Current Affairs - October 20, 2025 Current Affairs

The Government of India extended the tenure of the 16th Finance Commission, chaired by Arvind Panagariya, by one month to November 30, 2025. This extension shifts the report submission deadline from October 31 to November 30, allowing additional time for finalizing recommendations on tax revenue distribution between the Centre and states for the 2026–2031 period. The Commission is also reviewing fiscal mechanisms for disaster management financing. The extension ensures thorough deliberation on key fiscal policies, equitable devolution, and performance-based grants, reflecting the importance of comprehensive guidance for Centre-State financial relations in the coming fiscal period.

The Bathou religion, an indigenous faith central to the Bodo community, is primarily practiced in Assam. It emphasises nature worship and promotes harmony between humans and the natural environment. Recognizing its cultural significance, the Bathou religion has been granted a separate code in the upcoming national census, allowing better representation of the Bodo community and their traditions. This acknowledgment supports the preservation of indigenous identities and highlights Assam’s rich cultural diversity, reinforcing the importance of documenting minority faiths in national demographic surveys.

Bangladesh participated with the Indian Navy in the 4th edition of Naval Exercise Bongosagar 2025, held in the Bay of Bengal in March 2025. The Bangladesh Navy deployed BNS Abu Ubaidah, while the Indian Navy was represented by INS Ranvir. The exercise focused on enhancing maritime security and included activities such as surface firing, VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) operations, tactical maneuvers, and strategies to address challenges like piracy and illegal fishing. This bilateral exercise strengthens naval cooperation and interoperability between India and Bangladesh, contributing to regional maritime safety and security.

The Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 was held in Malaysia, where India clinched the silver medal after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Australia in the final. This marked India’s fifth runners-up finish in the tournament, following bronze medals in the previous two editions. The event highlighted competitive international youth hockey, with Australia breaking their three-final losing streak by avenging their 2022 defeat to India. Hosting such tournaments in Malaysia emphasises the country’s growing role in promoting field hockey and providing a platform for emerging talent in the sport across Asia.

Jyothi Surekha Vennam made history by becoming the first Indian woman compound archer to win a medal at the Archery World Cup Final. She clinched the bronze in Nanjing, China, defeating second seed Ella Gibson of Great Britain with a score of 150-145, including a flawless 15 tens over five ends. This achievement marks India’s first-ever women’s compound medal at the season-ending final, highlighting Vennam’s precision, resilience, and her growing stature in international archery. Her performance is a milestone for Indian archery, inspiring future athletes in the sport.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $3 billion sovereign exposure exchange agreement (EEA) with the World Bank, aimed at enhancing ADB’s capacity to lend to its developing member countries. This is the first such agreement between ADB and the World Bank and the sixth EEA involving ADB since 2020, bringing the total exposure exchanged to $9 billion. These agreements allow multilateral development banks to optimise risk-sharing, expand financial resources, and support economic development projects in member countries, strengthening regional and global development financing frameworks.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the inaugural State of Finance for Forests (SFF) report, providing a comprehensive global overview of forest finance in 2023. The report highlights a significant funding gap, with total forest finance at US$84 billion—well below the US$300 billion needed annually by 2030 and US$498 billion by 2050 to ensure forest conservation and sustainable management. UNEP’s findings underscore the urgent need for increased public and private investment in forests, emphasizing the critical role of financing in protecting biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and supporting sustainable development goals worldwide.

Uruguay has become the first Latin American nation to legalise euthanasia, marking a significant milestone in bioethics and human rights within the region. The legislation permits medically assisted dying for patients suffering from incurable illnesses that cause unbearable pain, following five years of national debate and ethical discussion. This move reflects a growing recognition of patient autonomy and the right to die with dignity, setting a precedent for other countries in the region. Uruguay’s law balances medical, ethical, and legal considerations while advancing humane healthcare practices.

Uzbekistan participated alongside India in the joint military exercise DUSTLIK-VI 2025, conducted from April 16 to 28 at the Foreign Training Node in Pune. The exercise focused on Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in a semi-urban scenario, involving India’s JAT Regiment and Indian Air Force with the Uzbekistan Army. A key aspect of the exercise was the emphasis on Battalion-level Joint Operations Centre coordination for counter-terrorism operations. This collaboration enhances interoperability, strategic partnerships, and knowledge-sharing between India and Uzbekistan in addressing contemporary security challenges.

Rodrigo Paz, a centrist senator, won Bolivia’s presidential election with 54.5% of the votes, defeating Jorge Tuto Quiroga, who secured 45.5%. This victory marks a significant political shift in Bolivia, ending almost twenty years of leftist governance by the Movement to Socialism (MAS). Paz’s election comes at a time when the country is grappling with a severe economic crisis, signaling the electorate’s desire for change in economic and political policies. His leadership is expected to bring a centrist approach to Bolivia’s governance, addressing both economic recovery and political stabilization.