Current Affairs - October 19, 2025 Current Affairs

Telangana has emerged as the top-performing state in India for recovering lost and stolen mobile phones via the CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) portal. Since its extension to Telangana in April 2023, the state has successfully recovered over 1 lakh devices, with Hyderabad alone accounting for nearly 15,000 recoveries. This achievement highlights Telangana’s effective integration of technology with law enforcement, active citizen participation, and strong public awareness campaigns. The CEIR portal allows authorities to block, trace, and return stolen devices, enhancing both personal data security and overall crime reduction.

Masaki Kashiwara, a renowned Japanese mathematician, received the Abel Prize in 2025 for his pioneering work in algebraic analysis and representation theory. He is celebrated for developing the theory of D-modules, which provides an algebraic framework to study systems of linear partial differential equations (PDEs). The Abel Prize, often regarded as the mathematics equivalent of the Nobel Prize, honours outstanding contributions that have profoundly influenced mathematical research. Kashiwara’s work has had a lasting impact on both pure mathematics and its applications, establishing him as a leading figure in modern mathematical theory.

The “CM Flight” initiative was launched by the Chief Minister of Assam to provide the state’s youth with training, mentorship, exposure, and placement opportunities aimed at pursuing global careers. The programme addresses key challenges such as unemployment, skill mismatches, and brain drain by equipping young professionals with the skills required for international job markets. By fostering global employability and career readiness, Assam seeks to empower its youth, promote economic development, and enhance the state’s talent presence on a worldwide scale, making it a pioneering model in youth-centric skill initiatives.

Shah Rukh Khan has become the first actor to cross the billionaire threshold, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion (₹12,490 crore). His wealth accumulation is driven by multiple ventures, including his film production company Red Chillies Entertainment, ownership stakes in the Kolkata Knight Riders IPL franchise, high-value brand endorsements, and strategic real estate investments. This milestone reflects not only his enduring popularity in the global entertainment industry but also his business acumen, making him a prominent figure in both cinematic and entrepreneurial circles worldwide.

Akkai Padmashali, a prominent trans rights activist, has made history by becoming the first transgender person from Karnataka to serve on a Supreme Court-appointed committee focused on formulating policies for equal opportunities for transgender individuals. Her appointment is significant as it ensures direct representation of the transgender community in policymaking at the national level. The committee aims to implement court judgments and advocate equality, reflecting Ambedkar’s vision of social justice. This milestone highlights progress in inclusivity, while also addressing the need for broader representation of gender minorities in legal and social frameworks.

Uttarakhand hosted the AI Impact Summit 2025 in Dehradun, serving as a precursor to the India–AI Impact Summit 2026. Organised by the Department of IT, Government of Uttarakhand, in collaboration with the IndiaAI Mission under MeitY, the summit emphasised responsible and inclusive AI growth. Key focus areas included governance, education, healthcare, disaster management, and rural empowerment through AI. The event brought together officials, academia, and industry leaders, highlighting India’s multi-stakeholder approach to ethical AI adoption. Uttarakhand’s summit set the stage for the national-level 2026 summit, promoting India’s position as a global leader in AI for public good.

NITI Aayog, through its Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), launched the ‘We Rise – Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises’ initiative in partnership with DP World. The program aims to support 100 high-potential women-led MSMEs by providing mentorship, trade access, and international market exposure, including platforms like Bharat Mart in Dubai. It integrates NITI Aayog’s extensive ecosystem of women entrepreneurs with DP World’s global trade infrastructure to enhance export readiness. The initiative promotes sustainable and inclusive business growth, capacity-building, and long-term access to global value chains for women entrepreneurs.

The LIMBS Live Cases Dashboard, launched by Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, enables real-time tracking of court cases involving the Government of India. Part of the Legal Information Management and Briefing System (LIMBS), it consolidates over 7 lakh active cases from 53 ministries and departments, providing data on hearings scheduled in the Supreme Court, High Courts, and subordinate courts for the next seven days. This centralised platform enhances transparency, accountability, and coordination among ministries, streamlines litigation management, reduces delays, and supports the government’s broader push for e-governance and efficient legal administration.

The Meghalaya government has entered into a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NorthEast United FC to promote football development and position Shillong as the 'Football Capital' of India. The partnership, effective from 2025 to 2028, involves collaboration between the football club, the Department of Tourism, and the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs. This initiative aims to enhance grassroots football programs, nurture local talent, and boost sports tourism in the state, reflecting Meghalaya’s commitment to fostering a strong sporting culture and leveraging football as a tool for youth engagement and regional recognition.

India’s Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) has risen significantly from 23% in 2017–18 to 42% in 2023–24. This increase reflects a major improvement in gender inclusion and economic participation for women in the country. Over the past decade, India recorded the sharpest rise in women’s labour force participation among BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). The growth highlights ongoing social and economic reforms, initiatives to promote women’s employment, and broader efforts to create an inclusive workforce that supports sustainable economic development and reduces gender disparities in the labour market.