Daily Current Affairs and GK | 7 October 2025

Topic: National News

1. The Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) vessel, Shivalik, flagged off by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during its maiden call to India at Visakhapatnam Port.

• It will deliver its first shipment of LPG cargo.
• This marks a major boost to India’s gas transportation capabilities.
• It also strengthens maritime security and enhances India’s global position in shipping.
• The initiative supports the vision of a self-reliant India in the energy and maritime sectors.
• ‘Shivalik’ was officially brought under the Indian flag on 10th September 2025.
• The vessel was acquired by the Shipping Corporation of India.
• Its induction is a significant step in the growth of India’s maritime sector.
• During his visit, Minister Sonowal also inaugurated several infrastructure projects by the Visakhapatnam Port Authority.
• These projects aim to modernize port facilities. They will improve operational efficiency.
• They also focus on eco-friendly and sustainable practices. All efforts are aligned with the goals of Maritime India Vision 2030.

Topic: Sports

2. India won a record 22 medals at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025.

• The 12th edition of the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 concluded in New Delhi with India securing 22 medals including 6 gold, 9 silvers, and 7 bronze medals).
• Hosts India finished 10th at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025, their best performance in the history of the championships.
• The event was held from September 27 to October 5 and featured athletes from 104 countries.
• A 73-member Indian contingent, including 54 men and 19 women, represented the host nation.
• Shailesh Kumar won India’s first gold in men’s high jump T63 class, setting a new Asian record.
• Two-time Paralympic javelin throw champion Sumit Antil won his third World Championships gold medal, the most by an Indian para-athlete.
• During the competition, India set three championship records, seven Asian records, and achieved over 30 personal bests.
• More than 2,000 athletes from 104 countries competed in 186 medal events, with 101 men's, 84 women's and one mixed.
• With this result, India’s total at the World Para Athletics Championships reached 67 medals overall (19 gold, 24 silver and 24 bronze).
• Top 10 countries in World Para Athletics Championships 2025 medals tally:

Topic: Reports and Indices

3. NITI Aayog urged to boost manufacturing as India's trade reaches $1.73 trillion in FY25.

• NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam launched the Trade Watch Quarterly Report for Q4 of FY2025 in New Delhi.
• During the launch, he emphasized the need to strengthen and diversify India’s manufacturing base.
• It was stated that improving manufacturing competitiveness is essential for sustained trade growth.
• Subrahmanyam highlighted the need for India to adapt to evolving global demand and diversify its export base.
• Focus was also placed on enhancing competitiveness in non-leather footwear and global value chains.
• The report revealed that India’s total trade stood at $1.73 trillion in FY25, reflecting a 6% year-on-year growth.
• Exports were recorded at $823 billion, while imports reached $908 billion during the same period.
• Services exports achieved a record $387.5 billion, showcasing India’s growing strength in the service sector.
• The report also recommended expansion of apprenticeship-based training and R&D for design innovation.
• It assessed the leather and footwear sector, which employs 4.4 million people and contributes significantly to India’s exports.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

4. Agreement signed between DDWS and BISAG-N to enhance digital monitoring of rural water and sanitation schemes.

• On 6 October, a Memorandum of Agreement signed between the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation and Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N).
• The collaboration aims to develop a GIS-integrated decision-support platform for Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission.
• The platform will strengthen digital monitoring, planning, and evaluation of rural water and sanitation projects.
• The MoA was exchanged by JJM Joint Secretary Swati Meena Naik and BISAG-N Special Director General Vinay Thakur.
• The event was chaired by DDWS Secretary Ashok K.K. Meena, who emphasized the need for transparency and accountability.
• It was stated that the integration of geospatial technologies will enhance efficiency in mission implementation.
• The platform will support mapping of rural piped water schemes and enable household-level monitoring.
• BISAG-N will provide end-to-end technical support, including database design, map creation, and software development.
• The initiative will align with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for integrated infrastructure planning.
• According to the Ministry, this collaboration supports the Digital India vision by building a robust data ecosystem for rural development.

Topic: Sports

5. The BWF World Junior Badminton Championships returned to India after 17 years.

• On 6 October, the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships 2025 began in Guwahati with India defeating Nepal 45-18, 45-17.
• The championship has returned to India after a gap of 17 years and will continue till October 19.
• The first phase of the tournament features 36 teams competing for the Suhandinata Cup in the mixed team event.
• The second phase will include the individual championships for the Eye-Level Cup.
• India has been placed in Group H alongside UAE, Sri Lanka, and Nepal in a new relay-scoring format.
• Each set in the new format will be played as a race to 45 points across a best-of-three system.
• Players from top badminton nations including China, Japan, Indonesia, and Denmark have arrived in Guwahati.
• India has previously won 11 individual medals in the history of the championships, with its best performance coming in Pune in 2008 when it won a gold and a bronze medal.
• With this edition, India has become the fourth Asian country to host the Junior World Championships twice.
• The tournament, also known as the Suhandinata Cup, will conclude on October 11, followed by the individual BWF World Junior Championships from October 13 to 19 at the same venue.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

6. The CPA India Region Zone-III Plenary Conference will be hosted in November by Kohima.

• The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-III Plenary Conference is scheduled to be hosted in Kohima in November 2025.
• Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in New Delhi to discuss preparations.
• Longkumer briefed the Lok Sabha Speaker on the ongoing arrangements and significance of the conference.
• The event is expected to promote cooperation and dialogue among the Northeastern states.
• Speaker Om Birla expressed his keen interest in attending and supporting the conference in Kohima.
• Birla conveyed that the platform should be utilized for deliberating on key policy issues affecting the region.
• The Lok Sabha Speaker congratulated the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for organizing the upcoming plenary event.
• He also emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary engagement within the North East.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

7. The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi.

• They were honored with this award for their groundbreaking research on how the immune system avoids attacking the body’s own cells.
• Their discovery of regulatory T cells revealed how immune tolerance is maintained.
• This discovery has led to new treatments for autoimmune diseases, cancer, and organ transplant rejection.
• This Nobel Prize carries monetary award of 11 million Swedish kronor, which will be shared equally among the three scientists.
• Brunkow earned his Ph.D. from Princeton University. He currently works as a Senior Programme Manager at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle.
• Ramsdell completed his Ph.D. at University of California-Los Angeles, US.
• He now serves as a Scientific Advisor at Sonoma Biotherapeutics in San Francisco.
• Sakaguchi earned his M.D. and his Ph.D., both from Kyoto University, Japan.
• He is a Distinguished Professor at Osaka University’s Immunology Frontier Research Center.
• Their work created a new branch of immunology focused on immune regulation.
• It is now driving global clinical trials and experimental therapies.
• The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine went to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun.
• They were recognized for discovering microRNA and its role in controlling gene activity after transcription.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

8. Sardar@150 Unity March launched by Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi.

• The event marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
• Dr. Mandaviya described the march as a nationwide effort to actively involve the youth in shaping the nation’s future.
• It aligns with the broader goals of building a developed and self-reliant India.
• The initiative is designed to instill a sense of national unity, patriotism, and civic duty among young citizens.
• It promotes the ideals of self-sufficiency and the swadeshi movement.
• The campaign embodies the essence of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
• The first stage of the march will take place across all districts from October 31 to November 25 this year.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on 31st October 1875. His birthplace is Nadiad in Gujarat.
• He played a key role in India’s freedom movement. He unified more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union.
• This was achieved in a very short period. He is popularly called the "Iron Man of India."

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/ Meetings

9. The sixth Global Fintech Fest (GFF) started in Mumbai on 7 October 2025.

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended the opening session.
• This year’s theme is ‘Empowering Finance for a Better World Powered by AI’.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver a keynote address on 9 October 2025.
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also expected to speak at the event.
• Both leaders will meet with policymakers, innovators, and industry experts.
• A key highlight is the Bharat AI Experience Zone by NPCI and NVIDIA.
• Over 400 exhibitors will showcase their fintech innovations.
• The event will also include workshops and hackathons.
• Fintech awards will recognize innovation and impact in the sector.
• Several networking events are planned throughout the fest.
• The goal is to create a platform for ideas, technology, and collaboration.
• The three-day event is being held at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai.
• More than one lakh attendees are expected to visit. Over 7,500 companies will take part in the event.

Topic: International News

10. Sanae Takaichi is expected to make history by becoming Japan's first female Prime Minister on the 15th October.

• Sanae Takaichi has been chosen as the new leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
• Takaichi defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a decisive runoff vote.
• She received 185 votes, while Koizumi got 156.
• The runoff vote was required after no candidate secured a clear majority in the initial voting round.
• The leadership election was held following the resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba last month.
• Other contenders for the position included former LDP Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, and Takayuki Kobayashi.
• Before this victory, Takaichi held the post of Economic Security Minister in the Japanese government.