Current Affairs - October 13, 2025 Current Affairs

The United States has approved the establishment of a military training facility by Qatar at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. This agreement enables Qatari F-15QA fighter jets and pilots to participate in joint training programs with U.S. forces over the next decade. Qatar already holds the status of a major non-NATO ally and hosts the largest U.S. military base in West Asia. This collaboration further strengthens strategic defence ties between the two nations, enhancing interoperability, joint readiness, and mutual security interests in the broader Middle Eastern and global defence landscape.

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed globally on October 13. Established in 1989 following a United Nations General Assembly initiative, the day aims to promote a global culture of risk awareness and proactive disaster reduction. The 2025 theme, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,” emphasises the importance of investing in preparedness, mitigation, and resilient infrastructure rather than solely responding to disasters after they occur. Observing this day encourages governments, communities, and individuals to implement strategies that reduce vulnerability, enhance emergency response, and foster sustainable, disaster-resilient societies worldwide.

The 78th session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia commenced in Colombo, bringing together health leaders from across the region to discuss key public health priorities. India’s Minister of State for Health, Anupriya Patel, is set to participate in the plenary session, emphasizing India’s active engagement in regional health initiatives. The conference focuses on enhancing cooperation among member countries to strengthen health systems, improve pandemic preparedness, and foster sustainable healthcare solutions. Hosting the event in Colombo underscores Sri Lanka’s growing role in regional and global health diplomacy.

The 19th Mid-Term Ministerial of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is being hosted in Kampala, Uganda, with Uganda holding the NAM Chair for the 2024–26 term. Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, is leading the Indian delegation to the event. The theme of the ministerial, "Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence," emphasises the importance of solidarity and partnership among NAM member countries to promote equitable global development and mutual prosperity. Uganda’s leadership role reinforces its commitment to fostering stronger South-South cooperation and advancing NAM’s founding principles.

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced December 15, 2025, as the target date to ensure pure tap water supply to every household in the Vindhya and Bundelkhand regions. This initiative falls under the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission – Har Ghar Nal Yojana’, a flagship program aimed at improving rural water accessibility and public health. So far, more than 1.98 crore rural households across 85,364 villages have already been provided with tap water connections. The project highlights the state’s commitment to improving living standards, promoting hygiene, and ensuring equitable access to clean drinking water for all citizens.

Armenia has joined the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as its newest State Member, a development announced during the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. This membership allows Armenia to access global expertise, innovative conservation tools, and foster international partnerships aimed at protecting biodiversity. Additionally, Armenia is preparing to host COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2026, positioning the country as a key player in global environmental conservation efforts. Joining the IUCN strengthens Armenia’s capacity to implement sustainable development initiatives and enhance ecological protection at both national and international levels.

The fourth edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AUSTRAHIND 2025, will be held in Perth, Australia. This exercise involves a 120-member Indian Army contingent led by a Battalion of Gorkha Rifles. AUSTRAHIND aims to deepen defence cooperation between the two countries by enhancing interoperability, tactical coordination, and the sharing of best practices in sub-conventional warfare. Conducting the exercise in Perth underscores Australia’s commitment to joint defence training and strategic collaboration with India, fostering stronger military partnerships that contribute to peace, security, and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.

North Korea unveiled the Hwasong-20, described as its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile, during a military parade led by Kim Jong Un. The missile is considered North Korea’s strongest nuclear strategic weapon and is believed to have the range to strike targets as far as the U.S. mainland. This display of military strength highlights North Korea’s ongoing commitment to advancing its missile and nuclear capabilities. The event, attended by international dignitaries, served as a signal of the country’s technological progress and its intent to assert itself in global security dynamics.

Five beaches in Maharashtra—Shrivardhan and Nagaon in Raigad, Parnaka in Palghar, and Guhagar and Ladghar in Ratnagiri—have been awarded the Blue Flag certification. This international recognition is granted by Denmark’s Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to beaches that meet 33 stringent criteria encompassing cleanliness, safety, environmental management, and sustainability. The certification highlights Maharashtra’s commitment to maintaining high environmental standards and promoting eco-friendly tourism. Achieving Blue Flag status not only enhances the beaches’ global visibility but also encourages conservation practices, public awareness, and responsible tourism development along the coastline.

The 10th anniversary edition of Expand North Star 2025 was launched at Dubai Harbour, organised under the umbrella of GITEX GLOBAL — the world’s largest technology and AI gathering. Hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event serves as a global hub for collaboration among emerging AI-driven economies. Since its founding in 2016, Expand North Star has evolved into a premier platform connecting startups, investors, and tech innovators. The 2025 edition in Dubai underscores the city’s growing influence as a leading international center for technological innovation and entrepreneurship.

Patrick Herminie, leader of the United Seychelles party, emerged victorious in the Seychelles presidential election with 52.7% of the vote, defeating the incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan, who secured 47.3%. Herminie’s victory not only gave his party control of the presidency but also solidified its dominance in parliament. Having previously served as the speaker of parliament from 2007 to 2016, Herminie’s political experience and leadership played a significant role in his successful campaign and the subsequent consolidation of his party’s power.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Nagaland’s first Integrated Aqua Park at Tzudikong under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. This initiative aims to strengthen the fisheries sector in Nagaland by focusing on fish and seed production. The park will serve as a major resource centre, providing high-quality inputs, market linkages, and fair pricing mechanisms for fishery products. It represents a key step toward sustainable development and economic growth in the region, promoting livelihood opportunities for local fish farmers and entrepreneurs.