1. National News & Developments
Biometric Authentication for UPI launched
From 08 October 2025, India begins implementing biometric authentication (face recognition / fingerprints) for digital payments via UPI.
The move shifts away from PIN-based authentication, aiming to strengthen payment security and convenience for users.
This aligns with recent guidelines by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on multi-factor and alternative authentication methods.
Indian Air Force Day 2025 celebrated
India marks 93 years of the Indian Air Force with parades, aerial displays, and commemorative events.
Advanced aircraft like Rafale, Su-30MKI, MiG-29 participate.
Focus is also on IAF’s role in disaster relief, humanitarian missions, and global cooperation.
UK PM Starmer visits India (8–9 October)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives in India for a 2-day visit to deepen bilateral ties.
Trade, technology, climate, and regional geopolitics (e.g. Ukraine, Indo-Pacific) are expected to dominate talks.
He clarified that the UK-India trade deal would not alter visa policies.
Karnataka schools holiday for caste survey (8–18 Oct)
Karnataka government declares school holidays (government & aided) from 08 to 18 October to facilitate the ongoing caste survey.
Many teachers are involved in survey operations; the holiday ensures minimal disruption of academic schedule.
Delhi Airport goes digital with e-arrival card
Delhi’s IGI Airport replaces paper disembarkation cards with digital e-arrival cards for international travellers, effective from 1 October.
This is a step toward contactless, faster immigration processing.
Fuel prices largely stable
On 08 October, petrol and diesel prices in metro and state capitals see minor variation, with no major changes overall.
This stability is relevant for inflation calculations and household budgets.
UPSC releases CMSE Personality Test schedule
Candidates who cleared the written exam for the Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE 2025) now have their Personality Test (interview) schedule released.
The interview stage is set to begin on 13 October 2025.
Qualified candidates must download e-summon letters from the UPSC website.
Above-average rainfall expected across India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts 115% of the long-term average rainfall in October, following heavy rains in September.
This may have implications for agriculture, flood management, and water resources.
2. International News & Geopolitics
Ecuador President survives protest attack
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa escaped unharmed after his motorcade was attacked during a protest while inaugurating a water treatment plant.
Protesters threw stones; bullet marks were visible on the vehicle.
The unrest is linked to rising fuel/diesel prices and broader social anger.
India may host first Taliban minister visit
The UN temporarily lifted travel sanctions to allow Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqito visit India (9–16 October).
If confirmed, this will be the first high-level Taliban visit to India, focusing on trade, healthcare, and humanitarian cooperation.
India advances rupee internationalisation
RBI moves to push the Indian rupee as a currency for cross-border trade with more countries.
Steps include direct conversion arrangements (e.g. with UAE dirham, Indonesian rupiah) and expanding use of rupee vostro accounts by foreign banks.
The change aims to reduce reliance on dollars and strengthen India’s monetary influence.
Iran rejects Israel’s missile threat narrative
Iranian Foreign Minister criticized Netanyahu’s claim about Iran developing intercontinental ballistic missiles, calling them “imaginary” threats.
The episode underscores ongoing tensions in Middle East strategic narratives.
Global trend: Diwali becomes state holiday in California
California becomes the third U.S. state to declare Diwali an official holiday.
This move acknowledges the Indian diaspora’s cultural presence and aims for inclusivity.
3. Sports & Events
Archery Premier League 2025 in progress
The inaugural Archery Premier League (APL) is underway in Delhi (through 12 October).
Six franchise teams compete in both recurve and compound formats.
Indian and foreign archers participate under a draft system.
Ram Charan is the brand ambassador.
Chess World Cup 2025 announced (to be hosted in Goa)
The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 will be held in Goa, India, from 31 October to 27 November.
It’s a 206-player knockout event; top performers can qualify for the Candidates Tournament 2026.
4. Miscellaneous & Static Facts (Exam-Relevance)
India–Pakistan 2025 conflict / Operation Sindoor
Earlier this year, India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam.
A ceasefire was agreed, and the standoff underscores India’s strategic posture, defense doctrines, and external policy.
Understanding this is vital for security & IR questions.
Important Exam Dates & Schemes
UPSC CMSE interview phase slated from 13 October.
Aspirants should stay alert for further notifications (e.g. e-summon letters, DAF submission deadlines).
The new UPI biometric authentication has direct relevance to banking exam current affairs questions (digital payments, fintech).
Rupee internationalisation is a hot topic for RBI/monetary policy questions in banking & economic sections.
5. Important One-Liners for Quick Revision
India begins biometric authentication on UPI from 08 October.
08 October marks Indian Air Force Day — 93 years.
UK PM Starmer visiting India (8–9 October).
Karnataka schools closed from 8 to 18 Oct for caste survey.
Delhi Airport shifts to digital e-arrival cards.
UPSC CMSE Personality Test starts 13 October.
IMD forecasts rainfall at 115% of long-term average in October.
Ecuador President survives protest attack.
Taliban foreign minister may visit India post UN sanction lift.
RBI pushes rupee internationalisation with novo currency pairs.
Archery Premier League ongoing, and Chess World Cup to be hosted in Goa.
