Current Affairs - October 29, 2025 Current Affairs

The 20th East Asia Summit took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where member nations adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, stability, and multilateral cooperation. The declaration emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional architecture and endorsed transparent, rules-based approaches to conflict resolution. It also reinforced the EAS’s informal, leaders-led framework for strategic dialogue and cooperation on security, economic, and developmental issues. Amid shifting global power dynamics and regional tensions, the summit’s outcome in Kuala Lumpur underscored the importance of collaboration, trust-building, and a unified commitment to stability across the East Asian region.

The passenger vessel Sindhu achieved a historic feat by completing its maiden voyage to Barren Island, home to India’s only active volcano. Located about 140 km from Port Blair, Barren Island has long been a restricted zone, primarily accessible to scientists and researchers through aerial surveys. The successful journey of Sindhu marks a new chapter in Andaman and Nicobar tourism by opening sea-based access to one of India’s most unique geological sites. This development not only enhances eco-tourism prospects but also strengthens the region’s maritime connectivity and exploration initiatives.

East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, officially became the 11th member of ASEAN on October 26, 2025, during the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. This marked the culmination of a 14-year application process and symbolised the country’s successful integration into the regional community. With a population of about 1.4 million and a growing democratic system, East Timor’s membership represents ASEAN’s commitment to inclusivity and the strengthening of democratic values. It also opens new opportunities for East Timor in trade, education, and regional cooperation while enriching ASEAN’s collective political and cultural diversity.

Stellerus, a Hong Kong-based startup, is set to revolutionize atmospheric observation with the Feilian Constellation—the world’s first satellite network designed to capture three-dimensional wind data. The constellation will provide hourly, kilometer-scale global wind maps, improving forecasts for renewable energy, aviation safety, and disaster management. Led by Professor Hui Su, a NASA veteran, Stellerus combines advanced meteorological science with cost-effective Chinese satellite manufacturing. Partnering with Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., the company leverages cutting-edge imaging and lightweight satellite design to make global 3D wind monitoring economically viable and technologically groundbreaking.

The World Bank approved a $280 million loan for a southern Indian state under the Health System Improvement Programme to strengthen healthcare services and improve climate resilience. The initiative aims to benefit around 11 million elderly and vulnerable citizens through better chronic disease care, home-based support, and advanced digital health systems. It also promotes energy-efficient and climate-adaptive health infrastructure in districts prone to floods and heatwaves. The project highlights a model of digital integration, local governance participation, and sustainable public health management, enhancing the state’s reputation for progressive healthcare initiatives.

The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has partnered with IIT Madras through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen educational research and promote the integration of advanced technologies in learning. This collaboration aims to foster innovation in education by leveraging Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning tools. Aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020, the partnership seeks to modernize India’s education system, enhance digital learning infrastructure, and create data-driven, inclusive, and adaptive educational models that improve both teaching methodologies and student engagement nationwide.

International Animation Day is celebrated annually on October 28 to commemorate the birth of animation and honour Émile Reynaud’s pioneering work in 1892, when he presented the first public animated film using his Théâtre Optique in Paris. Established by ASIFA in 2002, the day is observed in over 50 countries, featuring screenings, workshops, and exhibitions that celebrate the art and evolution of animation. It highlights animation’s role as a universal storytelling medium, bridging cultures and languages through creativity, education, and visual innovation across both traditional and digital forms.

India will host the Asia Pacific Accident Investigation Group (APAC-AIG) meeting and workshop for the first time from October 28 to 31, 2025. The event, organised by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, will bring together around 90 global aviation safety experts and representatives from ICAO member states. Hosting this event reflects India’s growing leadership in global aviation safety, its commitment to international standards, and its strengthening role in regional air crash investigation and collaboration.

Uttar Pradesh will have a total of 76 districts after the creation of Kalyan Singh Nagar, which has been carved out from tehsils of Aligarh and Bulandshahr. The new district honours the legacy of former Chief Minister Kalyan Singh, who played a significant role in the state’s political and developmental history. The government’s decision aims not only to pay tribute to the late leader but also to improve administrative efficiency, governance, and public service delivery in the region. By creating smaller districts, Uttar Pradesh seeks to strengthen local administration and ensure balanced regional development.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to jointly produce SJ-100 civil commuter aircraft in India. This collaboration represents a landmark achievement for India’s aviation sector, as the SJ-100 will become the first complete passenger aircraft manufactured domestically. The initiative aligns with the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) vision by strengthening indigenous manufacturing capabilities, reducing dependence on foreign imports, and positioning India as a key player in the global civil aviation production ecosystem.

A total of 72 nations signed the United Nations Cybercrime Convention in Hanoi, marking the creation of the first-ever global treaty aimed at combating cyber threats. This landmark agreement, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2024 after years of negotiation, establishes a universal legal framework to address crimes such as hacking, ransomware, online fraud, child exploitation, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. By fostering international cooperation, facilitating evidence sharing, and offering capacity-building support for developing countries, the treaty represents a significant step toward harmonizing global cyber laws and strengthening collective digital security.

Sujeet Kalkal secured a historic victory by winning the gold medal in the men’s freestyle 65kg category at the Under-23 World Wrestling Championships. He defeated Uzbekistan’s Umidjon Jalolov in the final to claim his first-ever world title. This achievement adds to Kalkal’s growing list of accolades, which already includes two U-23 Asian titles and a U-20 Asian Championship gold. His triumph is particularly significant as it was India’s only medal at the event, showcasing his exceptional skill, determination, and contribution to Indian wrestling on the global stage.

Japan has introduced the world’s first yen-pegged stablecoin, JPYC, on October 27, 2025, through Tokyo-based startup JPYC Inc. Fully backed by Japanese yen and government bonds, the stablecoin aims to enhance digital payments and global financial interoperability while maintaining a 1:1 value with the yen. This move positions Japan as a pioneer in digital currency innovation, breaking the dominance of U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins. By promoting low-cost, fast, and secure transactions, Japan’s initiative reflects its broader goal of integrating fintech advancements with monetary stability and economic modernization in the Asia-Pacific region.