1. National News & Affairs
India–UK Exercise KONKAN-2025 begins
The bilateral naval exercise between India and the UK commenced off the western coast of India.
It will run from 5 to 12 October 2025.
Activities include anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare drills, flying operations, and professional interactions.
India is deploying INS Vikrant and other ships; the UK’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG-25) is participating.
Tariff dispute: Jaishankar calls U.S. tariffs unfair
India’s External Affairs Minister criticised the U.S. for imposing tariffs over India’s import of Russian oil.
He noted inconsistency, citing that several European nations continue importing Russian energy without such penalties.
He reiterated India’s intention to actively resolve trade friction with the U.S.
UK Prime Minister Starmer to visit India (8-9 October 2025)
PM Keir Starmer’s first official visit to India is scheduled on 8–9 October.
This is in context of the recently signed India–UK free trade agreement, aiming to deepen bilateral trade ties.
India–EU Free Trade Agreement talks
The 14th round of India–EU FTA negotiations is set to begin on 6 October 2025 in Brussels.
Goal: finalize the FTA by year end, resolving contentious issues around tariffs and market access.
Odisha Police SI Exam postponed
The SI recruitment exam for Odisha, originally scheduled for 5–6 October, has been postponed.
Candidates are advised to await the official announcement of revised dates on the Odisha Police portal.
Bank holidays in October 2025 announced
Indian banks will remain closed for around 20–21 days in October, including weekends and festival holidays.
Major holidays: Diwali (20–22 Oct), Bhai Dooj (23 Oct), Chhath (27–28 Oct), and others.
Note: Online services such as UPI, mobile banking and ATMs will remain functional.
Uttar Pradesh launches self-defence workshops for women
In association with Mission Shakti 5.0, the UP government rolled out district-level self-defence training for girls and women.
The workshops include emergency response, cybersecurity awareness, helpline usage, and practical defence techniques.
India faces above-normal rainfall in October
The Meteorological Department forecasts rainfall exceeding 115% of the 50-year average in October.
Impacts: potential flooding, agriculture stress, water management challenges.
2. International News & Global Affairs
Russian missile strike kills in Ukraine
A large-scale nighttime Russian strike in Ukraine killed at least 5 people.
Conflict continues to escalate in certain regions.
Gaza-Hamas conflict: U.S. & Israel statements
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel backs halting bombing in Gaza, warning Hamas of “complete obliteration” if it continues its hold on power.
The situation remains tense and volatile.
Gunfight in Alabama, U.S.
A shooting in a crowded nightlife area in Alabama resulted in 2 deaths and 12 injured.
Law enforcement is investigating and reviewing evidence; no arrests reported yet.
Global diplomacy & trade tensions
Trade disputes escalate between countries over tariffs, particularly in energy and commodities sectors.
India’s external engagements (UK, EU) reflect shifting diplomatic and economic alignment.
3. Economy, Banking & Business
Impact of U.S. tariffs on India
The U.S. tariffs over Indian imports (especially Russian oil) may affect trade balances, revenue flows, and diplomatic ties.
India will need to negotiate or counter via trade diplomacy and alternative sourcing.
GST reform promise by PM Modi (contextual carry-forward)
PM Modi has reaffirmed plans to cut/simplify GST slabs by October, ahead of Diwali, to ease burden on households.
This can influence consumption, inflation, and tax revenue in the near term.
Bank holidays effect on financial operations
Frequent bank closures necessitate planning of financial tasks like withdrawals, demand drafts, cheque clearances, loan repayment.
Digital banking remains unaffected—candidates should be aware of such operational constraints for exam contexts.
Trade, FTA & export implications
Finalization of India–EU and India–UK FTAs would impact import-export duties, foreign investment, market access for Indian goods and services.
Banking and financial institutions will need to align to new trade policies.
4. Defense, Science & Technology
India–UK naval cooperation deepens
Exercise KONKAN 2025 underscores interoperability, strategic depth, and enhanced maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Use of aircraft carriers, submarines, multi-domain operations are key emphasis areas.
Meteorological science in focus
IMD’s advanced forecasting models have projected higher rainfall; such forecasts are crucial for disaster management, agriculture planning, and infrastructure readiness.
Technology & cybersecurity in self-defence training
The UP self-defence initiative includes modules on cyber safety, indicating the integration of tech awareness in social empowerment programs.
Future events in science/sports (preview)
Upcoming 2025 BWF World Junior Badminton Championships in Guwahati, Assam (13–19 Oct).
FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 to be held in Goa from 31 Oct to 27 Nov.
5. Sports & Youth Affairs
ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup coverage
The India vs Pakistan match is being closely monitored, given the geopolitical overtones and high viewership interest.
Performance, records, and rankings from this tournament will be relevant for GK and sports questions.
International Polo returns to India
The KogniVera International Polo Cup, India vs Argentina, is slated for 25 October at Jaipur Polo Grounds, New Delhi.
The event blends sports, culture, and diplomatic goodwill.
Upcoming major sports events
Badminton: World Junior Championships in Assam (13–19 Oct).
Chess: FIDE Chess World Cup, Goa, starting 31 Oct.
Focus on medal tallies, India’s performance prospects, and format advantages in competitive exams.
6. Miscellaneous / Other Events
Panchang / Muhurat for 05.10.2025
Tithi: Triyodashi until afternoon 3:04 PM, then Chaturdashi.
Rahukal (inauspicious period): 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM.
Useful for cultural questions, reasoning of calendar systems, Indian festivals, etc.
Cough syrup scare & health alert
Several child deaths have been reported in various states following suspected adverse reactions to a cough syrup brand.
Kerala has suspended sale/distribution of the brand (e.g. “Coldrif”) as precaution.
The Health Ministry is holding an emergency meeting and issuing national alerts.
Cultural / Film news (for general awareness)
“Baahubali: The Epic”, a re-edited single-film version of the Baahubali saga, is scheduled for release on 31 October 2025.
Film buffs and culture sections may mention this in media profiling.
7. Exam-Relevance Highlights & Tips
Trade & FTA topics: India–EU, India–UK focus rounds; U.S. tariff disputes.
Defense & security: Exercise KONKAN, India–UK maritime cooperation.
Economy & fiscal policy: Bank holiday schedule, GST reform, trade policies.
Science & environment: IMD’s rainfall forecast, early warning systems.
Health & safety: Cough syrup controversy, government regulatory responses.
Sports current events: Women’s World Cup, upcoming Badminton & Chess tournaments.
Date / calendar systems: Panchang details, festival timing, muhurat reasoning.
Use this update for daily revision, highlight keywords in memory (e.g., KONKAN, FTA, GST, IMD forecast), and practice MCQs based on facts above.
