Daily Current Affairs – 19-09-2025
Important Days
International Equal Pay Day 2025 - September 18
International Equal Pay Day draws global attention to the continuing disparity in wages between men and women. Despite decades of progress, women in many parts of the world still earn less than men for jobs of equal value, a gap that has major implications for social justice and economic growth.
The theme for 2025 is “Achieving Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value to Ensure Women’s Economic Empowerment, Social Justice, and Overall Economic Growth.”
It emphasizes not only ensuring equal pay for identical jobs but also recognizing the value of different types of work that require similar skills, effort, and responsibility.
Sports News
Antim Panghal Wins Bronze
India’s Antim Panghal (53kg) redeemed herself after her disappointing Paris Olympics show by clinching a bronze medal at the World Wrestling Championships on Thursday. With this, she joined Vinesh Phogat as the only Indian women to win two Worlds bronze medals.
The 21-year-old defeated Sweden’s Olympian Emma Jonna Malmgren with a convincing 9-1 victory, securing India’s first medal in this edition. Antim led 3-0 at the break, defended well in the second half, and sealed the win with a swift two-pointer and a spectacular throw in the closing stages.
Meanwhile, in another bronze medal bout, Priya Malik (76kg) lost 0-10 to Olympic medallist Milaimys Marin.
In the Greco-Roman category, Aman (77kg), who had lost 0-8 to Olympic champion Nao Kusaka, advanced to the repechage round after the Japanese reached the final. However, Anil Mor (55kg), Rahul (82kg), and Sonu (130kg) made early exits.
Keshorn Walcott Wins Gold
At the World Athletics Championships javelin throw final in Tokyo, Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott claimed the gold medal with an impressive throw of 88.16 meters.
Grenada’s Anderson Peters secured the silver with a throw of 87.38 meters, while USA’s Thompson Carise won the bronze with 86.67 meters.
India’s defending champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra had a disappointing performance, finishing 8th with a best throw of 84.03 meters, achieved in his second attempt. He fouled in his 3rd and 4th attempts, and since only the top 6 athletes after five attempts qualified for the final throw, Neeraj was eliminated early.
Science and Technology News
MeitY to Establish 500 AI Data Labs Across India
The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) will set up 500 AI Data Labs across India, announced IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. These labs will be spread across different districts to boost AI research and innovation.
The announcement was made at a pre-event for the AI Impact Summit, which India will host in February 2026. The Minister also said that an AI Governance Framework, based on a draft released earlier this year, will be launched soon.
85% of Gaganyaan Mission Test Work Completed – ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan announced that 85% of the test work for the ‘Gaganyaan’ mission—India’s ambitious project to send humans into space—has been completed.
It was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.
As part of the mission:
The ‘Vyommitra’ humanoid robot will be sent to space by the end of July or August this year.
Following that, two unmanned rocket missions will be conducted.
Finally, by March 2027, astronauts are scheduled to be sent into space.
Economy News
Nvidia Bets Big on Intel with $5 Billion Stake, Chip Partnership
Nvidia announced on Thursday that it will invest $5 billion in Intel, giving a major boost to the struggling U.S. chip foundry. However, Nvidia stopped short of offering Intel a crucial manufacturing contract.
The agreement also includes a joint plan for Intel and Nvidia to co-develop PC and data center chips, signaling a possible long-term shift in chip-making alliances.
This development is seen as a potential challenge to Taiwan’s TSMC, which currently manufactures Nvidia’s flagship processors. TSMC remains Nvidia’s primary manufacturing partner, but industry experts believe that this partnership with Intel could eventually expand to include future processor production, reshaping the global semiconductor landscape.
International News
Internet Service Blocked in Afghanistan
The Taliban government in Afghanistan has banned Wi-Fi internet services for the ‘E.pai’ app book in five additional provinces.
Last Tuesday, the northern province of Balkh had already imposed a similar ban. Authorities stated that the restriction was introduced as a measure to prevent immoral activities.
Following the directive of the Taliban leader, the ban was extended to Baghlan, Badakhshan, Kunduz, Takhar, and Jawzjan provinces the day before yesterday. This marks the first instance of such a large-scale internet restriction since the Taliban regained power in August 2021.
Norway to Invest ₹9 Lakh Crore in India
Norway has announced that its companies will invest 10 billion dollars (approximately ₹9 lakh crore) in India over the next 15 years.
A statement from the Norwegian Embassy in India revealed that a trade and economic agreement between the two countries will come into effect next month. Under this agreement, Norway has committed to making this major investment in India.
The announcement also highlighted the long-standing collaboration between India and Norway on environmental issues. Both nations have been working together on sustainable development, particularly in tackling marine pollution.
The statement expressed confidence that India and Norway will take strong measures to prevent plastic waste from accumulating in the oceans, further strengthening their environmental partnership alongside economic cooperation.
Tamil Nadu News
Tamil Equivalents Announced for 54 Foreign Language Words
The Tamil Development Board has released Tamil equivalents for 54 foreign language words that have entered common use in recent times.
CBT Camera → கண்காணி (Kankani – surveillance)
Page → அடையாள வில்லை (Adaiyala Villai – identification tag)
USB Cable → எதிர்ஒளிப்புக்கருவி (Edhirolippukkaruvi – reflector device)
Champion → வாகையர் (Vakaiyar – victor)
CCTV → கண்காணி (Kankani – surveillance)
First Look → முதல் நோக்கு (Mudhal Nokku – first glance)
Google Pay → விண்ணாய்வு விளக்கம் (Vinnayvu Vilakkam – celestial explanation)
Upload → முக அப் பம் (Muga Appam – face upload)
Beer → ஒரசு – பொரி சேறு (Orasu – Pori Seru)
Rus → உழவர்ட்டி (Uzhavarti – ploughing tool)
Kabi → ஆரளி (Arali – bright plant)
Anna App
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will launch a new ‘Anna App’ (Chennai One) on September 22, which will allow passengers to purchase tickets for buses, suburban trains, and metro rail through a single platform.
According to transport department officials, this app is already running in a trial phase and will now be formally introduced for public use. The initiative aims to simplify commuting by offering digital ticketing for all public transport modes in Chennai.
The app not only provides tickets but also helps in comprehensive journey planning. By entering the starting point and destination, passengers can view available vehicles, fare details, required stops, and even walking distances. Payments can be made directly through the app, and QR code stickers placed in buses can also be scanned for tickets.