Every week brings a new opportunity to rise, revise, and conquer—and this Weekly Current Affairs is no different. As aspirants across the country sharpen their preparation for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Defence, and State PSC exams, staying updated with reliable, exam-focused current affairs is not just a habit—it’s a winning strategy.
Last week’s digest (6–12 October 2025) brought us insights into India’s Nobel Peace Prize nomination, the launch of the world’s largest solar observatory, and the historic Indo-Pacific maritime pact. If you missed it, click here to download the previous Weekly Current Affairs PDF. This week, we build on that momentum with even more impactful updates—from India’s re-election to the UNHRC and WHO’s global alert on Indian cough syrups, to the launch of cruise services to Barren Island and the unveiling of Ayodhya’s Ramayana Wax Museum.
Whether it’s Coco Gauff’s WTA triumph, Kaziranga’s global recognition, or Google’s $15 billion AI hub in Visakhapatnam, every headline in this edition is curated to boost your GK, current affairs retention, and exam confidence.
International Affairs – Weekly Current Affairs (13–19 October 2025)
India at Gaza Peace Summit
Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, represented India at the International Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, where global leaders convened to discuss the US President’s peace proposal aimed at ending the ongoing Gaza conflict. India’s participation highlights its diplomatic engagement in Middle Eastern affairs and its support for multilateral peace efforts.
Exam Insight: Sharm El-Sheikh is a key diplomatic hub in Egypt, often hosting climate and peace summits. Gaza conflict questions may appear in international relations or IR sections of UPSC and Defence exams.
EU’s Digital Border Revolution
The European Union officially rolled out its Digital Border Registration System for all incoming travelers. This system, part of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), replaces manual passport stamping with biometric and digital tracking, enhancing security and travel efficiency across the Schengen Area.
Exam Insight: Know the difference between Schengen Area and EU membership. EES is relevant for questions on global digital governance and border security.
Barcelona’s Global Sailing Showcase
Barcelona, Spain, hosted the Puig Vela Clàssica, the world’s largest classic sailing regatta, attracting hundreds of boats and global participants. The event celebrates maritime heritage and is a major tourism and sporting attraction.
Exam Insight: Regatta = a series of boat races. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and a key Mediterranean port. Useful for geography and sports GK.
Seychelles Elects New President
Patrick Herminie, leader of the United Seychelles Party, won the presidential election, defeating incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan. The peaceful transition marks a significant political shift in the island nation.
Exam Insight:
- Capital: Victoria
- Currency: Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
- Location: Indian Ocean, east of mainland Africa
- Political system: Presidential republic
Sri Lanka–India Bilateral Boost
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya visited India for a 3-day official tour, focusing on education, trade, and port development. The visit included meetings with Indian leadership and discussions on regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal Initiative (BIMSTEC) framework.
Exam Insight: Harini Amarasuriya is Sri Lanka’s first female PM. BIMSTEC includes Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Strengthening BRICS: Brazil–India Talks
Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin arrived in New Delhi to discuss strategic cooperation within BRICS, focusing on AI, climate action, and trade. The visit reinforces Brazil’s commitment to South-South partnerships and India’s growing influence in Latin America.
Exam Insight:
- BRICS = Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
- Brazil Capital: Brasília
- Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL)
- India–Brazil ties include agriculture, space tech, and pharma
National Developments
Cruise to Barren Island – India’s Only Active Volcano
The Andaman & Nicobar Administration will launch a round-voyage cruise service from Port Blair to Barren Island starting October 24, 2025. This uninhabited island, located ~140 km from Port Blair, lies at the junction of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates and has witnessed eruptions as recently as September 2025.
GK Tip: Barren Island is the only active volcano in South Asia and part of India’s strategic maritime zone.
Dr. Sonali Ghosh Wins IUCN Kenton Miller Award
Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park, became the first Indian to win the WCPA–Kenton Miller Award at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. Her work in community engagement, park management, and biodiversity protection was globally recognized.
GK Tip: Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the one-horned rhinoceros, and a key biodiversity hotspot in Assam.
NSG’s 7th Hub in Ayodhya
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the establishment of the 7th NSG operational hub in Ayodhya, near the Ram Temple, during the NSG’s 41st Raising Day. This hub will ensure 24×7 counter-terror readiness, joining existing hubs in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Jammu.
GK Tip: NSG was formed in 1984 and is known as the Black Cat Commandos.
Maize Research Institute Inaugurated in Ludhiana
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the ICAR–Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) building in Ladhowal, Ludhiana. The institute will boost food security, bioenergy research, and agri-innovation.
GK Tip: Maize is India’s third most important cereal crop, after rice and wheat.
India Post’s Next-Day Delivery Service
Starting January 2026, India Post will launch guaranteed 24-hour and 48-hour delivery services for mail and parcels. This modernization aims to compete with private couriers and enhance last-mile logistics across India.
GK Tip: India Post is the world’s largest postal network, with over 1.5 lakh post offices.
Ramayana Wax Museum in Ayodhya
Ayodhya will unveil the world’s first Ramayana-themed wax museum during Diwali 2025, featuring 50 lifelike statues, immersive storytelling, and South Indian temple architecture. Built at a cost of ₹6 crore, it spans 9,850 sq ft along the Chaudah Kosi Parikrama route.
GK Tip: Ayodhya hosts India’s grandest Deepotsav, celebrating Lord Ram’s return.
Google–Adani $15 Billion AI Hub in Visakhapatnam
Google, in partnership with AdaniConneX and Airtel, will invest $15 billion to build India’s largest AI and data centre hub in Visakhapatnam. The project includes gigawatt-scale compute capacity, subsea cable networks, and renewable energy infrastructure.
GK Tip: This marks Google’s largest AI investment outside the US, boosting India’s digital transformation.
India Re-elected to UNHRC
India was elected unopposed to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026–2028 term, marking its 7th tenure since 2006. India’s Permanent Representative P. Harish emphasized the country’s commitment to justice, equality, and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
GK Tip: UNHRC has 47 member states, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Sports Highlights
India at the 3rd Asian Youth Games
India has officially named 222 athletes for the 3rd Asian Youth Games to be held in Manama, Bahrain. Veteran wrestler and Olympic medalist Yogeshwar Dutt has been appointed Chef de Mission, symbolizing India’s commitment to youth sports and international representation.
Exam Insight:
- Host City: Manama, Bahrain
- Chef de Mission: Leads and coordinates national teams at multi-sport events
- India’s focus: Athletics, wrestling, badminton, and shooting
Coco Gauff’s Grand Slam Glory
Coco Gauff, the rising American tennis star, clinched her first French Open title and her third WTA 1000 title at Wuhan, defeating fellow American Jessica Pegula. Her victory marks a significant milestone in women’s tennis.
Exam Insight:
- French Open = Grand Slam played on clay courts
- WTA 1000 = Elite tier of women’s tennis tournaments
- Coco Gauff: Youngest American to win French Open since Serena Williams
Joshna Chinappa’s Squash Triumph
India’s squash ace Joshna Chinappa secured her 11th PSA Tour title by defeating Egypt’s Haya Ali in the Japan Open Final held in Yokohama. Her consistent performance continues to inspire young Indian athletes.
Exam Insight:
- PSA = Professional Squash Association
- Joshna is one of India’s most decorated squash players
Delhi Half Marathon Winners
Kenyan long-distance runners Alex Matata and Lilian Kasait Rengeruk emerged victorious in the Delhi Half Marathon, showcasing Kenya’s dominance in endurance sports.
Exam Insight:
- Half Marathon = 21.0975 km
- Kenya is globally renowned for producing elite distance runners
Zoravar Singh Sandhu Shines in Shooting
Indian shooter Zoravar Singh Sandhu won bronze in the ISSF World Championships (Shotgun) held in Athens, Greece. His medal adds to India’s growing reputation in international shooting sports.
Exam Insight:
- ISSF = International Shooting Sport Federation
- Shotgun events include trap, skeet, and double trap
Tanvi Sharma’s Silver in Junior Badminton
Young shuttler Tanvi Sharma won silver in the BWF World Junior Championships held in Guwahati, narrowly missing gold against Thailand’s Anyapat Phichitpreechasak.
Exam Insight:
- BWF = Badminton World Federation
- Guwahati hosted the event for the first time, boosting India’s sports infrastructure
Jyothi Surekha Vennam Creates History
India’s Jyothi Surekha Vennam became the first Indian woman compound archer to win a bronze medal at the World Cup Final, marking a historic moment in Indian archery.
Exam Insight:
- Compound archery uses pulleys and cams for precision
- Jyothi is a consistent performer in World Archery events
ICC Players of the Month
Indian cricketers Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana were named ICC Players of the Month, recognizing their outstanding performances in international matches.
Exam Insight:
- ICC = International Cricket Council
- Smriti Mandhana is a leading figure in women’s cricket globally
T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Nepal and Oman secured their spots in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 from the Asia region, while UAE became the 20th and final team to qualify for the tournament.
Exam Insight:
- ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will feature 20 teams
- UAE’s qualification highlights the rise of associate nations in global cricket
Science & Health
WHO Global Alert on Indian Cough Syrups
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a global medical alert for three Indian-manufactured cough syrups—Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife—after they were found to be contaminated with diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical linked to kidney failure and death. The alert urges countries to strengthen drug quality surveillance and ensure safe pharmaceutical exports.
Exam Insight:
- Diethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless solvent used in antifreeze; toxic if ingested.
- WHO alerts are relevant for public health, international regulation, and pharma GK.
- India is a major global exporter of generic medicines—quality control is a recurring theme in UPSC and State PSC exams.
India’s First Indigenous Antibiotic: Nafithromycin
India has developed its first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, designed to combat multi-drug resistant respiratory infections. It is especially effective for cancer patients and those with poorly controlled diabetes, who are vulnerable to resistant bacterial strains. The drug was developed by Venus Remedies, a pharmaceutical company based in Haryana.
Exam Insight:
- Nafithromycin belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics.
- Tackles antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—a key topic in health and science sections.
- India’s push for indigenous pharma innovation aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.
Obituaries – Honoring Legacies
Pankaj Dheer (1956–2025)
Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, whose powerful and unforgettable depiction of Karna in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat left an indelible mark on Indian television, has passed away. His nuanced performance not only defined a generation’s imagination of the tragic hero but also set a benchmark for mythological narratives on screen—continuing to inspire storytellers and audiences alike.
Exam Insight:
- BR Chopra’s Mahabharat aired in 1988; Karna is a key figure in Indian epics.
- Useful for cultural GK and questions on Indian television history.
Ravi Naik (1946–2025)
Ravi Naik, former Chief Minister of Goa and serving Agriculture Minister, passed away. He played a pivotal role in Goa’s political landscape post-statehood and was known for his contributions to rural development.
Exam Insight:
- Goa attained statehood on 30 May 1987.
- Portuguese ruled Goa until 1961—important for colonial history questions.
Chen Ning Yang (1922–2025)
Chen Ning Yang, Chinese-American physicist and Nobel Laureate (1957), passed away at the age of 103. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics alongside Tsung-Dao Lee for their groundbreaking work on parity violation in weak nuclear interactions.
Exam Insight:
- Parity violation challenged fundamental physics assumptions.
- Nobel Prize facts are frequently asked in science and GK sections.
Kanchha Sherpa (1933–2025)
Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the historic 1953 Everest expedition, passed away at 92. He was part of the team that supported Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in their first successful ascent of Mount Everest on 29 May 1953.
Exam Insight:
- Mount Everest is located in the Himalayas, on the Nepal–China border.
- Tenzing Norgay was from Nepal; Edmund Hillary from New Zealand.
- Sherpa community plays a vital role in Himalayan expeditions.
GK for Competitive Exams
| Topic | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Syria | President: Bashar al-Assad; Currency: Syrian Pound (SYP) |
| EU Parliament | President: Roberta Metsola (2024–2027); Members: 27 EU countries |
| Barcelona | Capital of Catalonia, Spain; Hosted Puig Vela Clàssica Regatta, a major sailing event |
| Seychelles | Capital: Victoria; Currency: Seychellois Rupee (SCR); President: Patrick Herminie |
| Barren Island | India’s only active volcano; located in Andaman Sea, ~138 km from Port Blair |
| Kaziranga National Park | Located in Assam; UNESCO World Heritage Site; Known for one-horned rhinoceros |
| Youth Asian Games 2025 | Held in Manama, Bahrain from 22–31 October 2025; 45 nations, 8000 athletes |
| French Open 2025 | Winner: Coco Gauff; Defeated Aryna Sabalenka in final |
| NSG | New hub in Ayodhya; 7th center after Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jammu |
| Goa | CM: Pramod Sawant; Governor: Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju ; Statehood: 30 May 1987; Portuguese colony until 1961 |
| UNHRC | India elected for 2026–2028 term; HQ: Geneva; 47 member states |
| Brazil–India Relations | Strategic partners since 2006; Cooperation in BRICS, trade, space, and education |
| Sri Lanka | PM: Harini Amarasuriya; Visited India Oct 16–18, 2025; Focus on education, ports, trade |
| UAE | Qualified for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating Japan; 3rd appearance |
