RBI Eases Rupee Lending to Boost Trade with Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka
In a move aimed at strengthening regional trade and payment systems, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed Indian banks and their overseas branches to extend rupee-denominated loans to persons residing in Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
As per RBI, the step was taken to facilitate cross-border trade transactions and is part of its ongoing efforts to ease external trade and payment mechanisms.
Piyush Goyal Launches PM GatiShakti Public Platform to Democratise Access to Geospatial and Infrastructure Data
The Logistics Division, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, commemorated the completion of four transformative years of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP) with a special event in New Delhi, chaired by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal.
Among the key initiatives inaugurated at the event, the launch of "PM GatiShakti Public" through the Unified Geospatial Interface (UGI) marks a significant milestone in democratising access to infrastructure and geospatial data. This query-based web platform provides regulated access to selected non-sensitive datasets from the PM GatiShakti NMP, enabling private entities, consultants, researchers, and citizens to leverage advanced analytics for infrastructure planning and investment decisions.
L&T Wins Major Grid Infrastructure Orders in Middle East
Larsen & Toubro's (L&T) Power Transmission & Distribution (PT&D) business secured large grid infrastructure orders in the Middle East, strengthening its position in the region's energy sector.
The company will build a 400 kV substation in the United Arab Emirates as part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) interconnection project. This interconnection links the electricity networks of GCC member states, helping them share power efficiently and enhance overall grid stability.
During the International Purple Fest Goa 2025, three transformative initiatives were unveiled to strengthen accessibility in listening, reading, and writing for persons with disabilities, marking a step forward in inclusive education and skill development.
The International Purple Fest Goa 2025, held from October 9 to 12, was a landmark global event promoting inclusion and accessibility. It was hosted by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, and United Nations India. The Fest centred on cultivating inclusive thinking as the foundation for universal design.
Assam CM Launches "CM Flight" for Global Careers
In a forward�'looking move, the Chief Minister of Assam launched the CM Flight programme aimed at empowering the youth of Assam to pursue global careers. The initiative underscores the state government's resolve to equip young people with skills, exposure, and opportunities that bridge local talent and international job markets. This bold step seeks to address unemployment, brain drain, and skill mismatch in Assam.
Indian Army Hosts UN Troop Contributing Countries' Chiefs' Conclave in New Delhi
In a first-of-its-kind diplomatic and military outreach, the Indian Army is hosting the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Army Chiefs' Conclave in New Delhi from October 14 to 16.
As per reports, China and Pakistan have not been invited to the high-profile gathering, while Bangladesh and Nepal, two of the largest troop contributors, are represented by their Vice Chiefs or three-star officers.
The conclave is seeing participation from at least 15 foreign Army Chiefs, along with senior commanders and key defence representatives from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Overall, the event is bringing together the top brass from over 30 nations that actively contribute troops to UN peacekeeping missions.
Each year on October 14, the members of the IEC, ISO and ITU celebrate World Standards Day, which is a means of paying tribute to the collaborative efforts of thousands of experts worldwide who develop the voluntary technical agreements that are published as international standards.
The 70th Filmfare Awards 2025 celebrated the best of Hindi cinema at a glittering event held at EKA Arena, Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad. The grand evening was hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, along with Karan Johar and Maniesh Paul.
The highlight of the night was Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies, which swept 13 awards, equalling the record set by Gully Boy in 2020.
Best Film - Laapataa Ladies
Best Director - Kiran Rao for Laapataa Ladies
Best Actor in Leading Role (Male) - Abhishek Bachchan, Kartik Aaryan for I Want To Talk, Chandu Champion
Best Actor in Leading Role (Female) - Alia Bhatt for Jigra
Forest Rangers Honoured with 2025 International Ranger Awards
Forest rangers, often the first and last line of defence for global biodiversity, were honoured at the 2025 International Ranger Awards in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, recognising their unmatched courage and unwavering service to wildlife protection and forest conservation. The awards, presented by the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), highlighted the often-overlooked sacrifices rangers make in safeguarding the world's most fragile ecosystems. The ceremony celebrated rangers from 13 countries, including Ukraine, Burkina Faso, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and brought global attention to the dangers and duties rangers shoulder daily.
During the event, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, launched the report titled "Guardians of the Wild." This publication provides insights into,
The daily challenges rangers encounter
The complex threats they face, including poaching, illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and wildfires
The role of rangers in monitoring wildlife, managing habitats, and engaging with communities
Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt Win the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics
Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics for having explained innovation-driven economic growth.
The prestigious award, formally known as the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, is the final prize to be given out this year (2025) and is worth 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.2 million).
The economics prize was given out first in 1969 when it was won by Norway's Ragnar Frisch and Jan Tinbergen from the Netherlands for work in dynamic economic modelling.
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Introduces Alliance Air's "Fare se Fursat" Fixed Airfare Scheme
Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, inaugurated 'Fare Se Fursat', a historic initiative by India's government-owned regional carrier, Alliance Air. 'Fair Se Fursat' is aimed at giving passengers freedom from the stress of fluctuating airfares and promoting ease of flying in the country. The launch event was graced by Secretary, Civil Aviation, Samir Kumar Sinha; Chairman, Alliance Air, Amit Kumar and CEO, Alliance Air, Rajarshi Sen.
Under this scheme, Alliance Air will offer a single, fixed fare that remains constant regardless of the booking date, even on the day of departure. The initiative has been implemented on a pilot basis from October 13 to December 31, 2025 across select routes, to evaluate its operational feasibility and passenger response.
JGU Receives Global Education for Peace Award 2025 for Commitment to Peace through Education
OP Jindal Global University (JGU) was conferred the 2025 Global Education for Peace Award by the Society of Transnational Academic Researchers (STAR) during the STAR Global Conference 2025 held in Istanbul, Türkiye. The recognition celebrates JGU's contributions to advancing peace through higher education.