Daily current affairs:October 20, 2025

Long Description : During his Diwali visit aboard INS Vikrant, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to defence indigenisation. He stated that over the past decade, defence production has more than tripled, exceeding ₹1.5 lakh crore annually. India has commissioned over 40 indigenous warships and submarines, with an average of one inducted every 40 days. Defence exports have grown 30 times since 2014, bolstered by private sector participation and startups. Modi affirmed India’s goal of being among the top global defence exporters and praised the Navy’s self-reliant progress through initiatives like ships, missiles, and submarines built domestically.

Long Description : On 20 October 2025, Delhi witnessed severe air pollution with average AQI levels of 354, categorised as ‘very poor’. According to AQI.in, areas like Ashok Vihar recorded readings as high as 714, while Noida and Ghaziabad also touched hazardous levels. The deterioration began at night due to festive firecracker burning, despite government bans. Experts equate the exposure to smoking 8 cigarettes daily. The temperature remained around 22.8°C with 90% humidity, further trapping pollutants. Environmental bodies have urged residents to limit outdoor activity and promote green alternatives in future festivities.

Long Description : The BrahMos missile, co-developed with Russia, achieved another milestone as India dispatched its first fully indigenous production batch from the Lucknow manufacturing unit. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared that this will strengthen India’s strategic readiness, ensuring complete domestic capability. He further remarked that India’s missile export potential has increased, with foreign nations expressing purchase interest. The event highlights India’s defence modernization push under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and the transformation of Uttar Pradesh into a major defence corridor. Rajnath Singh stated that every inch of neighbouring adversarial territory is now within missile range.

Long Description : The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced the successful flight test of VL-SRSAM, a key weapon for naval air defence. Conducted from an offshore platform, the missile intercepted its target precisely, validating its mission capability. Developed indigenously, it enhances India’s short-range aerial threat interception capacity against sea-skimming threats. Defence officials praised the achievement as a boost for the Indian Navy’s modernization efforts and indigenous fleet equipment. This test underlines India’s growing defence self-sufficiency and adds another milestone to its robust naval arsenal.

Long Description : Young badminton talent Tanvi Sharma made history by ensuring India’s first women’s medal at the BWF World Junior Championships since 2008. Her semi-final qualification guarantees at least a bronze, ending a long drought for Indian women in this category. The badminton fraternity hailed her consistent performance, noting her strong tactical play and determination. Tanvi’s achievement underlines India’s emerging strength in junior badminton and the effectiveness of national training programmes under BAI. Experts consider her performance a harbinger for future international success.

Long Description : The Centre approved an extension of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme to cover senior citizens above 70 years. Announced following the Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, this inclusion will ensure comprehensive medical coverage of ₹5 lakh per individual. Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the decision, citing it as a relief for vulnerable elderly populations. The expansion aligns with India’s vision for accessible healthcare and aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for families. The government estimates this will benefit over 3 crore additional citizens nationwide.

Long Description : According to officials, India and the UK have made major headway in negotiations on pending trade issues under the long-awaited FTA. Both governments exchanged fresh proposals on tariff alignment, services liberalisation, and dispute mechanisms. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed progress ahead of his planned Brussels visit later this month. The pact aims to enhance bilateral goods and services trade, which recently crossed $20 billion annually. The FTA will also pave the way for stronger investment linkages and help reduce dependency on third-country markets. Experts predict an announcement before December 2025.

Long Description : Following weeks of unrest, the Union Home Ministry has scheduled a meeting with Ladakh civil society groups on October 22 to deliberate granting the Union Territory statehood and Sixth Schedule protection. The dialogue follows a judicial probe into the September 24 Leh violence, to be led by a retired Supreme Court judge. Representatives from both Leh and Kargil are expected to attend. Civil groups have long sought legislative autonomy, environmental safeguards, and quota protection. The Centre aims to resolve concerns peacefully through dialogue and institutional engagement.

Long Description : India’s defence export growth is among the highest globally, with sales of weapons and technology exports reaching unprecedented levels. Private and public industries have both contributed to making India a net exporter of defence items. The Defence Ministry highlighted that the country’s defence manufacturing capacity now rivals international leaders, and major equipment like Akash and BrahMos missiles are being sought by nations globally. The Ministry attributes this success to favourable policy reforms, ease of licensing, and expansion of domestic R&D.

Long Description : Markets posted a fourth consecutive gain on Monday, driven by robust quarterly results from financial majors and a positive global sentiment. The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty set new records, while the Bank Nifty reached a fresh all-time high. Analysts credit clean balance sheets and rising credit demand for the rally. The benchmark market capitalization crossed the $5 trillion mark, cementing India’s position as one of the most resilient emerging markets. Experts predict short-term corrections but long-term bullish trends due to strong domestic consumption.