National News

• UIDAI–BIL Partnership: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) partnered with Behavioural Insights Limited (BIL) to boost adoption of the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children aged 5 and 15, ensuring accurate Aadhaar-based authentication for welfare and education services.

• PM’s Bhutan Visit: The Prime Minister of India visited Bhutan, strengthening bilateral cooperation and marking a significant milestone in India–Bhutan relations.

• India’s First MWh-Scale VRFB System: India launched its first megawatt-hour Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) system, achieving a major technological advancement in energy storage.

• Mobile Apps for Cooperative Banks: Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah unveiled Sahakar Digi Pay and Sahakar Digi Loan, promoting digital transformation in Urban Cooperative Banks.

• Watershed Mahotsav: The Ministry of Rural Development launched the ‘Watershed Mahotsav’ in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, celebrating community-led initiatives for water rejuvenation, soil health, and sustainable rural development.

• National Water Awards 2024: The 6th National Water Awards were announced in New Delhi by Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Paatil.

National and International Highlights

1. NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has partnered with BENEFIT, Bahrain’s leading fintech company, to enable real-time cross-border remittances between India and Bahrain, strengthening India’s global payment network.

2. The World Bank’s Financial Sector Assessment (FSA) report urged India to accelerate financial reforms and mobilise private capital to achieve its USD 30-trillion economy goal by 2047.

Major National Initiatives

• The Government of India launched two major urban development initiatives — DRAP (Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme) and UiWIN (Urban Investment Window) — at the National Urban Conclave 2025 in New Delhi. The schemes, unveiled by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, aim to accelerate waste remediation and attract investment in sustainable city projects.
• The government also notified new deep-sea fishing rules for operations within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), spanning 23 lakh sq. km, to regulate marine resources and promote responsible fishing practices.
• On Uttarakhand’s Silver Jubilee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended celebrations at the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, marking 25 years since the state’s formation in 2000.

National Affairs

1. Delhi announces staggered office timings to curb pollution
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced staggered working hours for government and MCD offices to tackle rising air pollution during winter. The move aims to reduce vehicular congestion and improve air quality in the national capital.

2. Karnataka introduces paid menstrual leave policy
Karnataka became the first Indian state to approve 12 days of paid menstrual leave annually for women employees. The initiative promotes gender equality, workplace inclusivity, and health-conscious labour policies.

National Updates

• India’s Clean Energy Leadership: India has become the third-largest country globally in clean industrial project pipeline, after China and the United States.

• Financial Inclusion Milestone: Deposits under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) crossed ?2.75 lakh crore as of October 22, 2025.

• Public Sector Banks’ Record Profit: PSBs, led by SBI, reported a record ?49,456 crore profit in Q2 FY26, up 9% YoY.