UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 11 October 2025

by Vajiram & Ravi - 11 October 2025

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 11 October 2025, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Araneus nox

October 11, 2025
Araneus nox

Araneus nox Latest News

Recently, a survey by researchers in Idukki Wildlife sanctuary reported the first record of spider species Araneus nox in India.

About Araneus nox

  • It is an orb-weaving spider species belonging to the Araneidae family.
  • It is also known as the Leathery Garden Orb-weaver.
  • It was first documented in 1877 by French arachnologist Eugène Simon from Basilan in the Philippines.
  • It is known for spinning near-perfect, vertically oriented circular webs on vegetation and tree branches. 
  • Habitat: It is mainly found in gardens, forests, and backyards
  • Distribution: Southeast Asia including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam and also in Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar.
  • Appearance: Its coloration can vary from light brown to jet black, sometimes featuring clusters of light brown setae on the abdomen's sides.
  • It is a small and medium-sized orb-weaver with a distinctively textured, leathery abdomen.

What are orb-weaving spiders?

  • They are of the family Araneidae (Argiopidae or Epeiridae) of the order Araneida, a large and widely distributed group noted for their orb-shaped webs
  • The orb spiders are a large group of spiders that weave round, more or less symmetrical webs suspended in open-air spaces.

Source: TH

Araneus nox FAQs

Q1: In which Wildlife Sanctuary Araneus nox spider discovered recently?

Ans: Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Q2: In which state Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located?

Ans: Kerala

Kharasrota River

October 11, 2025
Kharasrota River

Kharasrota River Latest News

A 59-year-old woman, Soudamini Mahala, was recently killed by a saltwater crocodile in the Kharasrota River.

About Kharasrota River

  • It is a river in Odisha.
  • It is a tributary of the Brahmani River, one of the major east-flowing rivers in Odisha.
  • Course: 
    • It originates from the Eastern Ghats in the Keonjhar district.
    • The river flows through Jajpur and Kendrapara districts before joining the Brahmani River near the Dhamra estuary, close to the Bay of Bengal.
    • The river passes through the Bhitarkanika region, an ecologically sensitive mangrove area.
  • Significance:
    • It is a lifeline for irrigation and drinking water in parts of the Jajpur and Kendrapara districts.
    • The Mega Drinking Water Project in Kendrapara has been a topic of local protest due to concerns about reduced water availability for agriculture.

Source: TOI

Kharasrota River FAQs

Q1: The Kharasrota River is located in which Indian state?

Ans: Odisha

Q2: The Kharasrota River is a tributary of which major river?

Ans: Brahmani River

Q3: The Kharasrota River originates from which mountain range?

Ans: It originates from the Eastern Ghats in the Keonjhar district.

Southern Right Whale

October 11, 2025
Southern Right Whale

Southern Right Whale Latest News

Southern right whales are producing fewer calves, signaling environmental disruption due to climate change.

About Southern Right Whale

  • The southern right whale is one of four species, or types, of right whales. 
  • Like all whales, right whales are mammals that live in the ocean but breathe air at the surface. 
  • It is said that right whales got their name from whalers who considered them the “right” whales to hunt, because they were easy to kill and had body parts that were valuable. 
  • Scientific Name: Eubalaena australis.

Southern Right Whale Distribution

  • They are found in the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere. 
  • They usually live in sheltered bays, but in summer they can be found in the cold water around Antarctica. 
  • Southern right whales visit the South African coast from May to November each year.

Southern Right Whale Features

  • They are mostly dark gray or black. 
  • They can be up to 60 feet (18 meters) long, and they weigh about 60 tons. 
  • The head is very large. It is about one-quarter of the length of the animal. 
  • The head has distinctive white calluses, which are home to colonies of parasites. 
  • They have large amounts of fat called blubber that protects them from cold temperatures.

Southern Right Whale Conservation Status

It is classified as 'Least Concern' under the IUCN Red List.

Source: DTE

Southern Right Whale FAQs

Q1: What is the scientific name of the Southern Right Whale?

Ans: Eubalaena australis

Q2: The Southern Right Whale is found mainly in which part of the world?

Ans: Southern Hemisphere oceans

Q3: What is the IUCN Red List status of the Southern Right Whale?

Ans: Least Concern

Diethylene Glycol (DEG)

October 11, 2025
Diethylene Glycol

Diethylene Glycol Latest News

At least 14 children in India's Madhya Pradesh died after consuming Coldrif syrup, found to contain a toxic contaminant, diethylene glycol (DEG).

About Diethylene Glycol

  • Diethylene glycol (also known as 2,2-oxydiethanol and diglycol) is a clear, colourless, odourless liquid with the formula C4H10O3.
  • It is soluble both in water and in many organic compounds and has hygroscopic properties which makes it a useful industrial chemical.
  • It is primarily used in industrial applications such as antifreeze, brake fluids, and solvents. 
  • It is not intended for human consumption. 
  • When ingested, DEG is metabolised in the body into toxic compounds that can cause severe kidney damage, leading to acute kidney injury, anuria (inability to urinate), and death. 
  • Symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy, often progressing rapidly to renal failure.

Source: TOI

Diethylene Glycol FAQs

Q1: What is Diethylene Glycol (DEG)?

Ans: Diethylene glycol (also known as 2,2-oxydiethanol and diglycol) is a clear, colourless, odourless liquid with the formula C4H10O3.

Q2: Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is primarily used in which industry?

Ans: It is primarily used in industrial applications such as antifreeze, brake fluids, and solvents.

Q3: What happens when Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is ingested by humans?

Ans: It is metabolised into toxic compounds that cause severe kidney damage.

SPARK–4.0 Initiative

October 11, 2025
SPARK–4.0 Initiative

SPARK–4.0 Initiative Latest News

Recently, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, has announced SPARK–4.0 initiative.

About SPARK–4.0 Initiative

  • Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK) 4.0 is the flagship initiative of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences.
  • This initiative aims to ignite scientific curiosity and research aptitude among undergraduate Ayurveda students across India.

Features of SPARK–4.0 Initiative

  • Under this program, 300 Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) students from colleges recognized by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) will receive a studentship of ₹50,000 (₹25,000 per month for two months).
  • SPARK enables undergraduates to undertake short-term, independent research projects guided by faculty mentors.
  • It offers hands-on exposure to research methodology, experimental design, and data analysis — helping participants gain foundational experience in scientific investigation at an early academic stage.
  • Institutions are encouraged to support selected students by providing research facilities and academic guidance during the two-month project period.
  • Each selected scholar will also receive a certificate upon successful completion and approval of their final research report.
  • Significance:  It will strengthen India’s research capacity in traditional medicine and to integrate innovation with heritage.

Source: PIB

SPARK–4.0 Initiative FAQs

Q1: What is the objective of the SPARK-4.0 Initiative?

Ans: To integrate traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare

Q2: Who launched the SPARK-4.0 Initiative?

Ans: Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS).

Sawalkote Hydropower Project

October 11, 2025
Sawalkote Hydropower Project

Sawalkote Hydro Electric Project Latest News

The Centre recently recommended environmental clearance for the 1,856-MW Sawalkote Hydro Electric Project on the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir.

About Sawalkote Hydro Electric Project

  • It is a 1,856-MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric plant proposed on the Chenab River in the Ramban District of Jammu and Kashmir. 
  • It will be the largest hydroelectric project in the Union Territory and one of the biggest in North India.
  • The project was first conceptualised in the 1980s and revised several times due to environmental and technical concerns.
  • The project will be built by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited at an estimated cost of Rs 31,380 crore.
  • It will include a 192.5-metre-high concrete dam and underground powerhouses capable of producing about 7,534 million units of electricity every year.
  • It is expected to enhance power availability in the Union Territory, especially during winters when electricity shortages are frequent. 
  • It also has the potential to turn J-K into a power-surplus region, creating scope for exporting surplus energy to the national grid.
  • By regulating the flow of the Chenab River, the Sawalkote project could contribute to flood mitigation downstream, while also ensuring better water management for agriculture and domestic use.
  • It is a key part of India’s plan to fully utilise its share of water from the western rivers under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

Source: DH

Sawalkote Hydro Electric Project FAQs

Q1: The Sawalkote Hydro Electric Project is proposed to be built on which river?

Ans: Chenab River

Q2: In which Union Territory is the Sawalkote Hydro Electric Project located?

Ans: Jammu and Kashmir

Q3: What is the total installed capacity of the Sawalkote Hydro Electric Project?

Ans: 1,856 MW

Q4: Which organisation is responsible for developing the Sawalkote Hydro Electric Project?

Ans: National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited

Atacama Desert

October 11, 2025
Atacama Desert

Atacama Desert Latest News

Scientists are studying a small, resilient flower Cistanthe longiscapa in Chile’s arid Atacama that could hold genetic clues to help crops withstand worsening drought conditions driven by climate change.

About Atacama Desert

  • Location: It is the driest desert in the world, located in northern Chile.
  • It is nestled between the Andes Mountains on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west.
  • It forms a continuous strip for nearly 1,000 km along the narrow coast of the northern third of Chile. 
  • Bordered by: It is bordered by Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia
  • It also hosts 12 volcanoes, mainly located in the western outliers of the Andes.
  • Rainfall: Average rainfall in this region is about 1 mm per year. Some locations within the desert have never had any rainfall whatsoever.
  • Temperature: Temperatures are comparatively mild throughout the year. The average temperature in the desert is about 63 degrees F (18 degrees C).
  • Natural Resources: This region has the largest natural supply of Sodium Nitrate, which can be used for producing fertilizers and explosives, amongst other things. 
  • Chinchorro Mummies: The oldest artificially mummified human remains have been found in the Atacama Desert.

What is Cistanthe longiscapa?

  • It is a small, resilient flower known locally as “pata de guanaco,” blooms during rare rainfall events in the Atacama desert.
  • It has the ability to switch between different types of photosynthesis, making it a model plant for extreme environments. 
  • Under stress from drought, intense sunlight or salinity, the plant activates a water-saving method known as Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) metabolism.
  • When conditions improve, it reverts to the more common C3 photosynthesis. 

Source: DD News

Atacama Desert FAQs

Q1: Why is the Atacama Desert considered unique?

Ans: It's the driest non-polar desert in the world.

Q2: What is notable about the soil in the Atacama Desert?

Ans: he soil in the Atacama Desert is similar to Martian soil, which is why NASA uses this desert as a testing ground for Mars missions

International Telecommunication Union

October 11, 2025
International Telecommunication Union

International Telecommunication Union Latest News

Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) hosted ‘AI for Good Summit’ at India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 in New Delhi.

About International Telecommunication Union

  • It is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies.
  • It was established in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union.
  • In 1947 the ITU became a specialized agency of the United Nations.
  • It is an intergovernmental organization that coordinates between governments and private sector bodies with respect to global telecommunication and information communication technology (ICT) services.
  • Member countries: It has a membership of 194 countries and more than 1000 companies, universities and international and regional organizations.
  • India and ITU: India has been an active member of the ITU since 1869 and has been a regular member of the ITU Council since 1952.
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

Functions of International Telecommunication Union

  • Allocate global radio spectrum and satellite orbits;
  • Coordination and setting of technical standards related to telecommunication/ICT;
  • Work to improve access to ICTs in underserved communities worldwide;

What is India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025?

  • It is Asia’s largest technology forum.
  • It is jointly organised by the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).
  • The event brings together global ICT and digital ecosystem leaders to explore the innovations that are shaping the future of connectivity, digital transformation, and the evolving role of AI.

Source: PIB

International Telecommunication Union FAQs

Q1: Where is the headquarters of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) located?

Ans: Geneva, Switzerland

Q2: What is the primary role of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)?

Ans: To coordinate global telecommunication operations and services.

Palamu Tiger Reserve

October 11, 2025
Palamu Tiger Reserve

Palamau Tiger Reserve Latest News

Village hunters near Palamu Tiger Reserve surrendered their weapons, including guns and traps, during Wildlife Week celebrations.

About Palamau Tiger Reserve

  • It is located on the western side of the Latehar district on the Chhotanagpur plateau in Jharkhand.
  • The reserve forms a part of the Betla National Park. 
  • It is spread over an area of approximately 1026 sq. km.
  • It is one of the first 9 tiger reserves created in the country at the inception of ‘Project Tiger’.
  • It is the first reserve in the world in which a tiger census was carried out as a pugmark count, as early as 1932 under the supervision of J.W. Nicholson.
  • The terrain is undulating with valleys, hills, and plains. 
  • Three rivers, namely North Koyal, Auranga, and Burha, flow through the valleys. 
  • The area is drought-prone, with Burha being the only perennial river. 
  • The geological formation consists of gneiss and includes granite and limestone. 
  • The area is very rich in minerals like Bauxite and Coal. 
  • Flora: The vegetation comprises moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests to include Sal and bamboo as the major components.
  • Fauna: Some keystone and principal species found in the reserve include Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Leopard, Grey wolf, Wild dog, Gaur, Sloth bear and four horned antelope.

Source: TOI

Palamau Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1: In which Indian state is the Palamau Tiger Reserve located?

Ans: Jharkhand

Q2: Palamau Tiger Reserve forms a part of which national park?

Ans: Betla National Park

Q3: The Palamau Tiger Reserve lies on which plateau?

Ans: Chhotanagpur Plateau

Tele-MANAS

October 11, 2025
Tele-MANAS

Tele MANAS Latest News

Recently, on the occasion of the World Mental Health Day 2025, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare launched several new initiatives for the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS).

About Tele MANAS

  • Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS) offers a wide range of mental health services.
  • It was started by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2022.
  • Aim: To provide universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality mental health care through a 24x7 tele-mental health service, forming a key digital component of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP).
  • This service is available across all Indian States and Union Territories, with assured linkages to ensure seamless care.
  • The service is structured in a two-tier system to optimize care delivery and enhance support.
    • Tier 1 comprises state Tele MANAS cells staffed with trained counsellors and mental health specialists. These professionals provide immediate support through: Tele-Counseling and Tele-Consultation.
    • Tier 2 comprises specialists from District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) facilities and medical colleges, offering additional resources for physical consultations and audiovisual consultations via e-Sanjeevani.
  • Tele MANAS launched its mobile app and video consultation services to enhance access to mental health support.
    • This app serves as a comprehensive platform offering mental health resources, including self-care tips, stress management strategies, and tools to recognize early distress signals.
    • It is enhanced with Multi-lingual user interface, Chatbot feature (Asmi), Accessibility, Emergency Module. 
    • It will now be available in 10 regional languages, in addition to the English and Hindi languages.
    • These languages include Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Odia, Punjabi.

Source:  PIB

Tele MANAS FAQs

Q1: When was Tele-MANAS launched?

Ans: October 2022

Q2: What does Tele-MANAS stand for?

Ans: Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States.

Q3: What is the objective of Tele-MANAS?

Ans: To provide free tele-mental health services across the country.

Enquire Now