Daily Current Affairs- 18th October 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 18th October 2025

Uttarakhand Hosts AI Impact Summit Ahead of India–AI 2026

In the News: Uttarakhand hosted the AI Impact Summit 2025 in Dehradun, marking a major milestone in India’s preparations for the upcoming India–AI 2026 Global Summit. The event brought together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and innovators to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in governance, economy, and society. Organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in collaboration with the Government of Uttarakhand, the summit highlighted India’s growing leadership in responsible AI development and its vision of inclusive digital transformation.

Key Points:

• Summit Overview: The AI Impact Summit 2025 served as a precursor to the India–AI 2026 Global Summit, which will position India as a global hub for ethical, trustworthy, and human-centric AI. The Uttarakhand event aimed to align regional innovation ecosystems with national AI missions and international collaboration frameworks.
• Themes and Focus Areas: The summit revolved around the theme “Harnessing AI for Bharat: Innovation, Ethics, and Inclusion.” Sessions focused on critical domains such as climate resilience, healthcare, agriculture, education, disaster management, and sustainable urban development—highlighting AI’s capacity to address real-world socio-economic challenges.
• Participation and Collaboration: The event witnessed participation from over 1,500 delegates, including representatives from NITI Aayog, IITs, DRDO, ISRO, and major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and TCS. Global experts from the OECD and UNESCO’s AI Ethics Program also contributed, fostering cross-border dialogue on responsible AI frameworks.
• Showcase of Indian Innovation: Startups and research institutions from across India presented cutting-edge solutions such as AI-driven flood early warning systems, precision agriculture tools, and energy optimization platforms designed for Himalayan terrains. These innovations underscored the integration of AI with environmental sustainability and local problem-solving.
• Policy and Ethical Commitments: The summit reaffirmed India’s commitment to the National Programme on Artificial Intelligence and the forthcoming AI (Accountability and Governance) Bill 2026, focusing on data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and equitable access to AI benefits. Special emphasis was placed on promoting women and youth participation in AI entrepreneurship.

Akkai Padmashali Becomes First Transgender Member of SC-Appointed Committee

In the News: Transgender rights activist Akkai Padmashali created history by becoming the first transgender member of a Supreme Court-appointed committee in India. The committee was constituted to recommend comprehensive reforms for the effective implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and to ensure inclusion, dignity, and equality for the transgender community across legal, social, and institutional frameworks. This appointment marks a major milestone in India’s journey toward inclusive justice and equal representation.

Key Points:

• Historic Appointment: The Supreme Court of India, recognizing the need for representation from the transgender community, nominated Akkai Padmashali as a member of the high-level committee overseeing the enforcement of transgender rights. Her inclusion reflects the Court’s commitment to diversity and participatory governance in policymaking related to marginalized communities.
• Committee Mandate: The committee has been tasked with reviewing existing legal provisions, welfare schemes, and institutional mechanisms for the protection of transgender persons. It will propose policy recommendations to strengthen access to education, healthcare, employment, and housing while ensuring zero discrimination in both public and private spheres.
• Akkai Padmashali’s Background: A renowned activist from Karnataka, Padmashali has been a leading voice in advocating for the rights of sexual and gender minorities for over two decades. She is the founder of Ondede, a Bengaluru-based organization working on gender, sexuality, and human rights awareness. Her activism has been instrumental in pushing for social acceptance, anti-discrimination laws, and inclusive public policy.
• Symbol of Inclusion: Her appointment to a Supreme Court committee marks a powerful recognition of transgender leadership within India’s judicial and policy ecosystem. It also symbolizes the evolving understanding of constitutional equality and social justice, echoing the spirit of the 2014 NALSA judgment, which first recognized transgender persons as a “third gender” entitled to full fundamental rights.
• Judicial and Social Context: The formation of this committee comes amid growing emphasis on the implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, which mandates equal opportunities and prohibits discrimination. The Supreme Court’s proactive approach seeks to bridge the gap between legal recognition and ground-level empowerment for the community.
• Government and Civil Society Collaboration: The committee will work in coordination with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, state governments, and civil society groups to ensure that policies reflect lived realities. This collaborative model aims to promote gender inclusivity in public administration and social welfare planning.

Uruguay Legalises Euthanasia, a First in Latin America

In the News: Uruguay made history by becoming the first country in Latin America to legalise euthanasia and assisted dying, marking a landmark moment in the region’s medical and ethical landscape. The legislation, passed after intense national debate, grants terminally ill patients the right to choose a medically assisted death under strict regulatory conditions. The move positions Uruguay among a small group of nations worldwide—such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Canada—that legally recognise euthanasia as an individual right tied to dignity and autonomy.

Key Points:

• Historic Legislation: Uruguay’s Parliament passed the Euthanasia and Assisted Dying Law with strong bipartisan support after nearly five years of public consultation and parliamentary review. The law allows competent adults suffering from irreversible and painful terminal illnesses to voluntarily request medical assistance to end their lives.
• Eligibility and Safeguards: The law sets out rigorous ethical and medical conditions. Applicants must be Uruguayan citizens or residents above 18 years of age, with terminal or incurable diseases that cause intolerable suffering. Two independent doctors must confirm the diagnosis and the patient’s mental capacity, and a waiting period ensures the decision is fully informed and voluntary.
• Medical and Ethical Oversight: A newly established National Commission on Euthanasia and Assisted Dying, composed of medical professionals, ethicists, and legal experts, will monitor all cases, ensure adherence to medical protocols, and prevent misuse or coercion. The law emphasizes patient dignity, informed consent, and medical transparency.
• Cultural and Political Significance: Uruguay, known for its progressive social policies—such as early legalisation of same-sex marriage and cannabis—continues its tradition of pioneering human rights reforms in Latin America. The euthanasia law reflects a broader societal shift toward compassionate end-of-life care and individual choice.
• Public and Religious Reactions: The decision has sparked mixed reactions. While human rights organizations, medical associations, and patient advocacy groups have hailed the law as a humane and necessary reform, the Catholic Church and conservative groups have expressed strong moral opposition, arguing that it undermines the sanctity of life.
• Comparative Global Context: With this law, Uruguay joins countries like Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Canada, and New Zealand, where euthanasia or assisted dying is legally regulated. In Latin America, while countries such as Colombia permit assisted suicide through judicial rulings, Uruguay’s act is the first comprehensive legislative framework passed by a national parliament.

FAO, India Mark 80 Years of Partnership on World Food Day

In the News: India and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations celebrated 80 years of partnership on the occasion of World Food Day, reaffirming their shared commitment to ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The commemoration highlighted India’s remarkable progress in transforming its agriculture sector—from food deficit to food surplus—through innovation, policy reforms, and global cooperation.

Key Points:

• Historic Milestone: The year 2025 marks eight decades of collaboration between India and the FAO, which began in 1945 when India became one of the founding members of the organization. This long-standing partnership has evolved from addressing post-independence food shortages to advancing modern food systems aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
•  Joint Celebration: The 80-year milestone was jointly commemorated in New Delhi with participation from the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, FAO’s India Representative, and senior officials from NITI Aayog, ICAR, and state governments. The event celebrated the theme “Water is Life, Water is Food—Leave No One Behind,” emphasizing sustainable water use in agriculture.
• India’s Contribution to Global Food Security: India has played a pivotal role in global food and nutrition security through its leadership in Millet Mission initiatives, South-South cooperation, and agricultural innovation. The International Year of Millets 2023, spearheaded by India and endorsed by the UN, was recognized as a global success model for promoting climate-resilient and nutritious crops.
• Collaborative Programs: Over the decades, India and FAO have jointly implemented numerous programs on soil health management, crop diversification, climate-smart agriculture, and digitalization of farm data. The FAO-India Country Programme Framework (2023–2027) continues to guide this cooperation, focusing on sustainable agri-food systems, livelihood resilience, and gender-inclusive development.
• Policy and Institutional Reforms: India’s agricultural transformation has been strengthened through landmark initiatives such as PM-KISAN, National Food Security Mission, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, which align with FAO’s global priorities on sustainable productivity, equity, and environmental stewardship.
• Technological Advancements: The collaboration emphasizes digital agriculture and data-driven solutions for smallholder farmers through satellite mapping, precision irrigation, and early-warning systems for drought and pest management, reflecting India’s leadership in agri-tech innovation.
• Shared Vision Ahead: Both India and FAO reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating efforts toward Zero Hunger (SDG 2), improving nutrition outcomes, empowering women farmers, and promoting sustainable water resource management. The partnership’s 80th anniversary underscores the collective resolve to build resilient agri-food systems for a secure and equitable future.

India Elected Co-Chair of UN-GGIM Asia-Pacific

In the News: India was elected as the Co-Chair of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) Asia-Pacific, marking a major recognition of the country’s leadership in advancing geospatial governance, data infrastructure, and regional collaboration. The election took place during the ninth plenary meeting of the UN-GGIM Asia-Pacific, where member states unanimously supported India’s nomination, reflecting confidence in its growing role in geospatial technology and sustainable development.

Key Points:

• Global Recognition: India’s election as Co-Chair underscores its leadership in leveraging geospatial data and digital mapping for national and regional development. It highlights the country’s growing influence in shaping international geospatial policy frameworks and promoting regional cooperation under the UN mandate.
• Institutional Representation: India will be represented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) through the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) and the Survey of India, which serve as the nodal agencies coordinating geospatial initiatives and capacity-building efforts.
• Strategic Role: As Co-Chair, India will work closely with other Asia-Pacific nations to strengthen geospatial governance, enhance interoperability of regional data systems, and promote the use of location-based intelligence in disaster management, urban planning, and climate resilience.
• Contribution to Sustainable Development: The UN-GGIM framework plays a vital role in achieving the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating geospatial data into policymaking. India’s leadership aims to accelerate this process by expanding open-data access, fostering innovation, and supporting regional geospatial capacity-building initiatives.
• Technological Advancements: India’s advanced platforms such as Bhuvan (ISRO’s Geoportal), National Geospatial Policy 2022, and the Digital India initiative have demonstrated the nation’s capabilities in geospatial innovation, enabling accurate mapping, resource management, and efficient governance through spatial analytics.
• Regional Cooperation and Capacity Building: Under India’s co-chairmanship, special emphasis will be placed on training programs, knowledge exchange, and developing a common regional framework for geospatial data sharing among Asia-Pacific countries to enhance preparedness for natural disasters and climate-related challenges.

Belgian court approves Mehul Choksi extradition: 5 things to know about PNB scam, cases

In the News: A Belgian court approved the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi to India, marking a major breakthrough in the long-running Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. The decision came after years of legal proceedings across multiple jurisdictions, paving the way for Indian authorities to bring one of the key accused in the ₹13,500-crore scam to justice. The verdict signifies growing international cooperation against economic offenders and strengthens India’s global efforts to ensure accountability in financial crimes.

Key Points:

• Landmark Decision: The Belgian appellate court ruled in favor of India’s extradition request after evaluating evidence submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The court rejected Choksi’s defense that he was a victim of political persecution, affirming that the charges were purely criminal in nature.
• Background of the Scam: The PNB scam, unearthed in February 2018, involved fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) issued by PNB officials at the Brady House branch in Mumbai to benefit Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi. These LoUs enabled them to obtain unauthorized credit from overseas banks, causing massive losses to the Indian public sector bank.
• International Flight and Legal Battle: Mehul Choksi fled India in January 2018, weeks before the scam came to light. He later acquired citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda, where he sought refuge. Following multiple legal disputes in Antigua and Belgium, the Indian government successfully demonstrated his continued role in laundering proceeds of crime and obstructing investigation
• India’s Legal Pursuit: The Indian government presented a detailed case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and Extradition Treaty provisions, supported by documentary evidence and witness testimonies. The Belgian court noted that due process was followed and that Choksi would receive a fair trial in India.
• Significance for India’s Anti-Fraud Efforts: The ruling reinforces India’s diplomatic and judicial credibility in pursuing fugitive economic offenders abroad. It follows earlier extradition successes involving Christian Michel (AgustaWestland case) and Rajiv Saxena, signaling a stronger international stance against white-collar crime.
•  Impact on the PNB Case: Choksi’s return is expected to revive key aspects of the investigation, including the tracing of laundered funds and the recovery of defrauded assets. His extradition will also strengthen the prosecution’s case against co-accused
• Nirav Modi, who remains in custody in the United Kingdom pending final legal clearance for extradition.
• Next Steps: Following the court’s order, Indian authorities are coordinating with Belgian and Interpol officials to finalize Choksi’s transfer logistics. Upon arrival in India, he will be produced before a special CBI court in Mumbai, where he faces multiple charges of fraud, criminal conspiracy, and money laundering under Indian law.

Cape Verde Creates History with FIFA World Cup Qualification

In the News: Cape Verde created footballing history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever. The Atlantic Island nation secured its spot after a decisive victory in the final round of African qualifiers, marking a milestone moment for both the country and African football. The achievement symbolizes the rise of smaller nations in global football and highlights the growing competitiveness within the African confederation.

Key Points:

• Historic Qualification: Cape Verde’s national football team, known as the Blue Sharks, achieved its maiden FIFA World Cup qualification after defeating Cameroon 2–1 in Praia. This victory propelled them to the top of their qualifying group, sealing their place among Africa’s representatives at the 2026 World Cup.
• National Celebration: The qualification sparked nationwide celebrations across the archipelago, with thousands taking to the streets of Praia, Mindelo, and Santa Maria. President José Maria Neves and Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva congratulated the players, calling the feat “a triumph of belief, discipline, and unity.”
• Journey of Persistence: Cape Verde’s journey reflects over a decade of steady progress in African football, having earlier impressed in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments of 2013 and 2024. The qualification underscores the success of the nation’s long-term investment in youth development and European club collaborations.
• Coaching and Strategy: Under coach Pedro Leitão Brito (Bubista), the team adopted a high-pressing, tactically balanced system, leveraging the experience of Europe-based players from leagues in Portugal, France, and the Netherlands. This strategic approach helped Cape Verde overcome traditional African heavyweights.
• Symbol of Hope and Identity: The qualification is viewed as a defining cultural moment, uniting Cape Verdeans at home and abroad. It represents the power of sport to uplift small island nations and inspire youth towards collective national pride.
• Recognition and Support: Following the qualification, the FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) lauded Cape Verde’s achievement, calling it “a story of determination and inspiration.” The government has since announced plans to expand sports infrastructure and youth academies across the islands to sustain this success.

Khelo India University Games 2025 Launches in Rajasthan

In the News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the Khelo India University Games 2025 in Rajasthan, marking the beginning of India’s largest multi-disciplinary sporting event for university athletes. The Games aim to promote sports culture at the grassroots academic level and foster India’s emerging sporting talent pool ahead of major international competitions.

Key Points:

• Host State and Venues: The 2025 edition of the Khelo India University Games is being hosted across multiple cities in Rajasthan, with Jaipur serving as the main venue. Supporting events are being organized in Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Kota, showcasing the state’s growing sports infrastructure.
• Participation and Scale: More than 7,000 athletes representing over 200 universities are participating in 20 disciplines, including athletics, boxing, wrestling, kabaddi, swimming, and hockey. This marks the largest student-sports gathering in India since the Games’ inception in 2020.
• Theme and Vision: The 2025 Games are organized under the theme “Sports, Spirit, and Sustainability,” aligning with India’s broader vision of integrating fitness, education, and environmental awareness within the youth ecosystem.
• Infrastructure Development: The Government of India and the Rajasthan Sports Council jointly upgraded key stadiums such as the Sawai Mansingh Stadium (Jaipur) and Dr. S. N. Medical College Ground (Jodhpur) with new synthetic tracks, aquatic complexes, and athlete villages to meet international standards.
• Technology Integration: A real-time digital monitoring and results-tracking system has been introduced for the first time in the Games, ensuring transparent scoring and live updates for viewers nationwide through the Khelo India app and Doordarshan Sports broadcasts.
• Empowering University Athletes: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced that medal winners will receive direct funding and mentorship under the Khelo India Talent
• Identification Scheme, providing pathways to national camps and international representation.
• Sustainability Measures: The event emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including solar-powered venues, zero-plastic zones, and rainwater harvesting units at all major arenas, promoting the idea of green sports events in India.
• Background: The Khelo India University Games were first held in Odisha (2020), followed by Karnataka (2022) and Uttar Pradesh (2023). The Rajasthan edition marks the fourth edition of the Games and the first time they are hosted in western India.