Current Affairs Quiz – October 2025

Notes:
Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week is observed every year from 24th to 31st October by the United Nations (UN). The 2025 theme is “Minds Over Artificial Intelligence (AI) – MIL in Digital Spaces.” It focuses on the importance of Media and Information Literacy in the age of Artificial Intelligence. Media and Information Literacy (MIL) means the ability to access, evaluate, use, and create information responsibly while respecting digital rights and ethics. It promotes critical thinking, informed participation, peace, diversity, gender equality, and sustainable development in digital spaces.

Notes:
The second edition of the Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025 held in New Delhi from 22nd to 24th October 2025. It served as a key platform for discussions on operational preparedness, maritime security, capability development, and Tri-Service integration. During the event, five naval publications were released, including the Regulations for Naval Armament Service, GeM Handbook, and Foreign Cooperation Roadmap. A new digital portal, ‘NIPUN’ (Naval Intellectual Portal for Unified Knowledge), was launched. NIPUN acts as a one-stop online aggregator for the intellectual work of the naval fraternity across various domains.

Notes:
In October 2025, the Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved the Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network (B-MAAN) scheme. It is an umbrella programme for holistic aviation development with an investment of ₹14,182 crore over 2025–2030. The objective is to position Odisha as a leading aviation hub in eastern India under the vision “Samastanka Pain Biman Seba” (Aviation for All).

Notes:
Catherine Connolly, an independent left-wing politician, has been elected as Ireland’s 10th President. She won by a landslide victory, defeating her rival Heather Humphreys. Connolly has been a Member of Parliament (MP) since 2016 representing the Galway West constituency. She also served as the Deputy Speaker of the Irish Parliament. The presidency in Ireland is a largely ceremonial role, but her win reflects strong voter support for her independent and progressive stance.

Notes:
The Global Firepower (GFP) Index 2025 ranks the world’s strongest militaries using over 60 factors like manpower, defense budgets, logistics, and technology. The United States ranks 1st, with over $860 billion defense budget, advanced technology, and global reach across land, sea, air, and cyber domains. Russia holds the 2nd position, backed by its massive tank, artillery, and nuclear arsenal, along with modernization of S-500 air defense and hypersonic missile programs. China ties with Russia, driven by rapid military modernization, focus on cyber warfare, and expansion of its blue-water navy. India ranks 4th, emphasizing Atmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous defense projects like Tejas Mk1A, Arihant-class submarines, and BrahMos upgrades.

Notes:
The Embassy of India in Riyadh launched the third edition of Pravasi Parichay from October 28 to November 3, 2025. It is a week-long cultural festival celebrating India’s diverse heritage across Saudi Arabia. The festival began in 2023 in partnership with Indian diaspora associations in the Kingdom. It coincides with National Unity Day (October 31), symbolizing unity in diversity.

Notes:
World Psoriasis Day (WPD) is observed every year on October 29 to raise awareness about psoriatic disease and advocate for the rights of affected individuals. It is supported by local, national, and international organisations through campaigns promoting early diagnosis, effective treatment, and patient support. Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin disorder causing red, scaly plaques on the skin and significantly impacts mental health and quality of life. The 2025 theme is “Psoriatic Disease and Comorbidities – Understanding the Domino Effect,” highlighting the link between psoriasis and other physical and mental health conditions.

Notes:
Namitbir Singh Walia from Jalandhar, Punjab, has become an International Master (IM) in Chess after securing 4th place at the 3rd Annemasse International Masters Tournament in France. He began playing chess at age six and started professional coaching at age seven in 2012. His early coach was Kanwarjit Singh, who trained him until 2020, after which he received advanced coaching. Namitbir is a student of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi, and winner of the Senior State FIDE Rating Open Chess Championship 2025. He is the second player from Punjab to earn the IM title, following Dushyant Sharma in February 2022.

Notes:
In October 2025, Paul Barthélemy Biya’a bi Mvondo, representing the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), won Cameroon’s 2025 Presidential Election with 53.7% votes, defeating Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who got 35.2% votes. This victory marked his eighth consecutive term as President. At 92 years, he became the world’s longest-serving and oldest President. He joined the Presidency of the Republic in 1962 and served as Secretary-General from 1968–1975. He became Prime Minister (PM) in 1975 and succeeded Ahmadou Ahidjo as President in 1982. In 2008, he removed presidential term limits, allowing indefinite re-elections.

Notes:
Madhya Pradesh will establish Nauradehi Sanctuary as the third home for cheetahs, after Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. Cheetahs will be brought from Namibia (Africa) and released into Nauradehi to expand conservation efforts. The state is actively working on wildlife conservation, including releasing six crocodiles (four females, two males) into the Indira Sagar Dam on the Narmada River. A gharial conservation campaign is ongoing, and some gharials will be sent to Assam on request. Plans are underway for a new Omkareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, covering 61,407 hectares across Khandwa and Dewas districts.