UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 9 October 2025

Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA)

October 9, 2025

Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement Latest News

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.

About Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement

It is an agreement between the United States and Russia signed in 2000.
It came into force in 2011.
It aimed at reducing vast stockpiles of weapons-grade plutonium left over from thousands of Cold War nuclear warheads.
- After dismantling thousands of warheads after the Cold War, both Moscow and Washington were left with huge stockpiles of weapons-grade plutonium which was costly to store and posed a potential proliferation risk.
The aim of the PMDA was to dispose of the weapons-grade plutonium, by converting it into safer forms - such as mixed oxide (MOX) fuel or by irradiating plutonium in fast-neutron reactors for electricity production.
It committed both the United States and Russia to dispose of at least 34 tonnes of weapons-grade plutonium each.
Russia in 2016 suspended implementation of the agreement, citing U.S. sanctions and what it cast as unfriendly actions against Russia, NATO enlargement, and changes to the way the United States was disposing of its plutonium.
- Russia said at the time that the United States had not abided by the agreement after Washington moved, without Russian approval, to simply dilute the plutonium and dispose of it.

Source: TH

Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement FAQs

Q1: The Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) was signed between which two countries?

Ans: United States and Russia

Q2: When did the Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement come into force?

Ans: 2011

Q3: What was the primary aim of the Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA)?

Ans: To reduce weapons-grade plutonium stockpiles from dismantled Cold War warheads.

Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project

October 9, 2025

Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project Latest News

Hundreds recently protested in Daporijo, Arunachal Pradesh, against the proposed 2,000 MW Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project.

About Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project

It is a 1,800 MW hydropower project.
It is a run-of-the-river project planned on the Subansiri River basin in Arunachal Pradesh.
It is expected to enter into commercial operation in 2031.
The project is being developed by KSK Upper Subansiri Hydro Energy and is currently owned by KSK Energy Ventures.
The gross head of the project will be 199.5 m.
The project is expected to generate 6,581.29 GWh of electricity. The project cost is expected to be around $2,346.87m.

Key Facts about Subansiri River

It is a Trans-Himalayan river originating from the western part of Mount Porom (5059 m) in the Tibetan Himalaya. (Kangig glacier range in Tibet)
It is also called the Gold River, the Subansiri River is famous for its gold dust.
It enters into the plains of Assam through a gorge near Gerukamukh.
It is the right-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra. It joins the Brahmaputra River in the Lakhimpur district of Assam.
It flows through Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Tributaries: Major tributaries of the river are Laro, Nye, Yume, Tsari, Kamla, Jiyadhol, Ranganadi and Dikrong.

Source: TOI

Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project FAQs

Q1: In which Indian state is the Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project located?

Ans: Arunachal Pradesh

Q2: What is the total installed capacity of the Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project?

Ans: 1,800 MW

Q3: What is the expected annual power generation capacity of the Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project?

Ans: 6,581.29 GWh

Q4: The Subansiri River is also known by which other name?

Ans: Gold River

Bridgeoporus Kanadii

October 9, 2025

Bridgeoporus Kanadii Latest News

From the forests of northeast India’s Arunachal Pradesh state, researchers have described a new-to-science species of fungus named Bridgeoporus kanadii.

About Bridgeoporus Kanadii

It is a new species of fungi discovered in Arunachal Pradesh.
It has exceptionally large fruiting bodies that can hold the weight of a person. Some fruiting bodies measured over three meters in radius.
The species is named in honor of Indian mycologist Kanad Das for his contributions to Indian macrofungi.
The only other known species in Bridgeoporus, B. nobilissimus, is native to North America and has fruiting bodies up to about 1.5 meters. B. kanadii doubles that in size.
Bridgeoporus fungi play a vital role in forest regeneration by helping to decompose dead wood.
Most of the B. kanadii the researchers spotted in Arunachal Pradesh were growing on dead fir trees.
Though the fungus is massive and visually striking, it is inedible and offers no direct economic use.

Source: MONG

Bridgeoporus Kanadii FAQs

Q1: In which Indian state was the new fungal species Bridgeoporus kanadii discovered?

Ans: Arunachal Pradesh

Q2: What is unique about the fruiting bodies of Bridgeoporus kanadii?

Ans: It has exceptionally large fruiting bodies that can hold the weight of a person.

Q3: What is the primary ecological role of Bridgeoporus kanadii in forests?

Ans: Bridgeoporus fungi play a vital role in forest regeneration by helping to decompose dead wood.

Damodar River

October 9, 2025

Damodar River Latest News

In what locals have described as a miraculous escape, a 65-year-old woman who was swept away by the swollen Damodar River was rescued nearly 45 km downstream in West Bengal recently.

About Damodar River

The Damodar River flows through the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Located in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, it is an important part of the Ganges River System.
The river is also known as the "Sorrow of Bengal" because of its devastating floods in the plains of West Bengal.
Course:
- It originates from the Palamau hills of Chota Nagpur in Jharkhand.
- From its source, the river flows in a southeastern direction, passing through the Chota Nagpur Plateau, a region known for its rich mineral deposits.
- In its lower course, it flows through West Bengal’s plains and is joined by several tributaries.
- Finally, the Damodar River meets the Hooghly River at Shayampur, which is 48 km from Kolkata.
Total Length: 592 km
The basin has a total catchment area of 25,820 sq.km.
The Damodar River has several tributaries, including:
- Barakar River
- Konar River
- Jamunia River
- Bokaro River
- Sali River
- Ghari River
- Guaia River
- Khadia River
- Bhera River
Damodar Valley Project:
- It is a significant river valley project in Eastern India, implemented to supply hydroelectric power to West Bengal and Bihar, as well as to prevent floods effectively.
- The project is operated by the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), an undertaking of the Indian Government established in July 1948.
- It is situated on the Konar River in the district of Hazaribagh in Jharkhand.

Source: NIE

Damodar River FAQs

Q1: Damodar River flows through which Indian states?

Ans: Jharkhand and West Bengal

Q2: The Damodar River is a part of which major river system in India?

Ans: Ganges River System

Q3: Why is the Damodar River often referred to as the “Sorrow of Bengal”?

Ans: Because of its devastating floods in the plains of West Bengal.

Q4: From where does the Damodar River originate?

Ans: It originates from the Palamau hills of Chota Nagpur in Jharkhand.

Foreign Currency Settlement System

October 9, 2025

Foreign Currency Settlement System Latest News

Recently, the union Finance Minister launched a Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS) at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).

About Foreign Currency Settlement System

It is established under a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
It is authorised by International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
Key Features
- It enables foreign currency transactions between IFSC Banking Units (IBUs) to be settled locally instead of routing through the traditional correspondent banking route.
- It provides a structured framework for the settlement of foreign currency transactions, enabling market participants to process cross-border payments with greater speed, reliability, and legal certainty.
Initially, the system will support US dollar transactions, with scope to add other foreign currencies over time.
It is operated by the CCIL IFSC Limited (CCIL IFSC), a subsidiary of Clearing Corporation of India Limited.
- Currently, foreign currency transactions in GIFT IFSC are processed via correspondent banking routes i.e through multiple Nostro account relationships (accounts held with foreign banks) and intermediaries to route funds.
- That chain of relay can lead to settlement lags of 36 to 48 hours.

What is the International Financial Services Centres Authority?

It is a statutory authority established under the International Financial Services Centres Authority Act, 2019.
The IFSCA is a unified authority for the development and regulation of financial products, financial services, and financial institutions in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in India.
The IFSCA aims to develop a strong global connection and focus on the needs of the Indian economy as well as to serve as an international financial platform for the entire region.
Headquarter: GIFT City, Gandhinagar, in Gujarat

Source: BS

Foreign Currency Settlement System FAQs

Q1: Which authority authorized the Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS)?

Ans: International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)

Q2: What is the initial currency supported by the FCSS?

Ans: US Dollar.

Paramyrothecium Strychni

October 9, 2025

Paramyrothecium Strychni Latest News

Recently, scientists have discovered a new species of phytopathogenic fungus, Paramyrothecium strychni in Kerala.

About Paramyrothecium Strychni

It is a fungus species associated with emerging leaf spots and blight disease of Strychnos dalzellii (Family-Loganiaceae) from Kerala.
This new species has been discovered and established on the basis of morpho-cultural and multigene molecular phylogenetic evidence.
According to Index Fungorum, a total of 25 species of Paramyrothecium are recognied worldwide, and most of them are reported as plant pathogens.
Species of Paramyrothecium mostly cause leaf spots and blights in all kinds of plants.

What is Strychnos Dalzellii?

It is an endemic medicinal plant of the Western Ghats.
It is valued for its alkaloids with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Traditionally, it is used in treating fever, digestive disorders, rheumatism, and nervous ailments.
Strychnos dalzellii is locally known as Kanjiram or Modirakanjiram.
Conservation Status: It is categorised as Vulnerable (VU) under the IUCN Red List.
Threats: Habitat degradation, and overexploitation

Source: TH

Paramyrothecium Strychni FAQs

Q1: Where was Paramyrothecium?

Ans: A phytopathogenic fungus.

Q2: Where was Paramyrothecium strychni discovered?

Ans: Western Ghats, Kerala

Mera Hou Chongba Festival

October 9, 2025

Mera Hou Chongba Festival Latest News

Recently, the Mera Hou Chongba festival, which symbolises Hill-valley unity was celebrated in Manipur.

About Mera Hou Chongba Festival

It is celebrated in Manipur on the 15th lunar day of the Mera month of the Meitei calendar every year.
The festival's historical roots are believed to date back to the time of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, a legendary early ruler of Manipur.
Rituals: Manipur titular King lead a ritual march involving tribal village chiefs from the Manipur Royal Palace to the historic Kangla, where traditional rituals, including Mera Thaomei Thanba (lighting of the ceremonial fire) and Mera Yenkhong Tamba (exchange of gifts).
The festival will culminate with a showcase of cultural dances and a grand feast marking the brotherhood among different tribes in the state.
It is the only festival in Manipur in which all indigenous communities participate, and it has a significant importance in the unity and communal harmony of Manipur.

Source: News on Air

Mera Hou Chongba Festival FAQs

Q1: Where is Mera Hou Chongba Festival celebrated?

Ans: Manipur

Q2: What is the purpose of Mera Hou Chongba Festival?

Ans: To promote peace and solidarity among communities

PM-KUSUM Scheme

October 9, 2025

PM-KUSUM Scheme Latest News

The Union government is looking to showcase the PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan) programme to several African countries and island nations by using the International Solar Alliance platform.

About PM-KUSUM Scheme

It was launched in 2019 with the objective to provide energy and water security to farmers, enhance their income, de-dieselize the farm sector, and reduce environmental pollution.
Target: To add Solar capacity of about 34,800 MW by March 2026.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
The eligible categories for KUSUM Scheme are:
- An individual farmer.
- A group of farmers.
- FPO or Farmer producer organization.
- Panchayat.
- Co-operatives.
- Water User Associations.

Components of PM-KUSUM Scheme

Component A: Setting up of 10,000 MW of Decentralized Grid Connected Renewable Energy Power Plants on barren land.
- Under this component, renewable energy based power plants (REPP) of capacity 500 kW to 2 MW will be set up by individual farmers/ group of farmers/ cooperatives/ panchayats/ Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO)/ on barren/fallow land.
- The power generated will be purchased by the local DISCOM at a pre-fixed tariff determined by the respective State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC).
- The renewable energy power project will be installed within a five km radius of the sub-stations.
Component B: Installation of 20 lakhs of standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps.
- Individual farmers will be supported to install standalone solar Agriculture pumps of capacity up to 7.5 HP for the replacement of existing diesel Agriculture pumps / irrigation systems in off-grid areas, where grid supply is not available.
Component C: For Solarisation of 15 Lakh Grid Connected Agriculture Pumps.
- Under this Component, individual farmers having grid connected agriculture pump will be supported to solarise pumps.
- The farmer will be able to use the generated solar power to meet the irrigation needs and the excess solar power will be sold to DISCOMs at pre-fixed tariff.

Source: TH

PM-KUSUM Scheme FAQs

Q1: What is the primary objective of the PM-KUSUM scheme?

Ans: To promote renewable energy and reduce dependence on diesel.

Q2: Who is eligible for the PM-KUSUM scheme?

Ans: Individual farmers, group of farmers, FPOs, Panchayats, Co-operatives, and Water User Associations.

Q3: Where is the headquarters of International Solar Alliance (ISA)?

Ans: The ISA is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, India.

Crohn’s Disease

October 9, 2025

Crohn's Disease Latest News

Recent research suggests that diets high in ultra processed foods (UPFs) may worsen inflammation in the gut and raise the risk of Crohn’s disease flare ups.

About Crohn's Disease

It is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes swelling and irritation of the tissues, called inflammation, in the digestive tract.
It can affect any part of your digestive tract, which runs from your mouth to your anus. But it usually affects your small intestine and the beginning of your large intestine.
The inflammation often spreads into the deeper layers of the bowel.
Crohn’s disease can be both painful and debilitating. Sometimes, it may lead to serious or life-threatening complications.
The symptoms of Crohn's disease can vary, depending on where and how severe your inflammation is. The most common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Cramping and pain in your abdomen
- Weight loss
It is more likely to develop in people between the ages of 20 and 29.
Experts aren’t sure what causes Crohn’s disease but think genes, abnormal immune reactions, and the microbiome play a role.
Treatment:
- There’s no known cure for Crohn’s disease, but therapies can greatly reduce its symptoms and even bring about long-term remission and healing of inflammation.
- With treatment, many people with Crohn’s disease can function well.

Source: IE

Crohn's Disease FAQs

Q1: What is Crohn’s disease?

Ans: Chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

Q2: Which part of the digestive tract is most commonly affected by Crohn’s disease?

Ans: Small intestine and beginning of large intestine.

Q3: Can Crohn’s disease be completely cured?

Ans: No, but symptoms can be managed through therapies.

Income Tax Appellate Tribunal

October 9, 2025

Income Tax Appellate Tribunal Latest News

Recently, the Chief Justice of India praised the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) for its significant contribution to the justice delivery system which marked its 84th anniversary.

About Income Tax Appellate Tribunal

It is a quasi-judicial institution set up in January, 1941 and specializes in dealing with appeals under the Direct Taxes Acts.
It was started in 1941 with six Members constituting three Benches – one each at Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta), and Mumbai (Bombay).
Presently ITAT has 63 Benches at 27 different cities, covering almost all the cities having a seat of the High Court.
Nodal Ministry: It functions under the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Composition of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal

The President of the ITAT constitutes a bench from among the members of the ITAT.
Each bench has an accountant member and a judicial member.
In some cases, a special bench with three or more members may be constituted to dispose of income tax appeals.

Functions of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal

It adjudicates appeals made under the Income Tax Act of 1961.
It hears appeals concerning orders passed by the income-tax authorities.
ITAT serves as the final fact-finding body in tax disputes, offering both taxpayers and the income tax authorities a convenient platform to resolve disputes.
It is the second forum to hear income-tax appeals after the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals)
ITAT functions under the regional High Court’s jurisdiction and must adhere to the rules of the same.
ITAT is subordinate to both the region’s High Court and the Indian Supreme Court.

Who can File an Appeal in ITAT?

A tax appeal can be filed by a taxpayer who does not agree with the assessment order or any other order, passed by an income-tax authority.
An appeal before the ITAT is generally filed by the taxpayer to contest any order passed by the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals).
Similarly, an income-tax department can also file an appeal against any order passed by the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) before the ITAT.
The orders passed by the ITAT are final. An appeal lies to the High Court only if a substantial question of law arises for determination.

Source: PIB

Income Tax Appellate Tribunal FAQs

Q1: Who appoints the President of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT)?

Ans: The President of ITAT is appointed by the President of India based on the recommendation of a selection committee.

Q2: What is the composition of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT)?

Ans: Each bench of ITAT consists of one judicial member and one accountant member.