National News

1. PM Modi Inaugurates ₹1,219 Crore Development Projects in Kevadia of Sardar Patel’s 150th Jayanti

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several development projects worth ₹1,219 crore in Kevadia, of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary.
The projects include the Birsa Munda Bhavan, a residential complex for GSEC and SSNNL employees, the first phase of the hospitality district, and a Bonsai Garden, enhancing the region’s cultural and tourism infrastructure.
During the event, the PM also flagged off electric buses to promote eco-friendly transport and released a commemorative coin and postage stamp in honor of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Patel.

International News

2. UN Launches First-Ever Global Convention Against Cybercrime in Hanoi to Strengthen International Digital Security Framework

The United Nations Convention against Cybercrime was held in Hanoi, Vietnam, in October 2025, co-hosted by Vietnam and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), marking a major global effort to combat cybercrime.
The Convention opened for signature on 25–26 October 2025 in Hanoi and will remain open at the UN Headquarters in New York until 31 December 2026, allowing countries to join the global framework.
It aims to establish the world’s first international legal framework to prevent, investigate, and prosecute cybercrimes, including ransomware, financial fraud, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images — the first treaty to criminalise such digital offences.
About United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1997, headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
It was formed by merging two earlier UN bodies — the United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) and the Centre for International Crime Prevention (CICP).
To assist member states in the fight against illicit drugs, organized crime, terrorism, and corruption, while promoting criminal justice, crime prevention, and rule of law.
UNODC plays a leading role in the implementation of key international conventions, including:

○ The UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (2000)

○ The UN Convention against Corruption (2003)

○ The UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and

Psychotropic Substances (1988)

3. Malaysia Hands Over ASEAN Chairmanship to the Philippines at 47th ASEAN Summit

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chairmanship was formally handed over by Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia to Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of Philippines, who will assume the chairmanship in 2026.
The handover took place at the closing ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, with Malaysia symbolically passing the gavel to the Philippines, marking Manila’s sixth term as ASEAN Chair.
The transition highlights ASEAN’s evolving focus on deepening regional integration, broadening membership (e.g., the accession of Timor‑Leste as the 11th member), and reinforcing the bloc’s role amid growing global geopolitical and economic challenges.
About Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organisation established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, to promote political, economic, and socio-cultural cooperation among its member countries.
The founding members of ASEAN are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Over time, the organisation expanded to include Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, bringing the total membership to 10 nations.
The ASEAN Secretariat is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, and the organisation operates under the ASEAN Charter, which provides the legal and institutional framework for its functioning.

State News

4. Kerala declares itself free of extreme poverty; CM calls it a historic moment

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared Kerala 'free from extreme poverty' at a special session of the Assembly on the occasion of the State Formation Day (Kerala Piravi) on Saturday, making it the first State to do so.
The Opposition United Democratic Front walked out of the session questioning the propriety of convening a special session. just for the Chief Minister to make a statement under Rule 300 of the House procedures. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan also called it a "hollow proclamation".
Mr. Vijayan, who called this year's Kerala Piravi the birth of a new era, spoke at length about the four-year long process that led to the declaration.
The opposition charged that the declaration was a publicity stunt ahead of the local body elections, and said that the implementation of the Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme was a decision taken in the first Cabinet meeting of the Left Democratic Front in 2021.
"We only make promises we can fulfil and we have fulfilled what we promised," he said. "This proud achievement belongs to the entire people of Kerala. We are witness-ing a historic moment," the Chief Minister said.

5. Lucknow is now a UNESCO 'Creative City of Gastronomy

Lucknow has officially been declared a UNESCO 'Creative City of Gastronomy' during the 43rd Ses-sion of the UNESCO General Conference, currently under way in Uzbekistan.
The recognition celebrates the city's centuries-old Awadhi cuisine, living food traditions, and inclusive cultural heritage.
The U.P. The government said it marks a milestone for the State, positioning it among the world's top gastronomic destinations and showcasing how food heritage can become a symbol of cultural diplomacy and sustainable tourism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing happiness, called upon people from around the world to visit the city. "Lucknow is synonymous with a vibrant culture, at the core of which is a great culinary culture. I am glad that UNESCO has recognised this aspect of Lucknow," he wrote on X.
Culinary tourism
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the recognition not only highlights Lucknow's culinary legacy but also strengthens Uttar Pradesh's role in India's growth story.
The U.P. The government said the 'Creative City' status will strengthen global outreach, promote food-based entrepreneurship, and encourage more sustainable tourism.

6. Foundation stone laid for semiconductor unit in Odisha

The foundation stone was laid for a silicon carbide semiconductor production plant approved under the India Semiconductor Mission here on Saturday.
The project entails an investment of ₹2,067 crore. SiCSem Private Limited, a subsidiary of Archean Chemical Industries Limited, will set up the facility.
The integrated facility, expected to be operational by 2027-28, will have the capacity to process 60,000 SiC (silicon carbide) wafers annually, and package approximately 96 million units, according to the company.
The project is expected to create over 1,000 direct jobs.

Defence News

7. President Droupadi Murmu Becomes First Indian President to Fly in Two Fighter Jets.

President Droupadi Murmu made history by becoming the first President of India to fly in two different fighter jets, taking a Rafale sortie from the Indian Air Force Station, Ambala, on October 29, 2025. She had earlier flown in a Sukhoi-30 MKI from Tezpur, Assam, in April 2023.
The 30-minute sortie, piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, covered around 200 km, reaching an altitude of 15,000 feet and a speed of 700 km/h.
She was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour on arrival and interacted with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India’s first woman Rafale pilot, before the flight.

Business News

8. Kishan Reddy Launches KOYLA SHAKTI Dashboard and CLAMP Portal to Revolutionize Coal Sector Digitization

Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, launched two digital initiatives — KOYLA SHAKTI Dashboard and CLAMP Portal — via video conference in New Delhi, aiming to modernise India’s coal sector.
A unified digital platform integrating the entire coal value chain from mine to market, enabling real-time coordination among coal companies, railways, ports, and industries to improve logistics, transparency, and decision-making.
The Coal Land Acquisition, Management, and Payment (CLAMP) Portal digitizes land acquisition, compensation, and R&R processes, serving as a centralized repository to ensure transparency, accountability, and faster execution in land-related matters.

Schemes and Committees News

9. Government Launches ‘Model Youth Gram Sabha’ Initiative to Empower Students in Grassroots Democracy Across 1,000+ Schools Nationwide

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, launched the first-ever “Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS)” initiative on 30th October 2025 in New Delhi.
During the event, a Training Module and the MYGS Portal were unveiled to enhance the effective implementation of the initiative, strengthen teacher capacity, and encourage active student participation in grassroots democracy.
The initiative will be implemented across over 1,000 schools nationwide, including Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs), and various State Government Schools.

Appointments

10. Justice Surya Kant Appointed as 53rd Chief Justice of India

Justice Surya Kant was appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on October 30, 2025, and will assume office on November 24, 2025, serving till February 9, 2027.
The Department of Justice, Union Law Ministry, issued the official notification of his appointment; he will succeed Justice Bhushan R. Gavai, who retires on November 23.
A distinguished legal career began in 1985 at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where he later became the youngest Advocate General of Haryana in 2000 and was elevated as a High Court Judge in 2004.
Justice Surya Kant has also served as Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court (2018), was elevated to the Supreme Court (2019), and currently serves as the Executive Chairman of NALSA (since May 2025).

Important Days

11. 30 October – World Thrift Day

World Thrift Day is observed every year on 30 October in India to promote the importance of saving money and financial security among citizens.
The day was first celebrated in 1924 during the First International Thrift Congress held in Milan, Italy, where the concept of promoting thrift and savings was introduced.
Theme 2025 – Conquer your Tomorrow

12. 31 October – Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) is celebrated every year on 31 October to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the Iron Man of India for his pivotal role in unifying the nation after independence.
Theme 2025 – Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat
The day was first observed in 2014, when the Government of India introduced it to honour Patel’s contribution to national integration and administrative reforms.
The Statue of Unity in Gujarat, the world’s tallest statue, stands as a symbol of his vision for a united and strong India.

13. 29 October – International Day of Care and Support

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 29 October as the International Day of Care and Support in 2023, to recognise the crucial role of paid and unpaid care work in sustaining societies and economies.
The day aims to promote gender equality by recognising, reducing, redistributing, and rewarding unpaid care and domestic work, which is largely carried out by women worldwide.

Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 2nd November 2025