raipur. Its legislature is unicameral.
4. Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada has begun from 01 November.
● Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
● As per Tribal Affairs Ministry, the Pakhwada will be observed across the nation.
● The celebrations will include participation from Tribal Research Institutes. Eklavya Model Residential Schools will also take part.
● The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India and the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation will also be involved.
● The Pakhwada aims to showcase achievements under several programs.
● These include PM JANMAN, Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, and the National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission.
● It will also highlight various livelihood and entrepreneurship schemes.
● The two-week event will conclude on the 15th November as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.
● It will pay tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary.
● To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the year 2025 has been declared as the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh.
● Birsa Munda was a legendary tribal leader and freedom fighter. He led several tribal revolts against British colonial rule.
● His most famous uprising was the Ulgulan, or Great Tumult. He fought against exploitation and injustice faced by tribal communities.
● He is revered as Bhagwan, or God, by many tribal groups.
5. Manipur celebrated the Chavang Kut festival on 1 November.
● This festival is observed to thank the almighty for a good harvest season.
● The festival marks end of the harvesting season.
● The festival is primarily celebrated by the Chin-Kuki-Mizo communities across Manipur and other parts of Northeast India.
● Chavang Kut is held every year on November 1.
● The celebration includes traditional dances, folk music, indigenous sports, and other cultural performances.
● Due to its cultural significance, Chavang Kut was officially declared a state holiday in 1982.
● Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla extended greetings to the people on the occasion.
State News
6. Azharuddin sworn in as Telangana Cabinet Minister
● Md. Azharuddin, former cricketer and Congress leader, was sworn in as a Minister in the Telangana Cabinet on Friday.
● Governor Jishnu Dev Varma administered the oath of office and secrecy, at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad.
● He is the 16th Minister of the State. The Cabinet in August cleared his name for nomination to the Legislative Council under Governor's quota.
● Speaking to presspersons, Mr. Azharuddin said it was unnecessary to react to Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy's statements on his induction and the political reasons attributed to it before the Jubilee Hills bypoll.
● He said he was ready to accept any portfolio.
Award News
7. The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak for 2025 has been awarded to 1,466 personnel.
● Recipients are from various States, Union Territories, Central Armed Police Forces, and Central Police Organisations.
● The medal recognises outstanding performance. It promotes high professional standards and boosts morale.
● The award focuses on the fields of Special Operations, Investigation, Intelligence, and Forensic Science.
● The award was instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs in February 2024.
● The medal is announced annually on October 31. The date coincides with the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
● The award honours police officers, security personnel, intelligence officials, and forensic scientists.
● The Jammu and Kashmir Police team involved in “Operation Mahadev” received the award.
● This was a high-risk counter-terror operation near Dachigam National Park following the Pahalgam attack.
● The team was recognised for their bravery and exceptional service.
● Notable recipients include IGP Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdi, DIG Pande Rajiv Omprakash, SSP Srinagar G V Sundeep Chakraborty, SPs Tanweer Ahmed Dar and Zoheb Tanveer, and several DSPs.
Agreement News
8. A MoU has been signed Maharashtra government and the Abu Dhabi Ports Group and the Investment Resource & Presidential Office of Abu Dhabi.
● The MoU aims to to strengthen maritime cooperation between the two regions.
● The agreement aims to promote technological exchange.
● It will help in upgrading port facilities collaboration in the field of technology, port modernization, and logistics development.
● The partnership includes investments worth up to 2 billion US dollars.
● These funds will be used in sectors such as shipbuilding, ship-breaking, water transport, and port infrastructure.
● Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presided over the MoU signing and exchange ceremony.
● The collaboration will boost coastal development in Maharashtra and attract major foreign investments to the state.
● The strategic collaboration will also strenghthen Maharashtra’s reputation as a leading maritime hub in India.
Defence News
9. A tri-service military drill, Trishul, is currently being conducted along India’s western frontier with Pakistan.
● Vice Admiral A. N. Pramod, Director General of Naval Operations, said that Trishul will end on the 13th November.
● The Trishul includes coordination between the Army’s Southern Command, the Navy’s Western Command, and the Air Force’s South-Western Air Command.
● Indian Coast Guard, the Border Security Force, and several central government agencies are other participants.
● About 20 to 25 warships have been deployed by Indian Navy for the Trishul.
● Around 40 combat aircraft from Indian Air Force are also participating in Trishul
● Trishul aims to strengthen joint operational readiness.
● It also aims to improve coordination among India’s land, air, and maritime forces.
10. A 10-year framework has been signed by the India and US to strengthen Defence Partnership.
● The goal of the framework is to secure long-term stability in defence ties.
● The agreement was finalized after a bilateral meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
● The meeting was held during the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting – Plus in Kuala Lumpur.
● The 2025 framework builds on earlier announcements made in February 2025.
● Those came after discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump.
● The framework continues the path set by earlier initiatives. These include the 2013 Joint US-India Declaration on Defence Cooperation.
● It also follows the 2015 Defence Relationship Framework.
● From 2016 to 2020, India and the US signed Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, and Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) in 2020.
● In August 2024, India and US finalized the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA).
● In September 2025, Indian and American forces held a joint military exercise for two weeks.
● The exercise was named Yudh Abhyas. It was held at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
Miscellaneous News
11. Union Health Ministry sets 3 Guinness World Records
● The Union Health Ministry has achieved three Guinness World Records titles under the nationwide Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA) campaign, according to a release issued by the Ministry on Friday.
● The records include the most people to register for a healthcare platform in one month (over 3.21 crore), the most people to sign up for a breast cancer screening online in one week (over 9.94 lakh), and the most people to sign up for vital signs screening online in one week at the State level (over 1.25 lakh). The campaign was launched on September 17 in conjunction with Poshan Maah.
Sports News
12. The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 inaugurated at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Taleigao, Goa.
● This prestigious global chess event has returned to India after 23 years.
● The championship is taking place from October 31 to November 27 and features 206 players representing 82 nations.
● The prize money for the competition is two million US dollars.
● Some of the participants are famous players like Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Wesley So, and Anish Giri.
● PM Modi called India the birthplace of chess. Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya noted India’s rapid growth in chess.
● According to Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the number of Grandmasters has increased from 10 to 88 since the last World Cup, which was held in 2002.