Current Affairs - October 15, 2025 Current Affairs

Dan Katz has been appointed as the IMF’s first Deputy Managing Director, effective October 6, 2025. Nominated by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and approved by the IMF Executive Board, Katz brings extensive experience in global finance and economic policy. He previously served as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, advising on domestic and international economic strategy, including the U.S.-Ukraine partnership. Katz’s background also includes senior advisory roles, think tank research, and private-sector experience at Goldman Sachs and a global macro hedge fund, equipping him to navigate complex global economic and financial challenges.

Telangana has topped the list of Indian states in terms of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transaction intensity, as highlighted in the Reserve Bank of India’s September 2025 bulletin. The study revealed that southern and western states such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Delhi also reported high per capita UPI usage. Telangana’s leadership reflects its strong digital infrastructure, tech-savvy population, and effective promotion of digital payment systems, reinforcing its position as a key hub for fintech adoption and innovation within India’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

The 11th Asian Aquatics Championships were hosted in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, marking the first time India organised this prestigious continental event. Held at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, the championship witnessed outstanding performances by athletes from across Asia. China emerged as the dominant nation with 54 medals, while India delivered its best-ever showing with a total of 13 medals. Hosting the event in Ahmedabad showcased India’s growing infrastructure and capability to organise large-scale international sporting events, strengthening its position in the global sports arena.

The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has announced the establishment of Divyang Rehabilitation Centres at all divisional headquarters. These centres aim to provide comprehensive support for persons with disabilities, ensuring their full integration into mainstream society. The facilities will offer a range of services including medical care, educational assistance, psychological counselling, and vocational training, all under one roof. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and equal opportunity for differently-abled individuals across the state.

GalaxEye, an Indian space-tech startup, is preparing to launch Mission Drishti in the first quarter of 2026, marking the debut of the world’s first multi-sensor Earth Observation (EO) satellite. The 160 kg satellite will be India’s largest privately developed satellite and will feature the country’s highest-resolution imaging sensor. This breakthrough mission represents a major step forward for India’s private space sector, combining advanced imaging technologies to deliver unprecedented Earth observation capabilities that can support applications in climate monitoring, disaster management, and national security.

In the Henley Passport Index 2025, India’s passport ranks 85th, marking a slip from its previous position of 80 in 2024. The index evaluates passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. India’s fluctuating rank reflects global changes in visa policies, security considerations, and diplomatic engagements. While Singapore tops the index with visa-free access to 193 countries, India’s position highlights challenges in travel freedom for its citizens compared to neighboring countries like China (64th) and Bhutan (89th). The ranking underscores the influence of international relations on global mobility.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) pledged $10 million through its UAE Aid Agency to strengthen community resilience against natural disasters across the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative supports the “Community Resilience to Natural Disasters Programme” in collaboration with Emirates Nature-WWF and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Announced at the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, this commitment demonstrates the UAE’s proactive role in global humanitarian and environmental initiatives, emphasizing sustainable development, disaster preparedness, and support for vulnerable communities facing climate-related risks.

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has implemented a landmark reform allowing subscribers to withdraw 100% of their Provident Fund (PF) balance. This decision, approved under the leadership of Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, benefits over 7 crore members across India. The reform enhances financial flexibility for workers, simplifies withdrawal procedures, and minimises bureaucratic hurdles. By enabling full access to PF savings, the initiative supports individuals in managing urgent financial needs, encourages transparency, and aligns with the government’s broader goal of improving ease of living for employees in both organised and unorganised sectors.

In 2025, India and Mongolia commemorated 70 years of diplomatic relations with significant agreements and initiatives. During Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa’s visit to New Delhi, the two nations signed ten MoUs covering areas such as humanitarian aid, heritage restoration, digital cooperation, and resource exploration. India also announced support for Mongolia’s first major oil refinery and offered free e-visas to Mongolian citizens to strengthen people-to-people ties. Cultural and educational collaborations, including linking Nalanda University with Mongolia’s Gandan Monastery and digitising ancient manuscripts, further deepened bilateral relations, highlighting a multifaceted partnership built over seven decades.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised India’s GDP growth forecast for 2025 upward to 6.6%, reflecting stronger-than-expected economic performance in the first quarter of the year. This revision accounts for robust domestic demand in consumption and services, policy continuity, and infrastructure investments, which helped offset the impact of newly imposed US tariffs. Despite external trade pressures, India’s economy maintained momentum due to these factors. However, the IMF has slightly reduced the 2026 forecast to 6.2%, citing potential delayed effects of tariffs, global economic uncertainties, and risks related to trade tensions.

The Sharm El-Sheikh Summit took place in Egypt, where U.S. President Donald Trump, along with the leaders of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, signed the “Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity.” This declaration aimed to promote a ceasefire and a sustainable peace framework for Gaza, focusing on ending hostilities, improving humanitarian access, and ensuring stability in the region. Egypt’s role as host highlighted its longstanding diplomatic influence in Middle Eastern peace initiatives and its continued efforts to facilitate dialogue among regional powers for achieving long-term security and cooperation.

The book "Ready, Relevant and Resurgent II: Shaping a Future Ready Force" was authored by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. Released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, the publication outlines a detailed vision for making India’s Armed Forces more agile, technologically advanced, and strategically equipped to address evolving security challenges. It highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen defence preparedness and build a future-ready force capable of safeguarding national interests in an increasingly complex global environment.

Microsoft collaborated with EY India to introduce the AI Skills Passport, a free online learning initiative created to help India’s youth acquire essential artificial intelligence (AI) competencies. Targeted at individuals aged 16 and above, the program seeks to bridge the growing digital skills gap and prepare learners for future job markets increasingly shaped by AI technologies. By providing accessible, high-quality AI education, the partnership underscores Microsoft’s commitment to fostering digital inclusion, empowering the next generation of innovators, and supporting India’s transition toward a tech-driven economy.

The 16th International Railway Equipment Exhibition-2025 was inaugurated by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Recognised as Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest railway exhibition, it featured over 450 exhibitors from more than 15 countries. The event showcased cutting-edge innovations, sustainable solutions, and advanced railway and metro products. Hosting the exhibition in New Delhi highlights India’s strategic focus on modernizing its railway infrastructure, promoting international collaboration, and positioning itself as a hub for technological advancements in the global rail industry.