Current Affairs: 17 October 2025 (For Indian Govt. Job Exams)

A comprehensive overview of key events from October 17, 2025, with detailed background information for exam preparation.

President Addresses National Conclave on Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan

What happened? On October 17, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the national conclave on the 'Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan' in New Delhi. She presented awards to the best-performing states, districts, blocks, and Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs).

Background Story & Key Facts

  • Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan:
    • What is it? A grassroots leadership mission for India's tribal communities.
    • Launched: By Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2025, in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.
    • Objective: To ensure tribal communities are active participants in the nation's development and align with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
  • National Conclave:
    • Organized by: Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
    • Purpose: To recognize top performers and institutionalize a responsive governance model.
    • President's Speech: President Murmu emphasized the initiative's role in empowering Adivasi communities to act and speak for themselves, with the government providing infrastructure and support.
Phase I of Unclaimed Financial Assets Awareness Campaign Concludes

What happened? Phase I of a nationwide awareness campaign focusing on helping citizens reclaim unclaimed deposits, insurance proceeds, dividends, and other financial assets concluded on October 17, 2025.

Background Story & Key Facts

  • Campaign Name: "आपकी पूँजी, आपका अधिकार" ("Your Money, Your Right").
  • Launch: The three-month campaign (October–December 2025) was launched by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on October 4, 2025, in Gandhinagar.
  • Coordination: The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, is coordinating the campaign with key financial regulators.
  • Financial Regulators: Includes the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
  • Purpose: To promote financial inclusion, help citizens trace and claim their assets, and encourage KYC and re-KYC formalities.
ISRO Chief Announces India's Space Station by 2035

What happened? ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced that India will establish its own space station, the "Bharatiya Antriksh Station," by 2035.

Background Story & Key Facts

  • Announcement Location: Made at the convocation ceremony at IIT-BHU in Varanasi.
  • Timeline: Initial modules are planned for installation starting in 2027.
  • Precursor Mission: The Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission is on track for launch in 2027.
  • Goal: This is part of ISRO's long-term vision for human spaceflight and exploration, aiming for a self-sustaining space ecosystem.
DRDO Aims to Extend Range of Astra Missile

What happened? The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced plans to extend the range of the Astra Mark 2 air-to-air missile to over 200 kilometers.

Background Story & Key Facts

  • Astra Mark 2 Missile:
    • What is it? A Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile.
    • Development: Indigenously developed by DRDO under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with collaboration from over 50 public and private industries.
  • Previous Version:
    • Astra Mark 1: Already in service with the Indian Air Force, with a range of up to 100 km.
  • Significance: The extended range will give the Indian Air Force a significant edge in air-to-air combat and potentially create export opportunities.
India's Gold Reserves Hit Record High Amidst Forex Decline

What happened? On October 17, 2025, RBI data showed that India's gold reserves surged past the $100 billion mark for the first time, reaching $102.365 billion, despite a decline in overall foreign exchange reserves.

Background Story & Key Facts

  • RBI:
    • Role: Manages India's foreign exchange reserves to maintain currency stability and economic health.
  • Gold Reserves:
    • Value: Reached a historic high, primarily driven by a global rally in gold prices rather than significant new purchases by the RBI.
    • Forex Share: The share of gold in total reserves rose to 14.7%, its highest proportion since 1996–97.
  • Forex Reserves:
    • Decline: Overall foreign exchange reserves decreased by $2.18 billion to $697.78 billion in the week ending October 10.
Ministry of AYUSH and FSSAI Release Ayurveda Aahara List

What happened? On World Food Day (observed on October 16), the Ministry of AYUSH and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released a comprehensive list of approved Ayurveda Aahara products.

Background Story & Key Facts

  • World Food Day:
    • When: Observed annually on October 16 to raise awareness about food security and promote global dietary improvements.
  • Ayurveda Aahara:
    • Initiative: A collaboration between the Ministry of AYUSH and FSSAI to promote traditional Indian dietary practices.
    • List Release: The definitive list of Ayurveda Aahara products, based on classical texts, aims to build consumer trust and provide a reference for food businesses.
  • FSSAI:
    • What is it? A statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare responsible for protecting and promoting public health through food safety regulation.
  • Ministry of AYUSH:
    • Role: Promotes indigenous alternative systems of medicine, including Ayurveda.
Telangana Tops India in UPI Usage Intensity

What happened? According to a study published in the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) bulletin, Telangana leads all Indian states in the intensity of UPI usage per capita.

Background Story & Key Facts

  • Unified Payments Interface (UPI):
    • What is it? A revolutionary mobile payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
  • RBI Study:
    • Data Source: The study utilized PhonePe data, which accounts for a significant portion of India's UPI transactions.
    • Findings: Southern and western states, along with Delhi, demonstrate the highest intensity of UPI usage, reflecting rapid digital adoption.
  • Significance: The findings highlight the growth of digital payments, the shift towards a less-cash economy, and the success of financial inclusion initiatives.