Daily Current Affairs- 29th October 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 29th October 2025

Uttar Pradesh to Get 76th District Named Kalyan Singh Nagar

In the News: The Uttar Pradesh government announced the creation of its 76th district, Kalyan Singh Nagar, carved out of Bulandshahr district. The decision honors the late Kalyan Singh, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and a key figure in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

Key Points:

• District Formation: The new district Kalyan Singh Nagar was carved out of Bulandshahr district, making it the 76th district of Uttar Pradesh. The move aims to improve administrative efficiency and local governance.
• Naming Significance: The district is named after Kalyan Singh, the two-time Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and a prominent leader of the Ram temple movement, in recognition of his service and legacy .
• Administrative Structure: The proposed district will include Bulandshahr Sadar, Khurja, and Sikandrabad tehsils, with Bulandshahr city likely serving as its headquarters.
• Legacy Recognition: The creation of Kalyan Singh Nagar follows previous honors for the leader, including renaming Aligarh airport as Maharaja Mahendra Pratap Singh Airport, reflecting UP’s initiative to memorialize key historical figures.
• Background: Before this, Uttar Pradesh had 75 districts, with Ambedkar Nagar being the last created in 1995. The formation of Kalyan Singh Nagar marks the first addition in three decades.

Government Plans New ‘Ratna’ Categories for CPSEs

In the News: The Government of India announced plans to introduce new ‘Ratna’ categories for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to expand the existing framework of Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna classifications. The initiative aims to incentivize efficiency, innovation, and global competitiveness among public enterprises.

Key Points:

• Policy Initiative: The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) is formulating a new performance-based categorization system for CPSEs, introducing additional Ratna tiers to recognize evolving strategic and financial capabilities.
• Objective: The move seeks to modernize the Ratna scheme introduced in 1997, aligning it with current economic priorities such as global expansion, digital transformation, and sustainability leadership.
•  Existing Categories: At present, India has 13 Maharatnas, 14 Navratnas, and 73 Miniratnas, classified based on financial performance, autonomy, and strategic importance.
• Proposed Reforms: The government may introduce new designations such as “Vishwaratna” or “Deshratna”, offering greater operational autonomy and investment flexibility for top-performing enterprises.
• Implementation Framework: The revised categorization will likely consider ESG compliance, R&D intensity, export competitiveness, and innovation indices in addition to financial metrics.

HAL to Manufacture Russian SJ‑100 Passenger Aircraft in India

In the News: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced a partnership with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to manufacture the SJ-100 passenger aircraft in India. The collaboration marks a major milestone in India’s push for aviation self-reliance under the ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Key Points:

• Strategic Partnership: HAL and Russia’s UAC signed an agreement to jointly manufacture the Sukhoi Superjet-100 (SJ-100) regional passenger aircraft, with India serving as a key production hub for Asian markets.
• Production Plans: The aircraft will be built with Indian-made avionics, composites, and interiors, progressively increasing the level of localization to reduce import dependency.
• Technology Transfer: Russia will provide technical support and design documentation, while HAL will oversee assembly, systems integration, and testing in its facilities.
• Aircraft Features: The SJ-100 is a regional jet capable of carrying up to 98 passengers and flying ranges between 3,000–4,500 km, ideal for India’s expanding civil aviation network.
• Economic Impact: The collaboration is expected to generate high-skilled jobs, strengthen India’s aerospace manufacturing base, and position HAL as a competitive player in the civil aviation sector.

The Battle of Rezang La, and why Ahir community is protesting upcoming Farhan Akhtar film on it

In the News: Members of the Ahir community staged protests against an upcoming film by Farhan Akhtar based on the Battle of Rezang La (1962 Sino-Indian War). The protesters alleged that the movie fails to properly acknowledge the contributions of Ahir soldiers from the 13 Kumaon Regiment, who played a decisive role in one of India’s most heroic military stands.

Key Points:

• Battle Background: The Battle of Rezang La, fought on November 18, 1962, saw 120 Indian soldiers, mostly from the Ahir Company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment, fight to the last man against overwhelming Chinese forces in Ladakh’s Chushul sector.
• Historical Significance: The company, led by Major Shaitan Singh, inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy despite being outnumbered, earning him the Param Vir Chakra (posthumous) and immortalizing the battle as a symbol of bravery and sacrifice.
• Film Controversy: The Ahir community alleges that Farhan Akhtar’s film misrepresents or downplays the Ahir identity of the soldiers, failing to credit their contribution accurately.
• Protest Details: Demonstrations have taken place in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, demanding the inclusion of clear references to the Ahir Company and a disclaimer acknowledging their role in the battle.
• Community Standpoint: Leaders of the Ahir Regiment Welfare Association have appealed to the Ministry of Defence and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to ensure historical accuracy before the film’s release.

20th East Asia Summit Adopts Kuala Lumpur Declaration

In the News: Leaders from the Indo-Pacific region convened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the 20th East Asia Summit (EAS), where member nations adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Regional Peace, Prosperity, and Sustainability. The declaration underscores collective action to strengthen security cooperation, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Key Points:

• Summit Overview: The 20th East Asia Summit brought together leaders from the ASEAN bloc and eight dialogue partners — including India, the United States, China, Japan, Australia, Russia, South Korea, and New Zealand.
• Kuala Lumpur Declaration: The declaration reaffirmed commitment to upholding the ASEAN-led regional architecture, freedom of navigation, peaceful dispute resolution, and adherence to international law, including the UNCLOS (1982) framework.
• India’s Participation: Representing India, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, regional connectivity, and resilient supply chains.
• Economic Cooperation: Leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in digital economy, renewable energy, AI governance, and disaster resilience, aligning with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
• Climate and Sustainability Goals: The declaration promotes green transition initiatives, sustainable blue economy, and collaborative frameworks for carbon neutrality and biodiversity conservation.

22nd ASEAN-India Summit

In the News: India participated in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, reaffirming its commitment to deepening ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The summit, co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, focused on enhancing strategic, economic, and digital cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.

Key Points:

• Summit Overview: The 22nd ASEAN-India Summit marked another milestone in India’s engagement with Southeast Asia, emphasizing its role as a trusted partner in regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
• Economic Cooperation: Leaders discussed boosting trade, investment, and supply chain resilience, with India supporting the early review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to make it more balanced and beneficial.
• Connectivity Initiatives: PM Modi highlighted progress on India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and proposed its extension to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam to strengthen physical and digital connectivity.
• Maritime and Security Collaboration: The summit underscored cooperation in maritime security, freedom of navigation, and counter-terrorism, aligning with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
• Digital and Green Partnerships: India announced initiatives to enhance collaboration in digital public infrastructure, clean energy transitions, and climate resilience, reflecting shared sustainability goals.
• Strategic Significance: The summit reinforced India’s Act East Policy, positioning the ASEAN partnership as central to its Indo-Pacific vision of peace, growth, and multipolar regional order.

James Anderson Receives Knighthood for Services to Cricket

In the News: England’s legendary fast bowler James Anderson was formally knighted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle for his outstanding services to cricket. The honor recognizes Anderson’s extraordinary contribution to the sport as the most successful fast bowler in Test cricket history.

Key Points:

• Historic Recognition: James Anderson, England’s premier fast bowler, received a Knighthood during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, marking one of the highest civilian honors bestowed in the United Kingdom.
• Career Achievements: Anderson has taken over 700 Test wickets, making him the first fast bowler and third cricketer overall to reach this milestone, following Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.
• Longevity and Excellence: With a career spanning over two decades since his debut in 2003, Anderson has been celebrated for his swing mastery, discipline, and fitness, symbolizing endurance and consistency in international cricket.
• Team Impact: A vital member of England’s Test side, Anderson helped secure multiple Ashes victories and guided younger bowlers like Stuart Broad, marking a golden era in English pace bowling.
•  Previous Honors: He was earlier appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) before receiving this knighthood for lifetime achievement.