UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 28 September 2025

Ethambutol Hydrochloride

September 28, 2025

Ethambutol Hydrochloride Latest News

India recently launched an anti-dumping investigation on imports of tuberculosis drug Ethambutol Hydrochloride from China and Thailand.

About Ethambutol Hydrochloride

It is an antibacterial prescription medicine used for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB).
It is a synthetic, water soluble, heat stable compound.
It is specifically effective against actively growing microorganisms of the genus Mycobacterium including M. tuberculosis.
It is used to combat both pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Mechanism:
- Ethambutol (HCl) specifically targets the synthesis of the cell wall in M. tuberculosis.
- By interfering with the polymerization of arabinogalactan, a key component of the mycobacterial cell wall, Ethambutol disrupts the structural integrity of the bacteria, leading to its demise.
- Its unique mode of action is fundamental in combination therapies, where it is often used in conjunction with other anti-tubercular drugs to prevent resistance and enhance efficacy.
Resistance to ethambutol emerges rapidly when the drug is used alone. Therefore ethambutol is always given in combination with other antituberculosis drugs.

Source: TH

Ethambutol Hydrochloride FAQs

Q1: What is ethambutol hydrochloride used for?

Ans: It is an antibacterial prescription medicine used for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB).

Q2: What is the most common side effect of ethambutol?

Ans: Common side effects include vision changes, joint pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Q3: Why is Ethambutol Hydrochloride always given in combination with other antituberculosis drugs?

Ans: To prevent rapid emergence of resistance.

New Ramsar Sites

September 28, 2025

New Ramsar Sites Latest News

Recently, two wetlands from Bihar — Gokul Jalashaya in Buxar and Udaipur Jheel in West Champaran — have received the Ramsar tag.

About Gokul Jalashaya

Location: It is located in Buxar, Bihar
It is an oxbow lake located on the southern edge of the Ganga (Ganges) River.
The flood pulses of the Ganges influence land use and land cover in the wetland, exposing marshes and agricultural areas during the dry months and increasing inundation after monsoons.
It acts as a buffer for nearby villages during flooding events,.
Fauna: In total, over 50 bird species are found in the site and its surroundings; in the pre-monsoon season, exposed marshland and shrubs provide food and breeding habitats.
Local communities rely on the wetland for fishing, farming and irrigation.

About Udaipur Jheel

It is located in West Champaran, Bihar.
It is also an oxbow lake, bordered to the north and west by the dense forest of Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary.
Flora: Over 280 plant species are found in the wetland, including Alysicarpus roxburghianus, a perennial herb endemic to India.
The wetland is an important wintering ground for around 35 migratory bird species, including the vulnerable common pochard (Aythya ferina).
Threats: The wetland faces threats from illegal fishing and intensive agriculture, particularly the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Source: HT

New Ramsar Sites FAQs

Q1: What is the largest Ramsar Site in India?

Ans: Sundarbans Wetland.

Q2: Which state has the highest number of Ramsar Sites in India?

Ans: Tamil Nadu

Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) Norms

September 28, 2025

Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) Norms Latest News

India has proposed to significantly revamp its key vehicle emissions rules, called the Corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE) norms, and has introduced a draft of the third iteration of the key standards.

About Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) Norms

Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms are government-mandated standards that require auto manufacturers to meet a fleet-wide average fuel economy target.
These are introduced by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in 2017, aim to regulate fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions from passenger vehicles under 3,500 kg.
In India, CAFE norms were introduced in two phases, with the first stage effective from 2017-18 and the second from 2022-23.
These norms apply to vehicles powered by petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG, hybrids, and electric power.
Objective: CAFE norms were designed to: Reduce oil imports, Cut air pollution, Promote cleaner vehicles like EVs, CNG cars, and hybrids.

Key Facts about Bureau of Energy Efficiency

It was established in 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
Objective: The primary objective of BEE is to reduce energy intensity in the Indian economy.
Function and Duties
- It coordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies and other organizations; recognizes, identifies and utilizes the existing resources and infrastructure, in performing the functions assigned to it under the Energy Conservation Act.

Source: IE

Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) Norms FAQs

Q1: What is the CO2 emission target under CAFE norms for FY 2022-23?

Ans: Less than 113 gm/km.

Q2: What does CAFE norms stand for?

Ans: Corporate Average Fuel Economy/Efficiency. CAFE norms aim to lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from vehicles

Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative

September 28, 2025

Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative Latest News

Bidar district of Karnataka has emerged as a winner of the Centre’s Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Award given to top performing districts under the campaign, Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain.

About Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative

It was launched in 2024.
Aim: The initiative aims to enhance water recharge through rainwater harvesting/aquifer recharge/borewell recharge/ recharge shafts etc.
Objective: To ensure that every drop of water is conserved through collective efforts, following a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach.
It is designed to foster active participation from all stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, industries, NGOs and resident welfare associations.
The initiative will ensure
- Boost in Groundwater Levels: Capture and store rainwater and surface runoff to stabilize and increase groundwater levels,
- Promotion of Water Conservation Foster a culture of water conservation by engaging communities in local water resource management.
- Enhancement of Climate Resilience Mitigate the impacts of climate change by developing storage solutions for heavy rainfall and providing a buffer against droughts.
- Improvement of Water Quality: Utilizing artificial recharge methods to naturally filter water as it percolates through soil layers, reducing salinity and contamination.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti

Source: TH

Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative FAQs

Q1: When was Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched?

Ans: 2019

Q2: What is the primary objective of Jal Shakti Abhiyan?

Ans: To promote efficient use and conservation of water resources.

Key Facts about Ecuador

September 28, 2025

Ecuador Latest News

Ecuador's Indigenous groups are fiercely opposing President Noboa's plan to expand oil drilling in the Amazon.

About Ecuador

Location: It is a country located on the northwestern edge of South America.
History: Ecuador was part of the Inca Empire until the Spanish arrived and claimed the country as a Spanish colony.
It is divided into four geographic regions: the coastal lowlands and mountain area; the Central Andes Mountains and its two major chains (Cordillera Occidental in the West) and the (Cordillera Oriental in the east).
Bordering countries: It is bordered by Colombia to the north, by Peru to the south and east.
Maritime boundaries: It shares borders with the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Ecuador also includes the Galapagos Islands.
Highest Point: The highest point in Ecuador is Mount Chimborazo, at 20,560ft (6,268m).
Volcano: Cotopaxi is one of the world's highest active volcanoes located in the Andes Mountains.
Climate: Tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands.
Natural resources: Petroleum, fish, timber, hydropower
Rivers: Babahoyo, Chira, Coca, Curaray.
Capital City: Quito

Source: DTE

Ecuador FAQs

Q1: What is the highest active volcano in the world located in Ecuador?

Ans: Mt. Cotopaxi.

Q2: Where is Ecuador located?

Ans: Western coast of South America

Amrabad Tiger Reserve

September 28, 2025

Amrabad Tiger Reserve Latest News

A 54-kilometre-long elevated road bridge that will take traffic over the Nallamala forests of the Amrabad tiger reserve promises to be a one-of-a-kind initiative in the country that could become a model for protecting forests and wildlife in other parts of India.

About Amrabad Tiger Reserve

It is located in the Nallamala hills of the Eastern Ghats in Telangana state.
It covers a total area of 2,611.39 sq.km, with 2,166.37 sq.km designated as the core area.
In terms of core area, it is the second-largest tiger reserve in India.
This expansive reserve was originally part of the larger Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve before the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in 2014.
The reserve is renowned for its rugged terrain, deep valleys, and dense forests.
Within the reserve lies the historic Nagalapuram fort.
The Krishna River and its perennial streams originating within the reserve contribute to the water supply of major reservoirs such as the Srishailam Dam and Nagarjunsagar Dam.
The Chenchu tribe is one of the major tribal communities that live in the ATR.
Flora:
- Amrabad is characterized by dry deciduous forests, primarily made up of sal, teak, bamboo, and acacia trees.
- The forest is rich in medicinal plants and shrubs, which have long been used by local tribes for traditional remedies.
Fauna:
- Apart from tigers, the reserve supports a range of other big cats, such as leopards and wild cats, along with herbivores like sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), nilgai (blue bull), wild boar, and the Indian bison (gaur).
- Over 303 bird species have been identified in this region. Some important groups include Eagles, Pigeons, Doves, Cuckoos, Woodpeckers, Drongos, etc.

Source: DC

Amrabad Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1: Amrabad Tiger Reserve is located in which Indian state?

Ans: Telangana

Q2: Amrabad Tiger Reserve is situated in which hill range of the Eastern Ghats?

Ans: Nallamala Hills

Q3: Which historic fort is located within Amrabad Tiger Reserve?

Ans: Nagalapuram Fort

Q4: Which river flows through Amrabad Tiger Reserve?

Ans: Krishna River

Oju Hydel Project

September 28, 2025

Oju Hydel Project Latest News

An expert panel of the Union Environment Ministry recently recommended environmental clearance for the 2,220 MW Oju hydroelectric project proposed on the Subansiri River in Taksing near the China border.

About Oju Hydel Project

It is a hydroelectric project proposed on the Subansiri River (right-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra) in Taksing, Arunachal Pradesh, near the China border.
The project, to be developed by Oju Subansiri Hydro Power Corporation Pvt. Ltd., envisages generating 2,220 megawatts of electricity through a run-of-the-river scheme with daily peaking capability.
It involves a 100-metre-high concrete gravity dam, a 14.12 km headrace tunnel, and an underground powerhouse complex.
With an estimated cost of over Rs 24,942 crore, the dam is expected to produce 8,402 million units of electricity annually.
It is the largest in a series of dams proposed on the Subansiri River, often described as the lifeline of Assam.

Source: IE

Oju Hydel Project FAQs

Q1: The Oju Hydel Project is proposed on which river?

Ans: Subansiri River

Q2: The Oju Hydel Project is located in which state of India?

Ans: Arunachal Pradesh

Q3: What is the installed capacity of the proposed Oju Hydel Project?

Ans: 2,220 MW

Syphilis

September 28, 2025

Syphilis Latest News

Sexually transmitted disease rates for U.S. adults fell last year, but syphilis in newborns continued to rise, according to new government data recently.

About Syphilis

It is a preventable and curable bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause serious health problems if you do not treat it.
It is caused by the bacteria, Treponema pallidum.
After the infection happens, syphilis bacteria can stay in the body for many years without causing symptoms. But the infection can become active again.

Syphilis Transmission

People usually get syphilis from sexual contact with someone who has it.
People get it if any part of their body touches the sore or rash of someone with syphilis.
It can also pass from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, and sometimes through breastfeeding.

Syphilis Symptoms

Syphilis develops in stages.
The disease starts as a sore that’s often painless and typically appears on the genitals, rectum, or mouth.
Sometimes it causes swelling in nearby lymph nodes.
If you do not treat it, syphilis usually causes a non-itchy skin rash, often on your hands and feet.
Many people do not notice symptoms for years. Symptoms can go away and come back.
Without treatment, syphilis can damage the heart, brain, or other organs. It can become life-threatening.
Syphilis in pregnancy, when not treated, treated late, or treated with the incorrect antibiotic, results in 50−80% of cases with adverse birth outcomes.

Syphilis Treatment

It is easy to cure with antibiotics, especially during the early stages.
Penicillin is the most commonly used medication for syphilis.

Source: TH

Syphilis FAQs

Q1: What can cause syphilis?

Ans: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria, Treponema pallidum.

Q2: Is syphilis a curable disease?

Ans: It is a preventable and curable disease.

Q3: What is usually the first sign of syphilis infection?

Ans: A painless sore on the genitals, rectum, or mouth.