Current Affairs 18/10/2025
1. Which status was recently given to Hindustan Shipyard?
Answer : Mini Ratna
Hindustan Shipyard Granted Mini Ratna Status
In a significant recognition of its consistent performance and contribution to India’s maritime sector, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, has been conferred the Mini Ratna status by the Government of India. This elevation marks an important milestone in the shipyard’s journey toward greater operational and financial autonomy.
Established in 1941, HSL is India’s oldest shipbuilding yard, playing a vital role in building, repairing, and refitting ships and submarines for both the Indian Navy and the commercial sector. Over the years, it has demonstrated strong project delivery capabilities, technical excellence, and steady financial growth—factors that contributed to this recognition.
The Mini Ratna status enables HSL to make independent decisions in areas such as capital expenditure, joint ventures, and technology partnerships, without seeking prior government approval. This autonomy is expected to accelerate modernization initiatives and enhance competitiveness in the global maritime industry.
With this achievement, HSL joins the league of prestigious public sector undertakings (PSUs) recognized for their operational efficiency and strategic importance. The status is also expected to boost employment, innovation, and defense manufacturing under India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
2. For how many years has India recently been elected to the Human Rights Council?
Answer : 3 Years
India Elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for a Three-Year Term
India has been re-elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for a three-year term, reaffirming the global community’s confidence in its commitment to upholding and promoting human rights. The new term will run from 2025 to 2027, marking India’s seventh tenure on the prestigious 47-member body.
The election took place at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where member states voted to select countries representing various regions. India secured an overwhelming majority of votes, reflecting its credibility as a responsible democracy dedicated to the values of equality, justice, and human dignity.
As a member of the UNHRC, India aims to strengthen global cooperation on human rights issues, combat discrimination, and promote inclusive development. The country also emphasizes the importance of balancing rights with responsibilities and respecting national sovereignty while addressing humanitarian challenges.
This election further underscores India’s growing role as a voice for the Global South and its ongoing commitment to multilateralism, peace, and human rights advocacy at the international level.
3. Which edition of the India–South Korea Naval Bilateral Exercise (IN–RoKN) was held at South Korea’s Busan Naval Base?
Answer : Third
India and South Korea Conduct Inaugural Naval Bilateral Exercise at Busan
In a major milestone for maritime cooperation, India and South Korea held the inaugural edition of their bilateral naval exercise IN–RoKN at the Busan Naval Base in South Korea. The exercise, which commenced on 13 October 2025, marks the beginning of a new chapter in the growing defense partnership between the two Indo-Pacific democracies.
The Indian Navy was represented by INS Sahyadri, an indigenously built stealth frigate of the Shivalik class, while the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) deployed several key assets to participate in both harbour and sea-phase exercises. The engagement focused on joint operations, maritime security, communication drills, and interoperability, aimed at strengthening coordination in the Indo-Pacific region.
This maiden edition of the IN–RoKN exercise underscores the shared commitment of India and South Korea to maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in international waters. It also highlights the deepening defense cooperation between the two nations under the broader framework of the India–Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership.
By enhancing naval collaboration, both countries reaffirm their dedication to collective maritime security, technological exchange, and regional prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
4. Who became the first Indian to climb the world’s nine peaks above 8000 meters?
Answer : Bharat Thammineni
Bharat Thammineni Becomes the First Indian to Conquer Nine Peaks Above 8,000 Metrer
In a historic achievement for Indian mountaineering, Bharat Thammineni, a mountaineer from Andhra Pradesh, has become the first Indian to scale nine of the world’s 14 peaks that rise above 8,000 metres. This remarkable feat places him among an elite group of international climbers who have conquered multiple peaks in the “death zone” — regions where oxygen levels are critically low and survival is extremely challenging.
Bharat Thammineni accomplished this milestone after successfully summiting Mount Cho Oyu (8,188 m) in October 2025, completing his ninth 8,000-metre peak. His previous climbs include Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Shishapangma. Each of these expeditions tested the limits of human endurance, mental strength, and determination.
Thammineni’s achievement is a testament to India’s growing presence in global high-altitude mountaineering. He represents a new generation of climbers who combine rigorous training, environmental responsibility, and a passion for adventure. His record-breaking accomplishment not only brings pride to the nation but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring mountaineers across India.
Experts believe this milestone will encourage greater investment in India’s mountaineering infrastructure and foster interest in adventure sports under the “Fit India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives. Bharat Thammineni’s name will be remembered as a symbol of courage, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit that continues to conquer the world’s highest peaks.
5. Where was the 16th Annual Meeting of WHO–IRCH for herbal medicines held?
Answer : Indonesia
16th WHO–IRCH Annual Meeting on Herbal Medicines Held in Indonesia
The 16th Annual Meeting of the World Health Organization – International Regulatory Cooperation for Herbal Medicines (WHO–IRCH) was successfully held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 14 to 16 October 2025. The conference brought together regulatory authorities, scientists, and policymakers from over 30 member countries to strengthen global collaboration on the regulation, quality, and safety of herbal medicines.
The WHO–IRCH serves as a vital global platform for sharing scientific knowledge, harmonizing regulatory standards, and promoting safe integration of traditional and herbal medicines into modern healthcare systems. The 2025 meeting focused on key issues such as standardization of herbal formulations, pharmacovigilance mechanisms, research on medicinal plants, and the role of traditional medicine in achieving universal health coverage.
India, represented by the Ministry of AYUSH, played an active role in the discussions, highlighting the country’s advancements in traditional medicine research, digital documentation of medicinal plants, and international cooperation through the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to enhance cross-border collaboration, improve evidence-based regulatory practices, and ensure the global recognition of herbal medicines as a reliable component of sustainable healthcare. This initiative reaffirms WHO’s vision of integrating traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare systems while ensuring safety, efficacy, and scientific validation.
6. Which country, along with Nepal and Sri Lanka, has the RBI approved loans to boost trade?
Answer : Bhutan
RBI Approves Rupee Loans to Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka to Boost Trade
In a significant move to strengthen regional trade and promote the use of the Indian Rupee (INR), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved loans to Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The decision allows authorized Indian banks and their overseas branches to extend loans in INR to residents, banks, and businesses in these countries, facilitating smoother cross-border trade settlements.
This initiative aims to reduce dependency on third-currency transactions, lower transaction costs, and simplify payment mechanisms for trade in the region. By enabling trade in the national currency, India is furthering its goal of internationalizing the rupee while deepening economic integration with neighboring countries.
The move is expected to provide a boost to bilateral trade, enhance liquidity in local markets, and strengthen financial ties between India and its neighbors. Additionally, it aligns with India’s broader strategy to leverage regional partnerships, strengthen economic diplomacy, and promote stability in South Asia.
Officials have highlighted that the arrangement will support both short-term trade financing and long-term commercial projects, thereby fostering sustainable economic cooperation and creating opportunities for businesses on both sides. The RBI’s proactive step reflects India’s commitment to being a stable and reliable economic partner in the region.
7. Which city has been partnered with NorthEast United FC to be established as India’s football capital?
Answer : Shillong
Shillong Partnered with NorthEast United FC to Become India’s Football Capital
In a landmark initiative to promote football in the Northeast, the Government of Meghalaya has partnered with NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) to establish Shillong as India’s Football Capital. The collaboration was formalized through a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 14 October 2025, covering the period from 2025 to 2028.
The partnership aims to nurture football talent, develop world-class infrastructure, and enhance Shillong’s profile as a hub for sports tourism. Key components of the initiative include:
Establishment of a Residential Academy Centre of Excellence in Shillong to train young players from Meghalaya and the broader Northeast region.
Football camps and youth development programs to identify and groom promising talent at the grassroots level.
Coach education and skill enhancement programs to improve the quality of football coaching in the region.
Fan engagement activities and community outreach to foster a strong football culture among local residents.
Shillong, already known for its passion for football, is set to benefit from increased investment in sports infrastructure, training facilities, and competitive opportunities for young athletes. The collaboration is also expected to boost tourism and create employment opportunities by integrating sports with local economic development.
By leveraging the expertise and brand of NorthEast United FC, the initiative seeks to position Shillong as a premier football destination in India, inspiring youth participation and contributing to the overall growth of Indian football.