1. India – Economic & Financial News
India’s foreign exchange reserves rose by approximately US $4.496 billion in the week ending 17 October 2025, taking the total to about US $702.28 billion.
The rise was largely driven by a sharp increase in gold holdings (up by over US $6 billion), while foreign currency assets (FCAs) recorded a slight decline.
Gold now accounts for roughly 14-15 % of India’s total reserves — the highest share in nearly three decades.
The strengthening of the reserves is seen as a positive external-sector signal for India, which supports import cover metrics and investor confidence.
2. India – Defence & Strategic Affairs
The first of eight indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs), named Mahe, was formally inducted into the Indian Navy.
Built under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, Mahe (≈ 78 m length, ~1,100 tonne displacement) is equipped with torpedoes, multi-role rockets, advanced sonar & radar systems, and over 80 % indigenous components.
The induction is expected to significantly strengthen India’s littoral ASW capability, coastal mine-laying operations and surveillance in shallow waters.
3. India – International Relations & Diplomacy
On 27 October, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister marked “Kashmir Black Day”, commemorating the events of 27 October 1947 — signalling ongoing diplomatic sensitivities between India and Pakistan.
In a broader context, reports indicate the US-India trade relationship has entered a challenging phase, notably with India hinting at halting Russian oil imports following the US imposition of steep tariffs on Indian goods; this dynamic has implications for India’s energy security and trade diplomacy.
4. India – Polity & Governance
Heavy rain-alert issued for the coast of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as of 27 October: authorities urged local administrations and citizens to remain vigilant, especially in low-lying and coastal zones.
Weather-related disruptions continue to remain a key governance challenge, particularly for states with maritime exposure and vulnerable infrastructure.
5. National – Social & Cultural Developments
In the sports domain: The Indian senior women’s football team is gearing up to face Nepal in the final fixture of the Tri-Nation Women’s International Friendlies in Shillong (18:00 IST) — an important preparatory match ahead of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Meanwhile, the U-17 women’s football team of India has created history by qualifying for the 2026 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup — the first time at this age group level — enhancing the growth of women’s football in India.
6. International – Global Events of Note
Globally, the hosting rights for the 2025 FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 were confirmed to be in India (Goa) from 31 October to 27 November — marking a major international sporting event for the country.
The global backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty continues to push gold and other safe-asset prices higher, influencing central-bank reserve compositions worldwide.
7. Sports – Key Highlights for Competitive Exams
India’s U-17 Women’s team sealed qualification for the 2026 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup after defeating Uzbekistan 2-1 in Bishkek — finishing at the top of their qualifying group.
The senior women’s football team, after a 0-2 loss to Iran, faces Nepal in the next friendly; the focus is on building squad depth and tactical readiness for continental competition.
