Current Affairs Quiz – September 2025

Notes:
In early 2025, the United States contributed the most to the global emissions rise, accounting for over half the increase in fossil fuel emissions, with a 1.43% rise (48.57 million tonnes CO2e) in the first half of 2025, mainly due to increased reliance on oil, gas, and coal.

Notes:
A recent study conducted at Mahutigalaa reef in the Maldives used Porites coral microatolls to reconstruct sea-level changes from 1930–2019. These disk-shaped corals grow sideways once constrained by the lowest tide, making their upper surface a natural marker of past sea levels. Researchers X-rayed growth bands in the corals, similar to tree rings, and combined them with uranium-thorium dating. This study provided the longest sea-level record for the central Indian Ocean, revealing early acceleration of sea-level rise since the late 1950s.

Notes:
In Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025, the Indian Army is represented by a battalion from the Madras Regiment, one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments in India. The exercise is held at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, from September 1 to 14, 2025, with the US Army’s 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment “Bobcats.” This joint drill enhances combat preparedness, cooperation, and interoperability between Indian and US forces by focusing on areas such as heliborne operations, mountain warfare, and counter-unmanned aerial systems, underscoring India’s commitment to international military collaboration.

Notes:
Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) has launched Operation SWARNA (Swarnamukhi Waterbody Action for River and Nala Awareness). The plan aims to rescue Swarnamukhi River from land grabbers, revive its flow area and rejuvenate it for long-term sustenance. Swarnamukhi River is an east-flowing river in Andhra Pradesh with a catchment area of 3,225 sq.km. It originates near Pakala village, Chittoor district at 300 m elevation in the Eastern Ghats. The river runs 130 km northeast, passing through Tirupati hills before joining the Bay of Bengal. Swarnamukhi is an independent river system, relying mainly on rainfall in its upper catchment for flow.

Notes:
European Space Agency (ESA) Solar Orbiter, a joint project with NASA, was launched in 2020 to study the Sun closely. It became the first spacecraft to image the Sun’s poles. A new study in Astronomy and Astrophysics traced the origin of Solar Energetic Electrons (SEE) emitted by the Sun. Solar Energetic Electrons (SEE) linked to solar flares arise from small surface explosions, while others are released gradually with Coronal Mass Ejections (CME), huge eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields. The Solar Orbiter flew through electron streams and studied the space environment between the Sun and spacecraft. Understanding SEE and CMEs is crucial for space weather prediction, protecting satellites, GPS, power grids, and astronauts. The mission aims to study the Sun’s 11-year magnetic cycle, corona heating, solar wind formation, and acceleration.

Notes:
Only 17.2% of India’s suitable habitat for Dalbergia latifolia (Indian rosewood) lies within protected areas, according to the Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST), Bengaluru. The species is native to Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris, Anamalai, and Parambikulam ranges. Field studies across 12 States (2019–2025) show Tamil Nadu has the lowest rosewood density at 2.85 trees per 0.1 hectare. Karnataka showed a higher density of 6.19 trees per 0.1 hectare, and Kerala had 5.38 trees per 0.1 hectare. Indian rosewood improves soil fertility, acts as a carbon sink, and is a keystone ecological species. Economically, it is called “Ivory of the Forests,” used in furniture, musical instruments, and handicrafts.

Notes:
Odisha’s Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary received National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) approval in 2025 to become India’s newest tiger reserve. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Bargarh district, Odisha. It is situated near Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River, the longest dam in India and the longest earthen dam in the world. The sanctuary covers an area of nearly 347 sq km. Debrigarh holds historical significance due to freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai.

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The newly constructed Royal Bhutan Buddhist Temple in Rajgir, Bihar, was inaugurated on 5 September 2025. The inauguration followed traditional rituals and Bhutanese Buddhist customs. Rajgir is historically significant as a place of penance of Lord Buddha and holds great importance in Buddhism. The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Union Minister for Minority Affairs, and representatives from both countries. The temple aims to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties between India and Bhutan. It will serve as a center for Buddhist learning, meditation, and promoting bilateral friendship and cooperation

Notes:
External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar inaugurated the SAMHiTA Conference on South Asia’s Manuscript Traditions and Mathematical Contributions in New Delhi on 5 September 2025. SAMHiTA is an initiative to create a relational database and digital archive of Indian and South Asian manuscripts. The project focuses on manuscripts housed in libraries, archives, and repositories outside India. It is implemented through collaboration with institutional partners to preserve and promote the rich heritage of South Asian knowledge systems. The conference aims to strengthen research and accessibility of ancient manuscripts globally.

Notes:
Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in Assam became the first tribal council under Sixth Schedule to fully digitise land records. More than 15 lakh land documents including maps were digitised across 8,970 sq. km. BTR is administered by Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) formed in 2003 and covers Baksa, Chirang, Kokrajhar, Tamulpur, and Udalguri districts. Digitisation began in 2023 to improve transparency and simplify landholding patterns. Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping ensured accurate land boundaries. It supported Mission Bwismwuthi 2.0, granting land rights to 47,000 indigenous landless families. Citizens can now access land data via kiosks, apps, and portals.