Daily Current Affairs 2025  

09/10/2025

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CA-09/10/2025

 
Why in news?
Mera Hou Chongba Festival 2025 was celebrated on 7th October at Kangla Fort and the Royal Palace in Imphal, Manipur, with wide participation by all indigenous communities, including both hill and valley groups. 
 
Key Features

• It is held annually on the 15th lunar day of the Mera month in the Meitei calendar.

• The festival takes place mainly at the Sana Konung (Royal Palace), Imphal.
• Major rituals include Mera Thaomei Thanba (lighting of ceremonial fire), gift exchange (Mera Yenkhong Tamba), and offering a ritual drink (Mera Men Tongba).
• All indigenous communities of Manipur—Meitei and various Naga tribes—participate, making it the state's only festival inclusive of every group.

Historical and Social Significance

• The roots of Mera Hou Chongba are linked to early Manipur legends and the reign of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba.
• Traditionally, it reinforces the idea of unity across Manipur's ethnic and geographic diversity, acting as a peace-building platform in times of community tension.

The festival's backstory involves an ancient custom where valley dwellers and hill tribes signaled their well-being to each other by lighting fires—now evolved into a public celebration.
 
 
   
Why in news?
The FDA has approved new injectable treatments like guselkumab (Tremfya) and Omvoh, expanding self-injection options and improving therapy accessibility for Crohn’s patients.
 
About Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that can affect any segment from the mouth to the anus, most commonly targeting the small intestine and colon.
 
Key Symptoms

• Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping are common.
• Other symptoms include blood in stool, mouth sores, reduced appetite, weight loss.
• Severe cases may cause fever, anal pain or drainage (fistulas), and even extraintestinal inflammation in the eyes, skin, joints, or liver.
• In children, delayed growth and development may occur.
• Periods of remission (no symptoms) alternate with active disease.
• Long-term complications may include, ulcers, fistulae, anal fissures, blood clots, and increased risk of colon cancer.

Causes and Risk Factors

• The exact cause is unknown, but genetics, immune system malfunctions, and environmental triggers (like infections) contribute.
• Smokers are at increased risk.
• It is not strictly an autoimmune disease but involves an abnormal immune response to gut microbes.
• Most cases are diagnosed between ages 20–29, though it can occur at any age.

Treatment

• There is no cure, but treatment aims to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and maintain remission.
• Dietary support and, occasionally, vitamin supplementation are suggested due to malabsorption risk.

 
   
Why in new?
On October 7, 2025, ITAT marked its 84th anniversary, highlighting its long-standing role as a key institution in India's tax dispute resolution.
 
Key features of ITAT:

• ITAT is a quasi-judicial authority established under Section 252 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, to hear appeals against orders passed by various income tax authorities.
• It functions as the second appellate authority in direct tax matters, positioned below the High Court in the appellate hierarchy for income tax disputes. 
• The ITAT is unique in having judicial and accountant members on its benches, with each bench typically consisting of one judicial member and one accountant member.
• Comprises 63 benches across 27 to 30 cities in India with about 126 members including a President and Vice-Presidents.
• Appeals can be filed by both taxpayers and the income tax department.
• It operates under the Ministry of Law and Justice, not under the Ministry of Finance, to ensure its independence.
• Deals with second appeals in income tax, wealth tax, gift tax, and related direct tax matters including issues under the Black Money Act.
• Has the power to regulate its own procedure through the Income-tax (Appellate Tribunal) Rules, 1963.

The tribunal plays a vital role in adjudicating complex tax disputes involving significant revenue and legal questions, maintaining fairness between the taxpayer and the revenue authority.
 
 
   
Why in news?
Bridgeoporus kanadii is a newly discovered species of fungus found in Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India.

• It has exceptionally large fruiting bodies that can hold the weight of a person, with some measuring over three meters in radius.
• The fungus was named in honor of Indian mycologist Kanad Das for his contributions to Indian macrofungi.
• It belongs to the genus Bridgeoporus, with its closest known relative being Bridgeoporus nobilissimus from North America, which has fruiting bodies up to 1.5 meters—half the size of B. kanadii.
• The fungus primarily grows on dead fir trees and plays a vital ecological role by decomposing dead wood, recycling nutrients, and supporting forest regeneration.
• Though massive and visually striking, Bridgeoporus kanadii is inedible and has no direct economic use.

The discovery highlights the rich, yet underexplored, fungal biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh and emphasizes the importance of fungal species in forest ecosystems.
 
 
   
Why in news?
Recently the Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project highlights significant protests and opposition against in Arunachal Pradesh. 
 
About Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project

• The Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project is a major run-of-the-river hydropower project on the Subansiri River in Arunachal Pradesh.
• It has a planned capacity of 1,800 MW, with an expected commercial operation date around 2031. The project is developed by KSK Energy Ventures and aims to generate about 6,581.29 GWh of electricity annually.
• The project involves a gross head of 199.5 meters and is set to cost approximately $2.35 billion.

About Subansiri River

• The Subansiri River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra, originates from the Tibetan Himalaya and is also known as the "Gold River" due to gold dust in its waters.
• It enters into the plains of Assam through a gorge near Gerukamukh. 
• The river is the right-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra. It joins the Brahmaputra River in the Lakhimpur district of Assam.
• Flows through Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
• Major tributaries of the river are Laro, Nye, Yume, Tsari, Kamla, Jiyadhol, Ranganadi and Dikrong.

The project is a part of India's effort to increase renewable energy capacity and regional development while providing clean energy and economic benefits.
 
 
   
About Gaza peace plan
The Gaza peace plan, known as Trump's Twenty-Point Gaza Peace Plan, covers multiple aspects aimed at ending conflict, ensuring security, and rebuilding Gaza.
 
Key aspects of Gaza peace plan:
 
Ceasefire Agreement and Military Withdrawal

• Israel and Hamas agreed to an immediate ceasefire, halting all military operations including aerial and artillery bombardment.

• The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) agreed to a phased withdrawal from Gaza.

Hostage and Prisoner Exchange

• Hamas committed to releasing the remaining hostages within a 72-hour window from the ceasefire.
• Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction

• Full aid flow to Gaza will resume without interference, with an aim of 600 aid trucks per day.
• Aid includes restoring infrastructure such as water, electricity, sewage, hospitals.
• The Rafah crossing with Egypt has been opened for aid, and the U.S. is sending troops to monitor ceasefire and aid delivery.

Stabilization and Governance

• An International Stabilization Force (ISF) will be deployed to Gaza for security during the transition.

• Gaza will be governed temporarily by a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee under international supervision.
• The Palestinian Authority (PA) will be reformed to prepare for eventual governance of Gaza.

Demilitarization

• Gaza will be demilitarized, with military and terror infrastructure destroyed.
• A weapons buy-back program and independent monitoring will ensure permanent disarmament of Hamas’s armed factions.

Economic and Political Goals

• An expert panel will develop an economic plan to rebuild and energize Gaza’s economy.
• Proposals include establishing a special economic zone with preferred trade terms.

• No Palestinians will be forcibly removed, and Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza.
• Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of its population but as a deradicalized zone.
• Hamas will not have a governance role but can gain amnesty if it commits to peaceful coexistence or safe passage out of Gaza.

Challenges and Outlook

• Hamas’s acceptance of disarmament and governance transition remains uncertain.
• Israeli political factions show mixed reactions, with some opposing the PA’s role in Gaza.
• Broad international support and monitoring are crucial for success.
• The plan does not guarantee a two-state solution but opens dialogue for peaceful coexistence.

This comprehensive peace plan represents a mix of immediate ceasefire actions and longer-term political, economic, and security measures to resolve the Gaza conflict and rebuild the region.
 
 
   
Why in news?
The India-UK Joint Statement released in October 2025 following UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to India highlighting historic and comprehensive partnership across multiple sectors including trade, defense, technology, climate, and education. 
 
Key Highlights of the India-UK Joint Statement 2025

• Economic Cooperation: Early ratification of CETA to enhance trade, create jobs, and benefit industries and consumers. Revitalization of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee to monitor the agreement's implementation.
• Defense and Security: Expanded bilateral military exchanges, joint naval exercises (Exercise KONKAN), integration of Indian Air Force instructors in the UK Royal Air Force, government-to-government deal for Lightweight Multirole Missiles, collaboration on maritime electric propulsion systems.
• Technology and Innovation: Continued progress under the Technology Security Initiative; establishment of India-UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre focused on 6G, telecom cybersecurity, AI ethics, and critical minerals; new joint ventures in biotech and clean energy.
• Climate Action: Launch of the India-UK Climate Finance Initiative, a Climate Tech Start-up Fund, Offshore Wind Taskforce, and commitments through the Global Clean Power Alliance.
• Education and Cultural Exchange: Approval for multiple UK university campuses in India including locations like Gurugram and GIFT City; launch of the first Ministerial Strategic Education Dialogue.
• Counterterrorism: Strong condemnation of terrorism, including the April 2025 Pahalgam attack; commitment to enhanced cooperation in intelligence sharing, judicial cooperation, finance tracking, and tackling terrorist recruitment.

Strategic Significance

• The partnership leverages India’s dynamism and scale with the UK’s technology, expertise, and research capabilities,
• It representing a future-oriented alliance aimed at economic growth, security cooperation, and sustainable development.
• The Indian diaspora in the UK is acknowledged as a vital bridge fostering close ties.
• Both leaders also addressed global stability issues including the Indo-Pacific security and conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

 
   
Why in news?
The DRAVYA Portal (Digitized Retrieval Application for Versatile Yardstick of AYUSH Substances) is a comprehensive digital repository launched by the Ministry of AYUSH through the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS).
 
Key Points about DRAVYA Portal

• The portal aims to catalog 100 key medicinal substances in its first phase, covering Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathic substances.
• It integrates traditional classical Ayurvedic knowledge with modern scientific research and validation.
• It is AI-ready, designed for analytics, discovery, predictive research, and integration with other Ministry initiatives such as the Ayush Grid.
• It supports advanced searching capabilities with filters like taste (rasa), potency (virya), post-digestive effect (vipaka), and therapeutic use.
• The portal facilitates research, innovation, and evidence-based validation, making traditional medicinal knowledge globally accessible and relevant.

The DRAVYA Portal reflects a significant digital leap in preserving, validating, and utilizing India's traditional medicinal knowledge in a modern scientific framework.
 
 
   
Why in news?
The Trinetra firing facility is a state-of-the-art Static Firing Facility commissioned by the Indian Navy at Naval Station Bheemunipatnam near Visakhapatnam.
 
About Trinetra firing facility

• It has been indigenously designed and developed, marking a significant step towards self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in testing naval weapon systems.
• The facility enables testing and life extension of naval weapons like missiles and rockets, reducing dependence on foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
• It allows detailed scientific assessment of the combat-worthiness of naval weapon systems by capturing and recording key performance parameters.
• The facility enhances the reliability, precision, and combat readiness of the Navy’s weapon systems.

These features collectively support the Indian Navy's goal to maintain sustained operational capability and reinforce indigenous defence technology capabilities.
 
 
   
Why in news?
Significant progress in bilateral defence cooperation is highlighted in the India-Australia Joint Statement from the inaugural Australia-India Defence Ministers' Dialogue held in October 2025.
 
Key points of joint statement:

• Signing of three key agreements: Information Sharing, Mutual Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation, and Terms of Reference for Joint Staff Talks.
• Australia welcomed India’s participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 and looks forward to 2027.
• Advancement of a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap and mutual efforts to renew and strengthen the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation.
• Enhanced defence industrial collaboration with defence trade missions and joint working groups on technology and materiel.
• Operationalising the Air-to-Air Refuelling arrangement and expanding cooperation across all defence domains.
• Maritime security collaboration involving Quad partners (India, Australia, Japan, US) was also emphasized to ensure a free, open Indo-Pacific.
• India offered maintenance and repair for Royal Australian Navy ships in Indian shipyards during deployments in the Indian Ocean region.

This reflects deepening strategic and defence partnership aligned with regional peace and security objectives.
 

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