Daily Current Affairs - 1st & 3rd October 2025

Preparing for UPSC 2026 or State PCS? This 1st & 3rd October 2025 Current Affairs edition brings exam-focused updates with GS linkages, Prelims facts, and Mains insights.

Highlights include the Draft Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2025, establishing the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), banning real-money games, and mandating registration, grievance redressal, and strict penalties. On the economic front, note the Cabinet’s launch of the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (₹11,440 crore, 6-year timeline) with assured procurement, climate-resilient seeds, and cluster-based interventions.

In science and research, track the continuation of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP) – Phase III with DBT–Wellcome Trust collaboration, while in international relations, October 2025 marks 25 years of the India–Russia Strategic Partnership and the coming into effect of the India–EFTA TEPA, India’s first FTA linking jobs and investment.

Also covered: RBI’s reliance on WACR as monetary policy anchor, Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls, India’s re-election to ICAO Council, extension of RoDTEP scheme, IISc’s low-cost desalination breakthrough, the Sir Creek boundary dispute with Pakistan, India’s participation in Exercise Pacific Reach 2025, and urban flood risk mitigation across 11 cities.

Use this compact sheet to sharpen Prelims 2026 recall and add depth to Mains-ready analysis—structured, comparative, and scoring-focused with The PRESS Pad.

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Draft Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2025 – Key Highlights

1. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has notified the Draft Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2025.

2. These rules will operationalize the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which is the legislative framework for regulating online gaming in India.

3. The Act categorizes online games into three distinct types:

   • E-Sports (competitive skill-based video games),

   • Online Social Games (games played socially without monetary stakes), and

   • Online Money Games (games involving real money like poker, rummy, and fantasy sports).

4. The Act prohibits all forms of Online Money Games, effectively banning real-money gaming platforms such as poker and fantasy sports.

5. Only E-Sports and Online Social Games are allowed under the draft rules.

Regulatory Body – Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI)

1. The rules propose the creation of the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) as the apex regulatory body for online gaming.

2. OGAI will be responsible for regulating online games, maintaining a central registry, granting approvals, and enforcing compliance.

3. The Authority will also have the power to decide the legality of a game and impose penalties for violations.

4. OGAI will consist of a Chairperson and five members, who will be nominated from various central government ministries.

Registration & Certification

1. All providers of E-Sports and Online Social Games must register their games with OGAI.

2. Only games that receive a valid Certificate of Registration from OGAI will be legally permitted to operate.

Grievance Redressal Mechanism

1. Every registered provider must establish a 3-Tiered Grievance Redressal Mechanism to address user complaints.

2. At the first level, complaints must be handled internally by the game provider's grievance officer.

3. If unresolved, appeals can be made to the Grievance Appellate Committee, a government-formed appellate body.

4. Further appeals can be escalated to the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) as the final level.

Enforcement & Penalties

1. The draft rules propose that any violation of the rules will be considered a non-bailable offence.

2. In case of a violation, the entire company staff involved in facilitating the breach can be held criminally liable.

Other Supporting Legal Provisions Against Online Gaming Risks

1. Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 is used to block illegal gaming sites or apps, with 1,524 platforms blocked between 2022 and 2025.

2. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (India’s updated criminal code) penalizes unlawful gaming and cybercrimes under Sections 111 and 112.

3. The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Act, 2017 is used to regulate and monitor illegal or offshore gaming platforms for taxation and compliance.

4. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 prohibits misleading advertisements and surrogate advertising related to banned or unregulated gaming activities.

Union Cabinet Approves “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses”

1. The Union Cabinet has approved the “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses” to boost domestic production and reduce import dependency.

2. This mission was announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 as part of efforts to ensure self-sufficiency (Aatmanirbharta) in pulses.

3. The objective is to meet rising domestic demand, maximize production, and enhance farmers' income.

Mission Timeline and Financial Allocation

1. The mission will be implemented over a 6-year period, from 2025–26 to 2030–31.

2. The total financial outlay for the mission is ₹11,440 crore.

Mission Objectives and Initiatives

1. The mission aims to boost domestic production of pulses and achieve self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in this key food group.

2. It will undertake initiatives to develop and disseminate Climate-Resilient & Improved Seed Varieties.

3. Climate-resilient seeds are those that can withstand extreme weather events like droughts or floods.

4. The mission will also support the development of post-harvest infrastructure, which includes storage, processing, and logistics.

5. It will promote value addition, i.e., improving product quality or processing for higher market value.

Targets of the Mission

1. The mission targets to increase the area under pulses cultivation to 310 lakh hectares.

2. It aims to expand pulse area by an additional 35 lakh hectares, especially by utilizing rice fallow lands and other diversifiable lands.

3. Rice fallow lands refer to areas left uncultivated after the rice season, which can be used for growing pulses.

4. The mission aims to raise total pulse production to 350 lakh tonnes.

5. It also seeks to improve productivity (yield) to 1130 kg per hectare.

Implementation Approach

1. The mission will adopt a cluster-based approach, which means region-specific interventions based on local conditions.

2. Each cluster will receive customized support depending on its agro-climatic and resource characteristics.

Focus Pulse Crops

1. The mission will focus primarily on three pulse crops:

   • Tur/Arhar (pigeon pea),

   • Urad (black gram), and

   • Masoor (red lentil).

Assured Procurement for Farmers

1. The mission ensures 100% procurement of produce from farmers in participating states for the next four years.

2. Procurement will be done by NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) and NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd).

3. This move aims to guarantee income security for farmers and build confidence in pulse cultivation.

Monitoring of Global Pulse Prices

1. A mechanism to monitor global pulse prices will be established under the mission.

2. This mechanism will help safeguard farmer confidence and enable timely policy responses to international market volatility.

Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP) – Phase III (2025–26 to 2030–31)

1. The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP) into Phase III.

2. Phase III of the programme will be implemented during the period 2025–26 to 2030–31.

Objective and Scope of BRCP

1. The main objective of BRCP is to nurture top-tier scientific talent in the field of biomedical research.

2. Biomedical research involves the study of biological processes and diseases to develop new treatments and technologies for human health.

3. The programme aims to promote interdisciplinary research, which means collaboration between multiple scientific disciplines to solve complex health problems.

4. It seeks to drive translational innovation, i.e., converting scientific discoveries into practical healthcare applications such as diagnostics, therapies, or vaccines.

5. BRCP also focuses on strengthening systems that support high-quality research, such as training, funding mechanisms, and institutional infrastructure.

6. Another goal is to reduce regional disparities in scientific research capacity across different parts of India.

7. Through these efforts, the programme aims to create world-class biomedical research capacity with a global impact.

Implementation Framework

1. Phase III of BRCP will be implemented as a partnership between the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, and the Wellcome Trust (WT), United Kingdom.

2. The programme will be managed through the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) called India Alliance, which has been jointly established for this collaboration.

October 2025: 25 Years of India–Russia Strategic Partnership

1. October 2025 marks 25 years since the signing of the “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in October 2000.

2. Since then, India–Russia ties have evolved significantly, with enhanced cooperation in various fields.

3. Areas of cooperation now include political dialogue, security, defence, trade and economy, science & technology, culture, and people-to-people (P2P) ties.

Strategic Partnership Framework

1. In 2010, the bilateral relationship was elevated to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership”.

2. This upgraded status reflects a higher level of mutual trust, long-term commitment, and multi-dimensional collaboration.

Institutional Dialogue Mechanism

1. A structured institutional dialogue framework supports regular and high-level engagement between the two countries.

2. The Annual Summit-level dialogue is a key pillar of this mechanism, with top leadership from both nations participating.

3. The 2+2 Dialogue format involves meetings between the Foreign and Defence Ministers of both countries, enhancing strategic coordination.

4. The India–Russia Intergovernmental Commission fosters cooperation in areas such as Trade, Economy, Science & Technology, and Culture.

5. There is also technical military cooperation, enabling structured collaboration between the armed forces of both nations.

Trade and Economic Cooperation

1. Bilateral trade between India and Russia reached a record high of USD 68.7 billion in FY 2024–25.

2. Major Indian exports to Russia include pharmaceuticals, organic and inorganic chemicals, iron and steel, and marine products.

3. Major Russian exports to India include oil and petroleum products, vegetable oil (especially sunflower oil), fertilizers, coking coal, and precious stones and metals.

Defence and Security Cooperation

1. India–Russia defence ties have matured beyond a buyer-seller relationship.

2. The focus has shifted towards joint research, development, and co-production of advanced defence technologies.

3. A notable example of this collaboration is the joint development of the BrahMos Cruise Missile, a high-speed, precision strike missile system.

Multilateral and Global Cooperation

1. India and Russia maintain close cooperation at major multilateral forums.

2. These include the United Nations (UN), G20, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

3. Such platforms enable both countries to align on global issues, promote multipolarity, and support international peace and stability.

India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA)

1. The India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) came into effect on 1st October 2025.

2. It is signed between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

3. EFTA comprises four European nations: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

4. Among these, Switzerland is India’s largest trading partner, followed by Norway.

Historic Economic Commitments

1. TEPA includes a binding commitment of USD 100 billion in investment over the next 15 years.

2. It also promises the creation of 1 million direct jobs in India during the same period.

3. TEPA is India’s first Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to link investment and job creation with binding legal commitments.

Key Features – Market Access for Goods

1. EFTA has offered substantial market access, covering 100% of non-agricultural products exported from its member states.

2. India has protected sensitive sectors by excluding items such as dairy, soya, coal, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices from full liberalization.

Services and Mobility Provisions

1. The agreement boosts India’s services exports, especially in IT, business services, and education sectors.

2. It facilitates Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) in regulated professional fields like nursing, chartered accountancy, and architecture.

3. MRAs allow professional qualifications to be recognized across borders, enabling cross-border service delivery.

4. It provides improved service access through Mode 1 (Digital delivery), Mode 3 (Commercial presence abroad), and Mode 4 (Temporary movement of professionals).

5. Mode 4 ensures greater certainty and predictability for the entry and temporary stay of key personnel.

Trade in Chemicals and Allied Products

1. EFTA has granted zero or reduced tariffs on over 95% of India’s exports in chemicals and allied sectors.

2. India has provided market access to about 80% of its tariff lines, covering 95% of EFTA’s total exports.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Provisions

1. The agreement ensures IPR commitments aligned with the TRIPS Agreement under the WTO.

2. TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) is the international baseline for IPR standards.

3. India’s concerns regarding generic medicines and evergreening of patents have been fully addressed and protected.

4. Evergreening refers to extending patent life through minor modifications, which can delay access to affordable generics.

Key Export Gains for India

1. Indian exporters benefit from significantly improved market access in textiles, engineering goods, and processed food products.

2. These sectors are expected to gain competitive advantage in high-value EFTA markets.

Strategic and Institutional Impact

1. TEPA is regarded as a “model agreement” due to its balanced approach to trade, investment, and employment generation.

2. It is expected to strengthen ‘Make in India’ by attracting manufacturing investments linked to export markets.

3. It will also reinforce ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, promoting self-reliance through domestic capacity building.

4. A dedicated India–EFTA Desk has been operational since 2025 to support the agreement’s implementation.

5. This desk functions as a single-window mechanism to facilitate EFTA investments and assist businesses in navigating regulatory processes in India.

NCRB Report: Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India – 2023

1. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has released the “Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India – 2023” report.

2. The report shows a 0.3% increase in total reported suicides in 2023 compared to 2022.

3. However, the suicide rate (suicides per 1 lakh population) decreased by 0.8% in 2023 over the previous year.

State and City Trends

1. The highest suicide rate in India was reported in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, followed by Sikkim and Kerala.

2. Cities recorded a higher suicide rate than the all-India average, indicating increased urban mental health stressors.

3. States with the highest percentage share of total suicides were Maharashtra (highest), followed by Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and West Bengal.

Demographic and Cause-wise Data

1. The male to female suicide ratio stood at 72.8% male and 27.2% female, indicating a significantly higher prevalence among men.

2. The major cause of suicides was family problems (31.9%), excluding marriage-related issues.

3. The second leading cause was illness, accounting for 19.0% of total suicides.

4. Other significant causes included drug abuse/alcohol addiction (7.0%), marriage-related problems (5.3%), and love affairs (4.7%).

5. Bankruptcy or indebtedness contributed to 3.8% of suicides.

6. Unemployment accounted for 1.8%, and failure in examination was the reason behind 1.4% of suicides.

Farmer Suicides

1. A total of 10,786 farmer suicides were reported in 2023, comprising 6.3% of all suicide victims.

2. Farmer suicides include cultivators and agricultural labourers, who face distress due to crop failure, debt, and climate challenges.

3. Zero suicides among farmers/cultivators/agricultural labourers were reported in West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Goa.

Initiatives to Prevent Suicides

1. The National Suicide Prevention Strategy (2022) was launched to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030.

2. Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) offers 24/7, free tele-mental health support across India.

3. The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) aims to provide accessible and decentralized mental healthcare services.

4. Manodarpan, a Ministry of Education initiative, provides psychosocial support for the mental health and well-being of students, teachers, and families.

NCRB Report: Rise in Accidental Deaths in India (2023)

1. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released its “Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India – 2023” report.

2. The report highlights a rise in total accidental deaths, increasing to 4,44,104 in 2023 from 4,30,504 in 2022.

Breakdown of Accidental Deaths (2023)

1. Traffic accidents were the leading cause, contributing to 44.6% of all accidental deaths.

2. The second major cause was sudden deaths, accounting for 14.3% of cases.

3. Drowning was responsible for 8.5% of total accidental deaths.

Road Accidents – A Key Concern

1. The total number of road accident cases increased to 4,64,029 in 2023, up from 4,46,768 in 2022.

2. Fatalities due to road accidents rose by 1.6%, reaching 1,73,826 deaths in 2023, compared to 1,71,100 deaths in 2022.

3. Major accident-prone areas included residential zones (30.2%) and locations near schools/colleges (7.1%).

Deaths Due to Forces of Nature

1. A total of 6,444 deaths were reported from natural causes.

2. Among these, lightning was the deadliest, causing 39.7% of such deaths.

3. Heat/sun stroke accounted for 12.5% of deaths due to natural forces.

Railway Accidents

1. In 2023, there were 24,678 railway accident cases reported across India.

2. These accidents led to 21,803 deaths, indicating a high fatality rate in railway-related incidents.

Urban Accident Data – 53 Mega Cities

1. Accidents in cities were particularly alarming, especially in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Jaipur.

2. The rate of accidental deaths in cities stood at 41.0, which is higher than the national average of 31.9 per lakh population.

State-wise Traffic Accident Deaths

1. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu reported the highest number of deaths due to traffic accidents.

2. A rare trend was observed in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Jharkhand, Punjab, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.

3. In these states, accidents caused more deaths than injuries, which deviates from the usual pattern where injuries exceed fatalities.

Causes of Road Accidents – 2023

1. Over-speeding was the leading cause, responsible for 61.4% of deaths in road accidents.

2. Dangerous or careless driving and overtaking caused 23.7% of road accident deaths.

3. Poor weather conditions, such as fog or rain, contributed to 2.1% of fatalities.

4. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs was responsible for 1.7% of road accident deaths.

5. Animal crossings accounted for 2.8% of road accident deaths.

6. Other contributing factors included mechanical defects, road defects, sudden braking, and poor visibility.

RBI Constitutes Six-Member 'Payments Regulatory Board'

1. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has constituted a six-member Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) in 2025.

2. The PRB has been established under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

3. The new board has replaced the earlier Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS).

4. The PRB will be responsible for the regulation and supervision of all payment systems in India.

About the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB)

1. The PRB is constituted as per Section 3 of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

2. The Governor of the RBI will serve as the ex officio Chairperson of the Board.

3. The Deputy Governor in charge of Payment and Settlement Systems will serve as an ex officio member.

4. One RBI officer will be nominated by the Central Board of the RBI as an ex officio member.

5. Three members will be nominated by the Central Government with expertise in payment systems, information technology, cybersecurity, or law.

Tenure and Disqualifications

1. The tenure of each member is 4 years and is non-renewable.

2. Members may resign by giving a 6-week written notice.

3. A person is disqualified from being a member if they are over 70 years of age.

4. Other grounds for disqualification include insolvency, criminal conviction of 180 days or more, or being an MP, MLA, or holding any elected post.

Advisors and Expert Participation

1. The Principal Legal Adviser of RBI is a permanent invitee to Board meetings.

2. The RBI may invite permanent or ad hoc experts to assist the Board in its deliberations.

Board Meetings and Decision-Making

1. The PRB must meet at least twice a year.

2. A meeting is valid only if there is a quorum of 3 members, including the Chairperson or the Deputy Governor in their absence, and at least one nominated member.

3. Decisions are taken by a majority vote of the members present and voting.

4. In case of a tie, the Chairperson (or the Deputy Governor in their absence) shall have a casting vote.

About the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007

1. The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 provides a legal framework for regulating payment systems in India.

2. It covers all systems, from manual clearing of cheques to electronic transfers, including RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) and NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer).

3. The Act designates the RBI as the central authority to oversee and regulate payment and settlement infrastructure.

4. It aims to protect consumers by ensuring transparency, preventing unfair charges, and holding intermediaries accountable for any transaction failures or mishaps.

2025: Golden Jubilee of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

1. The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of the establishment of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) in India.

2. To commemorate the milestone, NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), in collaboration with the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, is organizing a national-level event in New Delhi.

Background and Establishment of RRBs

1. RRBs were established in 1975 through an Ordinance, which was later formalized by the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976.

2. The primary objective of RRBs is to create an alternative institutional credit channel to the cooperative credit system.

3. They aim to expand the reach of institutional credit to the agriculture and rural sectors.

Ownership and Shareholding Pattern

1. The share capital of RRBs is contributed in a tripartite ratio:

   • Government of India contributes 50%,

   • The concerned State Government contributes 15%,

   • The sponsoring bank contributes 35%.

Target Beneficiaries and Lending Role

1. RRBs primarily serve small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers, rural artisans, and other priority sector borrowers in rural and semi-urban areas.

2. Priority sectors include agriculture, MSMEs, education, housing, and weaker sections of society, as defined by RBI.

3. As per regulatory mandate, RRBs must allocate at least 75% of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent of Off-Balance Sheet Exposure (CEOBE)—whichever is higher—towards priority sector lending.

Regulation, Supervision, and Reforms

1. RRBs are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

2. They are supervised by NABARD, which oversees their financial health, credit planning, and compliance.

3. In 2001, the Dr. V.S. Vyas Committee recommended the amalgamation of RRBs to improve efficiency and customer service.

4. Based on these recommendations, a consolidation process began in 2005, focusing on better infrastructure and computerization of RRBs.

Current Structure and Performance (as of March 2022)

1. As of March 2022, there were 43 Regional Rural Banks, sponsored by 12 Scheduled Commercial Banks.

2. All Public Sector Banks, except Punjab & Sind Bank, sponsor at least one RRB.

3. Jammu & Kashmir Bank is the only private sector bank sponsoring an RRB.

Leadership in Priority Sector Lending and Financial Inclusion

1. RRBs remain leaders in priority sector lending, with over 89% of their total loans directed to these sectors.

2. They play a key role in major financial inclusion schemes of the government.

3. RRBs hold 18.5% of PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts, ensuring basic banking access in rural areas.

4. They contribute 13.3% of enrolments under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), a low-cost accidental insurance scheme.

5. RRBs manage 16.9% of PM-KISAN beneficiary accounts, which supports small and marginal farmers with income support.

Weighted Average Call Rate (WACR): RBI's Operating Target for Monetary Policy

1. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will continue to use the Weighted Average Call Rate (WACR) as the operating target for implementing monetary policy.

2. The WACR refers to the average interest rate at which banks borrow and lend funds to each other in the overnight call money market.

3. The call money market is a market where banks lend and borrow funds for just one day to manage their short-term liquidity needs.

4. Since it is weighted, WACR considers both the interest rate and the volume of transactions to calculate an average.

Significance and Role of WACR in Monetary Policy

1. The WACR is a key indicator that reflects the short-term cost of money in the banking system.

2. It serves as a benchmark for short-term interest rates, indicating liquidity conditions in the financial markets.

3. A rise in WACR implies that funds are becoming costlier, suggesting tight liquidity or higher demand for money.

4. A decline in WACR indicates that funds are easier to obtain, suggesting ample liquidity or lower demand for overnight borrowing.

5. The RBI monitors WACR to gauge the effectiveness of its monetary policy tools and to ensure interest rates stay close to the policy repo rate.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in Bihar

1. Bihar has successfully concluded the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of its Electoral Rolls.

2. The SIR involves a house-to-house verification process to ensure the enrolment of all eligible citizens in the voter list.

3. The rationale behind SIR is rooted in Article 324 of the Constitution, which empowers the Election Commission of India (ECI) to register all eligible voters.

4. The legal framework governing this process includes Article 326 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

5. The significance of SIR lies in maintaining the integrity of the Electoral Roll (ER) to facilitate free and fair elections.

India’s Role and ICAO’s Functions in Global Civil Aviation Governance

1. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) established in 1944 under the Chicago Convention.

2. The Chicago Convention is an international treaty that laid the foundation for global civil aviation cooperation.

3. ICAO currently has 193 member states, and India is one of its founding members.

4. Recently, India has been re-elected to Part II of the ICAO Council, reflecting its ongoing active role in global civil aviation governance.

5. The ICAO Council is the organization's governing body responsible for implementing policies and standards.

6. The primary functions of ICAO include coordinating global standards for aviation safety, security, efficiency, and sustainability.

   • Aviation safety refers to measures to prevent accidents and protect passengers and crew.

   • Aviation security involves protecting civil aviation from unlawful interference such as terrorism.

   • Efficiency in aviation focuses on optimizing operations to reduce costs and environmental impact.

   • Sustainability aims to minimize the environmental footprint of air transport and promote greener technologies.

7. ICAO also facilitates a global air mobility network, which supports seamless international air transport.

8. This network promotes international trade, cultural exchange, tourism, and overall socio-economic growth worldwide.

RoDTEP Scheme Extended to March 2026 to Boost Indian Export Competitiveness

1. The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme has been extended till March 2026.

2. The RoDTEP Scheme was launched in January 2021 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

3. The primary objective of RoDTEP is to reimburse taxes, duties, and levies at the central, state, and local levels that are not refunded under any other mechanism.

4. This reimbursement helps reduce hidden costs in exports, which are expenses not visible upfront but increase the cost of products.

5. By reducing hidden costs, the scheme makes Indian exports more competitive in the global markets.

6. The scope of the RoDTEP Scheme covers taxes incurred during the manufacture and distribution of exported products.

7. These taxes include various levies paid at different stages of production and logistics, which otherwise remain non-refundable.

IISc Develops Siphon-Powered Thermal Desalination System for Affordable Clean Water

1. Scientists at IISc (Indian Institute of Science) have developed a siphon-powered thermal desalination system that converts seawater into clean drinking water.

2. The system uses a composite siphon, which is made of a fabric wick and a grooved metal surface.

3. The fabric wick draws salty water from a reservoir by capillary action, while gravity ensures a continuous flow that flushes away salt before it can crystallize.

4. Salt crystallization refers to the formation of solid salt deposits, which can block the system and reduce efficiency.

5. After being drawn by the siphon, the water spreads as a thin film over a heated metal surface, where it evaporates.

6. The evaporated water then condenses on a cooler surface placed just two millimeters away, allowing clean water collection.

7. The system is built using low-cost materials like aluminum and fabric, making it affordable and accessible.

8. It can operate entirely on solar power or waste heat, making it energy-efficient and sustainable.

9. This thermal desalination system is faster, cheaper, and more efficient compared to existing methods.

India Invokes MLAT with Singapore for Cross-Border Legal Assistance in Singer’s Death Case

1. The Centre recently invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore concerning a singer’s death.

2. The Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal authority responsible for MLAT in India.

3. MLAT is an agreement that provides procedures for cross-border legal assistance in criminal investigations, evidence collection, prosecution, and extradition.

4. Extradition is the formal process where one country surrenders a suspected or convicted criminal to another country.

5. India offers mutual legal assistance in criminal matters through bilateral treaties/agreements, multilateral treaties/agreements, international conventions, or based on assurance of reciprocity.

6. Assurance of reciprocity means that countries agree to help each other legally, expecting mutual cooperation in return.

7. India has signed MLATs with countries including Russia, USA, France, UAE, Afghanistan, and Turkey.

Immunologicals Launch India’s First DIVA Marker Vaccine Raksha-IBR to Combat Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis

1. Immunologicals have launched India’s first glycoprotein E (gE) deleted DIVA marker vaccine called Raksha-IBR against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR).

2. A DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) marker vaccine helps distinguish between vaccinated and naturally infected animals in disease control.

3. Raksha-IBR vaccine will help address problems like infertility, abortions, and reduced milk productivity caused by IBR in cattle.

4. Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) is a disease marked by acute inflammation of the upper respiratory tract in cattle.

5. The disease is caused by the bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), a virus affecting cattle health and productivity.

Centre Withdraws Approval for Animal Protein-Based Biostimulants Over Religious and Dietary Concerns

1. A biostimulant is a substance, microorganism, or mixture that promotes plant growth by stimulating natural physiological processes.

2. These natural physiological processes include improving nutrient uptake and efficiency in plants.

3. Biostimulants also enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought or heat.

4. Examples of biostimulants include humic acids, seaweed extracts, liquid manure composting, and beneficial bacteria and fungi.

5. Humic acids are organic compounds that improve soil fertility and plant growth.

6. Beneficial bacteria and fungi help plants by improving nutrient absorption and protecting against stress.

7. Biostimulants are officially recognized as distinct from fertilisers and insecticides.

8. Fertilisers provide nutrients directly, while insecticides protect plants from pests; biostimulants work by stimulating the plant’s natural processes instead.

9. Recently, the Centre withdrew approval for animal protein-based biostimulants due to concerns related to religious and dietary sensitivities.

10. This decision highlights the importance of considering cultural and dietary factors in agricultural product approvals.

India-Pakistan Dispute Intensifies Over Sir Creek Boundary and Military Build-up

1. Sir Creek is a 96-kilometer-long tidal estuary located between Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch and Pakistan.

2. It serves as a natural boundary separating Pakistan’s Sindh province from Gujarat’s Kutch region.

3. The creek is named after a British representative and extends into the Arabian Sea.

4. Recently, India criticized Pakistan for developing military infrastructure along the Sir Creek area.

5. The dispute over Sir Creek centers around how the boundary should be defined.

6. India claims its boundary in Sir Creek based on the Thalweg Principle, which is a method of setting boundaries along the midline of the navigable channel of a water body.

7. The Thalweg Principle means the boundary runs along the deepest or most navigable part of the waterway, often used in river boundary disputes.

8. Pakistan, however, argues that Sir Creek is not navigable, so the Thalweg Principle should not apply in this case.

9. Since 1947, India has maintained this position to determine the boundary in the Sir Creek area.

Exercise Pacific Reach 2025

1. India participated in Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 (XPR-25).

2. XPR-25 is a biennial multinational submarine rescue exercise featuring participation from over 40 nations.

3. The exercise is hosted by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

4. The Indian Navy’s Submarine Rescue Unit (East), embarked on INS Nistar, showcased professionalism at XPR-25.

5. At XPR-25, the unit achieved three successful matings with international submarines, demonstrating intervention and rescue capabilities.

6. Mating is the process where a rescue vehicle securely attaches to a disabled submarine for crew rescue.

7. XPR-25 was held from 15–25 September 2025 and consisted of two phases: shore phase (15–20 Sept) and sea phase (21–25 Sept), aimed at improving coordination and interoperability in submarine rescue.

8. Rescue units aboard MV Swift Rescue (RSN), JS Chiyoda (Japan), and INS Nistar (India) operated alongside submarines simulating Disabled Submarines (DISSUBs).

9. During the shore phase, India presented its Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) system philosophy and post-rescue medical preparedness.

10. The DSRV is a submersible designed to rescue crew from distressed submarines at depth.

11. On 23 September 2025, Indian DSRV Tiger X completed its maiden dive outside the Indian Ocean Region.

12. Tiger X achieved historic mating with the Republic of Korea Navy’s submarine Shin Dol-Seok (S-082) and later with RSN’s submarine RSS Invincible.

13. On 25 September, a coordinated rescue drill, the first-ever three-asset (R3) rescue in Pacific Reach history, was conducted.

14. INS Nistar led operations by localizing the distressed submarine’s position (datum) and coordinated with MV Swift Rescue and JS Chiyoda.

15. India’s ROV and DSRV were deployed rapidly, achieving mating within one hour, showcasing the Indian Navy’s rescue proficiency.

16. XPR-25 was a milestone in India’s submarine rescue capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to global submarine safety.

Union Home Minister Approves Phase-II of Urban Flood Risk Management Programme Covering 11 Cities

1. A High-Level Committee, chaired by the Union Home Minister, approved the Urban Flood Risk Management Programme Phase-II.

2. The programme Phase-II covers 11 cities across India for urban flood risk mitigation.

3. The funding pattern for the programme follows the cost-sharing model between the Centre and States as per National Disaster Management Fund (NDMF) guidelines.

4. Under this model, 90% of the funding comes from the Centre, and 10% is contributed by the respective States.

5. The 11 cities included in the programme are Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Jaipur, Kanpur, Patna, Raipur, Trivandrum, Vishakhapatnam, Indore, and Lucknow.

6. The programme involves both structural and non-structural measures for flood risk mitigation.

7. Structural measures include interlinking of water bodies to improve stormwater management.

8. Other structural activities involve the construction of flood protection walls to prevent water intrusion during floods.

9. Structural solutions also include erosion control and soil stabilization using Nature-Based Solutions (NBS).

10. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) refer to sustainable techniques that use natural processes to reduce flood risk and improve ecosystem health.

11. Non-structural measures include installing a Flood Early Warning System to provide timely alerts during potential flood events.

12. The programme also includes setting up a Data Acquisition System to collect real-time flood-related data.

13. Additionally, capacity building initiatives are part of the non-structural measures to strengthen local preparedness and response to floods.

Himachal Pradesh’s Snow Leopard Population Rises 62% by 2025

1. Himachal Pradesh’s snow leopard population has risen by 62%, increasing from 51 in 2021 to 83 in 2025.

2. The snow leopard, scientifically known as Panthera uncia, is an elusive big cat found across 12 countries in Asia, including India.

3. It is often called the "ghost of the mountains" due to its white-gray coat that acts as a natural camouflage in mountainous terrain.

4. In terms of conservation status, the snow leopard is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

5. It is listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which provides the highest level of protection against international trade.

6. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 of India, the snow leopard is protected under Schedule I, giving it the strongest legal protection in the country.

7. To conserve the snow leopard and its fragile habitat, India launched Project Snow Leopard in 2009.

8. Project Snow Leopard aims to promote habitat preservation, species protection, and community involvement in snow leopard conservation.

FPIs Sell ₹2.02 Trillion in Indian Markets in 2025 Amid Regulatory Framework on Reclassification

1. According to the National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL), Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) sold cash shares worth ₹2.02 trillion in the calendar year through October 1, 2025.

2. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) are foreign investors who invest in Indian financial markets, primarily through stocks and bonds, but do not have direct control over the companies.

3. FPIs can hold a maximum of 10% of an Indian company’s total paid-up equity capital, which is the amount of money a company receives from shareholders in exchange for shares.

4. If FPIs exceed this 10% limit, they must either divest the surplus shares by selling them off or reclassify themselves as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

5. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) involves direct ownership or control in a company, unlike portfolio investment, which is mainly for financial gains.

6. In 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a framework governing the reclassification of FPIs to FDI.

7. This framework prohibits reclassification in sectors where FDI is banned, such as chit funds and gambling.

8. Additionally, FPI investments from countries sharing land borders with India require government approvals under this framework.

9. Such reclassification also requires the concurrence of the Indian investee company, ensuring mutual agreement in the process

India’s First Private Sector Helicopter Final Assembly Line Set Up in Karnataka, H125 Production by 2027

1. India’s first helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) from the private sector is being set up in Kolar, Karnataka.

2. This assembly line is expected to roll out Indian-made H125 helicopters by 2027.

3. The aerospace company Airbus has partnered with Tata Advanced Systems to manufacture the H125 helicopter in India.

4. The H125 is a versatile, single-engine helicopter, meaning it operates with one engine.

5. It is a light multi-role helicopter, capable of performing various tasks such as transport, surveillance, and rescue.

6. The H125 can operate efficiently in high-and-hot conditions, referring to high altitudes and high temperatures.

7. It is also capable of functioning in extreme environments, making it suitable for challenging operational needs.

Deforestation Threatens Amazon’s ‘Flying Rivers,’ Worsening Droughts in Southwestern Region

1. A recent study warns that deforestation is negatively impacting the Amazon’s ‘flying rivers’, worsening droughts across the southwestern Amazon.

2. The term Amazon’s flying rivers refers to a natural phenomenon involving the aerial transport and recycling of moisture.

3. In this phenomenon, massive areas of water vapour flow across the Amazon basin.

4. This water vapour is generated by two main processes: evaporation from the Atlantic Ocean and evapotranspiration from the Amazon forest.

5. Evapotranspiration is defined as the combined process of water moving from the land surface to the atmosphere through evaporation (from soil and water bodies) and transpiration (release of water vapour from plants).

6. The moisture carried by the flying rivers is transported by steady inland trade winds that blow westward along the equator.

7. These flying rivers play a crucial role in regulating rainfall in the Amazon region, particularly near the Andes Mountains in northwestern South America.

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