Daily Current Affairs and GK | 15 October 2025

Topic: Miscellaneous

1. Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu has launched a new initiative by Alliance Air called “Fare Se Fursat.”

• The scheme offers fixed-price airfares to make flying more affordable and stress-free.
• Under this scheme, ticket prices will remain the same regardless of the booking date, even on the day of travel.
• The initiative will be tested from October 13 to December 31, 2025.
• It will run on selected routes during the trial phase to measure passenger response and operational effectiveness.
• The initiative aligns with the goals of the UDAN scheme.
• It focuses on improving air travel access for the middle, lower-middle, and neo-middle classes.
• Passengers will no longer face unpredictable or inflated last-minute ticket prices.
• Alliance Air plays a key role in India’s regional aviation network.
• It connects smaller Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to the broader aviation system.
• The government aims to make flying more inclusive and accessible for all citizens.
• India’s airline industry generally follows a dynamic pricing system.
• This often causes fare spikes close to departure, frustrating travelers.
• “Fare Se Fursat” challenges that system by ensuring stable, transparent pricing.
• The move is expected to attract first-time flyers from smaller towns and rural areas.
• Alliance Air is India’s government-owned regional carrier.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

2. TCIL awarded the HR Excellence Award at the Fortune Leadership Awards 2025.

• Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) was presented the HR Excellence Award at the Fortune Leadership Awards 2025 held in Delhi on October 11.
• Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) is a Miniratna Schedule ‘A’ PSU under the Department of Telecommunications.
• The recognition was given for TCIL’s outstanding HR practices, employee development, innovation, and inclusivity.
• The award was presented by Dr. Dinesh Upadhyay, Former Member, Ministry of AYUSH, and Shri M. S. Nethrapal, IRS, and was received by Shri P. Suresh Babu, CGM (HR).
• Between 2021 and 2025, TCIL implemented comprehensive HR reforms to develop a future-ready and accountable workforce under Mission Karmayogi.
• Initiatives included merit-based promotions, digitization through E-Office and ERP, and a performance-linked management system.
• TCIL emphasized on skill building, under which 58 officers acquired global certifications in cyber security, networking and auditing, thereby improving work performance on high value projects.
• These reforms have enhanced organizational performance, supporting major national programmes such as Digital India and Smart Cities.
• Established in 1978, TCIL is a leading global telecom consultancy and engineering firm.
• TCIL provides end-to-end solutions in telecom, IT and infrastructure, executing over 500 projects in over 100 countries, and playing a key role in India's digital development and international telecom cooperation.

Topic: International News

3. India elected unopposed to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the term 2026-28.

• India was elected unopposed to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026–28 term, marking the nation’s seventh tenure on the Geneva-based rights body.
• The results of the election, held on 14 October, were announced by the UNHRC through a social media post confirming India’s three-year term beginning on January 1, 2026.
• Gratitude was expressed by India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, to all delegations for their overwhelming support.
• The diplomat stated that India’s election reflects its steadfast commitment to promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms globally.
• India’s participation aims to further the objective of protecting and advancing human rights during its tenure.
• The UN Human Rights Council comprises 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly for three-year terms under equitable geographic distribution rules.
• The council’s seats are divided among five regional groups—13 for African States, 13 for Asia-Pacific States, 6 for Eastern European States, 8 for Latin American and Caribbean States, and 7 for Western European and other States.
• India last served on the UNHRC in 2024 after two consecutive terms, taking a mandatory gap year before contesting for 2026–28 in compliance with council rules.
• Since the creation of the council in 2006, India has served six terms with brief breaks in 2011, 2018, and 2025.
• Since then, India has had six terms, 2006–2007, 2008–2010, 2012–2014, 2015–2017, 2019–2021 and 2022–2024.
• In the first election held in 2006, India secured the highest number of votes—173 out of 190—signifying its strong global reputation in human rights diplomacy.

Topic: Books and Authors

4. The book 'Ready, Relevant and Resurgent II' released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

• On 14 October, a book titled Ready, Relevant and Resurgent II: Shaping a Future Ready Force was released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at a function held in New Delhi.
• Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan authored the book and provided a comprehensive vision for shaping a future-ready Armed Force.
• A detailed examination of the changing nature of warfare was presented through the book, with special attention to cyberspace, cognitive warfare, and space-enabled operations.
• The increasing significance of emerging technological frontiers for the Armed Forces was underscored through the author’s analysis.
• The book emphasizes the importance of robust leadership and institutional strength to maintain military preparedness.
• It offers a reimagination of India’s defence strategy, combining historical insights with modern technological advancements.
• The publication presents a vision that integrates tradition with innovation to build a reliable and resilient defence structure.

Topic: Indian Economy

5. The IMF raised India's GDP forecast despite US tariffs.

• India’s GDP growth rate was projected by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to increase faster than previously estimated, despite the impact of US tariffs.
• According to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook report, India’s growth for 2025–26 has been revised upward to 6.6% from 6.4%.
• The IMF, however, slightly lowered its estimates by 20 basis points to 6.2% for 2026-27.
• The upward revision was driven by strong momentum in the first quarter, which outweighed the tariff effects on imports from India.
• The IMF noted that global economic conditions have proven more stable than expected amid recent tariff shocks.
• However, it warned that President Donald Trump's threat of a renewed US-China trade war could significantly reduce output.
• The IMF now projects global real GDP growth at 3.2% for 2025, an increase from its July forecast of 3.0%.
• This revision follows an earlier April forecast of 2.8%, made after Trump imposed global reciprocal tariffs that triggered a tit-for-tat escalation with China.
• The IMF maintained its 2026 global growth estimate at 3.1%, indicating continued but cautious optimism.

Topic: National News

6. The seventh NSG hub will be established in Ayodhya.

• A new hub of the National Security Guard (NSG) was announced to be established in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on 14 October.
• The decision was revealed during the 41st Raising Day of the NSG, marking an expansion of the elite counter-terror and counter-hijack force.
• The Ayodhya hub will be the seventh in India, joining existing hubs in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Jammu.
• It was stated that the hub’s commandos will remain on constant standby to respond to any sudden terrorist threats in the region.
• The Home Minister emphasised that upcoming reforms will enhance the operational capacity and training focus of the NSG.
• The headquarters will prioritise training both NSG and state police anti-terror units, ensuring high standards of fitness and preparedness.
• Over four decades, NSG teams have surveyed more than 770 critical locations, building a detailed data bank for counter-terror strategies.
• Additionally, Mr. Shah also inaugurated the Special Operations Training Centre (SOTC) at Manesar, Haryana, constructed at a cost of ₹141 crore.
• The new training centre will provide cutting-edge facilities for both NSG and state police units to sharpen anti-terror capabilities.
• A model operating procedure and 3D mapping of vital installations have been shared with all states to standardise anti-terror operations.

Topic: State News/ Andhra Pradesh

7. PM Modi will visit Andhra Pradesh on 16 October and offer prayers at the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple in Srisailam.

• The temple is located in the Nandyal district. He will also visit the Sree Shivaji Spoorthi Kendra in Srisailam.
• He will go to Kurnool and will launch, inaugurate, and dedicate several development projects.
• The total value of these projects is ₹13,430 crore.
• The projects span key areas like industry, energy transmission, roads, railways, defence production, and the oil and gas sector.
• These efforts are aimed at boosting infrastructure in the region.
• They also focus on driving economic development across the state.

Topic: International News

8. Ten MoUs have been signed between India and Mongolia to strengthen cooperation in several key areas.

• The MoUs are for cooperation in heritage site retoration in Mongolia, Humanitarian aid, promotion of Cooperatives, and sharing of digital solutions.
• The MoUs are also for cooperation in immigration, geology and mineral resources.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa released special postage stamps commemorating 70 years of diplomatic ties between India and Mongolia.
• Free e-visas for Mongolian citizens have been announced by PM Modi.
• Nalanda University and the Gandan Monastery will be linked to enhance educational and cultural cooperation between India and Mongolia.
• India is helping Mongolia build an oil refinery, supported by a $1.7 billion line of credit from India.
• Mongolia is planning to start chartered flights to Amritsar and New Delhi.
• President Khurelsukh is in India for a four-day visit. This is President Khurelsukh’s first visit to India since assuming office.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

9. A MoU have beeen signed between the National School of Drama (NSD) and Bharat Bhawan in Bhopal.

• The purpose of MoU is to revive the Rangmandal Repertory, which had been inactive for more than twenty years.
• The collaboration aims to restore it and promote quality theatre.
• It will benefit audiences in Madhya Pradesh and across India.
• NSD Director Chittaranjan Tripathy announced the development.
• He said NSD and Bharat Bhawan will work together to uplift stage performances.
• The MoU was signed on October 11. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended the signing event.
• Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav was also present.
• Bharat Bhavan is a multi-arts complex and museum. It is located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
• It was established by the Government of Madhya Pradesh. It is also funded by MP Government.

Topic: Indian Economy

10. India has experienced a significant rise in women’s workforce participation.

• The rate increased to around 42% in 2023–24. It was 23% in 2017–18.
• World Bank data shows India led BRICS nations. Over the past decade, India saw the highest increase in female labour participation among BRICS countries.
• Government policies played a key role in this progress. These policies expanded women’s access to skills, credit, and formal employment.
• The government introduced several initiatives to support women in the workplace.
• Women are now exempted from fees for competitive exams. They are also entitled to 730 days of Child Care Leave.
• Women in government service receive 180 days of maternity leave.
• Efforts are made to post spouses at the same location.
• Various ministries launched employment and training programs for women.
• These programs aim to give women relevant skills for today’s job market.
• Women’s participation in the workforce is seen as crucial for national growth.
• It is central to achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047.