Daily Current Affairs - October 2025

Archaeologists in Thirumalapuram, Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu have uncovered a large Iron Age burial site dating back to the early to mid-third millennium BCE, making it one of South India’s oldest. The 35-acre site features stone slab burial chambers, urns, and pottery with symbolic motifs, alongside 78 artefacts of bone, gold, bronze and iron, including swords and tiny gold rings. Comparable to Adichanallur and Sivagalai, this discovery provides new insights into prehistoric civilisation, craftsmanship and burial practices in Tamil Nadu.

The Henley Passport Index 2025 ranks passports based on the number of countries their holders can visit visa-free. Singapore retains the top spot with access to 193 destinations, followed by South Korea (190) and Japan (189). European countries like Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland share 4th–5th ranks, while New Zealand, Australia, and Canada complete the top ten. The UAE rose to 8th with 184 visa-free countries. The US dropped to 12th, tied with Malaysia, and the UK fell to its lowest-ever 8th rank. India ranks 85th, offering visa-free access to 59 countries. This ranking reflects not only travel convenience but also global diplomatic ties and economic influence.

India and Mongolia signed ten MoUs in New Delhi, covering areas such as humanitarian aid, heritage restoration, immigration, geology, cooperatives and digital solutions, following bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa. The leaders also released commemorative stamps marking 70 years of diplomatic relations. PM Modi announced free e-visas for Mongolian citizens and cultural exchange programs linking Nalanda University and Gandan Monastery. Both nations reaffirmed strategic partnership, cooperation in global forums, and Mongolia’s energy security through India-backed oil refinery projects. President Ukhnaa’s visit underscores deep-rooted friendship and future collaboration across multiple sectors.

India’s female labour force participation has risen from 23% in 2017-18 to 42% in 2023-24, marking the highest increase among BRICS nations, according to the Labour and Employment Ministry and World Bank data. This growth is driven by government initiatives promoting women’s economic inclusion, skill development, and workplace support, including maternity and childcare leave, exam fee exemptions, and co-posting of spouses. Programs like One Stop Centres provide comprehensive aid to women facing violence. Empowering women in the workforce remains a key step toward a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The central government has extended the tenure of the 16th Finance Commission by one month, allowing it to submit its final report by November 30, 2025, instead of the earlier deadline of October 31. Constituted on December 31, 2023 and chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, the Commission recommends the distribution of tax revenues between the Centre and states for 2026–27 to 2030–31. It also reviews financial arrangements for disaster management and suggests revenue augmentation measures. The extension provides additional time to review submissions from states, Union territories, and ministries, reflecting the complexity of India’s evolving fiscal landscape.

Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Director of Assam’s Kaziranga National Park, became the first Indian to receive the prestigious Kenton R. Miller Award by the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). The award, shared with Ecuador’s Roque Simón Sevilla Larrea, was presented in Abu Dhabi. She was honoured for her community-driven conservation model combining traditional knowledge and modern science. Under her leadership, Kaziranga emerged as a global model for inclusive, sustainable conservation, marking a proud milestone for India and women environmental leaders worldwide.

On 14 October, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) celebrated World Standards Day, honoring global experts who create international standards. This year’s theme, ‘Shared Vision for a Better World’, highlights the role of standards in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, promoting resilient, equitable, and sustainable societies through global collaboration.

The IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4, released at the Abu Dhabi Congress 2025, warns that climate change is the biggest threat to natural World Heritage sites, affecting 43% of them. Invasive species impact 30% of sites and wildlife and plant diseases have risen from 2% in 2020 to 9% in 2025. Only half of the 271 assessed sites have effective protection, while 15% face financial shortfalls. In India, Khangchendzonga National Park remains “Good,” but Manas, Sundarbans, and Western Ghats face “Significant Concern.” IUCN urges climate adaptation, strong governance, and Indigenous knowledge for conservation.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the book ‘Ready, Relevant and Resurgent II: Shaping a Future Ready Force’ authored by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan in New Delhi. The book presents a comprehensive and forward-looking framework to prepare the Indian Armed Forces for future challenges. It provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving nature of warfare and highlights the growing significance of emerging domains such as cyberspace, space-enabled operations, and cognitive warfare. The book also emphasizes the need for strong military leadership, institutional capability, and technological innovation, offering a bold and visionary perspective for India’s military future.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced the Gomti River Rejuvenation Mission aimed at making the river clean, free-flowing, and pollution-free. The mission will cover the river from Pilibhit to Ghazipur and ensure that no sewage enters the river. Out of 39 major drains, 13 will be connected to Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), and new plants will be set up. The project also includes beautification of ghats, development of new wetlands, increasing riverside greenery, and a strict ban on single-use plastics. The initiative will operate as a public participation-driven effort.