Current Affairs – 28 October 2025

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🇮🇳 Key Developments in India

🧮 Cabinet clears Terms of Reference for 8th Central Pay Commission

The Union Cabinet approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) on 28 October 2025. The commission will review pay structures and service conditions of central government employees, factoring in economic conditions, pension liabilities, and comparisons with the private sector. 
Why it matters: A major overhaul in employee compensation can impact public finance, government staffing costs, and service delivery across the country.

🚢 India hosts Asia-Pacific aircraft accident investigation workshop

For the first time, India will host the Asia‑Pacific Accident Investigation Group (APAC-AIG) meeting and workshop from 28-31 October 2025, organised by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Why it matters: Strengthening aviation safety standards and regional cooperation elevates India’s role in global civil aviation and underscores its commitment to high-quality infrastructure.

📱 Smartphone exports hit record US $1.8 billion

The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology announced that India’s smartphone exports reached a record US$1.8 billion in the previous month, making electronics the third largest export category. 
Implication: This underlines the momentum in India’s electronics manufacturing and export thrust, supporting the “Make in India” and supply-chain diversification ambitions.

🌪️ Cyclone “Montha” intensifies, coastal warnings for Andhra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu & Bengal

The Cyclone Montha over the west-central Bay of Bengal has strengthened into a “severe cyclonic storm” and is expected to make landfall near the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam on the evening/night of 28 October. Warnings issued for heavy rain and strong winds along the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
What to watch: Disruptions to life and transport, need for evacuation/rescue readiness in vulnerable coastal districts, and implications for crop/seedlings in low-lying agricultural zones.

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🌐 International Developments

🇬🇧 UK: Dedication of national memorial to LGBTQ+ troops

King Charles III dedicated Britain’s first national memorial recognising gay, lesbian and transgender members of the armed forces who were dismissed or discharged between 1967–2000.
Significance: Symbolic of evolving attitudes in defence institutions and acknowledgement of past injustices.

🇯🇲 Jamaica braces for “Melissa” hurricane

The Hurricane Melissa is moving towards Jamaica, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warned of a “massive impact”. 
Why it matters: Caribbean nations are vulnerable to intensified tropical storms; disaster preparedness and climate resilience are increasingly important.

🌐 Global climate and trade signals

A report highlighted that China, India and Indonesia could reach peak coal power by 2030 — signalling a shift in the global energy transition. 
Broader context: The world is watching how major emitters align with climate goals and how energy transitions reshape geopolitics and industry.

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📝 Key Themes & Takeaways

• Public finance & governance in focus: With the pay-commission ToR cleared, government service reform is back in spotlight.

• Manufacturing/export momentum: India’s electronics/exporting clue points to supply‐chain and growth strategy successes.

• Environment & climate risk: Cyclone Montha and global storm activity reaffirm the urgency of disaster risk mitigation.

• Global cooperation & image: Hosting a regional aviation-safety workshop and participating in global forums boost India’s soft-power and responsibility footprints.

• Social inclusion & recognition: The UK memorial reflects evolving societal norms regarding LGBTQ+ service in defence.

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🔎 Exam-Friendly One-Liners

• The Union Cabinet approved ToR for the 8th Central Pay Commission on 28 Oct 2025.

• India to host APAC-AIG meeting and workshop (28–31 Oct 2025) organised by AAIB.

• India’s smartphone exports reached US$1.8 billion in the previous month.

• Cyclone Montha expected to make landfall off Andhra Pradesh coast on 28 Oct.

• The UK unveiled its first national memorial for LGBTQ+ armed-forces personnel.