Daily Current Affairs - 30th September 2025
- TPP
- Sep 30
- 16 min read
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USA's 20-Point Peace Plan to End the Israel-Gaza Conflict |
The USA has released a 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
One of the key highlights of the plan is deradicalisation of Gaza.
Deradicalisation means transforming Gaza into a terror-free zone, eliminating militant influences.
The plan calls for the suspension of all military operations on both sides.
It promotes the launch of an interfaith dialogue based on tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Interfaith dialogue refers to communication between religious communities to build understanding and peace.
The plan ensures sovereignty for Gaza, stating there will be no Israeli occupation or annexation.
Sovereignty implies self-governance without foreign military or administrative control.
It proposes the establishment of a special economic zone in Gaza to boost local development.
There is a commitment to a comprehensive reconstruction plan to rebuild Gaza’s infrastructure.
The plan also emphasizes non-displacement, ensuring no forced eviction of Gaza residents.
Ongoing Israel-Gaza Conflict
The recent escalation in the Israel-Gaza conflict has been ongoing for over two years.
It began with Hamas' Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, a major attack launched against Israel.
However, the roots of the conflict trace back over a century, long before the recent violence.
Historical Context of the Conflict
In 1917, the Balfour Declaration was issued by Britain, supporting the creation of a Jewish national home in Palestine.
This led to growing tensions, as Jews were a minority while Arabs formed the majority in Palestine.
In 1947, the United Nations proposed partitioning Palestine between Arabs and Jews.
Following this, Jews declared the independence of Israel in 1948.
Arab states rejected the UN plan, which triggered multiple Arab-Israeli wars.
During the 1967 Middle East War, also known as the Six-Day War, Israel took control of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.
This brought about one million Palestinians under Israeli control, drastically changing the region's demography.
In 1973, the Yom Kippur War (known to Arabs as the Ramadan War) further escalated tensions.
The war led to the Camp David Accords in 1978, which marked a diplomatic breakthrough.
The Camp David Accords resulted in Egypt becoming the first Arab country to recognize Israel.
In return, Israel withdrew from the Sinai Peninsula in 1979.
Despite this, Israel continues to maintain overall control of the West Bank.
10 Years of Adopting UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) |
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in September 2015.
These are also known as the Global Goals.
The SDGs were launched as a universal call to action to address global challenges.
Their primary aim is to end poverty, improve health, promote education, and ensure sustainable development by 2030.
The concept of sustainable development was defined in the 1987 Brundtland Commission Report.
It refers to development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
The SDGs consist of 17 global goals.
These are further broken down into 169 specific targets.
The goals focus on balancing social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
How India Integrated SDGs into its Development Planning
India has taken multiple institutional and policy steps to mainstream SDGs into national development.
India pioneered the SDG India Index, which ranks states and union territories.
This index uses publicly available data to assess performance.
It encourages competitive federalism, driving improvement through inter-state competition.
India also focused on localizing SDGs through the Panchayat Advancement Index.
This index is being used by over 250,000 village councils (Gram Panchayats).
India has institutionalized the SDGs by linking them with state budgets.
Several Indian states have mapped billions of dollars in their budgets to specific SDG targets.
India runs specific programs such as the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) to uplift backward regions.
The ADP follows a "whole-of-society" approach, involving all stakeholders for inclusive development.
India has also engaged civil society, academia, and the private sector in SDG monitoring and implementation.
This engagement has been demonstrated through three rounds of Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) submitted to the UN.
India’s Progress in Achieving Some Key SDGs
Under SDG 1 (No Poverty), over 135 million people in India have moved out of multidimensional poverty.
Multidimensional poverty includes deprivations in health, education, and standard of living, not just income.
Under SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), the prevalence of undernourishment in India currently stands at 13.7%.
Under SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), India’s maternal mortality ratio has declined significantly.
The maternal mortality ratio dropped from 130 (per 100,000 live births) in 2014-16 to 80.5.
Under SDG 4 (Quality Education), India’s net primary enrollment rate has reached 99.9%.
NCRB Releases Crime in India 2023 Report |
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released the Crime in India 2023 report.
This report presents detailed statistics on crimes across the country for the year 2023, compared to 2022.
Key Findings: Overall Crime Trends
In 2023, 6.24 million crime cases were registered across India.
This marks a 7.2% rise in total registered crimes compared to 2022.
The crime rate increased to 448.3 per lakh population, up from 422.2 in 2022.
On average, India witnessed one crime every five seconds in 2023.
Changing Crime Patterns in India
There has been a noticeable decline in traditional violent crimes such as rape and dowry deaths.
At the same time, cybercrimes and urban crimes have shown a significant surge.
Cybercrime rose by 31.2% in 2023, indicating growing threats in the digital space.
A majority of cybercrime cases were related to fraud, reflecting risks from rapid digitalization without sufficient cyber hygiene.
Cyber hygiene refers to practices and steps taken by users to ensure the safe and secure handling of data and devices.
Metropolitan cities experienced a 10.6% rise in crime, which highlights growing urban pressures and improved crime reporting systems.
Among metros, Delhi reported the highest number of crime cases in 2023.
Crime Against Vulnerable Sections
Crimes against women rose marginally by 0.7% in 2023.
Domestic cruelty by husband or relatives accounted for 29.8% of crimes against women, underscoring persistent patriarchal structures.
Crimes against Scheduled Castes (SCs) increased marginally in 2023.
However, crimes against Scheduled Tribes (STs) surged by 28.8%.
This spike was largely driven by ethnic conflicts in states like Manipur.
Crimes against children rose by 9.2% during the year.
A large number of these crimes were reported under POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act), showing both increased vulnerability and improved legal reporting.
POCSO Act is a comprehensive law to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
About NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau)
The NCRB was established in 1986.
Its creation was based on recommendations of the Tandon Committee, National Police Commission (1977–1981), and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Task Force (1985).
It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
NCRB serves as the central repository of crime and criminal data in India.
It aids investigators by providing data and analytical support for solving crimes.
It coordinates the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS).
CCTNS is a nationwide online system for effective policing and crime control.
NCRB also publishes three key national reports: Crime in India, Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India, and Prison Statistics in India.
NCRB’s Prison Statistics India (PSI) 2023 Report |
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released the Prison Statistics India (PSI) 2023 report.
The report reveals that India’s correctional facilities are under chronic distress.
It underlines the urgent need for governance reforms in the prison system.
Major Issues in India’s Prison System
Chronic overcrowding remains a critical issue, with a national prison occupancy rate of 120.8%.
Occupancy rate refers to the number of inmates housed compared to the sanctioned prison capacity.
A major concern is the undertrial crisis, with undertrial prisoners forming 73.5% of the prison population.
Undertrial prisoners are those who have been arrested and are awaiting trial but not yet convicted.
This disproportionately high share reflects persistent delays in the judicial process.
The report highlights rising cases of unnatural custodial deaths, especially due to suicides.
These deaths point to neglect of inmates’ mental health and psychological well-being.
Women inmates, who constitute 4.1% of the total prison population, face inadequate gender-sensitive facilities.
They also suffer from limited hygiene access and insufficient medical care, making them particularly vulnerable.
Initiatives Undertaken for Prison Reforms
The Model Prison and Correctional Services Act, 2023 has been introduced to modernize the prison framework.
This Act shifts focus from a colonial punitive system to a reformative, rehabilitative, and rights-based model.
The Undertrial Review Committees (URCs) were established at the district level by the Supreme Court.
These committees periodically review undertrial cases to recommend release or bail, easing prison burden.
The E-Prisons Project is a centralized digital platform for maintaining real-time prisoner records.
It enhances transparency, efficiency, and monitoring of prison operations across states.
The FASTER system (Fast and Secured Transmission of Electronic Records) was launched by the Supreme Court.
FASTER enables quick electronic delivery of bail and court orders, reducing delays in prisoner release.
Way Forward: Recommendations of Justice Amitava Roy Committee
The Committee recommended the establishment of special fast-track courts for petty offenses and cases pending for over 5 years.
It emphasized the use of video conferencing for court appearances of senior citizens and sick prisoners.
The Committee called for gender-sensitive reforms within the prison system.
It recommended the creation of exclusive women’s prisons and dedicated medical wards for female inmates.
It also advised the formulation of welfare schemes for transgender prisoners to ensure inclusivity.
The Committee stressed on the mandatory segregation of undertrials, convicts, and first-time offenders within prisons.
Such segregation is vital to reduce violence and promote individualized reform efforts.
India Highlights Dairy & Livestock Leadership at FAO Global Conference, Rome |
India’s Union Minister addressed the FAO Global Conference in Rome, showcasing India’s leadership in the dairy and livestock sector.
The minister emphasized farmer-centric initiatives, technological innovations, and policy transformations driving inclusive growth in the sector.
Status of Livestock & Dairy Sector in India
The livestock sector contributes 31% to India’s agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA).
It also contributes 5.5% to the national economy, signifying its macroeconomic relevance.
India holds the world's largest livestock population.
India ranks 1st in global milk production, 2nd in egg production, and 5th in meat production.
Nearly two-thirds of rural households in India derive livelihoods from livestock activities.
Key Concerns in the Livestock Sector
India has only 5% of its cultivable land under fodder production, despite hosting 15% of the world’s livestock.
This leads to a critical feed and fodder shortage, affecting animal health and productivity.
Only 1% of livestock in India is insured, exposing farmers to economic vulnerability in case of loss.
The sector suffers economic losses due to animal diseases like Hemorrhagic Septicemia, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), and Brucellosis.
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease (transmittable from animals to humans), causing reduced fertility and milk production.
India ranks 4th in the world for antibiotic use in animals, raising concerns about Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR).
Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) refers to the reduced effectiveness of antibiotics due to overuse, which is a public health risk.
Other challenges include underutilization of allocated funds, low productivity of indigenous breeds, and inefficient supply chains.
Way Forward for the Livestock Sector
Experts recommend declaring livestock as a Special Sector to ensure targeted investments and focused policy support.
There is a need to promote Livestock-based Integrated Farming Systems (IFS).
IFS integrates crop cultivation, livestock rearing, and other farm-based activities to maximize income and sustainability.
There is a push for Breed Improvement Programmes that include state-dominant indigenous breeds.
This would prevent the replacement of local breeds by high-yielding but non-native species, preserving genetic diversity.
Recommendations also include establishing a National Fodder Mission to tackle feed shortages.
Expanding Livestock Insurance coverage is essential to protect farmers from financial shocks.
India’s Key Initiatives for the Livestock Sector
The Rashtriya Gokul Mission aims to conserve and upgrade indigenous cattle breeds through selective breeding programs.
India runs an extensive Livestock Vaccination Programme, administering over 1.2 billion doses annually to prevent disease outbreaks.
The Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) is a USD 3.5 billion fund supporting investments in dairy, breeding, feed plants, and meat processing units.
MAITRIs (Multipurpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India) are trained local individuals providing breeding services at the village level.
The A-HELP (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) initiative empowers rural women to assist in animal health service delivery.
Red Sanders Conservation: Funding Sanctioned under ABS Mechanism |
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has sanctioned funding for Red Sanders conservation.
This funding is sourced from the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism.
The fund will be used to raise one lakh Red Sanders saplings in Andhra Pradesh.
These saplings will be distributed to farmers to promote conservation through community participation.
About the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Mechanism in India
The concept of ABS originates from the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992.
It is further detailed in the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing, 2010.
ABS mechanism aims to regulate access to biological resources and ensure fair and equitable benefit sharing.
It ensures benefits are shared between users (like industries) and providers (like local communities) of biological resources.
India enacted the Biological Diversity (BD) Act, 2002 to implement CBD commitments.
The BD Act promotes conservation of biodiversity, its sustainable use, and fair sharing of benefits.
India follows a three-tier implementation structure for ABS under the BD Act.
At the central level, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) manages ABS and policy decisions. (Headquartered in Chennai)
At the state level, State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) implement ABS in accordance with state priorities.
At the local level, Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) involve local communities in resource governance.
These statutory bodies manage permissions for access, benefit-sharing terms, and resource use compliance.
Notable ABS Implementation Example: Kani Tribe, Kerala
The Kani tribe in Kerala possessed traditional knowledge of a medicinal plant called Arogyapacha.
This plant was used to develop a drug named 'Jeevani'.
A benefit-sharing agreement was signed, ensuring royalty payments to the Kani community.
This model is widely cited as a successful case of ABS in practice.
About Red Sanders (Red Sandalwood)
Red Sanders is a tree species native to the Southern Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh.
It typically grows in dry deciduous forests at altitudes between 150 to 900 meters.
Red Sanders is used in fine furniture, musical instruments, and Ayurvedic medicine.
It also yields a natural red dye, making it commercially valuable.
Conservation Status and Threats to Red Sanders
On the IUCN Red List, Red Sanders is classified as Endangered.
It is listed in Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
In India, it is protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The species faces major threats from illegal logging and smuggling due to its high market value.
India–Bhutan Cross-Border Railway Projects |
India has announced the launch of two new cross-border railway projects to improve connectivity with Bhutan.
The first project is a 69-kilometre railway line connecting Kokrajhar (Assam) in India to Gelephu in Bhutan.
The second is a 20-kilometre railway line connecting Banarhat (West Bengal) to Samtse in Bhutan.
Strategic Significance of the Projects
These railway links aim to strengthen regional connectivity and integration between India and Bhutan.
The Kokrajhar–Gelephu line will enhance access to Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) in Bhutan.
Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is a planned Special Administrative Region (SAR) in Bhutan.
A Special Administrative Region (SAR) is a zone that enjoys higher administrative and economic autonomy, similar to the "One Country, Two Systems" model.
The GMC project is designed to promote sustainable economic development through eco-conscious urban planning.
Improved connectivity to GMC opens new trade, investment, and tourism opportunities for both India and Bhutan.
The Banarhat–Samtse line connects to Samtse, a major industrial town in Bhutan.
This railway line will facilitate the export of minerals like dolomite and quartzite from Bhutan to India and beyond.
Dolomite and quartzite are important industrial minerals used in construction, steel, and glass industries.
These links will reduce transport costs and time, making cross-border trade more efficient.
India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly 80% of Bhutan's total trade volume.
Improved infrastructure will further consolidate India’s position as Bhutan’s key economic and strategic partner.
Bathukamma Festival |
The Bathukamma Festival celebrations in Telangana have recently set two Guinness World Records.
These records reflect the cultural vibrancy, mass participation, and unique traditions of the festival.
About Bathukamma Festival
Bathukamma is a floral festival primarily celebrated by women in Telangana and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
The festival is observed annually for nine days during the Durga Navratri period.
During the festival, women prepare Bathukamma, which is a traditional art form of flower arrangement.
These arrangements are made using seasonal flowers, many of which have medicinal properties.
The word "Bathukamma" in Telugu means “come back to life, Mother.”
The festival is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, symbolizing life, fertility, and womanhood.
Women participate by singing folk songs, dancing around the Bathukamma, and immersing it in water bodies on the final day.
Bathukamma Festival has been officially declared as the State Festival of Telangana.
It holds both religious significance and serves as a celebration of nature, health, and community bonding.
Sahyog Portal and Legal Challenge by X (formerly Twitter) |
X (formerly Twitter) has decided to appeal the Karnataka High Court’s judgement upholding the validity of the Sahyog Portal.
The platform is challenging the court’s decision that endorsed government use of the portal for legal communication and content takedown.
About the Sahyog Portal
The Sahyog Portal is a government digital platform developed to streamline legal notice communication with online intermediaries.
Its core objective is to automate the process of sending notices to online platforms and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
These notices are issued for the removal or disabling of access to unlawful digital content.
The portal ensures that notices are delivered swiftly and securely to the respective intermediary platforms.
Institutional and Legal Framework
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is the nodal agency responsible for operating and overseeing the Sahyog Portal.
The portal operates under the legal backing of Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000.
Section 79(3)(b) allows the government to direct intermediaries to take down or disable access to content that is unlawful once they receive actual knowledge via notice.
This legal provision is part of broader efforts to regulate digital content and ensure compliance with Indian cyber laws.
Significance and Utility of the Sahyog Portal
The Sahyog Portal provides a centralized coordination platform for multiple authorized government agencies.
It enables these agencies to interact in real-time with digital intermediaries, ensuring quick redressal of cyber-enabled unlawful activities.
The platform significantly enhances digital governance, cybersecurity, and transparency in legal enforcement.
It also reduces the administrative burden by eliminating manual processes in the legal takedown mechanism.
India’s Push to Extract Gold from Gold Tailings |
India is exploring innovative methods to increase domestic gold production by extracting gold from gold tailings.
This move aims to tap into unrecovered metal deposits left over from earlier gold extraction processes.
What are Gold Tailings?
Gold tailings refer to the fine, slurry waste left behind after the initial extraction of gold from ore.
These tailings often contain unrecovered gold and other metals, making them a potential secondary source.
Tailings also include hazardous chemicals used during processing, such as cyanide and mercury.
One of the key environmental hazards is Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), where sulfide minerals in tailings react with water and air to form sulfuric acid.
Tailings can also lead to leaching of heavy metals, such as arsenic and lead, into the soil and groundwater.
Another serious concern is the risk of Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) failures, which can cause catastrophic environmental disasters.
India’s Current Status in Gold
In Financial Year 2024–25, India’s domestic gold production was recorded at 1.62 tonnes.
This level of production is low relative to India’s demand, prompting exploration of tailings as an alternate source.
As of 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) held approximately 880 tonnes of official gold reserves.
This makes India the 7th largest holder of official gold reserves globally.
India is also the world’s second-largest gold consumer after China.
The high domestic demand, coupled with low production, has led to a heavy reliance on gold imports.
Northern White Rhino and The Resurrection Quest Docu-series |
The Mumbai-based docu-series The Resurrection Quest won the prestigious Gold Dolphin Award at the 16th Cannes Corporate Media and TV Awards.
The series captures several critical conservation events, including the Northern White Rhino IVF efforts.
About the Northern White Rhino
The Northern White Rhino is a subspecies of the white rhinoceros, which was once widespread across Central Africa.
This subspecies is known for its massive size, a broad mouth adapted for grazing, and two prominent horns.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is classified as Critically Endangered, and possibly extinct in the wild.
Only two females, Najin and Fatu, remain alive today, both residing in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.
The last known male, Sudan, died in 2018, marking the end of natural breeding prospects and confirming the subspecies’ functional extinction.
Conservation Efforts
Conservationists are now focusing on advanced reproductive technologies such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
IVF involves fertilizing eggs outside the body, using cryopreserved (frozen) sperm from deceased males.
The plan includes using Southern White Rhino mothers as surrogates to carry Northern White Rhino embryos to term.
Postal Ballot and Counting Procedure |
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI) notification, the penultimate round of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) counting will begin only after the complete counting of postal ballots.
About Postal Ballot
The postal ballot allows voters to cast their votes electronically without physically visiting polling stations.
This system provides convenience and ensures wider voter participation, especially for those unable to be present in person.
Legal Framework Governing Postal Ballots
Postal ballots are governed under the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 and
the Representation of People Act, 1951.
Eligibility Criteria for Postal Ballot Voting
Postal ballots are available to service voters, special voters, absentee voters, persons under preventive detention, and election duty personnel.
Service voters include members of the Armed Forces, central armed police forces, and government servants posted abroad.
Special voters comprise high-ranking officials like the President, Vice President, Governors, Cabinet Ministers, other dignitaries, and their spouses.
Absentee voters include seniors above 85 years, persons with disabilities, and others unable to vote in person.
Wassenaar Arrangement and Its Challenges |
Some experts believe the Wassenaar Arrangement is failing to adequately regulate modern technology transfers such as cloud services and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).
About Wassenaar Arrangement
The Wassenaar Arrangement is a multilateral export control regime established in 1996 at Wassenaar, Netherlands.
Its primary purpose is to promote transparency and responsibility in the transfer of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies.
Membership and Control Lists
The arrangement currently comprises 42 participating states worldwide.
It maintains two main control lists: the Munitions List, which covers conventional arms, and the Dual-Use Goods and Technologies List, which covers sensitive technologies having both civilian and military applications.
India became a member of the Wassenaar Arrangement in 2017.
Anant Shastra air defence system |
The Indian Army has awarded a contract to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the development and supply of the Anant Shastra air defence system.
Anant Shastra is an indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system designed for rapid response against aerial threats.
The system is developed by DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
It is highly mobile and agile, with a missile range of approximately 30 kilometers.
The system is designed to work alongside other air defence systems such as MR-SAM, Akash, Spyder, and Sudarshan S-400 for integrated defence coverage.
Upon approval, the Anant Shastra system will be deployed along India’s western and northern borders to enhance air defence capabilities.
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