Current Affairs Quiz – September 2025

Notes:
India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in North India due to 2-System Interaction. 2-System Interaction occurs when two distinct weather systems converge, amplifying each other and causing severe weather. In the current case, the systems are the Southwest Monsoon Trough, carrying moisture from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, and the Western Disturbance, a cyclonic circulation from the Mediterranean region. Their interaction leads to intense rainfall beyond normal seasonal patterns. Himalayan regions are vulnerable to landslides and flash floods due to steep and fragile terrain. Such events are increasing due to climatic shifts, changing monsoon dynamics, and rising global temperatures.

Notes:
The Indian Army conducted Exercise Yudh Kaushal 3.0 in the high-altitude Kameng region, Arunachal Pradesh. The exercise demonstrated preparedness for next-generation warfare in extreme Himalayan conditions. The exercise marked the operational debut of ASHNI platoons, integrating advanced technology with traditional combat skills. Active participation of the Indian defence industry highlighted indigenous innovation under the vision of self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat). Yudh Kaushal 3.0 validated combat effectiveness, multi-domain operations, and adoption of emerging technologies.

Notes:
The 14th edition of Exercise MAITREE-XIV commenced at Joint Training Node (JTN), Umroi, Meghalaya. Exercise MAITREE is a joint military exercise between India and Thailand, instituted in 2006. It is part of the military-to-military exchange programme, enhancing cooperation, interoperability, and mutual understanding between the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army. The exercise reinforces bilateral defence cooperation and commitment to peace, stability, and security in the region. The 13th edition was held at Fort Vachiraprakan, Tak Province, Thailand. Indian Army is represented by a Battalion of the Madras Regiment.

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:
Telangana recorded the highest Per Capita Income (PCI) in India for 2024-25 at ₹3.87 lakh net state domestic product (NSDP), surpassing Karnataka (₹3.8 lakh) and Haryana (₹3.5 lakh). This is Telangana’s first top rank in five years, showing strong economic performance. The state has maintained 10%+ average PCI growth over the past decade and 12% growth even in the last two years. Agriculture, especially cotton and horticulture, drove rural market activity and boosted growth.

Notes:
Thailand’s parliament elected Anutin Charnvirakul as the new Prime Minister. He is the third Prime Minister in Thailand in the last two years. Anutin replaced Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was ousted by the Constitutional Court for ethical violations over a Cambodia border dispute. Anutin leads the Bhumjaithai Party. The party secured over 247 votes, surpassing the majority threshold in the 492-member House of Representatives. His election reflects political stability efforts after frequent leadership changes in Thailand.

Notes:
The Nepali Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army launched the fourth joint exercise, Sagarmatha Friendship-2025, in Kathmandu. The drill runs until 16 September 2025. It aims to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, disaster management, and United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions. The exercise, first held in 2017, alternates between Nepal and China. Sagarmatha Friendship-2025 focuses on building capacity, addressing security challenges, and fostering mutual trust and military-to-military ties.

Notes:
International Literacy Day (ILD) is observed every year on September 8. Literacy is a basic human right that supports other rights, freedom, and global citizenship. UNESCO reported that 739 million youth and adults still lack basic literacy skills in 2024. International Literacy Day (ILD) was declared by UNESCO in 1966 and first celebrated in 1967. The 2025 theme is “Promoting literacy in the digital era.” International Literacy Day (ILD) 2025 highlights literacy as a tool for justice, peace, and sustainable society.

Notes:
A young male tiger recently travelled 450 km from Vidarbha and settled in Yedshi Ramling Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary after decades of no big cat presence. The sanctuary is in Osmanabad District, Maharashtra, and was established on May 23, 1997. It covers 22.38 sq. km in the Balaghat range of the Sahyadri hills. It has the ancient Ramling Temple of Lord Shiva, a waterfall, and a cave linked to Ramayana legends.

Notes:
Recently, conflict between humans and Himalayan brown bears has been rising across the Himalayas. The Himalayan brown bear is also called Himalayan red bear, isabelline bear, or Dzu-Teh and is a subspecies of the brown bear. It is mainly found in northwestern and central Himalayas in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. In India, it is found in small, isolated populations in alpine and subalpine habitats of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conservation status is Critically Endangered.