UNESCO
News-India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve Added to UNESCO List.
- Event – Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (Himachal Pradesh) included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
- Occasion – 37th Session of ICC-MAB, 27 September 2025.
- Significance – India now has 13 biosphere reserves in the global network.
- Ramsar Sites – Two new designations in Bihar:
– Gokul Jalashay (Buxar, 448 ha)
– Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran, 319 ha) - Total – India now has 93 Ramsar sites covering 13.6 lakh hectares.
- Importance – Boosts biodiversity, wetland conservation, and climate resilience.
Asia Cup
News-India Wins Asia Cup Title 2025.
- Event – India won the Asia Cup 2025 final on 29 September at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
- Result – India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets, chasing 147 with 2 balls to spare.
- Highlight – Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 (53) guided India after 20/3 collapse.
- Partnerships – Key stands with Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube ensured victory.
- Pakistan – Bowled out for 146 despite strong opening partnership.
- Record – India won their 9th Asia Cup title.
- Streak – India maintained 3/3 wins against Pakistan (group stage, Super Four, final).
MiG-21
News-MiG-21 Bids Final Farewell.
- Event – Indian Air Force retired MiG-21 on 26 September 2025 after 6 decades.
- Venue – Farewell ceremony at Chandigarh Air Base.
- Attendees – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, CDS Gen. Anil Chauhan, IAF Chief Air Marshal AP Singh.
- Highlights – Ceremonial flypast, aerial combat display with Jaguars, Akash Ganga paratroopers salute from 8,000 ft.
- History – MiG-21 inducted in 1963, led by Wing Commander Dilbagh Singh at Chandigarh.
- Tribute – Defence Minister praised MiG-21’s decisive role in multiple operations, calling it a legendary chapter of IAF.
Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana
News-Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana – Bihar
- Event – Launch of Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana in Bihar on 26 September 2025.
- Launched by – PM Narendra Modi & CM Nitish Kumar.
- Budget – ₹7,500 crore.
- Beneficiaries – 75 lakh women.
- Phase 1 – ₹10,000 each via DBT.
- Further Support – Up to ₹2 lakh for successful enterprises.
- Sectors – Agriculture, animal husbandry, tailoring, weaving, handicrafts, etc.
- Training – SHG resource persons to train and mentor women.
- Marketing – Development of Gramin Haat Bazaars for sales.
- Eligibility – Women (18–60 yrs), Bihar residents, not income tax payers or govt employees (self/husband).
Sovereign Mobility Cloud & Dubai Autonomous Zone
News-UAE Unveils Sovereign Mobility Cloud & Dubai Autonomous Zone.
- Event – Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport, 24–25 Sept 2025.
- Launch – UAE unveiled Sovereign Mobility Cloud (Core42 + Microsoft Azure).
- Features – Secure digital infra, UAE-hosted data, supports HD mapping, telematics, fleet ops, traffic mgmt, digital twins.
- Backing – Space42 for pilot and rollout; builds on TXAI driverless success (600,000 km, 20,000 trips).
- Dubai Autonomous Zone (DAZ):
- Corridor – 15 km for driverless vehicles and marine transport.
- Operational – Early 2026.
- Coverage – Al Jaddaf Metro → Dubai Creek Harbour → Dubai Festival City.
- Modes – Driverless Metro, RoboTaxis, RoboBuses, shuttles, delivery bots, road sweepers, autonomous abras.
- RoboTaxi – Trials end-2025; target 1,000 vehicles by 2028.
- Partnerships – Uber + RTA + WeRide for autonomous cars.
- Testing – 50+ vehicles in Jumeirah for safety and data.
- Benefits:
- Shorter travel time and reduced cost.
- App-based booking from 2026.
- Accessibility for elderly and disabled.
- Lower emissions and sustainable mobility.
MCQs
Q1. Which biosphere reserve was added to UNESCO’s World Network on 27 Sept 2025?
a) Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
b) Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
c) Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve
d) Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
Q2. Where was the Asia Cup 2025 final held?
a) Wankhede Stadium
b) Eden Gardens
c) Dubai International Cricket Stadium
d) Sharjah Stadium
Q3. When did the IAF retire MiG-21 aircraft?
a) 24 Sept 2025
b) 25 Sept 2025
c) 26 Sept 2025
d) 27 Sept 2025
Q4. Who launched the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana?
a) PM Modi & CM Nitish Kumar
b) President Droupadi Murmu
c) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
d) CM Mamata Banerjee
Q5. Which country launched the Sovereign Mobility Cloud?
a) India
b) UAE
c) Saudi Arabia
d) Qatar