These current affairs highlights of 24 October 2025 cover major national and international developments in education, sports, defense, and science. Such updates are crucial for competitive exam preparation and general knowledge enhancement.
Goa Becomes the First State to Include Chess in School & College Curriculum
In a landmark decision, Goa has officially included chess in its school and college curriculum.
Objective: To develop strategic thinking and self-confidence among students through the game of chess.
This initiative aims to help students enhance their decision-making skills and logical reasoning from a young age.
Goa will also host the FIDE World Cup 2025 from 31st October to 27th November 2025.
Magnus Carlsen won the first Chess Esports World Cup 2025.
Divya Deshmukh clinched the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025 title and also became India’s 88th Grandmaster, being the fourth Indian female Grandmaster.
Rohit Krishna S. became India’s 89th Grandmaster.
Grandmaster P. Iniyan from Tamil Nadu won the 62nd National Chess Championship 2025.
World Chess Day is celebrated every year on 20 July to promote the spirit of the game worldwide.
India-Japan Maritime Exercise – JAIMEX-25 Held in Yokosuka, Japan
India and Japan conducted the Joint Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX-25) between 16th and 18th October 2025 at Yokosuka, Japan.
The Indian Navy’s INS Sahyadri participated in this exercise, strengthening bilateral defense cooperation and maritime security.
The first edition of JAIMEX was held in 2012. The exercise promotes coordination in the Indo-Pacific region and enhances mutual trust between the two navies.
India-UK Launch the Ramanujan Fellowship 2025
The Governments of India and the United Kingdom have jointly launched the Ramanujan Fellowship 2025 to support young Indian scientists in the fields of theoretical physics and mathematics.
This program is supported by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Selected fellows will get a chance to conduct joint research at the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences (LIMS).
The fellowship honors the legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan and aims to encourage global scientific collaboration.
India Ranks 9th Globally in Forest Area – FAO Report 2025
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 2025 report, India now ranks 9th globally in terms of total forest area, up from the 10th position previously.
India retained its 3rd position in annual forest area growth.
The world’s total forest area is 4.14 billion hectares, covering 32% of Earth’s land.
Top 5 countries: Russia, Brazil, Canada, USA, China.
Top Performing Indian States (Forest & Tree Cover 2023 Report):
Highest growth: Chhattisgarh
Maximum forest cover increase: Mizoram (242 km²)
Biggest decline: Madhya Pradesh (-612.41 km²)
Top regional forest cover: Madhya Pradesh (77,073 km²)
Highest tree cover percentage: Lakshadweep (91.33%)
The FAO was established on 16 October 1945 with headquarters in Rome, Italy, to end hunger and promote food security globally.
Ningol Chakouba Festival Celebrated in Manipur
The Ningol Chakouba Festival was celebrated with joy by the Meitei community of Manipur.
It takes place every year on the second day of Hiyangei month (Meitei calendar).
‘Ningol’ means married daughters and ‘Chakouba’ means feast.
On this day, married women return to their maternal homes to share love, gifts, and traditional feasts with their families.
Max Verstappen Wins F1 US Grand Prix 2025
Max Verstappen of the Red Bull team won the Formula 1 US Grand Prix 2025 held in Austin, USA.
This marks his fifth win of the season and third win in the last four races.
Podium Finish:
Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
Lando Norris (McLaren)
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
Sports Current Affairs – October 2025
Women’s Blind Football World Cup 2025: Argentina emerged as champions.
Top assists in international football: Lionel Messi.
Cricket Asia Cup 2025: India defeated Pakistan to claim the title.
US Open 2025: Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner to win the men’s singles title.
Gujarati New Year ‘Bestu Varas’ Celebrated
The Gujarati community celebrated their traditional new year ‘Bestu Varas’ on 22 October 2025, marking the beginning of the Gujarati New Year.
It is observed on the Shukla Pratipada of the Kartik month, the day after Diwali.
Justice Pratibha M. Singh Appointed as WIPO Advisory Board Chairperson
Justice Pratibha M. Singh of the Delhi High Court has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Advisory Board of Judges of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) for the 2025-2027 term.
She is the first Indian to lead this international body.
WIPO has 193 member countries, and India joined in 1975.
Objective: To protect global innovation and intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and geographical indications.
Abhinav Bindra – Torchbearer for Winter Olympics 2026
India’s Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra has been chosen as the torchbearer for the 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled to be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, from 6–22 February 2026.
Bindra, who won India’s first individual Olympic gold in 10m Air Rifle at Beijing 2008, continues to inspire young athletes across the nation.
Neeraj Chopra Honoured as Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army
India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has been conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army.
Major Achievements:
Olympic Gold (2020)
Olympic Silver (2024)
Arjuna Award (2018)
Khel Ratna (2021)
Padma Shri (2022)
Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2022)
Chopra joined the Indian Army as Naib Subedar in 2016 and rose to Subedar Major by 2022, symbolizing discipline and excellence both in sports and service.
