Daily GK Update- 3rd Oct, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Kondareddypally Becomes India’s Second Fully Solar-Powered Village: Kondareddypally in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana has become the second fully solar-powered village in India, covering 514 houses and 11 government buildings under the state’s green energy mission.480 houses are equipped with 3 KW rooftop solar panels, while schools and government buildings use 60 KW solar units, generating 360 units of power per month per house, ensuring uninterrupted electricity and eliminating bills.The project, costing approximately ₹10.53 crore, was funded through a combination of Central Government subsidy (₹3.56 crore), CSR contributions (₹4.09 crore), and state infrastructure investment (₹2.59 crore), with the village earning revenue by supplying surplus energy to the grid.

 

2. Kishtwar in J&K Selected as Aspirational Agricultural District Under PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: Kishtwar district in Jammu & Kashmir has been selected as an aspirational agricultural district under the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, aiming to boost agriculture in remote areas.

The initiative is part of the government’s plan to develop 100 Aspirational Agricultural Districts over six years, announced in the Union Budget 2025-26.Aspirational districts were identified based on low crop productivity, low cropping intensity, and limited short-term credit disbursement, encouraging Agri-Entrepreneurs and enhancing agricultural development.

 

3. Asheesh Pandey Named MD & CEO of Union Bank, Kalyan Kumar to Lead Central Bank of India for 3 Years: The government has appointed Asheesh Pandey as MD & CEO of Union Bank of India and Kalyan Kumar as MD & CEO of Central Bank of India for three years.Pandey, currently Executive Director at Bank of Maharashtra, will lead UBI, while Kumar, ED at Punjab National Bank, will succeed M. V. Rao at CBI after his retirement in July.The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB), headed by Bhanu Pratap Sharma, recommended both appointments, later approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Navi Mumbai International Airport Secures DGCA Licence: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) received its Aerodrome Licence from DGCA, a crucial step ahead of its inauguration by PM Narendra Modi on October 8, 2025, enabling it to commence operations.The licence allows NMIA to function as a regular place for landings and departures, with regulatory conditions under the Aircraft Act 1934 and Aircraft Rules 1937, and is non-transferable.In its first phase, NMIA will handle 20 million passengers and 500,000 metric tonnes of cargo annually, with full capacity projected at 90 million passengers and 3.2 million metric tonnes of cargo, easing congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport.

 

2. ICC and UNICEF Launch “Promise to Children” Campaign to Promote Equal Opportunities for Kids: The International Cricket Council (ICC) and UNICEF launched the Promise to Children digital campaign during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, promoting equal opportunities for all children, especially the most vulnerable.Supported by UNICEF National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana and Indian women’s cricket team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, the campaign focuses on children’s rights, including education, healthcare, nutrition, safe water, sanitation, and protection from violence.The initiative aims to engage the entire cricketing community—from players and coaches to fans—to improve children’s lives and ensure they are healthy, educated, and able to play.

 

3. 1 October – International Day of Older Persons: International Day of Older Persons is observed annually on October 1 to honor the contributions of older individuals and raise awareness about the challenges they face.The United Nations 2025 theme is: “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights”, highlighting the active role of elderly in society.In India, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment celebrated the day under the theme “Ageing with Dignity”, promoting welfare programs and a dignified ecosystem for senior citizens

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India’s First Private Helicopter Line Launched by Airbus and Tata: India is set to establish its first helicopter final assembly line in the private sector at Vemagal, Kolar district, Karnataka. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will build the Airbus H125 helicopters here. This initiative aims to boost India’s aerospace capabilities and meet defence and civil aviation needs. The assembly line will produce the ‘Made in India’ H125 helicopters. These helicopters are designed for diverse uses including civil operations and para-public services. A key focus is on supporting the Indian armed forces, especially in the Himalayan region where light multi-role helicopters are vital for operations in challenging icy terrains. Plans include manufacturing a military version called the H125M. This variant will incorporate high levels of indigenous components and technologies. The assembly line will strengthen India’s defence manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports. The first helicopter from this facility is expected to be delivered by early 2027.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sergio Busquets Announces Retirement from Soccer: Sergio Busquets, the legendary Spanish midfielder, announced his retirement from soccer at the end of the 2025 season with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.Widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation, Busquets was a key part of Barcelona’s iconic midfield alongside Xavi Hernández and Andres Iniesta, supporting stars like Lionel Messi.Making his Barcelona debut in 2008 under Pep Guardiola, Busquets played 722 matches, won 9 La Liga titles and 3 Champions League trophies, ranking third in club appearances behind Xavi and Messi.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. RITES Signs MoU With Etihad Rail to Boost Mobility Collaboration: RITES Limited, India’s leading transport infrastructure consultancy and engineering firm, signed an MoU with Etihad Rail to enhance collaboration in the mobility and transport infrastructure sector across the UAE and international markets, formalized at the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi.The partnership will combine RITES’ 50 years of expertise in consultancy and engineering with NICC LLC’s execution capabilities to develop infrastructure projects and expand RITES’ international presence under its RITES Videsh initiative.At the Indian Pavilion, RITES, along with IRCON and DFCCIL, showcased transport consultancy, rail system design, project management, and sustainable mobility solutions, highlighting Indian Railways’ sustainability initiatives and Net Zero mission.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IIFT Launches International Trade Negotiations Program to Strengthen India’s Global Trade Engagement: The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), through its Centre for International Negotiations (CIN), launched the International Trade Negotiations Program for officials of the Department of Commerce.The program aims to enhance the negotiation skills of government officials to strengthen India’s global trade engagement.Expert-led sessions will cover key topics in international trade, providing participants with a unique and practical learning experience.

 

2. Moody’s Affirms India’s Baa3 Rating with Stable Outlook: Moody’s affirmed India’s long-term local and foreign-currency issuer ratings at Baa3 with a ‘Stable’ outlook, citing robust economic growth, a sound external position, and a stable domestic financing base.While India’s credit strengths provide resilience against external shocks, fiscal weaknesses persist, with high government debt and measures to boost private consumption limiting improvement in debt affordability.India’s long-term local-currency bond ceiling remains A2 and foreign-currency bond ceiling remains A3, reflecting modest external imbalances and limited external indebtedness.

 

Daily GK Update- 2nd Oct, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone for ₹42,000 Crore Mahi Banswara Atomic Power Project in Rajasthan: PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the ₹42,000 crore Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP) in Banswara, Rajasthan, which will be among India’s largest nuclear plants.The project includes four indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (IPHWR 700) developed by NPCIL, with advanced safety features under India’s “fleet mode” initiative.MBRAPP is being developed jointly by Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam (ASHVINI), NPCIL (51%) and NTPC (49%), combining financial, technological, and project expertise.The project will provide clean, reliable power, generate large-scale employment, boost local industries, and contribute to Atmanirbhar Bharat while fostering economic growth in Rajasthan and India.

 

2. Tally Solutions Partners with Indian Bank to Enable Seamless E-Payments for SMEs via TallyPrime: Tally Solutions has partnered with Indian Bank to integrate e-payment capabilities into the bank’s IND Cash Optima platform for businesses using TallyPrime.The integration allows users to initiate and manage payments directly from TallyPrime, automatically importing payment references like UTR numbers and updating transaction status for error-free reconciliation.The collaboration is expected to benefit SMEs and MSMEs by combining accounting and banking functions, enabling digital financial operations on a single cohesive platform.Executives from Tally and Indian Bank highlighted that the partnership will save time on payments and reconciliation, improve accuracy, convenience, and drive digital adoption among MSMEs.

 

3. Union Home Ministry Cancels FCRA Registration of Sonam Wangchuk’s SECMOL Amid Ladakh Unrest: The Union Home Ministry cancelled the FCRA registration of SECMOL, an organisation founded by Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, citing multiple alleged violations of the Act.The move follows unrest in Leh, Ladakh, during protests for Statehood and tribal status, with the Ministry alleging that “a mob guided by Sonam Wangchuk’s provocative statements” contributed to the violence.Specific violations included ₹3.5 lakh from the sale of an old bus misclassified as foreign donation, inadvertent deposits of local funds, acceptance of foreign contributions for sensitive studies, and poor financial recordkeeping.The CBI is also investigating suspected FCRA violations by Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), another institution founded by Wangchuk, though no formal case has been registered.

 

4. Kanad Das Appointed as 13th Director of Botanical Survey of India: Kanad Das took charge as the 13th Director of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), becoming the first mycologist to lead the institute under MoEFCC.He is an expert in fungal taxonomy and has discovered two new genera and 165 new species of wild mushrooms in India.His research contributions include 170 papers in reputed journals and eight authoritative books on wild mushrooms.With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Das began his career at BSI and has previously headed the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden and Central National Herbarium.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Amul MD Jayen Mehta Joins IBEF Board as Brand India Expands Global Footprint: Jayen Mehta, MD of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Amul), has been nominated to the board of the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), which promotes Brand India globally.Amul has recently expanded internationally, debuting in the US market and entering Europe in June 2025 through a partnership with Spanish cooperative COVAP, supported by a viral animated campaign.

 

2. 29 September – International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction: International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction is observed on 29 September each year to highlight the global issue of food loss and waste.The day aims to raise awareness about the environmental, economic, and social impacts of wasting food and encourages responsible consumption.It focuses on reducing food loss during production, storage, and transportation as well as food waste at retail and consumer levels, aligning with SDG 12.3.

Activities include campaigns, workshops, and educational initiatives by governments, NGOs, and businesses to promote sustainable food management and minimize waste.

 

3. 30 September – International Translation Day: International Translation Day is observed every year on 30 September to celebrate the work of translators, interpreters, and language professionals who bridge cultures and languages worldwide.The date coincides with the feast of St. Jerome, the patron saint of translators, who is credited with translating the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate) in the 4th century.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Cabinet Approves Rs 69,725 Crore Maritime Package to Boost Shipbuilding: The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved a Rs 69,725 crore comprehensive package to boost shipbuilding, maritime financing, and domestic capacity through a four-pillar strategy covering financing, infrastructure, technical development, and policy reforms.The spackage extends the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) till 2036 with Rs 24,736 crore, introduces a Shipbreaking Credit Note of Rs 4,001 crore, and sets up a National Shipbuilding Mission for implementation.A Maritime Development Fund (Rs 25,000 crore) has been approved, including a Maritime Investment Fund (Rs 20,000 crore, 49% govt participation) and an Interest Incentivization Fund (Rs 5,000 crore) to reduce borrowing costs.The Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) with Rs19,989 crore will expand India’s domestic shipbuilding capacity to 4.5 million Gross Tonnage, promote mega shipbuilding clusters, establish the India Ship Technology Centre, and is expected to unlock Rs 4.5 lakh crore in investments and create 30 lakh jobs.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

2. Air India Raises $215 Million from Bank of India and Standard Chartered via GIFT City to Refinance Boeing Aircraft Debt: Air India raised approximately $215 million from Bank of India and Standard Chartered Plc through GIFT City to refinance shorter-duration debt used to acquire six Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.The six-year loan is priced at around 168 basis points over the secured overnight financing rate, marking a significant refinancing step for the airline after its recent operational challenges, including a June plane crash.This deal is the first instance of Bank of India acting as a mandated lead manager in a loan transaction from GIFT City, highlighting its growing role in structured financing for major corporations.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bank of Baroda and IIFL Finance Join Hands in Co-Lending Partnership to Expand Gold Loans in Rural India: Bank of Baroda and IIFL Finance have entered into a co-lending partnership to provide gold loans, mainly targeting unbanked customers in semi-urban and rural India, focusing on agricultural and allied activities.Under the agreement, IIFL Finance will originate and service loans, while Bank of Baroda will fund them with joint underwriting, ensuring affordable and scalable credit delivery in line with RBI’s co-lending guidelines.The collaboration will operate through a tech-integrated process with real-time data sharing, co-branded documentation, and shared servicing responsibilities, aiming to enhance transparency, efficiency, and financial inclusion.

 

2. EY Raises India’s FY26 GDP Forecast to 6.7%, Urges Diversification of Export and Import Markets: EY raised India’s GDP forecast for FY26 to 6.7%, up from 6.5%, citing strong growth in Q1 and GST reforms.The report highlighted that global headwinds may constrain India’s export prospects, despite domestic demand stimulation.EY recommended diversifying India’s export and import markets and noted that GST 2.0 rate rationalisation will benefit sectors like automobiles, health, and textiles.

 

3. RBI Orders BNPL Startup Simpl to Halt Payment Operations Over PSS Act Violations: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has ordered Bengaluru-based BNPL startup Simpl to immediately halt all payment operations for operating without authorisation under the Payments and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007.Simpl was functioning as a payment system operator without the mandatory Certificate of Authorisation, violating the provisions of the PSS Act.

This action follows the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) proceedings against Simpl and its co-founder Nitya Sharma over alleged foreign exchange irregularities worth ₹914 crore under FEMA regulations.Simpl, officially registered as One Sigma Technologies Pvt Ltd, is a leading BNPL fintech working with over 26,000 merchants including Zomato, BigBasket, and Rapido, but is now under regulatory and legal scrutiny.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Sanskrit Scholar Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami Conferred Saraswati Samman 2024 for Swaminarayan Siddhant Sudha: Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami, a renowned Sanskrit scholar and Vedanta philosopher of BAPS, was awarded the Saraswati Samman 2024 by the K.K. Birla Foundation for his work Swaminarayan Siddhant Sudha, presented by Gujarat and Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Ahmedabad.The award includes a citation, plaque, statue of Goddess Saraswati, and ₹15 lakh, which Swami Bhadreshdas dedicated to BAPS for charitable activities.Born in 1966 in Nanded, Maharashtra, Swami Bhadreshdas was initiated as a sadhu in 1981, studied Sanskrit and Hindu philosophy for over three decades, earned a PhD on Bhagavad Gita and a D.Litt. in Vedanta, and authored the monumental 5-volume Swaminarayan Bhashyam.

 

Daily GK Update- 1st Oct, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone for ₹42,000 Crore Mahi Banswara Atomic Power Project in Rajasthan: PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the ₹42,000 crore Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP) in Banswara, Rajasthan, which will be among India’s largest nuclear plants.The project includes four indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (IPHWR 700) developed by NPCIL, with advanced safety features under India’s “fleet mode” initiative.MBRAPP is being developed jointly by Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam (ASHVINI), NPCIL (51%) and NTPC (49%), combining financial, technological, and project expertise.The project will provide clean, reliable power, generate large-scale employment, boost local industries, and contribute to Atmanirbhar Bharat while fostering economic growth in Rajasthan and India.

 

2. Tally Solutions Partners with Indian Bank to Enable Seamless E-Payments for SMEs via TallyPrime: Tally Solutions has partnered with Indian Bank to integrate e-payment capabilities into the bank’s IND Cash Optima platform for businesses using TallyPrime.The integration allows users to initiate and manage payments directly from TallyPrime, automatically importing payment references like UTR numbers and updating transaction status for error-free reconciliation.The collaboration is expected to benefit SMEs and MSMEs by combining accounting and banking functions, enabling digital financial operations on a single cohesive platform.Executives from Tally and Indian Bank highlighted that the partnership will save time on payments and reconciliation, improve accuracy, convenience, and drive digital adoption among MSMEs.

 

3. Union Home Ministry Cancels FCRA Registration of Sonam Wangchuk’s SECMOL Amid Ladakh Unrest: The Union Home Ministry cancelled the FCRA registration of SECMOL, an organisation founded by Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, citing multiple alleged violations of the Act.The move follows unrest in Leh, Ladakh, during protests for Statehood and tribal status, with the Ministry alleging that “a mob guided by Sonam Wangchuk’s provocative statements” contributed to the violence.Specific violations included ₹3.5 lakh from the sale of an old bus misclassified as foreign donation, inadvertent deposits of local funds, acceptance of foreign contributions for sensitive studies, and poor financial recordkeeping.The CBI is also investigating suspected FCRA violations by Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), another institution founded by Wangchuk, though no formal case has been registered.

 

4. Kanad Das Appointed as 13th Director of Botanical Survey of India: Kanad Das took charge as the 13th Director of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), becoming the first mycologist to lead the institute under MoEFCC.He is an expert in fungal taxonomy and has discovered two new genera and 165 new species of wild mushrooms in India.His research contributions include 170 papers in reputed journals and eight authoritative books on wild mushrooms.With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Das began his career at BSI and has previously headed the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden and Central National Herbarium.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Amul MD Jayen Mehta Joins IBEF Board as Brand India Expands Global Footprint: Jayen Mehta, MD of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Amul), has been nominated to the board of the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), which promotes Brand India globally.Amul has recently expanded internationally, debuting in the US market and entering Europe in June 2025 through a partnership with Spanish cooperative COVAP, supported by a viral animated campaign.

 

2. 29 September – International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction: International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction is observed on 29 September each year to highlight the global issue of food loss and waste.The day aims to raise awareness about the environmental, economic, and social impacts of wasting food and encourages responsible consumption.It focuses on reducing food loss during production, storage, and transportation as well as food waste at retail and consumer levels, aligning with SDG 12.3.

Activities include campaigns, workshops, and educational initiatives by governments, NGOs, and businesses to promote sustainable food management and minimize waste.

 

3. 30 September – International Translation Day: International Translation Day is observed every year on 30 September to celebrate the work of translators, interpreters, and language professionals who bridge cultures and languages worldwide.The date coincides with the feast of St. Jerome, the patron saint of translators, who is credited with translating the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate) in the 4th century.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Cabinet Approves Rs 69,725 Crore Maritime Package to Boost Shipbuilding: The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved a Rs 69,725 crore comprehensive package to boost shipbuilding, maritime financing, and domestic capacity through a four-pillar strategy covering financing, infrastructure, technical development, and policy reforms.The spackage extends the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) till 2036 with Rs 24,736 crore, introduces a Shipbreaking Credit Note of Rs 4,001 crore, and sets up a National Shipbuilding Mission for implementation.A Maritime Development Fund (Rs 25,000 crore) has been approved, including a Maritime Investment Fund (Rs 20,000 crore, 49% govt participation) and an Interest Incentivization Fund (Rs 5,000 crore) to reduce borrowing costs.The Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) with Rs19,989 crore will expand India’s domestic shipbuilding capacity to 4.5 million Gross Tonnage, promote mega shipbuilding clusters, establish the India Ship Technology Centre, and is expected to unlock Rs 4.5 lakh crore in investments and create 30 lakh jobs.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

2. Air India Raises $215 Million from Bank of India and Standard Chartered via GIFT City to Refinance Boeing Aircraft Debt: Air India raised approximately $215 million from Bank of India and Standard Chartered Plc through GIFT City to refinance shorter-duration debt used to acquire six Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.The six-year loan is priced at around 168 basis points over the secured overnight financing rate, marking a significant refinancing step for the airline after its recent operational challenges, including a June plane crash.This deal is the first instance of Bank of India acting as a mandated lead manager in a loan transaction from GIFT City, highlighting its growing role in structured financing for major corporations.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bank of Baroda and IIFL Finance Join Hands in Co-Lending Partnership to Expand Gold Loans in Rural India: Bank of Baroda and IIFL Finance have entered into a co-lending partnership to provide gold loans, mainly targeting unbanked customers in semi-urban and rural India, focusing on agricultural and allied activities.Under the agreement, IIFL Finance will originate and service loans, while Bank of Baroda will fund them with joint underwriting, ensuring affordable and scalable credit delivery in line with RBI’s co-lending guidelines.The collaboration will operate through a tech-integrated process with real-time data sharing, co-branded documentation, and shared servicing responsibilities, aiming to enhance transparency, efficiency, and financial inclusion.

 

2. EY Raises India’s FY26 GDP Forecast to 6.7%, Urges Diversification of Export and Import Markets: EY raised India’s GDP forecast for FY26 to 6.7%, up from 6.5%, citing strong growth in Q1 and GST reforms.The report highlighted that global headwinds may constrain India’s export prospects, despite domestic demand stimulation.EY recommended diversifying India’s export and import markets and noted that GST 2.0 rate rationalisation will benefit sectors like automobiles, health, and textiles.

 

3. RBI Orders BNPL Startup Simpl to Halt Payment Operations Over PSS Act Violations: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has ordered Bengaluru-based BNPL startup Simpl to immediately halt all payment operations for operating without authorisation under the Payments and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007.Simpl was functioning as a payment system operator without the mandatory Certificate of Authorisation, violating the provisions of the PSS Act.

This action follows the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) proceedings against Simpl and its co-founder Nitya Sharma over alleged foreign exchange irregularities worth ₹914 crore under FEMA regulations.Simpl, officially registered as One Sigma Technologies Pvt Ltd, is a leading BNPL fintech working with over 26,000 merchants including Zomato, BigBasket, and Rapido, but is now under regulatory and legal scrutiny.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Sanskrit Scholar Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami Conferred Saraswati Samman 2024 for Swaminarayan Siddhant Sudha: Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami, a renowned Sanskrit scholar and Vedanta philosopher of BAPS, was awarded the Saraswati Samman 2024 by the K.K. Birla Foundation for his work Swaminarayan Siddhant Sudha, presented by Gujarat and Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Ahmedabad.The award includes a citation, plaque, statue of Goddess Saraswati, and ₹15 lakh, which Swami Bhadreshdas dedicated to BAPS for charitable activities.Born in 1966 in Nanded, Maharashtra, Swami Bhadreshdas was initiated as a sadhu in 1981, studied Sanskrit and Hindu philosophy for over three decades, earned a PhD on Bhagavad Gita and a D.Litt. in Vedanta, and authored the monumental 5-volume Swaminarayan Bhashyam.

 

Daily GK Update- 30th Sept, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Dragonfly Surge Signals Wetland Health in Delhi Parks: Recent surveys across seven Delhi Development Authority (DDA) biodiversity parks reveal rise in dragonfly and damselfly populations. Between September 25 and 27, 2025, a 54% increase was recorded compared to the previous year. The total count rose from 8,630 to 13,253 individuals. This surge marks improving wetland ecosystems and biodiversity resilience in urban Delhi. The survey covered seven major biodiversity parks in Delhi. Kamla Nehru Ridge led with 3,935 individuals and 26 species. Kalindi followed with 3,682 individuals and 20 species. Aravalli recorded 2,249 individuals across 16 species. Other parks included Yamuna Biodiversity Park (1,730 individuals, 21 species), Tughlaqabad (1,061 individuals, 14 species), Neela Hauz (523 individuals, 15 species), and Tilpath Valley (73 individuals, 6 species). Notably, the Yellow-tailed Ashy Skimmer (Potamarcha congener) was documented for the first time at Yamuna Biodiversity Park.

 

2. Unmesha Festival: The third edition of Unmesha – International Literature Festival was held in Patna, Bihar, from 25th to 28th September 2025. The event brought together writers, poets, scholars, and publishers from 15 countries representing over 100 languages. The Vice-President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, graced the valedictory session as the Chief Guest during his first visit to Bihar since assuming office. The festival celebrated literature’s role in shaping society and encouraging cultural unity. Bihar is recognised as a land of dharma, culture, and knowledge. It is a unique spiritual hub where Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu traditions converge. Bodh Gaya, where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment, is a global symbol of peace and mindfulness. Vaishali, the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, represents the Jain ideals of non-violence and truth. Ancient universities like Nalanda and Vikramshila attracted scholars from across Asia, marking Bihar as an intellectual powerhouse in antiquity.

 

3. NAVYA Initiative Empowers Adolescent Girls Through Vocational Training: The NAVYA (Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls) initiative was launched in June 2025. It is a joint effort by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). NAVYA aims to provide skill training to adolescent girls aged 16 to 18 years. The focus is on underserved and tribal regions, with an initial target of 3,850 girls. The programme blends vocational skills with essential life skills to encourage employability, confidence, and entrepreneurship. NAVYA was launched in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh. It targets girls with at least a class ten qualification. The initiative integrates flagship schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and PM Vishwakarma. These schemes provide demand-driven training in emerging and non-traditional sectors. The goal is to bridge the gap between education and livelihood.

 

4. India’s Food Grain Storage Infrastructure Advances 2025: India’s record foodgrain production in 2024-25 has telld the critical role of storage infrastructure in securing national food security. With a harvest of nearly 354 million tonnes, including over 117 million tonnes of wheat and 149 million tonnes of rice, India continues to lead globally. Efficient storage systems minimise losses, stabilise prices, and empower farmers. The nation’s food grain storage landscape encompasses centralised, decentralised, and cold storage facilities supported by various government schemes aimed at modernisation and expansion. Storage infrastructure is essential to reduce post-harvest losses and maintain food quality. It supports buffer stocks that stabilise prices and ensure food availability year-round. Proper storage prevents distress sales by enabling farmers to sell produce at optimal times, thus improving incomes. Scientific storage controls moisture and pests, preserving nutritional value and safety.

 

5. India’s Sustainable Livestock Transformation Initiatives: India has emerged as a global leader in sustainable livestock development. At the 2nd Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation held by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome in 2025, India showcased its innovative and inclusive approaches. Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh brought into light India’s achievements and future plans. The country’s livestock sector plays a vital role in rural livelihoods, food security, and economic growth. India’s livestock sector has recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.77% in recent years. It contributes 31% to agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) and 5.5% to the national economy. India is the world’s largest milk producer, accounting for nearly 25% of global output with 239 million tonnes annually. It is also the second-largest egg producer and a leading exporter of buffalo meat. This growth supports nearly two-thirds of rural households and millions of small and marginal farmers.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. New Discoveries in Western Ghats Lizard Diversity: Recent biodiversity surveys in the Western Ghats have revealed findings about rare and endemic lizard species. For the first time, Beddome’s cat skink (Ristella beddomii) has been recorded in the Aralam and Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuaries. The survey also reconfirmed the presence of the critically endangered Kottiyoor Day Gecko (Cnemaspis kottiyoorensis), a species rediscovered after decades. These discoveries show the rich reptilian diversity and emphasise the importance of ongoing conservation efforts in this fragile ecosystem. The survey was conducted from 20 to 23 September, organised jointly by the Forest Department and the Malabar Awareness and Rescue Centre for Wildlife (MARC). It recorded six previously unreported agamid lizards, four skinks, and five geckos. The Kottiyoor Day Gecko was found in the Suryamudi forest area of Kottiyoor Sanctuary. This survey is the first to document Beddome’s cat skink in these sanctuaries.

 

2. Ground-Level Ozone Pollution in India’s Major Cities: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recently reported alarming levels of ground-level ozone pollution in India’s urban regions. The National Capital Region (NCR) faces the highest ozone concentrations, followed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This has raised concerns due to ozone’s harmful effects on health and the environment. Ground-level ozone is a toxic air pollutant formed by chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These reactions are intensified by sunlight. Unlike the protective ozone layer in the stratosphere, surface ozone harms respiratory health and vegetation. CPCB analysed ozone data from 10 major Indian regions during 2023 and early 2024. NCR recorded the highest exceedances, with 25 of 57 monitoring stations surpassing the national eight-hour ozone limit of 100 micrograms per cubic metre by over 2%. MMR followed with 22 of 45 stations exceeding the same limit. Other cities like Pune, Chennai, and Bengaluru showed comparatively lower but notable ozone levels.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy’s Jal Prahar 2025 Joint Amphibious Exercise: The Indian Navy successfully completed the biannual joint exercise ‘Jal Prahar 2025’ with the Indian Army. Held along India’s eastern coast, the exercise aimed to strengthen inter-service cooperation and operational readiness in amphibious warfare. Conducted in two phases from 16 to 23 September 2025, it demonstrated enhanced coordination and tactical proficiency between the naval and land forces. Jal Prahar is a large-scale amphibious exercise conducted every two years by the Indian Navy and Army. The 2025 edition focused on joint operational planning and execution along the eastern seaboard of India. This exercise tested the ability of both forces to conduct complex amphibious operations involving landing troops from sea to shore under realistic conditions.

 

2. India’s First Maritime Simulation Centre Inaugurated: India’s maritime education took a leap forward in 2025 with the inauguration of the country’s first Maritime Simulation Centre. Located at AMET Knowledge Park near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, this centre is a result of a strategic partnership between the Academy of Maritime Education and Training (AMET) and global shipping giant A.P. Moller – Maersk. The facility features cutting-edge technology to provide immersive hands-on training for future seafarers. The Maritime Simulation Centre is equipped with Full Mission Simulators for both Deck and Engine operations. It also includes Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and advanced Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) labs. These technologies simulate real-world maritime scenarios, enabling cadets to practise navigation, collision avoidance, watchkeeping, steering, and engine troubleshooting in a controlled environment.

 

3. BSF Develops Drone-Mounted Radar Systems for Border Surveillance: The Border Security Force (BSF) of India is advancing its border surveillance capabilities by developing drone-mounted radar systems with assistance from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). These systems are designed to monitor India’s western and eastern frontiers without crossing borders. This initiative marks step in integrating technology with traditional security measures to enhance real-time border management. The BSF has completed the development of drone-based radar systems. ISRO is supporting the project by helping fit small radars onto drones. These radars enable continuous monitoring of enemy movements and intrusions. The BSF will manufacture the sensitive equipment at its Tekanpur Academy in Madhya Pradesh. This move follows operational lessons from ‘Operation Sindoor’, which brought into light the importance of drones in future warfare.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. PM E-DRIVE Scheme Boosts EV Charging Infrastructure: The Government of India has launched operational guidelines for installing over 72,300 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country. This initiative under the PM E-DRIVE scheme aims to accelerate EV adoption by expanding accessible charging infrastructure. The Heavy Industries Ministry has outlined a tiered subsidy model to support installations at key public and commercial locations. The scheme offers a tiered subsidy to promote electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Government offices, hospitals, educational institutions, and residential colonies receive a 100% subsidy on upstream infrastructure and charging equipment if they provide free public access. High-traffic public locations such as airports, railway stations, metro stations, bus terminals, municipal parking lots, and toll plazas are eligible for 80% subsidy on upstream infrastructure and 70% on charging equipment. Commercial spaces like shopping malls, markets, and highway roadside facilities qualify for 80% subsidy on upstream infrastructure. Battery swapping stations also receive 80% support on upstream costs.

 

2. NASA-ISRO NISAR Satellite Sends First Earth Images: The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite has recently transmitted its inaugural images of Earth’s surface. This milestone marks step as the joint mission prepares to enter full science operations later in 2025. The data promises to enhance disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, and agricultural management worldwide. NISAR is a collaborative Earth-observing satellite mission by NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Launched on 30 July 2025, it uses advanced L-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology. The satellite provides detailed radar images regardless of weather or daylight. This capability is crucial for continuous monitoring of Earth’s dynamic surface. The initial images include Mount Desert Island in Maine and parts of northeastern North Dakota. The radar data shows water bodies, forests, bare ground, and human-made structures with high precision. Objects as small as five metres are distinguishable. The images reveal detailed land use patterns such as wetlands, agricultural fields, and irrigation methods.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Child Marriage Declines Sharply in India by 2025: Recent data reveals reduction in child marriage across India. A new report by Just Rights for Children marks a 69% decline among girls and 72% among boys. This progress results from coordinated efforts by the government, state authorities, and civil society. The report was revealed at a UN General Assembly side event in New York, marking a hopeful shift towards a child marriage-free India. Child marriage rates have dropped dramatically in recent years. Assam leads with an 84% decline in girl child marriages. Maharashtra and Bihar follow with 70% declines each. Rajasthan and Karnataka show 66% and 55% decreases respectively. Arrests and FIRs have been key deterrents. The government’s Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign has achieved near-universal awareness. Most people now know the laws against child marriage and feel comfortable reporting violations.

 

2. Oil India Discovers Natural Gas Off Andaman Islands: Oil India Limited (OIL) has reported natural gas discovery off the Andaman Islands. This is the first confirmed hydrocarbon find in the region’s shallow offshore block. The discovery may mark a new chapter in India’s energy exploration efforts, potentially reducing its heavy dependence on imports. OIL’s exploratory well, Vijayapuram-2, located about 17 km from the Andaman shoreline, encountered natural gas at a depth of around 2,212-2,250 metres under 295 metres of water. Initial production tests showed intermittent gas inflow. Gas samples tested contained 87% methane, confirming the presence of natural gas. Further isotope studies are underway to understand the origin of the gas. India imports about 88% of its oil and 50% of its natural gas. Discoveries like this could help reduce import dependence and enhance energy security. The Andaman basin’s potential has been compared to the Guyana oil fields, suggesting large-scale reserves might exist. Successful commercialisation could transform India’s eastern offshore energy landscape.