Current Affairs 17 October 2025

India Slips To 85th Spot On 2025 Henley Passport Index.

• India’s passport ranking has dropped to 85th place in the Henley Passport Index 2025, down from 80th in 2024.
• Indian passport holders have visa-free access to 57 countries.
• Singapore currently holds the top spot in the Henley Passport Index.
• The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations accessible without a visa.

India has gifted critical Prussian Blue Capsules to Indonesia.

• India has gifted critical Prussian Blue Capsules to Indonesia to help mitigate the effects of Cesium-137 contamination.
• Prussian Blue Capsules are used to treat internal contamination from radioactive cesium and thallium, as well as non-radioactive thallium poisoning.
• Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope that can contaminate the body through exposure to radiation.

IndiaAI Launches Face Authentication Challenge for Exams.

• IndiaAI, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has launched the Face Authentication Challenge to develop an AI-based facial verification system that prevents fraud and duplication in public examinations.
• The competition, part of the IndiaAI Application Development Initiative (IADI), offers a ₹2.5 crore prize pool.

US Unveils $20 Billion Aid Package for Argentina Amid Economic Crisis.

• The United States has announced a $20 billion financial aid package for Argentina, following a bilateral meeting between President Donald Trump and President Javier Milei at the White House.
• The aid package aims to stabilize Argentina's currency, replenish foreign reserves, and support economic reforms amid the country's severe economic instability.

Curie Money & Lxme Expand UPI Access.

• Curie Money, after obtaining NPCI approval, has opened its UPI + investment application to all users.
• Curie Money partners with ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund and Bajaj Finserv AMC for investments.
• Lxme, a platform focusing on women’s financial empowerment, introduced LxmePay, a UPI service exclusively for women.