CURRENT AFFAIRS 08 October, 2025

CURRENT AFFAIRS 08 October, 2025

1. PHYSICS NOBEL 2025 –

• Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for demonstrating macroscopic quantum tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit.

About the Work

• The three scientists showed that it was possible even for large systems, made up of billions of small particles, to exhibit quantum behaviour under carefully controlled conditions.

Josephson’s Discovery

• Concept: Predicted that if two superconductors are separated by a thin insulating layer, electrons can quantum tunnel through the barrier even without applied voltage.
• Phenomenon: Known as the Josephson Effect, which produces a supercurrent, an electric current that flows without resistance.
• Recognition: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics (1973) for this theoretical prediction.
• Device: The setup became known as the Josephson Junction.
• Applications: Used in SQUIDs (Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices) and other precision instruments to detect and measure extremely small magnetic fields
• They took Josephson’s idea further to explore whether an entire electrical circuit, made up of billions of particles, could itself behave as a single quantum system.
• The Experiment: The trio’s groundbreaking work in the 1980s at the University of California, they built a superconducting circuit containing a Josephson Junction.
• They cooled it to cryogenic temperatures near absolute zero (0 Kelvin (K)) and isolated it completely from external interference (like heat, sound, and electromagnetic noise).

2. NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSIOLOGY OR MEDICINE –

• The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine recognised discoveries on regulatory T-cells (Tregs) and FOXP3, transforming understanding of autoimmune regulation and self-tolerance.
• Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi have been honoured for their work on deciphering the intricacies of the immune system.

About Nobel Prize

• Origin: Established under the will of Alfred Nobel (1833–1896), the inventor of dynamite, the Nobel Prizes have been awarded annually since 1901 to honour outstanding contributions to humanity.
• Categories: The prizes are awarded in six fields — Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences (the last added in 1969 by the Swedish Central Bank).

Awarding Institutions:

• Physics, Chemistry, and Economics – Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
• Physiology or Medicine – Karolinska Institute, Sweden
• Literature – Swedish Academy
• Peace Prize – Norwegian Nobel Committee, Oslo
• Components of the Award: Each Nobel Prize includes a gold medal, a diploma, and a monetary award (currently 11 million Swedish kronor in 2025).

Understanding the Immune System

• The human body has a powerful and complex immune system, which not just fights off various bacteria and viruses, but also knows what cells should not be attacked.
• Immune Defence Mechanism: The human immune system fights thousands of microbes daily using specialized cells like T cells, which detect and destroy pathogens.

3. FINANCE MINISTER LAUNCHES THE FOREIGN CURRENCY SETTLEMENT SYSTEM (FCSS) AT GIFT CITY –

• The Union Finance Minister launched the Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS) at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in October 2025. This new system enables real-time settlement of foreign currency transactions within GIFT City. It marks leap from the previous 36-48 hour delays under correspondent banking.
• The FCSS places GIFT City among a few global financial hubs with local foreign currency settlement infrastructure. This development is expected to enhance liquidity, reduce risks, and improve operational efficiency in international finance.

What Is the Foreign Currency Settlement System?

• The FCSS is a mechanism that allows Indian banks in GIFT City to settle foreign currency trades locally. Previously, these transactions depended on foreign correspondent banks, causing delays and higher costs. The system uses a local settlement bank as a hub where member banks hold accounts for direct inter-bank settlements. Initially, it supports US dollar transactions with plans to include more currencies. The system operates under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, and is regulated by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).

4. WORLD BANK RAISES INDIA FY26 GROWTH FORECAST TO 6.5% –

• India’s economic growth forecast for 2025-26 has been upgraded by the World Bank to 6.5%. This revision reflects stronger domestic conditions and the positive effects of recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms. However, the growth projection for 2026-27 has been lowered to 6.3% due to the impact of increased U.S. tariffs on Indian exports.

Recent Growth Performance

• India’s real GDP growth in the April-June 2025 quarter reached 7.8%, surpassing expectations. This acceleration was driven by robust private consumption and investment. Additionally, inflation remained lower than anticipated, supporting economic activity.

Factors Supporting Growth

• Domestic factors such as improved agricultural output and rising rural wages have boosted demand. The government’s GST reforms, which reduced tax brackets and eased compliance, have encouraged business activity and formalisation. These changes have helped sustain consumption-led growth.

5. MERA HOU CHONGBA FESTIVAL UNITES MANIPUR COMMUNITIES –

• The 2025 Mera Hou Chongba festival was held at Kangla Fort in Imphal. The event brought into light Manipur’s cultural diversity and the unity of its indigenous communities. It featured a grand procession led by Manipur’s Titular King and Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba.
• Traditional dances and music in vibrant attire marked the celebrations. The festival symbolises peace and harmony between the hill and valley people of the state. It plays a vital role in healing past divisions and promoting unity as Manipur recovers from unrest.

Historical and Cultural Significance

• Mera Hou Chongba is an ancient festival celebrated annually in Manipur. It honours the bond between the valley and hill communities. Traditionally, it includes rituals, dances, and cultural displays from various tribes. The festival is held at Kangla Fort, a historic site that once served as the royal seat. It reflects Manipur’s rich heritage and collective identity.

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.  Who became Bollywood’s first billionaire according to the Hurun India Rich List 2025 ?

1. a) Amitabh Bachchan
2. b) Hrithik Roshan
3. c) Shah Rukh Khan
4. d) Karan Johar

Q2.  What is the primary purpose of the “Arattai app” developed by Zoho ?

1. a) Online banking and payments
2. b) Instant messaging and communication
3. c) E-commerce platform for local products
4. d) Video streaming and entertainment

Q3.  Which country reportedly renamed an island as “Zubeen Garg Island” in honour of the late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg ?

1. a) India
2. b) Indonesia
3. c) Malaysia
4. d) Singapore

Q4.  Consider the following statements regarding the Kokrajhar–Gelephu Special Railway Project (SRP):

         Statement I: The project aims to provide Bhutan with its first-ever railway connectivity.

         Statement II: The project is being implemented by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) and is aligned with India’s ‘Act East Policy’.

         Statement III: The project is solely funded by the Government of Bhutan.

         Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

1. a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
2. b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
3. c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
4. d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Explanation-

• Statement I is correct. The Kokrajhar–Gelephu Special Railway Project (SRP) is a historic initiative that aims to provide Bhutan with its first-ever railway connectivity. This cross-border project will connect Kokrajhar in Assam, India, with Gelephu in Bhutan.
• Statement II is correct and it explains Statement I. The project is being implemented by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) and is supported by the Government of India. It is a key component of India’s ‘Act East Policy’, which aims to enhance connectivity and integration with its eastern neighbors. The implementation by an Indian railway zone and its alignment with a major foreign policy initiative explain how the project is being realized.
• Statement III is incorrect. The project is supported by the Government of India and is being implemented by an Indian agency. The estimated cost of approximately ₹3,500 crore is being borne by India, not solely by Bhutan. This project is a reflection of the strong bilateral ties between the two countries.

Q5.  Consider the following statements about the participants and scope of recent military exercises:

1. NATPOLREX-X is a bilateral exercise between the Indian Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard.
2. The primary aim of Exercise KONKAN-25 is to conduct a national-level oil spill response drill.

         Which of the above statements are correct ?

1. a) 1 only
2. b) 2 only
3. c) Both 1 and 2
4. d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation-

• Statement 1 is incorrect. NATPOLREX-X is a national-level exercise organized by the Indian Coast Guard. While it involves foreign observers from numerous countries, it is not a bilateral exercise with any single nation. Its focus is on domestic inter-agency coordination for pollution response.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. Exercise KONKAN-25 is fundamentally a bilateral exercise between the Indian Navy and the UK’s Royal Navy. The primary aim of Exercise KONKAN-25 is to improve naval interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and joint operational readiness between the participating navies, focusing on anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. The oil spill response drill is the objective of NATPOLREX-X, not KONKAN.

Answer Key