Naval Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’
News-India and Indonesia Conduct 5th Edition of Naval Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’.
- Event – 5th edition of bilateral maritime exercise “Samudra Shakti” between India and Indonesia.
- Date & Location – Held from October 14–17 at Visakhapatnam.
- Objective – Strengthen maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two navies.
- Indian Participant – INS Kavaratti (anti-submarine warfare corvette).
- Indonesian Participant – KRI John Lie (corvette with helicopter).
- Harbour Phase – Includes professional exchanges, yoga sessions, and sports activities.
- Sea Phase – Features helicopter manoeuvres, air defence, weapon firing, and VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) operations
- Significance – Enhances tactical coordination and joint operational skills.
Commonwealth Games
News- Ahmedabad Recommended to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games.
- Event – Commonwealth Sport Executive Board recommended Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
- Date – Recommendation made on October 15, 2025; final approval on November 26, 2025, in Glasgow.
- Support – Backed by the Government of India, Government of Gujarat, and Commonwealth Games Association of India.
- Infrastructure Highlight – Ahmedabad’s world-class facilities, including the Narendra Modi Stadium.
- Significance – 2030 marks the centenary of the Commonwealth Games.
- Previous Hosting – India last hosted the Games in 2010 (New Delhi).
- Benefits – Will enhance India’s global sporting image, tourism, and infrastructure development.
- Initiative Link – Reflects government programs like Khelo India.
- Competition – India’s bid won over Nigeria.
Indian Cough Syrups
News-WHO Warns of Toxic Indian Cough Syrups.
- Event – WHO issued a global alert on three Indian cough syrups due to toxic contamination.
- Brands Involved – Coldrif (Sresan Pharmaceuticals), ReLife (Shape Pharma), and Respifresh TR (Rednex Pharmaceuticals).
- Incident – Linked to the deaths of 21 children in Madhya Pradesh.
- Cause – Syrups contained 48.6% Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a deadly chemical causing kidney failure.
- Action by WHO – Urged immediate withdrawal and testing of affected batches.
- CDSCO Statement – Confirmed no exports of the contaminated products.
Ratna Status
News-Hindustan Shipyard Granted Mini Ratna Status.
- Event – Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) granted Mini Ratna status by the Government of India.
- Date – Announcement made on October 14, 2025.
- Significance – Marks a major turnaround from years of financial distress.
- Benefits – Grants HSL greater autonomy for innovation, defence manufacturing, and joint ventures without prior approval.
- Background – Transformation driven by post-2015 reforms leading to consistent profits.
- Role – Key contributor to India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat maritime and defence goals.
- Impact – Enhances HSL’s capacity for advanced naval projects and strengthens India’s self-reliant defence industrial base.
National Security Guard (NSG) Raising Day
News–National Security Guard (NSG) Raising Day – October 16.
- Event – National Security Guard (NSG) Raising Day observed annually on October 16.
- Purpose – Commemorates the formation of India’s elite counterterrorism and special operations force, the “Black Cats.”
- Establishment – NSG was formed on October 16, 1984, after Operation Blue Star.
- Ministry – Functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Reputation – Known as the “Zero Error Force” for precision, discipline, and courage.
- Ceremonies – Observed with parades, tributes, and events at NSG’s main base in Manesar, Haryana.
- Key Operations –
– Operation Black Tornado (2008) – Mumbai terror attacks
– Akshardham Temple attack (2002)
– Pathankot Airbase attack (2016)
MCQs
Q1. The 5th edition of the bilateral naval exercise “Samudra Shakti” between India and Indonesia was held at?
A) Kochi
B) Visakhapatnam
C) Port Blair
D) Jakarta
Q2. The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board recommended which Indian city to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games?
A) New Delhi
B) Mumbai
C) Ahmedabad
D) Bengaluru
Q3. The WHO issued a global alert on which Indian cough syrup brands?
A) Coldrif, ReLife, and Respifresh TR
B) Crocin, Dolo, and Sinarest
C) Medsafe, Relispray, and Cofsil
D) Respival, Coldac, and Rexcof
Q4. Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) was granted Mini Ratna status on?
A) October 10, 2025
B) October 12, 2025
C) October 14, 2025
D) October 16, 2025
Q5. The NSG operates under which ministry?
A) Ministry of Defence
B) Ministry of Home Affairs
C) Ministry of External Affairs
D) Ministry of Law and Justice