Explanation: The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates has launched the world’s first Sovereign Financial Cloud Services Infrastructure (SFCSI). It is developed with Core42, a subsidiary of G42. The platform ensures data sovereignty, meaning financial data remains within the UAE’s legal and security boundaries. It offers integrated cybersecurity, unified multi-cloud management, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based analytics. It allows real-time processing, automation, and predictive risk analysis for licensed financial institutions. It reduces dependence on foreign cloud providers and strengthens regulatory control.

Explanation: Astronomers imaged the central Milky Way and revealed a complex network of cosmic gas filaments using Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). ALMA is located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile and studies celestial objects at millimetre and submillimetre wavelengths. It has been fully operational since 2013. It was designed and built by National Radio Astronomy Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, and European Southern Observatory.

Explanation: 18-year-old Indian para-archer Sheetal Devi won gold in women’s individual compound event at the World Para Archery Championship 2025. She defeated world No. 1 Oznur Cure Girdi of Turkiye with a score of 146-143 in the final. This was her third medal at the Championships. She earlier won a mixed team bronze with Toman Kumar against Great Britain 152-149. She also won a silver medal in women’s compound open team event with Sarita, losing to Turkey in the final. Sheetal is an armless archer from Jammu and Kashmir, who shoots using her feet and chin. She had also won a Paralympics bronze medal in 2024 in the mixed team category.

Explanation: World Statistics Day is celebrated every five years and is observed for the fourth time on 20 October 2025. Reliable statistics are the foundation of transparency, democracy, and progress, providing information on society, economy, and environment. They help citizens, institutions, and organizations understand developments and plan the future responsibly. This year’s theme is “Quality statistics and data for everyone”, emphasizing that access to reliable data is a citizen’s right. In the digital age, data is easily accessible, but challenges remain in ensuring reliability, protecting personal data, and interpreting statistics correctly.

Explanation: The recent kumbabishekam (consecration) of the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu highlighted its unique stone nagaswaram, a rare ancient wind instrument. The temple is located in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Adi Kumbeswarar in lingam form. It is a major example of Dravidian architecture. It was originally built during the Chola period (9th century CE) and later renovated by the Nayak rulers. It is one of the 12 Shiva temples linked to the Mahamaham festival, held every 12 years.

Explanation: NITI Aayog released the report œAchieving Efficiencies in MSME Sector through Convergence of Schemes to strengthen government support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). It provides a roadmap to improve MSME outcomes by streamlining scheme implementation, enhancing inter-ministerial coordination, and boosting financial, skill, marketing, and innovation support. The report evaluates existing central and state MSME schemes, examines convergence levels, and identifies best practices from India and abroad.

Explanation: The Gujarat government allocated Rs 20 crore in the 2026–27 state budget for Namo Gaurav Park projects, with a total proposed outlay of Rs 100 crore, to develop modern recreational infrastructure in municipal corporation areas. The parks, under the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department, will provide safe, inclusive, and vibrant community spaces for all age groups. The initiative aims to strengthen community bonds, enhance urban ecology, promote biodiversity, improve climate resilience, and raise the quality of urban life.

Explanation: The Centre recently recommended environmental clearance for the 1,856-MW Sawalkote Hydro Electric Project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric plant in the Ramban District of Jammu and Kashmir. It will be the largest hydroelectric project in the Union Territory and one of the biggest in North India. The project was first conceptualised in the 1980s and revised multiple times due to environmental and technical concerns. It will be built by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited at an estimated cost of Rs 31,380 crore.

Explanation: Alpine SG Pipers, led by Indian Grandmasters R Praggnanandhaa and Anish Giri, won the Global Chess League (GCL) 2025 Season 3 title in Mumbai. They defeated defending champions Triveni Continental Kings in the finals, winning 4–2 in the first match and 4.5–1.5 in the second to secure their maiden GCL title.

Explanation: Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary hosted the second edition of the two-day Indian Bison Fest. It is located in Bargarh district of Odisha near Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River. Hirakud Dam is the longest dam in India and the longest earthen dam in the world. The sanctuary is linked with freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai, whose base at Barapathara was here during revolt against British rule.