Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 2nd October 2025

Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe:

NASA launched the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) to show how solar particles are energised and shield us.

• Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe goal is to map the heliosphere’s boundary, trace energetic particles, and improve space weather forecasting.
• The heliosphere is a huge bubble created by the Sun’s wind that encapsulates our entire solar system.
• IMAP will support real-time observations of the solar wind and energetic particles, which can produce hazardous conditions in the space environment near Earth.
• It is situated at the first Earth-Sun Lagrange point (L1), at around one million miles from Earth toward the Sun.
• IMAP will also send data in near real-time to help scientists monitor space weather conditions.
• Components of Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe
  • IMAP is equipped with 10 scientific instruments, each designed to detect different types of particles or phenomena in space.
  • Some of them are energetic neutral-atom detectors (IMAP-Lo, IMAP-Hi, IMAP-Ultra), which capture neutral atoms that were once charged ions but were changed by acquiring electrons.
  • Other instruments detect charged particles directly, magnetic fields, interstellar dust, and solar-wind structures.
• The Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe will:
  • Uncover fundamental physics at scales both tiny and immense.
  • Improve forecasting of solar wind disturbances and particle radiation hazards from space.
  • Draw a picture of our nearby galactic neighborhood.
  • Help determine some of the basic cosmic building materials of the universe.
  • Increase understanding of how the heliosphere shields life in the solar system from cosmic rays.

International Civil Aviation Organization:

India has been re-elected to Part II of the Council of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

• ICAO is a United Nations (UN) specialized agency, established in 1944, by the Convention on International Civil Aviation (1944) known as Chicago Convention.
• It is dedicated to developing safe and efficient international air transport for peaceful purposes.
• Member countries: It consists of 193 Member States
• Headquarters: Montreal, Canada.
• Governance of International Civil Aviation Organization:
  • ICAO Assembly: It is convened every three years, is the organization’s sovereign body, comprising all 193 signatory States to the Chicago Convention.
  • ICAO Council: It consists of 36-member, elected by the 193 Member States during the Assembly, and serves as the governing body for a three-year term.
• Functions of International Civil Aviation Organization:
  • It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security and facilitation, efficiency, and economic development of air transport as well as to improve the environmental performance of aviation.
  • It also serves as a clearinghouse for cooperation and discussion on civil aviation issues among its 193 member states.
  • It also promotes regional and international agreements aimed at liberalizing aviation markets.
  • It helps to establish legal standards to ensure that the growth of aviation does not compromise safety, and encourages the development of other aspects of international aviation law.

Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai (HTHH) Volcano:

A collaborative research team recently returned from a major 54-day voyage on CSIRO research vessel (RV) Investigator to explore the impacts of the devastating 2022 eruption of Tonga’s underwater Hunga Volcano.

• It is a submarine stratovolcano in the Tongan archipelago in the southern Pacific Ocean.
• The HTHH volcano includes the small islands of Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha’apai, along with shallow reefs along the caldera rim of a much larger submarine edifice in the western South Pacific Ocean, west of the main inhabited islands in the Kingdom of Tonga.
• The volcano is part of the highly active Tonga–Kermadec Islands volcanic arc, a subduction zone extending from New Zealand north-northeast to Fiji.
• The Tonga-Kermadec arc was formed as a result of the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Indo-Australian Plate.
• It has erupted regularly over the past few decades.
• Stratovolcano is a tall, steep, and cone-shaped type of volcano.
• Unlike flat shield volcanoes, they have higher peaks.

Preponderance of Probability:

The judgment on the title battle over the 1,500 square yards in the town of Ayodhya is founded on the “test of preponderance of probabilities” over who had possession of the outer and inner courtyards of the disputed premises, according to former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud.

• Preponderance of Probability is a widely accepted standard of proof in civil proceedings.
• The preponderance of probability refers to the greater likelihood of one event or fact over another.
• In this context, a fact is considered proven when the evidence suggests that the occurrence of the fact is more likely than not.
• It is not about certainty or eliminating all doubts but rather about weighing evidence to see which side presents a more probable scenario.
• In civil cases, the party bearing the burden of proof needs to show that their version of events is more plausible than the opposing party’s.
• This standard contrasts sharply with the criminal law standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt,” where the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt to a much higher level of certainty.
• In civil cases, by contrast, the balance of probabilities leans toward the more convincing narrative.
• In Narayan Ganesh Dastane v. Sucheta Narayan Dastane (1975), the Supreme Court of India stated that under Section 3 of the Indian Evidence Act, a fact is said to be proved when the court believes in its existence based on a “preponderance of probability.”
• The court applies this test by evaluating conflicting probabilities and choosing the most probable
• Application of Preponderance of Probability in Civil Law:
  • • The preponderance of probability is the standard of proof used in most civil litigation.
    • Civil cases typically involve disputes over rights, contracts, property, or torts, and the plaintiff must demonstrate that their claim is more likely true than false.
    • For example, in a breach of contract case, the plaintiff must show that it is more likely than not that the contract was breached.

South-South and Triangular Cooperation:

On September 12, 2025 (UN Day for SSTC), calls were made to reform and strengthen South-South and Triangular Cooperation as a tool for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

• South-South Cooperation (SSC): Collaboration among developing countries to share knowledge, skills, technology, and resources for mutual growth.
• Triangular Cooperation (TrC): Partnerships between developing countries supported by developed nations or multilateral agencies.
• Recognised as a complement, not substitute, to North-South cooperation.
• Formalised under the Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA), 1978.
• UN adopted Sept 12 as International Day for SSTC, marking BAPA’s anniversary.
• Aim:
  • Foster self-reliance and collective resilience among developing nations.
  • Strengthen capacity to design solutions tailored to local contexts.
  • Promote mutual benefit, solidarity, and equality in development cooperation.
• Functions:
  • Capacity-building, knowledge-sharing, and technology transfer: Helps developing nations build skills, share best practices, and access affordable technology to solve local development challenges.
  • Voice in global governance: Strengthens the collective bargaining power of the Global South in shaping international policies and multilateral institutions.
  • Regional and interregional cooperation: Encourages countries to pool resources and collaborate across regions to tackle common issues like climate change, health crises, and trade barriers.
  • Complement to aid: Provides an alternative to traditional aid by offering mutual support without conditionalities, enhancing resilience and self-reliance.

Gaza Peace Plan : Trump

Prime Minister of India welcomed Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace proposal, calling it a pathway to long-term peace in West Asia.

• The plan seeks an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, and Gaza reconstruction, backed by Arab and Western leaders.
• Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan is a diplomatic framework designed to end the 2023–25 Israel–Hamas war through ceasefire, disarmament, and reconstruction.
• It envisions Gaza as a “New Gaza” special economic zone, monitored internationally until Palestinian governance reforms occur.

Key Features:

• Israel to halt military operations once Hamas agrees; battle lines will freeze for stability.
• Hamas to release all hostages (alive and dead) within 72 hours; Israel to release 2,000+ Palestinian detainees.
• Palestinians will not be expelled from Gaza, ensuring protection of demographic and human rights.
• Hamas excluded from future governance; members disarming will get amnesty or safe passage abroad.
• An international body led by Trump and Tony Blair to oversee Gaza’s governance and reconstruction.
• A multinational force, with Arab states, to maintain peace and train Palestinian police.
• Gaza to be developed as a special economic hub with preferential trade and aid-driven reconstruction.
• Offers a “political horizon” for Palestinian statehood once Palestinian Authority (PA) reforms and security guarantees are ensured.

Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis:

Indian Immunologicals (IIL) has launched India’s first indigenously developed glycoprotein E (gE) deleted DIVA marker vaccine against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR).

• It is endemic in India and caused by Bovine Herpes Virus (BHV-1).
• BoHV-1 is a member of the genus Varicellovirus in the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae.
• It is a disease of domestic and wild cattle.
• There are three forms: respiratory, genital and encephalitic, the first two are more common.
• The disease is transmitted through the aerosol route and affects reproductive systems. It is also transmitted by semen from bulls to milch animals.
• Symptoms of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis
  • It is characterised by clinical signs of the upper respiratory tract, such as a (muco)purulent nasal discharge, hyperaemia of the muzzle (red nose disease) and by conjunctivitis.
  • Signs of general illness are fever, depression, inappetence, abortions and reduced milk yield.

Desert ‘Soilification’ Technology:

Wheat has been successfully grown in the arid desert land of western Rajasthan using an innovative ‘desert soilification technology’.

• Desert soilification technology is a biotechnological method that converts barren desert sand into a soil-like material capable of sustaining agricultural activities.
• It utilizes bioformulations and polymers to bind loose sand particles, enhance soil structure, and significantly improve water retention.
• Aim is to combat desertification, boost agricultural productivity in arid regions, and promote sustainable land management.
• Key Feature:
  • The technology enhances plant tolerance, making crops (wheat, bajra, guar gum) more resilient to heat and arid conditions.
  • The polymers form cross-links between sand particles, transforming loose sand into a structured, soil-like material.
  • The bioformulation enhances microbial activity, promoting better nutrient cycling and improving overall soil health.
  • The researchers observed 54% higher yields in bajra, guar gum, and chickpea crops grown in bioformulation-amended sand compared to regular soil.
  • The process creates a binding effect that significantly reduces irrigation needs by improving water retention in the soil.

Swachh Shehar Jodi Initiative:

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched the Swachh Shehar Jodi (SSJ) initiative.

• It is a structured mentorship and collaborative action program involving 72 mentor cities and around 200 mentee cities.
• Based on their recent performance in the Swachh Survekshan rankings, top-performing cities have been identified as mentor cities and paired with low-performing mentee cities. It is implemented under the Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U).
• It is aimed to foster knowledge and experience sharing, peer learning and transforming best practices in sanitation and waste management across urban India.
• The objective is to support comparatively low performing cities in improving their swachhata performance by drawing on the experience of mentor cities to:
  • Replicate tested best practices in sanitation and waste management
• It is envisioned that the mentor cities will be those cities that adhere to the following criteria:
  • Top performing cities that have featured across Rank 1, 2 or 3 in Swachh Survekshan (SS) 2022, 2023, and 2024 ( i.e. – cities that are part of the Super Swachh League)
  • Top three cities that are featured across population categories in SS 2024.
  • Promising clean cities that emerge across States/UTs as part of SS 2024.
  • The mentee city may be selected on the basis of the following criteria:
  • Featured in the bottom of the State cumulative ranking of the latest SS rankings
  • Geographical proximity of the jodi cities to each other
• Funding: Both mentor and mentee cities may utilize the Capacity Building (CB) Funds allocated to each State/UT as part of SBM-U 2.0.
  State/UT Governments are encouraged to top up this fund, if required.
• Cities can also leverage funds from other sources / partner organizations.

Two new species of antlions:

Researchers recently discovered two new species of antlions named Indophanes keralaensis and Indophanes sahyadriensis belonging to the family Myrmeleontidae under the order Neuroptera.Antlions are a group of about 2,000 different species of insects. They belong to a family called Myrmeleontidae. They are named for the predatory nature of the larvae, which commonly trap ants and other small insects in pits dug into the ground.
Adult antlions are not as well known. They live for a shorter time than the larvae. Adult antlions, sometimes called antlion lacewings, usually fly at dusk or after dark.People sometimes mistake them for dragonflies or damselflies.Antlions are harmless and cause no damage to flowers, people, or structures. They are highly beneficial and feed on ants and other insects that fall into their traps.

Ophiorrhiza echinata : New coffee plant species

A new coffee plant species named Ophiorrhiza echinata was recently found in the Western Ghats.It is a new species of coffee It was discovered in the highly biodiversity-rich shola forests of the Western Ghats at Devikulam in the Idukki District of Kerala. It grows in the ecotone region between evergreen forest and grassland vegetation at an elevation of 1,630 m above sea level and may have medicinal potential. It belongs to the family Rubiaceae and is closely related to the genus Ophiorrhiza mungos, which is a key ingredient in cancer treatment and antidote preparations.

Pallid Fish Eagle:

A survey conducted jointly by the State Forest Department and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has revealed rare nesting of Pallid Fish Eagle in Corbett Tiger Reserve.It is also known as Pallas’s sea eagle or band-tailed fish eagle, is a large, brownish sea eagle. It can be seen near lakes, marshes and large rivers, from lowlands to 5,000 metres of elevation.It feeds primarily on fish, but many other prey are part of its diet. It breeds usually near water in a large nest placed in a tall tree. It is partially migratory, with Central Asian birds wintering among the southern Asian birds in northern India, and also further west to the Persian Gulf. Conservation status: IUCN Red List: Endangered

India has been re-elected to the Part II of the Council of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the 2025–2028 term.:

The ICAO, a specialized United Nations agency established in 1944 through the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation in Chicago, sets global standards for safe and peaceful air navigation. ICAO promotes the orderly growth of international air transport. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, it has 193 member states, including India. The ICAO Assembly, held every three years, is the organization’s sovereign body and includes all 193 signatory States of the Chicago Convention. The 36-member ICAO Council, divided into three parts, is elected by the Member States during the ICAO Assembly and serves as the governing body for a three-year term.India is a founding ICAO member, it played a key role in promoting safe, secure, sustainable, and inclusive international civil aviation.

• Part I includes states of chief importance in air transport like the US, UK, China, and Japan.
• Part II comprises states making the largest contributions to international civil air navigation, including India, Germany, and Brazil;
• Part III covers states ensuring geographic representation, such as Bolivia, Malaysia, and Ethiopia.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has established a six-member Payments Regulatory Board:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has established a six-member Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) to enhance oversight and governance of the country’s payment systems.It is chaired by the RBI Governor and comprises two additional RBI representatives along with three Central Government nominees.
RBI Members include Deputy Governor and Executive Director in charge of Payment and Settlement Systems. RBI’s principal legal adviser is a permanent invitee to PRB meetings.

• Predecessor Body: PRB replaces the Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS), a committee of the RBI’s Central Board.
• Legal Authority: PRB derives powers from the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. The RBI’s Department of Payment and Settlement Systems (DPSS) reports directly to the PRB.
• Decision-Making: Decisions are by majority vote of members present. In case of a tie, the chairperson or deputy governor has a second or casting vote.

India continues to hold 1st position in global milk production:

Dairy sector contributes 5% to GDP, employing over 8 crore farmers, with milk production rising 63.56% in the last decade. Milk output grew from 146.3 MT (2014-15) to 239.3 MT (2023-24), at an annual growth rate of 5.7%. Availability rose by 48%, reaching 471 g/person/day (well above world average of 322 g). Productivity increased by 27.39% (2014–22), the highest globally, aided by schemes like Rashtriya Gokul Mission. Nearly 70% of workforce are women, with 48,000+ women-led dairy cooperatives enhancing inclusive growth. Over 565 lakh AI procedures and 38,000+ MAITRIs deployed; IVF, sex-sorted semen, and progeny testing modernise dairy genetics. Aims to set up 75,000 new dairy cooperatives, ensure sustainability, and scale procurement to 1007 lakh kg/day by 2028-29.

Siphon-Powered Desalination:

Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers have developed a siphon-powered desalination system that converts seawater into clean drinking water faster and cheaper. Siphon-Powered Desalination A thermal desalination system that uses the principle of siphonage to continuously draw, evaporate, and condense seawater into potable water. Developed by: Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. Produces >6 liters of potable water/m²/hour under sunlight (several times higher than solar stills).

India Discovers Natural Gas near Andaman Island:

Oil India Ltd (OIL) has announced the discovery of natural gas in the Andaman Shallow Offshore Block.This marks the first reported hydrocarbon find in the region, potentially reducing India’s heavy import dependence on oil and gas. Natural gas reserves identified in Vijayapuram-2 exploratory well under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). Gas samples confirmed 87% methane content, showing commercial potential after further testing. Located in Offshore block 9.20 nautical miles (17 km) from the Andaman east coast. Water depth: 295 metres, drilling depth: 2,650 metres.

Venezuelan President is preparing to declare a state of emergency:

Venezuelan President is preparing to declare a state of emergency in response to what he calls US “aggression,” after American forces destroyed suspected Venezuelan drug boats and deployed warships near its coast. Located in: Northern end of South America, occupying a triangular area larger than France and Germany combined. Capital: Border Nations: Guyana, Brazil, Colombia, Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

ADB Cuts India’s FY26 Growth Forecast to 6.5% on U.S. Tariff Impact:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised India’s economic growth forecast for FY26 downward to 6.5%, from its earlier estimate of 6.7%. The cut comes in the wake of elevated U.S. tariffs that are expected to hit around 60% of India’s exports to the U.S., dampening growth momentum in the second half of 2025-26 and beyond.The ADB’s latest Asian Development Outlook (September 2025) report also trimmed India’s growth projection for 2026-27 to 6.5% (from 6.8%).

BDU’s Prof. R. Arthur James wins the prestigious TANSA Award 2022:

Dr. R. Arthur James, Professor and Chair of the Department of Marine Science at Bharathidasan University (BDU), has been honoured with the prestigious Tamil Nadu Scientist Award (TANSA) 2022 in the field of Environmental Science.The award, instituted by the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TANSA), is one of the highest recognitions for scientists in the state. It highlights exceptional contributions made by individuals in various fields of science and research.The award was presented at a special ceremony held at the Resource Centre for Tribal Development, Udhagamandalam. It carries a cash prize of ₹50,000 and a citation, symbolising the State government’s encouragement of scientific excellence.The honour was conferred by Govi. Chezhiaan, Minister for Higher Education, along with M. P. Saminathan, Minister for Tamil Development, Information and Publicity

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve adopts the Gaj Rakshak App:

Authorities at the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh are turning to technology to address the growing challenge of human-elephant conflict. The recently launched ‘Gaj Rakshak App’, inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on the occasion of World Tiger Day in Bhopal, is now being deployed in the reserve to monitor elephants in real time. Developed in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, the Wildlife Conservation Trust, and Kalpvag Company, the app is expected to transform elephant conservation and protection measures in the region.

Indian Army Conducts Exercise ‘Drone Kavach’ in Arunachal Pradesh:

The Spear Corps under Eastern Command of the Indian Army conducted Exercise Drone Kavach in the forward areas of Eastern Arunachal Pradesh from September 25 to 28, 2025. The four-day exercise focused on next-generation drone warfare and counter-drone technologies, showcasing the Army’s combat preparedness in modern multi-domain battlefields.Participants: Indian Army & Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Objective: Validate state-of-the-art drone technologies and counter-drone systems.

Chhattisgarh’s Balod Becomes India’s First Officially Child Marriage-Free District:

Balod district in Chhattisgarh has been officially declared as India’s first child marriage-free district. The recognition comes under the “Child Marriage Free India” campaign, launched nationwide on August 27, 2024. The achievement reflects the collective effort of administration, panchayats, urban bodies, Anganwadi workers, and community members. No cases of child marriage were reported from the district over the past two years.

Novotel Vijayawada Varun wins ‘Best 5-Star Deluxe Hotel’ at Andhra Pradesh Tourism Excellence Awards 2025:

The Novotel Vijayawada Varun has been recognised as the “Best 5-Star Deluxe Hotel” at the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Excellence Awards 2025. The award honours the property’s blend of elegance, comfort, and premium hospitality, making it the top choice for travelers in the region.The award was presented by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.Manish Pathak, the hotel manager, received the honour and dedicated it to the hotel’s team, praising their dedication and passion for excellence.

Praveer Ranjan Takes Charge as CISF DG:

India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), two senior IPS officers of the 1993 batch have taken charge of key paramilitary organisations. Praveer Ranjan has been appointed as the Director General (DG) of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), while Praveen Kumar has been appointed as the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Both officers assumed office on September 30, 2025, following the superannuation of their predecessors.

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department Wins Global Tourism Award 2025:

The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department has won the prestigious Global Tourism Award 2025, recognizing its outstanding initiatives in positioning Andhra Pradesh as one of India’s most promising tourist destinations. The award was received by tourism consultant Nishitha Goyal on behalf of the department at a ceremony held in New Delhi.This achievement highlights the state’s efforts in sustainable tourism development, heritage conservation, and promoting cultural experiences to both domestic and international travelers.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti 2025:

Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti 2025 observed on 2nd October, the 121st birth anniversary of India’s second Prime Minister. Shastri was admired for his simplicity, honesty, and love for the country. He is best remembered for his inspiring slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, which highlighted the importance of both soldiers and farmers. On this day, India pays tribute to his contributions and values.Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh. Coming from a humble background, he grew up with discipline and a spirit of service. He opposed caste discrimination and lived a life of equality and fairness. After India’s independence, he played an important role in nation-building and later became the second Prime Minister of India in 1964.

Gandhi Jayanti 2025:

Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated annually on October 2, marks the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. The day pays tribute to his enduring ideals of truth and non-violence. In 2025, India will observe his 156th birth anniversary, which is also recognised worldwide as the International Day of Non-Violence.