Current Context : NASA has launched the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) to study how solar particles are energized, map the heliosphere’s boundary, and improve space weather forecasting.

ABOUT IMAP

• Purpose
  • To map the heliosphere (a bubble formed by the Sun’s solar wind).
  • To trace energetic particles and study cosmic rays.
  • To improve forecasting of solar storms and space radiation hazards.
• Location
  • Placed at the Earth-Sun Lagrange Point 1 (L1), about 1 million miles from Earth toward the Sun.
• Functions
  • Provides real-time observations of solar wind and space weather.
  • Helps scientists monitor cosmic rays and understand how the heliosphere protects life on Earth.
  • Supports fundamental physics research at both micro and cosmic scales.
• Instruments
  • Equipped with 10 scientific instruments.
  • Includes energetic neutral-atom detectors (IMAP-Lo, IMAP-Hi, IMAP-Ultra).
  • Instruments study charged particles, interstellar dust, and magnetic fields.

Current Context : The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has released data for 2023, showing 1,77,335 cases of crimes against children, an increase of 9.2% over 2022.

ABOUT NCRB DATA

• Overall Cases
  • Total cases: 1,77,335
  • Crime rate: 9 per one lakh child population (up from 36.6 in 2022).
• Major Crime Categories
  • Kidnapping and Abduction: 79,884 cases (45%).
  • POCSO Act cases: 67,694 (38.2%), including 40,434 penetrative sexual assaults.
  • Other crimes: murders (1,219), abetment to suicide (373), child marriage cases (6,038), child labour cases (1,390).
• Victim Demographics
  • Below 6 years: 762 victims.
  • 6–12 years: 3,229 victims.
  • 12–16 years: 15,444 victims.
  • 16–18 years: 21,411 victims.
  • Most victims were girls in rape-related cases.
• Regional Trends
  • Highest cases: Madhya Pradesh (22,393).
  • Next: Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Assam (10,174 cases) and Bihar (9,906) showed sharp rises.
  • Delhi registered 7,769 cases, one of the highest crime rates among Union Territories.
• Police Action
  • Out of 2,57,756 cases investigated, only 1,12,290 were chargesheeted.
  • Chargesheeting rate: 3%

Celebrated every year on 4 October.

Aim : to raise awareness about animal rights and to promote global action for their welfare and better treatment.

Current Context: Reports from Punjab indicate widespread damage to paddy crops at the maturing and harvest stage due to False Smut Disease, threatening yield and quality.

ABOUT False Smut Disease

• Scientific Name: Caused by fungus Ustilaginoidea virens
• Other Names: Haldi Rog, Lakshmi Disease, Oothupathi Disease
• Symptoms:
  • Black fungal growth on grains covered with yellow fungal mass
  • Infected grains become orange → yellowish green → greenish black
  • Leads to chalky grains, weight loss, and poor germination
• Spread:
  • Infects during flowering stage; visible after panicle emergence
  • Usually affects only a few grains per panicle
• Favourable Conditions:
  • Warm, humid weather (25–30°C, humidity >80%)
  • Infected debris left in fields
  • Excessive nitrogen in soil
• Control: Fungicide sprays are feasible, but excessive use risks resistance and environmental harm

Current Context: Dr. R. Arthur James, Professor and Chair of the Department of Marine Science at Bharathidasan University, has been honoured with the Tamil Nadu Scientist Award (TANSA) 2022 in Environmental Science.

ABOUT TANSA Awards

• Instituted by: Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology
• Nature: Annual awards to encourage innovation and research
• Purpose:
  • Recognize excellence across scientific disciplines
  • Inspire young researchers in science and technology
• Significance: One of the highest recognitions for scientists in Tamil Nadu

Current Context: Major General G. Srinivas has assumed charge as the new Commandant of the College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad, taking over from Lieutenant General Harsh Chhibber, who has been promoted as Director General Information Systems.

ABOUT College of Defence Management (CDM)

• Location: Secunderabad, Telangana
• Type: Premier tri-services institution under Integrated Defence Staff
• Purpose:
  • Provides advanced management training to senior Army, Navy, and Air Force officers
  • Focus on modern warfare complexities, strategic leadership, and resource optimization

Current Context: 2 October 2025 marks the 121st birth anniversary of India’s second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, remembered for his honesty, simplicity, and the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”.

ABOUT Lal Bahadur Shastri

• Born: 2 October 1904, Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh
• Education: Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi (earned title “Shastri”)
• Freedom Struggle: Participated in Non-Cooperation, Salt Satyagraha, Quit India Movement
• As Prime Minister (1964–1966):
  • Led India during the 1965 India-Pakistan War
  • Promoted Green Revolution and White Revolution
  • Advocated food conservation during crisis
• Legacy: His slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” became a symbol of national unity

Current Context: Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, was observed on 2 October 2025. It is also recognized as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations.

ABOUT Gandhi Jayanti

• Born: 2 October 1869, Porbandar, Gujarat
• Title: Father of the Nation
• UN Recognition: Declared as International Day of Non-Violence in 2007
• Key Movements Led: Champaran Satyagraha, Non-Cooperation, Dandi March, Quit India Movement
• Philosophy: Truth, Simplicity, Non-Violence (Ahimsa)

 Famous Books on Gandhi

• The Story of My Experiments with Truth
• Gandhi Before India
• The Good Boatman
• Gandhi: Prisoner of Hope
• Why I Assassinated Mahatma Gandhi

Observed every year on 1 October across the globe

Aim : to promote the vegetarian lifestyle and highlight its health and environmental benefits.

• Founded: 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS)
• Celebrated in: Over 180 countries

Celebrated every year on 1 October

• Aim: To celebrate coffee as a beverage and to support coffee farmers and promote fair trade practices.
• Theme : “Embracing Collaboration for Collective Action – More Than Ever”.
• Started by: International Coffee Organization (ICO)
• First Celebrated: 2015