Prelims Current Affairs includes Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a 15-kilometre Dubai Autonomous Zone (DAZ), India won their ninth Asia Cup, Dr. Kanad Das has been appointed as the 13th Director of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 hosted for the first time in New Delhi, National Geoscience Awards 2024 and Hombale Samhita Harinikumar Alumni Krishi Media Award – 2025.

IMPORTANT DAY

1. INTERNATIONAL TRANSLATION DAY

Observed: Every year on 30th September.
Purpose: To pay tribute to language professionals (translators, interpreters, etc.) and their role in fostering international dialogue, peace, and security.

INTERNATIONAL

2. DUBAI TO LAUNCH 15-KM CORRIDOR FOR DRIVERLESS TRANSPORT BY 2026

Current Context: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a 15-kilometre Dubai Autonomous Zone (DAZ) for self-driving vehicles and marine transport, which will be operational by 2026.

ABOUT DUBAI AUTONOMOUS ZONE (DAZ)

• Location: Extends across Al Jaddaf Metro Station, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City.

• Launch Year: Early 2026.

• Goal: Supports Dubai’s plan to make 25% of daily trips autonomous by 2030.

Autonomous Features

• Driverless metro connectivity

• RoboTaxis, RoboBuses, and autonomous shuttles

• Logistics vehicles, delivery robots, and road-sweeping bots

• Self-driving marine abras (water taxis)

SPORTS

3. ASIA CUP 2025

Current Context: India won their ninth Asia Cup title by defeating Pakistan in a thrilling final at the Dubai International Stadium on 28 September 2025. Chasing 147, India recovered from 20/3 to secure victory by five wickets, with Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 leading the chase.

ABOUT ASIA CUP 2025 FINAL

• Venue: Dubai International Stadium, UAE

• Date: 28 September 2025

• Result: India (150/5) defeated Pakistan (147) by 5 wickets

Key Performers

• Tilak Varma – 69 (Match-winning knock)*

• Shivam Dube – 33 off 22 balls (supporting role)

• Kuldeep Yadav – 4/30 (crucial bowling spell)

Awards – Asia Cup 2025

• Man of the Match (Final): Tilak Varma

• Most Valuable Player of Tournament: Kuldeep Yadav

• Player of the Tournament: Abhishek Sharma

ABOUT ASIA CUP

• Founded: 1984

• Governing Body: Asian Cricket Council (ACC)

• Formats: ODI and T20I (alternating with ICC tournaments)

• India’s Record: 9 titles (most successful team)

• Other Winners: Sri Lanka – 6 titles, Pakistan – 2 titles

• 2025 Final Venue: Dubai International Stadium, UAE

Special Recognition:
BCCI announced ₹21 crore cash prize for players and support staff for their unbeaten run in the tournament.

5. ISSF JUNIOR WORLD CUP 2025

Current Context: India won five medals, including a clean sweep in the women’s 50m prone rifle event, at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 hosted for the first time in New Delhi.

HIGHLIGHTS OF PERFORMANCE

• Women’s 50m Prone Rifle:

  • Gold – Anushka Thokur

  • Silver – Anshik

  • Bronze – Aadhya Agrawal

• Men’s 50m Prone Rifle:

  • Silver – Deependra Singh Shekhawat

  • Bronze – Rohit Kanyan

ABOUT ISSF JUNIOR WORLD CUP 2025

• Edition: 11th

• Venue: Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi

• Dates: Concludes on October 2, 2025

• Participants: 208 shooters from 19 countries

• Indian Contingent: 69 shooters

• Significance: First time India is hosting this prestigious junior shooting championship.

APPOINTMENTS

5. INDIA GOVT. APPOINTS FIRST MUSHROOM SCIENTIST TO LEAD BSI

Current Context: Dr. Kanad Das has been appointed as the 13th Director of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), becoming the first mycologist (mushroom scientist) to lead the institute.

ABOUT DR. KANAD DAS

• Expertise: Internationally known fungal taxonomist; discovered 165+ new mushroom species and 2 new genera.

• Academic Work: Published 170 research papers and authored 8 books on mushrooms.

• Experience: Over 25 years in botanical sciences; served at Central National Herbarium and Acharya J.C. Bose Indian Botanic Garden.

• Career Start: Began as a research scholar at BSI Dehradun Centre.

ABOUT BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA (BSI)

• Established: 1890

• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)

• Headquarters: Kolkata

• Network: 11 regional centres, 4 supporting units

• Mission: Explore, document, and conserve India’s floral wealth.

AWARDS

6. NATIONAL GEOSCIENCE AWARDS 2024

Current Context: President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Geoscience Awards 2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, honouring 20 scientists for excellence in mineral exploration, geophysics, and applied geosciences.

ABOUT NATIONAL GEOSCIENCE AWARDS

• Established: 1966 by Ministry of Mines

• Formerly Known As: National Mineral Awards (till 2009)

• Objective: To recognise individuals and teams for outstanding contributions in geosciences, mineral discovery, mining technology, and applied geosciences.

• Eligibility: Any Indian citizen with significant contributions in geosciences.

CATEGORIES:

1. National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement

2. National Geoscience Award

3. National Young Geoscientist Award

KEY RECIPIENTS – 2024

• Lifetime Achievement: Prof. Shyam Sundar Rai (Seismological studies in Peninsular India, Himalayas, and Ladakh).

• Young Geoscientist: Shri Susobhan Neogi, GSI (Research on tectonic evolution and mineral genesis).

• Others: 10 awards for mining technology, groundwater studies, strategic mineral exploration, and applied geosciences.

7. KRISHI MEDIA AWARD 2025

Current Context: Veteran journalist Amshi Prasannakumar from Mysuru has been awarded the Hombale Samhita Harinikumar Alumni Krishi Media Award – 2025 for his contributions to agricultural journalism.

ABOUT KRISHI MEDIA AWARD

• Instituted By: Alumni Association of University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore.

• Objective:

  • Encourage quality agricultural journalism.

  • Promote farmer awareness through media.

  • Inspire young journalists to cover rural and farming issues.

• Venue & Date: Award to be presented on October 11, 2025, at Veterinary College Campus, Hebbal, Bengaluru.

ENVIRONMENT

8. NEW RAMSAR SITES IN BIHAR

Current Context: Two wetlands from Bihar — Gokul Jalashaya (Buxar) and Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran) — have been designated as Ramsar Sites.

ABOUT GOKUL JALASHAYA

• Type: Oxbow lake on the southern edge of River Ganga.

• Features: Seasonal flood pulses influence marshes and agriculture.

• Biodiversity: Home to 50+ bird species; supports local fishing and irrigation.

• Role: Acts as a flood buffer for nearby villages.

ABOUT UDAIPUR JHEEL

• Location: West Champaran; bordered by Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Flora: 280+ plant species; includes endemic herb Alysicarpus roxburghianus.

• Fauna: Important wintering site for 35 migratory bird species; hosts vulnerable common pochard (Aythya ferina).

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