Daily Current Affairs: 30th October, 2025

National News

President Murmu Becomes First President to Fly in Rafale Jet

• In a historic first for India, President Droupadi Murmu became the first Indian head of state to fly in the Rafale fighter jet on October 29, 2025, from Ambala Air Force Station, marking her second sortie after flying in a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI in 2023.
• The 30-minute flight, piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani of the 17 Squadron (Golden Arrows), reaffirmed her role as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and symbolized strong civil-military harmony, showcasing support for India’s aerial defence capabilities and boosting national defence morale.

India Exports GI-Tagged Limes to UK for First Time

• India exported GI-tagged limes—Indi Lime from Karnataka and Puliyankudi Lime from Tamil Nadu—to the UK for the first time, facilitated by APEDA, marking a major boost for farmers and agri trade.
• The Geographical Indication (GI) tag ensures authenticity and global recognition, enhancing India’s agri-exports portfolio.
• This milestone as part of India’s growing global footprint in GI products, alongside other exports like Gharwali apples and apricots, while engaging with the EU on Free Trade Agreement discussions.

40 Worst AQI Cities: All Indian, Delhi Not in Top 10

• As of 30 October 2025, all top 40 most polluted cities globally are in India, with Delhi ranking 13th despite an AQI over 400.
• Smaller northern cities like Sri Ganganagar, Siwani, and Abohar reported severe to hazardous air pollution, driven by stubble burning, construction dust, vehicle emissions, and seasonal atmospheric conditions, highlighting the worsening air quality crisis beyond the capital.

International News

Trump Receives South Korea’s Top Honour and Golden Crowna

• During his 2025 visit to South Korea, U.S. President Donald Trump received the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, the nation’s highest national honour, along with a replica golden crown symbolizing peace and unity.
• Presented by President Lee Jae Myung in Gyeongju, the award recognized Trump’s role as a “peacemaker” for his past efforts with North Korea and highlighted the strengthening U.S.–South Korea alliance amid ongoing trade and security talks before the APEC Summit.

Paul Biya Re-Elected at 92 Amid Cameroon Unrest

• Paul Biya, 92, was re-elected as Cameroon’s President for an eighth consecutive term with 53.66% votes amid unrest and protests, making him the world’s oldest sitting head of state; his rule since 1982 faces challenges from a youthful population, allegations of election irregularities, and ongoing Anglophone separatist tensions.

Russia’s Poseidon Drone: Future of Sea-Based War?

• Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the successful test of Poseidon, a nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed unmanned underwater drone.
• Poseidon, capable of evading missile defenses and triggering radioactive tsunamis, carries a warhead stronger than Russia’s Sarmat ICBM and operates at extreme depths and speeds.
• This marks a shift in nuclear deterrence, raising concerns over coastal vulnerability, maritime security, and the need for enhanced naval detection systems globally.

Why Is “67” the Word of the Year for 2025?

• In a surprise move, Dictionary.com named “67” as its Word of the Year 2025, marking the first time a number has earned the title. Originating from Gen Z internet culture, memes, and viral slang, “67” — pronounced six-seven — conveys a vibe or emotion rather than meaning.
• Linked to music, sports, and social media trends, it embodies “brainrot slang”, where absurdity, humour, and belonging replace traditional language rules, reflecting how digital culture continues to reshape modern communication.

Banking News

Same-Day Cross-Border Payments: A Reality Soon By RBI?

• The RBI has proposed updates to India’s cross-border payment system, requiring same-day credit for foreign remittances received during forex market hours and next-day credit after hours
• The draft promotes straight-through processing (STP), real-time nostro account reconciliation, and digital platforms for tracking transactions.
• These reforms aim to ensure faster fund access, enhance financial competitiveness, and support economic inclusion, benefiting students, migrant families, exporters, and low-income households.

Mutual Fund Fees in India: What’s Changing at SEBI?

• SEBI has proposed a major overhaul of the mutual fund fee structure to improve transparency, fairness, and reduce costs for investors.
• Key reforms include separating taxes (STT, GST, stamp duty) from the expense ratio, removing the 5 bps transitory charge, introducing an optional performance-linked TER, and lowering brokerage limits for cash (12→2 bps) and derivatives (5→1 bps).
• Public comments are open until 17 November 2025.

Fed Cuts Rates Again—But What’s Next?

• The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25%, bringing the federal funds rate below 4% for the first time since 2022.
• Chair Jerome Powell noted a divided Fed, with dissenting votes reflecting differing views on inflation and the labor market, and said a December cut is not guaranteed.
• The Fed also plans to halt balance sheet shrinkage in December amid recent market strains, highlighting the challenge of balancing growth and price stability.

Business News

Uber and Nvidia Forge Ambitious 100,000‑Robotaxi Partnership

• Uber and Nvidia have partnered to deploy a fleet of 100,000 autonomous robotaxis, with operations expected to begin in 2027.
• Leveraging Nvidia’s AI and Drive AGX Hyperion 10 platform, the collaboration includes automakers like Stellantis and hardware integration by Foxconn, with Uber managing fleet operations.
• The partnership aims to reduce the cost of robotaxi services, expand Uber’s autonomous offerings globally, and fuel development through a “robotaxi data factory” collecting over 3 million hours of driving data to train AI models, marking a major step in autonomous ride-hailing technology.

Apple Hits $4 Trillion Market Value on iPhone Surge

• Apple briefly crossed the $4 trillion market value mark for the first time, driven by strong global demand for the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air, particularly in the U.S., China, and India.
• The surge helped offset earlier concerns over AI strategy delays and tariff pressures.
• Apple becomes the third Big Tech company after Nvidia and Microsoft to reach this milestone, with its iPhone sales continuing to anchor revenue and profit, while analysts expect upbeat forecasts for the upcoming quarter.

Can Nvidia’s $5 Trillion Valuation Last?

• Nvidia reached a historic $5 trillion market valuation as shares rose 3.1% to $207.16, fueled by new AI partnerships with Samsung, Hyundai, and Nokia.
• CEO Jensen Huang dismissed AI bubble fears, while Nvidia’s stock, up 54% this year, continues to drive a significant portion of the S&P 500’s gains, cementing its dominance in the AI market.

Awards News

World Food Prize Honour This Padmashree Awardee Chef

• Chef Sanjeev Kapoor was honoured by the World Food Prize Foundation as a Top Agri-Food Pioneer 2025 for his work linking culinary excellence, nutrition awareness, and sustainable agriculture.
• His initiatives, including Nutri Pathshala, local ingredient sourcing, and school-nutrition programs, highlight the power of food as a force for social change and promote innovation, tradition, and food justice in India’s agri-food ecosystem.

Agreements News

India and Nepal Bet Big on Energy Links

• India and Nepal signed two power agreements through POWERGRID and NEA to build 400 kV cross-border transmission lines and form joint ventures in both countries.
• The deals aim to boost electricity trade, enhance grid resilience, support Nepal’s hydropower exports, and strengthen bilateral ties, laying the groundwork for a South Asian energy market and deeper regional connectivity.

BPCL + Cochin Port: Ready for the LNG Maritime Revolution?

• Cochin Port Authority and BPCL signed an MoU to set up a ₹500 crore LNG bunkering facility for LNG-powered and dual-fuel vessels at key port locations.
• The project aims to promote clean fuel use, support India’s green port initiatives, reduce carbon emissions, and position Kochi as a major LNG hub, while generating employment opportunities.