Current Affairs Quiz 25th and 26th October 2025 Quiz

Exp. Government to Issue ₹200 Commemorative Coin Marking 200th Anniversary of Rani Channamma’s Victory at Kittur

The Government of India will issue a ₹200 commemorative coin marking the 200th anniversary of Rani Channamma’s Victory at Kittur (1824–2024) — one of the earliest armed resistances against the British East India Company, predating the 1857 revolt.

The circular coin, with a 44 mm diameter and 200 serrations, will be made of a quaternary alloy — silver (50%), copper (40%), nickel (5%), and zinc (5%). The obverse side features the Lion Capital of Ashoka, “Satyamev Jayate,” “Bharat,” “India,” and the denomination “₹200.”

The reverse side of the coin will depict Rani Channamma’s image with the years 1824 and 2024 on either side. The upper periphery will read “200th Anniversary of Rani Channamma’s Victory at Kittur” in Devanagari, and the lower periphery in English.

Rani Channamma of Kittur (born 1778, died 1829) fought bravely against the British East India Company after it denied the legitimacy of her adopted son under the Doctrine of Lapse. Her initial victory in 1824 became a symbol of early Indian resistance to colonial rule.

Exp. SBI Wins “World’s Best Consumer Bank 2025” and “Best Bank in India 2025” Titles from Global Finance, New York

State Bank of India (SBI) has been honoured with two prestigious titles — “World’s Best Consumer Bank 2025” and “Best Bank in India 2025” — by Global Finance, New York, at the Global Finance Award Ceremony held during the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings 2025.

These dual awards reaffirm SBI’s status as a global banking leader, recognised for its innovation, financial inclusion, customer-centric services, and technological advancement across India’s vast geographical landscape.

SBI Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty highlighted that serving 520 million customers and adding 65,000 new customers daily reflects the bank’s continuous investment in digitalisation and advanced technology to enhance customer experience.

Recent Awards

• HR Excellence Award at Fortune Leadership Awards 2025 – Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (for Outstanding People-Centric Reforms and Innovation)
• IUCN’s Kenton R. Miller Award – Director of Kaziranga National Park Sonali Ghosh (for Innovation in National Parks)
• Mrs Universe 2025 – Sherry Singh; 1st Runner-up – Saint Petersburg
• Hombale Samhita Harinikumar Krishi Media Award 2025 – Mysuru Journalist Amshi Prasannakumar (for his contribution to agricultural reporting)
• Tourism Wins Global Tourism Award 2025 – Andhra Pradesh (for Visionary Initiatives and Investment Milestones)

Exp. SBI Raises ₹7,500 Crore Through Basel III Compliant Tier 2 Bonds at 6.93% Coupon Rate

The State Bank of India (SBI) raised ₹7,500 crore through Basel III-compliant Tier 2 bonds at a coupon rate of 6.93%, marking its first bond issuance of FY26 with a 10-year tenor and call option after 5 years.

The issue saw bids worth 3 times the base issue size of ₹5,000 crore, with 101 bids received from a diverse group of institutional investors such as provident funds, pension funds, mutual funds, and banks, showcasing high investor confidence in SBI.

In FY26, SBI has also raised ₹25,000 crore via QIP and $500 million through senior unsecured fixed-rate notes (5-year maturity, 4.50% coupon), reflecting its strategic approach to strengthen capital adequacy and global funding profile.

Exp. ICICI Bank Pledges Rs 625 Crore for Cancer Care

ICICI Bank, India’s second-largest private sector lender, announced a donation of Rs 625 crore to build an 11-storey building at Tata Memorial Centre’s (TMC) Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai, as part of its Rs 1,800 crore commitment to construct three facilities nationwide.

The new building will cover 3.4 lakh sq. ft., house 12 Linear Accelerators (LINACs) and other advanced equipment, enabling precise radiation therapy that minimizes damage to healthy tissues. It will serve 7,200 patients annually and provide over two lakh radiation sessions, along with OPD consultations and diagnostics for 25,000 new patients each year.

The facility is expected to be operational by 2027.

Exp. 24 October – World Development Information Day

World Development Information Day is observed annually on 24 October to raise awareness about global development issues and the role of information and communication in promoting development.

The day emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and information to support sustainable development, economic growth, and international cooperation.

Exp. 24–31 October – Global Media and Information Literacy Week

Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week is observed annually from 24th to 31st October to promote the responsible use and understanding of media and information worldwide.

The week emphasises developing critical skills to access, evaluate, and create information, fostering media literacy, digital literacy, and ethical information practices.

Theme 2025 – Minds Over AI – MIL in Digital Spaces

Exp. 24–30 October – Disarmament Week

Disarmament Week is observed annually from 24th to 30th October to raise awareness about the importance of peace, disarmament, and the reduction of weapons globally.

The week emphasises the need for nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the responsible use of technology to ensure global security.

Organized under the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), it encourages nations to cooperate internationally to prevent conflicts and promote peaceful conflict resolution.

Q.8. Which Indian regulatory body has launched a digital monitoring system to oversee high-risk ingredients used in cough syrups?

भारत में कौन–सी नियामक संस्था ने खांसी की दवा में उपयोग होने वाले उच्च जोखिम वाले घटकों की निगरानी के लिए डिजिटल सिस्टम लॉन्च किया है?

(a) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

(b) Drug Controller General of India (DCGI)

(c) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

(d) National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)

(e) Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)

Exp. India’s Drug Watchdog Launches Digital Tracker for High-Risk Cough Syrup Ingredients

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has launched a digital monitoring system on the ONDLS portal to oversee the production, movement, and quality of high-risk ingredients used in drug formulations, particularly cough syrups.

The system aims to track the supply chain, quality checks, and testing of high-risk solvents to ensure safer manufacturing and regulatory compliance across all states and union territories.

High-risk ingredients monitored under this initiative include glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, maltitol, and ethyl alcohol, among others.

Exp. Legendary Indian Ad Guru Piyush Pandey Passes Away at 70

Legendary advertising guru Piyush Pandey, known for giving Indian advertising its unique identity with iconic campaigns like “Har Ek Friend Zaroori Hota Hai”, “Fevicol ka mazboot jod”, and “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara”, passed away at the age of 70.

Under his leadership, Ogilvy India became the country’s most awarded agency; he was the first Asian to chair the Cannes Lions jury, and received numerous accolades including the Padma Shri (2016), CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2024 LIA Legend Award.

Exp. India Re-elected as Vice-Chairperson of COP10 Bureau, Reaffirms Commitment to Clean Sport

India actively participated in the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) to the International Convention against Doping in Sport held from 20–22 October 2025 at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, marking the 20th anniversary of the Convention.

During the meeting, India was re-elected as Vice-Chairperson of the COP10 Bureau for the Asia-Pacific (Group IV) for the term 2025–2027, reaffirming its commitment to promoting integrity and eliminating doping in sport.

The Indian delegation, led by Shri Hari Ranjan Rao (Secretary, Sports) and Shri Anant Kumar (DG, NADA), engaged with delegates from over 190 States Parties, as well as representatives from the African Union, International Olympic Committee, WADA, and other international organizations.

Exp. 14th India-Bhutan Border Management and Security Meeting held in Thimphu

The 14th India-Bhutan Meeting on Border Management and Security was held in Thimphu, Bhutan, with the Indian delegation led by Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Secretary, Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Indian delegation included officials from Sashastra Seema Bal, Land Ports Authority of India, Department of Telecommunications, Narcotics Control Bureau, Survey of India, Customs, and representatives from Assam, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, while Bhutan was represented by Mr. Sonam Wangyel, Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.

Exp. Nomination provisions under Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 to come into effect from November 1, 2025

The Central Government has announced that key provisions related to nomination under the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 will come into force from November 1, 2025, enhancing flexibility and transparency in banking operations.

The Amendment Act, notified on April 15, 2025, introduced 19 amendments across five major legislations, including the RBI Act (1934), Banking Regulation Act (1949), SBI Act (1955), and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Acts of 1970 and 1980.

The provisions under Sections 10, 11, 12, and 13 — dealing with nominations for deposit accounts, articles kept in safe custody, and safety lockers — will be implemented from November 1, 2025.

Under the new rules, depositors can make up to four nominations, either simultaneously or successively, ensuring flexibility in claim settlement and improved transparency.

For deposit accounts, both simultaneous and successive nominations will be allowed, whereas for safe custody and locker facilities, only successive nominations are permitted for clarity in succession.

The government will soon publish the Banking Companies (Nomination) Rules, 2025, prescribing detailed procedures and forms for making, cancelling, or updating multiple nominations across banks.

The Amendment Act aims to strengthen governance and depositor protection, improve audit quality in public sector banks, and enhance customer convenience through modernized nomination systems and rationalized board tenures in cooperative banks.

Exp. Tarun Kumar Pithode appointed as new full-time Member Secretary of CAQM

IAS officer Tarun Kumar Pithode (2009 batch, Madhya Pradesh cadre) has taken charge as the new full-time Member Secretary of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas.

He previously served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and has been appointed to this post for a five-year tenure till 8 September 2029, or until further orders.

Pithode succeeds Arvind Kumar Nautiyal (IRSME, 1992 batch) as the new Member Secretary of CAQM, which plays a key role in tackling air pollution in the National Capital Region.

Recent Appointments

• Chairperson of the WIPO Advisory Board of Judges for the 2025–2027 – Delhi HC Justice Prathiba M. Singh
• President of FICCI for 2025-26 – Anant Goenka (replace Harsha Vardhan Agarwal
• Secretary in Department of Commerce – Rajesh Agrawal (replace Sunil Barthwal)
• Director of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) – Kanad Das Appointed; 13^th

Exp. DPIIT signs MoUs with Primus Partners and Kotak Mahindra Bank to strengthen India’s startup and innovation ecosystem

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Commerce and Industry Ministry signed an MoU with Primus Partners Pvt. Ltd. to boost collaboration for strengthening India’s startup and innovation ecosystem, focusing on capacity building, mentorship, market access, and policy awareness.

DPIIT also signed a separate MoU with Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. to enhance financial and non-financial support for startups, including customised banking solutions, credit access, digital infrastructure, and startup-focused programs.

These partnerships aim to foster an innovation-led and self-reliant economy, empowering startups through structured engagement, technology integration, and inclusive growth to position India as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Recent MoU

• Coal India & IIT Madras Join Hands to Establish Centre for Sustainable Energy
• Ministry of Social Justice Signs MoUs with Three Universities to Establish New Dr Ambedkar Chairs
• Indian Railways to Collaborate with MapmyIndia’s Mappls App to Boost Swadeshi Digital Infrastructure
• Goodluck India Signs Tripartite MoU for DRDO’s AMCA Programme
• SAIL’s MTI Partners with IIM Jammu to Launch Executive Education Programmes for Future-Ready Leaders

Exp. NBA releases ₹1.36 crore to local communities in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh for biodiversity conservation and benefit sharing

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released ₹1.36 crore to local communities in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, promoting fair benefit sharing and biodiversity conservation.

The funds will be distributed through State Biodiversity Boards to three Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) — Sakharwadi (Satara), Kunjirwadi (Pune), and Kasganj (Etah), each receiving ₹45.50 lakh.

The release represents an Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) payment from a commercial entity that utilized microorganisms for producing Fructo-oligosaccharides products.

This initiative supports India’s National Biodiversity Target 13 under the NBSAP 2024–2030, aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (CoP-15) to ensure conservation and community prosperity.