NEWS 16-10-2025. News For 24th-Oct (Friday) *National News* 1. The Center has launched a ?600 crore Kapas Kranti Mission to promote long-staple cotton through High-Density Plantation, the Kapas Kisan App, and farmer training. 2. NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) launched the *‘We Rise’* initiative to make women-led MSMEs export-ready through public–private partnership. *Defence News* 1. DRDO successfully tested an indigenous military combat parachute system at 32,000 ft. 2. NSG celebrated its 41st Raising Day. 3. DRDO successfully tested the NAG MK-2 ATGM from the Zorawar light tank. 4. The Indian Army signed a ?130.58 crore contract with JBM Auto Ltd for 113 electric buses and 43 fast chargers, marking its first major EV induction. 5. India and Brazil have agreed to a barter-based defence cooperation deal involving Embraer aircraft and Indian defense equipment. 6. Embraer–Mahindra signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement to locally produce the C-390 Millennium for the IAF. *International News* 1. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced plans for a strategic alliance with India to enhance political, economic, and technological cooperation. 2. Maldives became the first country in the world to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis, as validated by the WHO. *Sport News* 1. Tanvi Sharma won silver in women’s singles at the Junior Badminton World Championship in Guwahati. 2. India’s junior hockey team clinched silver after a close 2–1 loss to Australia in the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 final in Malaysia. 3. Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana were named ICC Players of the Month for September. < < Back