Current Affairs 22/10/2025
1. With which organization did DRDO sign an MoU for 300 MW solar energy-based renewable energy projects?
Answer : Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)
DRDO and SECI Sign MoU for 300 MW Renewable Energy Projects
In a major step towards achieving India’s clean energy goals, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to establish 300 MW solar energy-based renewable energy projects across DRDO’s various establishments.
The collaboration aims to promote sustainable energy usage within defence research facilities and reduce dependency on conventional power sources. Through this partnership, DRDO will facilitate the identification of suitable sites and provide necessary infrastructure support, while SECI will handle project development, implementation, and operation in accordance with government renewable energy policies.
This initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2070 and demonstrates DRDO’s commitment to integrating green energy solutions into its operations. The agreement also supports the Ministry of Defence’s efforts to adopt renewable technologies and enhance energy efficiency across its network.
The MoU is expected to pave the way for more such strategic collaborations between defence and renewable energy sectors, strengthening India’s energy security and sustainability roadmap.
2. Which major railway exhibition was recently inaugurated by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw?
Answer : 16th International Railway Equipment Exhibition–2025
Railway Minister Inaugurates 16th International Railway Equipment Exhibition 2025
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the 16th International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey toward railway modernization and technological innovation. The exhibition, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with the Ministry of Railways, is recognized as Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest railway and transport technology event.
The IREE 2025 brought together over 450 exhibitors and participants from more than 15 countries, showcasing advanced rail technologies, equipment, and infrastructure solutions. The event served as a global platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to exchange ideas and explore the latest developments in areas such as high-speed rail, metro systems, indigenous manufacturing, signalling, and smart mobility solutions.
In his address, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming India’s rail network with world-class infrastructure, increased safety measures, and sustainable practices. He emphasized India’s focus on indigenization under the “Make in India” and “Make for the World” initiatives, underscoring how Indian Railways is adopting cutting-edge technology to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.
The exhibition also emphasized green mobility and digital transformation, aligning with India’s long-term goal of building an eco-friendly, technologically advanced railway ecosystem. Through IREE 2025, India reaffirmed its position as a key global player in railway innovation, providing a strong foundation for future collaborations and investments in the transport sector.
3. In which country did the Indian Army participate in “Exercise AustraHind 2025”?
Answer : Australia
Indian Army Participates in “Exercise AustraHind 2025” in Australia
The Indian Army took part in the joint military exercise “AustraHind 2025”, held in Australia, aimed at enhancing defence cooperation and interoperability between the Indian Army and the Australian Defence Forces. This bilateral exercise is a key component of the growing strategic partnership between the two nations, reflecting their shared commitment to regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The primary focus of Exercise AustraHind 2025 was on counter-terrorism operations, peacekeeping missions, and humanitarian assistance in semi-urban and jungle environments. The training included joint tactical drills, weapon handling, field medical evacuation, and coordination in simulated combat situations, allowing troops from both sides to share operational experience and best practices.
Through this collaboration, India and Australia continue to strengthen their defence diplomacy, fostering greater trust, coordination, and readiness for joint operations under United Nations mandates. The exercise also underscores both nations’ intent to promote a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, while deepening their defence and strategic engagement.
4. Which ministry is organizing the ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025’?
Answer : Ministry of Education
Ministry of Education Launches ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025’
The Ministry of Education, Government of India, is organizing the ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025’, a national-level innovation initiative aimed at empowering youth to contribute technological and creative solutions for the vision of a “Viksit Bharat @2047” — a developed India by 2047.
This Buildathon serves as a platform for students, educators, and innovators from across the country to develop digital tools, policy models, and innovative ideas that can support governance, education, skill development, and sustainable growth. Participants are encouraged to collaborate on real-world challenges aligned with the government’s priority areas such as digital transformation, inclusive development, green energy, and rural advancement.
The initiative is being organized under the Department of Higher Education in association with premier institutions and innovation hubs, promoting a culture of problem-solving and entrepreneurship among India’s youth. By encouraging participation from universities, engineering colleges, and research institutions, the Buildathon aims to bridge the gap between academic innovation and national development goals.
The ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025’ not only inspires young minds to contribute towards nation-building but also strengthens India’s journey toward becoming a global innovation leader by 2047.
5. Where did Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurate the Farmers’ Training and Common Facility Centre recently?
Answer : Methagal, Karnataka
Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates Farmers’ Training and Common Facility Centre in Methagal, Karnataka
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently inaugurated the Farmers’ Training and Common Facility Centre at Methagal village in Karnataka, marking a significant step toward empowering rural communities and enhancing agricultural productivity.
The newly inaugurated centre aims to provide training, resources, and modern infrastructure to help farmers adopt scientific and sustainable agricultural practices. It will serve as a hub for capacity building, knowledge exchange, and value addition, enabling farmers to improve crop yields and market access.
Speaking at the event, the Finance Minister highlighted the government’s continued commitment to rural development, agricultural modernization, and farmer welfare. She emphasized that such initiatives are crucial to achieving self-reliance in the agri-sector, promoting entrepreneurship among farmers, and strengthening India’s rural economy.
The Methagal centre is also expected to promote agro-based small industries by offering common processing facilities and training in post-harvest management, helping farmers move up the value chain. This initiative reflects the government’s vision of building a prosperous, skill-driven, and technology-enabled rural India.
6. The IN–RoKN Exercise 2025 was held between India and which country?
Answer : South Korea
India and South Korea Conduct IN–RoKN Exercise 2025
The IN–RoKN Exercise 2025 was conducted between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN), reaffirming the strong maritime partnership between India and South Korea. The exercise aimed to enhance naval cooperation, interoperability, and mutual understanding between the two navies in the Indo-Pacific region.
The joint naval drill featured surface and anti-air warfare manoeuvres, tactical formations, communication exercises, and maritime interdiction operations. These activities were designed to strengthen coordination and operational synergy during joint missions such as anti-piracy, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations.
The exercise also reflects both nations’ commitment to ensuring peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific waters. By holding the IN–RoKN Exercise 2025, India and South Korea have taken another step toward deepening their defence and strategic ties, contributing to regional maritime security and reinforcing their cooperation under the broader India–Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership framework.