Daily Current Affairs

India’s ritual theatres — Kutiyattam, Mudiyettu, Ramman, and Ramlila — have been acknowledged by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting their spiritual essence, cultural storytelling, and importance in communal bonding.

These traditions combine music, dance, drama, and sacred rituals, typically performed in temples or village courtyards during festive occasions.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced that from October 1, 2027, all electric cars, buses, and trucks must be equipped with Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) to improve pedestrian safety.

For new EV models, the mandate will begin earlier — October 2026. AVAS functions by generating artificial sound, helping pedestrians and road users detect approaching silent EVs.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has inaugurated a new AI and GIS-based Decision Support System (DSS) command centre to strengthen security along the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders.

The system merges sensor inputs, incident records, and GIS mapping platforms to present a comprehensive real-time operational view.

Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has been nominated for Best Actor at the International Emmy Awards 2025 for his role in Imtiaz Ali’s biopic Amar Singh Chamkila.

The film, available on Netflix, also received a nomination in the TV movie/mini-series category. This is India’s only entry at the International Emmys this year.

India’s para archer Sheetal Devi secured her first-ever gold medal at the World Archery Para Championships 2025 in Gwangju, South Korea, defeating Oznur Cure Girdi of Türkiye with a score of 146-143 in the Women’s Compound Open final.

After an impressive second round, she maintained dominance and sealed victory with three perfect 10s in the final round.

She also added two more medals:

• Silver – Women’s Team event with Sarita
• Bronze – Mixed Team event with Toman Kumar

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that from April 1, 2026, all forms of digital payments — including UPI, net banking, card transactions, and mobile wallets — must implement two-factor authentication (2FA) for better security.

Instead of relying only on SMS-based OTPs, the new system will include:

• Biometric verification – fingerprint, facial recognition
• Authentication tokens and passphrases
• Risk-based checks for high-value or suspicious transactions

Low-value payments might receive exemptions.

The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) reported a 19.5% growth in net profit, reaching ₹4,811 crore in FY25, marking its highest-ever earnings.

SIDBI reaffirmed its focus on MSME support, digital transformation, renewable energy initiatives, and branch network expansion to broaden financial inclusion.

India continues to be the largest milk producer in the world, contributing around 25% of global production, with dairy recognized as the biggest agricultural product.

• Over 8 crore farmers, many of them women, are directly engaged in the sector
• Milk output has grown by 63.56% over the last decade

Growth has been supported by programs such as:

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission
• Artificial Insemination initiatives
• Advanced methods like IVF and sex-sorted semen

India and Bhutan have cleared their first-ever railway projects, strengthening bilateral trade and regional cooperation.

These projects will enhance cross-border movement, provide Bhutan with better access to Indian ports, and support Bhutan’s long-term economic development.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described this initiative as a “major new step” in Indo-Bhutan ties.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal declared that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with EFTA nations — Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland — will come into effect from October 1, 2025.

India is also in talks for trade deals with:

• US, European Union, New Zealand, Oman, Peru, and Chile
• Qatar and Bahrain have expressed interest

The International Cricket Council (ICC) in collaboration with UNICEF launched the “Promise to Children” campaign during the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup.

The campaign urges fans, players, and audiences to commit to ensuring equal opportunities for all children.

Key supporters include actor Ayushmann Khurrana and cricketer Smriti Mandhana.

Gaurav Banerjee has been appointed as MD & CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), also known as Culver Max Entertainment, for a five-year tenure until August 2029.

The company’s AGM also ratified two other whole-time directors:

• Ritesh Khosla – General Counsel (5-year term)
• Sibaji Biswas – CFO (5-year term)

Observed on October 1 every year to acknowledge and promote the welfare of older persons.

As per the UN, individuals above 60 years of age are considered older persons.

• The UN General Assembly, in 1990 (Resolution 45/106), officially declared October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons
• First celebrated in 1991
• Earlier, in 1982, the World Assembly on Ageing adopted the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, which laid the foundation for this observance

Celebrated annually on October 1, highlighting the benefits of vegetarianism.

A vegetarian is defined as someone who avoids meat, fish, and poultry, instead consuming vegetables, fruits, grains, tofu, nuts, and legumes.

• Initiated in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS)
• Later endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978

Recognized globally on October 1 every year, celebrating coffee as a beverage and its cultural significance.

Coffee originated in the Horn of Africa and South Arabia and is made from roasted coffee beans.

• The International Coffee Organization, established in 1963, first declared this day
• Officially launched in Milan (2015)
• Some countries observed variations earlier — e.g., China in 1977 and the US declaring National Coffee Day in 2005
• To harmonize dates globally, the International Coffee Organization finalized October 1 as International Coffee Day from 2015 onward