Daily News Brief - Oct 05, 2025

Long Description : Faced with recurring air quality crises due to stubble burning, researchers from IIT Kanpur and IIT Roorkee have developed a process to create biodegradable tableware from agricultural residue. This technology promises additional farm income, reduces pollution, and promotes sustainable industry alliances. In collaboration with the packaging sector, this innovation is being piloted in Punjab and Haryana, with support for scaling up and commercialization.

Long Description : This year’s Ig Nobel Prizes recognized research that “makes people laugh, then think.” Indian researchers won for developing tableware made from paddy straw, offering an eco-friendly solution to crop residue disposal and pollution. The ceremony, noted for its playful tone, spotlights unconventional science and vital innovations that can translate into sustainable industry practices. India’s win highlights the country’s growing presence in global R&D and public science awareness.

Long Description : Scientists from Indian research institutions participated in an international project that detected unique energy signals consistent with dark matter interactions, using data from a network of ground and space-based telescopes. Their findings are poised to advance understanding of the universe’s composition and have implications for fundamental physics, astronomy, and cosmology. Indian institutions provided computational resources and theoretical modeling for data interpretation.

Long Description : The Shakti Scheme, running in Karnataka, has recorded nearly 2 crore daily rides by women, making public transport more accessible and boosting social inclusion. The program, which issues zero-fare bus passes via digital apps and counters, supports employment, health, and education access for women across districts. It is being evaluated as a best practice model and could influence similar policy adoptions in other states to promote gender equality in mobility.

Long Description : The government has launched a National Pulses Mission with a goal of reaching self-sufficiency in pulses by 2030. The program involves expanding cultivation, promoting crop diversification, and increasing procurement from farmers at higher MSPs. The mission aims to increase India’s pulse production from 24.2 million to 35 million tonnes by 2030-31 and includes a budget allocation of ₹11,440 crore. The MSPs for major rabi crops like wheat, barley, and lentils have also been raised, affirming the government’s commitment to improving farmer welfare and achieving food security.

Long Description : The announcement of the first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind, to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka, demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity in sports. The tournament will see participation from teams across the world, focusing on creating national awareness, providing a platform for visually impaired athletes, and setting the stage for similar global initiatives.

Long Description : As part of the ongoing Special Campaign 5.0, the National Archives of India will host an exhibition called “Sushasan aur Abhilekh” at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre to display government records of historical importance. The event aims to promote awareness about the value of archival documents, encourage transparency, and highlight the government’s commitment to good governance. Ministries contributed over 2128 tweets and 102 press statements highlighting the campaign’s achievements.

Long Description : Cyclone Shakthi, a severe cyclonic storm, made landfall over the east coast affecting Odisha and West Bengal. State disaster authorities reported extensive evacuations as winds caused localized flooding, uprooted trees, and disrupted electricity supply. Relief teams, including NDRF units, are active in affected districts providing food, temporary shelter, and medical aid. The India Meteorological Department continues to monitor the cyclone's movement and intensity while authorities urge caution in coastal areas. The event highlights the ongoing challenges posed by cyclonic disturbances and India’s growing emphasis on disaster preparedness and rapid emergency response.

Long Description : Exercise KONKAN-2025 kicked off between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy off the western seaboard. The drill includes anti-submarine warfare, fleet maneuvers, and exchange of best practices to strengthen maritime cooperation. It aims to enhance interoperability and maritime security in the Indian Ocean. Such exercises are crucial for strategic defense cooperation and for countering emerging maritime threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

Long Description : The 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, held in Bridgetown, Barbados, will see participation from an Indian delegation led by the Lok Sabha Speaker. The delegation will engage in workshops on digital democracy, legislative strategies, and international cooperation. This forum allows Indian lawmakers to share and gain insights into global parliamentary best practices while advancing India’s international legislative networks.