Prelims Current Affairs includes Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, 2 October 2025 marks the 121st birth anniversary of India’s second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Major General G. Srinivas has assumed charge as the new Commandant of the College of Defence Management (CDM), Tamil Nadu Scientist Award (TANSA) 2022 and False Smut Disease.

IMPORTANT DAY

1. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS

Observed: Every year on 1 October.
Purpose: To raise awareness about the rights and well-being of older persons and to recognize their contribution in families, societies, and communities.
Theme: “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights”
Established by: United Nations General Assembly on 14 December 1990
First Observed: 1 October 1991

2. INTERNATIONAL COFFEE DAY

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

3. WORLD VEGETARIAN DAY

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

4. GANDHI JAYANTI

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

5. LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI JAYANTI

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.

APPOINTMENT

6. MAJOR GENERAL G. SRINIVAS TAKES CHARGE AS COMMANDANT OF CDM

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

AWARDS

7. TANSA AWARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

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.

DISEASE

8. FALSE SMUT DISEASE IN PADDY CROPS

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.

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