UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 1 October 2025

False Smut Disease

October 1, 2025

False Smut Disease Latest News

According to reports, the paddy crop, which is at the maturing and harvest stage, has been infested with false smut disease, causing widespread damage across Punjab.

About False Smut Disease

False smut (haldi rog) is an important fungal disease of rice (paddy).
It is caused by the fungus Ustilaginoidea virens.
It is also known as Lakshmi disease or Oothupathi disease of rice.
The disease is hard to stop, because fungus infects the crop during the flowering stage, and symptoms of the disease are evident after emergence of rice panicles.
The typical symptom of the disease is black fungal mycelium growth in paddy grains, which become covered with yellow fungal growth in the field.
Mature spores are orange and turn yellowish green or greenish black in colour.
Only a few grains in a panicle are usually infected, and the rest are normal.
It doesn't directly impact other plant parts.
It causes chalkiness of grains, which leads to reduction in grain weight. It also reduces seed germination.
The percentage of infected panicles and the extent of infection within each panicle significantly impact yield loss.
Favorable Factors for False Smut in Paddy Crops?
- Warm and humid weather: Temperatures between 25-30°C and high humidity (>80%) promote fungal growth.
- Presence of infected plant debris: Spores can survive on leftover stubble and straw from previous harvests.
- High nitrogen content in soil: Excessive nitrogen application can increase susceptibility.
Control of false smut of rice through fungicide application is feasible; however, high usage of fungicides has led to the resistance development in causal agents besides environmental pollution.

Source: HT

False Smut Disease FAQs

Q1: What is the causal organism of False Smut disease in rice?

Ans: It is caused by the fungus Ustilaginoidea virens.

Q2: By which other names is False Smut disease of rice known?

Ans: False Smut disease of rice is also known as Haldi Rog, Lakshmi Disease, and Oothupathi Disease.

Q3: At which stage of crop growth does False Smut infect rice plants?

Ans: It infects the crop during the flowering stage.

Q4: What is the most typical symptom of False Smut disease in paddy grains?

Ans: The typical symptom of the disease is black fungal mycelium growth in paddy grains, which become covered with yellow fungal growth in the field.

Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe

October 1, 2025

Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe Latest News

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

About Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe

Its 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.
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.

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.

Source: TH

Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe FAQs

Q1: Where will IMAP be stationed?

Ans: At the Sun-Earth L1 Lagrange point.

Q2: What is the primary objective of the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) mission?

Ans: It is to investigate the acceleration of energetic particles and interaction of the solar wind with the local interstellar medium

NCRB Data on Crime Against Children

October 1, 2025

NCRB Data on Crime Against Children Latest News

A total of 1,77,335 cases of crime against children were registered in the country in 2023, showing an increase of 9.2% over 2022, according to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report.

About NCRB Data on Crime Against Children

A total of 177,335 cases of crime against children were registered in the country in 2023, showing an increase of 9.2% over 2022.
The crime rate in 2023 stood at 39.9 per one-lakh child population in comparison to 36.6 in 2022.
In percentage terms, major crime heads under “Crime Against Children” in 2023 were “Kidnapping and Abduction of Children” (79,884 cases, 45%) and “Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act” (67,694 cases, 38.2%).
These figures include 40,434 cases of penetrative sexual assault, affecting 40,846 victims. Aggravated assaults and harassment followed with 22,444 cases.
- Of the 40,434 cases, the offenders were known to the victims in 39,076, which included family members in 3,224 cases, family friends or neighbours or employers or other known persons in 15,146 cases, and friends or online friends or live-in partners on the pretext of marriage in 20,706 cases.
- Victim demographics show that 762 victims were aged below six years, 3,229 aged between six and 12 years, 15,444 aged between 12 and 16 years and 21,411 aged between 16 and 18 years, bringing the total number of child victims to 40,846.
- Most were girls in rape-related sections.
Kidnapping and abduction emerged as the largest contributor, with 79,884 IPC cases reported, victimising 82,106 children at a rate of 18 per one lakh.
- Over 58,927 of these were general abductions, including 37,844 instances where the missing children were deemed kidnapped.
- Notably, 14,637 cases involved abducting minor girls to compel marriage.
Other significant IPC crimes included 1,219 murders, with 89 linked to rape or POCSO violations; 3,050 simple hurt cases; and 373 cases of abetment to suicide.
Special and local laws beyond the POCSO Act added to the tally, with 6,038 cases under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and 1,390 under the Child Labour Act.
Regionally, Madhya Pradesh topped the list with 22,393 total cases, followed by Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
Assam reported a sharp spike of 10,174 cases , while Bihar saw 9,906 cases. Union Territories like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Delhi had disproportionately high rates, with Delhi alone registering 7,769 cases.
While the overall chargesheeting rate was 64.3 percent, it varied widely in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, but was low in Delhi and Haryana .
Police disposal showed 1,12,290 cases chargesheeted out of 2,57,756 investigated, with 80,198 pending at the end of the year.

Source: TH

NCRB Data on Crime Against Children FAQs

Q1: According to NCRB 2023 data, how many cases of crime against children were registered in India?

Ans: 1,77,335

Q2: Which major crime category accounted for the largest share of crimes against children in 2023?

Ans: Kidnapping and Abduction of Children.

Q3: Which state reported the highest number of cases of crime against children in 2023?

Ans: Madhya Pradesh (22,393 cases)

Key Facts about Philippines

October 1, 2025

Philippines Latest News

Recently, an offshore earthquake of magnitude 6.9 struck Cebu province in central Philippines.

About Philippines

Location: It is an island country of Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean.
It shares maritime borders with Vietnam to the west, Taiwan to the north, Palau to the east, and Malaysia and Indonesia to the south.
Water Bodies: It is surrounded by the South China (north and west); Philippine Sea (east); Celebes Sea (south); and by the Sulu Sea to the (southwest).
Highest Point: Mount Apo.
Major Rivers: Cagayan River (Philippines’ longest river), Mindanao, Agusan etc.
Volcano: Mayon Volcano, one of the most active in the country.
Climate: Tropical and monsoonal.
Major Lake: Laguna de Bay
Natural resources: Timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper
The Philippines is the third-largest producer of geothermal energy globally, after the United States and Indonesia.
World Heritage Site: The Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park site in the Philippines is inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1999.
Capital city: Manila

Source: IE

Philippines FAQs

Q1: Where is the Philippines located?

Ans: Southeast Asia

Q2: What is the largest island in the Philippines?

Ans: Luzon

Leyte Island

October 1, 2025

Leyte Island Latest News

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake has hit Leyte Island in the Philippines recently.

About Leyte Island

It is a large island in the Visayas group of islands in the Philippines.
It is the eighth-largest island in the Philippines and the sixth most populated.
It spans 7056 sq.km. with a coastline of 969 km.
In the north it nearly joins the island of Samar, separated by the San Juanico Strait, which becomes as narrow as 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) in some places.
- The San Juanico Bridge (2.16 kilometers) connects the islands of Leyte and Samar.
Most of Leyte is covered in thick forests and mountains. However, the Leyte Valley in the northeast is a major farming area.
The two biggest cities on Leyte are Tacloban, located on the eastern coast, and Ormoc, on the west coast, with the latter hosting geothermal power plants.
History:
- The island was known to 16th-century Spanish explorers as Tandaya.
- Its population grew rapidly after 1900, especially in the Leyte and Ormoc valleys.
- In World War II, U.S. forces landed on Leyte (October 20, 1944), and, after the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the Japanese were expelled.
Economy:
- Most people on Leyte are farmers, growing crops like rice, corn, coconuts, and bananas.
- Fishing is also an important activity.
- The island has some valuable minerals like manganese, and people also quarry sandstone and limestone.

Source: DEVD

Leyte Island FAQs

Q1: Leyte Island is part of which island group in the Philippines?

Ans: It is a large island in the Visayas group of islands in the Philippines.

Q2: Which strait separates Leyte Island from Samar Island?

Ans: San Juanico Strait

Q3: Which city on Leyte’s west coast is known for geothermal power plants?

Ans: Ormoc

Q4: What was Leyte Island called by Spanish explorers in the 16th century?

Ans: Tandaya

NCRB Data on Road Accidents

October 1, 2025

NCRB Data on Road Accidents Latest News

More than 1.73 lakh people were killed and 4.47 lakh injured in road accidents across the country in 2023, according to the latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

About NCRB Data on Road Accidents

A total of 4,64,029 road accidents took place in the country in 2023, 17,261 more than in 2022.
More than 1.73 lakh people were killed and 4.47 lakh injured in road accidents across the country in 2023.
The highest number of accidents (20.7% of total) were reported between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- From 3 pm to 6 pm and 12 noon to 3 pm accounted for 17.3 percent and 15 percent , respectively.
Two-wheelers accounted for the highest number of fatal road accidents, causing 79,533 deaths, or 45.8% of total deaths, followed by pedestrians at 27,586 (15.9%) and SUV/car/jeep at 24,776 (14.3%).
Most of the deaths in two-wheeler accidents were reported in Tamil Nadu (11,490) and Uttar Pradesh (8,370).
A large number of deaths due to SUV/car/jeep accidents were reported in Uttar Pradesh (19.2% of total ) and a large number of deaths due to trucks/lorries/mini truck accidents were also reported in the State (29.9% of total).
Generally road accidents have caused more injuries than deaths, but in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jharkhand, Punjab, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, road accidents caused more deaths compared to persons injured.
The Cause-Wise Analysis of Fatal Road Accidents:
- 58.6% (1,01,841) and 23.6% (41,035) of fatalities were due to speeding and dangerous/careless driving or overtaking, respectively.
- Poor weather conditions, driving under influence of drug/alcohol, and animal crossings caused 4,952 deaths.
The highest number of deaths were reported on the National Highways accounting for 34.6%, followed by State Highways at 23.4%.
State/UT-wise patterns revealed that maximum fatalities in road accidents on the National Highways took place in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh during 2023.
Of the 69,910 traffic accidents that were reported in the megacities throughout the year, 5,715 occurred in Delhi, making up 8.2% of the total.
- Bengaluru and Chennai were ranked second and third on the list, with 4,980 and 3,653 road crashes each.
- With 1,457 fatalities, Delhi had the highest number of deaths in the same year.
- Bengaluru ranked second with 915 road accident deaths in the same year, while Jaipur came in third with 848.

Source: TH

NCRB Data on Road Accidents FAQs

Q1: How many people were killed in road accidents across India in 2023?

Ans: More than 1.73 lakh people were killed in road accidents across India in 2023.

Q2: he highest proportion of road accidents in 2023 occurred between which time interval?

Ans: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. (20.7%)

Q3: Which category of vehicles caused the highest number of fatal accidents in 2023?

Ans: Two-wheelers

Q4: Which state reported the highest number of deaths from two-wheeler accidents in 2023?

Ans: Tamil Nadu (11,490 deaths)

Q5: What was the leading cause of fatal road accidents in 2023?

Ans: Speeding (58.6%)

Wassenaar Arrangement

October 1, 2025

Wassenaar Arrangement Latest News

The Wassenaar Arrangement faces challenges in adapting to cloud technology, requiring updates to control lists and enforcement mechanisms.

About Wassenaar Arrangement

It is a multilateral “export control regime” for conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies.
The body came into being in 1996 to succeed the Cold War-era Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls.
The name comes from Wassenaar, a suburb of the Hague, Netherlands, where the agreement to start such a multi-lateral cooperation was reached in 1995.
Purpose: To promote transparency and greater responsibilities for transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods, as well as technologies, to prevent destabilizing actions.
Member countries: 42 members.
India joined the Wassenaar Arrangement in 2017 and incorporated its lists into its Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies framework.
Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.

How does Wassenaar Arrangement work?

The group works by regularly exchanging information in respect of technology, both conventional and nuclear-capable, that is sold to, or denied to countries outside the grouping.
This is done through maintenance and updating of detailed lists of chemicals, technologies, processes and products that are considered militarily significant.
Through this exchange of information, the group aims at controlling the movement of technology, material or components to countries or entities which undermine international security and stability.

Source: TH

Wassenaar Arrangement FAQs

Q1: When was the Wassenaar Arrangement established?

Ans: 1996

Q2: What is the primary purpose of the Wassenaar Arrangement?

Ans: To promote transparency and responsibility in the transfer of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies.

Lecanemab Drug

October 1, 2025

Lecanemab Drug Latest News

Recently, Australia approved Lecanemab drug for early Alzheimer’s diseases.

About Lecanemab Drug

It is a monoclonal antibody drug to treat early stages of Alzheimer’s.
It is designed to slow early Alzheimer's progression by targeting amyloid proteins in the brain.
It was developed to tackle the causes of Alzheimer’s disease rather than only relieving the symptoms.

Working of Lecanemab Drug

It uses antibodies to recognise amyloid in the brain and works with the brain’s immune cells to clear amyloid protein build-up from the brains of people living with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
These amyloid protein build-ups are thought to be toxic to brain cells, causing them to get sick and eventually die, leading to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Lecanemab is given to patients intravenously, which means into a vein through a drip bag.
Recent clinical trials show a 27 per cent reduction in disease progression.
Issues with : High cost and potential side effects, including brain swelling, limit its accessibility and raise safety concerns.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.
It is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.
It involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language.
The condition usually affects people aged 65 years and over, with only 10% of cases occurring in people younger than this

Source: DTE

Lecanemab Drug FAQ's

Q1: What is the mechanism of action of Lecanemab?

Ans: Lecanemab targets beta-amyloid, a protein deposition seen in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, and disrupts cell function

Q2: What is Alzheimer's disease?

Ans: A progressive neurologic disorder causing brain atrophy and cell death.

International Civil Aviation Organisation

October 1, 2025

International Civil Aviation Organization Latest News

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

About International Civil Aviation Organization

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.

Source: PIB

International Civil Aviation Organization FAQs

Q1: When was the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) established?

Ans: 1944

Q2: What is the International Civil Aviation Organization?

Ans: It is a United Nations agency which helps 193 countries to cooperate together and share their skies to their mutual benefit.

Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme

October 1, 2025

Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme Latest News

The Government recently extended the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) incentive scheme for exporters until March 31, 2026.

About Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme

It was introduced through an amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20, and it became effective for exports starting January 1, 2021.
The primary aim of this scheme is to offset the taxes and duties incurred on exported goods that wouldn’t otherwise be credited, reimbursed, or refunded in any way, and are integrated into the exported goods.
It is designed to reimburse exporters for embedded duties, taxes, and levies that are not otherwise refunded under any other existing scheme.
It is compliant with World Trade Organization (WTO) norms and is implemented via a comprehensive end-to-end digital platform to ensure transparency and efficiency.
It was enforced to repeal and reduce taxes on exported products, thereby encouraging exports and increasing the number of exports in the country.
The scheme is administered by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
It replaced the Merchandise Export Incentive Scheme (MEIS), in response to the US challenging Indian export subsidies under the MEIS at the WTO.
Tax Reimbursement under RoDTEP Scheme:
- The Scheme provides a mechanism for reimbursement of taxes, duties, and levies, which are currently not being refunded under any other mechanism at the central, state, and local levels, but which are incurred by the export entities in the process of manufacture and distribution of exported products.
- This not only includes the direct cost incurred by the exporter but also the prior stage cumulative indirect taxes on goods.
RoDTEP Scheme Eligibility Criteria:
- All sectors are covered under the scheme.
- Labor-intensive sectors will be accorded priority.
- Both manufacturer exporters and merchant exporters (traders) are eligible for the scheme.
- There is no turnover threshold for availing of benefits under the scheme.
- The exported products should have India as their country of origin to be eligible for benefits under the scheme.
- Special Economic Zone Units and Export Oriented Units are also eligible.
- The scheme also applies to goods that have been exported via courier through e-commerce platforms.
- Re-exported products are not eligible under this scheme.
Process of Refund:
- Rebates under the scheme are provided to eligible exporters as a percentage of the freight on board (FOB) value of exports.
- Remission is issued in the form of transferable e-scrips (a type of certificate with some monetary value) maintained in an electronic credit ledger by the CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs).
- e-scrips used to pay basic customs duty on imported goods. The credits can also be transferred to other importers.
Speedy Clearance Through Digitalization: Faster clearance through a digital platform will be facilitated through a monitoring & audit mechanism, with an IT-based risk management system that would physically verify the exporters’ records.

Source: TH

Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme FAQS

Q1: When did the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme become effective for exports?

Ans: January 1, 2021

Q2: What is the primary objective of the RoDTEP scheme?

Ans: Offset taxes and duties embedded in exported goods that are not otherwise refunded.

Q3: Which existing export incentive scheme did RoDTEP replace?

Ans: Merchandise Export Incentive Scheme (MEIS)

Q4: Which Ministry administers the RoDTEP scheme?

Ans: Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue

Q5: Under RoDTEP, how is the reimbursement provided to exporters?

Ans: Transferable e-scrips maintained in an electronic credit ledger.