4.5/5
Current Affairs 31st October 2025
1. HDFC Bank re-appoints Kaizad Bharucha as Deputy MD
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Experience: Kaizad Bharucha is a seasoned banker with over 35 years of experience in the industry. He has been associated with HDFC Bank since 1995 and has played a crucial role in shaping the bank's growth.
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Responsibilities: As Deputy Managing Director, Bharucha oversees key areas including Retail Asset Products, Wholesale Banking, and Inclusive Banking Initiative Group, which includes Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) functions.
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Previous Roles: Before becoming Deputy MD, Bharucha served as Executive Director, overseeing Wholesale Banking, Corporate Banking, PSUs, Capital & Commodities Markets, and Financial Institutions. He has also worked on risk management, credit management, and business management.
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Leadership: Bharucha has represented HDFC Bank on external banking-related committees and has been on the boards of HDB Financial Services Limited and International Asset Reconstruction Company Pvt Ltd.
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Career Background: Prior to joining HDFC Bank, Bharucha worked at SBI Commercial and International Bank in various roles, including trade finance and corporate banking.
Foot notes:
About HDFC Bank-
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CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan
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Headquarters: Mumbai
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Founded: 1994
2. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy Launches ‘KOYLA SHAKTI’ Dashboard and CLAMP Portal
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KOYLA SHAKTI Dashboard: A digital platform integrating the entire coal value chain from mine to market, enabling real-time coordination among coal companies, railways, ports, and end-users. It provides end-to-end visibility on coal production, dispatch, logistics, and consumption.
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CLAMP Portal: A unified digital solution for streamlining land acquisition, compensation, and rehabilitation processes in the coal sector. It ensures transparency, efficiency, and accountability in land management practices.
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Launch Details: The launch event was held on October 29, 2025, in New Delhi, with senior officials and industry leaders in attendance. The Minister emphasized that KOYLA SHAKTI will serve as the digital backbone of India's coal ecosystem.
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Objective: The initiative aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and data-driven governance in India's coal sector, aligning with the Government's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance".
Foot notes:
About KOYLA SHAKTI-
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Developer: Developed by the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) under the direction of the Ministry of Coal.
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Technological Framework: Powered by the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) as part of the National Logistics Policy (2022).
3. India Commenced Tri-Services Exercise ‘Ex Trishul’ in Coordination with IAF & IN
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Exercise Location and Duration: The exercise is being conducted along the western border with Pakistan and will run from October 30 to November 10, 2025. It covers the Thar Desert region from Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) to Sir Creek (Gujarat).
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Objective: The exercise aims to enhance joint operations across desert, creek, and coastal areas, including amphibious landings and multi-domain drills in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Electronic Warfare (EW), and cyber warfare.
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Forces Involved: The exercise involves the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, with over 20,000 troops deployed, along with battle tanks, howitzers, attack helicopters, and missile systems.
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Key Deployments: The Indian Air Force has deployed Rafale and Sukhoi-30MKI fighters, aerial refuelers, AWACS systems, and UAVs. The Navy has positioned frigates and destroyers off the Gujarat coast for combat maneuvers.
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NOTAM and Significance: The exercise is seen as a demonstration of India's military preparedness and coordination among its three services, particularly in the context of heightened tensions with Pakistan.
4. HAL and Russian UAC signed MoU for the production of civilian aircraft SJ-100
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Partnership Details: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to produce the SJ-100 civil commuter aircraft in India.
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Aircraft Details: The SJ-100 is a twin-engine, narrow-body regional jet that can accommodate up to 100 passengers. It has a flight range of 3,530 kilometers and can operate in extreme weather conditions, making it suitable for Indian weather conditions.
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Production and Market: The aircraft will be manufactured in India, marking a significant milestone for the country's aviation sector. The Indian aviation sector is estimated to require over 200 jets for regional connectivity in the next 10 years, and an additional 350 aircraft for nearby international tourist destinations.
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UDAN Scheme: The SJ-100 aircraft is expected to be a game-changer for India's short-haul connectivity under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to enhance air travel accessibility to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
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Significance: This partnership marks India's re-entry into passenger jet manufacturing after decades and is seen as a strategic leap towards India's goal of becoming an aviation manufacturing hub. It will also create a robust ecosystem of suppliers, engineers, and maintenance capabilities.
5. Russia Tests Nuclear-Powered ‘Poseidon’ Underwater Drone
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Successful Test: Russia has successfully tested the Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drone, with President Vladimir Putin hailing it as a "huge success" and a game-changer in modern strategic warfare. The test marked the first time the drone traveled under its own nuclear power.
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Design and Capabilities: The Poseidon is an autonomous, nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicle capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear warheads. It can reach depths of up to 1,000 meters and speeds of 100 knots (about 115 miles per hour).
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Stealth Technology: The drone uses stealth technology to evade acoustic tracking devices, with a silent running strategy like other submarines. Its main stealth feature is its very low speed before it reaches the target area, making it virtually impossible to intercept.
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Nuclear Reactor and Warhead: The Poseidon's nuclear reactor is 100 times smaller than those found on traditional submarines but packs a punch with a yield significantly higher than Russia's Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. The warhead is estimated to be several megatons, capable of obliterating large coastal cities and naval bases.
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Strategic Implications: The Poseidon's test has profound strategic implications, introducing a new dimension to nuclear deterrence that bypasses traditional missile-based defense systems.
6. U.S.A, Singapore accounted for one-third of FDI during FY25
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Top FDI Contributors: The United States and Singapore together accounted for over one-third of India's FDI in FY25, with the US contributing 20% and Singapore 14.3% of the total FDI equity capital.
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FDI Inflows: India saw a significant surge in FDI, with inflows reaching a record $81.04 billion in FY25, marking a 14% increase from the previous year.
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Sector-wise FDI: The manufacturing sector led FDI inflows, accounting for 48.4% of total FDI equity capital at market value, while the services sector ranked second, led by 'information and communication' and 'financial and insurance activities'.
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Top Destinations for ODI: Singapore and the US were also among the top destinations for India's overseas direct investment (ODI), with shares of 22.2% and 15.4%, respectively.
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Growth in FDI: The growth in FDI is attributed to India's investor-friendly policies, including liberalized FDI norms in sectors like defence, insurance, and pension, as well as increased FDI caps in various industries.
7. Prakash Raj to get Karnataka Rajyotsava Award
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Award Details: The Karnataka Rajyotsava Award is one of the highest civilian honors in Karnataka, recognizing outstanding contributions to society. Prakash Raj, a renowned actor, is among the 70 individuals selected for this prestigious award.
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Selection Process: The selection process emphasized social justice and regional balance, with the government ensuring representation from all districts. A total of 2,114 applications were received, and 70 deserving personalities were chosen.
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Award Ceremony: The award ceremony will be held on November 1 at Ravindra Kalakshetra, Bengaluru, where the awardees will receive a 25-gram gold medal and a cash prize of ₹5 lakh.
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Diverse Recipients: The award recognizes contributions across various fields, including cinema, literature, and public service. Prakash Raj is recognized for his work in the cinema industry, while other recipients include notable figures like IAS officer Siddayya and Veena artist Penn Obalayya.
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Government's Emphasis: The Karnataka government has emphasized social equity and inclusivity in selecting the awardees, with 12 women recipients this year.
8. NIFT director conferred the Ashoka Award 2025
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Award Type: The Ashoka Award is India's highest peacetime military decoration, awarded for valor, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.
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Eligibility: The award is open to military and civilian personnel, including officers, men and women of all ranks of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as civilians in all walks of life.
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Award Details: The Ashoka Chakra medal is circular, gold-gilt, and 1-3/8 inches in diameter, featuring the Chakra (Wheel) of Ashoka surrounded by a lotus wreath with an ornate edge.
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Significance: The Ashoka Award is considered the peacetime equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor, and is awarded for conspicuous bravery or some act of daring or pre-eminent act of valor or self-sacrifice.
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Recipients: As of 2021, a total of 86 individuals have received the Ashoka Award, with 68 awards given posthumously.
Foot notes:
About NIFT-
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Director: Tanu Kashyap
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Established: 1986
9. National Unity Day observed on 31st October 2025
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Rashtriya Ekta Diwas: In India, National Unity Day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key figure in the country's struggle for independence and its unification.
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Sardar Patel's Legacy: Patel played a crucial role in integrating over 560 princely states into a single, unified nation, earning him the title of "Iron Man of India".
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Observance: The day is marked by various events and programs across the country, including pledge-taking ceremonies, runs, and other activities promoting unity and integrity.
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Importance: National Unity Day aims to promote unity, integrity, and security among the citizens of India, fostering a sense of national identity and responsibility.
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Government Initiatives: The government often uses this occasion to launch initiatives and programs promoting national unity, social cohesion, and community engagement.
10. Olympic Bronze Medallist Manuel Frederick passed away
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Former Indian Men's Hockey Team Goalkeeper: Manuel Frederick, a renowned goalkeeper from India's men's hockey team, passed away on October 31, 2025, in Bengaluru at the age of 78.
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Munich Olympics Bronze Medalist: Frederick was part of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics, marking a significant achievement in his illustrious career.
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Kerala's First Olympic Medalist: He was a pioneering athlete from Kerala, making history as the state's first Olympic medalist and leaving a lasting legacy in Indian sports.
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Awards and Recognition: Frederick received the Major Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sports and Games in 2019, highlighting his significant impact on Indian sports.
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Health Issues: He had been battling prostate cancer for the past 10 months and struggled with depression after the loss of his wife, Sheetala, last year.
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