Current Affairs Quiz – October 2025

Notes:
The Border Security Force (BSF) launched a new AI (Artificial Intelligence) and GIS (Geographic Information System) command system at its headquarters. The system is named Decision Support System (DSS) to improve decision-making for commanders at all levels. DSS integrates GIS platform, legacy operations, incident database, and sensor feeds to form a Complete Operating Picture (COP). It enables monitoring, predictive trend analysis, and AI/ML-based operations to predict smuggling hotspots and infiltration routes. DSS aids resource allocation, operational planning and execution along India’s 6,000 km border with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Notes:
In Punjab, incessant rainfall and floods stopped farmers from spraying anti-fungal medicines. This has led to the emergence of false smut disease, locally called haldi rog, in paddy crops. False smut is a major fungal disease of rice caused by Ustilaginoidea virens. The fungus attacks during the flowering stage, but symptoms appear after panicle emergence. Infected grains show black fungal growth, later covered with yellow fungal mass. It reduces seed germination and significantly lowers yield depending on infection level.

Notes:
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported 10,786 farmer and agricultural worker suicides in 2023. Suicides from the farm sector made up 6.3% of total suicides (1,71,418) in India. Out of these, 4,690 were farmers/cultivators (4,553 male, 137 female) and 6,096 were agricultural workers (5,433 male, 663 female). Maharashtra (38.5%) recorded the highest share, followed by Karnataka (22.5%), Andhra Pradesh (8.6%), Madhya Pradesh (7.2%), and Tamil Nadu (5.9%). Several states like West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Delhi, and others reported zero farm suicides. Experts say repeated suicides in 2021, 2022, and 2023 reflect a systemic agrarian crisis in India.

Notes:
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine would trigger a “completely new stage of escalation.” He emphasized that such a move could significantly heighten tensions between Washington (USA) and Moscow (Russia). The statement reflects Russia’s concerns over extended-range weapons reaching Ukrainian forces. Tomahawk is a long-range, subsonic cruise missile developed by the United States for land-attack missions. It is launched from ships or submarines using a Vertical Launch System for highly accurate strikes.

Notes:
Veteran journalist Harinder Baweja released her memoir “They Will Shoot You, Madam: My Life Through Conflict” on October 1, 2025, in Delhi. The memoir details over 40 years of fearless conflict reporting from regions like Kashmir, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Major assignments covered include Operation Blue Star, 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and an interview with Chhota Rajan. The launch was attended by Captain Amarinder Singh, Omar Abdullah, and Rajdeep Sardesai. Speakers praised her bold journalism and its vital role in democracy. The book highlights the challenges and risks of reporting from conflict zones.

Notes:
Rajasthan’s first ‘Namo Biodiversity Park’ was inaugurated at Pratap Bandh, Alwar with a symbolic tree plantation ceremony. The park is named ‘NAMO VAN’ and aims to serve as a green lung for the region. It will enhance local greenery, contribute to cleaner air, and promote environmental awareness among visitors. The park encourages citizens to adopt environment-friendly and sustainable lifestyles. It marks a milestone in Rajasthan’s green infrastructure development. The initiative supports India’s biodiversity conservation and climate action goals.

Notes:
A new plant species, Chlorophytum vanapushpam, was recently discovered in the Vagamon hills of Idukki district, Kerala. It belongs to the genus Chlorophytum and the family Asparagaceae. The species name ‘vanapushpam’ comes from Malayalam words ‘Vanam’ (forest) and ‘Pushpam’ (flower). It is a perennial herb closely related to Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum). It is found in rocky hills of Vagamon and Neymakkad at altitudes between 700 m and 2124 m in the Western Ghats. The plant has white clustered flowers, slender leaves, grows up to 90 cm, and lacks tubers. Flowering and fruiting occur from September to December. The Western Ghats is a major origin centre of Chlorophytum, with 18 species identified, many having medicinal properties.

Notes:
Recently, the President of India presented the MY Bharat–National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards for 2022–23 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The award was instituted in 1993–94 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The main objective is to honour youth for their exceptional work in social service, community development, and nation-building. The awards recognise and reward outstanding voluntary community service. They are given every year to NSS Volunteers, NSS Units, and Programme Officers for their exemplary contribution to society. The initiative highlights youth participation in building a responsible and service-oriented nation.

Notes:
Judo player Linthoi Chanambam made history by winning India’s first-ever medal at the Judo Junior World Championships in Lima, Peru in 2025. She is 19 years old and competed in the women’s 63 kilogram category. Chanambam won the bronze medal by defeating Joni Geilen from the Netherlands. Earlier, she lost her final Group D match to So Morichika of Japan. This achievement marks a historic moment for Indian Judo on the world stage.

Notes:
Around 100 wild boars were found dead in Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary in March, likely due to toxic waste contamination in Nangal Lake. Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the foothills of the Shivalik Hills, Rupnagar district, Punjab. The sanctuary covers 116 hectares and is part of the Nangal Wetland on the Sutlej River. It lies within a man-made reservoir built under the Bhakra-Nangal Project.