Daily Current Affairs - 6th October 2025
- TPP
- Oct 6
- 12 min read
Preparing for UPSC 2026 or State PCS? This 6th October 2025 Current Affairs edition consolidates exam-relevant updates with GS linkages, Prelims facts, and Mains insights—spanning economy, environment, governance, and science & technology.
Key highlights include the inauguration of India’s first cooperative multi-feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Maharashtra supported by NCDC, and the Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme (CMRIS) under the National Critical Mineral Mission—enhancing circular economy capacity and mineral security.
Geography and environment updates cover the rising landslide threats in the Eastern Himalayas, NDMA’s landslide management strategy, and the overflowing Koshi River increasing flood risks in Bihar and Nepal.
Governance and economy sections feature the launch of the PM-SETU scheme to transform 1,000 ITIs into modern, industry-aligned hubs, and a draft National Policy on Camels aiming to reverse population decline and sustain pastoral livelihoods.
Use this crisp, structured brief to reinforce your Prelims 2026 recall and enrich Mains-ready analytical perspectives—integrating energy, environment, economy, and governance with The PRESS Pad.
Click Here to read the Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP).
India’s First Cooperative Multi-Feed Compressed Biogas Plant Inaugurated in Maharashtra |
India’s first cooperative multi-feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant has been inaugurated in Maharashtra.
This project has been developed with support from the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
NCDC, established in 1963, is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Cooperation.
NCDC works with the objective of promoting and developing farmer cooperatives in India.
The inaugurated plant will produce 12 tons of Compressed Biogas (CBG) daily.
It will also generate 75 tons of potash daily, using feedstock like jaggery and molasses.
Compressed Biogas (CBG) is a clean and renewable fuel, similar in properties and usage to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
CBG is produced by purifying and compressing raw biogas to make it suitable for use as fuel.
Raw biogas is obtained through anaerobic digestion, a process in which organic material is broken down by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen.
Common sources of raw biogas include agricultural residues, cattle dung, food waste, and other biomass and organic wastes.
Raw biogas typically contains 55–60% Methane (CH₄) and 35–40% Carbon dioxide (CO₂), along with impurities like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and water vapor.
The purification process removes CO₂, H₂S, and water vapor, raising methane content to over 90%.
After purification, the gas is compressed at 200–250 bar pressure to convert it into Compressed Biogas (CBG).
CBG usage helps reduce India’s dependence on imported natural gas and crude oil, thereby saving foreign exchange (forex).
It contributes to India’s energy security by offering a domestic, renewable fuel alternative.
CBG helps reduce pollution and carbon emissions, supporting India’s Panchamrit commitments on climate change.
Panchamrit refers to India’s five-point climate commitment announced at global climate summits to achieve net-zero emissions and enhance sustainability.
The production of CBG also promotes efficient waste management, aligning with the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
It creates additional income opportunities for farmers by utilizing agricultural and livestock waste.
It also generates rural employment, contributing to local economic development.
To promote CBG, the Government of India introduced the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018.
This policy emphasizes the promotion of advanced biofuels, including Compressed Biogas (CBG).
Another key initiative is the GOBAR-DHAN scheme (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan).
GOBAR-DHAN aims to convert cattle dung and solid farm waste into Bio-CNG (CBG) and compost.
The government also launched the SATAT initiative (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation).
The SATAT initiative focuses on setting up CBG plants across the country for large-scale CBG production.
Ministry of Mines Issues Guidelines for Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme (CMRIS) |
The Ministry of Mines has issued guidelines for the Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme (CMRIS).
CMRIS is a core component of the National Critical Mineral Mission.
The scheme is aimed at developing India’s critical mineral recycling capacity.
CMRIS will provide incentives to support the separation and extraction of critical minerals from waste materials.
The scheme targets building a 270 kiloton annual recycling capacity for critical minerals.
It also aims to produce 40 kiloton of critical minerals annually through recycling.
The scheme is expected to attract an estimated ₹8,000 crore in investments.
Incentives under CMRIS will be provided on a reimbursement basis.
For capital expenditure, reimbursement will be made post-investment.
For operational expenditure, incentives will be given after achieving a threshold incremental sale.
Capital expenditure refers to the funds used to acquire or upgrade physical assets such as recycling equipment and infrastructure.
Operational expenditure includes the ongoing costs of running the recycling operations.
The tenure of CMRIS is set for six financial years, starting from FY 2025–26.
The scheme will support recycling using e-waste, spent Lithium-ion Batteries (LiBs), and other scrap materials as feedstock.
Feedstock is the raw material used in a process—in this case, recyclable waste containing critical minerals.
The scheme is applicable to new investments, as well as for the expansion, modernization, or diversification of existing recycling units.
Recycling of critical minerals plays a vital role in ensuring supply security.
It creates a secondary supply source, reducing reliance on imported minerals or the development of new mines.
This enhances supply chain resilience, especially for mineral-importing countries like India.
Recycling is also critical for environmental sustainability.
Recycled energy transition minerals such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium generate on average 80% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to materials obtained from primary mining.
Energy transition minerals are minerals essential for clean energy technologies like batteries, solar panels, and electric vehicles.
The National Critical Mineral Mission is the overarching mission under which CMRIS is implemented.
The Ministry of Mines is the nodal ministry responsible for implementing this mission.
The mission period spans from FY 2024–25 to 2030–31.
The key objective of the mission is to secure both domestic and international sources of critical minerals.
It also aims to strengthen entire mineral value chains, including exploration, mining, processing, recycling, research and development, and human resource development.
The mission targets launching 1,200 domestic critical mineral exploration projects.
It also sets a recycling target of 400 kiloton of critical minerals.
The mission aims to facilitate the filing of 1,000 patents across the critical mineral value chain.
It will also support the establishment of three Centres of Excellence to drive innovation and skill development in the sector.
Rising Landslide Threats in the Eastern Himalayas |
Recently, massive landslides were reported in the Eastern Himalayan region.
These landslides were triggered by heavy rainfall in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal.
A landslide is defined as the mass movement of material such as rock, earth, or debris down a slope under the influence of gravity.
As per ISRO’s 2023 Landslide Atlas of India, around 12.6% of India’s land area is prone to landslide hazards.
Of this, over three-fourths of the vulnerable area lies in the Himalayan region alone.
The Himalayan region is more vulnerable to landslides due to a combination of natural and anthropogenic (human-made) causes.
Among natural causes, the tectonic and geological nature of the Himalayas is a major factor.
The Himalayas are young fold mountains formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
These mountains are made up of faulted and fractured rocks, making the region inherently unstable.
Monsoon rainfall, cloudbursts, and snowmelt lead to soil saturation, which reduces the stability of slopes.
Climate change has intensified extreme weather events, increasing the frequency and severity of landslides.
Additional natural factors include high seismic activity, steep terrain, poor drainage, and flash floods.
Anthropogenic causes further increase landslide risk in the Himalayas.
Unplanned construction activities such as road cutting and tunneling weaken natural slopes.
Other human-induced factors include mining, deforestation, urbanization, and encroachment, which disrupt natural drainage systems.
To manage landslide risks, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued specific Landslide Management Guidelines.
NDMA emphasizes Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, which involves identifying and mapping landslide- and snow avalanche-prone areas.
It promotes a Multi-Hazard Conceptualization, integrating landslide risks into broader risk assessment and response strategies.
The guidelines recommend setting up real-time monitoring and early warning systems in high-risk areas.
For effective response, the NDMA stresses on Emergency Preparedness and Response.
This involves coordination between scientists, engineers, local authorities, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and paramilitary forces.
Other key measures include Capacity Building and Training for professionals and responders.
NDMA also focuses on Public Awareness and Education to inform communities about landslide risks and precautions.
It advocates for a Disaster Knowledge Network to share data and research on landslide hazards.
Finally, the NDMA recommends establishing a Legal Framework to strengthen landslide hazard management across the country.
PM-SETU: Transforming Skilling Ecosystem Through Upgraded ITIs and Industry Partnerships |
The Prime Minister has launched the PM-SETU scheme—Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs.
The scheme will be implemented under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
PM-SETU is a centrally sponsored scheme with a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore.
The scheme aims to transform 1,000 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India.
These ITIs will be upgraded into modern, industry-aligned training institutions.
The implementation will follow a hub-and-spoke model, to ensure efficient coordination and outreach.
Under this model, 200 hub ITIs will be linked to 800 spoke ITIs.
Each hub ITI will be equipped with advanced infrastructure, innovation and incubation centres, production units, training of trainer (ToT) facilities, and placement services.
The spoke ITIs will serve to extend access and outreach to a wider population.
The scheme will introduce new, demand-driven courses that match current industry requirements.
It will also revamp existing courses in close collaboration with industry partners.
Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) will be created for managing ITI clusters.
These SPVs will be formed in partnership with credible Anchor Industry Partners.
Their role will be to ensure outcome-based training and efficient governance of the clusters.
PM-SETU will offer multiple learning pathways such as long-term diplomas, short-term courses, and executive programs.
It aims to cater to diverse skilling needs, from entry-level training to upskilling for experienced professionals.
The scheme will also strengthen five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) as Centres of Excellence.
These NSTIs are located in Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Hyderabad (Telangana), Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), and Ludhiana (Punjab).
These Centres of Excellence will be developed with support from global partnerships.
Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) have been the backbone of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in India since the 1950s.
They operate primarily under state governments, providing technical and vocational education to youth.
The accreditation and regulation of ITIs is managed by the Directorate General of Training (DGT).
The DGT functions as the apex body for vocational education under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.
Currently, India has around 15,034 functioning ITIs.
Of these, nearly 78% are privately owned, while the rest are government-operated.
Several key schemes have been implemented to strengthen ITIs and vocational training in India.
These include the Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) scheme.
Another is the Model ITI initiative, aimed at upgrading selected ITIs to model standards.
The Enhancing Skill Development Infrastructure in North Eastern States (ESDI) scheme focuses on infrastructure development in the northeast region.
Draft National Policy Seeks to Reverse Camel Population Decline and Promote Sustainable Livelihoods |
A Draft Policy Paper on Camels has been prepared by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
The policy has been developed in consultation with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The draft policy highlights a sharp decline of over 75% in India’s camel population since the 1970s.
Several drivers of this population decline have been identified in the draft.
One key driver is the decline in traditional economic utility of camels, reducing their demand.
Another factor is the loss of grazing lands, which restricts camel movement and nutrition.
Environmental stressors such as desertification, invasive plant species, and prolonged droughts further threaten their survival.
A restrictive legal framework also limits the traditional mobility and trade associated with camel herding.
In addition, underdeveloped markets for camel products discourage camel rearing.
In response, the draft proposes launching a National Camel Sustainability Initiative (NCSI).
The NCSI aims to support long-term conservation, economic viability, and welfare of camels.
It recommends securing traditional grazing rights for camel herders and nomadic communities.
It also proposes strengthening camel dairy value chains to boost income from camel milk and related products.
Revival of camel-based tourism is also suggested as a livelihood opportunity.
The policy emphasizes the need for veterinary support and genetic conservation programs to ensure camel health and breed preservation.
Camels, often called the "Ship of the Desert", are highly suited to dryland and arid ecosystems.
In India, 90% of camels are reared in Rajasthan and Gujarat, especially in desert and semi-arid regions.
Key pastoralist communities traditionally engaged in camel rearing include the Raika, Rabari, Fakirani Jat, and Manganiyar communities.
Camels are adapted to survive harsh desert conditions, often going days without water.
They can travel long distances and feed on thorny desert plants, making them ecologically sustainable.
A camel’s hump stores fat, not water, which is used for energy during food scarcity.
Camels store water in their blood cells, allowing them to survive in extreme dehydration.
Camels play a vital ecological role in fragile arid zones.
Their low water consumption, selective grazing, and soft-padded hooves help preserve vegetative diversity.
Camels also help prevent desertification by avoiding overgrazing.
Their dung enriches the soil in desert regions, promoting nutrient recycling.
India is home to several key camel breeds, mostly single-humped dromedary camels.
The Bikaneri breed (Rajasthan) is known for its strength and endurance, often used for cart pulling and heavy draught work.
The Jaisalmeri breed (Rajasthan) is tall and slender, known for its stamina and speed, and used in camel safaris in the Thar Desert.
The Mewari breed (Rajasthan) is recognized for its high milk yield.
The Kachchhi breed (Gujarat) is a strong draught animal used for ploughing and carting in the Rann of Kachchh.
The Kharai breed (Gujarat) is uniquely adapted to coastal and mangrove ecosystems and is also an excellent swimmer.
In addition to dromedary camels, India also has the double-humped Bactrian camel.
This breed is found exclusively in the high-altitude cold desert region of Ladakh.
KONKAN-25 Exercise |
Indian Navy and United Kingdom’s Royal Navy bilateral Exercise KONKAN-25 commenced off India’s western coast.
This is first joint exercise between both countries involving UK carrier strike group – HMS Prince of Wales, and India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
Arunachal Pradesh Opens First Commercial Coal Mine, Marking New Era in Private Sector Mining |
The first commercial coal mine in Arunachal Pradesh has been inaugurated at the Namchik-Namphuk coal block.
The Government of India opened up commercial coal mining to the private sector in 2018.
This move ended the monopoly of state-owned Coal India Limited (CIL) over commercial coal production.
Before 2018, the private sector was allowed to mine coal only for captive use.
Captive use refers to coal mined for use in the private company’s own industrial processes, not for sale in the open market.
The introduction of commercial coal mining for private players aims to promote transparent coal pricing.
It also seeks to establish a competitive marketplace with multiple producers, reducing reliance on a single supplier.
This is expected to drive efficiency, improve coal availability, and reduce prices for end consumers.
BRO’s Project Himank Builds World’s Highest Motorable Road at Mig La Pass |
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Himank has constructed the world’s highest motorable road at Mig La Pass.
Project Himank was initiated by the BRO in 1985.
The main objective of Project Himank is the development of road communication infrastructure in the Ladakh region.
Mig La Pass is situated at an altitude of 19,400 feet above sea level in the Ladakh region.
This road forms a critical link in the Likaru-Mig La-Fukche axis.
The axis connects to the Fukche airfield, which is near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
The Line of Actual Control refers to the de facto border between India and China in the region.
Mig La Pass is located on the Changthang Plateau, a high-altitude plateau in Ladakh.
NATPOLREX-X |
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) begins the 10th edition of the National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-X).
NATPOLREX is a biennial flagship exercise which aims to evaluate and enhance India’s national preparedness to respond to marine oil spill incidents.
Overflowing Koshi River Raises Flood and Landslide Risks in Bihar and Nepal Amid Monsoon Challenges |
The overflowing Koshi River has increased the risk of floods and landslides in both Bihar (India) and Nepal.
The Koshi River, also spelled Kosi, is a transboundary river, meaning it flows through more than one country.
It originates in Tibet (China) and is formed by the confluence of three rivers: Sun Kosi, Arun Kosi, and Tamur Kosi.
After originating, the river flows through Nepal and then enters India.
The Koshi is one of the major tributaries of the Ganga River, joining it in Bihar.
A tributary is a river or stream that flows into a larger river.
The Koshi River is often called the “Sorrow of Bihar” because of its history of causing large floods and destruction.
The Koshi catchment area includes important peaks like Mount Everest and Kangchenjunga.
A catchment or drainage basin is the area from which rainfall flows into a river.
Major tributaries of the Koshi include the Kamla and Bagmati rivers.
Philippines Launches Coral Larvae Cryobank to Safeguard Biodiversity in the Coral Triangle |
The Philippines has launched a coral larvae cryobank to preserve reef biodiversity.
The cryobank works by freezing coral ‘seeds’ (larvae) for future restoration and scientific research.
This project is part of a larger regional initiative to create a network of cryobanks across the Coral Triangle.
The Coral Triangle is often called the “Amazon of the Seas” due to its vast biodiversity.
It covers a marine region of 5.7 million square kilometers spanning across Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste.
The Coral Triangle is the world’s richest marine biodiversity hotspot.
It contains over 75% of the world’s coral species.
The region also hosts one-third of all reef fish species.
Additionally, it includes vast mangrove forests, which are crucial coastal ecosystems.
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