Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 23, 2025

Notes:
A new edible mushroom species named Lactifluus khasianus has been discovered in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. It was already known to Khasi tribes as “Tit iongnah” and used as a seasonal delicacy during the monsoon. The mushroom grows with Khasi pine (Pinus kesiya) at 1,600 metres altitude. It differs from related species by its chocolate-brown cap, larger cystidia, and DNA markers. It is the fifth confirmed Lactifluus sect. Gerardii species in India, but the first edible one. Meghalaya contributes significantly to India’s 34+ Lactifluus species diversity.

Notes:
China’s spy ship Yuan Wang 5 has returned to the Indian Ocean region near India, three years after docking at Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port in August 2022. India is preparing for a hypersonic long-range anti-ship missile test over the Bay of Bengal (Sept 24–25, 2025), raising New Delhi’s security concerns over Yuan Wang 5’s presence. It is a satellite and missile tracking vessel of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy with dual-use snooping capability. It validates intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and hypersonic weapons, collecting telemetry data for performance and readiness. The ship displaces 25,000 tons, is 222 metres long, 25 metres wide, and carries 400 crew members.

Notes:
Project Vijayak of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 15th Raising Day at Kargil, Ladakh on 21 September 2025, marking entry into its 16th year. It was launched in 2010 by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and named after Operation Vijay to reflect the connection between the battle theatre and the project area. It has built 1,400 km of roads and 80 major bridges across Ladakh. In April 2025, it achieved a record by reopening the Zojila Pass in just 31 days after winter closure. The project has improved operational preparedness of Armed Forces and connectivity for Ladakh’s people.

Notes:
State Level Technical Committee (SLTC) approved two sewage treatment plant (STP) projects along the Indrayani River in Pimpri Chinchwad to curb water pollution. Indrayani River is located in Maharashtra and is a tributary of the Bhima River, which flows into the Krishna River. It is a rain-fed river originating from the Western Ghats near Lonavala along the Mumbai-Pune Highway. The river flows through Pune district and merges with the Bhima River at Tulapur, covering 105.3 km. The STP projects aim to revitalize the Indrayani River, protecting both religious sites and urban water needs.

Notes:
Clean Plant Programme (CPP) approved by the Union Cabinet is gaining momentum in implementation. It was conceptualized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It was launched to provide farmers with high-quality, virus-free planting material of key fruit crops. It is implemented by the National Horticulture Board (NHB) in association with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Nine Clean Plant Centers (CPCs) will offer disease diagnostics, treatments, develop mother plants, and quarantine domestic and imported planting material.