Current Affairs - September 29, 2025 Current Affairs

The National Conclave 2025 on Ex-Servicemen Welfare was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The two-day conclave was organised by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) with the theme “Viksit Bharat and Ex-Servicemen Welfare.” It brought together representatives from Rajya Sainik Boards and Zila Sainik Boards across India to discuss welfare measures for ex-servicemen and their families. By inaugurating this event, Rajnath Singh emphasised the government’s continued commitment to ensuring social security, rehabilitation, and respect for veterans who have served the nation, reinforcing the importance of their role in building a stronger and more developed India.

The state of Bihar is home to both Gokul Jalashaya in Buxar (448 hectares) and Udaipur Jheel in West Champaran (319 hectares), which have been designated as Ramsar Wetlands. Ramsar sites are globally recognised as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Their inclusion emphasises Bihar’s ecological contribution in maintaining biodiversity, supporting migratory birds, and providing essential ecosystem services such as groundwater recharge and flood control. With these new sites, India’s total number of Ramsar wetlands has reached 93, covering an expansive area of 13,60,719 hectares, reflecting its growing commitment to wetland conservation.

India won the Asia Cup Final 2025 by defeating Pakistan by 5 wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 28, 2025. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, India restricted Pakistan to 146 all out, with key contributions from bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav (4/30), Varun Chakravarthy (2/30), and Jasprit Bumrah (2/25). In their chase, India overcame an early loss of three wickets to successfully reach 150/5 in 19.4 overs, thanks to Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69* and Shivam Dube’s 33. This victory highlights India’s strong middle-order performance and strategic bowling under pressure.

Uttar Pradesh has announced the organization of statewide eight-day trade shows across all its 75 districts from October 9–16. The initiative was revealed by the Khadi and Village Industries sector during the UP International Trade Show (UPITS) in Greater Noida. These exhibitions will feature entrepreneurs from Khadi, textiles, and One District One Product (ODOP) sectors. By scaling up from divisional-level events to a state-wide initiative, Uttar Pradesh aims to boost its local economy, strengthen MSMEs, provide greater exposure for traditional products, and encourage entrepreneurship, ultimately enhancing trade opportunities at national and international levels.

Oil India Ltd (OIL) announced its first confirmed natural gas discovery off the Andaman Islands, marking a major milestone in India’s offshore energy exploration. The Hydrocarbon Resource Assessment Study (HRAS) has estimated around 371 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent (MMTOE) in the Andaman Basin, which is part of the Bengal-Arakan sedimentary system. Located at the tectonic boundary between the Indian and Burmese plates, the basin contains favorable geological conditions such as stratigraphic traps. This discovery significantly boosts India’s prospects for future energy self-reliance while highlighting the strategic importance of the Andaman region in hydrocarbon exploration.

The 2nd National Mediation Conference 2025 was inaugurated in Bhubaneswar by the Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai. The event highlighted the importance of mediation as a tool for dispute resolution, stressing that its effectiveness comes from consistent practices rather than solely from legal provisions. The two-day conference featured five interactive technical sessions chaired by Supreme Court judges, creating a platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices in mediation. Hosting the conference in Bhubaneswar also emphasises the growing importance of regional centers in advancing legal reforms and strengthening alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in India.

World Heart Day is observed annually on September 29 as a global initiative to promote heart health and prevent cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Established in 2000 by the World Heart Federation in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the day emphasises that most heart-related deaths are preventable through lifestyle modifications. The 2025 theme, “Small Lifestyle Changes, Big Health Benefits,” highlights the importance of simple habits such as healthy eating, regular physical activity, stress management, and quality sleep. By focusing on prevention and early detection, World Heart Day encourages individuals, communities, and governments worldwide to prioritise cardiovascular health.

India clinched the 7th SAFF U-17 Championship title after defeating Bangladesh 4-1 in a thrilling penalty shootout at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo. This victory marked India’s seventh U-17 title, further cementing its dominance in South Asian football. Under the guidance of coach Bibiano Fernandes, who has now secured his fifth SAFF championship win, the team showcased resilience and skill. Earlier in May 2025, Fernandes also led India to victory in the SAFF U-19 Championship in Arunachal Pradesh. The win highlights the consistent growth of India’s youth football program and its strong presence in regional tournaments.

The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh has been included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves during the World Congress of Biosphere Reserves held in Hangzhou, China. Covering an area of 7,770 sq. km in the Western Himalayas, this reserve was originally designated a national biosphere reserve in 2009. Its recognition by UNESCO now makes it India’s 13th site in the global network. The inclusion highlights the ecological significance of the fragile cold desert ecosystem, which supports unique biodiversity, cultural heritage, and sustainable development initiatives, marking a step forward in international conservation efforts.

The Supreme Court struck down a 2007 notification by the Rajasthan government that provided a VAT exemption on locally manufactured asbestos sheets and bricks. The Court ruled that such exemptions were discriminatory under Article 304(a) of the Constitution, as they favored local products over similar goods from other states. This decision reinforces the principle of free trade within India, ensuring that state taxation policies do not create unfair advantages for local industries. By invalidating the exemption, the Court emphasised that all states must adhere to constitutional guidelines promoting equal economic opportunity and trade fairness across India.

Mithun Manhas, former Delhi captain, has been elected unopposed as the 37th BCCI President at the 94th annual general meeting. He succeeds Roger Binny, who resigned in August 2025, while Rajeev Shukla had been serving as interim vice-president. Manhas brings with him a rich domestic cricketing career spanning two decades from 1997 to 2017, during which he played 157 first-class matches scoring 9714 runs, 130 List A matches scoring 4126 runs, and 91 T20 games amassing 1170 runs. His appointment reflects the growing trend of experienced cricketers contributing to cricket administration in India.