Daily Current Affairs & Key Questions for NDA & Competitive Exams – 13 October 2025

Introduction

Stay ahead in your NDA preparation with today’s summary of the latest current affairs across Politics, Defence, Economy, Science, and Sports. These quick updates are tailored for NDA exam aspirants and cover diverse news relevant for competitive exams. Keeping up with the latest current affairs not only boosts your general awareness but also sharpens your exam strategies.

Key Recent Current Affairs Highlights (13 October 2025)

Politics & Governance

• The NDA alliance has finalized its seat-sharing for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, with BJP and JD(U) set to contest 101 seats each out of 243. This marks a balanced power-sharing arrangement aiming to consolidate NDA’s position in Bihar for elections scheduled on 6 and 11 November 2025.
• Meanwhile, the Opposition Mahagathbandhan alliance led by the Congress, which includes RJD, CPI(M), AAP, Samajwadi Party, and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, is actively discussing its seat-sharing formula. Talks are progressing, with leaders Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav involved, aiming to finalize candidates and a joint manifesto soon. The opposition is preparing a united front against the ruling coalition in Bihar.
• Opposition leaders have condemned the recent violence in Ladakh during protests for statehood and tribal status. They are considering sending a delegation to the region to assess the situation, following civilian deaths and reports of government crackdown. The opposition criticized the use of the National Security Act (NSA) against protestors and has demanded judicial inquiries and greater autonomy guarantees.
• AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has distanced himself from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “vote theft” allegations but acknowledged BJP as a formidable political opponent with a strong 24/7 working style. He urged opposition parties to stay vigilant and actively monitor electoral rolls and processes to safeguard democracy.
• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee commented on safety concerns after a recent high-profile rape case. She urged private colleges to take greater responsibility for women’s safety on campuses, highlighting governance and law-and-order challenges at the state level.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch a ‘Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot’ campaign on 15 October to strengthen BJP’s grassroots connect ahead of Bihar elections, directly engaging with booth-level workers.

Geopolitics

• India has upgraded its diplomatic mission in Kabul, Afghanistan, to the status of a full embassy after nearly four years. This marks a significant recalibration of ties with the Taliban-led government. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held detailed talks with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi reaffirming India’s commitment to peace, stability, and development cooperation in Afghanistan. India condemned terrorism originating from regional countries and emphasized mutual respect for sovereignty. India also extended condolences for recent earthquake victims in Afghanistan and committed to increased humanitarian and infrastructure support. This move counters Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan and responds to China’s growing regional role.​
• Border tensions have escalated in Southeast Asia between Thailand and Cambodia, fueled by historical disputes and China’s backing of Cambodia. This has raised concerns about regional stability and growing nationalist sentiments. China has also imposed new export restrictions on rare earth minerals critical to global technology supply chains, intensifying strategic competition with the US and allies.​
• In South Asia, Pakistan is navigating a complex geopolitical maneuvering act amid US-China competition, with rising border tensions in Gilgit-Baltistan and concerns about China’s ambitious CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) initiative, which India views warily. This underscores India’s strategic focus on countering encirclement and strengthening relations with Afghanistan and other neighbors.​
• The ongoing war in Ukraine coupled with US focus shifting towards Indo-Pacific under President Trump’s administration affects European strategies, including Romania’s revised security posture in the Black Sea. Meanwhile, Iran faces regime challenges and reduced regional influence amid sanctions.​
• Russia’s defence equipment issues, particularly for the Indian Navy’s MiG-29K jets, have surfaced with reports of radar failures and quality concerns, prompting India to diversify defence relations. India recently procured French Rafale M aircraft and US maritime patrol assets, signaling a shift away from dependence on Russia.​

Defence & International Relations

• The India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Joint Statement underlines the growing defence cooperation between the two countries. Australia has called India a “trusted partner,” and the two nations aim to strengthen collaboration across all military domains by expanding joint exercises, operations, and defence industry ties. India participated in Australia’s Land Forces Expo with its pavilion and will engage in the Australia-India Defence Industry Roundtable in Sydney. The cooperation includes logistics support, maritime security, and advanced technology exchanges such as integrated air and missile defence and unmanned aerial systems.​
• The fourth edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025 is set to begin in Perth, Australia, focusing on sub-conventional warfare in urban and semi-desert terrain. Indian Army troops, including the Gorkha Rifles battalion, will join the exercise to enhance interoperability, exchange tactical expertise, and strengthen military camaraderie.​
• The Indian Navy’s MiG-29K fighter jets have been facing critical radar failures, exposing challenges with Russian defence supplies. These jets, considered backbone of carrier air power, suffer from unreliable Zhuk-ME radars, forcing aborted sorties. This has triggered a shift in India’s defence acquisitions towards Western technologies like the French Rafale M aircraft equipped with advanced AESA radar. This highlights India’s focus on enhancing technological self-reliance and diversifying defence partnerships.​
• Security forces on the India-Pakistan border in Jammu & Kashmir have launched operations after spotting multiple Pakistani drones conducting surveillance. The BSF seized five drones carrying narcotics and arms along the Punjab border, disrupting cross-border smuggling attempts. Authorities remain vigilant against drone-based infiltration and contraband drops, tightening border security with advanced monitoring.​
• The Indian Army is gearing up to host the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries’ (UNTCC) Chiefs’ Conclave in New Delhi from 14 to 16 October. This event will bring military leaders from various contributing nations to discuss peacekeeping operations, further highlighting India’s role in global defence cooperation and UN peace missions.​
• India continues strengthening defence ties with the UK, with agreements to enhance bilateral military exchanges and joint maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Both countries committed to combatting terrorism and advancing collaboration on missile defence, training, and procurement of lightweight multirole missiles, emphasizing their strategic partnership.

Economy & Environment

• India’s stock market showed cautious movement on 13 October 2025, with the Nifty futures recovering slightly to 25,330 after earlier falls. Investor sentiment remained cautious amid global trade tensions and domestic economic policy monitoring. Key sectors like IT and consumer durables saw declines while gold prices in India edged slightly up, with 24-carat gold at ₹1,25,400 per 10 grams, reflecting demand and international trends.​
• In a major push for clean energy, India has designated three ports — Deendayal Port (Gujarat), V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tamil Nadu), and Paradip Port (Odisha) — as Green Hydrogen Hubs under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. These integrated zones will focus on green hydrogen production, storage, and usage, particularly targeting shipping, logistics, fertilizers, and refining sectors to promote decarbonization and achieve India’s net-zero emissions goal by 2070.​
• India observed the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on 13 October, with the theme “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.” This day highlights the importance of proactive disaster risk management and climate adaptation to safeguard lives and economies. India’s progress in renewable energy and sustainable development aligns with this global aim.​
• Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav traveled to Brasília for pre-COP talks ahead of the COP30 climate summit. India is expected to raise its ambition on emissions intensity, non-fossil electricity capacity, and forest carbon sinks while advocating for fair carbon markets and climate finance mechanisms. India has already exceeded its non-fossil fuel capacity targets ahead of the 2030 deadline, signaling leadership in the global clean energy transition.​
• The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) announced the launch of SPARK-4.0 to support young researchers and innovations in Ayurveda, aligning traditional knowledge with modern science for health and environment benefits.

Science & Technology

• Indian space-tech startup GalaxEye is set to launch the world’s first multi-sensor Earth Observation (EO) satellite named Mission Drishti in early 2026. This satellite will carry several sensors for multi-spectral and thermal imaging, providing detailed day-night data for agriculture, forestry, disaster management, and climate monitoring. The mission marks a bold move in India’s growing private space sector and technological innovation ecosystem.​
• The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) is making significant progress with investments nearing ₹1.6 lakh crore to establish semiconductor fabrication units and R&D facilities to reduce India’s dependence on chip imports (currently 95%). Top companies such as Tata Electronics, Micron Technology, and HCL-Foxconn are fast-tracking projects in Gujarat and other hubs. This initiative is pivotal for India’s technological self-reliance and future digital economy growth.​
• At the India Mobile Congress 2025, Ericsson showcased new 5G and AI innovations developed “for India, by India,” including a 5G-enabled Grain ATM to dispense food using Aadhaar biometrics, a robotic dog for automated railcar inspection, and immersive AR experiences for future travel. These advances underscore India’s role in digital transformation and smart technology adoption.​
• India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight program continues to advance, with four Indian Air Force test pilots completing rigorous physical and psychological training. The first uncrewed test flights are scheduled soon, with a crewed mission targeted for early 2027. This program aims to establish India’s independent human spaceflight capability and pave the way for future space station and lunar missions.​
• In healthcare, AI-based diagnostic tools are revolutionizing patient care in India, enabling faster, more accurate disease detection and personalized medicine. This emerging tech promises improved healthcare access and efficiency, crucial for a diverse population.

Awards & Recognitions

• Nobel Prize 2025 Updates: The Nobel Prizes in Medicine, Physics, and Chemistry for 2025 have already been announced. The Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi for their work on immune tolerance. The Physics Prize went to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for discoveries in quantum tunneling and energy quantization. The Chemistry Prize was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi for developing metal-organic frameworks. The award announcements for Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences are expected soon, with strong global attention.​
• Hungarian Author László Krasznahorkai Wins Nobel Prize in Literature: This day also saw the announcement of the Nobel Prize in Literature 2025, which was conferred on László Krasznahorkai of Hungary. His literary contributions have been praised for innovative narrative techniques and profound philosophical themes.​
• IndiGo Named World’s Best Low-Cost Airline: IndiGo received the prestigious Skytrax 2025 award as the world’s best low-cost carrier, marking a significant achievement for India’s aviation sector and its global reputation.​
• Rajeev Juneja Appointed President of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI): Recognized for business leadership, Mr. Juneja’s appointment highlights his influence in promoting industry and trade, important for India’s economic ecosystem.​
• National Awards & Recognitions: The Central Government and various institutions continue to confer national awards to achievers in fields like sports, arts, public service, and scientific innovation. Recent honors include lifetime achievement awards for prominent figures and segment-specific accolades which reflect India’s diverse excellence.

Sports

• Women’s Cricket World Cup: India’s Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal made a stellar opening partnership against Australia in the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 match at Visakhapatnam. Mandhana scored a brisk 80 runs, setting records including the first-ever woman to score 1000 ODI runs in a calendar year. Despite the strong start, India lost the match as Australia chased down a record 331 runs, led by Alyssa Healy’s 142.​
• Hockey – Sultan of Johor Cup: The Indian junior men’s hockey team extended its unbeaten run by defeating New Zealand 4-2 in the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 held in Malaysia. Goals by Arshdeep Singh, PB Sunil, Araijeet Hundal, and Rosan Kujur contributed to the win, keeping India at the top of the standings in this prestigious U21 international hockey tournament.​
• Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025: The 20th edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon was flagged off by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya with enthusiastic participation across age groups. Several dignitaries including defence and navy chiefs attended, highlighting the event’s popularity and significance in promoting fitness.

Uttarakhand General Awareness Update (Past 24 Hours)

The state continues recovery and reflection after the devastating July 2025 floods caused by glacial lake outburst floods and landslides, which displaced thousands and caused significant loss of life and infrastructure damage. Efforts to improve disaster risk communication and infrastructure resilience are ongoing.​

The Uttarakhand government carried out a major administrative reshuffle involving 44 officers, including 23 IAS and 18 PCS officers. Five districts received new District Magistrates, such as Lalit Mohan Riyal appointed DM of Nainital and Gaurav Kumar as DM of Chamoli, indicating a significant governance revamp to improve district administration.​

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Udham Singh Nagar, attending a farmers’ fair and directing officials for timely road repairs across the state. CM Dhami also announced the cancellation of some exams with a decision to conduct fresh tests within three months to ensure education quality.​

Weather in Uttarakhand remains dry with clear sunny conditions, and daytime temperatures slightly above normal for this season. Dehradun and other parts have experienced pleasant sunny weather conducive for daily activities.​

Locals in Bhagirathi region of Uttarakhand have flagged rapid glacier retreat due to climate change and intensifying rainfall patterns. This glacier shrinkage is impacting agriculture and local livelihoods, raising concerns about long-term ecological and economic effects in the sensitive Himalayan ecosystem.​

The state government reiterated its commitment to safety and security, with Chief Minister Dhami emphasizing the protection of journalists and citizens amid rising concerns over law and order. Several incidents like Nainital stabbing in a local dispute have highlighted the need for enhanced police vigilance.​

Importance for NDA and Other Aspirants

Regular awareness of current affairs is vital for NDA exam and SSB interviews, where questions test your knowledge across politics, defence, sports, and science. Following news from multiple categories expands your GK base and trains you to connect national and international events—strengthening your competitive edge and interview confidence. For the NDA exam, staying updated means you can answer both direct and situational GK questions smartly.

Repeated Past Important Questions

Practice MCQs for NDA/Competitive Exams

1. Which Indian defence force recently inducted its first woman flight engineer?
   • (A) Indian Army
   • (B) Indian Navy
   • (C) Border Security Force
   • (D) Indian Air Force
2. Who won the Nobel Prize in Literature 2025?
   • (A) Salman Rushdie
   • (B) László Krasznahorkai
   • (C) Margaret Atwood
   • (D) Abdulrazak Gurnah
3. India exported approximately how much sugar in 2024-25?
   • (A) 5 lakh tons
   • (B) 7.75 lakh tons
   • (C) 10 lakh tons
   • (D) 12 lakh tons
4. Which airline was named ‘World’s Best Low-Cost Airline’ in 2025 by Skytrax?
   • (A) SpiceJet
   • (B) GoAir
   • (C) IndiGo
   • (D) AirAsia
5. NITI Aayog recently released a roadmap for job creation in which sector?
   • (A) Healthcare
   • (B) Agriculture
   • (C) AI Economy
   • (D) Manufacturing

Closing Words & Coaching Mention

To get all the latest and most important current affairs for your NDA preparation, make sure to click here every day or visit groundzeroinstitute.com/blog/ at 11:30 AM

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