Prelims Current Affairs includes Act Now for a Peaceful World, De-listed 474 RUPPs, Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonia’s airspace, Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023, Women SHG members, Asian Cadet Cup India-2025 at Haldwani and 2025 Asia Cup vs Oman.

IMPORTANT DAY

1. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE (UN)

• Celebrated every year on 21 September.

• Purpose: To promote non-violence, ceasefire, peace education, and cooperation among nations.

• First observed: 1982

• Theme: “Act Now for a Peaceful World”

2. WORLD ALZHEIMER’S DAY

• Celebrated every year on 21 September.

• Aim: To spread awareness about dementia and reduce stigma around the disease.

• Launched by: Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) in 1994

• Theme: “Ask About Dementia. Ask About Alzheimer’s”

3. WORLD RHINO DAY

• Observed every year on 22 September.

• Purpose: To celebrate all five species of rhinos and raise awareness about their threats and conservation efforts.

• Started: Announced by WWF–South Africa in 2010, became a global event in 2011.

• Species under threat: Five main species — Black, White, Greater One-Horned, Sumatran, and Javan; four are threatened with extinction.

• Population status: Fewer than 27,000 rhinos remain worldwide.

POLITY

4. REGISTERED UNRECOGNISED POLITICAL PARTIES (RUPPs)

Current Context: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has de-listed 474 RUPPs for not contesting elections in the last six years and for flouting compliance norms.

About RUPPs

• Definition: Parties either newly registered or those failing to secure the required vote share to be recognised as state/national parties. Some have never contested elections.

• Benefits enjoyed:

  • Tax exemption under Section 13A, Income Tax Act, 1961

  • Common poll symbols (if contesting at least 5% of candidates in an election)

  • Permission to nominate up to 20 star campaigners

• Mandatory compliance:

  • Contest elections periodically

  • File annual audit accounts and contribution reports

  • Disclose donations above ₹20,000 and restrict cash donations to ₹2,000

Registration of Parties

• Registered under Section 29A, Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951.

• Recognition brings reserved election symbol, free broadcast facilities, electoral rolls, and higher campaign benefits.

Conditions for Recognition

• State Party: 3% Assembly seats / 1 Lok Sabha seat per 25 seats of state / 6% votes + seat win / 8% vote share.

• National Party: 6% votes in 4+ states + 4 Lok Sabha seats / 2% Lok Sabha seats from 3 states / recognised state party in 4+ states.

PLACE IN NEWS

5. GULF OF FINLAND

Current Context: Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonia’s airspace over the Gulf of Finland, escalating tensions with NATO.

About Gulf of Finland

• Easternmost extension of the Baltic Sea

• Area: 30,000 sq. km | Length: 400 km (E–W) | Width: 19–130 km

• Borders: Finland (north), Russia (east), Estonia (south)

• Major cities: Helsinki, Tallinn, St. Petersburg

Physical Features

• Average depth: 38 m (shallow)

• Low salinity: 6 ppt; freezes 3–5 months in winter

• Receives Neva and Narva rivers, Saimaa Canal

Climate: Humid continental (hot summers, harsh winters)
Islands: Kotlin (Kronstadt city), Beryozovye, Lisiy, Maly Vysotsky

PLACE IN NEWS

6. DADASAHEB PHALKE AWARD

Current Context: Malayalam superstar Mohanlal will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023 at the 71st National Film Awards on 23 September 2025.

About Mohanlal

• Career spans 4 decades, debut Thiranottam (1978).

• Acted in 400+ films including Kireedam, Bharatham, Manichithrathazhu, Drishyam.

• Awards:

  • Padma Shri (2001), Padma Bhushan (2019)

  • 5 National Film Awards (2 Best Actor, Jury Awards, Best Film as producer)

  • 9 Kerala State Awards

About the Award

• Instituted in 1969, named after Dadasaheb Phalke (Father of Indian cinema).

• Includes Swarna Kamal medallion, shawl, and ₹10 lakh.

• First winner: Devika Rani.

• Recent winners: Mithun Chakraborty (2022), Waheeda Rehman (2021), Asha Parekh (2020).

STATE IN NEWS

7. TAMIL NADU — FIRST STATE TO ISSUE ID CARDS FOR WOMEN SHG MEMBERS

Current Context: Tamil Nadu has launched India’s first identity card programme for Women SHG members, benefiting 5 lakh SHGs.

About the Initiative

• Launched by Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin at Salem.

• Linked with ₹3,500 crore loan distribution to SHGs.

• Originated from SHG demand in Tiruvarur (2025 Women’s Day announcement).

Benefits of ID Cards

• Free bus travel up to 100 km for SHG members transporting goods.

• Discounts on products at Aavin, Co-optex, Mudhalvar Marunthagam.

• Easier access to welfare schemes and marketplaces.

Alignment with Women-Centric Programmes

• Magalir Vidiyal Payanam: 770+ crore free bus rides in 4.5 years.

• Magalir Urimai Thogai Scheme: ₹1,000 monthly support to 1.15 crore women (eligibility expanded).

• Enhanced support in education, health, and sports for women.

8. UTTARAKHAND HOSTS ASIAN CADET CUP 2025

Current Context: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Asian Cadet Cup India-2025 at Haldwani — the first-ever international fencing event in India with 250+ athletes.

Participation

• Countries: Tajikistan, Syria, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, India.

• Athletes: 250+ (150 from India).

• Venue: Manaskhand Hall, Indira Gandhi International Sports Stadium, Haldwani.

Fencing in India

• Inspired by Olympian Bhavani Devi (Arjuna Awardee).

• Rapid growth in youth participation.

• Connects to ancient Indian martial traditions.

SPORTS

9. ARSHDEEP SINGH — FIRST INDIAN TO 100 T20I WICKETS

Current Context: During the 2025 Asia Cup vs Oman, pacer Arshdeep Singh became the first Indian bowler to take 100 T20I wickets, achieving it in 64 matches (fastest among pacers globally).

Record Stats

• Debut: July 2022 vs England.

• Time taken: 3 years, 74 days.

• Deliveries: 1,329.

• Global rank: 4th fastest overall (after Rashid Khan, Lamichhane, Hasaranga).

• Fastest among fast bowlers (matches & balls).

Performance Breakdown

• Powerplay: 43 wickets (most since debut).

• Death overs (last 4 overs): 48 wickets (highest globally since debut).

• In India: 28 wickets at avg. 21.0 — best among Indian pacers at home.

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