Daily Current Affairs 09th October 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Public Sector Banks sanction over ₹10,907 crore across 5 lakh loan applications under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

• PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) has achieved a major milestone in promoting clean and affordable solar energy across households in India.
• As of September 2025, Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have sanctioned over 5.79 lakh loan applications, amounting to ₹10,907 crore for the installation of rooftop solar systems.
• The scheme ensures collateral-free, affordable loans at lower interest rates, processed through PSBs to facilitate easy financing for beneficiaries.
• Loan processing is fully digital through the JanSamarth Portal, integrated with the National Portal for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (pmsuryaghar.gov.in), ensuring seamless application, transparency, and data-driven decision-making.

Key Highlights :

Model Loan Scheme Benefits

• Loans up to ₹2 lakh at competitive interest rates without collateral.
• Longer repayment tenure aligned with electricity cost savings.
• 6-month moratorium period from disbursement.
• Lower margin contribution and digital sanction based on self-declaration.

Scheme Monitoring and Enhancements

• Enhancements introduced include co-applicant inclusion, removal of capacity-based caps, and simplified documentation, based on user feedback.
• The Department of Financial Services (DFS), in coordination with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), monitors and reviews implementation through State Level Bankers Committees (SLBCs) and Lead District Managers (LDMs) to ensure faster adoption and wider outreach of the scheme.

UPI becomes first payment system integrated into PayPal World, announces CEO Alex Chriss

• PayPal Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alex Chriss announced that India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become the first payments system partner integrated into PayPal World, the company’s new global payments platform.
• The announcement was made on October 7, 2025, marking a landmark development in global digital payments.

Key Highlights :

• UPI, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has now achieved global recognition through this partnership, enhancing its international footprint.
• The integration enables seamless cross-border transactions, positioning UPI as a global payment standard in the digital economy.
• The partnership allows PayPal to tap into India’s fast-growing digital payment market, strengthening its presence among Indian consumers and businesses.
• Users will benefit from instant, low-cost, and secure global payments, while merchants gain access to a larger customer base leveraging UPI’s 10+ billion monthly transactions.
• For India, this partnership reinforces UPI’s global status and boosts its role as a benchmark in real-time payments.
• For PayPal, it enhances competitiveness against Stripe, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, by enabling interoperable global payment solutions.
• Overall, the move sets a new precedent in global fintech collaboration, bridging national payment systems with international platforms.

National Payments Corporation of India Unveils Biometric and Smart Glass-Based Authentication Feature for UPI Transactions

• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), launched biometric and wearable glass-based authentication for UPI transactions at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai.
• The new system enables facial recognition or fingerprint-based authentication linked to Aadhaar, potentially replacing the traditional 4- or 6-digit UPI PIN.
• The initiative aims to enhance security, ease of use, and financial inclusion, especially for senior citizens, rural users, and first-time digital payment users.

Key Highlights :

• Biometric Authentication allows users to verify payments using fingerprint or facial recognition, ensuring privacy as biometric data remains on-device and is never transmitted externally.
• Wearable Glass Payments introduce a UPI Lite feature that allows hands-free payments through voice commands and QR scans, eliminating the need for phones or PINs.
• Multi-Signatory Accounts now allow joint account holders to approve transactions collectively, enhancing transparency and convenience.
• Transactions are verified by issuing banks using advanced cryptographic methods, reducing risks of fraud or data breaches.
• Users can now set or reset UPI PINs and even withdraw cash from ATMs using biometric verification.
• The feature supports Aadhaar-based onboarding for first-time users, removing the need for debit cards or OTPs.
• The initiative aligns with the RBI’s approval for alternative authentication methods, marking a major milestone in India’s digital payments evolution.
• The launch positions UPI as a global leader in digital payment innovation, improving transaction speed, safety, and accessibility while building on Aadhaar’s infrastructure for secure digital finance.

About NPCI:

• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Founded: 2008
• CEO: Dilip Asbe

Securities and Exchange Board of India launches India’s largest household Investor Survey 2025 in collaboration with AMFI, NSE, BSE, NSDL, and CDSL

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Investor Survey 2025 is one of India’s largest household surveys on investor participation, conducted in collaboration with AMFI, NSE, BSE, NSDL, and CDSL, and executed by Kantar.
• The survey covered over 90,000 households across 400 cities and 1,000 villages, capturing insights from investors, non-investors, lapsers, intenders, and intermediaries.
• It aims to assess awareness, penetration, barriers, motivators, and investor behavior in India’s securities market.
• The survey revealed that 63% of Indian households (≈213 million) are aware of at least one securities market product, but only 9.5% (≈32 million) actually participate in the markets.
• Urban participation stands at 15%, while rural participation is only 6%.
• Delhi recorded the highest market participation at 20.7%, followed by Gujarat (15.4%).
• In terms of risk tolerance, 79.7% of households fall under low-risk, 14.7% moderate-risk, and 5.6% high-risk categories.
• The survey suggested that enhancing trust, simplicity, and regional-language financial education could improve participation, as 22% of aware non-investors expressed plans to start investing within a year.

About SEBI :

• Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Chairman : Tuhin Kanta Pandey
• SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.

Reserve Bank of India Releases 2024–25 Survey on International Trade in Banking Services Covering Indian and Foreign Banks

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the 2024–25 results of its annual Survey on International Trade in Banking Services (ITBS), covering 13 Indian banks with overseas branches/subsidiaries and 44 foreign banks operating in India.
• Indian banks expanded overseas through subsidiaries and joint ventures, reporting a 1.9% rise in branches and a 6.1% increase in employee strength, while their consolidated balance sheets grew by 9.1% (branches) and 4.2% (subsidiaries).
• Lending and deposit mobilisation abroad by Indian banks increased by 5.6% and 9.4%, respectively, whereas foreign banks in India registered 8.4% credit growth but slower deposit growth of 6.8%.
• The consolidated balance sheets of foreign banks in India grew significantly by 17.5% (in USD terms), outpacing Indian banks abroad.
• Hong Kong became the top fee-generating location for Indian banks abroad, overtaking the UK, which ranked fourth after the UAE and Singapore.
• The number of Indian banks’ branches abroad slightly decreased from 116 to 115, with employees declining from 3,302 to 3,274, but local employees rose from 1,874 to 1,903.
• Subsidiaries and joint ventures of Indian banks abroad saw branches rise from 422 to 430 and employees from 5,258 to 5,578.
• Foreign banks’ branches in India reduced marginally from 779 to 776, while their employee count increased from 27,410 to 28,044.
• The ITBS survey tracks cross-border banking services such as credit, deposits, trade finance, payments, and FX/derivatives, and helps assess India’s integration with global financial systems.

Securities and Exchange Board of India issues Custodian (Amendment) Regulations 2025 to enhance governance, compliance, and financial standards

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued the SEBI (Custodian) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, aimed at strengthening governance, compliance, and financial norms for custodians.
• SEBI increased the minimum net worth requirement for custodians from ₹50 crore to ₹75 crore to enhance risk management systems and ensure greater financial stability.
• Existing custodians have been given three years to comply with the revised net worth criteria, allowing a phased implementation of the new norms.
• The new regulations also mandate strong governance structures, robust risk management policies, and scalable technical infrastructure for better operational resilience and accountability.

S&P retains India’s FY26 GDP growth forecast at 6.5% amid global economic challenges

• S&P Global Ratings has retained India’s GDP growth forecast at 6.5% for FY26, reflecting cautious optimism despite global economic pressures.
• Domestic demand remains the main engine of India’s growth, supported by robust consumption, a benign monsoon, and continued government spending.
• Recent tax cuts on income and goods & services have boosted consumer spending capacity.
• Public investment, especially in infrastructure, is driving capital formation and job creation.
• India posted a strong 7.8% GDP growth in Q1 FY26, highlighting the strength of internal demand and policy support.
• S&P lowered India’s inflation forecast to 3.2% for FY26, primarily due to a fall in food inflation, easing household budgets.
• With inflation within the RBI’s comfort zone, S&P anticipates a 25 bps rate cut in the remaining months of FY26 to stimulate investment and domestic consumption.
• Global challenges like higher U.S. tariffs and disruptions in supply chains may affect India’s exports and trade-linked sectors, though the lower export-to-GDP ratio cushions the impact.

India Becomes 7th Largest Investor in Gold Exchange-Traded Funds Globally: World Gold Council

• India ranks 7th globally in gold Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) investments as of September 26, 2025, according to World Gold Council (WGC) data.
• Gold prices have risen over 45% in 2025, validating investors’ growing interest in the metal.
• India’s Gold ETF Assets Under Management (AUM) stand at $8.9 billion, equal to that of Canada, placing India ahead of Japan, Australia, Italy, and Hong Kong.
• Top countries in Gold ETF AUM: United States ($231.5 billion), United Kingdom ($77.5 billion), Switzerland ($43.5 billion), Germany ($40.2 billion), China ($22.9 billion), and France ($9.5 billion).
• In August 2025, India recorded the fifth-largest gold ETF inflow globally at $232.6 million, bringing physical gold holdings by Indian ETFs to 70 tonnes.
• ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is an investment fund traded on stock exchanges that pools money to buy a diverse portfolio of assets such as stocks, bonds, or commodities.

Russia Remains India’s Top Oil Supplier Despite Slight Dip in Imports in September 2025

• India’s crude oil imports from Russia declined slightly in September 2025, but Russia remained India’s largest supplier, accounting for about one-third (34%) of total imports.
• India imported around 4.7 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil, including 1.6 million bpd from Russia, which was 1,60,000 bpd lower than the year’s eight-month average.
• Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the U.S. were the next biggest suppliers after Russia.
• Russian crude remained the most economical option for Indian refiners due to high margins and discounts, despite India’s efforts to diversify imports across regions.
• Despite U.S. pressure and tariffs under President Donald Trump, India was expected to continue Russian oil purchases to meet domestic fuel demand during the festive season.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Goa Launches ‘Mhaje Ghar’ Scheme to Legalise Homes and Grant Ownership Rights

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the ‘Mhaje Ghar’ Yojana in Taleigao, Goa, aimed at legalising homes built on government and community land and granting ownership rights to long-standing residents.
  • Certificates, sanads, and orders will be issued under laws such as the Goa Land Revenue Code, Goa Regularisation of Unauthorized Constructions Act, and Forest Rights Act.

Key Highlights

• The scheme targets houses built before 28 February 2014 on government land, alvara/lease areas, and comunidade (community) land; consent and compensation may be required for comunidade land.
• Maximum area norms: Government land – up to 400 sq m plus 2 m buffer; comunidade land – up to 300 sq m.
• Includes a 20-year no-transfer clause on regularised properties and legal penalties for false declarations.
• Administrative officials like police, mamlatdar, talathi, panchayat secretaries, and deputy collectors will help prevent fresh encroachments.
• Around 11 lakh people are expected to benefit; the first phase plans to regularise 50,000 houses.
• Houses built on roadsides before 1972 will not be demolished.
• The scheme provides legal security, access to credit, home improvement opportunities, and brings informal housing into the formal property regime, reflecting Goa’s focus on people-centric reforms.

About Goa:

• Chief Minister: Dr. Pramod Sawant
• Governor: Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju
• Capital: Panaji
• National Parks: Bhagwan Mahavir National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Union Cabinet Approves Nationwide Celebration to Mark 150 Years of “Vande Mataram”

• The Union Cabinet has approved a nationwide celebration to commemorate 150 years of the national song “Vande Mataram”, recognizing its deep connection to India’s freedom struggle and cultural heritage.
• Composed in Sanskrit by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, “Vande Mataram” was first published in his novel Anandamath (1882).
• The song gained prominence when Rabindranath Tagore rendered it at the 1896 Indian National Congress session, marking its rise as a symbol of national unity and resistance.

Key Highlights

• Over time, “Vande Mataram” became a rallying cry for Indian patriots during the freedom movement, symbolizing courage and devotion to the motherland.
• The Constituent Assembly granted it the status of the National Song, while “Jana Gana Mana” was adopted as the National Anthem.
• Although not given the same legal enforcement as the anthem, “Vande Mataram” holds equal symbolic and emotional importance, reflecting India’s plural and inclusive identity.
• During the colonial era, it served as a unifying chant among freedom fighters, inspiring protests, songs, and nationalist literature.
• The song’s poetic reverence of the motherland emphasizes cultural unity and civilizational pride beyond regional and linguistic boundaries.
• In public renditions, only the first two stanzas are used, as later verses carry religious imagery that has prompted sensitivity in a multi-religious society.
• Some states, like Assam, have historically debated its exclusive adoption, leading to the presence of regional or state anthems alongside it.
• The 150th-year celebration will feature nationwide events, educational programmes, and public commemorations across states and Union Territories.
• The initiative highlights the historic role of “Vande Mataram” in the freedom struggle and aims to strengthen patriotic sentiment and cultural awareness across India.

Patna Metro Rail Service Inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar

• Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the first phase of the Patna Metro Rail Service, marking a significant step in improving Bihar’s urban transport infrastructure.
• The Priority Corridor (Phase 1) covers a 3.6 km elevated stretch connecting New Pataliputra Bus Terminal (ISBT), Zero Mile, and Bhootnath Station.
• Public metro rides will begin from October 7, 2025.
• Each metro train will have three coaches with a total capacity of around 900 passengers per trip.
• The metro will operate daily from 8 AM to 10 PM with 40 to 42 trips per day and a 20-minute frequency between trains.
• The minimum fare is ₹15, and the maximum fare is ₹30.
• The Bihar State Auxiliary Police (B-SAP) will handle security and operational safety.
• The foundation stone of the Patna Metro project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2019.
• The project aims to reduce traffic congestion, promote public transport, and enhance connectivity for daily commuters.
• The launch of the metro is also expected to support sustainable urban development and integrate Patna into India’s growing smart city and metro network.

About Bihar:

• Capital: Patna
• Chief Minister: Nitish Kumar
• Governor: Arif Mohammed Khan
• National Parks: Valmiki National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary, Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary, Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary

Recent news

• In a major pre-election push focused on women’s economic empowerment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to transfer ₹10,000 each to 75 lakh women in Bihar under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana. Scheduled for September 26, 2025, the disbursement totals ₹7,500 crore and aims to support women-led micro-enterprises across the state.

Arunachal Pradesh Inaugurates Its First Commercial Coal Mine at Namchik-Namphuk

• In a historic development, Arunachal Pradesh officially joined India’s coal-producing states as Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the state’s first commercial coal mine at Namchik- Namphuk in Changlang district.
• This marks a major milestone in the region’s economic growth and India’s energy expansion.
• The Namchik-Namphuk coalfield was initially allocated in the early 2000s to the Arunachal Pradesh Mineral Development and Trading Corporation Ltd (APMDTCL), but operations were delayed due to regulatory, environmental, and legal hurdles.

Key Highlights

• In 2022, the mine was auctioned and awarded to Coal Pulz Pvt. Ltd (CPPL) through a transparent commercial bidding process, and after obtaining all required clearances, operations officially began in October 2025.
• The project is estimated to have 1.5 crore tonnes of coal reserves, expected to generate over ₹100 crore in annual revenue for the state, while also boosting India’s energy security, especially in the North-East region.
• The coal mine is projected to create employment opportunities, attract industrial investment, and drive local economic development, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)
• The inauguration of this coal mine also reflects the government’s broader efforts to integrate the North-Eastern region into national energy and mineral supply chains, and to advance the exploration of critical minerals needed for India’s technological and infrastructure development.

About Arunachal Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Pema Khandu
• Governor: Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
• Capital: Itanagar
• National Parks: Namdapha National Park, Mouling National Park, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary,
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Pakke Tiger Reserve, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary, Dampa Tiger Reserve, Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary

Recent news

• In a significant push toward regional development and clean energy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched infrastructure projects worth over ₹5,100 crore in Arunachal Pradesh on September 22, 2025. Speaking from Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar, the Prime Minister reiterated the Centre’s commitment to making the Northeast a hub of connectivity, energy, and economic transformation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Inaugurate India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 in New Delhi

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
• The event will continue till October 11, 2025, and is recognized as one of Asia’s premier telecom and technology summits, organized around the theme “Innovate to Transform.”
• IMC 2025 focuses on strengthening Atmanirbhar Bharat in telecom and digital technology innovation. Key thematic areas include the 6G ecosystem and Bharat 6G Alliance, cybersecurity, satellite communications (Satcom), Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Internet of Things (IoT), and telecom manufacturing.

Key Highlights

• The event is expected to attract over 1.5 lakh visitors, with participation from 7,000 global delegates across 150 countries. It will feature around 400 exhibitors spread over 4.5 lakh sq. ft., showcasing 1,600+ new technology use-cases in 5G, AI, and cybersecurity, and 100+ sessions with over 800 speakers.
• IMC 2025 will host six flagship summits and programs, including the International Bharat 6G Symposium, International AI Summit, Cyber Security Summit, Satcom Summit, IMC Aspire Programme (for startups, VCs, and investors), and the Global Startup World Cup – India Edition, where 15 finalists will compete for a USD 1 million investment prize.
• The event is co-organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), serving as a key platform for advancing India’s telecom and digital transformation agenda.
• India currently ranks among the top three digital nations globally, with 1.2 billion mobile subscribers, 970 million internet users, and the world’s fastest 5G rollout completed within 22 months, highlighting its growing digital leadership.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Bitcoin hits new record high of $125,245.57, surpassing its August 2025 peak

• Bitcoin, the world’s largest and most valuable cryptocurrency, reached a new all-time high of $125,245.57 on October 5, 2025, recording a 2.7% rise and surpassing the previous peak of $124,480 (August 2025).
• The surge reflects strong institutional demand, favourable U.S. regulatory developments, and a weaker dollar environment, highlighting the renewed strength of digital assets.
• The rally is part of a sustained upward trend since mid-2025, supported by growing investor confidence and regulatory clarity in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Key Highlights :

• The U.S. government under President Donald Trump introduced crypto-friendly regulations, simplifying licensing norms, improving tax frameworks, and supporting Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) for digital assets.
• These reforms have attracted institutional investors such as pension funds and hedge funds, increasing exposure to Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and market volatility.
• Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. and Europe saw strong capital inflows, marking eight consecutive sessions of gains — one of the longest bullish streaks of 2025.
• The rally in U.S. equity markets (S&P 500 and Nasdaq) has further boosted sentiment, with investors seeking diversified high-return assets including cryptocurrencies.
• A decline in the U.S. dollar due to concerns over a possible government shutdown and delayed macroeconomic data acted as an additional catalyst for Bitcoin’s price surge.
• Amid global economic uncertainty, investors turned to Bitcoin as a store of value, reinforcing its role as “digital gold” and a hedge against currency depreciation.
• The milestone reflects Bitcoin’s growing acceptance, institutional adoption, and maturing regulatory environment, solidifying its position as a mainstream investment asset in the global financial system.

Poland to join the NATO Pipeline System, boosting its role in NATO’s defence logistics network

• Poland announced it will join the NATO Pipeline System (NPS), strengthening its integration within NATO’s defence logistics network.
• The NATO Pipeline System (NPS) was established during the Cold War to ensure a secure fuel supply for NATO forces.
• The NPS spans approximately 10,000 km across 12 NATO countries, with a storage capacity of 4.1 million cubic metres.
• The system connects fuel storage depots, military air bases, civil airports, pumping stations, rail/truck loading stations, refineries, and entry/discharge points, forming an extensive logistics network.
• The NPS comprises eight national pipeline systems and two multinational systems, ensuring coordinated fuel management across NATO members.
• Most networks are managed by national organisations, except the Central Europe Pipeline System (CEPS) — a multinational system operated by the CEPS Programme Office under the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).
• Poland’s inclusion enhances NATO’s energy resilience and strategic fuel mobility in Central and Eastern Europe.

President Donald Trump unveils new U.S. visa program for wealthy individuals and businesses seeking residency

• United States (US) President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating a new visa program aimed at wealthy individuals and businesses seeking U.S. residency.
• The program introduces the “Trump Gold Card”, available for $1 million plus a $15,000 vetting fee and background checks.
• A higher-tier “Platinum Card” priced at $5 million allows holders to stay in the U.S. up to 270 days annually tax-free on foreign income, pending Congressional approval.
• Companies can apply for a “Trump Corporate Gold Card” at $2 million per employee, offering transferable access after vetting.
• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the Gold Card will replace EB-1 and EB-2 visas for individuals with extraordinary ability, with other green card categories possibly suspended.
• The program seeks to generate billions in revenue to reduce taxes, pay off debt, and support U.S. commerce and industry.
• The launch coincides with a proposal to raise H-1B visa fees to $100,000, causing a decline in IT consulting firm stocks such as Accenture and Cognizant.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

President Droupadi Murmu Presents My Bharat – National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards 2022-23

• The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the My Bharat – National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards 2022-23 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, honouring students, programme officers, and institutions for their exceptional contributions to voluntary service and nation-building.

Key Highlights

• The National Service Scheme (NSS) was launched in 1969, during Mahatma Gandhi’s birth centenary, to encourage youth participation in community service and personality development.
• The motto of NSS is “Not Me, But You” (in Hindi: स्वयं से पहले आप), reflecting the spirit of selfless service.
• NSS operates through schools, colleges, and universities, where each unit adopts a village or slum area and undertakes regular activities (120 hours per year) and a 7-day special camp during a two-year cycle.
• The My Bharat – NSS Award was instituted in 1993-94 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports to recognise outstanding contributions by NSS volunteers, programme officers, units, and universities in social service and community development.
• The awards are presented annually under multiple categories, including volunteers, programme officers, NSS units, and universities/institutions.
• At the 2022-23 award ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu personally conferred the honours, continuing the tradition of recognising exemplary youth service in nation-building.
• One confirmed awardee is Sagar Roy, an NSS volunteer from DAV College, Chandigarh, who received the National NSS Award 2022-23.
• As per eligibility criteria, NSS volunteers must be below 25 years of age (28 years for SC/ST candidates) as of the closing date of the financial year under consideration.
• The nomination process follows multiple levels — institution, state/UT, and national — and the selection is based on impact, innovation, community involvement, and commitment to NSS ideals.

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 – Awarded for Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)

• The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa (Japan), Richard Robson (Australia), and Omar M. Yaghi (USA) for their groundbreaking work on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) – advanced molecular structures with large cavities that can store gases, capture toxic chemicals, catalyze reactions, and harvest water.

Key Highlights

• Susumu Kitagawa – Developed flexible and functional MOFs, allowing gases to flow in and out; predicted MOF flexibility for new chemical applications.
• Richard Robson – Created the first well-ordered MOF using copper ions and organic molecules; demonstrated molecular frameworks’ potential for storage and separation.
• Omar M. Yaghi – Developed stable and customizable MOFs; introduced rational design enabling applications like carbon capture and water harvesting.
• MOFs – Porous crystalline structures made by combining metal ions with organic molecules; customizable for chemical reactions, storage, and environmental applications.
• Applications – Capture carbon dioxide, filter toxic chemicals, catalyze chemical reactions, and harvest water in arid regions.
• Significance – MOFs offer unprecedented control over molecular architecture, addressing global challenges in environmental sustainability, industrial processes, and energy storage.
• Prize Details – The total award of 11 million Swedish kronor was shared equally among the three laureates.

Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 Awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis

• The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for discovering macroscopic quantum tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit.
• Their work demonstrated that quantum phenomena can occur in large-scale (macroscopic) systems, bridging the gap between quantum and classical physics.
• They used a Josephson junction, a superconducting circuit, to observe macroscopic quantum tunnelling and energy quantisation, proving quantum mechanics applies to systems visible to the naked eye.
• Macroscopic quantum tunnelling showed that the entire superconducting system could tunnel through energy barriers, a phenomenon previously seen only at atomic scales.
• Energy quantisation confirmed that macroscopic circuits absorb and emit energy in discrete amounts, following quantum rules.
• Applications of this discovery include quantum computing (stable qubits), quantum cryptography (secure communication), and quantum sensors (high-precision measurements).
• The laureates are John Clarke (University of California, Berkeley), Michel H. Devoret (Yale University / UC Santa Barbara), and John M. Martinis (UC Santa Barbara).
• The breakthrough paves the way for practical quantum technologies and demonstrates the continued relevance of quantum mechanics in modern science.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

BrandFinance Energy 100-2025 Report: Shell Retains Top Spot; Indian Oil Ranks 21st Globally

• According to the BrandFinance Energy 100-2025 report, the global oil and gas industry continues to face challenges driven by economic and geopolitical uncertainties, with the total brand value of the world’s top energy companies reaching USD 688.6 billion in 2025.
• Shell (UK) has retained its No. 1 position for the sixth consecutive year, with a brand value of USD 45.4 billion, maintaining its dominance in the global energy sector.
• Aramco (Saudi Arabia) ranks 2nd with a brand value of USD 41.7 billion, also holding its position for the sixth consecutive year.
• ADNOC (UAE) rose to 6th place, surpassing BP and TotalEnergies, after recording a 25% increase in brand value to USD 19 billion.
• Other companies in the Top 10 energy brands include PetroChina (3rd), Sinopec Group (4th), ExxonMobil (5th), TotalEnergies (7th), BP (8th), Equinor (9th), and Chevron (10th).

• India’s Position:

• Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) ranks 21st globally among the most valuable energy brands.
• India contributes 3.5% of the total global brand value of oil and gas companies.
• Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) ranks 42nd, while Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) ranks 43rd in the 2025 list of the world’s most valuable energy brands.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

UNESCO Executive Board nominates Khaled El-Enany for the post of Director-General

• Khaled El-Enany, Egypt’s former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, is set to become the first Arab Director-General of UNESCO, marking a historic milestone for the Arab world.
• On October 6, 2025, the UNESCO Executive Board backed his nomination by a vote of 55–2, making him the front-runner ahead of the final vote by UNESCO’s 194-member General Conference in November 2025.
• If confirmed, El-Enany will succeed Audrey Azoulay (France) and assume office in early 2026 for a four-year term, leading UNESCO in the fields of education, science, culture, and heritage.

Key Achievements and Significance

• Key achievements include:
• Serving as Minister of Antiquities (2016–2019) and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities (2019–2022).
• Overseeing the restoration of the Pyramids Plateau.
• Leading the completion and promotion of the Grand Egyptian Museum.
• Spearheading Egypt’s global tourism brand, “Experience Egypt.”
• His leadership and heritage preservation work earned strong support from Arab League and African nations, reflecting regional unity in his nomination.
• The UNESCO General Conference vote in November 2025 will be the final step in confirming his appointment.
• His election would mark a first-ever Arab leadership at UNESCO, signaling a potential shift toward cultural equity, heritage protection in conflict zones, and balanced global representation.
• Past Arab contenders for UNESCO’s top post included:
• Farouk Hosny (2009) – Former Egyptian Culture Minister.
• Moushira Khattab (2017) – Egyptian diplomat and human rights advocate.
• Samira Al-Moosa (Oman) – UNESCO governance leader (not a DG candidate).

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Chennai-based start-up VyomIC to develop India’s first private global satellite constellation for high-precision PNT services

• VyomIC, a Chennai-based start-up, announced plans to build India’s first private global satellite constellation for high-precision Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services.
• The company raised USD 1.6 million in pre-seed funding led by Speciale Invest, with participation from BYT Capital and DeVC.
• The funds will be utilized to develop VyomIC’s LEO-based PNT payload, support a spaceborne demonstration mission, and expand team hiring and business development.
• VyomIC was founded by Lokesh Kabdal, Vibhor Jain, and Anurag Patil, who previously led India’s student hyperloop initiative and worked on commercial drone swarm deployments.
• VyomIC’s technology will provide spoofing-proof and jamming-resistant signals, addressing vulnerabilities in existing systems like GPS and GLONASS.
• By using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, the constellation ensures faster convergence, stronger signals, better global coverage, and even enables indoor navigation in hard-to-access areas.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Swiggy divests its 11.8% stake in Rapido to Prosus NV and WestBridge Capital in a ₹2,400 crore deal

• Swiggy sold its entire 11.8% stake in Rapido to Prosus NV and WestBridge Capital for a total value of ₹2,400 crore.
• Prosus’s subsidiary acquired shares worth ₹1,968 crore, while WestBridge Capital purchased ₹431.5 crore worth of shares.
• The stake sale deals were executed on an arm’s length basis and are subject to approvals from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and Swiggy’s shareholders.
• Swiggy had invested in Rapido in 2022, holding around 12% stake valued at ₹1,020 crore before the sale.
• In Q1 FY26, Swiggy reported a net loss of ₹1,197 crore, double that of the previous year, even as its revenue rose 54% to ₹4,961 crore.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Post Day is celebrated on 9th October.

• World Post Day is celebrated on 9th October of every year.
• World Post Day is observed to raise awareness about the postal sector.
• This day also reminds people about the important role the postal sector plays in everyday life.

History

• World Post Day was first declared by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Congress in Tokyo, Japan in the year of 1969.
• World Post Day was observed on 9th October because on this day the Universal Postal Day was started in the year 1874 in Switzerland.
• The Universal Postal Union started the global revolution in communication and it started the ability to write letters to others in the world.
• Since World Postal Day started, countries from all over the world took part in the celebrations which are conducted on this day.

World Sight Day held annually on the second Thursday of October.

• World Sight Day is an International Day of Awareness, held annually on the second Thursday of October. This year, World Sight Day is observed on the 9th of October 2025.
• The theme for World Sight Day 2025 is “#LoveYourEyes”.

History

• Lions Clubs International partnered with blindness presentation organizations worldwide for the first World Sight Day in 1998.
• This event was later integrated into VISION 2020, a global initiative that the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) coordinates.
• This initiative is a joint program between WHO and the IAPB.
• It involves non-government organizations, and professional associations, as well as eye-care institutions and corporations.

Daily CA One- Liner: October 9

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the ‘Mhaje Ghar’ Yojana in Taleigao, Goa, aimed at legalising homes built on government and community land and granting ownership rights to long-standing residents
• The Union Cabinet has approved a nationwide celebration to commemorate 150 years of the national song “Vande Mataram”, recognizing its deep connection to India’s freedom struggle and cultural heritage
• Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the first phase of the Patna Metro Rail Service, marking a significant step in improving Bihar’s urban transport infrastructure
• In a historic development, Arunachal Pradesh officially joined India’s coal-producing states as Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the state’s first commercial coal mine at Namchik- Namphuk in Changlang district.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
• The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the My Bharat – National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards 2022-23 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, honouring students, programme officers, and institutions for their exceptional contributions to voluntary service and nation-building
• The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa (Japan), Richard Robson (Australia), and Omar M. Yaghi (USA) for their groundbreaking work on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) – advanced molecular structures with large cavities that can store gases, capture toxic chemicals, catalyze reactions, and harvest water
• The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for discovering macroscopic quantum tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit
• According to the BrandFinance Energy 100-2025 report, the global oil and gas industry continues to face challenges driven by economic and geopolitical uncertainties, with the total brand value of the world’s top energy companies reaching USD 688.6 billion in 2025.
• PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) has achieved a major milestone in promoting clean and affordable solar energy across households in India.
• PayPal Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alex Chriss announced that India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become the first payments system partner integrated into PayPal World, the company’s new global payments platform.
• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), launched biometric and wearable glass-based authentication for UPI transactions at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Investor Survey 2025 is one of India’s largest household surveys on investor participation, conducted in collaboration with AMFI, NSE, BSE, NSDL, and CDSL, and executed by Kantar.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the 2024–25 results of its annual Survey on International Trade in Banking Services (ITBS), covering 13 Indian banks with overseas branches/subsidiaries and 44 foreign banks operating in India.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued the SEBI (Custodian) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, aimed at strengthening governance, compliance, and financial norms for custodians.
• S&P Global Ratings has retained India’s GDP growth forecast at 6.5% for FY26, reflecting cautious optimism despite global economic pressures.
• India ranks 7th globally in gold Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) investments as of September 26, 2025, according to World Gold Council (WGC)
• India’s crude oil imports from Russia declined slightly in September 2025, but Russia remained India’s largest supplier, accounting for about one-third (34%) of total imports.
• Bitcoin, the world’s largest and most valuable cryptocurrency, reached a new all-time high of $125,245.57 on October 5, 2025, recording a 2.7% rise and surpassing the previous peak of $124,480 (August 2025).
• Poland announced it will join the NATO Pipeline System (NPS), strengthening its integration within NATO’s defence logistics network.
• United States (US) President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating a new visa program aimed at wealthy individuals and businesses seeking U.S. residency.
• Dr.Khaled El-Enany, Egypt’s former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, is set to become the first Arab Director-General of UNESCO, marking a historic milestone for the Arab world.
• VyomIC, a Chennai-based start-up, announced plans to build India’s first private global satellite constellation for high-precision Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services.
• Swiggy sold its entire 11.8% stake in Rapido to Prosus NV and WestBridge Capital for a total value of ₹2,400 crore.
• World Post Day is celebrated on 9th October of every year.
• World Sight Day is an International Day of Awareness, held annually on the second Thursday of October. This year, World Sight Day is observed on the 9th of October 2025