Chandrayaan-2 Observes Sun’s Impact on Moon

Context: Chandrayaan-2 recorded the first direct observation of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the Sun impacting the Moon, using its CHACE-2 payload.

About Chandryaan 2

• Launched July 22, 2019, Chandrayaan-2 orbiter carries eight experimental payloads.
• Payload: CHACE-2 (Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2) is a neutral gas mass spectrometer on board ISRO’s Chandrayaan-2 orbiter that studies the Moon’s exosphere
  • It measured the lunar exosphere’s response to solar CMEs.

Chandrayaan-2’s observations provide critical data on lunar exosphere dynamics and space weather effects, reinforcing India’s role in cutting-edge lunar science and aiding future lunar exploration planning.

JAIMEX-25

Context : Recently, INS Sahyadri participated in the Sea and Harbour phases of JAIMEX-25.

About JAIMEX (Japan-India Maritime Exercise)

• JAIMEX is a bilateral naval exercise established to enhance coordination, trust, and interoperability between the Indian Navy and the JMSDF.
• Origin: The first JIMEX was conducted off Japan in Jan 2012.
  • It began under the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan in 2014, emphasizing maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

About JAIMEX-25

• Location and Duration: The Sea Phase was conducted from 16–18 October 2025 in the Pacific Ocean, followed by the Harbour Phase at Yokosuka, Japan, on 21 October 2025.
• Focus Areas:
  • Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and missile defence drills.
  • Flying operations and underway replenishment for operational coordination.
  • Cross-deck visits, collaborative operational planning, sharing best practices, and a joint Yoga session to foster camaraderie.
• Participants:
  • Indian Navy: INS Sahyadri (Shivalik-class stealth frigate).
  • JMSDF: Ships Asahi, Oumi, and submarine Jinryu.
• Significance:
• • Strengthens defence diplomacy and operational synergy between two major Indo-Pacific democracies.
  • Reinforces the shared vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
  • Complements other bilateral exercises like Malabar (Naval), Veer Guardian (Air Force), and Dharma Guardian (Army)

International Convention against Doping in Sport

Context: Recently, India has been re-elected as the Vice-Chair of the Bureau for the Asia-Pacific Group (Group IV) during the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) to the International Convention against Doping in Sport, held at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France

About the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10)

• Date and Milestone: Held from October 20–22, 2025, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Convention.
• Participation: Attended by over 190 States Parties along with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), International Olympic Committee (IOC), and UNESCO.
• Key Focus Areas: Strengthening governance reforms, financing the Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport, and addressing emerging challenges like gene manipulation, traditional pharmacopoeia, and ethical issues in sport.
• Leadership Structure: Azerbaijan elected as Chairperson; Brazil, Zambia, and Saudi Arabia as Vice-Chairs for other regional groups.
• India’s Contribution: Presented interactive displays highlighting its anti-doping journey and proposed integration of the Values Education through Sport (VETS) approach to inculcate ethics, integrity, and fair play among youth.

About the International Convention against Doping in Sport

• Nature: A multilateral treaty under UNESCO through which States agree to adopt national and international measures to prevent and eliminate doping in sport.
• Adoption: Adopted on 19 October 2005 during the 33rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference.
• Entry into Force: Came into effect on 1 February 2007 after initial ratification by 30 countries.
• Current Status: Now has 192 States Parties, making it UNESCO’s second most ratified treaty.
• Objective: Aims to harmonize anti-doping legislation, guidelines, regulations, and rules globally to ensure a level and safe playing environment for all athletes.
• Key Features:
  • Legal Framework: Aligns national anti-doping measures with the World Anti-Doping Code (WADA Code) for consistency and fairness.
  • Global Cooperation: Promotes collaboration among governments, sports bodies, and scientific institutions to strengthen anti-doping systems.
  • Funding Mechanism: Provides an Anti-Doping Fund to support capacity-building, education, and awareness initiatives.
  • Ethical Oversight: Addresses new concerns such as gene doping and traditional pharmacopoeia to preserve sports ethics and integrity.
  • Governance Reforms: Through COP sessions, establishes a Bureau and Approval Committee to monitor compliance and financing.
• Significance: Provides a platform for international cooperation in promoting sports integrity, athlete protection, and fair competition worldwide.

International Snow Leopard Day

Context: On 23 October 2025, India observed International Snow Leopard Day by launching a nationwide campaign titled ‘#23for23’ — inviting citizens to dedicate 23 minutes of physical activity in support of conservation of the Snow Leopard. 

• The campaign was part of a global movement led by the Snow Leopard Trust, supported by UNESCO and UNEP, to raise awareness about mountain ecosystem protection.

About International Snow Leopard Day

• Adoption: Declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 12 December 2024.
• Objective: To promote global awareness and action for the protection of snow leopards and their habitats across Central and South Asia.
• Significance: Safeguarding and conservation of the snow leopard contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including SDG 6 (Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Biodiversity).

About Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

• Geographical Spread: Occurs across 12 countries — Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
• Habitat in India: Found in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
• State Animal: Recognized as the state animal of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
• Adaptations: Known as the “Ghost of the Mountains” for its elusive nature and camouflage; adapted to survive in cold, rugged alpine environments.
• Behaviour: Unlike other big cats, it does not roar but communicates through growls, hisses, meows, and a unique “chuff” sound. It is crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) and solitary in nature.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Vulnerable.
  • CITES: Appendix I.
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.
• Ecological Role:
  • Regulating Prey Populations: As an apex predator, it controls populations of ibex and blue sheep, preventing overgrazing and soil erosion.
  • Supporting Biodiversity: By maintaining herbivore balance, it supports plant diversity and sustains the mountain ecosystem.
  • Food Web Support: Remnants of kills serve as food for vultures, wolves, and smaller carnivores, sustaining the food chain.
  • Indicator Species: The health of snow leopard populations reflects the ecological integrity of high-altitude habitats.
• Status of Snow Leopard in India:
  • Population: As per the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program, India hosts around 718 snow leopards.
  • Population Distribution by State: Ladakh (477), Uttarakhand (124), Himachal Pradesh (51), Arunachal Pradesh (36), & Sikkim (21)
  • Flagship Species: Designated as a flagship species for conserving the high-altitude Himalayan ecosystem.
• Key Habitat: Hemis National Park (Ladakh) – known as the “Snow Leopard Capital of the World.”

Jore Sahib

Context: The Prime Minister urged people to have darshan of the sacred ‘Jore Sahib’ during the Guru Charan Yatra from Delhi to Takht Sri Patna Sahib.

About Jore Sahib

• ‘Jore Sahib’ refers to the sacred footwear associated with Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, revered as holy relics in Sikh tradition.
• Historical Background: The relics have been preserved by the family of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri for nearly three centuries, symbolizing deep spiritual and historical continuity.
  • The relics were formally handed over to the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) by Puri’s family for enshrinement at Patna Sahib.
• Physical Description: The relics measure 11” × 3½” for Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s right foot and 9” × 3” for Mata Sahib Kaur Ji’s left foot.
• Guru Charan Yatra Route: The Yatra began on October 23, 2025, from Gurdwara Moti Bagh (Delhi) and will travel through Faridabad, Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi, culminating at Takht Sri Patna Sahib on November 1, 2025.

The Yatra aims to strengthen spiritual connection with the ideals of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, promoting devotion, unity, and Sikh heritage.

Pilot Whales

Context: Recently, a group of 29 pilot whales was found stranded on Twilight Beach (Paenga Rehia) near the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island. Over two dozen whales have died.

Possible Causes of Mass Strandings

• Navigational Errors: Confusion caused by shallow, sloping coastlines affecting echolocation.
• Social Bonding: Strong pod cohesion leads healthy whales to follow disoriented members.
• Geomagnetic Disturbances: Changes in the Earth’s magnetic field disorient migratory pods.
• Predator Avoidance: Escape behaviour from killer whales pushes pods shoreward.
• Anthropogenic Factors: Underwater noise, sonar, and ship traffic interfere with communication and navigation.

About Pilot Whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus / G. melas)

• Recognition: Easily identified by their bulbous, rounded heads and curved dorsal fins.
• Size: Adult males can reach up to 7 metres in length and weigh over 2 tonnes.
• Social Structure: Form matrilineal groups of 20–100 members with strong family bonds.
• Behaviour:
  • Exhibit tight family cohesion, rarely separating from kin.
  • Males remain in their maternal pods for life, making them highly social mammals.
• Adaptations: Excellent deep divers—can dive up to 1,000 metres to hunt squid and small fish.
• Habitat: Found in tropical and temperate deep-sea waters worldwide.
• Diet: Primarily squid and small fish.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Least Concern (but prone to local mass mortalities).
  • CITES: Listed in Appendix II (regulated trade).

Shaurya Van

Context: Recently, the Defence Minister inaugurated Shaurya Van in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

About Shaurya Van

• Shaurya Van is a cacti-cum-botanical garden in Jaisalmer’s Thar Desert, dedicated to honoring the valour and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces.
• Key Features:
  • Hosts a light-and-sound show commemorating the bravery of Indian soldiers.
  • Situated at the 1971 Indo-Pak War Museum, linking history with tribute to the Armed Forces.
  • Aims to educate visitors on military achievements and inspire patriotism.
• Significance:
  • Showcases the heroism and sacrifices of the Armed Forces.
  • Reinforces public awareness and respect for military service.
• Enhances tourism and heritage education in the Jaisalmer region.

INS Vikrant

Context: Prime Minister celebrated Diwali 2025 with Indian Navy personnel on INS Vikrant, also commemorating the success of Operation Sindoor off the Goa coast.

About INS Vikrant

• Introduction: INS Vikrant is India’s first home-built aircraft carrier, designed to enhance the country’s naval power and strategic capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
• History: Named after the first INS Vikrant (1961–1997), which played a key role in the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
  • The first Vikrant was originally laid down in 1943 as HMS Hercules for the Royal Navy; construction was halted post-WWII.
• Constructed by: Cochin Shipyard Ltd under the Ministry of Shipping.
• Commissioned On: The carrier was commissioned in 2022 after over a decade of construction and operational preparation.

Features

• Size: 262 metres long, 62 metres wide, 59 metres tall; hangar as big as two Olympic-size pools.
• Capacity: Can carry 30 aircraft (MiG-29K jets, helicopters) and nearly 1,600 crew members.
• Facilities: Equipped with a 16-bed hospital, 2,400 compartments, and fuel for 250 tankers.
• Propulsion & Operations: Powered by four gas turbines (88 MW), top speed 28 knots, uses STOBAR ski-jump system for aircraft launch.

Significance

• INS Vikrant strengthens India’s naval self-reliance and maritime security, marking a milestone in indigenous defence manufacturing.

Rakchham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary

Context: Recently, an international bird-watching programme was held at Rakchham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh.

About Rakchham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary

• Rakchham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Himachal Pradesh, known for its rich biodiversity and Himalayan landscapes.
• Location: It is situated in Kinnaur district, covering 30.98 sq.km, at an elevation of 3,200–5,486 meters in the  Western Himalayas.
• Geographical Features: The sanctuary is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and gushing rivers, with trekking routes such as the Lamkhanga Pass connecting Kinnaur to Gangotri, Uttarakhand.
  • The region lies in a dry zone, unlike other Himachal sanctuaries, and does not experience monsoons.
• Flora: The sanctuary hosts rhododendrons, oak trees, pine trees, and a variety of medicinal herbs.
• Fauna: It is home to snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and numerous bird species.
• Ecological Significance: The sanctuary plays a crucial role in conserving high-altitude Himalayan ecosystems, preserving endemic flora and fauna, and supporting sustainable ecotourism.

About International Bird-Watching Programme

• The programme aimed to train local youth in birding and mountain climbing, provide information on biodiversity, and promote wildlife conservation awareness.
• Participation: Delegates from 15 countries including Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Norway, and South Africa participated, observing more than 35 bird species.
  • Birds observed included  Plumbeous Water Redstart, Blue-fronted Redstart, Rock Bunting, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Pink-browed Rosefinch, and Red-headed Bullfinch.

Exercise Ocean Sky 2025

Context: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking part in Ocean Sky 2025, to be hosted by the Spanish Air Force at Gando Air Base (Canary Islands).

About Ocean Sky 2025 

• It is a high-intensity multinational air combat drill aimed at enhancing interoperability, air combat proficiency, and mutual cooperation among participating nations.
• Participants: Spain, India, USA, France, and several European allies.
• Significance: This is the first time a non-NATO country is participating in this exercise highlighting growing India-Spain ties.

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