LEGAL NEWS
Supreme Court Allows Use of Green Firecrackers in Delhi-NCR
• The Supreme Court has relaxed the blanket ban on firecrackers, permitting the sale and use of green crackers in Delhi-NCR to curb illegal trade of traditional ones.
• Green crackers are eco-friendly fireworks that produce lower emissions and noise compared to conventional firecrackers.
• They were developed by CSIR–NEERI (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute).
• Their introduction stems from the 2018 Supreme Court judgment (Arjun Gopal v. Union of India), which restricted traditional crackers and approved certified green versions.
• There are three key types of green crackers — SWAS, STAR, and SAFAL — each designed to reduce pollutants differently.
• SWAS emits water vapour to control dust, STAR avoids harmful chemicals like sulphur, and SAFAL minimizes aluminium to cut particulate matter.
• These crackers are designed to keep noise levels below 125 dB while reducing emissions by 30–35%.
• However, issues like fake green crackers and low awareness continue to affect their genuine use and environmental impact.
NATIONAL NEWS
Sharp Decline in Naxal-Affected Districts Marks Major Security Milestone
• The number of most Naxal-affected districts in India has reduced from six to just three, showing major progress toward a Naxal-free Bharat.
• Only Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh remain in the “most affected” category.
• Overall, Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-hit districts have fallen from 18 to 11, reflecting improved security and governance.
• The government targets complete elimination of Naxalism by March 31, 2026, under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
• In recent operations, 312 Naxal cadres were neutralised, 836 arrested, and 1,639 surrendered, including top CPI (Maoist) leaders.
• The National Action Plan focuses on intelligence-driven policing, infrastructure growth, and better Centre–State coordination.
• Once labelled as India’s biggest internal threat, Naxalism has sharply declined — from 126 affected districts in 2013 to just 18 by 2025.
AWARDS
Sonali Ghosh Becomes First Indian to Win Kenton R. Miller Award
• Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, has made history as the first Indian recipient of the Kenton R. Miller Award.
• The award honours innovative approaches in managing protected areas and national parks worldwide.
• She shared the recognition with Roque Simón Sevilla Larrea from Ecuador, known for his sustainability work.
• The award ceremony was held on October 10 in Abu Dhabi.
• Presented by the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), a body under the IUCN, the award highlights global conservation excellence.
• Established in 2006, the honour is given biennially to individuals or teams introducing impactful management ideas.
• Dr. Ghosh was acknowledged for her unique conservation model combining indigenous knowledge with modern scientific methods.
• Her co-awardee, Larrea, leads Grupo Futuro, a network of 19 companies promoting sustainable development practices.
ECONOMY NEWS
India’s Retail Inflation Hits Eight-Year Low in September 2025
• India’s retail inflation eased to 1.54% in September 2025, the lowest since June 2017, as per the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
• The figure dropped from 2.07% in August, reflecting a steady decline in price pressures across sectors.
• Rural inflation stood at 1.07%, while urban inflation was slightly higher at 2.04%.
• Food inflation remained in deflation for the fourth month, plunging to –2.28%, the lowest since December 2018.
• Rural food inflation dipped to –2.17%, and urban food inflation also stayed negative after –2.47% last month.
• The fall was driven by a favourable base effect and reduced prices of vegetables, fruits, pulses, oils, and cereals.
• The ministry attributed the drop to better supply conditions and a stable macroeconomic environment supporting price stability.
SPORTS
Ahmedabad Recommended to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games
• Ahmedabad, Gujarat has been proposed as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking a major moment for Indian sports.
• The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board made the recommendation during its recent meeting.
• The final approval for the host city will be decided at the General Assembly next month.
• The 2030 edition will celebrate 100 years of the Commonwealth Sport Movement, making it a centenary event.
• The proposal was a joint effort by the Government of India, the Gujarat Government, and the Commonwealth Games Association of India.
• The decision highlights India’s rising stature in global sports administration and event hosting.
• PT Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India, said the Games would emphasise sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity.
Joby Mathew Wins Bronze at 2025 Para Powerlifting World Championships
• India’s Joby Mathew earned a bronze medal at the 2025 Para Powerlifting World Championships in Cairo, Egypt.
• He competed in the 65 kg Legend (Masters) category, lifting a total of 300 kg across two successful attempts of 148 kg and 152 kg.
• The performance marked a new personal record, improving on his previous 150 kg lift from the Beijing World Cup.
• This is Mathew’s second World Championship medal, adding to his 2023 bronze win in Dubai.
• The event showcased fierce competition, with Thailand’s Phongsakon Chumchai securing gold with 162 kg.
• Peru’s Neil Gracia claimed the silver medal after lifting 161 kg.
• Mathew’s consistent success reflects his dedication and strength as one of India’s most inspiring para athletes.
Manipur Clinches 30th Senior Women’s National Football Championship Title
• Manipur emerged as champions of the 30th Senior Women’s National Football Championship (Rajmata Jijabai Trophy).
• The team defeated West Bengal 1–0 in a thrilling final held at RKM Ashrama Ground, Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.
• Lynda Kom Serto netted the winning goal in the 93rd minute, sealing Manipur’s victory.
• With this win, Manipur successfully defended their title, remaining undefeated throughout the tournament.
• This marks Manipur’s 23rd championship win, setting a new record in the competition’s history.
• The Rajmata Jijabai Trophy serves as India’s top national tournament for women’s football.
• Established in 1992 in Manipur, the championship has been held annually, showcasing India’s best women footballers.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE
Amit Shah Inaugurates Conference on Extradition of Fugitives in New Delhi
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a two-day conference on “Extradition of Fugitives: Challenges and Strategies” in New Delhi on 16 October.
• The event, organised by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), aims to enhance international cooperation for tracing and returning fugitives wanted in India.
• Senior officers from central and state police forces, along with officials from the MEA and MHA, are participating in the discussions.
• Key topics include technological tools, formal and informal coordination, and strategic approaches to speed up extradition processes.
• Dedicated sessions are focusing on terrorism, cybercrime, narcotics, economic offences, and organised crime.
• Under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has strengthened global efforts to track and bring back offenders hiding abroad.
• With over 300 pending extradition cases, the CBI hopes the conference will help design faster, coordinated, and effective extradition strategies.
