Daily Current Affairs- 25th October 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 25th October 2025

Bajrang Setu: India’s First Glass Suspension Bridge Set to Transform Rishikesh by 2025

In the News: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the near completion of Bajrang Setu, India’s first glass suspension bridge, set to open for the public in Rishikesh by the end of 2025. The architectural marvel, designed to offer breathtaking views of the Ganga River and the surrounding Himalayan foothills, is expected to become a major tourism landmark, blending adventure, spirituality, and sustainability in one destination.

Key Points:

• Project Overview: The Bajrang Setu project in Rishikesh is envisioned as India’s first full-scale glass suspension bridge, replacing the historic Lakshman Jhula, which was closed for safety reasons in 2019. The bridge has been constructed using high-strength structural glass and advanced steel composites to ensure durability and safety while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
• Design and Structure: Spanning 150 meters in length and 2 meters in width, the bridge is inspired by modern global designs like China’s Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge. It features layered glass flooring with reinforced tension cables that allow pedestrians to experience an unmatched panoramic view of the Ganga from above.
• Tourism and Economic Impact: The bridge is expected to significantly boost eco- and adventure tourism in Uttarakhand, drawing both domestic and international visitors. Officials anticipate that Bajrang Setu will position Rishikesh as a global hotspot for spiritual tourism, river-based recreation, and architectural tourism, thus enhancing local employment and income opportunities

• Cultural and Symbolic Relevance: Adventure capital, creating a unique experiential link between tradition and modernity.   The name Bajrang Setu pays homage to Lord Hanuman, symbolizing strength and devotion.
• Implementation and Agencies: The bridge is being developed under the supervision of the Public Works Department of Uttarakhand with technical support from IIT Roorkee. Construction has been managed with strict adherence to environmental sustainability guidelines to preserve the Ganga’s ecology.
• Strategic Vision: Once inaugurated, Bajrang Setu will not only serve as a safe pedestrian connection across the Ganga but also stand as a symbol of India’s infrastructural innovation, integrating cutting-edge engineering with cultural heritage to promote sustainable development in hill regions.

UIDAI Launches SITAA to Enhance Aadhaar Security and Drive Digital Innovation

In the News: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched SITAA  - the Secure Identity Technologies and Aadhaar Advancement platform  aimed at fortifying Aadhaar’s security framework and fostering digital innovation across India’s identity ecosystem. The initiative seeks to integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum-resistant encryption to strengthen data protection, enhance authentication reliability, and promote user trust in digital governance.

Key Points:

• Platform Launch: The UIDAI introduced SITAA as a state-of-the-art framework to advance the security architecture of the Aadhaar system. The platform is designed to identify emerging cyber threats, improve identity authentication methods, and ensure data integrity across all Aadhaar-linked services.
• Tech-Driven Security: SITAA incorporates technologies like blockchain for tamper-proof audit trails, AI-powered threat detection for anomaly tracking, and encryption protocols resistant to quantum computing risks. These innovations aim to make Aadhaar one of the world’s most secure and resilient digital identity systems.
• Data Privacy and Compliance: The initiative aligns with the upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection Act, ensuring Aadhaar operations adhere to the highest global standards of privacy, consent-based data use, and transparent governance. It will create a strong compliance ecosystem between UIDAI, state agencies, and service providers.
• Facilitation of Digital Innovation: Beyond security, SITAA supports startups, fintech companies, and digital service providers to develop identity-based innovations in sectors like banking, healthcare, and e-governance, opening new frontiers for India’s digital public infrastructure.
• Strategic Vision: UIDAI’s CEO highlighted that SITAA represents Aadhaar’s evolution from a foundational ID system to a technologically advanced, citizen-centric digital platform safeguarding identity in the AI era. The initiative reaffirms India’s leadership in secure digital identity governance and innovation at a global scale.

Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2025: “Minds Over AI”

In the News: Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2025 was inaugurated under the theme “Minds Over AI,” emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, ethical media usage, and responsible application of artificial intelligence. Organized by UNESCO and its global partners, the celebration highlighted the urgent need to strengthen public capacity to evaluate and manage AI-influenced information ecosystems. The event aimed to foster global collaboration in promoting digital literacy, ethical technology use, and informed civic participation in the age of artificial intelligence.

Key Points:

• Global Launch: Global MIL Week 2025 was officially inaugurated by UNESCO in cooperation with the Republic of South Korea as the host country. The opening ceremony held in Seoul brought together policymakers, educators, media professionals, and digital innovators from over 100 countries to discuss strategies for enhancing media and AI literacy.
• Theme Focus: The 2025 theme, “Minds Over AI,” underscores the need for human intelligence, empathy, and ethics to lead technological advancement rather than being overshadowed by artificial systems. It called for strengthening the cognitive and social skills necessary to navigate a rapidly evolving information landscape shaped by AI and digital media.
• Educational Empowerment: UNESCO launched a series of global learning resources, school toolkits, and policy frameworks focused on integrating media and information literacy into formal and informal education systems. Special emphasis was placed on equipping youth with analytical and ethical decision-making skills related to AI-generated content.
• Youth and AI Literacy: Youth delegates presented projects focused on ethical AI innovation, creative uses of machine learning in education, and campaigns promoting fact-checking and inclusivity in digital spaces. The discussions emphasized empowering the next generation as both responsible creators and critical consumers of information.
• Global Commitment: At the conclusion of the week, UNESCO called upon member nations to strengthen national MIL strategies, integrate AI ethics into media education curricula, and expand access to digital learning tools, reaffirming its vision of an informed and ethically aware global society capable of managing the opportunities and challenges posed by AI.

India Becomes First Non-NATO Nation to Participate in Spain’s Ocean Sky 2025

In the News: India became the first non-NATO nation to participate in Spain’s prestigious multilateral air combat exercise, Ocean Sky 2025. The participation of the Indian Air Force (IAF) marked a major milestone in India’s expanding global defense engagements and showcased its growing strategic partnerships with Western nations. The exercise, held at the Gando Air Base in the Canary Islands, focused on advanced aerial combat operations, interoperability, and joint mission planning with NATO air forces.

Key Points:

• Historic Participation: India’s inclusion in Ocean Sky 2025 made it the first non-NATO country to join this high-end multinational air combat exercise, reflecting the growing trust and recognition of India’s aerial capabilities among Western defense allies.
• Strategic Significance: The Indian Air Force’s involvement symbolizes New Delhi’s increasing cooperation with European defense partners and reinforces India’s role as a key global security stakeholder committed to maintaining international peace and airspace stability.
• Exercise Objectives: Ocean Sky 2025 aims to enhance multilateral coordination in complex air operations, including beyond-visual-range engagements, aerial refueling, and electronic warfare. The drill serves as a testing ground for advanced tactics, integrated command systems, and fighter interoperability.
• Indian Contingent: The IAF deployed a fleet of fighter aircraft, mid-air refuelers, and airborne early-warning assets for the exercise. Indian pilots trained alongside NATO counterparts from Spain, the United States, Germany, and Italy, demonstrating high-level combat professionalism and adaptability.
• Strengthening Defense Partnerships: Participation deepened bilateral defense cooperation between India and Spain, building upon earlier military exchanges and joint training programs. It also strengthened India’s position as a valued defense partner for NATO members.
• Diplomatic and Geopolitical Implications: India’s invitation to Ocean Sky underscores its balanced foreign policy approach—maintaining strategic autonomy while engaging constructively with both Western and non-Western security blocs. The move signals increasing Western acknowledgment of India’s role as a stabilizing force in the Indo-Pacific and global defense frameworks.

SBI Named “World’s Best Consumer Bank 2025” by Global Finance

In the News: The State Bank of India (SBI) was named the “World’s Best Consumer Bank 2025” by Global Finance magazine, recognizing its innovation, customer-centric digital transformation, and leadership in inclusive banking. The award highlights SBI’s successful blend of technological modernization and financial accessibility, positioning it as a global benchmark in consumer banking excellence.

Key Points:

• Award Recognition: The State Bank of India received the prestigious “World’s Best Consumer Bank 2025” award from Global Finance, honoring its outstanding performance in retail banking, digital innovation, and customer experience enhancement on the global stage.
• Digital Transformation: SBI’s comprehensive digital journey—anchored by platforms such as YONO, SBI Quick, and mobile banking—played a central role in earning the distinction. The bank’s continued emphasis on artificial intelligence, data analytics, and customer personalization reshaped its retail services ecosystem.
• Leadership and Vision: Chairperson Dinesh Kumar Khara emphasized that the award validates SBI’s mission to combine technology with trust, serving over 48 crore customers globally while continuously upgrading service efficiency and innovation capabilities.
• National and International Impact: The title adds to SBI’s growing list of accolades and further elevates India’s position in the global financial sector. It underscores the bank’s evolution into a modern, world-class institution while maintaining its deep-rooted public service ethos.

Lionel Messi Clinches 2025 MLS Golden Boot After Stunning Season with Inter Miami

In the News: Lionel Messi clinched the 2025 MLS Golden Boot after an extraordinary season with Inter Miami, reaffirming his status as one of football’s greatest icons. The Argentine maestro finished the campaign with 34 goals and 18 assists, leading Inter Miami to the Eastern Conference title and setting new records that elevated both his legacy and the stature of Major League Soccer.

Key Points:

• Award Achievement: Lionel Messi secured the 2025 MLS Golden Boot after finishing as the league’s top scorer with 34 goals, becoming the oldest player in MLS history to win the award at 38 years of age. His remarkable consistency and precision in front of goal once again demonstrated his unmatched football intellect and technical mastery.
• Inter Miami’s Historic Rise: Under Messi’s leadership, Inter Miami captured the Eastern Conference title for the first time and qualified directly for the MLS Cup Playoffs semifinals. His influence both on and off the field played a decisive role in shaping Inter Miami into one of the strongest and most admired teams in the league.
• Record-Breaking Performances: Messi set a new league record with 52 goal contributions, combining 34 goals with 18 assists in a single season. His involvement in nearly every attacking play showcased his adaptability, sharp vision, and enduring dominance even in the later stages of his career.
• Dynamic Partnerships: Messi’s collaboration with former Barcelona teammates Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba created one of the most effective attacking trios in MLS history. Their chemistry, built over years of playing together in Europe, translated seamlessly into Inter Miami’s explosive gameplay, often leaving opposing defenses overwhelmed.
• Spectator and Global Impact: Inter Miami’s matches turned into global events, selling out DRV PNK Stadium throughout the season. The buzz around Messi’s performances sparked record-breaking attendance figures, soaring jersey sales, and heightened international viewership of MLS fixtures, expanding the league’s global footprint.
• Recognition and Accolades: Tributes poured in from across the footballing world, including congratulations from FIFA and MLS officials. Messi was praised for his unwavering professionalism, leadership qualities, and his ability to raise the competitive level of the league, inspiring a new generation of football fans in the United States and beyond.
• Career Milestone: This Golden Boot marked Messi’s second since joining Major League Soccer and added to his unparalleled list of honors, including multiple Ballon d’Or titles, UEFA Champions League triumphs, Copa América glory, and a FIFA World Cup victory. His 2025 MLS season stands as yet another defining chapter in a career that continues to shape football’s global narrative.