Current Affairs - October 5, 2025 Current Affairs

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved Lecanemab (marketed as Leqembi) for treating early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, making it the second disease-modifying therapy cleared in the country. Lecanemab is a monoclonal antibody that targets amyloid-beta plaques, slowing cognitive decline and disease progression in patients with mild Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment. Approval comes with safety measures, including MRI monitoring, due to risks like brain swelling and microhemorrhages. While the drug offers hope to early-stage patients, its high cost and limited accessibility remain challenges. This approval reflects Australia’s commitment to advancing dementia care and addressing rising Alzheimer’s prevalence.

OpenAI achieved a $500 billion valuation following a $6.6 billion secondary share sale to SoftBank. This sale involved shares from current and former employees and reflects investor confidence in OpenAI’s rapid growth and strong revenue performance. The transaction did not dilute company capital but provided liquidity for early stakeholders. OpenAI’s revenue for the first half of 2025 reached $4.3 billion, driven by the expansion of ChatGPT Enterprise and Pro plans, integrations with Microsoft Copilot, and demand for custom AI solutions. SoftBank’s investment highlights the global interest in generative AI and positions OpenAI for potential strategic opportunities in technology and capital markets.

Singapore honoured legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg by renaming the island where he tragically died as “Zubeen Garg Island” on Google Maps. Garg, aged 52, passed away during a scuba diving accident while on a yacht outing in Singapore. This tribute reflects his significant impact on music, both in Assam and Bollywood, with iconic songs such as “Ya Ali” from Gangster. The renaming not only commemorates his legacy but also underscores the global reach of his artistic contributions. Such gestures highlight the recognition of influential cultural figures beyond their home countries.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced the installation of QR code sign boards along National Highways to enhance transparency, safety, and commuter convenience. These boards will provide real-time information on highway numbers, project timelines, and emergency contacts, including the 1033 helpline. They will also guide travelers to nearby facilities such as hospitals, petrol pumps, police stations, and vehicle repair shops. Strategically placed at toll plazas, wayside amenities, and highway endpoints, the initiative aims to support smart infrastructure development, improve navigation, and strengthen emergency preparedness for road users across India.

The Union Cabinet has approved a significant increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Rabi crops for the 2026‑27 marketing season. This move aims to provide better returns to farmers, encourage crop diversification, and ensure profitability in farming. Safflower received the highest MSP hike, followed by wheat, gram, lentil, rapeseed, mustard, and barley. Alongside this, the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses was launched to boost domestic pulse production. By raising MSPs for Rabi crops, the government seeks to stabilise farmers’ income, incentivise production, and reduce dependency on imports.

The A Ramachandran Museum is set to open on October 5, 2025, in Kollam, Kerala, honouring the legacy of the celebrated modern Indian artist. Housed within the Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Complex, the museum showcases Ramachandran’s original paintings, sketches, and multimedia presentations, highlighting his mastery of urban realism, mythology, and Kerala mural art. Inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the museum aims to preserve his contributions to art and education while promoting public engagement with Indian visual traditions. The initiative underscores Kerala’s commitment to institutionalizing artistic heritage and supporting contemporary art appreciation.

The two-day National Conference on Land Administration and Disaster Management commenced on October 3, 2025, at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. The conference focuses on modernizing land governance, enhancing disaster resilience, and securing citizens’ land rights through digitization and innovation. Key initiatives launched include the Integrated Land Administration (ILA) System, Revenue Diary, and the distribution of SVAMITVA cards to nomadic tribe families. The event brings together revenue officers and experts from across India to share best practices, discuss process reforms, and integrate disaster risk management into land use planning, strengthening transparency, efficiency, and institutional coordination nationwide.

“Mahatma Gandhi and the Environment: Analysing Gandhian Environmental Thought” was authored by renowned environmental scientist T. N. Khoshoo. The book delves into Gandhi’s philosophy on nature, sustainability, and resource use, emphasizing simplicity, minimalism, and the interconnectedness between humans and the environment. With a foreword by Dr. R. K. Pachauri, the work contextualizes Gandhi’s ideas for modern ecological challenges, highlighting themes such as sustainable resource use, village-centric development, and the balance between industrial growth and rural upliftment. Khoshoo’s book encourages integrating Gandhian principles into policy to achieve a sustainable, equitable, and environmentally conscious future.

India and China have agreed to restart direct air services between designated cities by late October 2025, marking a step toward the normalization of bilateral relations. These flights were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and disrupted further due to border tensions. The resumption is part of a broader effort to restore diplomatic, trade, and people-to-people exchanges, including tourism and education. Civil aviation authorities from both countries have revised the Air Services Agreement to facilitate this connectivity. Major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Beijing, and Shanghai are expected to benefit, strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, has reclaimed the title of India’s richest person in the Hurun India Rich List 2025, with a net worth of ₹9.55 lakh crore. He surpassed Gautam Adani, who ranks second with ₹8.15 lakh crore, while Roshni Nadar Malhotra became India’s richest woman and entered the top three for the first time. The list highlights India’s growing billionaire count, now exceeding 350, and showcases trends like rising young entrepreneurs, significant wealth gains, and the prominence of self-made individuals. Ambani’s leadership in the list underscores his enduring influence in India’s corporate and economic landscape.