IMPORTANT DAYS
National Unity Day 2025
• PM Modi led the 2025 National Unity Day ceremony at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, marking Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary.
• The day, observed annually on October 31, focuses on strengthening India’s unity, security, and national cohesion.
• A major parade and cultural performances were held with participation from BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and police forces of several states.
• NCC cadets and tableaux from ten states, Union Territories, NSG, and NDRF showcased India’s cultural diversity.
• The Unity March will unfold in two stages: district-level marches from Oct 31–Nov 25 forming the first phase.
• The second phase, from Nov 26–Dec 6, will cover 152 km from Karamsad—Sardar Patel’s birthplace—to the Statue of Unity.
• NSS volunteers, NCC cadets, youth groups, and participants of the nationwide "Run for Unity" marathon will contribute to the nationwide celebrations.
DEFENCE
President Murmu’s Historic Rafale Sortie
• President Droupadi Murmu flew in a Rafale jet at Ambala, marking her second experience in an IAF fighter aircraft.
• She earlier completed a sortie in a Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023, becoming the first Indian President to fly in two different fighter jets.
• Ambala Air Force Station is the first Indian base to host Rafale jets delivered by Dassault Aviation.
• The President’s Rafale flight lasted nearly 30 minutes and covered close to 200 km.
• Group Captain Amit Gehani from the 17 Squadron was the pilot for this mission.
• During the sortie, the jet touched speeds of around 700 km/hr and climbed to nearly 15,000 feet.
• President Murmu called the experience memorable and was also briefed on Rafale capabilities and IAF readiness, in her role as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
BOOKS AND AUTHORS
Release of Hindi Edition of The Last Day
• Sahitya Akademi launched the Hindi translation of the novel The Last Day, marking a cultural bridge between India and Lithuania.
• The book, titled Antim Din, is written by Lithuanian-Ukrainian author Jaroslavas Melnikas.
• The unveiling took place at Rabindra Bhawan, New Delhi, with support from the Embassy of Lithuania.
• Akademi President Madhav Kaushik called the release a milestone in strengthening international literary exchange.
• This edition is notable as it is the first-ever Lithuanian fiction work translated into Hindi.
• The novel delves into themes such as identity, human evolution, and one’s sense of belonging.
• The initiative aligns with Sahitya Akademi’s mission to bring global literature to Indian readers through quality translations.
AWARDS
Sanjeev Kapoor Honoured as Global Agri-Food Pioneer
• Renowned chef and Padma Shri awardee Sanjeev Kapoor received global recognition from the World Food Prize Foundation.
• The honour was presented in Des Moines, Iowa, during the prestigious Borlaug Dialogue Week.
• The forum gathers experts and leaders from around the world to address food security, nutrition, and climate-related challenges.
• Kapoor was celebrated for championing sustainable diets and encouraging healthier food habits.
• His advocacy strongly promotes India’s agricultural strengths and the use of local, nutrient-dense ingredients.
• The award highlights his wider contribution to strengthening the global agri-food ecosystem.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
King Charles III Withdraws Prince Andrew’s Royal Privileges
• King Charles III has formally begun the process of stripping Prince Andrew of his remaining royal titles.
• As part of the decision, Prince Andrew will also be moved out of the Royal Lodge residence in Windsor.
• The action follows renewed public scrutiny over his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
• Interest in the case has surged again after the publication of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir; she had accused Andrew of assaulting her as a minor.
• Buckingham Palace released an official statement confirming the changes to his status.
• He will now be addressed as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, reflecting the removal of his titles.
• Under the new directive, he must vacate the Royal Lodge and shift to a privately owned home.
Rajnath Singh Participates in ADMM-Plus Meetings in Malaysia
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Kuala Lumpur for a two-day engagement centered on the 12th ADMM-Plus summit.
• The ADMM-Plus conference will be held on 1 November 2025, bringing together ASEAN countries and their key defence partners.
• He will speak at the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting, chaired this year by Malaysia.
• His address will highlight India’s 15-year journey with ADMM-Plus and outline priorities for future cooperation.
• The forum aims to deepen defence and security ties between ASEAN states and eight dialogue partners, including India, the US, China, and Japan.
• India, an ASEAN dialogue partner since 1992, has played an active role since the first ADMM-Plus session held in Hanoi in 2010.
• For 2024–2027, India and Malaysia are jointly leading the ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, enhancing regional security collaboration.
