Nobel Prizes

Nobel Prize History and Background

• Establishment: Began in 1901, based on the will of Alfred Nobel (inventor of dynamite) drafted in 1895. Nobel died in 1896.
• Fields: Awarded in six fields.
• Economics Prize: Started later in 1968, first awarded in 1969. Established by Sweden's Sveriges Riksbank (also known as the Riksbank Award).
• Award Location: All prizes are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, except for the Peace Prize, which is awarded in Oslo, Norway.
• Award Date: Announced earlier but awarded on December 10, commemorating Alfred Nobel's death anniversary.

Nobel Prize 2025 Winners

• Physiology or Medicine:
  • Winners: Mary Bronkov, Friends Remesdel, Simons Sakaguchi.
  • Discovery: For their work on immune system tolerance.
  • First Award (1901): Adolf von Behring.
• Physics:
  • Winners: Michel S. Debourette, John Clarke, Martinis.
  • Discovery: For macroscopic quantum mechanical tunneling in electrical circuits.
  • First Award (1901): Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (for the discovery of X-rays).
• Chemistry:
  • Winners: Richard Robson, Umar Yagi, Susumu Kitagawa.
  • Discovery: For their work on Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs).
  • First Award (1901): Jacobus Henricus van 't Hoff.
• Literature:
  • Winner: László Krasznahorkai (Hungarian author).
  • Reason: For his captivating and visionary works.
  • First Award (1901): Sully Prudhomme.
• Peace:
  • Winner: María Corina Machado (Venezuelan opposition leader).
  • First Award (1901): Henry Dunant (founder of Red Cross) and Frédéric Passy.
  • Note: The Red Cross has received the Peace Prize three times.
• Economics:
  • Winners: Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, Peter Howitt.
  • Discovery: For identifying necessary conditions for sustainable development through technological progress and the theory of creative destruction.
  • First Award (1969): Ragnar Frisch and Jan Tinbergen.

Indian Nobel Laureates

• Rabindranath Tagore: 1913, Literature, for "Gitanjali". First Indian and first Asian to win in Literature.
• C.V. Raman: 1930, Physics, for the Raman Effect (scattering of light).
• Har Gobind Khorana: 1968, Medicine, for artificial gene synthesis and explanation of the genetic code in protein synthesis.
• Mother Teresa: 1979, Peace. First Indian woman to win.
• Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar: 1983, Physics, for the Chandrasekhar Limit (theoretical studies of physical processes important to the structure and evolution of stars).
• Amartya Sen: 1998, Economics, for his contributions to welfare economics (concept of public welfare state). First Indian to win in Economics.
• V.S. Naipaul: 2001, Literature, for "In a Free State".
• Venkatraman Ramakrishnan: 2009, Chemistry, for his work on the structure of ribosomes.
• Kailash Satyarthi: 2014, Peace, for "Bachpan Bachao Andolan" (shared with Malala Yousafzai).
• Abhijit Banerjee: 2019, Economics, for his experimental approach to alleviating global poverty.

Budget 2025-26 (India)

Budget History (India)

• First Budget: 1860, by James Wilson (considered the father of the Indian Budget).
• First Post-Independence Budget: K. Shanmukham Chetty.
• First Republic India Budget: John Mathai.
• Most Budgets Presented: Morarji Desai (10 times).
• First Woman to Present Budget: Indira Gandhi.
• First Full-time Female Finance Minister: Nirmala Sitharaman.
• Longest Budget Speech: Nirmala Sitharaman (2020).

Budget 2025-26 Highlights

• Presented By: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the 8th time on February 1.
• Vision of Developed India:
  • Freedom from poverty.
  • 100% school education.
  • Excellent, affordable, and accessible healthcare facilities.
  • 100% skilled workforce.
  • 70% women's participation in economic activity.
  • India as the "Food Basket of the World".
• Four Engines of Growth:
  • Destination: Developed India.
  • Guidance: Inclusivity.
  • Fuel: Reforms.
  • Engines: Agriculture, MSME, Investment, Export.

Agriculture (First Engine)

• Prime Minister Dhana-Dhanya Krishi Yojana: Launched in 100 districts to increase agricultural productivity, benefiting 1.7 crore farmers.
• Self-Sufficiency in Pulses Mission: 6-year mission focusing on Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masoor.
• Shri Anna (Millets) Mission: Continued focus (2023 was the International Year of Millets).
• Makhana Board: To be established in Bihar.
• National High-Yield Seed Mission: For developing high-yielding seeds.
• Cotton Production Mission: 5-year mission to produce high-quality cotton for the textile industry.
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Limit: Increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
• Urea Plant: To be established in Namrup, Assam, with a production capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons.

MSME (Second Engine)

• Revised Definitions (based on Investment & Turnover):
  • Micro: Investment up to ₹2.5 crore; Turnover up to ₹10 crore.
  • Small: Investment up to ₹25 crore; Turnover up to ₹100 crore.
  • Medium: Investment up to ₹125 crore; Turnover up to ₹500 crore.
• Credit Card for Micro Enterprises: ₹5 lakh limit, available through the Udhyam Portal.
• National Manufacturing Mission: To promote 'Make in India' in footwear, toys, and food processing industries.

Investment (Third Engine)

• Atal Tinkering Labs: 500 new labs to be established in government schools over the next 5 years to boost interest in science, technology, and mathematics.
• Indian Language Book Scheme: Digital books in Indian languages for school and higher education.
• National Skill Excellence Centers: Five centers to be established to promote 'Make for India, Make for the World'.
• AI in Education: ₹500 crore allocated for AI excellence centers in education.
• Cancer Care: Cancer medicines made cheaper; Day Care Cancer Hospitals to be established in all district hospitals within 3 years.
• Jal Jeevan Mission: Extended until 2028 (originally set to end in 2024).
• Maritime Development Fund: Government to contribute 49% of the funds.
• UDAN Scheme: 120 new destinations to be connected over the next 10 years.
• Greenfield Airport: To be established in Bihar.
• West Kosi Canal Project: To be developed in Mithilanchal, Bihar.
• Gyan Bharatam Mission: To preserve over 1 crore ancient manuscripts.

Export (Fourth Engine)

• Bharat Trade Net Platform: Launched to improve supply chain efficiency for exports.

Reforms (Fuel)

• FDI in Insurance Sector: Foreign Direct Investment limit increased from 74% to 100%.

Tax Reforms

• Fiscal Deficit (Estimated):
  • 2024-25: 4.8% of GDP.
  • 2025-26: 4.4% of GDP.
• Tax Exemption: Tax removed from 36 life-saving drugs (including those for rare diseases and cancer).
• New Income Tax Regime: A new income tax bill will be introduced, replacing the 1961 act.
• Revised Tax Slabs (New Regime): Income up to ₹12 lakh is tax-free.
  • ₹0-4 lakh: 0%
  • ₹4-8 lakh: 5%
  • ₹8-12 lakh: 10%
  • ₹12-16 lakh: 15%
  • ₹16-20 lakh: 20%
  • ₹20-24 lakh: 25%
  • Above ₹24 lakh: 30%

Revenue and Expenditure

• Sources of Revenue (Where money comes from):
  1. Borrowings: 24%
  2. Income Tax: 22%
  3. GST: 18%
• Areas of Expenditure (Where money goes):
  1. State's Share in Taxes & Duties: 22%
  2. Interest Payments: 20%
• Top Spending Sectors:
  1. Defense
  2. Rural Development
  3. Home Ministry
  4. Agriculture

October Month Current Affairs (Primarily 2024, some 2025 as stated by speaker)

• 2025 Economic Freedom Index: India's rank 128.
• First Indian Boxing Federation Cup: Held in Chennai.
• UNICEF's "Promise to Children" initiative: In collaboration with ICC.
• Václav Havel European Prize: Awarded to Maxim Budkevich (Ukraine).
• PM Modi wrote the foreword for "I Am Giorgia": Autobiography of Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.
• First Slum-Free City in India: Chandigarh.
• First Child Marriage Free District: Balod, Chhattisgarh.
• 2025 TIME 100 Next List (Cricket): Yashasvi Jaiswal included.
• Global News Network's Global Tourism Award: Awarded to Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department.
• Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk arrested under Preventive Detention: Related to Article 22 of the Constitution.
• UPSC Centenary Year: Celebrated on October 1, 2025 (established on the recommendation of the Lee Commission).
• Six-member Payment Regulatory Board: Constituted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Pandit Chhannulal Mishra (Deceased): Associated with the swarmandal musical instrument.
• ICC Men's T20I Batter Rankings (931 points): Abhishek Sharma topped.
• Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT): Signed with Singapore.
• MSME Seva Parv - Virasat Se Vikas: Organized in Uttar Pradesh.
• Tata Aerospace's first private sector H125 helicopter final assembly line: To be established in Vyamagal.
• Mission for Self-Sufficiency in Pulses (till 2030-31): Covers Arhar, Urad, and Masoor.
• 2025 ISSF Junior World Cup: India secured 1st place in the medal table.
• First Female Prime Minister of Japan: Sane Tai Kochi.
• Cyclone Shakti (hit Maharashtra and Gujarat): Named by Sri Lanka.
• Namo Semiconductor Lab: Approved for establishment at IIT Bhubaneswar.
• Indian Coast Guard's 10th National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-X): Held in Chennai.
• "Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar" Campaign: Launched by FM Nirmala Sitharaman in Gujarat.
• Island named Jubin Gargdeep (Assam): Renamed by Singapore as a tribute to the singer.
• 2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine: Awarded to Mary Bronkov, Friends Remesdel, and Simons Sakaguchi.
• Joint Exercise Konkan: Conducted between India and England.
• India's only mud volcano erupted after 20 years: Located on Barren Island, Andaman Nicobar.
• BRO's World's Highest Motorable Road (19,400 ft): Constructed in Ladakh.
• 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference: Held in Barboadas Brustatawn.
• 2025 World Para Athletics Championships: Indian contingent won 22 medals.
• Book "They Will Shoot You Madam": Authored by Harvind Babeja.
• 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics: Awarded to John Clark, Debourette, and Martinis.
• First Cheetah Safari in India: Opened at Kuno National Park.
• National Mission to Stop Declining Population: Launched for camels.
• 2025 Global Fintech Fest: Held in Mumbai.
• Mera Hou Chongba (festival symbolizing unity): Celebrated in Manipur.
• 2025 Shastra Ramanujan Prize: Awarded to Alexander Smith.
• Brand Ambassador for "Viksit Bharat Build-a-thon": Captain Sushanshu Shukla.
• IUCN Congress: Held in Abu Dhabi.
• Indian Air Force 93rd Foundation Day: Celebrated at Hindon Airbase, Ghaziabad.
• India's Third Gas Carrier "Shivalik": Constructed by South Korea.
• Safest City in India (NCRB 2023 Report): Kolkata.
• 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry: Awarded to Richard Robson, Umar Yagi, and Susumu Kitagawa.
• 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature: Awarded to Laszlo Krasznahorkai (Hungarian).
• India-Russia Military Exercise "Indra": Held in Rajasthan.
• 12,000-year-old Pillar with Human Faces: Discovered in Turkey.
• Book "Above and Beyond": Authored by Shiv Kumar Mohan.
• International Convention Center (Spain's Fracilona International): Collaborating with Madhya Pradesh.
• CEAT Cricket Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to Brian Lara and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar (Special Award to Rohit Sharma).
• World's First Live Underwater Interview: Conducted in Palau.
• IUCN Red List Roadmap: Presented at the Abu Dhabi meeting.
• Supreme Court allows direct recruitment for District Judge: Candidates need 7 years of judicial experience.
• Meta Platforms' Undersea Cable Project "Water Breathes" Landing Stations in India: Visakhapatnam and Mumbai.
• 2025 Nobel Peace Prize: Awarded to Maria Corina Machado (Venezuela).
• India's First Hypersonic Missile: Named Dhwani.
• Indian Coast Guard's Regional Search & Rescue Exercise (RESARX): Organized in Karnataka.
• First Mental Health Ambassador by Health Ministry: Deepika Padukone.
• First Indian Fast Bowler to Play 50 Matches in All Formats: Jasprit Bumrah.
• 2025 Urban Development Year: Declared by Gujarat.
• Blue Flag Certification for 5 Beaches in Maharashtra: Shrivardhan, Nagam, Pernag, Guhagar, and Ladghar.
• IUCN Kenton R. Miller Award: Awarded to Sonali Ghosh.
• Bloody Conflict along Durand Line: Ongoing between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• India's First Semiconductor Innovation Museum: Inaugurated in Hyderabad.
• Best Film Filmfare Award: Awarded to "Laapataa Ladies".
• 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics: Awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt.
• World's First Country to Eliminate Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B, Syphilis: Maldives.
• Google AI Hub: Launched in Visakhapatnam.
• RBI Executive Director: Sonali Sen Gupta appointed.
• Indian Army's Indigenous Anti-Drone Grid: Named Saksham.
• 2025 World Health Summit: Held in Berlin.
• First Indian State to Introduce "Right to Disconnect" Bill: Kerala.
• 2025 Global Hunger Index: India ranked 102nd.
• India-Korea First Bilateral Exercise "In Rock": Started with the Republic of Korea.
• 2025 Abel Prize (Mathematics Nobel): Awarded to Masaaki Kawagoe.
• State with Highest Number of Elephants (First DNA-based Census): Karnataka.
• India Elected Unopposed to UN Human Rights Council: For the 7th time.
• 11th Asian Aquatics Championship (Ahmedabad): China topped the medal tally (India ranked 11th).
• Henley Passport Index: India's passport ranked 85th (previously 80th).
• India-Indonesia Naval Exercise "Samudra Shakti": Held in Visakhapatnam.
• First Asian President of IUCN Species Survival Commission: Vivek Menon.
• Rabo Bala Saraswati Devi (Deceased): First playback singer of Telugu cinema.
• Miniratna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Status: Granted to Hindustan Shipyard.
• World Food Day: Celebrated on October 16.
• Major Mineral Classification by Ministry of Mines: Limestone classified.
• 2025 Heinrich IMD Sustainable Trade Index: India ranked 23rd.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Unveiled First Tejas LCA MK-1: In Nashik.
• Second State to Launch Menstrual Leave Policy (Govt & Private Sectors): Karnataka.
• AR Rahman teamed up with Google Cloud: To launch "Secret Mountain Band".
• ICC Player of the Month September 2025: Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana.
• Asia's Safest Bank (Global Finance, New York): DBS Bank.
• First Latin American Country to Legalize Euthanasia: Uruguay.
• Best Wildlife Photographer Award (for "Ghost Town Visitor" picture): Wim Vanden.
• 5th Khelo India University Games: Held in Rajasthan.
• Lowest Sex Ratio at Birth (Vital Statistics of India Report 2023): Recorded in Jharkhand.
• PNB Fraud Case: Belgian court ordered extradition of Mehul Choksi to India.
• First Indian Female Archer to Win Medal at Nanjing Archery World Cup Final: Jyothi Surekha.
• FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment Report: India ranked 9th globally.
• Kafala System (for migrant workers) Abolished: By Saudi Arabia.
• First Indian Woman Appointed as President of WIPO Advisory Board: Pratibha Singh.
• First Extreme Poverty-Free State in India: Kerala.
• 2025 U-20 FIFA Football World Cup Winner: Morocco (defeated Argentina).
• Ningol Chakouba Festival (festival of love between married women and brothers): Celebrated in Manipur.
• First Joint Anti-Terrorism Exercise on Drones (India-EU): Conducted in Haryana.
• 90th Member of IUCN: Tuvalu.
• First Female Cricketer Appointed as President of Indian Cricketers' Association: Shantaram Rangaswamy.
• First Indigenous Antibiotic Nephrithomycin: Developed by India.
• Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team: Won a silver medal in the Sultan Johar Cup Final.
• First Anti-Submarine Shallow Water Craft (built by CSL Kochi): Named Mahe.
• British Academy Prize for "The Burning Earth": Awarded to Sunil Amrit.
• 2025 Sakharov Prize for Human Rights: Awarded to Andrey Or Majia.
• Saranda Forest Declared as Wildlife Sanctuary: By the Supreme Court in Singhbhum district, Jharkhand.
• "Abki Baar Modi Sarkar" Slogan Creator / Indian Advertising Pioneer (Deceased): Piyush Pandey.
• 22nd ASEAN-India Summit: Held in Malaysia.
• Cyclone Montha (formed over Southeast Bay of Bengal): Named by Thailand (meaning fragrant flower).
• Chhath Puja: Four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God.
• First Advanced Fast Patrol Vessels "Ajit" and "Parajit": Built by Goa Shipyard.
• Army Commanders' Conference: Held in Jaisalmer.
• India's First Cable Suspension Bridge "Bajrang Setu": To be built in Rishikesh (replacing Lakshman Jhula).
• Borey-A Class Nuclear-Powered Submarine Missile (14,000 km range): Developed by Russia.
• Justice Suryakant: To become India's 53rd Chief Justice.
• Vigyan Ratna Award (Deceased): Professor Jayant Vishnu Narlikar (astronomer).
• Chandrayaan-2: Observed the impact of coronal mass ejection on the lunar exosphere.
• 8th Pay Commission Chairman: Ranjana Desai appointed.
• World Food Prize Foundation's Top Agri-Food Leader Nominee: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor.
• "Trishul" Exercise: To be conducted by the three Indian armed forces on the Western border.
• Asia Pacific City Summit (for mayors and innovators): Held in Dubai.
• World's First Stablecoin (JPYC, blockchain-based, Yen-backed): From Japan.
• Dr. K. Matangi Ramakrishnan (renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon, deceased): Passed away in Chennai.
• Indian Grandmasters Gukesh and Divya Deshmukh: Won gold in the European Chess Club Championship.
• IUCN Legal Resolution 77: Related to soil protection.
• 2026 Republic Day Ceremony Chief Guests: Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa (both related to the European Union).
• Groqipedia: Launched by Elon Musk's xAI.
• Indian Digital Payments Intelligence Corporation (to tackle fraud): Announced by the State Bank of India.
• Latest District Kalyan Singh Nagar: Located in Uttar Pradesh.
• SAFF Senior Athletics Championship (Ranchi): India secured the top position in the medal tally.
• World's Oldest President (92 years old): Paul Biya of Cameroon.
• Grand Order of Mugunghwa and Gold Crown (highest honor): Awarded by South Korea to Donald Trump.
• Poseidon Underwater Drone (nuclear-powered): Developed by Russia.
• India's Total Installed Electricity Capacity: Reached 500 GW.
• International Salinity Conference: Held in Goa.
• National Unity Day: Celebrated on October 31.
• New Super-Earth Discovery (18 light-years away): Named GJ 251 C.