Current Affairs - October 17, 2025 Current Affairs

The Government of India has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zomato to generate around 2.5 lakh job opportunities every year through the National Career Service (NCS) portal. This collaboration aims to integrate gig and platform-based employment into India’s formal job ecosystem. By doing so, it seeks to provide better access to job opportunities for youth, ensure transparency in recruitment, and support the rapidly growing gig economy by offering structured and officially recognised employment pathways.

Ring One is an innovative smart ring created by Muse Wearables, an IIT-Madras-incubated startup. It merges health monitoring features with seamless contactless payment capabilities, making it a multifunctional wearable device. The ring utilises advanced tokenization technology to ensure secure transactions and includes a Secure Element chip for added data protection. By simply tapping the ring on an NFC terminal, users can make payments without carrying their phone, card, or wallet, offering both convenience and enhanced digital security in everyday life.

The Adani Group has been awarded the project to build a 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath, cutting the current nine-hour trek to just 36 minutes. The ₹4,081 crore project will employ Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology, enhancing stability and safety in high-altitude conditions. Designed to carry 1,800 passengers per hour per direction, it aims to boost pilgrimage accessibility, tourism, and regional economic development in Uttarakhand. Built under a Public-Private Partnership model, Adani will operate the ropeway for 29 years, generating local employment opportunities while ensuring safer and faster travel for pilgrims, particularly the elderly and those with health concerns.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed annually on October 17, as designated by the United Nations. Established to raise awareness about poverty and honour the efforts of those living in poverty, the day emphasises dignity, justice, and inclusive development. In 2025, the theme focuses on family-centric poverty eradication, highlighting the importance of supportive institutions and policies that respect and empower families, particularly marginalised and vulnerable communities. The observance calls for transforming social support systems to ensure trust, fairness, and effective aid for those experiencing poverty worldwide.

Manipur emerged victorious in the 30th Senior Women’s National Football Championship, clinching the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy by defeating West Bengal 1-0 in the final held at the RKM Ashrama Ground in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh. This win marks Manipur’s record 23rd title in the history of the tournament, showcasing the state’s long-standing dominance in women’s football. The winning goal was scored by Lynda Kom Serto in the 93rd minute, highlighting the team’s determination and resilience. Manipur’s continued success underscores its strong football culture and consistent talent development at the grassroots level.

Vivek Menon, the founder of the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), has been elected as the new Chair of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). His election marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first Asian to hold this prestigious global position. The SSC plays a crucial role in assessing species conservation status, developing action plans, and guiding global biodiversity efforts. Menon’s leadership signifies a strengthening of Asia’s representation in global wildlife conservation initiatives and highlights India’s growing influence in environmental protection and biodiversity preservation.

India’s passport rank has declined to the 85th position in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, dropping from its previous rank of 80th in 2024. The Henley Passport Index evaluates countries based on the number of destinations their citizens can access without requiring a visa. Indian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 57 countries. Meanwhile, Singapore continues to lead the index, having one of the world’s strongest passports. This ranking emphasises the importance of international mobility and the varying degrees of travel freedom granted by different national passports.

Joby Mathew, an accomplished Indian para powerlifter, won the bronze medal in the 65kg Legend (Masters) category at the 2025 Para Powerlifting World Championships held in Cairo, Egypt. He achieved a total lift of 300kg, with successful attempts of 148kg and 152kg, surpassing his previous personal best of 150kg. This remarkable performance earned him his second World Championship medal, following his earlier bronze in Dubai in 2023. Mathew’s consistent achievements highlight his exceptional strength, perseverance, and contribution to India’s growing prominence in international para sports.

Ahmedabad, located in the state of Gujarat, has been recommended as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. This major sporting event will coincide with the 100-year celebration of the Commonwealth Sport Movement. The decision was made during the Executive Board meeting of Commonwealth Sport, marking a significant milestone for India’s growing role in hosting large-scale international sports events. If finalised, this will further enhance Ahmedabad’s global recognition as a modern sports and infrastructure hub, contributing to India’s legacy in the world of competitive athletics.

India and Indonesia are conducting the 5th edition of the ‘Samudra Shakti – 2025’ naval exercise at Visakhapatnam, aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation between the two nations. First initiated in 2018, the exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability, mutual understanding, and the exchange of best practices in naval operations. Such joint drills improve operational readiness, foster strategic partnerships, and enable both navies to collaborate effectively during maritime security operations. This continued engagement reflects the growing significance of India-Indonesia defence relations in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The “Extradition of Fugitives - Challenges and Strategies” conference was inaugurated by Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. Organised by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the conference aimed to enhance collaboration among law enforcement agencies on issues related to the extradition of fugitives. Senior officers from both Central and State Police departments participated to discuss practical challenges, international cooperation mechanisms, and strategic frameworks to ensure more effective cross-border law enforcement. This initiative reflects India’s growing focus on strengthening its legal and diplomatic systems to handle fugitive extradition cases efficiently.

The fifth Khelo India University Games (KIUG) will be held across seven cities in Rajasthan—Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, and Bharatpur. Spanning 12 days, the event will feature 23 medal sports and one demonstration sport, Kho-Kho, with participation from over 5,000 university athletes nationwide. New disciplines such as beach volleyball, canoeing and kayaking, and cycling have been introduced this year. Hosting the KIUG highlights Rajasthan’s growing importance as a center for sporting excellence and its commitment to promoting youth sports development across multiple cities in the state.

India has extended medical assistance to Indonesia by gifting Prussian Blue Capsules, which are essential in treating internal contamination caused by radioactive substances like Cesium-137 and thallium. These capsules bind radioactive materials within the body and help remove them safely, reducing health risks associated with radiation exposure. This initiative highlights India’s commitment to supporting neighboring and partner nations in addressing public health and safety challenges, particularly in areas involving radiological emergencies and medical preparedness against potential environmental contamination.