National Affairs
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released minutes of its October 2025 Monetary Policy Committee meeting, indicating room for interest-rate cuts as inflation outlook softens. Key highlights: repo rate held at 5.50 %, inflation projection revised downward to ~2.6 % for 2025-26, GDP growth forecast raised to about 6.8 %.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a cyclone alert for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands due to a developing low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. Thunderstorms and strong winds expected until around 25 October.
The IMD also forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in southern states — including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka — due to the low-pressure area in the southeast Arabian Sea / Lakshadweep region.
Air-pollution warnings ahead of the festival season: The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) forecast that major cities’ air-quality may spike on and around 21 October 2025 (especially in Pune) due to weak dispersal, fire–cracker usage and weather conditions.
The Andhra Pradesh Police announced that from 21 October the state will observe Police Commemoration Day (till 31 Oct) to honour officers killed in the line of duty; activities include parades, exhibitions, welfare measures and scholarships for martyrs’ children.
School and banking holiday updates: Schools across several states in India will remain closed on 21 October 2025 as part of the Diwali break. Banks too will observe holidays, though some special trading sessions in the stock market are scheduled.
In aviation news, Air India announced it will add 174 weekly flights on key domestic and short-haul international routes from 26 October 2025 as part of its Northern Winter schedule.
Banking & Economy
The RBI’s MPC minutes signalled a possible shift to an accommodative monetary stance given low inflation and raised growth forecast – important for banking & finance sectors and for budgeting of economic policies.
The special “Muhurat Trading” session of the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) is scheduled on 21 October 2025 (1:45 pm–2:45 pm) to mark the start of Samvat 2082 (Hindu financial year). Although markets will be closed for full trading, the one-hour session is significant for investor sentiment.
Banking holiday list for October 2025: October sees around 21 bank holidays across India (including major festivals like Diwali, regional observances), which bank aspirants and exam takers must memorise for banking-exam awareness.
Schools’ closure and bank holiday alignment: With the Diwali break extending into 21 Oct, many schools and some banks will be closed, influencing footfall in financial hubs and local banking operations.
International Affairs
In world news, tensions remain high as some countries are recalling ambassadors or threatening tariffs: for instance, the Colombia recalled the US ambassador after a US leader threatened tariffs and accused the country of being “drug-leader”. This reflects shifts in international trade diplomacy.
The interplay between global inflation, trade policy and central-bank actions is relevant: as India’s inflation drops, RBI discussions mirror global central banks’ concerns over growth and inflation, making this international–domestic link important for competitive exams.
Sports & Other Events
Sports calendar note: The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 (to be hosted in Goa, India) is scheduled from 31 October to 27 November 2025. While not starting today, highlight of this month’s international-sports agenda.
Domestic sport: The 2025–26 Senior Women’s T20 Trophy (India domestic women’s cricket tournament) is ongoing (from 8 October to 31 October). For competitive exams, note the scale: 37 teams, 17th edition, domestic women’s T20 format.
Important Days & Observances
21 October is observed as the start of Police Commemoration Day in Andhra Pradesh, honouring police personnel killed in action.
The special Muhurat Trading session on 21 Oct marks the traditional start of Hindu financial year (Samvat 2082) for markets.
Schools’ extended Diwali holiday on 21 October in many states – useful for GK/trivia questions on state holiday schedules.
Key Facts for Banking & Competitive Exams
Repo rate: 5.50 %. Inflation projected ~2.6 %. GDP growth ≈ 6.8 % for FY26.
Muhurat Trading: 21 October 2025, timing 1:45 pm–2:45 pm (NSE, BSE).
Approximate number of bank holidays in October 2025 in India: ~21 days.
Air-pollution spike forecast on/around 21 Oct in major Indian cities; especially Pune may cross PM2.5 = 250-300 µg/m³.
New flights: Air India adding 174 weekly flights from 26 October under its winter schedule.
International diplomacy: Tariff threats and ambassador recall – e.g., Colombia recalls US ambassador over US tariff threats.
