Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 9th October 2025

Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary:

About 100 wild boars were found dead in Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary in March this year, and the postmortem report of the dead wild boars indicates that the wild boars might have died due to toxic waste in Nangal Lake, which is part of the sanctuary.

• It is a protected area located in the foothills of the Shivalik Hills in the Rupnagar district, in the state of Punjab.
• Established as a sanctuary in 2009, it was designated a Ramsar site in 2019.
• It spans an area of 116 hectares and forms a part of the larger Nangal Wetland, situated on the banks of the Sutlej
• It occupies a human-made reservoir constructed as part of the Bhakra-Nangal Project in 1961.
• The site is of historic importance, as the Indian and Chinese Prime Ministers formalized the “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence” there in 1954.
• It supports rich biodiversity, including over 150 bird species and several threatened animals such as the Indian pangolin, Egyptian vulture, and leopards.
• This sanctuary is a crucial migratory stopover for many bird species, particularly waterfowl.

Unicorn Company:

Startups are emerging as the new driving force of India’s defence innovation ecosystem, said Defence Minister recently, while calling upon young entrepreneurs to set new benchmarks and create India’s first defence unicorn.

• A unicorn company is a privately owned start-up that has been valued at over $1 billion.
• It is commonly used in the venture capital industry. The term was first popularized by venture capitalist Aileen Lee in 2013, when she referred to the 39 startups that had a valuation of over $1 billion as unicorns.

Key Characteristics of a Unicorn Startup:

• A billion-dollar valuation or more.
• Not publicly traded on a stock market.
• Demonstrates rapid growth and innovation.
• Often introduces innovative products or services that disrupt existing industries.
• Secures substantial funding from venture capitalists and other investors.
• The valuation of unicorns is not expressly linked to their current financial performance, but largely based on their growth potential as perceived by investors and venture capitalists who have taken part in various funding rounds.
• Some unicorns choose to go public by launching an initial public offering (IPO); some opt to remain private using their funding rounds to avoid going public; and still others end up getting acquired by bigger companies.
• As of July 2025, there are over 1,200 unicorns around the world.

Easter Island:

New research reveals Easter Island’s moai statues were “walked” upright using ingenious engineering, not dragged or rolled.

• It is a Polynesian island located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean.
• Named Rapa Nui by its earliest residents, it is one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the world.
• It is a special Chilean territory situated about 3,540 km to the west of Chile and about 1,900 km to the east of Pitcairn Island.
• It covers a total area of 163.6 sq.km.
• It is a small, triangular-shaped volcanic island. It is about 24 km in length and has a maximum width of about 12 km at its widest point.
• The island comprises three extinct volcanoes, namely Terevaka, Poike, and Rano Kau.
• It faces a tropical rainforest climate.
• UNESCO named Easter Island a World Heritage Site on March 22, 1996, and major parts of the island have been protected under the Rapa Nui National Park.
• Rapa Nui is famous for its large megalithic statues called moai.
• They are shaped like large human heads and erected on stone pedestals.
• They are famous for their carved heads and “Pukao,” a hat-like covering made from a soft red stone.
• Some moai stand 40 feet tall and weigh 75 tonnes.
• They were carved in volcanic stone at quarries and then moved to their current locations across the island.
• Scholars believe the Rapa Nui people built the moai between the 13th and the 16th centuries and represented their revered ancestors.
• Over 900 moai have been found on the island to date.

Online National Drugs licensing system (ONDLS) Portal:

While 18 State drug control authorities across the country have adopted the Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS) for processing drug-related licences, no State has yet fully complied with the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) guidelines, confirmed a source in the Union Health Ministry recently.

• It is a digital, single-window platform for processing various drug-related licences in India.
• It is developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) in coordination with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and State/UT Drugs Regulatory Authorities.
• It is designed to create a uniform, transparent, and accountable process for drug licensing across all States and Union Territories.
• It handles applications submitted by the applicants for issuance of manufacturing and sales licenses, including Blood Banks, and other certificates like COPP, GMP, WHO-GMP, Market Standing certificate, , and post-approval changes.
• ONDLS will help in the establishment of uniformity w.r.t. the requirement of submission of documents for different types of applications as well as issuance of licenses/permissions throughout India.

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification:

About 10 Indian marine and saline fish and shrimp varieties are set to get the global Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification soon.

• The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organisation that sets globally recognised, science-based standards for sustainable fishing and seafood traceability.
• The MSC certification program recognises and rewards sustainable fishing practices and is helping create a more sustainable seafood market.
• The MSC certification scheme is based on independent third-party assessments and is built on three principles: Stock health, Environmental impacts, Effective management.
• This certification is open to all fisheries that wish to voluntarily demonstrate that their operations are sustainable, regardless of their location, size and fishing gear.
• The certification is valid for 5 years, but subjected to annual surveillance audits.
• It is the only wild-capture fisheries certification based on the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing and Guidelines for the Eco-labelling of Fish and Fishery Products from Marine Capture Fisheries.
• Astamudi clam Paphia malabarica is India’s first Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fisheries.

UNESCO : Agency’s Next Director

Unesco’s executive board has nominated an Egyptian former tourism and antiquities minister, Khaled el-Anani, to be the agency’s next director.

• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations.
• It is dedicated to strengthening our shared humanity through the promotion of education, science, culture, and communication.
• It was started in 1945 after World War II. It took over from an older group called the International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation.
• It is part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group.
• UNESCO focuses on five main areas: Education, Natural sciences, Social and human sciences, Culture, Communication and information.
• Member countries: UNESCO has 194 member countries and 12 associate members.
• Headquarter: Paris, France
• Functions of UNESCO
  • It supports member states’ efforts to eliminate illiteracy, encouraging the extension of free education, and acts as a clearinghouse for the exchange of ideas and knowledge.
  • It also works with many other groups, including non-governmental organizations and private companies.
  • UNESCO designates and maintains a list of World Heritage Sites, which are places of outstanding universal value that deserve protection for future generations.

Indian Radio Software Architecture standard:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Integrated Defence Staff and the Tri-Services released Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) standard 1.0.

• It provides a standardised software architecture defining how different radio systems communicate securely and efficiently.
• It is India’s first national specification defining a standardized software architecture for Software Defined Radios.
• Vision is to position IRSA as a global benchmark — enabling India to shape the future of SDR technology and export IRSA-compliant solutions to friendly nations.

Key Features of Indian Radio Software Architecture standard

• It is a comprehensive software specification for Software Defined Radios (SDR), defining standardized interfaces, APIs, execution environments, and waveform portability mechanisms, SDR Interoperability, Certification and Conformance.
• India’s IRSA now joins the elite group of global SDR frameworks — alongside the US Software Communications Architecture (SCA), Europe’s ESSOR, and NATO’s STANAG SDR standards.
• It is prepared as per Standardization of Indigenous Software Defined Radio initiative of Directorate of Standardization (DoS) under Department of Defence Production (DDP) in Ministry of Defence (MOD) India.

Software Defined Radio:

• SDR is a radio communication system that employs reconfigurable software-based components for the processing and conversion of digital signals.
• Unlike traditional radio communication systems, these radio devices are highly flexible and versatile.
• This is an emerging technology used to connect an ever-increasing wireless world.

Supermoon : Celestial Phenomenon

A rare celestial phenomenon, the supermoon, illuminated the skyline around the world.

• A supermoon occurs when a full moon or new moon coincides with the perigee or moon’s closest approach to the earth in its elliptical orbit.
• Because the moon’s orbit is not a perfect circle, its distance from the earth varies throughout the month by around 50,000 km.
• When the moon is near its perigee and also directly opposite the sun, the full moon appears about 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is at its farthest point.
• The term “Supermoon” was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, defining it as a special event when a full moon is within 90 percent of its closest point to Earth.
• Supermoons influence the tides, creating perigean spring tides.
• These tides are slightly higher and lower than usual because the moon’s stronger gravitational pull acts in concert with that of the sun.
• These changes are typically modest, they can exacerbate coastal flooding when combined with storm surges.

PM-SETU Scheme: Launched

Prime Minister of India launched the PM-SETU (Prime Minister’s Scheme for Empowerment through Technology Upgradation).

• PM-SETU (Prime Minister’s Scheme for Empowerment through Technology Upgradation) is a centrally sponsored flagship initiative aimed at transforming India’s skill ecosystem through modernized, industry-driven ITIs.
• It envisions a “Government-owned, Industry-managed” model for vocational training to make India’s workforce globally competitive.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
• Aim is to upgrade 1,000 government ITI’s nationwide and align them with current and future skill needs of industries,to bridge the gap between classroom learning and global employability, enabling India’s youth to meet international skill demands.
• Key Features:
  • Hub-and-Spoke Model: 200 ITI’s designated as Hubs, each connected to four Spokes (total 800).
  • Modern Infrastructure: Advanced machinery, digital learning systems, smart classrooms, and innovation centres.
  • Industry Partnership: Each cluster will be anchored by an industry partner (CII, FICCI, local associations) for training, placements, and production units.
  • Skill Innovation Ecosystem: Hubs to serve as centers for trainer training, R&D, production, and start-up incubation.
  • Sectoral Focus: Targeted sectors include manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality, and new-age technologies.
  • Funding: ₹60,000 crore total project cost over 2025–28, jointly supported by the Centre and States.

India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025:

Prime Minister of India inaugurated the 9th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi — Asia’s largest telecom, media, and technology forum.

India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025:

• India Mobile Congress (IMC) is Asia’s largest digital communications and technology exhibition, serving as a global platform for showcasing advancements in telecom, IT, media, and innovation.
• It brings together governments, industry leaders, startups, and academia to discuss future technologies shaping India’s digital landscape.
• Organised by: Jointly organised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) under the Ministry of Communications.
• Theme (2025): The 2025 edition is themed “Innovate to Transform”.

The Entry/Exit System (EES):

From October 12, 2025, the European Union (EU) will begin implementing its long-delayed biometric Entry/Exit System (EES), marking a major change in how non-EU citizens, including British travellers, enter and leave the Schengen area.

• The EES is a biometric border control system designed to digitally record the entry and exit of all non-European Union citizens visiting the Schengen Area.
• It replaces the manual passport-stamping process with automated electronic verification of travellers’ identities.
• Implemented by the European Union (EU) under its Smart Borders initiative.
• Aim:
  • To streamline border procedures and enhance efficiency through automation.
  • To combat illegal migration and identify individuals who overstay beyond the 90-day limit in any 180-day period.
  • To strengthen the security and integrity of the Schengen Zone’s external borders.

Indian Air Force Day 2025:

India is celebrating the 93rd Air Force Day on October 8, 2025, honouring the bravery, sacrifice, and professionalism of Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel.Air Force Day is observed annually on October 8 to commemorate the foundation of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and to honour the air warriors who safeguard the nation’s skies.The 93rd Air Force Day (2025) was celebrated with parades, aerial displays, and tributes to martyrs at the National War Memorial and Hindon Air Base.The event highlights the IAF’s commitment to national security, humanitarian assistance, and its growing global stature as a modern air power.The Indian Air Force was established on October 8, 1932, during British rule.Its first operational flight took off on April 1, 1933, comprising six Royal Air Force-trained officers and 19 Havai Sepoys (air soldiers).

Nesolynx banabitanae:

A new species of wasp named Nesolynx banabitanae was recently discovered in Salt Lake, West Bengal.It is a new species of wasp.It was found in the lush environs of Central Park, Salt Lake, West Bengal.It was named ‘Nesolynx banabitanae’ in honour of Banabitan, the local name for Central Park, where the wasp was first identified.The discovery marks only the seventh wasp species to be identified in India.It belongs to the Eulophidae family, a group known for its diverse parasitic behaviours.This particular species is a hyperparasitoid, meaning it parasitises other parasitoid wasps, adding a complex layer to the ecological interactions within its habitat.The wasp was found to be a hyperparasitoid of the ichneumonid parasitoid Charops aditya, which itself parasitises caterpillars of the common palmfly and Common castor butterflies.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Appointed Brand Ambassador of Buildathon 2025:

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), has been appointed brand ambassador of Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025  India’s largest-ever school hackathon. Organised by the Ministry of Education in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission and NITI Aayog, the Buildathon aims to engage over one crore students from 1.5 lakh schools in ideating, designing, and building prototypes that address real-world challenges.This ambitious initiative aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, promoting creativity, innovation, and self-reliance among India’s youth.

PayPal Onboards India’s UPI as First Payments System Partner:

PayPal CEO Alex Chriss announced that India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become the first payments system partner to be integrated into PayPal World, the company’s newly launched global payments platform. The partnership marks a significant milestone for both PayPal and India’s fintech ecosystem, further enhancing UPI’s global footprint and demonstrating its transformative role in the digital payments landscape.

NPCI Launches Biometric and Wearable Glass Authentication for UPI Payments:

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has unveiled biometric and wearable glass-based authentication for UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transactions. Announced at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai, the new system allows users to authenticate payments using facial recognition or fingerprints linked to their Aadhaar — potentially replacing the traditional 4- or 6-digit UPI PIN.This innovative move aims to enhance security, ease of use, and financial inclusion, particularly benefiting senior citizens, rural populations, and first-time digital payment users.

World Bank Ups India’s FY26 Growth Estimate to 6.5%:

The World Bank upgraded India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 6.5%, up from its previous estimate of 6.3% made in June. The revision is attributed to strong domestic demand, resilient rural consumption, and continued gains from Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms.India is expected to maintain its status as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, supported by a robust internal market, rising consumption, and formalization of the economy.

Eli Lilly to Invest $1 Billion in Telangana Pharma Hub:

US-based pharma giant Eli Lilly has announced a $1 billion investment in Telangana, strengthening Hyderabad’s role as a global pharma hub. The move reflects rising investor confidence in the state’s ecosystem and is expected to significantly expand global supply chains for key medicines.The announcement came following a high-level meeting between Eli Lilly executives and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu.This investment goes beyond the company’s existing Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Hyderabad, inaugurated in August 2025, and is focused on scaling manufacturing and R&D operations.

Manipur Celebrates Mera Hou Chongba Festival of Hill‑Valley Unity:

Manipur came together in celebration of Mera Hou Chongba, a festival that powerfully symbolizes the unity between hill tribes and valley dwellers. Observed on the 15th lunar day of the Mera month in the traditional Meitei calendar, this annual event is a showcase of communal harmony, indigenous identity, and cultural togetherness. This year, tribal village chiefs from the hill districts gathered at the Manipur Royal Palace (Sana Konung) in Imphal, where they were ceremoniously received by Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, the titular King of Manipur and a Rajya Sabha MP.

India Achieves Record Solar & Wind Generation in Early 2025:

The country generated record levels of solar and wind power in the first half of 2025, as per a report by the energy think‑tank Ember. This surge not only increased the share of clean energy but also helped reduce power sector emissions by 24 million tonnes compared to the same period in 2024. This performance signals India’s growing strength in renewable power, even as electricity demand growth softened due to milder weather and lower cooling requirements.Solar output increased by 17 TWh, a 25% jump over H1 2024.Solar’s share in India’s total electricity generation rose to 9.2 % (from 7.4 %) in H1 2024.Wind power generation rose by 11 TWh, amounting to 29% growth year-on-year.Wind’s share in the power mix climbed to 5.1 %, up from 4 %.Clean energy gains contributed to a reduction of about 24 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions in the power sector.
Coal power generation declined significantly in the same period.

e-cigarettes, sparking global health alarm:

WHO warns 15 million teens aged 13–15 vape worldwide, with youth 9x more likely than adults to use e-cigarettes, sparking global health alarm.The report reveals that teenagers are up to nine times more likely than adults to vape—a ratio that has alarmed public health experts and policymakers alike.This is the WHO’s first comprehensive global estimate on e-cigarette usage. According to the report, there are now over 100 million vape users worldwide, including 86 million adults.The data shows that most adult vapers live in high-income countries, where regulations are more developed but industry marketing remains aggressive.

Chemistry Nobel Prize Winners 2025:

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi for developing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) materials with tiny pores that can store gases, capture carbon dioxide, and speed up chemical reactions.

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to:

• Susumu Kitagawa(Japan) :  Kyoto University
• Richard Robson(Australia) :  University of Melbourne
• Omar M. Yaghi(USA) : University of California