🧠Daily General Studies: October 17, 2025 | National, International, Science & Governance Updates

Stay updated with the latest General Studies (GS) news for October 17, 2025. These updates are useful for UPSC, BPSC, SSC, and other competitive exams.


🇮🇳 National Affairs

1. Exercise Samudra Shakti 2025

The Indian Navy is hosting the fifth edition of Exercise Samudra Shakti 2025 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, from October 14 to 17.
This bilateral maritime exercise is conducted with the Indonesian Navy to enhance interoperability, coordination, and maritime security cooperation between the two nations.
Key highlights:

  • Naval maneuvers and search-and-rescue operations.

  • Anti-submarine and anti-aircraft exercises.

  • Focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

This exercise strengthens India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region and reinforces its maritime diplomacy initiatives.


2. Bihar Elections 2025 – New ECI Reforms

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced 17 reforms ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025.
These reforms aim to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections, and include:

  • Webcasting of polling stations.

  • Revision and verification of voter rolls.

  • Accessibility improvements for differently-abled voters.

  • Introduction of electronic roll checks and enhanced security measures.

These initiatives will ensure greater voter participation and strengthen the democratic process in Bihar.


3. Jammu & Kashmir – Regularisation of Contingent Workers

The Jammu & Kashmir government has taken a significant step in employment reforms by regularising 863 contingent paid workers in the School Education Department (Jammu region).
This move:

  • Provides job security to contractual workers.

  • Improves morale and efficiency among school staff.

  • Strengthens the state’s focus on education reforms.

This reform aligns with India’s broader agenda of employment formalisation and social security expansion.


🌐 International Affairs

4. US–China Trade Tensions Over Rare Earth Elements

China has imposed export curbs on 12 rare earth elements, essential for high-tech industries such as EV batteries, defense systems, and electronics.
In response, the US has announced 100% tariffs on these exports effective November 1, 2025.
Impact of this trade dispute:

  • Potential rise in global tech production costs.

  • Encourages countries to diversify supply chains away from China.

  • Pushes India to develop domestic capabilities in rare earth mining and processing.

This is a critical issue for international trade, geopolitics, and technology security.


🧠 Science & Technology

5. Google’s $15 Billion AI Investment in Andhra Pradesh

Google has announced a $15 billion investment to establish a state-of-the-art AI research and development hub in Andhra Pradesh.
Key objectives:

  • Develop AI and machine learning solutions for healthcare, education, and smart cities.

  • Generate 10,000+ skilled jobs in AI and data science.

  • Promote India as a global AI innovation hub.

This aligns with India’s Digital India mission and strengthens its position in emerging technologies.


🏛️ Governance & Policy

6. UPSC Editorials Quiz – October 17, 2025

InsightsIAS released its UPSC Editorials Quiz for October 17, 2025, covering topics from major newspapers.
Focus areas:

  • National security and defence policies.

  • Electoral reforms and democratic governance.

  • Global trade and technology developments.

Regular participation in such quizzes enhances analytical skills and exam readiness for GS papers.


📌 Quick GK & Current Affairs Snapshot

TopicUpdateRelevance
Exercise Samudra ShaktiBilateral maritime exercise with IndonesiaInternational Relations & Security
Bihar Elections17 ECI reformsPolity & Governance
J&K WorkersRegularisation of 863 school employeesEmployment & Social Justice
US-China Rare Earth100% US tariffs on exportsEconomy & International Affairs
Google AI Hub$15 billion investment in Andhra PradeshScience & Technology

🔑 Key Takeaways for Exams

  1. Maritime diplomacy is strengthening India’s role in the Indo-Pacific region.

  2. Bihar’s election reforms indicate increasing use of technology in democracy.

  3. Regularisation policies in J&K reflect India’s commitment to formal employment rights.

  4. Rare earth trade disputes highlight the intersection of technology and geopolitics.

  5. Large-scale AI investments position India as a future leader in digital innovation.


🏁 Conclusion

October 17, 2025, reflects a diverse range of updates spanning national security, electoral reforms, technology, and international trade.
For aspirants preparing for UPSC, BPSC, SSC, and other competitive exams, keeping up with daily GS updates is critical for both prelims and mains.

Stay tuned to Inzap for daily, verified, and comprehensive General Studies updates, helping you stay ahead in exam preparation and current affairs knowledge.

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