Current Affairs Quiz – September 2025

Notes:
A new species of bent-toed gecko named Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka has been discovered in central Assam’s montane forests. It belongs to the Cyrtodactylus khasiensis group. The species was found on the forested slopes of Jatinga in Dima Hasao, a unique ecological transition zone of the Barail Hills. It has been named in honour of the Assam Forest Department. The name “vanarakshaka” comes from Sanskrit words “vana” meaning forest and “rakshaka” meaning protector. With this discovery, Assam now has five recorded species of Cyrtodactylus.

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Nepal’s former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as interim Prime Minister after mass protests forced the resignation of former PM KP Sharma Oli. Karki, 73, is Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice (2016-17), known for her zero-tolerance stance on corruption. Her selection amid protests against corruption draws parallels with Muhammad Yunus heading Bangladesh’s interim govt. Her rise symbolizes public demand for integrity, justice, and anti-corruption leadership in Nepal’s democracy.

Notes:
A rare scarlet dragonfly was recently spotted in the valleys of Munnar in Kerala’s Western Ghats. Its scientific name is Crocothemis erythraea. It is also known by common names such as broad scarlet, common scarlet-darter, and scarlet darter. This dragonfly belongs to the family Libellulidae. It is widely distributed in southern Europe, Africa, western Asia, and extends up to southern China. It prefers habitats near rivers, streams, and ponds in sunny locations. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is classified as Least Concern.

Notes:
STAR (Supersonic TARget) missile is India’s indigenous high-speed target missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It simulates hostile supersonic threats, including modern anti-ship cruise missiles, to train Indian Armed Forces in realistic conditions. It has a two-stage propulsion: solid booster rocket for lift-off and Liquid Fuel Ramjet (LFRJ) for sustained supersonic flight. DRDO is developing two variants: Air-Launched STAR for LCA Tejas and joint exercises, Ground-Launched STAR for mobile Navy/Army drills. STAR ends dependence on expensive imports and supports Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in missile training and R&D.

Notes:
The International Day of Democracy is observed every year on 15th September. United Nations (UN) adopted Resolution 62/7 on November 8, 2007, declaring September 15 as International Day of Democracy. The day provides an opportunity to review the global state of democracy. Democracy and human rights are linked, as highlighted in Article 21(3) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which stresses free and fair elections. Theme for International Day of Democracy 2025 is “Ensuring effective governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at all levels.” The theme highlights AI’s role in shaping democratic governance and the need to balance opportunities with risks.

Notes:
Recently, the Gujarat government disbursed over Rs 1,000 crore to more than 10.49 lakh girl students under the Namo Lakshmi Yojana. Under the Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, more than 1.50 lakh students received over Rs 161 crore in financial assistance. Namo Lakshmi Yojana was launched by Gujarat government in 2024. The scheme supports girls in Classes 9 to 12 under Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Each girl receives Rs 50,000 over four years, even if already receiving other scholarships. Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana targets science students in Classes 11 and 12, offering Rs 25,000 over two years.

Notes:
Recently, the governments of the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) announced a series of nuclear power deals. Leading US-based companies will build nuclear projects overseas. The initiative aims to accelerate advanced reactor deployment and reduce dependence on Russian nuclear fuel. It is named the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy. The partnership includes faster safety approvals, regulatory cooperation, and billions in private sector investment. The initiative strengthens transatlantic cooperation in nuclear energy and strategic energy security.

Notes:
Around 550 residents of Fulwariya hamlet in Koderma district, mostly from the Birhor tribe, will soon receive electricity after nearly 80 years of darkness. The Birhor are a semi-nomadic forest-dependent tribe mainly in Jharkhand, also found in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal. They are among eight Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Jharkhand. Their language, Birhor, belongs to the Munda group of Austroasiatic family, similar to Santali, Mundari, and Ho. Birhors live in small forest settlements called tandas or bands, with huts of leaves and branches.

Notes:
Organisations of the Moran community in Assam have started an “economic blockade” in Tinsukia district to demand Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The Morans are among six communities, along with Tea Tribes (Adivasi), Motok, Tai Ahom, Chutia, and Koch-Rajbongshi, pressing for ST recognition. The Moran are an indigenous tribe of Assam and considered one of the region’s aboriginal groups. Historically, they led the Moamoria Rebellion in the 18th century against the Ahom monarchy. They once spoke their own Moran language, related to Dimasa, but now mainly speak Assamese. They are concentrated in Upper Assam, especially Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, and Sivasagar.

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Former France Footballer Samuel Umtiti, a 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, announced his retirement on 16 September 2025 at age 31. He began his professional career at Lyon, after moving from Cameroon to France. Umtiti joined Barcelona in 2016, winning two La Liga titles and three Copa del Rey trophies. He scored the winning goal in the 2018 World Cup semi-final against Belgium, helping France lift the trophy. He is the fifth 2018 World Cup winner to retire, after Raphael Varane, Blaise Matuidi, Adil Rami, and Steve Mandanda.