📰 National Affairs (India)
India–EU FTA Talks Begin (14th Round)
On 6 October, India and the European Union commenced the 14th round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations in Brussels.
Emphasis is on breaking deadlocks in tariffs, non-tariff barriers, regulatory harmonization, sustainability, and market access.
Both sides aim to finalise the deal before year-end.
Piyush Goyal Visits Qatar; India–Qatar FTA in Focus
Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal began a two-day official visit to Doha on 6 October.
The India–Qatar Joint Commission on Trade & Commerce is a major agenda item.
Early discussions are expected on laying groundwork for an FTA between India and Qatar.
Bihar Inaugurates Rajgir Cricket Stadium & Sports Awards
On 5 October (relevant for the 6th’s news roundup), Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated a modern cricket stadium at Rajgir, intending to boost grassroots sports in Bihar.
During the ceremony, state-level sports awards were also conferred to athletes for their performance.
JNU’s Aravalli Summit Launched: India in Global Order by 2047
The two-day “Aravalli Summit 2025” began on 6 October at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi.
Theme: “India and the World Order: Preparing for 2047”.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated the summit, which will host sessions on economic, strategic, diaspora, climate, and identity issues.
Historic Naval Exercise: India-UK Carrier Strike Groups
In a first-ever deployment of full carrier strike groups, Indian and UK navies launched Exercise Konkan-25 off India’s west coast.
The UK side is led by HMS Prince of Wales, while India’s INS Vikrant leads its contingent.
The exercise underscores deepening maritime strategic partnership and operational interoperability.
Rupee, Bond Yields & Foreign Inflows Outlook
The Indian rupee is projected to receive support from expected foreign portfolio inflows (~USD 8 billion for Oct–Dec), buoyed by major IPOs.
Meanwhile, 10-year government bond yields may see modest decline given lighter state borrowing schedules.
The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to hold rates steady hints at possible room for a December cut.
RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged; Signals December Cut
The RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee retained the repo rate at 5.50 %.
Inflation forecast for FY26 was revised downward; growth forecast nudged upward.
Regulatory tweaks announced to promote rupee usage overseas, ease corporate lending norms, and enhance banking sector flexibility.
BJP Readies for Local Body Polls in Telangana
BJP’s Telangana unit charted a targeted campaign strategy ahead of upcoming local body elections.
District-level committees (three-member) to oversee electoral work, communications, and performance monitoring.
Emphasis on public outreach and central scheme messaging.
Haryana CM Visits Japan
Haryana’s Chief Minister began a three-day visit to Japan starting 6 October, aimed at boosting industrial & investment ties.
Engagements include meetings with JETRO, Sumitomo, Denso, plus inauguration of a Haryana pavilion at World Expo in Osaka.
Cabinet Approvals & Other Key Decisions
The Union Cabinet had recently cleared Phase-III of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP).
Maharashtra’s new Navi Mumbai airport is set to be renamed Loknete Dinkar Balu (D.B.) Patil International Airport.
Proposed renaming of Pune and Aurangabad airports remains in pipeline.
🌐 International & Global Developments
Global Trade & Diplomacy Focus
India intensifies trade diplomacy with EU and Qatar, seeking to expand its footprint in trade, investment, and regional integration.
These negotiations are vital given the shifting global trade architecture and India’s ambition to anchor itself as a regional hub.
Geopolitics & Maritime Strategy
Exercise Konkan-25 not only marks India-UK naval cooperation but signals India’s increasing relevance in Indo-Pacific security.
With maritime trade being vital to India’s economy, such exercises underscore India’s commitment to securing sea lines of communication.
🏅 Sports & Events
India Beats Pakistan by 88 Runs in Women’s World Cup
Indian women’s cricket team registered a commanding 88-run win over Pakistan in Colombo, maintaining a perfect record.
Controversy arose over a run-out decision involving Pakistan’s batter Muneeba Ali. The Pakistan camp later addressed the incident.
Team captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed gratitude to fans and confidence in the squad’s depth.
Shubman Gill Named India’s New ODI Captain
In a significant leadership change, Shubman Gill has succeeded Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain.
Gill, already Test captain, continues as vice-captain for T20Is.
His appointment has been interpreted as a strategic shift toward investing in younger leadership.
Junior Badminton (BWF World Junior / Suhandinata Cup) Begins in Guwahati
The 2025 BWF World Junior Championships (6–19 Oct) began in Guwahati; the Suhandinata Cup (team event) spans 6–11 Oct.
India hosts the championship for the second time, aiming for strong performances at home.
State-level Athletics & Cycling in Bihar
In Patna, statewide competitions under the “Mashal Sports Talent Search” began, featuring U-14 and U-16 categories in athletics and cycling.
Multiple districts claimed gold medals across events; the meet continues through the day.
Archery Premier League in Full Swing
The inaugural Archery Premier League continues in New Delhi, featuring franchise teams competing in recurve and compound formats.
Six teams—like Prithviraaj Yodhas, Rajputana Royals, Chola Chiefs—are involved, mixing national and international archers.
India Championship Golf: Lotus Trophy Unveiled
Ahead of the tournament (16–19 Oct), the Lotus Trophy was revealed—a crystal design inspired by the Taj Mahal and lotus motifs.
The India Championship is integrated into the 2025 Race to Dubai and carries the largest-ever prize fund for a domestic Indian golf event.
Shooting League of India Set for Launch
The Shooting League of India (SLI), India’s first franchise-based shooting league, is scheduled to begin in November 2025.
Matches will feature multiple shooting disciplines under a fast-paced format at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi.
Over 400 participants from ~20 countries have registered interest.
🔍 Key Insights & Exam-Oriented Highlights
Trade & Economics: India’s push for FTAs (with EU, Qatar) is central to its global trade strategy; aspirants should track negotiation breakthroughs, tariff reforms, and trade diplomacy.
Monetary Policy: RBI’s stance, interest rate decisions, bond yields, and currency movement are critical for banking & finance exams.
Defense & Maritime Strategy: Naval exercises like Konkan-25 reflect India’s strategic priorities; understanding maritime doctrines and India-UK defense ties is beneficial.
Sports GK: Captains, tournaments, league launches (e.g., SLI, Archery PL), and flagship sporting events often become MCQ fodder.
Summits & Vision Documents: Events like the Aravalli Summit reflect India’s aspirational outlook and policy direction toward 2047.
Infrastructure & Urban Development: Renaming major airports, approving research programmes, and creating sports infrastructure show government priorities.
