Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 13 October, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
13 October, 2025

National Affairs

1. Global Fintech Fest 2025 (GFF 2025)

Source: PIB

Event Details:

• What: 6th edition of Global Fintech Fest (GFF 2025)
• When: October 7–9, 2025
• Where: Jio World Convention Centre & Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), Mumbai, Maharashtra

Key Highlights & Initiatives

Denmark-India Collaboration:

• Focus on Green Fintech, in partnership with Startup Réseau.
• Five thematic clusters: Policy & Framework, Industry, Investors, Startups, Ecosystem Enablers.
• Launch of report: “Green Fintech – Denmark: Digital Solutions for a Sustainable Future” highlighting innovation and collaboration opportunities.

Mastercard Initiatives:

• PhonePe Partnership: Ecosystem-wide device tokenisation for secure digital transactions.
• AU Small Finance Bank: Launch of Multi-Currency Forex Card with up to 6 currencies, emergency cash, embassy support, and insurance.

Visa Initiatives:

• Payment Passkey: Biometric/facial/passcode authentication in collaboration with Razorpay, PhonePe, PayU, Juspay.
• Corporate Sapphiro Forex Card: Premium prepaid card for corporate leaders via ICICI Bank.
• Multi-Currency Prepaid Forex Card: Launched with Zenith Leisure Holidays Ltd. via Pismo.
• AI Co-Branded Card: Partnership with Xoxoday for AI-powered rewards.

Bank of India (BoI) Initiatives:

• PoC Solutions: Prevent fraudulent mobile banking registrations.
• Biometric UPI Transactions: Simplified small-value payments.
• Premium Credit Cards:
  • Celestia: For high-value customers, benefits up to ₹1.5 lakh.
  • Lakshmi Card: Women-focused premium card.
• MoU with PayNearby: Empowering women under Digital Naari Initiative.

AI & Digital Integration:

• RBI: Digital Payments Intelligence Platform for real-time risk detection.
• OpenAI + NPCI/Razorpay: Agentic payments pilot via ChatGPT.
• Finternet Initiative: India’s integrated digital financial infrastructure for tokenised assets, expanding to 20 ecosystems globally.
• Paytm AI Soundbox: AI-powered merchant device supporting 11 Indian languages.
• CCAvenue CommerceAI: AI platform for autonomous commerce integration.

Other Notable Launches:

• BharatPeX: Payment Aggregator & Gateway platform for enterprises.
• Portfolio 360: Tata Mutual Fund’s app feature for complete portfolio overview.
• Vega (Getepay): Indigenous payment switch for real-time settlements and high-volume transactions.
• Lenskart Smartglasses: Direct UPI payments via QR scanning on smartglasses.

2. Iron Age Culture Near Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu

Source: TH

Context:

The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) has unearthed evidence of an Iron Age culture during the first phase of excavations at Thirumalapuram in Tenkasi district. This discovery marks a significant addition to Tamil Nadu’s early cultural history, extending the known boundaries of Iron Age settlements closer to the Western Ghats.

Key Highlights:

Location and Dating:

• The site is located about 10 km northwest of Thirumalapuram village, between two seasonal streams originating from the Western Ghats near the Kulasegarapereri tank.
• Tentative estimates suggest the site dates back to the early to mid-third millennium BCE, contemporaneous with sites such as Adichanallur and Sivagalai.

Excavation Details:

• Conducted by TNSDA archaeologists during the first season beginning last year.
• A total of 37 trenches were excavated across a 35-acre burial site.
• Unearthed artefacts include:
  • A rectangular stone slab chamber with urn burials, a first-of-its-kind discovery in Tamil Nadu.
  • The chamber was made of 35 stone slabs and filled with cobblestones up to a depth of 1.5 metres.

Artefacts and Findings:

• Ceramics: A large collection of grave pottery was discovered, including:
  • White-painted black-and-red ware
  • Red ware, red-slipped ware, black-polished ware, and coarse red ware
• The white-painted designs on black-and-red ware, black ware, and black-slipped ware are similar to patterns earlier found at T. Kallupatti, Adichanallur, Sivagalai, Thulukkarpatti, and Korkai.
• Symbols on urns were among the most notable findings, hinting at possible linguistic or cultural symbolism in the Iron Age communities of the region.

3. IUCN Recognises Indian Wolf as a Potential Distinct Species

Source: TOI

Context:

In a landmark update, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has, for the first time, evaluated the Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) separately from the global gray wolf complex. The move acknowledges that the Indian wolf may represent a distinct species within the Canis genus, significantly enhancing its conservation priority worldwide.

Key Findings of IUCN Assessment:

• Estimated Population: Around 3,093 (range: 2,877–3,310) individuals across India and Pakistan.
• Conservation Status: Classified as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List due to a declining population trend.
• Primary Threats:
  • Habitat loss and fragmentation
  • Human persecution and retaliatory killings
  • Conflict in agrarian and pastoral landscapes

4. Shift to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India: GBD 2023 Report

Source: IE

Context:

The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 report, published in The Lancet and launched at the World Health Summit, Berlin, highlights a global shift in causes of mortality and morbidity, with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now accounting for nearly two-thirds of global deaths and illnesses.

In India, this trend mirrors the global pattern: deaths are increasingly caused by NCDs rather than infectious diseases.

Key Highlights:

• Global Context:
  • Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for nearly two-thirds of global mortality and morbidity.
  • Leading NCDs include ischaemic heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
• India-Specific Findings:
  • Shift in Mortality Patterns:
    • 1990: Diarrhoeal diseases were the leading cause of death (ASMR: 300.53 per lakh).
    • 2023: NCDs dominate:
      • Ischaemic heart disease – ASMR 127.82 per lakh (1st)
      • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – ASMR 99.25 per lakh (2nd)
      • Stroke – ASMR 92.88 per lakh (3rd)
    • Covid-19 fell to 20th position in 2023.
  • All-cause ASMR: Dropped from 1,513.05 per lakh in 1990 to 871.09 per lakh in 2023, showing improvement in overall mortality.
• Life Expectancy Trends (1990–2023):
  • Overall: 58.46 → 71.56 years (+13 years)
  • Males: 58.12 → 70.24 years
  • Females: 58.91 → 72.96 years
  • Despite NCD prevalence, life expectancy has significantly increased.
• Drivers of Health Transition:
  • Urbanisation, delayed industrialisation, and globalisation led to lifestyle changes, increasing NCD risk.
  • Emphasis is shifting to healthy ageing and NCD prevention.

Banking/Finance

1. The Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 (BMA)

Source: ET

Context:

The Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 (BMA), one of India’s strictest tax laws, is under review by an internal government committee. The panel will examine challenges in enforcement, conflicts with the Income Tax Act, and explore ways to handle undisclosed foreign assets more effectively.

Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 (BMA)

Objective:

• To combat black money stashed abroad by Indian residents.
• To tax undisclosed foreign income and assets and impose penalties for non-compliance.

Key Features:

Aspect	Details
Scope	Applies to income or assets held outside India by:- Indian residents- Citizens of India- Entities controlled by Indian residents
Taxation	Undisclosed foreign income/assets taxed at 30% plus applicable surcharge and cess. Additional penalties and prosecution may apply in serious cases.
Penalty	Penalty can be equal to tax payable on undisclosed foreign income/assets. Additional penalties may apply for concealment or failure to report.
Voluntary Disclosure / Compliance	Government provides Voluntary Disclosure Schemes (VDS) periodically:- Allows taxpayers to disclose undisclosed foreign income/assets- Pay tax and penalty- Avoid prosecution
Prosecution	Willful concealment or misreporting is a criminal offense:- Imprisonment: 3 to 10 years- Fines: As per the Act
Reporting Requirements	Individuals and entities must report foreign income and assets in annual income tax returns. Compliance is strictly enforced with cross-checking of foreign data.

Controversial Provisions:

• Retroactive Applicability:
  • The BMA allows the I-T department to probe undisclosed foreign assets acquired decades ago.
  • Under Section 72(c), the year the tax department discovers the asset is considered the year of income, bypassing usual time-barring provisions under the I-T Act.
  • By contrast, under the I-T Act, the department can go back 5 years if escaped income ≥ ₹50 lakh, and 3 years if less.
• Heavy Tax & Penalties:
  • 30% tax + 90% penalty on undisclosed foreign assets, totaling 120% of asset value, compared with 90% maximum under I-T Act.
• Prosecution for Non-Reporting:
  • Under the BMA, failure to report a foreign asset—even if legitimately acquired—can trigger prosecution.
  • Under the I-T Act, prosecution applies only for tax evasion, not mere non-reporting.
• Link with PMLA:
  • Tax assessed under the BMA is treated as a scheduled offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, allowing Enforcement Directorate (ED) intervention.

2. Banks Seek Exemption from SMS Alerts for Transactions Below ₹100

Source: ET

Context:

Banks in India have requested the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to allow exemption from sending SMS alerts for low-value transactions (below ₹100), citing growing digital transaction volumes and customer notification fatigue.

Key Highlights:

• Reason for Request:
  • Increased use of online payment channels, particularly UPI, has led to a surge in small-value transactions.
  • Frequent SMS notifications create clutter and fatigue, sometimes causing customers to miss alerts for higher-value transactions.
• Proposed Safeguards:
  • Notifications will still be sent if smaller transactions exceed a certain value or number within a defined period.
  • Banks would seek customer consent before implementing the exemption.
  • Alerts for customers who want them can continue via banking app notifications or email, which are free.
• Regulatory Background:
  • Current RBI guidelines mandate SMS alerts for all electronic banking transactions.
  • Customers can register for email alerts, SMS costs (~₹0.20 per SMS) are typically passed to customers or borne by banks depending on account type.
  • Banks are advised to use technology and telecom service capabilities to charge customers only for actual usage.

3. Foreign Banks Propose Policy Eases to RBI

Source: ET

Context:

In a first-of-its-kind formal meeting, 14 foreign bank CEOs met RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra to provide feedback on operational challenges and suggest measures to ease business in India. The recommendations focus on risk weights, priority sector lending, and on-lending norms.

Key Recommendations:

• Lower Risk Weights for Unrated Multinationals:
  • Currently, unrated corporate loans above ₹200 crore attract a 150% risk weight, higher than rated corporates (30–100%).
  • Foreign banks requested risk weights based on parent company ratings, enabling lending to multinationals at competitive rates in India.
• Priority Sector Lending Adjustments:
  • Foreign banks with 20+ branches must meet the 40% priority sector lending (PSL) target, similar to local banks.
  • Banks with fewer than 20 branches get leeway (up to 32% in export credit). Foreign banks suggested extending this flexibility to more banks and revising the 5% cap on PSL loans via NBFCs, proposing it be doubled.
• On-Lending via NBFCs:
  • Proposal to increase the permissible amount of agricultural loans that can be extended through NBFCs.
• Banking Domain Norms:
  • Foreign banks suggested that the mandatory transition to a bank.in internet domain may be excluded for non-retail facing banks due to their smaller network presence in India.

Foreign Banks

• Foreign banks are banks that are headquartered in a country outside India but have a branch or subsidiary operating in India.
• They conduct banking business in India under Indian laws and RBI regulations but are ultimately owned or controlled by foreign entities.

Regulatory Framework

• Governed under:
  • Banking Regulation Act, 1949
  • Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999
  • RBI’s Master Directions for Foreign Banks

4. EPFO to Adopt Separate Investment Benchmarks for Its Social Security Schemes

Source: BS

Context:

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), which manages the retirement savings of India’s formal workforce, is considering separate benchmarks for its three social security schemes:

• Employees Provident Fund (EPF)
• Employees Pension Scheme (EPS)
• Employees Deposit-Linked Insurance (EDLI)

This comes after a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) suggestion to the Labour and Employment Ministry to review EPFO’s current approach of pooling all three schemes’ corpus (~₹25 trillion) with a common investment strategy, despite differing actuarial liabilities.

Current Investment Pattern:

• 45–65% in government securities
• 20–45% in debt instruments
• 5–15% in equity markets via index funds
• 0–5% in short-term debt instruments

Performance is currently assessed by Crisil, benchmarking debt portfolios to bond yields and equity portfolios to indices like BSE Sensex and Nifty 50.

Proposed Changes:

• Use separate benchmarks: one for EPF corpus, another for EPS and EDLI investments.
• Draft methodology prepared by Crisil; to be validated by external experts.
• Final proposal to go to EPFO Investment Committee and then recommended to the government.

Benefits:

• Better alignment of investment strategy with the actuarial liabilities of each scheme.
• Enhanced monitoring and performance evaluation of fund managers.

Additional Initiative – Doorstep Delivery of Digital Life Certificates (DLCs):

• Central Board of Trustees (CBT) to approve facility via India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) for ~8 million EPS pensioners.
• Enables pensioners to receive DLC at home or nearby post offices, addressing challenges of digital illiteracy and access.
• Charges reduced from ₹70 to ₹50, reimbursed by EPFO.
• Ensures timely pension payments and prevents overpayments.

5. IRDAI Mandates Fraud Risk Management Framework for Insurers

Source: BS

Context:

The Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has directed all insurers, reinsurers, and distributing channels to establish a comprehensive fraud risk management framework. This comes in response to rising instances of insurance and cyber frauds. The guidelines are set to take effect from April 1, 2026.

Key Requirements for Insurers:

• Zero Tolerance for Fraud:
  • Insurance companies must adopt a board-approved anti-fraud policy.
  • Policy should include red flag indicators and procedures to prevent, detect, report, and remedy fraud.
• Fraud Monitoring Committee (FMC):
  • Companies must establish an FMC responsible for operationalising the fraud risk framework.
• Fraud Monitoring Unit:
  • An independent unit (separate from internal audit) must support the FMC in implementing anti-fraud measures.
• Cybersecurity Measures:
  • Robust cybersecurity frameworks must be implemented to prevent new-age cyber frauds.
  • Continuous monitoring and strengthening of incident databases, customer verification, and access control systems.
• Data Utilisation and Industry Collaboration:
  • Insurers must use available data to prevent frauds.
  • Participation in the Fraud Monitoring Technology Framework provided by the Insurance Information Bureau (IIB).
  • Share details of distribution channels, hospitals, vendors, and blacklisted fraud perpetrators with IIB.
• Caution Repository:
  • IIB will maintain a central caution repository to safeguard sector integrity.
  • Life Insurance Council and General Insurance Council will coordinate on unique identifiers, procedures, and timelines for reporting.
• Reinsurers and Distributors:
  • All reinsurers and distributing channels (except individuals) must establish fraud risk frameworks proportional to their business size and risk profile.

6. RBI Eases Expansion Norms for Payment Aggregators

Source: BS

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced new guidelines allowing fully licensed payment aggregators (PAs) to expand into new segments, such as cross-border (CB) payments, with significantly streamlined approval processes.

Key Changes:

• Fast-Track Expansion:
  • Fully licensed PAs can now commence operations in a new PA category by simply notifying the RBI 30 days in advance, compared to nearly one year previously for separate approvals.
• Scope of Expansion:
  • Most fintechs start with a domestic PA license and later expand into PA-CB for cross-border payments.
  • Compliance requirements for PA-CB are largely similar (≈80%) to a regular PA license.
• Certificate of Authorisation (CoA):
  • Only PAs with a CoA issued by RBI can enter new categories.
  • Notification must occur at least 30 days prior to commencing operations.
• Current Landscape:
  • 56 fully licensed online PAs and 6 PA-CBs currently operate in India.
  • PA-CBs handle cross-border transactions for imports and exports of permitted goods and services.
• Compliance and Oversight:
  • PAs must actually engage in the new business; simply holding a license without operations is not allowed.
  • All players remain subject to RBI audits.
  • Relaxed norms come with the responsibility to demonstrate genuine business activity.
• Implications:
  • Faster market entry could accelerate growth in lucrative cross-border payments.
  • Streamlined approvals may increase competition in PA-CB space, which currently has higher margins due to fewer players.
  • RBI retains oversight to mitigate risks to the broader payments ecosystem.

7. RBI Eases Transaction Compliance for EXIM Trade but Calls for Broader Reform

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently introduced measures to simplify foreign exchange management and promote the use of the Indian Rupee (INR) in international trade, targeting exporters, importers, and merchant traders.

Key Measures:

• Reconciliation and Closure in EDPMS/IDPMS:
  • AP (DIR Series) Circular No. 12, Oct 1, 2025 allows Authorised Dealer (AD) banks to reconcile and close entries in the Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS) and Import Data Processing and Monitoring System (IDPMS) for bills valued ≤ ₹10 lakh.
  • Closure can be based on a declaration from exporter/importer confirming realisation/payment.
  • Quarterly consolidated submissions are permitted for bulk reconciliation.
  • Helps address cases where payments are received/made through different AD banks or third parties.
• Flexibility in Merchanting Trade Transactions (MTT):
  • Earlier: Entire transaction to be completed within 9 months, with foreign exchange outlay capped at 4 months.
  • New: Foreign exchange outlay extended to 6 months, giving merchant traders additional operational flexibility.
• Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVA) Investment Expansion:
  • Previously: Surplus INR balances could be invested only in government securities.
  • Now: Can also be invested in non-convertible debentures, bonds, and commercial papers of Indian companies, within prescribed limits.
  • Impact: Broadens investment options for countries settling trade in INR.

Merchanting Trade Transactions (MTT) and Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVA) updates by RBI (2025):

Aspect	MTT (Merchanting Trade Transactions)	SRVA (Special Rupee Vostro Accounts)
Definition	International trade where an Indian merchant buys goods from one foreign country and sells to another, without goods entering India physically.	Accounts held by foreign partner banks in India in INR, used to settle trade in Indian Rupees.
Earlier Rule	– Transaction had to be completed within 9 months. – Foreign exchange outlay restricted to 4 months.	– Surplus balances could only be invested in government treasury bills or securities.
RBI 2025 Update	– Foreign exchange outlay extended to 6 months, giving more operational flexibility for merchant traders.	– Surplus balances can now also be invested in: • Non-convertible debentures (NCDs) • Corporate bonds • Commercial papers of Indian companies- Must follow existing investment guidelines and limits.

8. SBI Cards & Payment Services: Impact of RBI’s Revised Credit Card Risk Weights

Context:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed revised risk weight norms for credit card issuers.
• Current framework:
  • All credit card dues (₹100) attract a uniform risk weight of 125%, leading to a capital requirement of ₹18.75 (CRAR of 15% applied to ₹125).
  • No distinction between transactors (who pay in full on time) and revolvers (who carry forward balances and pay interest).

Proposed Changes:

• Transactor dues risk weight: Reduced to 75% as they pose lower credit risk.
• Revolver dues risk weight: Remains 125%.
• Definition of transactors: Customers who fully paid their dues by the due date in the last 12 months.
• Impact on SBI Cards:
  • Transactors account for 40% of outstanding dues (Q1FY26).
  • Blended risk weight reduces from 125% → 105% (75% on ₹40 + 125% on ₹60).
  • Minimum capital requirement decreases from ₹18.75 → ₹15.75, giving more capital flexibility.
• Strategic implication: Encourages focus on high-quality customers with clean credit histories.

Financial & Operational Considerations:

Aspect	Details / Observations
Stock Performance	– Up 40% in 2025.- CAGR since IPO (₹755 in March 2020 → ₹921.75) remains below 5%. – Volatility driven partly by high bad debts.
Credit Costs	– Gross credit cost: 6.7% (Q2 FY24) → 9.6% (Q1 FY26), except Q4 FY25. – Net credit cost: 5.5% → 8.5% sequentially. – Recoveries from past dues remain weak.
Preventive Measures	– Capping credit limits for existing customers. – Ensuring high quality of new card applicants. – Goal: Reduce delinquencies amid elevated household debt and leverage.
Capital Adequacy	– CRAR: 20.6% (Q1 FY25) → 23.2% (Q1 FY26).- Well above RBI’s minimum requirement of 15%, indicating capital is not a growth constraint.

9. HDFC Bank Launches ‘My Business QR’ at GFF 2025

Event: Global Fintech Fest 2025 (GFF 2025)
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Key Highlights:

• Initiative: ‘My Business QR’ – India’s first commerce identity QR solution for small businesses.
• Purpose: Helps retailers transition from offline to online, enhancing digital presence and commerce capabilities.
• Collaboration: HDFC Bank partnered with Vyaparify under the SmartHub Vyapar merchant app, which already serves 2 million+ merchants in India.
• Significance: Empowers small businesses with digital identity, streamlined payments, and broader reach in the online marketplace.

10. RBI Supersedes Board of Irinjalakuda Town Co-operative Bank

Authority: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Bank: Irinjalakuda Town Co-operative Bank Ltd.

Key Details:

• Purpose: Typically, such measures are taken to protect depositors’ interests, improve governance, and ensure financial stability of the bank.
• RBI has superseded the Board of Directors of the bank for 12 months.
• Action taken under Section 36AAA read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Agriculture

1. Natural Farming Gains Traction in Himachal Pradesh

Source: TH

Context:

Himachal Pradesh is witnessing a steady transition from chemical-based to natural, sustainable farming. The State’s flagship Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y) and the introduction of Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for naturally grown crops have encouraged thousands of farmers to adopt chemical-free agricultural practices.

About Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y):

• Launched: 2018.
• Objective: Promote natural, non-chemical farming practices for sustainable soil and crop health.
• Implementation:
  • Farmers trained: 3.06 lakh
  • Practising natural farming: 2.22 lakh farmers (partial or full adoption)
  • Certification: Over 2 lakh farmers certified under CETARA–NF (Certified Evaluation Tool for Agriculture Resource Analysis), a self-assessment certification mechanism under PK3Y.

What is CETARA–NF?

CETARA–NF is an online self-assessment tool that allows farmers to evaluate their adherence to natural farming practices. The system is designed to be:

• Farmer-friendly: Easy to use with minimal documentation.
• Transparent: Ensures traceability and accountability.
• Scalable: Can be integrated with national and international standards.
• Inclusive: Open to all farmers, including those new to natural farming.

What is Natural Farming?

Natural farming is a way of growing crops without using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified seeds. Instead, it relies on nature’s own processes to keep the soil healthy and plants strong.

Key Principles

• No Chemicals: Avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
• Healthy Soil: Uses compost, cow dung, neem, and plant-based inputs to nourish the soil.
• Local Seeds: Plants indigenous or traditional seeds suited to local conditions.
• Biodiversity: Encourages multiple crops and natural pest control through beneficial insects.
• Water Efficiency: Uses rainwater, mulching, and soil moisture conservation techniques.
• Sustainability: Focuses on long-term soil fertility and environmental balance.

2. India’s Mariculture Ambitions and ICAR-CMFRI Initiatives

Source: BL

Context:

India aims to significantly expand its marine fish production to meet rising seafood demand and address resource depletion challenges.

Key Highlights:

• Production Target: ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) targets 2.5 million tonnes of mariculture production by 2047, up from the current 1.5 lakh tonnes.
• Technologies: CMFRI promotes cage culture and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) to enhance marine fish production sustainably.
• Training and Support: A nationwide training programme for fish farmers was launched in conjunction with Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY).
• Seaweed Potential: India’s current seaweed production is low compared to the global output of 35.5 million tonnes. CMFRI estimates a potential of 5 million tonnes domestically, catering to industrial and nutraceutical demand.
• Strategic Vision: Adoption of modern mariculture technologies, backed by a national mariculture policy and legal framework, could transform coastal India into a global mariculture hub, boosting productivity and fisherfolk livelihoods.

3. ICAR Approves 28 New Wheat and Barley Varieties Ahead of Sowing Season

Source: BL

Context:

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has approved 28 new wheat and barley varieties for consideration by the Central Sub-Committee on Crop Standards, Notification & Release of Varieties (CSN&RV), just before the start of the wheat sowing season.

Key Highlights:

• Varieties Cleared: Out of 46 new requests, 23 wheat varieties and all 5 barley varieties were identified for approval by the Varietal Identification Committee (VIC).
• Regional Focus:
  • Punjab Agriculture University (PAU): 2 varieties approved – PBW 906 (central zone) and PBW 915 (North-East Plain Zone), both rust-resistant and high-yielding.
  • Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI): 7 of 11 wheat varieties approved.
  • Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR): 2 of 6 wheat varieties and all 3 barley varieties approved.
• Scrutiny of Releases: The approval process is under stricter monitoring after concerns over farmers not adopting previously released varieties, especially in regions unsuitable for wheat cultivation.
• Significance: Timely approval allows seed companies to produce breeder seeds, ensuring higher adoption and supporting India’s wheat output growth amid rising domestic consumption.

Significance for Farmers:

• Encourages cultivation of region-specific, high-yield, and disease-resistant wheat varieties.
• Supports national food security by aligning seed availability with production targets.

Facts To Remember

1. Diane Keaton, Oscar winner, star of Annie Hall, Godfather, dead

Actress Diane Keaton, known for her Oscar-winning performance in 1977’s Annie Hall and her role in The Godfather films, has died at age 79.

2. Indian men go down to Hong Kong

India’s streak of three successive men’s team category medals in the Asian table tennis championships came to an end, as a young side led by Manav Thakkar went down 0-3 to Hong Kong (China) in the quarterfinals at the Kalinga Indoor Stadium here.

3. India’s First QR Code-Based Traffic Challan Payment Kiosk Launched in Gurugram

Gurugram has become the first city in India to introduce a QR code-based kiosk for the digital payment of traffic challans, marking a new step toward digital governance and citizen convenience. The initiative aims to simplify and speed up challan payments through contactless technology.

4. Govt Launches Employees’ Enrolment Campaign 2025 to Boost Social Security Coverage

The Government has launched Employees’ Enrolment Campaign 2025 to expand social security coverage of employees. This campaign is intended to encourage employers to voluntarily declare and enroll eligible employees.

5. India, Canada Commit to Strengthening Trade, Investment, AI, and Energy Ties

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar today said that India-Canada relations have been steadily progressing in the last few months, and both nations are working to restore and reinvigorate the mechanisms necessary to advance the partnership. 

6. Indian Army Troops Arrive in Australia for 4th Edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025

In Australia, around 120 troops from the Indian Army have arrived to participate in the 4th edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025 with the Australian Army from today. 

7. India to Participate in NAM Ministerial in Kampala on 15th–16th October

  Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh will be leading the Indian delegation for the 19th Mid-Term Ministerial of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) being held in Kampala, Uganda, on the 15th and 16th of this month.

8. PM GatiShakti National Master Plan Completes Four Years Today

 PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity is completing four years today. 

9. India’s Largest School Hackathon ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025’ Begins Today

India’s largest school hackathon, ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025′, will be held today between 10 AM and 11 PM.