Current Affairs - October 9, 2025 Current Affairs

Blackstone, one of the world’s largest investment firms, has launched its India credit platform as part of its expansion strategy in the country. The firm appointed Apurva Shah as Managing Director to head private credit origination operations in India. Blackstone Credit & Insurance (BXCI), managing around $484 billion in assets, is the world’s largest third-party credit platform. This move reinforces Blackstone’s commitment to strengthening its presence in India’s financial sector and expanding its focus on private credit opportunities across diverse market segments.

India’s first commercial electric truck battery swapping and charging station was inaugurated at the Delhi International Cargo Terminal (DICT) in Panchi Gujran village, Sonipat. The initiative, led by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, aims to encourage the use of electric vehicles in heavy transport. By enabling efficient battery swapping, it helps lower logistics costs, reduce dependency on imported fuel, and promote sustainable transportation. This marks a significant step towards achieving India’s goal of cleaner, more energy-efficient freight movement in the logistics and transportation sector.

The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced new measures to enhance pharmaceutical quality control by empowering drug inspectors to examine chemicals used in medicine and syrup production. This initiative aims to prevent the manufacture and distribution of adulterated or counterfeit medicines. Additionally, inspectors have been authorised to file FIRs against firms involved in such illegal practices. These reforms strengthen regulatory oversight in the pharmaceutical sector, ensuring the safety and reliability of medical products for consumers while reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to public health and drug quality assurance.

HSBC India has introduced the ‘Innovation Banking’ initiative to provide customised financial and banking solutions for startups at various stages of growth—from seed funding to IPO. The program includes a $1 billion allocation in non-dilutive debt capital, enabling startups to access funding without giving up equity. This move aims to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem by offering long-term financial support and innovative credit solutions, reflecting HSBC’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial ventures and driving economic growth through technological innovation and business development.

Google has expanded its AI-driven no-code app builder, Opal, to 15 countries including India, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, and Canada. Developed by Google Labs, Opal enables users to create functional applications simply by describing them in natural language. This expansion is a major step in Google’s mission to democratise app development and make AI tools accessible to both developers and non-coders globally. With features like a visual editor, debugging tools, and instant sharing, Opal empowers users to design and deploy customised apps efficiently, promoting inclusivity in the digital innovation space.

The government of Odisha has announced the establishment of the “Gyana Yagnya Mandap” digital library in Puri. This initiative aims to digitally preserve and provide access to rare records, manuscripts, and sacred documents related to the Jagannath Temple. The library will be constructed on the site of the old Raghunandan Library near the temple premises. By combining technology with cultural preservation, this project will benefit devotees, researchers, and historians, ensuring that valuable religious and historical knowledge remains accessible to future generations while promoting Odisha’s rich spiritual heritage.

Punjab has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to establish a Pilot Demonstration Project for Green Hydrogen production from biomass, particularly paddy straw. This initiative aims to tackle the recurring issue of stubble burning, which causes severe air pollution in northern India. By converting paddy residue into clean fuel, the project not only contributes to environmental protection but also offers new economic opportunities for farmers. The collaboration represents a forward-looking approach toward sustainable energy development and rural economic empowerment in Punjab.

A remarkable archaeological discovery was made in southeastern Turkiye, where a 12,000-year-old T-shaped pillar featuring a carved human face was unearthed at the Karahantepe site in Şanlıurfa Province. This finding represents the earliest known depiction of a human face carved directly onto a pillar, offering significant insights into Neolithic art and symbolism. The discovery sheds light on early human self-expression and religious or cultural practices, contributing valuable knowledge to the study of ancient civilizations and their development of artistic and symbolic representation during the Neolithic era.

India will host the 8th International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly from October 27–30, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The summit will bring together leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from 124 countries to discuss strategies for global solar energy collaboration, affordable access, and scaling adoption across sectors like agriculture, transport, and healthcare. Hosting the ISA Assembly underscores India’s leadership in renewable energy, as it continues to expand its non-fossil fuel electricity capacity and position itself as a global hub for clean energy innovation. The event also aligns with India’s vision of a carbon-neutral future.

Hungarian novelist and screenwriter Laszlo Krasznahorkai received the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature for his profound and visionary body of work. Often referred to as the “writer of the apocalypse,” Krasznahorkai’s novels explore themes of existential dread, human resilience, and the search for meaning in chaotic times. The Nobel committee honoured him for his ability to reaffirm the transformative power of art amidst apocalyptic terror. His richly complex narratives and stylistic mastery have earned him global acclaim as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary world literature.