Current Affairs Quiz – September 2025

Notes:
The Kaushalya Dam is located near Pinjore in Haryana on the Kaushalya river, a tributary of Ghaggar. It plays a vital role in flood management and water storage in the Ghaggar basin; Haryana is the only state with such a dam on this river.

Notes:
The court determined that Trump’s invocation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 1977 to implement tariffs was incompatible with the intent of the law. IEEPA is traditionally used to address significant international threats, such as crises involving national security or foreign policy—not for economic trade imbalances. Previous presidents have used the act for events like the 1979 Iran hostage crisis or after the 9/11 attacks. The court clarified that IEEPA does not justify tariffs of unlimited scope, specifically in trade deficit contexts.

Notes:
Researchers from Kerala discovered a new edible tuber named Dioscorea balakrishnanii in Wayanad district of Kerala. It belongs to the genus Dioscorea and is locally called ‘chola kizhangu’ by the Kattunayikar tribes. The tuber is edible when cooked and has excellent flavour. It is found only in the sholas of evergreen forests in the Western Ghats. Wayanad has 23 forms of more than 14 Dioscorea species, relatives of cultivated yam like kachil/kavat. The tuber has low glycemic index and potential for food security and medicinal use. Discovery highlights the importance of conserving unique ecosystems and wild relatives of crops.

Notes:
The 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) was released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), highlighting the world’s most peaceful countries. Iceland ranked first for the 18th consecutive year due to low crime, minimal militarisation, and strong community trust. Ireland secured second place, transforming from past conflicts through neutral military policies and strong social welfare. New Zealand rose to third, aided by strict gun laws, low terrorism, and Mori-rooted community spirit. India ranked 115th, facing challenges like regional disputes, urban crime, and internal tensions. The GPI highlights that India still needs to improve governance, social trust, and conflict resolution to achieve higher peace levels.

Notes:
A team of Indian and international researchers has discovered a new diatom species named Climaconeis heteropolaris in Udupi estuarine waters. It was found where the Sita and Swarna rivers meet before entering the Arabian Sea, Karnataka. Diatoms are photosynthetic, single-celled microscopic algae forming a key part of phytoplankton. They are found in lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and oceans worldwide. Some float freely in water, while others attach to plants, rocks, or sediments as benthic diatoms. Diatoms produce oxygen, support aquatic life, and generate up to 50% of global atmospheric oxygen annually. They are vital in nutrient cycling of both marine and freshwater ecosystems.

Notes:
The National Zoological Park has increased surveillance and biosecurity measures. This action follows the discovery of a painted stork carcass near a pond. Another painted stork was found sick in the water bird aviary. The painted stork is a large wading bird belonging to the stork family. It is easily recognized by its heavy yellow beak with a down-curved tip. These birds are found across the plains of tropical Asia. Their range extends from the Indian Subcontinent to Southeast Asia, south of the Himalayas. They prefer freshwater wetlands as their main habitat. They are also found in irrigation canals and flooded rice fields during the monsoon.

Notes:
Unity Small Finance Bank (Unity Bank) and BharatPe launched Unity Bank BharatPe Credit Card, India’s first Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI)-driven credit card on the RuPay network. The card allows customers to pay in full or convert spends into EMIs up to 12 months. It has been developed in partnership with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It can be linked to Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for payments at merchants nationwide. It marks a major innovation in India’s digital credit and payments ecosystem.

Notes:
Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba, is now a public health concern in Kerala causing eye (keratitis) and brain infections (amoebic meningoencephalitis). Acanthamoeba is a free-living amoeba found in water, soil, dust, swimming pools, hot tubs, and drinking water systems. It can also exist in humidifiers and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. It causes infections in brain, skin, eyes, and sinuses. It enters through cuts, wounds, inhalation, or contact lens use.

Notes:
China showcased its military power at the ‘Victory Day’ parade in Beijing on September 3. It officially unveiled the JL-1 air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM), a nuclear-capable weapon. JL-1 is deployed from the H-6N strategic bomber and can strike targets 3,000–4,000 km away. Unlike gravity bombs, it can be launched mid-air, avoiding hostile airspace entry. H-6N bombers have aerial refueling capability, extending range to 5,000 km for long-distance strikes. JL-1 strengthens China’s nuclear triad, joining the U.S. and Russia in full land-sea-air nuclear strike ability. It boosts China’s “second strike capability,” ensuring retaliation even after a first strike. Analysts warn it makes nuclear attacks harder to detect or intercept, heightening global security concerns.

Notes:
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launched the mascot and logo for the 11th Asian Aquatics Championship. The event will be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, from September 28 to October 11, 2025. The mascot is named ‘Jalveer,’ symbolizing water sports and aquatic spirit. The championship will serve as a qualification event for the 2026 Asian Games. The championship is a historic milestone for Indian aquatics and a chance for athletes to compete with Asia’s best.