CURRENT AFFAIRS 23 October, 2025

CURRENT AFFAIRS 23 October, 2025

1. INDIA’S CHANDRAYAAN-2 LUNAR ORBITER HAS MADE A PATH-BREAKING SCIENTIFIC OBSERVATION – FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, IT HAS DETECTED THE EFFECTS OF THE SUN’S CORONAL MASS EJECTION (CME) ON THE MOON’S EXOSPHERE. THE FINDINGS WERE OBTAINED USING CHACE-2 (CHANDRA’S ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION EXPLORER-2), ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS ONBOARD THE ORBITER –

• Lunar Exosphere: The Moon’s atmosphere is extremely thin and classified as an exosphere, where gas atoms and molecules rarely collide. Its surface forms the lower boundary of this exosphere.
• The lunar exosphere contains gases such as helium, argon, and neon, with traces from radioactive decay, solar wind, and meteoroid impacts.
• Due to its low density, it cannot retain heat, causing extreme temperature variations.
• This fragile atmosphere is produced by several processes, including:
• Interaction with solar radiation and solar wind (ions of hydrogen, helium, and heavier elements).
• Meteorite impacts that release atoms and molecules from the lunar surface.
• Coronal Mass Injection: A Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) is a massive, violent expulsion of plasma (a superheated gas of protons and electrons) and magnetic fields from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona, that erupts outward into the solar system.
• It is one of the largest forms of solar activity and a major driver of space weather.

2. GLOBAL MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY INDEX 2025 –

• The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), has published its 2025 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) under the title “Overlapping Hardships: Poverty and Climate Hazards.”
• For the first time, it overlays climate hazard data with multidimensional poverty to assess poor people’s exposure to climate shocks, focusing on high heat, drought, floods, and air pollution.

What are Key Findings of the Global MPI Report 2025?

• Global Poverty Statistics: Of 6.3 billion people across 109 countries, 1.1 billion (18.3%) live in acute multidimensional poverty, mostly young, rural, and in low human development countries.
• Multi-dimensional Poverty in India: Poverty fell from 55.1% (2005–2006) to 16.4% (2019–2021). Large areas of India face a severe mix of poverty, high heat, flooding, and air pollution.

3. KERALA TO BUILD FIRST UNDERWATER TUNNEL LINKING VYPIN AND FORT KOCHI –

• In a historic infrastructure initiative, Kerala is set to build its first underwater tunnel, connecting Vypin and Fort Kochi, as part of the state’s ambitious coastal highway development project. This engineering marvel will significantly reduce the current 16 km road distance to a 3 km sub-sea journey beneath the Arabian Sea, redefining connectivity in Kochi — one of India’s busiest port cities.
• Project Overview: A Sub-Sea Engineering Feat
• The underwater tunnel will be developed by the Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL) with an estimated cost of ₹2,672 crore. Key design and construction features include,
• Total Length: 2.75 km (1.75 km bored tunnel + 1 km cut-and-cover)
• Twin-Tube Structure: Separate tunnels for each direction
• Dimensions: 12.5 m outer diameter; 11.25 m inner width
• Depth: 35 metres below sea level

4. FIVE MAHARASHTRA BEACHES EARN BLUE FLAG GLOBAL RECOGNITION –

• In a proud moment for Maharashtra and India’s eco-tourism initiatives, five beaches from the state have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag certification, an international symbol of clean, safe, and environmentally sustainable beaches. This recognition places these coastal gems on the global tourism map, validating ongoing efforts to balance tourism with environmental responsibility. The announcement was made by Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, signalling a boost for the state’s coastal and tourism development agenda.

Beaches That Earned the Blue Flag

• The five newly certified beaches are,
• Shrivardhan Beach – Raigad district
• Nagaon Beach – Raigad district
• Parnaka Beach – Palghar district
• Guhagar Beach – Ratnagiri district
• Ladghar Beach – Ratnagiri district
• These additions bring Maharashtra in line with global beach sustainability norms, enhancing its appeal among environmentally conscious travellers.

What is the Blue Flag Certification?

• The Blue Flag certification is a globally recognized eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), based in Denmark. It is considered the gold standard for clean and eco-friendly beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.
• To earn the Blue Flag, a beach must meet 33 stringent criteria across categories including,
• Water quality and marine safety
• Environmental education and awareness
• Eco-friendly management practices
• Public amenities and accessibility
• Sustainable tourism infrastructure

5. AYODHYA SETS GUINNESS RECORDS WITH 26 LAKH DIYAS AT DEEPOTSAV 2025 –

• Ayodhya once again lit up the world stage with a record-breaking celebration of Deepotsav 2025, illuminating the sacred city with over 26 lakh oil lamps. This year’s grand festival not only captivated attendees but also set two new Guinness World Records, reaffirming Ayodhya’s cultural and spiritual prominence.

Guinness World Records Set

• On October 21, Deepotsav 2025 achieved the following records,
• Most Oil Lamps Lit Simultaneously
• 26,17,215 diyas lit across the banks of the Saryu River.
• Verified using drone imaging and certified by Guinness World Records.
• Largest Aarti Participation
• 2,128 priests and devotees performed Maa Saryu Aarti in synchrony.
• Conducted with strict coordination and ritual accuracy.

Festival Highlights

• The event was a blend of spirituality, technology, and culture,
• Ram Leela Performances: Dramatic retelling of Lord Ram’s life drew large crowds.
• Laser and Drone Shows: High-tech visuals at Ram ki Paidi, believed to be Lord Ram’s nirvana site.
• Fireworks Display: Grand finale illuminating Ayodhya’s skyline.
• Temple Illumination: Temples across the city adorned with traditional lights.

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is considering issuing fresh licenses for which type of banks after more than 20 years ?

1. a) Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
2. b) Small Finance Banks (SFBs)
3. c) Payment Banks
4. d) Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs)

Q2.  Which Afghan official’s visit to India preceded the upgrade of India’s diplomatic mission in Kabul ?

1. a) President Ashraf Ghani
2. b) Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah
3. c) Defence Minister Bismillah Khan
4. d) Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi

Q3.  What is the name of the programme launched by India and the UK to promote young Indian talent in theoretical sciences ?

1. a) Newton Scholars Programme
2. b) Hardy-Ramanujan Fellowship
3. c) Cambridge-India Research Initiative
4. d) Ramanujan Junior Researchers Programme

Q4.  Regarding thermobaric weapons, consider the following statements:

1. They use the atmosphere’s oxygen to fuel the explosion, creating a powerful blast.
2. These weapons are specifically banned under the Hague Conventions.
3. They are most effective in open fields with large target areas.

         How many of the above statements is/are incorrect ?

1. a) Only one
2. b) Only two
3. c) All three
4. d) None

Explanation-

• Statement 1 is correct. Thermobaric weapons, also known as fuel-air explosives or vacuum bombs, disperse a cloud of fuel that mixes with atmospheric oxygen and then detonates, resulting in an intense, high-temperature explosion with a long-duration blast wave. This mechanism increases the lethality compared to conventional explosives, especially by causing secondary effects such as vacuum-induced lung trauma.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. These weapons are not explicitly banned under international treaties like the Hague Conventions. However, their use against civilian populations or non-combatants could be deemed illegal under broader frameworks like the Geneva Conventions and customary international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the principles of distinction and proportionality in warfare.
• Statement 3 is also incorrect. Thermobaric weapons are more effective in confined spaces, such as caves, tunnels, bunkers, or buildings, where the blast wave and heat are amplified by the enclosure, causing devastating effects. In open fields, the dispersal of fuel and reduced confinement diminish their effectiveness.

Q5.  Which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution mandates the State to ensure that children are not abused and are provided opportunities for healthy development ?

1. a) Article 15(3)
2. b) Article 21
3. c) Article 39(e) and (f)
4. d) Article 47

Explanation-

• Article 39(e) and (f) direct the State to protect children from abuse and provide them with opportunities for healthy development.
• Article 39(e) mandates that children should not be exploited in harmful employment, while Article 39(f) ensures that children grow up with dignity, freedom, and a healthy environment.
• These provisions are part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, guiding the State to create policies for the welfare and protection of children, although not enforceable in a court of law.

Answer Key