Current Affairs - November 19, 2025 Current Affairs

World Toilet Day is observed annually on November 19 to emphasize the critical importance of safe, accessible, and climate-resilient sanitation systems for all. The day serves as a reminder of the global sanitation crisis affecting billions of people who continue to live without proper toilet facilities. It draws attention to the health, environmental, and social challenges that arise from inadequate sanitation, including disease transmission, water contamination, and safety concerns for vulnerable communities. By highlighting this date, the campaign urges governments, institutions, and individuals to invest in sustainable sanitation solutions that protect both human dignity and public health.

India has entered into a landmark agreement to source a significant portion of its LPG imports—about 10%—from the United States starting in 2026. This structured deal marks a strategic shift in India’s energy procurement pattern, as it has traditionally relied heavily on West Asian suppliers such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. By diversifying its supply chain, India aims to strengthen its energy security, reduce dependence on a single region, and explore competitive pricing options based on the Mont Belvieu benchmark used in the US. The move also supports broader diplomatic and trade objectives between the two countries.

Tom Cruise was honoured with an honourary Academy Award at the 2025 Governors Awards, marking a significant milestone in his long and influential career. Despite being nominated several times in the past, this recognition represents his first Oscar win. The award acknowledges not only his achievements as an actor but also his impactful work as a producer and his contributions to elevating theatrical cinema over several decades. Presented by director Alejandro González Iñárritu, the honour highlights Cruise’s enduring influence, his commitment to cinematic excellence, and his role in shaping modern Hollywood filmmaking.

India secured its re-election to the Codex Executive Committee for the Asia region, reinforcing its influential role in shaping global food standards and trade-related food safety policies. This unanimous decision reflects the confidence of the international community in India’s leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to balanced, science-based regulatory frameworks. Through active participation in multiple Codex committees, India has consistently advocated for standards that incorporate regional realities while aligning with global best practices. Its contributions span food additives, pesticide residue monitoring, analytical methods, and commodity standards, including progress on cashew kernel regulations. This renewed mandate empowers India to continue shaping equitable and effective global food governance.

The directive came from the High Court of Jharkhand, which instructed the state government to ensure the installation of CCTV cameras across all police stations. This move aims to improve transparency, accountability, and monitoring within law enforcement facilities. The court also emphasized timely execution by directing officers to complete the detailed project report and initiate the tendering process by December 31. Such measures are often taken to strengthen institutional practices, enhance public trust, and ensure that modern surveillance infrastructure supports fair and lawful policing procedures throughout the state.

India experienced a significant surge in gold imports in October 2025, reaching $14.72 billion. This sharp rise represented a threefold increase compared with the previous year and was mainly fueled by strong demand during the festival and wedding seasons, periods traditionally associated with higher gold purchases. The unusually high level of imports also played a major role in widening the country’s trade deficit to record levels. Understanding the factors behind this jump provides insight into the interaction between consumer behavior, seasonal trends, and broader economic impacts such as trade imbalances.

Lund University secured the top position in the QS World University Sustainability Rankings 2026, marking the first time it has achieved this distinction since the rankings began in 2023. It displaced the University of Toronto, which had been the leader for two consecutive years. The 2026 edition evaluated nearly 2,000 institutions across 106 countries, reflecting a broader global participation in measuring environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Lund University earned a perfect score of 100, showcasing its strong commitment to sustainable practices, climate action, social equality, and transparent governance. Its leadership underscores the growing role of universities in shaping a sustainable future.

Marco Bezzecchi claimed an important win at the Valencia Grand Prix, achieving a milestone for both himself and Aprilia. The victory marked his second consecutive triumph, coming just a week after his success in Portugal. This exceptional performance elevated him to third place in the 2025 MotoGP World Championship standings, representing his highest career finish. It also signified a breakthrough for Aprilia, as it was the first time one of their riders earned back-to-back wins. His consistent form throughout the season solidified his reputation as one of the standout competitors on the MotoGP grid.

The Global Big Cats Summit scheduled for 2026 will be hosted in New Delhi, reflecting India’s prominent role in global wildlife conservation efforts. As the host city, New Delhi will bring together major big cat range nations, biodiversity experts, and climate action stakeholders under the framework of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). The summit aims to strengthen collaboration on protecting species such as tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, and pumas. By choosing New Delhi as the venue, India reinforces its commitment to ecological preservation, climate resilience, and leadership in international conservation dialogue.

Keerthy Suresh has taken on the significant role of UNICEF India’s Celebrity Advocate, bringing her strong public influence and dedicated fan base to support critical social causes. As an acclaimed actor known across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema, she is well-positioned to highlight issues related to child rights, mental health, and emotional well-being. Her involvement is intended to inspire communities, mobilize awareness campaigns, and encourage positive action for children’s welfare. By leveraging her platform, she aims to contribute to long-term change and elevate national conversations around the needs and rights of children.