1. National News & Developments
India to Restore Full Embassy in Kabul
India has upgraded its diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, converting the technical mission in Kabul into a full-fledged embassy.
During a visit to New Delhi, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar jointly condemned terrorism and signaled deeper cooperation in reconstruction and humanitarian support.
PM’s Krishi Programme & New Agriculture Schemes Launch
Prime Minister will inaugurate projects worth more than ₹ 42,000 crore in the agriculture and allied sectors at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.
He is set to launch PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (₹ 24,000 crore) and a Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (₹ 11,440 crore) to boost productivity, area under cultivation, and value chain in pulses.
He will interact with farmers engaged in pulses cultivation.
SBI Digital Services Maintenance Window
State Bank of India announced a scheduled maintenance window from 1:10 AM to 2:10 AM IST on 11 October 2025.
During this time, essential digital services like UPI, IMPS, and NEFT will be non-operational. Customers are advised to plan their transactions accordingly.
SSC CGL 2025 Re-exam Admit Card Released
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the hall tickets for the re-exam of SSC CGL 2025 Tier-I.
Candidates can download from the official SSC portal. The admit card includes details such as exam centre, roll number, timing, etc.
Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 & Protests
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, has sparked protests across several states, including West Bengal and Tripura.
Muslim bodies and opposition parties have voiced concerns over alleged state interference in waqf property management, claiming the act is discriminatory and unconstitutional.
The government counters that the reforms aim to improve transparency in waqf property governance.
High Rain Forecast for October – IMD Warns
The India Meteorological Department forecasts rainfall exceeding 115% of the 50-year average across India in October 2025.
This continues the trend of heavy rains seen in September and signals possible implications for agriculture, flood preparedness, and water management.
Mati Kala Mahotsav Commences in Uttar Pradesh
A 10-day festival celebrating terracotta and traditional pottery started in Lucknow.
The state government launched a Mati Kala portal and an e-Verification mobile app to integrate artisans into digital systems, facilitate access to benefits, and enable marketing support.
Electric potter’s wheels, pug mills, and equipment were distributed to selected artisans.
Menstrual Hygiene Drive Reaches Over 14.64 Lakh in UP
Under Mission Shakti, the menstrual hygiene awareness campaign, aligned with International Girl Child Week (October 3–11), reached over 14.64 lakh people.
Sessions were held in child-care homes, women’s shelters, and institutions, focusing on safe usage, disposal of sanitary products, and dispelling myths.
2. International & Global Affairs
WTO Global Trade Outlook 2025–26 Report
The World Trade Organization lowered its growth forecast for global merchandise trade: from 2.8% in 2024 to 2.4% in 2025, and projecting a sharp fall to 0.5% in 2026.
Global GDP growth is estimated at 2.7% in 2025 and 2.6% in 2026.
The slowdown underscores global headwinds such as supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and trade barriers.
India Rolls Out Biometric Authentication for UPI
From October 8, 2025, India will allow digital payments via UPI using biometric authentication (fingerprint/face recognition) linked to Aadhaar.
This replaces or complements the traditional PIN-based system, as per updated Reserve Bank of India guidelines.
NPCI will unveil the change at the Global Fintech Festival in Mumbai.
3. Banking, Economy & Finance
GST Reforms Promise by PM Modi
Prime Minister has pledged to make structural reforms to the GST regime before Diwali 2025.
Proposals under consideration include merging slabs, reducing tax rates on certain goods, and streamlining compliance.
This may lead to revenue impact but is expected to boost consumption and ease burdens on citizens.
SBI Digital Disruption — Key Transaction Services Down Temporarily
During SBI’s downtime (1:10–2:10 AM), UPI, NEFT, IMPS services will be unavailable.
This is especially relevant for aspirants to note in banking awareness sections and real-time happenings in the financial sector.
4. Sports & Major Events
Asian Aquatics Championships 2025 Concludes in Ahmedabad
The 11th Asian Aquatics Championships (covering swimming, diving, artistic swimming, water polo) is being hosted in Ahmedabad at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex.
The event runs from 28 September to 11 October 2025.
BWF World Junior Championships in Guwahati
India hosts the BWF World Junior Championships from 6 to 19 October 2025, with Suhandinata Cup (team event) held from 6 to 11 October.
This marks a significant moment for Indian badminton and youth sports development.
Irani Cup 2025-26 — Vidarbha Clinches Title
The 62nd edition of the Irani Cup was contested between Vidarbha and Rest of India from 1–5 October in Nagpur.
Vidarbha won by 93 runs. Atharva Taide was named Man of the Match.
Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2025-26 Begins
The 17th edition of India’s domestic women’s T20 tournament started on 8 October.
A total of 37 teams are participating across groups, with matches played until 31 October.
The Smashing Pumpkins to Debut in India
Iconic rock band The Smashing Pumpkins will perform in Bengaluru on October 11 (Transform Arena) and in Mumbai on October 12 (Jio World Garden).
It is their first-ever India tour, generating excitement in the music and entertainment space.
5. Miscellaneous, Appointments & Awards
IIC Annual Festival ‘Sā-Vanitā: Thus, She Speaks’
The India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi is hosting its 21st festival from October 10 to 14.
The edition focuses on celebrating women’s voices via talks, exhibitions, films, and cultural performances.
Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 — Register by Today
The nationwide student hackathon, launched by the Education Ministry, has its registration deadline extended to 11 October 2025.
It aims to foster innovation, problem-solving, and developmental thinking among school children across India.
Panchang / Religious Observances
In the Hindu calendar, 11 October 2025 is Kartik Krishna Paksha Panchami.
Rahu Kaal (inauspicious period) is from 09:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
Details of Abhijit Muhurat and other timings are listed in daily panchang sources.
6. Exam-Oriented Highlights & Revision Pointers
For Banking & Finance: SBI maintenance outage, biometric UPI launch, proposed GST reforms.
For Economy & International: WTO’s downgraded trade forecast, India-Afghanistan diplomatic upgrade.
For Agriculture & Rural: New PM agricultural schemes, heavy rainfall forecast implications, status of pulses mission.
For Sports & Culture: Results and host cities (Irani Cup, Asian Aquatics, BWF), Smashing Pumpkins’ India entry.
For Legal / Governance: Waqf Amendment Act controversies.
For Current Affairs Qs sample hints:
• Which Act sparked protests over waqf property control?
• What is the projected global trade growth for 2026 (WTO)?
• Which state’s team won the 2025-26 Irani Cup?
• What new payment authentication mechanism is going live in India?
• Name the two major agriculture-related schemes to be launched by PM on 11.10.2025.
