Current Affairs Quiz 23rd October 2025 Quiz

Exp. NITI Aayog’s WEP and DP World Launch ‘We Rise’ Initiative to Empower Women Entrepreneurs for Global Expansion

NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and DP World launched the joint initiative ‘We Rise – Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises’ under WEP’s Award to Reward (ATR) programme to help women-led MSMEs expand globally through mentorship, trade facilitation, and partnerships.

Under this initiative, 100 high-potential women entrepreneurs will be mentored to enhance export readiness and showcase their products at Bharat Mart, Dubai (Jebel Ali Free Zone)—a global B2B and B2C marketplace offering access to international buyers.

With over 90,000 women entrepreneurs already engaged on the WEP platform, this collaboration marks a strong public-private partnership aimed at promoting women-led development, inclusive trade, and global business expansion in line with the Government of India’s vision for women-led growth.

Exp. Flipkart and Pine Labs Launch ‘Bharat Yatra Card’ to Simplify Public Transport Payments Across India

Flipkart in collaboration with Pine Labs has launched the Flipkart Bharat Yatra Card, a digital prepaid card to simplify payments for public transport across India.

The card is NCMC-enabled, allowing commuters to make seamless payments in metros, buses, and other transit systems that accept the National Common Mobility Card.

Priced at ₹50, the reloadable, non-KYC smart card allows users to load up to ₹2,000 offline and manage funds via UPI apps, Bharat Yatra Card app, Bharat Connect, or metro counters.

Exp. Five Maharashtra Beaches Awarded International Blue Flag Certification for Cleanliness and Sustainability

Five beaches in Maharashtra—Shrivardhan and Nagaon (Raigad), Parnaka (Palghar), and Guhagar and Ladghar (Ratnagiri)—have received the international Blue Flag certification, announced by Minister Aditi Tatkare.

What Is Blue Flag Certification?

• Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) based in Denmark. It recognises beaches and marinas that meet 33 stringent criteria.
• These criteria focus on environmental education, water quality, safety, environmental management, and public amenities. The certification promotes sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.

Exp. UIDAI Launches SITAA Initiative to Boost Aadhaar Security and Promote Indigenous Innovation in Digital Identity

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced the Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar (SITAA) to enhance India’s digital identity ecosystem and counter threats like deepfakes, spoofing, and presentation attacks.

UIDAI signed MoUs with MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) and NASSCOM — MSH will offer technical mentoring and incubation support, while NASSCOM will provide industry linkages and global outreach.

SITAA will promote co-development of secure and scalable Aadhaar authentication solutions focusing on AI, biometrics, data privacy, and authentication frameworks.

The pilot phase includes challenges for (i) Face Liveness Detection, (ii) Presentation Attack Detection (PAD), and (iii) Contactless Fingerprint Authentication to enhance biometric security.

The program supports Atmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging indigenous innovation and aims to build a future-ready, globally benchmarked authentication framework for India’s digital public infrastructure.

Exp. Former President Ram Nath Kovind says country has built comprehensive framework for protection of human rights

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) celebrated its 32nd Foundation Day on October 16 at Vigyan Bhawan, with former President Ram Nath Kovind as the chief guest and NHRC Chairperson Justice (retd) V. Ramasubramanian presiding over the event.

Since its establishment in 1993, NHRC has handled over 23.79 lakh cases, recommended ₹263 crore in relief, and issued 31 advisories on issues like child protection, transgender welfare, environmental safety, and dignity of the dead.

As part of the celebrations, a national conference on “Human Rights of Prison Inmates” was organized, bringing together experts from the judiciary, ministries, academia, and civil society to discuss the welfare and dignity of prisoners.

Exp. Former Goa Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik Passes Away at 79

Goa’s former Chief Minister and current Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik passed away at the age of 79 due to a cardiac arrest.

During his long political career, Ravi Naik held several key positions including Chief Minister and Cabinet Minister, and was known for his commitment to public welfare and empowerment of the marginalised.

Exp. Veteran Actor Pankaj Dheer, Known for Role as Karna in Mahabharat, Passes Away

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, famous for portraying Karna in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat, passed away in Mumbai at the age of 68 after battling cancer.

He gained nationwide recognition and admiration for his role as Karna, which became a defining part of his long acting career.

Besides Mahabharat, Dheer appeared in films like Baadshah and Tumko Na Bhool Payenge, and TV shows including Sasural Simar Ka and Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat.

Exp. 20 October – World Statistics Day

World Statistics Day is celebrated every five years on 20 October to recognise the importance of statistics in shaping evidence-based policies and decision-making worldwide.

Theme 2025 – Driving change with quality statistics and data for everyone

The day emphasises the role of high-quality official statistics in sustainable development, informed governance, and addressing global challenges like health, economy, and climate change.

Exp. Centre Approves ₹1,950 Crore SDRF Release for Karnataka and Maharashtra to Aid Flood Relief

The Centre approved the second installment of the Central share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) worth over ₹1,950 crore for Karnataka (₹384 crore) and Maharashtra (₹1,566 crore) for 2025-26 to provide immediate relief from heavy rainfall and floods.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is committed to assisting states affected by floods, landslides, and cloudbursts with timely financial and logistic support.

In 2025-26, the government has already released over ₹13,603 crore under SDRF to 27 states, ₹2,189 crore under NDRF to 15 states, and additional amounts from State and National Disaster Mitigation Funds to affected states.

During this year’s monsoon, a maximum deployment of 199 NDRF teams along with Army and Air Force support was made across 30 states and Union Territories for effective rescue and relief operations.

Exp. Veteran Actor Asrani Passes Away at 84

Veteran Hindi film actor Shri Govardhan Asrani, popularly known as Asrani, passed away at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness.

Best remembered for his iconic “jailer” role in Sholay, Asrani also appeared in popular films like Chupke Chupke, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Dhamaal, and Bunty Aur Babli 2.

A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, and an alumnus of St. Xavier’s School, Asrani’s career in Hindi cinema spanned over five decades, making a lasting mark as one of India’s most beloved comedy actors.

Exp. 21 October – Police Commemoration Day

Police Commemoration Day is observed every year on 21st October to honor the bravery and sacrifice of police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

The day marks the martyrdom of 10 CRPF soldiers who were killed by Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh, in 1959 while protecting India’s borders.

Exp. Lionel Messi Wins 2025 MLS Golden Boot with Record-Breaking Season for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi won the 2025 MLS Golden Boot, scoring 29 goals and 19 assists in his second full season with Inter Miami CF, becoming both Miami’s first Golden Boot winner and the first Argentine to win it since Taty Castellanos (2021).

With 48 goal contributions, Messi came just one short of Carlos Vela’s 2019 record, and is now on track to become MLS’s first back-to-back MVP winner after Miami’s remarkable 2024 Supporters’ Shield success.

Earlier this week, Messi also became the all-time assist leader in men’s international football, reaching 60 assists after Argentina’s 6-0 win over Puerto Rico.

Exp. Centre Notifies Notaries (Amendment) Rules, 2025; Increases Notary Limits for Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Nagaland

The Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, has notified the Notaries (Amendment) Rules, 2025 through G.S.R. 763(E), amending the Notaries Rules, 1956 under Section 15 of the Notaries Act, 1952.

The amendment increases the maximum number of Notaries appointed by State Governments: Gujarat – 6,000, Tamil Nadu – 3,500, Rajasthan – 3,000, and Nagaland – 400.

This decision was taken following requests from the respective State Governments, considering population growth, an increase in administrative divisions, and rising demand for Notary services.

The new rules, titled Notaries (Amendment) Rules, 2025, come into effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette as per the Ministry’s notification.

Exp. Bathou Religion of Assam’s Bodo Community Granted Separate Code in Upcoming Census

The Bathou religion, practiced by the Bodo community in Assam, has been granted a separate code in the upcoming Census of India, recognizing it as a distinct faith for the first time.

The move is aimed at preserving and officially acknowledging the unique religious and cultural identity of the Bodo community, which primarily follows Bathouism—a nature-worshipping faith centered on Siju (Euphorbia) plants as sacred symbols.

This decision marks a significant milestone for indigenous faith representation in India’s census process, ensuring accurate demographic documentation and greater visibility for the Bodo people’s spiritual traditions.

Exp. Uruguay Becomes First Catholic Latin American Country to Legalize Euthanasia Through Legislation

Uruguay has become the first country in predominantly Catholic Latin America to legalize euthanasia through legislation, after its Senate passed the law with 20 out of 31 votes in favor, following earlier approval by the lower house.

The new law decriminalizes euthanasia, allowing healthcare professionals to perform it for patients suffering from incurable or unbearable illnesses, though it does not permit assisted suicide where patients self-administer lethal medication.

Unlike countries such as the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand, Uruguay’s law sets no time limits on life expectancy for eligibility, extending the right to all patients experiencing unbearable suffering, even if their condition is not terminal.

This reform reinforces Uruguay’s progressive legacy, as it had previously legalized same-sex marriage, abortion, and recreational marijuana, cementing its status as one of the most socially liberal nations in Latin America.

Exp. 22 October – International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD)

International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD) is observed every year on October 22 to raise global awareness about stuttering (stammering) and support individuals who experience it.

ISAD aims to reduce stigma, promote understanding and acceptance, and encourage speech therapy and early intervention for those who stutter.

Theme 2025 – A Diverse Stuttering Community – Meeting Challenges With Strengths

The day was established in 1998 by the International Stuttering Association (ISA), International Fluency Association (IFA), and European League of Stuttering Associations (ELSA).