These key updates from 29 October 2025 highlight major global and national developments across politics, defense, environment, science, technology, and governance.
They are crucial for aspirants preparing for UPSC, PSC, SSC, and State Civil Services exams.
Cameroon Presidential Election 2025
Paul Biya, aged 92, has once again won Cameroon’s presidential election, securing 53.66% votes. He remains the world’s oldest serving president and has now begun his eighth consecutive term.
Key Points:
In power since 1982, Biya abolished presidential term limits in 2008.
Cameroon has had only two presidents since its independence from France in 1960.
Capital: Yaoundé | Borders: Nigeria, Chad, CAR, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea
South Korea Launches Its Most Powerful Ballistic Missile – Hyunmoo-5
South Korea has successfully launched its most powerful ballistic missile, named Hyunmoo-5, also called the Monster Missile.
Features:
Type: Road-mobile, surface-to-surface
Weight: 36 tonnes | Length: 16 meters
Designed to penetrate deep targets and destroy heavily fortified bunkers
This missile boosts South Korea’s defense capability amid regional tensions.
Saranda Forest Declared Wildlife Sanctuary by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Jharkhand Government to declare the Saranda Forest as a Wildlife Sanctuary to protect its biodiversity.
Highlights:
Total Area: 314 sq km
One of India’s oldest and richest forests, known for iron ore deposits
The court dismissed state demands to exclude 60 sq km citing tribal habitation, noting that tribal rights can be protected within sanctuary areas
INS Sutlej Completes 18th Joint Hydrographic Survey with Mauritius
Indian Navy’s INS Sutlej has successfully completed the 18th Joint Hydrographic Survey with Mauritius.
Purpose:
To strengthen maritime navigation, coastal protection, and environmental planning.
Survey Details:
Coverage: 35,000 square nautical miles
Region: Maritime zones of Mauritius
Hydrographic surveys involve mapping ocean depths, tides, and seabed structures.
Hong Kong Startup ‘Stellarus’ to Launch World’s First 3D Wind Data Satellite Network
Stellarus, a Hong Kong-based startup, is preparing to launch the world’s first 3D wind data satellite network, revolutionizing weather forecasting and disaster management.
Details:
Phase 1: Two satellites to launch within 18 months
Full constellation: Six satellites (Feilion Constellations)
Applications: Weather prediction, renewable energy optimization, and climate monitoring
Firsts of 2025
First Indian state to issue ID cards for SHGs: Tamil Nadu
World’s first AI-generated genome (virus): Created by Stanford University and Ark Institute (USA)
Asia’s first women’s cancer treatment center: Apollo Athen
Bihar’s first woman FIDE Master: Maryam Fatima
World’s first digital tribal university: Launched in New Delhi
Himachal Pradesh becomes India’s 4th fully literate state under the ULLAS programme
Japan Launches Yen-Based Stablecoin ‘JPYC’
Japan has launched the world’s first yen-based stablecoin, called JPYC (Japanese Yen Coin), developed by JPYC Inc., a Tokyo-based fintech startup.
Key Features:
1:1 ratio with Japanese Yen
Promotes secure and fast digital payments
About Digital Currency:
Digital currencies exist only in electronic form and can be transferred via mobile apps, e-wallets, or online banks.
Examples: Bitcoin, Ethereum
PM Modi Declares 2026 as ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation
At the 22nd ASEAN–India Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced 2026 as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation.
Objectives:
Strengthen maritime security and blue economy
Promote digital inclusion and disaster relief cooperation
About ASEAN:
Full Name: Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Established: 8 August 1967
Members: 11 (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor-Leste)
Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia
India: Dialogue Partner (not a member)
Hurricane Melissa Becomes the Strongest Storm of 2025
Hurricane Melissa, the fifth hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, has intensified into a Category-5 hurricane, the most severe category.
Impact:
Winds exceeding 252 km/h (157 mph)
Affected: Haiti and Dominican Republic, now moving toward Jamaica
Category-5 hurricanes cause catastrophic damage, posing major threats to life and infrastructure.
First Rajya Sabha Elections in Jammu & Kashmir After Article 370
For the first time since the abrogation of Article 370, Rajya Sabha elections were held in Jammu & Kashmir.
Results:
National Conference (NC): 3 seats
BJP: 1 seat (unexpected win)
Voter Turnout: 86 out of 88 MLAs participated
J&K now has 4 Rajya Sabha seats as per the Reorganisation Act, 2019
About Rajya Sabha:
Constitutional Article: 80
Established: 1952 | Permanent House
Total Members: 245 (233 elected + 12 nominated)
Tenure: 6 years (1/3rd members retire every two years)
Chairperson: Vice President of India
China Tests World’s Fastest Bullet Train – CR450
China’s new high-speed train CR450 has achieved a record speed of 453 km/h during testing, making it the fastest conventional bullet train ever built.
Highlights:
Acceleration: 0–350 km/h in just 4 minutes 40 seconds
Commercial service expected by 2026
Developed under China’s new generation rail project
