Latest Current Affairs October 2025: Banking News & General Knowledge Updates

Latest Current Affairs October 2025: Key Banking, National & International Updates

Published on October 21, 2025

Staying up to date with the latest current affairs is essential for banking exams, UPSC, SSC, and other competitive tests. October 2025 witnessed some remarkable events in the fields of banking, economy, governance, and global diplomacy. Let’s explore the month’s most significant developments.

🏦 Banking and Financial Updates – October 2025

This month, the Indian banking sector saw several landmark announcements that shape the country’s digital and financial ecosystem.

RBI’s Major Moves

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) rolled out a Retail Sandbox for the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) on October 8, 2025. This initiative aims to boost innovation by allowing fintech startups to test and deploy solutions using the e-Rupee, India’s digital currency first introduced in December 2022.

In another step toward digital finance, RBI unveiled the Unified Markets Interface for Tokenized Finance and appointed Sonali Sen Gupta as its new Executive Director. Both actions reflect the RBI’s vision of strengthening India’s position as a global fintech hub.

Key Bank Initiatives

At the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025, HDFC Bank launched “My Business QR” — a one-stop QR solution that enables small business owners to build their digital identity. Meanwhile, PayPal integrated UPI (Unified Payments Interface) into its international platform, enhancing cross-border transaction capabilities.

Additionally, Bank of Baroda (BoB) entered into a co-lending partnership with IIFL Finance, while the RBI formed a six-member Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) to oversee India’s expanding payments landscape.

Banking Performance Highlights

The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) recorded its highest-ever net profit of ₹4,811 crore in FY 2024–25 — a 19.5% year-on-year growth.

According to SBI Research, rural poverty in India declined sharply to 4.86% in FY24 (from 7.2% in FY23), and the GDP growth projection for FY25 was revised upward to 6.3%.

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🇮🇳 National Current Affairs – October 2025

Economic & Policy Updates

The World Bank increased India’s GDP forecast to 6.5% for FY26, recognizing the impact of GST reforms and robust domestic consumption. India remains the fastest-growing major economy globally.

The 16th Finance Commission, led by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, has been given an extension until November 30, 2025 to finalize its recommendations for the 2026–2031 fiscal distribution between the Centre and States.

Infrastructure & Technology Developments

India Post resumed international mail services to the USA from October 15, 2025, after a two-month suspension due to U.S. customs regulations.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw endorsed Mappls, a homegrown navigation app by MapmyIndia, promoting self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Social Welfare Initiatives

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) achieved a new milestone by providing tap water to 15.71 crore rural households, covering over 80% of India’s villages since its 2019 launch.

In New Delhi, Labour Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the Vishwas Scheme during the 238th meeting of the EPFO Central Board of Trustees, aimed at employee welfare and social security reform.

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🌍 International Affairs – October 2025

Diplomatic Relations

Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa made his first state visit to India (Oct 13–16, 2025), commemorating 70 years of diplomatic ties between India and Mongolia.

Simultaneously, the first India–South Korea Naval Exercise took place in Busan, marking a new chapter in the two nations’ strategic defense cooperation.

Global Organizations & International Cooperation

India was re-elected to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) for the 2026–2028 term — its seventh time since inception.

At the 2025 World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, Armenia officially became a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Defence & Security Updates

The Indian Navy hosted the 5th Indo-Indonesian Maritime Exercise “Samudra Shakti – 2025” in Visakhapatnam (Oct 14–17, 2025).

Meanwhile, NATO conducted its annual nuclear deterrence exercise “Steadfast Noon” in the Netherlands, reinforcing global defense preparedness.

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💡 Technology and Science Highlights

In the digital payment space, NPCI introduced biometric and wearable glass authentication for UPI payments, expanding access to secure, contactless transactions.

UPI was also officially launched in Qatar’s retail supermarkets, strengthening India’s global fintech footprint.

According to an RBI Bulletin, Telangana recorded the highest per capita UPI transaction frequency in India — a testament to the state’s tech-savvy population.

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🏅 Awards and Global Recognition

A proud moment for sports lovers — Cape Verde qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, becoming the second-smallest nation (after Iceland, 2018) to reach this stage.

On World Food Day 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and India celebrated 80 years of partnership, underscoring the nation’s enduring commitment to food security.

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🧭 Preparation Tips for Banking & Competitive Exams
To score high in general awareness sections, aspirants should focus on:
RBI and banking policy developments
Economic data and GDP trends
Bilateral ties and global organizations
Digital innovations and payment reforms
Government schemes and welfare programs

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✅ Conclusion

October 2025 was filled with impactful decisions shaping India’s growth story — from digital banking to global diplomacy.

For aspirants preparing for banking exams, UPSC, SSC, or railway exams, these updates provide a solid base for current affairs preparation.

Keep revising monthly events, mark important data points, and attempt daily current affairs quizzes to retain knowledge effectively.

Staying informed today means staying ahead tomorrow!