1 PM Modi congratulates Malaysian PM on assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN
PM Modi held a warm and cordial conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim . During the interaction, PM Modi warmly congratulated Prime Minister Ibrahim on Malaysia’s assumption of the ASEAN Chairmanship . He expressed his deep appreciation for the upcoming ASEAN-related summits under Malaysia’s leadership. under Malaysia’s leadership . PM Modi also expressed his interest in participating virtually in the ASEAN-India Summit and reaffirmed India’s commitment to further strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
2 Justice Pratibha Singh appointed Chairperson of WIPO Advisory Board
Justice Pratibha M. Singh of the Delhi High Court has been appointed Chairperson of the Advisory Board of Judges of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) , for a term of 2025–2027 . This is the first time that an Indian—and indeed an Asian—has been elected to this prestigious global role, a significant recognition of India’s growing leadership in intellectual property (IP) law and policy. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations , headquartered in Geneva . It protects and promotes intellectual property rights worldwide. Its Advisory Board of Judges, composed of judicial experts and judges, provides guidance to WIPO to ensure its policies are consistent with the standards of various judicial systems. As Chairperson, Justice Singh will lead this influential Board, particularly at a time when intellectual property is central to innovation, digital governance, and economic development.
3 Japan-India Maritime Exercise-JIMEX-2025
INS Sahyadri, an indigenously built Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigate of the Indian Navy , participated in the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX-25) from 16 to 18 October 2025 and made a port call at Yokosuka , Japan on 21 October 2025 for the harbor phase. Prior to arriving in Yokosuka, INS Sahyadri and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships Asahi and Omi, and submarine Jinryu participated in the sea phase of the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX-25). This phase included advanced anti-submarine warfare and missile defense exercises, flight operations, and enhanced interoperability through replenishment. JAMEX-25 underscores the strong and rapidly growing relationship between the navies of the two countries under the Special Strategic and Global Partnership established between India and Japan in 2014. This partnership is an important pillar in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific maritime region.
4 Manipur’s major festival Ningol Chakoba was celebrated in the state
Ningol Chakouba, the major festival of Manipur, was celebrated in the state. Manipuris living abroad in other neighboring states and various countries also celebrated the festival with great enthusiasm. The festival symbolizes the strengthening of the bond of love between married women and their brothers, as well as their families . The festival is celebrated annually on the second day of the month of Hiyangei in the Meitei lunar calendar . Ningol Chakouba is being celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy in 2025, when women return to their parents’ homes wearing traditional Manipuri attire, bringing gifts, and participating in affectionate get-togethers and community feasts.
5 Chennai becomes the first city to launch real-time flood forecasting system
In a major step towards strengthening urban disaster management , Chennai has become the first city in India to fully implement a Real-Time Flood Forecasting and Spatial Decision Support System (RTFF & SDSS). Operational since October 2025, the system has taken Chennai’s flood forecasting, management, and rapid response capabilities to new heights. This initiative is particularly important as Chennai is frequently affected by monsoon-induced urban flooding. Accurate forecasting will help save lives, reduce losses, and promote smart urban planning.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy announced a logo design competition for the National Green Hydrogen Mission – NGHM. The ministry said in a statement that the winner will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and a certificate from the NGHM . The ministry said the logo design should be in line with the mission, which aims to make the country self-reliant and a global hub for the production, use and export of green hydrogen, and showcase the emerging nature of the sector.
The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved proposals worth around Rs 79,000 crore for capability enhancement of the armed forces . For the Army, approval was given for procurement of Nag missile system, ground-based mobile ELINT system and high-speed vehicles with material handling cranes, the Defence Ministry said in a statement . For the Navy, approval was given for procurement of landing platform docks, 30 mm naval surface gun, advanced light weight torpedoes, electro-optical infra-red search and track system and smart ammunition for 76 mm super rapid gun mount, the ministry said.
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan stated that 90 percent of the work on the uncrewed Gaganyaan test flight mission G-1 has been completed and they are ready to launch it in the first week of December . The Vyommitra humanoid will be launched into low Earth orbit in December on the uncrewed Gaganyaan mission. Gaganyaan’s final crewed mission is scheduled for 2027, with three Indian astronauts traveling to outer space and returning. Regarding the NISAR Earth Observation Satellite, the ISRO Chairman stated that the payloads will become operational in the next 10 to 15 days. Regarding the Indian Space Station, he stated that ISRO is working on establishing the space station by 2035 , with the first base module to be launched by 2028. Dr. Narayanan stated that the NavIC navigation satellite, along with a constellation of seven satellites, will be ready by 2027. Regarding the Mars Lander Mission, he stated that configuration for this mission is ongoing. Regarding the next generation rocket multi-stage launchers with a payload of 75 to 80 thousand kg, Dr. Narayanan said that ISRO is working on technologies which are required for human and deep space missions.
Key provisions related to nominations under the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, aimed at ensuring uniformity and transparency in claim settlements in the banking system, will come into effect from November 1, according to official information released by the Finance Ministry on Thursday . According to the ministry, the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, was notified on April 15, 2025. It comprises a total of 19 amendments to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the State Bank of India Act, 1955, and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Acts, 1970 and 1980. The notification states that the provisions of the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, will come into effect from such date as the central government may, by notification in the official gazette, specify. Furthermore, different dates may be specified for different provisions of the Act. The Central Government has informed that the provisions contained in Sections 10, 11, 12, and 13 of the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 will come into effect from November 1, 2025. The provisions being implemented through Sections 10, 11, 12, and 13 from November 1, 2025 relate to nomination facilities in respect of deposit accounts, safe custody, and safety lockers at the bank. With the multiple nomination facility , bank customers can nominate up to four individuals simultaneously or sequentially , facilitating easier claim settlement for depositors and their nominees. Furthermore, the percentage share or entitlement for each nominee can be fixed, enabling transparent distribution among all nominees.
10 SBI receives two prestigious awards from New York-based Global Finance
Country’s largest bank State Bank of India (SBI) on Thursday said it has received two prestigious awards from New York-based Global Finance , including World’s Best Consumer Bank 2025 and Best Bank in India 2025. Lauding the bank’s achievement, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, “Our very own State Bank of India has been honoured with two prestigious titles for its excellent service and worldwide customer trust at the Best Bank Awards 2025 by Global Finance, New York. The awards were presented by New York-based Global Finance at the Global Finance Awards ceremony held during the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings 2025.