Current Affairs - October 1, 2025 Current Affairs

SIDBI’s net profit for FY25 grew by 19.5%, reaching an all-time high of ₹4,811 crore compared to ₹4,026 crore in FY24. This strong performance reflects not only the bank’s ability to generate sustainable growth but also its focus on maintaining asset quality, with net NPAs at 0%. Alongside this, SIDBI expanded its loan portfolio, strengthened MSME support through digital and green finance initiatives, and improved total income and EPS. The 19.5% profit growth underscores SIDBI’s robust role in India’s MSME ecosystem and its strategic alignment with national development goals.

Telugu Language Day 2025 was celebrated in Saudi Arabia, bringing together over 2,000 attendees, including NRIs, to highlight the cultural heritage of the Telugu-speaking community abroad. The event promoted the P4 model (Public–Private–People Partnership) initiated by the Andhra Pradesh government, emphasizing social and economic empowerment and the vision of “zero poverty by 2047.” Key dignitaries, including ministers and community leaders, participated virtually and in person, showcasing the global presence of the Telugu diaspora. The celebration reinforced the importance of language, culture, and collaborative development initiatives in uniting communities across borders.

The International Day of Older Persons is observed every year on October 1, following the United Nations General Assembly’s 1990 resolution (45/106). The 2025 theme, “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights”, highlights the active role of older persons in shaping societies, promoting health equity, financial stability, and community resilience. The observance emphasises not only protecting the rights and dignity of older individuals but also recognizing them as vital contributors to social, cultural, and economic progress. It aligns with the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, promoting inclusivity for all ages.

Balod district in Chhattisgarh has become India’s first officially certified child marriage-free district under the “Child Marriage Free India” campaign. The milestone was achieved after two years of zero reported child marriage cases and verification of all 436 gram panchayats and nine urban bodies. The accomplishment reflects coordinated efforts by local administration, panchayats, Anganwadi workers, and community members in raising awareness and ensuring compliance with legal provisions. This achievement sets a national benchmark for social reform and demonstrates that grassroots participation, combined with government support, can effectively eliminate harmful practices like child marriage.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 6.5%, down from its earlier estimate of 6.7%. This revision reflects the impact of elevated U.S. tariffs, which are expected to affect around 60% of India’s exports to the U.S., slowing growth momentum in the second half of 2025-26. Despite strong domestic demand, infrastructure investment, and ongoing structural reforms, global trade challenges are likely to dampen India’s expansion. The ADB also projected a similar 6.5% growth rate for FY27, highlighting continued caution amid external headwinds for the Indian economy.

The third edition of the Unmesha International Literature Festival 2025 was hosted in Patna, Bihar, from 25th to 28th September. Bihar was chosen not only as the venue but also as a symbolic representation of India’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage. The state has historically been a cradle of knowledge, with ancient institutions like Nalanda and Vikramshila, spiritual centers like Bodh Gaya and Vaishali, and deep contributions to India’s democratic, political, and social fabric. Hosting the festival here highlighted Bihar’s global legacy in literature, art, and cultural dialogue while showcasing its vibrant traditions like Mithila painting and Chhath Puja.

Exercise ‘Drone Kavach’ was conducted by the Spear Corps of the Indian Army in the forward areas of Eastern Arunachal Pradesh from September 25 to 28, 2025. The four-day exercise focused on next-generation drone warfare and counter-drone technologies, involving the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). It tested tactical maneuvers, target acquisition, and neutralization techniques, enhancing operational readiness in sensitive border regions. The exercise underscores the Army’s commitment to modernization, technology integration, and preparedness for multi-domain battlefield scenarios, while also reflecting the strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh in national defence and security.

The government of India has announced that from October 1, 2027, all electric cars, buses, and trucks in production will be required to have an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS). This system is designed to improve pedestrian safety by producing artificial sounds that alert road users to the presence of near-silent EVs. While newly launched EV models must include AVAS from October 2026, the broader implementation for all models comes into force in October 2027. This step aligns India with global EV safety regulations while addressing the risks posed by the quiet operation of electric vehicles.

Gaurav Banerjee has been appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), officially known as Culver Max Entertainment, with his term extended until August 2029. He took over leadership following the departure of long-time CEO NP Singh and was confirmed through shareholder approval at the AGM in August 2025. His tenure, starting in August 2024, represents a five-year extension that ensures leadership stability for the company. Under his guidance, SPNI continues to strengthen its television and OTT presence through SonyLIV, backed by strong financials and a significant subscriber base in India.

The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department received the Global Tourism Award 2025 in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote the state as a leading tourist destination. The award highlighted initiatives in sustainable tourism, heritage conservation, and cultural promotion. Andhra Pradesh offers diverse attractions, including spiritual sites like Tirupati, heritage locations such as Lepakshi temple, coastal tourism along Visakhapatnam, and eco-adventure destinations like Araku Valley. The department’s work in infrastructure development, community-based tourism, and smart technology integration has strengthened its global visibility, boosted international tourist arrivals, and supported local economic development while preserving the state’s cultural and natural heritage.

The Union Cabinet approved a 3% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners, effective from October 1, 2025. This increase raises the DA rate from 55% to 58% of Basic Pay/Pension and benefits over 1.18 crore people, including 49.19 lakh employees and 68.72 lakh pensioners. The move aims to offset rising inflation and maintain purchasing power. The financial impact of this hike is estimated at ₹10,083.96 crore annually. This adjustment follows the periodic DA revisions under the 7th Central Pay Commission formula to protect the livelihood of government employees and retirees.