Daily News Brief - Oct 10, 2025

Long Description : On 8 October 2025, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase I of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), developed under a Public-Private Partnership led by Adani Airports Holdings and CIDCO. With a budget of Rs. 19,650 crores, NMIA is set to be the second international airport serving Mumbai's metropolitan area, easing traffic at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. This project aligns with the Government of India's vision for a developed India by 2047, supporting economic and infrastructural expansion in Maharashtra.

Long Description : During PM Starmer’s official visit to India on 8-9 October 2025, India and the UK reaffirmed their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with discussions on global peace and stability. Both leaders highlighted the recently signed CETA, the largest trade agreement for India, emphasizing enhanced economic cooperation. Strategic defence partnerships were also underscored, alongside commitments to address global and regional challenges collectively. The visit showcased mutual interests in deepening bilateral ties in trade, investment, and defence sectors.

Long Description : On 10 October 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh headed India’s delegation at the maiden India-Australia Defence Industry Business Round Table in Sydney. This event focused on strengthening defence industrial cooperation, boosting technology sharing, and promoting joint ventures between Indian and Australian defence sectors. The collaboration supports broader Indo-Pacific security goals and reinforces bilateral defence ties within the strategic framework of global and regional security architecture.

Long Description : The Government of India launched Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0, aiming to create awareness and reduce tobacco consumption among young students. The campaign focuses on school-level education, engaging youth in anti-tobacco activities, and promoting healthier lifestyles. It complements national efforts to achieve a 30% reduction in tobacco use by the end of 2025, in line with WHO targets and India's public health goals.

Long Description : NITI Aayog published an in-depth study outlining India's roadmap for harnessing artificial intelligence to promote inclusive development. The study recommends leveraging AI technologies to improve healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance while addressing ethical, privacy, and socio-economic challenges. It also promotes collaborative innovation and capacity building to position India as a global AI hub by 2030, ensuring benefits reach marginalized populations effectively.

Long Description : The Government expanded the e-NAM platform to include nine additional agricultural commodities, facilitating wider market access for farmers and traders. This push enables integrated trade, price discovery, and transparency, empowering farmers to sell their produce beyond local markets. The expansion aligns with efforts to modernize agriculture marketing infrastructure and improve farmers' incomes by leveraging digital platforms.

Long Description : For the first time, India will compile a National Red List to assess the extinction risks of around 11,000 species within its borders. This initiative aims to support biodiversity conservation by identifying threatened species and prioritizing protective measures. The assessment will inform policy decisions on habitat protection, sustainable development, and wildlife management, furthering commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Long Description : According to the World Health Organization, India along with Bangladesh and Nepal is progressing well towards achieving a 30% reduction in tobacco consumption by 2025. This success is attributed to robust tobacco control policies, public health campaigns, and enforcement of laws restricting tobacco advertising and sales. Continued efforts are essential to sustain and surpass these targets supporting better public health outcomes.

Long Description : India and the United Kingdom finalized a defense agreement worth $468 million for the supply of Martlet missiles. The deal boosts India's defense modernization and complements its strategic partnership with the UK. This procurement aims to strengthen operational capabilities and interoperability between the armed forces of both countries.

Long Description : The Taliban’s foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India for the first time since the Islamist group came to power in 2021. The six-day visit emphasized strengthening economic cooperation and exploring avenues for greater diplomatic engagement between Afghanistan and India. The visit is significant in the context of regional stability and the international community's approach toward the Taliban regime.

Long Description : The Indian Air Force celebrated its annual day on 8 October 2025, commemorating its establishment and acknowledging the courage, skill, and dedication of its personnel. The event included a ceremonial parade showcasing aerial prowess and advanced technologies, reflecting the growing capabilities of India’s air defense sector. The day serves to inspire patriotism and highlights the IAF’s role in national security.

Long Description : HSBC India launched ‘HSBC Innovation Banking,’ a platform designed to provide tailored financial services and technology support to startups and high-growth companies. The initiative intends to foster innovation ecosystems by providing seamless banking solutions, mentorship, and access to a global network of investors and partners. This step aligns with India’s broader vision of promoting entrepreneurship and digital transformation in the financial sector.

Long Description : Pramerica Life partnered with ESFB to expand bancassurance availability to cover 18 states in India, aiming to increase insurance penetration and financial inclusion. The collaboration will leverage ESFB's extensive branch network to facilitate easy access to life insurance products, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas, supporting the government’s goal of inclusive insurance coverage.

Long Description : Scientists documented four previously unknown plant species in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site and biodiversity hotspot. These discoveries underscore the importance of conserving fragile ecosystems and contribute valuable information for ecological research and sustainable development. The findings reinforce India's role as a key center of global botanical diversity.

Long Description : Forbes India released its 2025 rich list, ranking Mukesh Ambani as the wealthiest Indian individual with a net worth of $105 billion. This achievement reflects the sustained expansion of Reliance Industries and investments across diverse sectors such as energy, retail, and telecommunications. The list highlights India’s growing economic elite and their impact on the nation’s economic landscape.

Long Description : Air India and Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines entered into a partnership to improve bilateral air traffic, facilitating better connectivity between India and Taiwan. The collaboration aims to expand routes, increase passenger options, and boost tourism and business travel between the two regions. This agreement supports broader economic diplomacy and international outreach goals.