CURRENT AFFAIRS 10 October, 2025

CURRENT AFFAIRS 10 October, 2025

1. INDIA’S DECLINING SUNSHINE HOURS –

• A study published in Nature’s Scientific Reports (2025), reveals that sunshine hours across most of India have declined steadily from 1988–2018, due to increased cloud cover and aerosol pollution.
• The Study was conducted jointly by Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM Pune), and India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Key Findings of the Study

• Declining Sunshine: Sunshine hours, the duration when sunlight is strong enough to be recorded have fallen across almost all Indian regions over the past three decades.
• Regional Decline Rates:
• North Indian Plains: Steepest fall of 13.1 hours per year.
• West Coast: Decline of 8.6 hours per year.
• East Coast: Decline of 4.9 hours per year.
• Central Region: Decline of 4.7 hours per year.
• Deccan Plateau: Decline of 3.1 hours per year.
• Northeast India: marginal stabilisation observed

Seasonal Variation:

• Sunshine increased between October and May (dry months).
• Sharp declines between June and September (monsoon months), coinciding with heavier cloud cover and persistent haze.

Causes of ‘Solar Dimming’

Aerosol Pollution:

• Rising industrial emissions, biomass burning, and vehicular exhaust increase aerosol concentration.
• Aerosols act as condensation nuclei, forming smaller, longer-lived clouds that extend overcast conditions.

Persistent Cloud Cover:

• Aerosols prolong cloud lifespan, increasing cloud residence time and reducing solar radiation reaching the ground.
• The 2025 monsoon season reflected this pattern, with frequent overcast skies even without rainfall, especially across the West Coast, Deccan, and Central India.

Climate Feedback Loop:

• Reduced solar radiation alters land–atmosphere heat exchange, potentially influencing monsoon circulation and rainfall variability.

2. CHEMISTRY NOBEL PRIZE 2025 –

• The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi for pioneering Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) — materials with uniquely designed porous structures that enable multiple scientific and industrial applications.

About Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs)

• Structure: MOFs are crystalline materials made by connecting metal ions (acting as nodes) with organic carbon-based linkers, forming three-dimensional networks with large cavities that allow gases or liquids to move in and out.
• Mechanism: Metal ions serve as anchors or joints, while organic molecules act as flexible linkers that can form rings or chains. This structure creates ordered pores that can be customised chemically and spatially.
• Functionality: These voids act like sponges or foams, capable of temporarily trapping and releasing other molecules such as gases or water.
• Analogy: The difference between normal compounds and MOFs is akin to a solid brick building versus one built of beams and pillars, where MOFs provide controlled empty spaces at the molecular level.

3. MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT UNVEILS SHRAM SHAKTI NITI 2025 DRAFT –

• The Government of India released the draft National Labour and Employment Policy, known as Shram Shakti Niti, 2025. It aims to create a universal and portable social security system for all workers. The policy integrates several welfare schemes and promotes a future-ready, inclusive labour ecosystem. Public consultation on the draft is open until October 27, 2025.

Universal Social Security Integration

• The policy proposes a single universal account combining Employees Provident Fund Organisation, Employees State Insurance Corporation, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, e-SHRAM, and State welfare Boards. This integration ensures portability and ease of access to social security benefits across sectors and states.

Occupational Safety and Health Reforms

• Implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Code is a key feature. The policy mandates risk-based inspections and gender-sensitive safety standards. It aims to reduce workplace fatalities to near zero by adopting modern safety protocols and AI-enabled monitoring systems.

4. NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE 2025 AWARDED TO LÁSZLÓ KRASZNAHORKAI –

• The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced on 9 October 2025 that the Nobel Prize in Literature for the year has been awarded to Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai. The award recognises his compelling and visionary body of work that explores themes of apocalyptic terror while affirming the enduring power of art.
• The Nobel Prize in Literature is part of the annual Nobel Prize announcements. Recently, the Literature Prize followed those in Physiology or Medicine, Physics, and Chemistry announced earlier in the week. The Peace Prize and the Prize in Economic Sciences are scheduled for announcement later in October. Each Nobel Prize carries a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to approximately ₹1.03 crore. The awards ceremony takes place on 10 December, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.

5. GADKARI INAUGURATES INDIA’S FIRST ELECTRIC TRUCK BATTERY STATION –

• India has taken step towards sustainable transport with the inauguration of its first commercial electric truck battery swapping and charging station. Located at the Delhi International Cargo Terminal Private Limited (DICT) near Sonipat, this facility marks a milestone in India’s push for clean energy in logistics. The initiative aims to reduce pollution, lower fuel costs, and promote biofuel usage, aligning with broader environmental and economic goals.

Electric Truck Battery Swapping Station

• The station enables quick battery swaps and charging for electric trucks. This reduces downtime and enhances operational efficiency. It supports the growing use of electric vehicles (EVs) in commercial transport. The facility is expected to lower logistics costs and pollution levels .

Biofuel from Agricultural Waste

• Efforts are underway to convert stubble, the leftover crop residue, into biofuels. This not only curbs stubble burning pollution but also provides farmers with an additional income source. Currently, 5 million tonnes of stubble are used to produce bio-bitumen for road construction in states like Maharashtra. This innovative use of waste supports sustainability and rural economies.

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.  Every year World Post Day is celebrated on 9th October. When was World Post Day first declared by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Congress ?

1. a) 1947, Geneva
2. b) 1958, Paris
3. c) 1969, Tokyo
4. d) 1975, New York

Q2.  The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for discoveries in macroscopic quantum phenomena using which of the following devices?

1. a) Photonic crystal
2. b) Josephson junction
3. c) Quantum dot
4. d) Bose-Einstein condensate

Q3.  What is the theme of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi ?

1. a) Digital India for All
2. b) Innovate to Transform
3. c) Telecom for Growth
4. d) 5G for Every Citizen

Q4.  Why is India increasing engagement with the Taliban government in Afghanistan ?

1. To recognize the Taliban government officially as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.
2. To preserve and protect its strategic influence and investments in Afghanistan.
3. To prevent Afghan territory from being used by terror groups targeting India.
4. To establish direct military presence in Afghanistan.

         Which of the above statements are correct ?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 1 and 3 only
3. c) 2 and 3 only
4. d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation-

• India has not officially recognized the Taliban government yet, so statement 1 is incorrect.
• India is engaging to protect its investments and strategic influence and to ensure Afghan soil is not used by terror groups, so statement 2 and 3 is correct.
• There is no indication that India plans to establish a military presence in Afghanistan, so statement 4 is incorrect.

Q5.  Consider the following roles of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO):

1. Approving new drugs for the Indian market.
2. Granting manufacturing licenses for all pharmaceutical products.
3. Overseeing clinical trials and setting ethical guidelines.
4. Coordinating state drug control authorities.

         Which of the above roles are correctly attributed to CDSCO ?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 1,3 and 4 only
3. c) 2 ,3 and 4 only
4. d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation-

• CDSCO approves new drugs, oversees clinical trials, and coordinates with state authorities.
• However, CDSCO does not grant all manufacturing licenses; this is mainly the role of state drug control authorities.

Answer Key