Daily Current Affairs and GK | 12 and 13 October 2025

Topic: Personality in News

1. Sherry Singh won the title of India's first Mrs. Universe.

• History was created for India as Sherry Singh was crowned Mrs Universe 2025, marking the nation’s first-ever win at the prestigious international pageant.
• The grand finale of the 48th Mrs Universe was held at the luxurious Okada, Manila, Philippines, where 120 delegates from across the world competed for the crown.
• India was represented by Sherry Singh, who had earlier been crowned Mrs India 2025 by UMB Pageants.
• Her poise, eloquence, and message of women’s empowerment and mental health awareness were widely appreciated by the audience.
• The Mrs. Universe pageant, one of the longest-running and most respected international competitions for married women, celebrates not only outer beauty but also intelligence, compassion, and social responsibility.
• The 2025 edition brought together women leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from around the world, all united by a common purpose of empowerment and global sisterhood.

Topic: International News

2. Armenia joined the IUCN, strengthening global efforts for nature conservation.

• Armenia was announced as the newest State Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), marking a significant step in its global environmental engagement.
• The announcement was made during the IUCN World Conservation Congress held in Abu Dhabi, highlighting Armenia’s growing commitment to biodiversity protection and sustainable development.
• Through this membership, Armenia is expected to gain access to global expertise, innovative conservation tools, and international partnerships.
• Armenia’s Environment Minister, Hambardzum Matevosyan, noted that the decision supports the country’s preparations to host COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2026.
• The 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) will be held in Yerevan, Armenia, in 2026.
• Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Armenia hosts diverse ecosystems such as alpine meadows, mountain forests, semi-deserts, and freshwater habitats.
• These landscapes are home to rare species, including the Critically Endangered Caucasian leopard, the endemic Bezoar goat, and the Sevan trout unique to Lake Sevan.
• Armenia has made significant progress in biodiversity policy and legislation through initiatives such as the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and the Red Book of Armenia.
• Armenia’s IUCN membership supports its green transition goals, such as restoring forests across 12.9% of its territory by 2030 and protecting freshwater ecosystems.
• It also aims to integrate nature-based solutions into national policy, marking a new phase in the country’s environmental leadership.

Topic: Important Days

3. International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025: 13 October

• Every year on 13 October, International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is celebrated.
• The day is celebrated for raising awareness about how people around the world can reduce their exposure to disasters.
• This year, the theme of the Day is "Fund Resilience, Not Disasters".
• The theme calls for increased funding for disaster risk reduction (DRR) in public and international budgets and ensuring all development and private investments are risk-informed and resilient.
• It was started in 1989 by the United Nations General Assembly to promote a global culture of risk awareness and disaster reduction.
• Poverty, inequality, and discrimination are causes and consequences of increased disaster risk.
• According to current climate projections, the world will face approximately 560 disasters per year by 2030.
• An additional estimated 37.6 million people will live in extreme poverty by 2030 due to the impacts of climate change and disasters.
• A “worst-case” scenario of climate change and disasters would push an additional 100.7 million people into poverty by 2030.
• Direct disaster costs reach approximately $202 billion annually, the broader economic impact is estimated at $2.3 trillion.

Topic: State News/Nagaland

4. The foundation stone for the Integrated Aqua Park at Tzudikong laid by PM Modi.

• On 11th October 2025, the foundation stone for the establishment of the Integrated Aqua Park at Tzudikong in Mokokchung district, Nagaland, was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The event was organised under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in the presence of Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
• This will be the first Aqua Park in Nagaland, envisioned as a hub for fisheries-related developmental activities.
• The park will primarily focus on fish and fish seed production and will play a transformative role in strengthening Nagaland’s fisheries sector.
• It will function as a comprehensive resource centre, ensuring the availability of high-quality inputs and promoting forward market integration for fair pricing of fishery products.
• The facility aims to fulfil the requirements of fish farmers, allowing them to access various benefits within the state itself.
• The project is also expected to empower educated unemployed youth by creating opportunities in the fisheries and aquaculture industries.

Topic: International News

5. The Presidential Election in Seychelles won by opposition leader Patrick Herminie.

• The presidential election in Seychelles was won by opposition leader Patrick Herminie, as officially declared on 12 October following a runoff vote.
• The election results showed that Mr. Herminie secured 52.7% of the votes, defeating incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan, who received 47.3%.
• The victory was achieved after a closely contested runoff, as no candidate had obtained a majority in the first round held two weeks earlier.
• Patrick Herminie represents the United Seychelles Party, which had governed the nation for four decades before losing power in 2020.
• The runoff was conducted on 11 October after early voting began on 9 October across the island nation.
• Both Mr. Herminie and Mr. Ramkalawan led active campaigns focused on addressing the country’s key challenges, including environmental degradation and drug addiction.

Topic: International News

6. North Korea's most powerful nuclear missile, 'Hwasong-20', was unveiled.

• The most powerful nuclear ballistic missile, Hwasong-20, was unveiled by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a grand military parade in Pyongyang.
• The event was held to mark 80 years of the Workers’ Party of Korea and was attended by top officials from Russia, China, Vietnam, and Laos.
• The parade showcased a range of advanced military equipment, including attack drones, rocket launchers, and battle tanks.
• The exhibition showcased some of the country's most advanced weapons, including the new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), described as "the most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system".
• The newly displayed Hwasong-20 ICBM is expected to become the backbone of North Korea’s long-range nuclear strike capability.
• It was stated that the engine used in this ICBM series will also power the next-generation Hwasongpho-19 and Hwasongpho-20 missiles.
• The term “Pho” translates to “artillery”, and “Hwasong” means “planet Mars” in Korean.
• The missile system reportedly uses solid fuel technology, making it easier to move and launch within minutes compared to liquid-fuelled versions.

Topic: State News/Maharashtra

7. Five beaches in Maharashtra have earned the international Blue Flag certification.

• These are Shrivardhan and Nagaon in Raigad district. Parnaka in Palghar district is also on the list.
• Guhagar and Ladghar beaches in Ratnagiri district have also received the honor.
• Aditi Tatkare, Minister for Women and Child Development in Maharashtra, made the announcement.  
• Foundation for Environmental Education awards the Blue Flag certification.
• This organization is based in Denmark. The certification requires meeting 33 strict criteria.
• These include criteria for environmental protection, cleanliness, and visual appeal.
• Beaches are evaluated on aspects such as water quality and safety, environmental education and eco-friendly management.
• Facilities and services for the public are part of the evaluation as well.

Topic: Reports and Indices

8. Climate change is now the most serious threat to natural World Heritage sites.

• It is currently affecting nearly half of these globally recognized areas, according to the IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4.
• The report was released at the IUCN Congress in Abu Dhabi.
• According to the report, 43% of natural sites face major climate-related risks.
• Invasive alien species are also a growing concern. They are impacting 30% of the sites.
• There is also a sharp rise in diseases affecting wildlife and plants.
• The percentage of affected sites increased from 2% in 2020 to 9% in 2025.
• The Outlook is based on global assessments carried out since 2014.
• It offers the most detailed review of natural World Heritage sites so far.
• The overall conservation status of these sites continues to decline.
• Sites with a positive outlook have dropped from 62% in 2020 to 57% in 2025.
• Many of the most vulnerable sites are rich in biodiversity.
• The report shows that the threats are intensifying. It urges stronger international cooperation to protect these sites.
• The report calls for greater recognition of Indigenous leadership in conservation.

Topic: Personality in News

9. Diane Keaton, an Oscar-winning actress, passed away at the age of 79.

• She rose to fame in the 1970s for playing Kay Adams-Corleone in 'The Godfather' series.
• Her first film role was in the 1970 romantic comedy 'Lovers and Other Strangers'.
• Her final film appearance was in the 2024 comedy 'Summer Camp'.
• Keaton also appeared in popular films such as 'Father of the Bride' and 'The First Wives Club'.
• In 1978, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in 'Annie Hall'.
• She also received a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award for the same performance.
• She earned three additional Oscar nominations during her career.
• These were for her roles in 'Something’s Gotta Give', 'Marvin’s Room', and 'Reds'.
• Keaton also directed a number of films. One of them was the 1995 comedy-drama 'Unstrung Heroes'.
• It was selected for the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival.

Topic: National News

10. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised ISKCON for launching a nationwide anti-drug campaign.

• He expressed his appreciation at the Udgaar Youth Festival held in New Delhi.
• The event was organised by ISKCON. Over 15,000 young people have already pledged to stay away from drugs.
• This initiative supports the broader goal of the ‘Viksit Bharat’ mission.
• It aims to build a healthier and more responsible society.
• The campaign is called UDGAAR – “Nashamukt Yuva, Sanskaryukt Bharat.”
• It has been launched as a national movement by ISKCON.
• The goal is to protect 15 lakh youth from falling into addiction.
• The approach involves reconnecting them with India’s spiritual values and cultural heritage.