Current Affairs 29 October 2025

In Current Affairs for 29 October 2025, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.

Current Affairs 29 October 2025

72 Nations Sign Historic UN Cybercrime Convention

In a landmark step for international digital security, 72 countries officially signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi, creating the world’s first global legal framework to address online criminal activities.
Originally adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2024 after five years of deliberation, the convention provides legally binding mechanisms to combat cyber threats such as ransomware, online financial fraud, child exploitation, and the illegal sharing of private data.

Objectives of the Treaty:

• Establish consistent legislative definitions for cyber offences.
• Strengthen international law enforcement cooperation through a 24/7 contact network.
• Provide technical and capacity-building support to developing nations.
• Facilitate real-time sharing of electronic evidence to accelerate investigations and prosecutions.

This agreement is expected to enhance global trust, improve digital resilience, and unify global efforts against cybercrime.

“Koyla Shakti” – Smart Coal Analytics Dashboard

To boost digital transformation in India’s energy sector, the Ministry of Coal will launch the “Koyla Shakti – Smart Coal Analytics Dashboard” on 29 October 2025.
This real-time digital monitoring platform aims to improve transparency, coordination, and efficiency in coal operations across the nation.

Key Features:

• Serves as a centralized digital interface integrating data from coal producers, transporters, and ministries.
• Enables real-time tracking of coal production, dispatch, and transportation.
• Enhances decision-making through data-driven analytics and visualization.
• Designed to minimize logistical delays and ensure smoother supply chain management.

The dashboard marks a major stride toward smart governance and efficient resource management in India’s coal sector.

20th East Asia Summit Adopts Kuala Lumpur Declaration

The 20th East Asia Summit (EAS), held in Kuala Lumpur, concluded with the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, reaffirming the participating nations’ dedication to peace, stability, and multilateral dialogue in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Takeaways:

• Reaffirmation of commitments from the original Kuala Lumpur Declaration of 2005 and other EAS documents.
• Recognition of ongoing regional challenges such as geopolitical rivalries, economic uncertainties, and maritime disputes.
• Emphasis on ASEAN’s central role in promoting cooperation and maintaining a rules-based international order.
• Continuation of the EAS’s leader-led, informal format to encourage open and strategic discussions.

This declaration strengthens the EAS’s position as a vital forum for regional peace and cooperation amid shifting global power dynamics.

National Maritime Heritage Complex Logo Unveiled

At the India Maritime Week 2025 celebrations in Mumbai, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways unveiled the official logo of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC).
The NMHC, being established at Lothal, Gujarat, will serve as a world-class museum and cultural center celebrating India’s rich maritime past.

Highlights:

• The project aims to preserve and promote India’s 5,000-year-old maritime heritage—from the Harappan port of Lothal to modern seafaring routes.
• The complex will integrate digital exhibits, cultural tourism, and educational initiatives.
• The new logo represents the merging of tradition and innovation in India’s maritime journey.

Once operational, NMHC is expected to become a global destination for maritime education, research, and tourism.

Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa, the strongest tropical storm ever recorded in Jamaica, made landfall near New Hope in southwestern Jamaica on 28 October 2025.
With wind speeds reaching 185 mph (295 km/h), Melissa was classified as a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

The storm caused widespread destruction, power outages, and mass evacuations, and is now moving toward Cuba. The disaster underscores the growing threat of extreme weather events linked to climate change in the Caribbean region.

Cabinet Approves NBS Rates for Rabi 2025–26

To ensure a steady supply of affordable fertilisers for farmers, the Union Cabinet has approved the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers for the Rabi 2025–26 season.

Key Details:

• The subsidy applies from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026.
• It covers major fertilisers like DAP and NPKS grades.
• A budget of ₹37,952.29 crore has been allocated—₹736 crore higher than that of the Kharif 2025 season.
• The scheme supports 28 grades of P&K fertilisers to ensure consistent supply at affordable rates for farmers nationwide.

This move reflects India’s effort to balance agricultural growth with global market price fluctuations of fertiliser inputs.

Paytm Enables UPI for NRIs with International Numbers

In a major advancement for digital payments, Paytm has rolled out UPI payment support for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) using international mobile numbers, announced on 27 October 2025.
This feature allows NRIs from 12 countries to make UPI payments in India without an Indian SIM card.

Supported Countries:
USA, UK, UAE, Australia, Canada, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

Service Features:

• Instant money transfers to Indian UPI IDs and mobile numbers.
• Payments via QR codes at Indian merchants.
• Online purchases on Indian platforms using NRE/NRO accounts.
• Avoids foreign exchange conversion and remittance charges.

This initiative expands India’s UPI ecosystem globally, promoting ease of payment for NRIs and strengthening India’s digital economy.

James Anderson Awarded Knighthood

England’s iconic fast bowler James Anderson was formally knighted at Windsor Castle on 28 October 2025, receiving the honour from Princess Anne.
The knighthood, part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list, recognizes Anderson’s unmatched contribution to cricket over a 21-year international career.

• Anderson retired in July 2024 after playing 188 Test matches, taking 704 wickets—the highest by any fast bowler in Test history.
• A knighthood is one of the highest civilian honours in the UK, conferred for exceptional service in various fields.
• Recipients earn the titles “Sir” or “Dame” as part of the Order of the British Empire or Knights Bachelor.

His recognition cements his place among cricket’s all-time greats.

Global Firepower Index 2025

The Global Firepower Index 2025 ranks nations by their military strength and strategic capability.
The evaluation considers over 60 parameters, including manpower, weapons inventory, technology, logistics, and defense expenditure, to provide a comparative picture of global military power.

The index serves as a key reference for assessing each country’s defense readiness and overall strategic influence in the international arena.

Review Questions

1. Which city hosted the signing of the United Nations Convention against
   Cybercrime?
   A. Geneva
   B. New York
   C. Hanoi
   D. Paris
   Answer: C. Hanoi
2. How many nations signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime?
   A. 50
   B. 60
   C. 72
   D. 80
   Answer: C. 72
3. What is the purpose of the “Koyla Shakti – Smart Coal Analytics Dashboard”?
   A. To regulate coal prices
   B. To monitor and analyse coal production and logistics
   C. To promote renewable energy
   D. To train coal industry workers
   Answer: B. To monitor and analyse coal production and logistics
4. When will the Ministry of Coal unveil the “Koyla Shakti” dashboard?
   A. 27 October 2025
   B. 28 October 2025
   C. 29 October 2025
   D. 31 October 2025
   Answer: C. 29 October 2025
5. Where was the 20th East Asia Summit (EAS) held?
   A. Bangkok
   B. Kuala Lumpur
   C. Manila
   D. Hanoi
   Answer: B. Kuala Lumpur
6. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways unveiled the official logo of which
   major project?
   A. Maritime India Vision 2030
   B. National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)
   C. Sagarmala Project
   D. Blue Economy Initiative
   Answer: B. National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)
7. Hurricane Melissa made landfall in which Caribbean country on 28 October 2025?
   A. Haiti
   B. Cuba
   C. Jamaica
   D. Dominican Republic
   Answer: C. Jamaica
8. What category did Hurricane Melissa reach on the Saffir-Simpson scale?
   A. Category 3
   B. Category 4
   C. Category 5
   D. Category 2
   Answer: C. Category 5
9. What has the Union Cabinet approved to ensure affordable fertilisers for Rabi
   2025–26?
   A. Direct Benefit Transfer for farmers
   B. Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates on P&K fertilisers
   C. Minimum Support Price increase
   D. Green Fertiliser Policy
   Answer: B. Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates on P&K fertilisers
10. Which cricketer was formally knighted during an investiture ceremony at
    Windsor Castle?
    A. Ben Stokes
    B. Joe Root
    C. James Anderson
    D. Stuart Broad
    Answer: C. James Anderson