LEGAL NEWS

Akkai Padmashali Joins Supreme Court Panel on Transgender Equality

• Trans rights activist Akkai Padmashali has been appointed to a Supreme Court panel on framing an equal opportunity policy for transgender persons.

• She becomes the first transgender individual from Karnataka to hold a position on such a national-level body.

• The appointment marks a significant step toward greater inclusivity and representation in policymaking.

• The committee is chaired by Justice Asha Menon and comprises leading activists and scholars.

• Its objective is to strengthen the implementation of key judgments, including NALSA (2014) and the 2018 ruling decriminalizing homosexuality.

• The panel will work to advance equality, justice, and LGBTQIA+ rights across institutions.

• This initiative highlights the Supreme Court’s commitment to ensuring fair opportunities for all gender identities in India.

NATIONAL NEWS

11th India International Science Festival to be Held in Chandigarh

• The 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) is set to take place in Chandigarh from 6–9 December 2025.

• The event’s theme, “Vigyan se Samruddhi: For Atma Nirbhar Bharat,” focuses on science-led national growth and innovation.

• Announced on 17 October by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh during a curtain-raiser in New Delhi.

• The festival will highlight five core themes, including Science for Society, Education, and Atmanirbhar Bharat through Science and Technology.

• Dr. Singh also discussed the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, aimed at widening access to research funding.

• He underscored India’s strength in combining traditional wisdom with modern scientific innovation.

• The IISF will bring together students, researchers, startups, and entrepreneurs to celebrate science and share new ideas.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Fit India Launches ‘Iron Wheels of Unity’ Cycling Campaign

• The Fit India initiative will hold two nationwide cycling expeditions, titled “Iron Wheels of Unity,” starting October 31, 2025, to mark Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary.

• Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Ministry of Labour & Employment, the campaign promotes fitness, unity, and environmental awareness.

• The Kashmir to Kanyakumari (K2K) expedition will cover 4,480 km, passing through major states and ending at Kanyakumari on November 16, 2025.

• 150 cyclists will take part, symbolising the 150th birth year of Sardar Patel, with Mountaineer Nisha Kumari leading the K2K route.

• The second route, Pedal to Plant, will span 4,000 km from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat, concluding on December 31, 2025.

• Cyclists will plant 1 lakh trees and conduct awareness drives on climate action and health across schools and colleges.

• The initiative is expected to cut over 100,000 kg of carbon emissions, reinforcing Fit India’s focus on sustainability and national unity.

SPORTS

Jyothi Surekha Vennam Creates History at Archery World Cup Final 2025

• Jyothi Surekha Vennam made history as the first Indian woman compound archer to win a medal at the Archery World Cup Final.

• She clinched the bronze medal on October 18, 2025, at the event held in Nanjing, China.

• The 29-year-old Asian Games gold medallist defeated world No. 2 Ella Gibson (Great Britain) with a flawless 150–145 score.

• In the quarterfinals, she overcame Alexis Ruiz (USA) 143–140, showcasing her sharp consistency.

• Jyothi narrowly missed the final after a 143–145 loss to world No. 1 Andrea Becerra (Mexico) in the semifinals.

• She displayed remarkable composure in the bronze match, hitting 15 straight 10s across all five ends.

• This was her first-ever World Cup Final podium finish, after early exits in 2022 (Tlaxcala) and 2023 (Hermosillo).

India to Host World Boxing Cup Finals 2025 for the First Time

• India has been selected to host the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025 for the first time, marking a major milestone for Indian boxing.

• The event will take place from November 14 to 21 at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex.

• Top male and female boxers from around the world will compete across ten weight divisions for the prestigious title.

• India, currently ranked among the global top five, has claimed 17 medals in 2025 — including 4 gold, 6 silver, and 7 bronze.

• BFI President Ajay Singh stated that hosting the finals highlights India’s growth in both boxing excellence and event management.

• At earlier stages of the tournament, Hitesh Gulia clinched gold (70 kg) in Brazil, while Abhinash Jamwal secured silver, and four others earned bronze medals.

• The championship is expected to further boost India’s reputation as a global boxing hub and inspire young athletes nationwide.