Daily Current Affairs 19th to 21st October 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Government Opens Top Public Sector Banks Leadership Roles, Including SBI MD Post, to Private Sector Professionals

• The Government of India has introduced a major policy reform allowing private sector professionals to apply for top management roles in Public Sector Banks (PSBs), including a Managing Director (MD) post in the State Bank of India (SBI).
• This marks a significant shift from the earlier practice of appointing only internal PSB candidates to key leadership roles.

Key Highlights :

• As per the revised guidelines by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, one of the four SBI MD positions is now open to private sector professionals and employees of other public sector financial institutions.
• The same eligibility criteria have also been extended to select Executive Director (ED) positions in nationalized banks to enhance leadership diversity and draw on private sector expertise for better decision-making.
• For SBI MD (Private Sector Applicants), the eligibility includes a minimum of 21 years of overall experience, with 15 years in banking and 2 years of board-level experience.
• For PSU Bank ED posts, candidates must have 18 years of total experience, including 12 years in banking and 3 years at a senior level below the board.
• For PSB applicants, current General Managers (GM) or Chief General Managers (CGM) with 4 years combined experience at those levels are eligible till FY 2027–28, after which eligibility will shift to CGMs with at least 2 years of service.
• The move aims to professionalize PSB leadership, promote cross-sector talent mobility, and improve governance, innovation, and performance in public sector banks. It reflects India’s push toward merit-based recruitment and leadership modernization in key economic institutions.

State Bank of India targets 30% women representation in its workforce within five years

• State Bank of India (SBI) has set a target to raise women’s workforce share to 30% within five years, up from the current 27%, as stated by Deputy Managing Director (HR) & Chief Development Officer Kishore Kumar Poludasu.
• Women constitute 33% of SBI’s frontline workforce, but their overall representation is lower, leading to the launch of structured diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• SBI’s flagship ‘Empower Her’ programme aims to groom women for leadership roles through coaching and structured mentoring.
• The bank is also conducting health drives such as cervical and breast cancer screenings to promote women’s well-being.
• SBI currently operates over 340 all-women branches across India and plans to expand further, reaffirming its commitment to an inclusive and safe workplace environment.

RBI FAQs-Application Tracking System

• The Application Tracking System (ATS) is an online platform hosted on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) website that allows the public to submit applications to RBI and track their status until disposal.
• An application refers to any submission made to any department of RBI, except where specific submission modes are separately prescribed.
• The department or office selected by the applicant while submitting the application will receive and process
• A first-time user must register on ATS using a valid email ID, after which a system-generated password is sent via email to enable login and submission.
• Upon submission, a unique application number is generated and emailed to the applicant, allowing them to track their application
• The system automatically sends an email notification when the application is disposed of or transferred to another department or section.
• Applications can be transferred between departments or offices, and applicants will receive an email update with the transfer details, which can also be viewed under ‘My Application’ in ATS.
• When an application is transferred, it is automatically inwarded and assigned to the administrator of the receiving department.
• Applicants can upload multiple attachments along with their application, provided each document does not exceed 1 MB.
• Even physically submitted applications (through post, courier, or at RBI counters) can be tracked through ATS, if a valid email ID is provided in the document.
• In such cases, an ATS number and password are sent via email, allowing applicants to check the application status

RBI FAQs-Device based Tokenisation – Card Transactions

• Tokenization is the replacement of actual card details with an alternate code called a token, which is unique for each combination of card, token requestor, and device.
• De-tokenisation is the conversion of a token back into the actual card details.

Key Highlights :

• A tokenised card transaction is safer, as actual card details are not shared with the merchant during processing.
• Tokenization can be done when a cardholder initiates a request on the app of the token requestor, which forwards it to the card network, and with issuer’s consent, a token is issued.
• No charges are payable by the customer for availing tokenisation services.
• It is allowed on consumer devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, wearables, IoT devices, etc., for all payment channels like contactless, QR code, and app-based payments.
• Tokenization can also be enabled on smart watches or similar devices.
• Only an authorised card network or card issuer can perform tokenisation and de-tokenisation.
• In a tokenised transaction, key stakeholders include the merchant, acquirer, token service provider, token requestor, issuer, and customer.
• Actual card data is stored securely by the token service provider; the token requestor cannot store the card number (PAN) or other sensitive details.
• Tokenisation is optional — customers can choose whether or not to tokenise their card.
• Customers can register or de-register cards for specific use cases like contactless, QR-based, or in-app payments.
• Registration for tokenisation requires explicit customer consent with Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA) and offers the option to set transaction limits.
• Customers can set and modify per-transaction or daily limits for tokenised card usage.
• There is no limit on the number of cards or devices that can be tokenised by a customer.
• For transactions, the customer is free to use any tokenised card registered in the app.
• All complaints or issues related to tokenised cards must be reported to the card issuer, including loss of device.
• Card issuers may refuse tokenisation of specific cards based on their risk perception.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Unique Identification Authority of India Launches Nationwide Mascot Design Contest for Aadhaar

• The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced a nationwide Mascot Design Contest to find an official visual ambassador for Aadhaar.
• The contest is being hosted on the MyGov platform and is open until 31 October 2025.

Key Highlights

• Participants — individuals or teams — can submit original mascot designs with a concept note explaining how the design represents Aadhaar’s values.
• Purpose of the Mascot: It will serve as UIDAI’s visual ambassador, making communication more accessible and engaging, and will reflect Aadhaar’s core values of trust, inclusivity, empowerment, and digital innovation. It should also embody service, security, and accessibility.
• Eligibility and Submission: Open to all Indian citizens; entries must be submitted on the MyGov contest page by 31 October 2025. Each participant or team can submit one original design with a name and concept note describing how it aligns with Aadhaar’s themes.
• Entries must be original and not violate any intellectual property rights.
• Evaluation Criteria: Creativity, originality, visual appeal, and relevance to Aadhaar’s mission.
• Prize Structure:
  • 1st Prize – ₹50,000
  • 2nd Prize – ₹30,000
  • 3rd Prize – ₹20,000
  • Winners will also receive certificates of recognition.
• The winning mascot will be adopted as the official face of Aadhaar in public awareness and outreach campaigns, symbolizing India’s digital identity initiative.

RECENT NEWS

• In a landmark step toward digital integration and global tech collaboration, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has onboarded Starlink Satellite Communication Pvt Ltd to use Aadhaar authentication for customer verification. The announcement, made on August 20, 2025, marks a significant synergy between India’s trusted digital identity system and cutting-edge satellite internet technology.

Government of India Launches ₹600 Crore Kapas Kranti Mission

• The Government of India has launched the ₹600 crore Kapas Kranti Mission to enhance long-staple cotton cultivation and improve cotton productivity across major growing regions.
• The mission was announced in Hyderabad by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, aiming to promote scientific and technological innovation in cotton farming.

Key Highlights

• The mission focuses on promoting High-Density Plantation (HDP) practices, scientific cultivation methods, technology-enabled procurement and selling platforms, and farmer training through exposure visits.
• The mission aligns with the government’s goal of self-reliance in cotton production and improving income security for cotton farmers.
• Maharashtra’s Akola region has successfully implemented HDP methods using specialized seed varieties, closer plant spacing, and modern agronomic practices.
• The mission will replicate this success model in Telangana, where over 24 lakh farmers are engaged in cotton cultivation.
• Farmers from Telangana will be taken on exposure visits to Akola, followed by seed distribution and training to adopt HDP practices.
• The Centre will modernize the cotton procurement process through a new mobile application and outreach programs.
• A mobile app named “Kapas Kisan App” will be launched after Diwali to help farmers book slots for cotton sales, schedule sales to avoid queues, eliminate middlemen, and ensure fair pricing.
• Awareness campaigns through pamphlets, social media, WhatsApp, and local languages are underway to ensure maximum reach.
• 122 procurement centres and 345 ginning centres will be operational in Telangana with partnerships from the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI).
• Committees involving district collectors, police, revenue officers, and farmer representatives have been formed to prevent farmer exploitation.
• Cotton procurement increased significantly over the last decade:

– 2004–2014: 173 lakh bales worth ₹24,825 crore.

– 2014–2024: 473 lakh bales worth ₹1.37 lakh crore.

• In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, procurement expenditure crossed ₹65,000 crore — with ₹58,000 crore in Telangana and ₹8,000 crore in Andhra Pradesh.
• The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton has doubled in the last 10 years, emphasizing the government’s focus on farmer welfare and cotton sector resilience.

India Elected as Co-Chair of United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP)

• India has been elected as the Co-Chair of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP) for a three-year term extending up to 2028.
• This election strengthens India’s position in global geospatial policy, reflecting its technological capabilities and data governance leadership.

Key Highlights

• UN-GGIM-AP is a regional committee under the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), comprising 56 countries and economies from the Asia-Pacific region.
• Established in 1995 and rebranded in 2012, the committee promotes geospatial information use in policymaking, identifies regional challenges, and supports economic, social, and environmental benefits through geospatial integration.
• Its objectives include promoting decision-making through geospatial data, strengthening collaboration, and enhancing capacity-building among member nations.
• India’s Co-Chair position allows it to influence regional geospatial standards, lead data-sharing protocols, and collaborate on regional challenges such as climate change, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.
• This development aligns with India’s domestic efforts to expand its geospatial ecosystem, following the 2021 liberalization of India’s geospatial data policy that opened mapping and satellite data to private entities.
• It also supports national initiatives such as Digital India, Smart Cities Mission, and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, reinforcing India’s vision to become a global hub for geospatial data and services.

NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform and DP World Launch ‘We Rise’ Initiative

• NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), in partnership with DP World, has launched the ‘We Rise – Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises’ initiative under WEP’s Award to Reward (ATR) framework.
• The initiative aims to support 100 high-potential women-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in becoming export-ready and integrating into global trade networks.
• It aligns with the national vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047” and seeks to position women as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Key Highlights

• ‘We Rise’ is a public–private collaboration that brings together WEP’s ecosystem of over 90,000 women entrepreneurs with DP World’s global trade infrastructure to promote capacity-building, mentorship, and international market access.
• The initiative focuses on making women-led MSMEs export-ready through tailored mentorship, training in compliance, branding, finance, and logistics, while also providing global exposure via Bharat Mart in Dubai.
• 100 selected women entrepreneurs will showcase their products at Bharat Mart, located in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone, enhancing visibility for Indian women-led brands in international markets.
• The programme leverages DP World’s global logistics expertise to offer mentorship on trade compliance, cross-border logistics, and digital brand positioning.
• Through the ATR framework, ‘We Rise’ will create scalable partnerships to tackle MSME challenges such as access to finance, legal support, regulatory navigation, and market linkages.
• The initiative emphasizes sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term growth strategies, empowering women entrepreneurs to contribute meaningfully to India’s global trade ecosystem.

RECENT NEWS

• NITI Aayog released a report titled Enhancing Competitiveness of MSMEs in India, in collaboration with the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC). The report provides a comprehensive analysis of India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), identifying key challenges and presenting a set of systemic reforms aimed at boosting their competitiveness.

Telangana Tops India in Mobile Phone Recovery through Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) Portal

• Telangana has become the top-performing state in India for recovering lost and stolen mobile phones through the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal, tracing and recovering over 1 lakh phones as of October 16, 2025.

Key Highlights

• The CEIR portal, managed by the Government of India, enables citizens to report lost or stolen phones using their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. Once reported, the phone is blocked across all Indian networks, allowing law enforcement agencies to track and recover the device.
• After verification of ownership, the recovered phone is unblocked and returned to the rightful owner.
• The CEIR portal was launched in September 2022 as a pilot in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, and northeastern states, and was later extended to Telangana in April 2023.
• Since its launch, Telangana has recovered 1,00,020 mobile phones, making it the leading state in India under this initiative.

Leading Districts in Recovery (Telangana)

• Hyderabad Police Commissionerate – 14,965 phones
• Warangal – 5,564 phones
• Kamareddy – 3,860 phones
• Suryapet – 2,267 phones
• Rajanna Sircilla – 2,074 phones
• Jogulamba Gadwal – 1,998 phones
• These achievements demonstrate strong coordination between digital policing and public awareness efforts, showcasing Telangana’s effective use of technology-driven law enforcement.
• Citizens can report lost phones through the Telangana Police Citizen Portal or directly via the CEIR portal, ensuring quick redressal and improved data security.
• Ongoing awareness campaigns are promoting the use of CEIR, reinforcing public trust and contributing to crime prevention and digital safety across the state.

About Telangana:

• Capital: Hyderabad
• Chief Minister: Anumula Revanth Reddy
• National Parks: Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park, Mrugavani National Park, Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary

All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) 9th Foundation Day – New Delhi

• The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, celebrated its 9th Foundation Day at its New Delhi campus.
• Shri Ramveer Singh Bidhuri, Member of Parliament, congratulated AIIA for nine years of service in Ayurvedic education, research, and healthcare delivery, recalling the laying of the foundation stone with late Smt. Sushma Swaraj and Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.

Key Highlights

• Shri Bidhuri appreciated AIIA’s contribution to patient care, stating that thousands of patients arrive daily and leave with renewed health.
• Prof. (Vaidya) Pradeep Kumar Prajapati, Director, AIIA, highlighted the institute’s achievements, expressed gratitude to former Directors, and suggested infrastructural improvements like constructing a divider near the hospital and renaming Onida Bus Stand as AIIA Bus Stand.
• Over the past nine years, AIIA has treated over 30 lakh patients through 44 specialty clinics, established 7 Health and Wellness Centres across India, and signed 73 national and international MoUs to promote Ayurveda globally.
• The celebrations included a Havan ceremony at Dhanvantari Vatika and a cultural programme by students and staff showcasing Ayurveda’s heritage.
• Senior officials, faculty members, and students of AIIA were present.
• AIIA continues to serve as a Centre of Excellence in Ayurvedic education, research, and patient care, contributing to India’s vision of becoming a global leader in traditional healthcare systems.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Uruguay Becomes First Latin American Nation to Legalise Euthanasia Through Legislation

• On 15 October 2025, Uruguay became the first Latin American country to legalise euthanasia through legislation, decriminalising medically assisted dying for patients with incurable illnesses causing unbearable suffering.

Key Highlights :

• Uruguay is the first predominantly Catholic nation in Latin America to formally legalise euthanasia, following five years of political debate, public engagement, and ethical discussions.
• The Uruguayan Senate approved the bill with a 20–11 vote, after earlier endorsement by the lower house, reflecting strong legislative and societal support for personal autonomy in end-of-life decisions.
• The government will frame implementation rules, including medical protocols, ethical safeguards, and oversight mechanisms to ensure proper execution.
• Eligibility is limited to patients with incurable diseases causing unbearable physical or psychological pain, and mental competency must be certified by two independent doctors.
• The law does not require a terminal prognosis, excludes minors, and mandates that euthanasia be performed only by qualified healthcare professionals.
• Assisted suicide remains illegal, distinguishing Uruguay’s framework from some international models.
• This marks a historic milestone in bioethics and human rights in Latin America and may influence other countries like Chile, Argentina, and Mexico to consider similar laws.
• The law positions Uruguay alongside Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada, and Spain, which also permit euthanasia under strict conditions.
• The development may reshape discussions on medical ethics, human rights, and the balance between religion and secular governance in health legislation.

India and Brazil Sign Joint Declaration to Strengthen MERCOSUR–India Trade Pact

• India and Brazil have agreed to expand the scope of the existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between New Delhi and MERCOSUR to promote trade and investment between the parties.
• MERCOSUR (Common Market of the South) is a trading bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
• The current PTA has limited coverage with only 450 tariff lines (products), and both sides aim to expand it into a full-fledged trade agreement.
• The two countries have set a new bilateral trade target of $20 billion by 2030, compared to $12 billion in 2024.
• Brazil has expressed readiness to launch a digital partnership with India focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), high-performance computing, and technology start-ups.
• MERCOSUR (Mercado Común del Sur) is a regional integration process established in 1991 by the Treaty of Asuncion and later updated in 1994 by the Treaty of Ouro Preto.
• Founding members include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, later joined by Venezuela and Bolivia.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Akkai Padmashali Named First Transgender Representative from Karnataka on Supreme Court-Appointed Committee

• Trans rights activist Akkai Padmashali has been appointed to a Supreme Court-appointed committee tasked with formulating an equal opportunity policy for the protection of transgender rights.
• She becomes the first transgender person from Karnataka to serve on such a Supreme Court panel, marking a historic milestone for representation and inclusivity in national policymaking.
• The committee’s formation signifies a progressive step towards equality and social justice for the transgender community in India.
• The panel is headed by Justice Asha Menon, a retired Delhi High Court judge, and includes other members such as Grace Banu, Vyjayanthi Vasanta Mogli, Sourav Mandal, Nithya Rajshekhar, and Sanjay Sharma.
• The appointment follows key judicial developments like the 2014 NALSA v. Union of India judgment, which legally recognized transgender people as a “third gender” and upheld their right to self-identify, and the 2018 ruling decriminalizing homosexuality, supporting gender and sexual minorities.
• Padmashali emphasized that implementation of these rulings remains limited on the ground, and she plans to organize community meetings, consultations, and discussions to strengthen policy enforcement.

Nirmal Kumar Minda Assumes Charge as President of Assocham

• On October 17, 2025, Nirmal Kumar Minda, Executive Chairman of Uno Minda Group, assumed charge as the President of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).
• Amitabh Chaudhry, Managing Director & CEO of Axis Bank, has been appointed as the Senior Vice-President of Assocham, subject to RBI approval.
• Minda is a veteran of over five decades in the auto component industry, known for his customer-centric and people-first leadership.
• He has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s auto industry supply chains, ensuring that innovation and adaptability remain central to Uno Minda’s growth strategy.
• Minda has also held leadership roles in key industry associations such as the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA).
• Amitabh Chaudhry brings over 38 years of experience across banking and financial services. As MD & CEO of Axis Bank, he has led the institution through major phases of digital transformation, operational growth, and profitability improvement.
• Before Axis Bank, Chaudhry served as MD & CEO of HDFC Life, demonstrating strong leadership in India’s financial sector.

About ASSOCHAM :

• Formation : 1920
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India

Harsh Sanghavi Appointed as Gujarat’s New Deputy Chief Minister Amid Cabinet Reshuffle

• On October 17, 2025, Harsh Sanghvi was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, marking a major political development and leadership shift under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s newly reconstituted Cabinet.
• A total of 26 members, including the Chief Minister, were inducted, bringing the Cabinet size close to the constitutional limit of 15% of the 182-member Gujarat Assembly.
• The reshuffle followed the mass resignation of all Ministers (except the Chief Minister) on October 16, paving the way for a complete Cabinet overhaul aimed at revamping governance and strengthening electoral strategy ahead of the 2027 Gujarat Assembly elections and upcoming local body polls.
• Harsh Sanghvi, aged 40, became Gujarat’s youngest-ever Deputy Chief Minister, and was also given independent charge of the Home Department, breaking the convention of the Chief Minister holding that portfolio.
• Out of the 25 newly inducted ministers, 19 are fresh faces, while 6 former ministers were retained, ensuring a blend of experience and new leadership.
• The Cabinet represents a diverse social composition — 7 Patidars, 8 OBCs, 3 Scheduled Castes, and 4 Scheduled Tribes, with women’s representation increased to 3 from just one previously.
• Rivaba Jadeja, MLA from Jamnagar and wife of cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, was a surprise inclusion in the new Cabinet.
• The oath ceremony was held at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar, where Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oaths in the presence of BJP national president J.P. Nadda.
• Jagdish Vishwakarma was appointed as the new Gujarat BJP President, succeeding Union Minister C.R. Paatil, under the party’s “one person, one post” principle.
• Key senior ministers like Balwantsinh Rajput (Industries), Raghavji Patel (Agriculture), Bhanuben Babariya (Social Justice), and Mulu Bera (Forest and Environment) were dropped in this reshuffle, signaling a generational and structural change in state leadership.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Rajnath Singh Inaugurates New Tejas Mk1A and HTT-40 Production Lines at HAL Nashik to Boost Defence Self-Reliance

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the third production line of HAL’s Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft and the second production line of the HTT-40 trainer aircraft at HAL’s Nashik facility, and flagged off the first Tejas jet from the new line.
• He described the Tejas Mk1A’s production as a symbol of Aatmanirbharta in defence, noting that India’s military import dependency has fallen from 70% to 35% in the past decade.
• The new Tejas production line, built in just two years, can produce eight aircraft annually, raising HAL’s total Tejas capacity to 24 jets per year, while creating around 1,000 jobs and involving 40 industry partners.
• HAL Nashik, established in 1964, has produced over 900 aircraft and overhauled 1,900, and remains key to India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, especially after BrahMos–Su-30MKI integration during Operation Sindoor.
• Rajnath Singh highlighted that annual defence production has tripled from ₹46,429 crore (2014–15) to over ₹1.5 lakh crore (2024–25), while defence exports have surged from under ₹1,000 crore to ₹25,000 crore, with a target of ₹3 lakh crore production and ₹50,000 crore exports by 2029.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

AR Rahman Launches Secret Mountain with Google Cloud, Introducing AI-Powered Digital Avatars

• AR Rahman, the acclaimed music composer, has partnered with Google Cloud to launch Secret Mountain, an immersive entertainment venture integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with music and culture.
• Secret Mountain is a metahuman digital band comprising six hyper-realistic avatars, each representing diverse cultures and musical styles.
• The avatars are designed to look, move, and express emotions like real humans, offering a lifelike performance experience in virtual settings.
• Notable avatars include:
  • Cara – Irish singer-songwriter
  • Zen Tam – Tamil rapper
  • Blessing – African percussionist and vocalist
• Each avatar is backed by a real team of musicians, dancers, producers, and creatives, ensuring authenticity and artistic diversity.
• Google Cloud’s Role – The platform provides AI infrastructure and cloud capabilities to support avatar embodiment, animation, and real-time interaction.
  • Veo 3 – Enables video generation and avatar movement in real-time
  • Imagen + Gemini Flash 2.5 (Nano Banana) – Creates ultra-high-quality visuals and imagery
  • Gemini 2.5 Pro – Functions as a multimodal conversational brain, allowing avatars to interact intelligently with fans using custom-trained datasets
• Immersive Storytelling & Real-Time Engagement – Secret Mountain aims to redefine digital entertainment by creating interactive avatars capable of:
  • Performing music and telling stories
  • Responding to fan inputs in real-time
  • Evolving based on audience interaction
• Scalability and Governance – The project demonstrates secure AI deployment at scale, with systems for content governance and safety, setting a precedent for future AI-powered entertainment models.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Cape Verde Becomes Second-Smallest Nation to Qualify for FIFA World Cup

• In a historic sporting milestone, Cape Verde has become the second-smallest nation after Iceland (2018) to qualify for the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.
• This achievement has drawn global attention to the Atlantic Island nation’s sporting progress and geopolitical identity.

Key Highlights

• In contrast, India’s national football team suffered a defeat to 158th-ranked Singapore in Goa, missing qualification for the 2027 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup, highlighting how focused investment and talent nurturing can propel even small nations to global sporting success.
• Cape Verde, officially known as Cabo Verde, is an island nation located in the central Atlantic Ocean, approximately 620 km off the west coast of Africa, named after the Cap-Vert peninsula in Senegal.
• The country consists of 10 volcanic islands, divided into two groups:
  • Barlavento (windward) islands – Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal, and Boa Vista
  • Sotavento (leeward) islands – Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava
• Its capital city, Praia, is situated on Santiago Island.
• Economic Overview – Cape Verde’s economy is service-oriented, relying heavily on tourism, trade, transport, and remittances. Since the mid-1990s, it has steadily transitioned toward a market-based economy.
  • Tourism, especially eco-tourism and beach resorts, contributes significantly to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
  • Remittances from the Cape Verdean diaspora in Europe and the United States are a key economic driver.
  • Despite limited natural resources, the country has demonstrated strong political stability and progress in human development.
  • Mindelo, on São Vicente Island, hosts the largest port and a deepwater harbor, historically vital for transatlantic shipping.
• Cultural Identity – Cape Verde exhibits a fusion of Portuguese and African influences, stemming from its colonial past under Portugal until independence in 1975.
  • The country’s language, cuisine, music, and architecture reflect this cultural blend.
  • Its national music genre, Morna, popularized by the late singer Cesária Évora, has achieved international acclaim.
  • Mindelo serves as a cultural hub, known for its music festivals, vibrant arts scene, and colonial architecture.
• With a population of around 5.5 lakh, Cape Verde maintains strong diaspora connections, enhancing its global presence and soft power on the international stage.

Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana Named ICC Players of the Month – September 2025

• Indian cricket celebrated Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana being named International Cricket Council (ICC) Players of the Month for their outstanding performances in September 2025.
• Abhishek Sharma – Men’s T20I Excellence
  • Shined in the Asia Cup T20 International (T20I) tournament, scoring 314 runs in 7 matches at an average of 44.85 and a strike rate of 200.
  • Awarded Player of the Tournament and achieved 931 ICC Men’s T20I batting rating points, the highest ever in the format at the end of the Super Fours stage.
  • Beat contenders such as Kuldeep Yadav (India) and Brian Bennett (Zimbabwe), winning through expert panel and fan votes.
  • Recognized for his match-winning knocks and ability to perform under pressure, establishing himself as a rising star in India’s T20 setup.
• Smriti Mandhana – Women’s ODI Brilliance
  • Excelled in India’s One Day International (ODI) series against Australia, scoring 58, 117, and 125 in three innings.
  • Totalled 308 runs in 4 matches at an average of 77 and a strike rate of 135.68.
  • Recorded the fastest century by an Indian batter in women’s ODIs, reaching 100 runs in 50 balls in the third ODI.
  • Triumphed over Tazmin Brits (South Africa) and Sidra Amin (Pakistan) to secure the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award.
  • Played a pivotal role in India’s ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jim Bolger Passed away

• Jim Bolger, former Prime Minister of New Zealand (1990–1997), passed away at age 90 due to kidney failure after undergoing dialysis.
• He entered Parliament in 1972, became leader of the National Party in 1986, and retired in 1998.
• Later, he served as New Zealand’s Ambassador to the United States (1998–2002).
• Bolger was instrumental in introducing the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system, which is still used in New Zealand.
• He is remembered as a principled and respected leader who made significant contributions to New Zealand’s political and social development.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

On 20th October, National Solidarity Day is observed.

• National Solidarity Day is observed on 20th October,
• This day serves for the war bravery, honouring the War soldier’s family and honouring the defence armed forces in Military, Navy and Air soldiers.
• It’s our duty to stand for the nation and salute and honour on this National Solidarity Day for our Soldiers who protect our country and Ourselves.

History

• War took place between India and China in 1962. It was called the Indo-China War of 1962.
• The war took place for the Kashmir border issue and the war started on 20th October 1962.
• The war took place for one month and it finally ended on 21st November 1962. In that War, India lost to China and many Indian soldiers were captured.
• So India Finally China occupied some parts of Kashmir which was named COK – China Occupied Kashmir.
• A treaty has been signed that India will not enter into COK and it belongs to China. This is the War Summary.
• In 1966, India was under the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• A Committee Constituting Prime Minister Indira Gandhi decided to dedicate 20th October as “National Solidarity Day” for the war remembrance , for honouring the Soldiers who participated in the war and for honouring the soldier’s families who sacrificed their life in the war.
• After that National Solidarity Day is observed yearly to honour the Armed Forces.

World Osteoporosis Day is observed on the 20th of October

• World Osteoporosis Day is observed annually on 20th October and launches a year-long campaign dedicated to raising global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease.
• The theme for World Osteoporosis Day 2025 is “It’s Unacceptable!”.

History

• World Osteoporosis Day was launched on October 20, 1996, by the United Kingdom’s National Osteoporosis Society and supported by the European Commission.
• Since 1997, this awareness day has been organized by the International Osteoporosis Foundation(IOF).
• It is very interesting to see that prior to 1994, osteoporosis wasn’t even considered a major disease.
• But in 1998, two prominent organizations committed to educating the public about osteoporosis, combined together to create the International Osteoporosis Foundation
• The Founding of the IOF was a combination of the joint efforts of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis created in 1987 and the International Federation of Societies on Skeletal Diseases (IFSSD), which was started in 1995.
• By bringing these Organisations together under a single umbrella, there was a better focus and co-mingling of resources for the world Scientists and other Health organizations who are working on Osteoporosis.

Police Commemoration Day will occur on 21st October.

• Police Commemoration Day is observed on the 21st of October
• On 21st October, Police Commemoration Day in India, a nationwide program will be conducted for the Police persons who proved their bravery and excellence in their duty.
• Rewards and Promotions will be announced to appreciate their work and to motivate and continue their excellence in serving the nation.

History

• The day commemorates the sacrifices of ten CRPF personnel who lost their lives while defending our border with China on October 21, 1959.
• On 20th October 1959, The Indian Reconnaissance Party went missing. One of the three Parties launched from Ladakh does not return to the base.
• On 21st October 1959, the Chinese army attacked and killed 10 brave Indian Soldiers.
• From January 1960 they decided that October 21 would be declared as the Police Commemoration Day in India to remember and honour the sacrifices made by on-duty Police Personnel in the country.

Daily CA One- Liner: October 19,20, & 21

• The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced a nationwide Mascot Design Contest to find an official visual ambassador for Aadhaar
• The Government of India has launched the ₹600 crore Kapas Kranti Mission to enhance long-staple cotton cultivation and improve cotton productivity across major growing regions
• India has been elected as the Co-Chair of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP) for a three-year term extending up to 2028
• NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), in partnership with DP World, has launched the ‘We Rise – Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises’ initiative under WEP’s Award to Reward (ATR) framework
• Telangana has become the top-performing state in India for recovering lost and stolen mobile phones through the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal, tracing and recovering over 1 lakh phones as of October 16, 2025
• The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, celebrated its 9th Foundation Day at its New Delhi campus
• AR Rahman, the acclaimed music composer, has partnered with Google Cloud to launch Secret Mountain, an immersive entertainment venture integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with music and culture.
• In a historic sporting milestone, Cape Verde has become the second-smallest nation after Iceland (2018) to qualify for the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup
• Indian cricket celebrated Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana being named International Cricket Council (ICC) Players of the Month for their outstanding performances in September 2025.
• The Government of India has introduced a major policy reform allowing private sector professionals to apply for top management roles in Public Sector Banks (PSBs), including a Managing Director (MD) post in the State Bank of India (SBI).
• State Bank of India (SBI) has set a target to raise women’s workforce share to 30% within five years, up from the current 27%, as stated by Deputy Managing Director (HR) & Chief Development Officer Kishore Kumar Poludasu.
• The Application Tracking System (ATS) is an online platform hosted on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) website that allows the public to submit applications to RBI and track their status until disposal.
• Tokenization is the replacement of actual card details with an alternate code called a token, which is unique for each combination of card, token requestor, and device.
• On 15 October 2025, Uruguay became the first Latin American country to legalise euthanasia through legislation, decriminalising medically assisted dying for patients with incurable illnesses causing unbearable suffering.
• India and Brazil have agreed to expand the scope of the existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between New Delhi and MERCOSUR to promote trade and investment between the parties.
• Trans rights activist Akkai Padmashali has been appointed to a Supreme Court-appointed committee tasked with formulating an equal opportunity policy for the protection of transgender rights.
• On October 17, 2025, Nirmal Kumar Minda, Executive Chairman of Uno Minda Group, assumed charge as the President of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).
• On October 17, 2025, Harsh Sanghvi was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, marking a major political development and leadership shift under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s newly reconstituted Cabinet.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the third production line of HAL’s Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft and the second production line of the HTT-40 trainer aircraft at HAL’s Nashik facility, and flagged off the first Tejas jet from the new line.
• Jim Bolger, former Prime Minister of New Zealand (1990–1997), passed away at age 90 due to kidney failure after undergoing dialysis.
• National Solidarity Day is observed on 20th October,
• World Osteoporosis Day is observed annually on 20th October and launches a year-
• Police Commemoration Day is observed on the 21st of October