Prelims Current Affairs includes Global Tobacco Use, India extended its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to Qatar, World Para Athletics Championships 2025, Ayush launched the DRAVYA Portal, SAKSHAM CUAS System and AIM-120 AMRAAM.

IMPORTANT DAY

1. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD

• Observed every year on 11 October.

• Aim: To highlight the rights of girls and raise awareness about challenges they face worldwide.

• Established by: United Nations General Assembly in 2011.

REPORT

2. WHO GLOBAL REPORT ON TRENDS IN TOBACCO USE 2000–2024

Current Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) released its latest report on global trends in tobacco use, showing a decline in prevalence but highlighting challenges such as rising e-cigarette usage.

About Tobacco Use Trends

• Global Tobacco Use:

  • Declined from 26.2% in 2010 to 19.5% in 2024 among adults.

  • Still, 1 in 5 adults worldwide uses tobacco.

• E-Cigarettes: Over 100 million users globally.

India’s Status (2024):

• Total users: 243.48 million adults (15+).

• Projected reduction by 2025: 43%, surpassing WHO NCD target of 30%.

India’s Tobacco Control Measures:

• COTPA Act, 2003: Ban on smoking in public and sale to minors.

• Packaging & Labelling Amendment Rules, 2022: Graphic health warnings on packs.

• National Tobacco Control Programme: Awareness & supply reduction.

• Prohibition of E-Cigarettes Act, 2019.

About Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum):

• Origin: South America.

• Climate: 20–30°C, frost-free 90–120 days, rainfall ≥ 500 mm, well-drained soils.

• India: 2nd largest producer & exporter.

• Major States: Gujarat (30%), Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar.

INTERNATIONAL

3. INDIA EXPANDS UPI TO QATAR

Current Context: India extended its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to Qatar, enhancing cross-border digital payments.

About Qatar

• Capital: Doha.

• Location: West Asia, northeastern Arabian Peninsula.

• Borders: Saudi Arabia, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Bahrain.

• Resources: 3rd largest natural gas reserves globally; major exporter.

• Geography: Sand dunes, salt flats (Sabkhahs).

SPORTS

4. WORLD PARA ATHLETICS 2025

Current Context: India achieved its best-ever performance at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025, winning 22 medals (6 Gold).

About World Para Athletics

• Largest sport in the Paralympic Movement.

• First Competition: 1952.

• Governing Body: International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

• Events:

  • Paralympic Games (4-yearly)

  • World Para Athletics Championships (biennial)

  • World Para Athletics Grand Prix (annual, since 2013)

• India’s Achievement: Hosted the Championships for the first time in 2025.

GEOGRAPHY

5. BLIZZARD IN TIBET

Current Context: A sudden blizzard trapped trekkers and climbers in remote campsites in Tibet.

About Blizzards

• Severe winter storms with strong winds and blowing snow, causing low visibility.

• Formation: Pressure gradient between storm system and surrounding areas.

• Impact: Car accidents, frostbite, hypothermia, and travel disruption.

E-GOVERNANCE

6. DRAVYA PORTAL – AYUSH KNOWLEDGE DIGITISATION

Current Context: The Ministry of Ayush launched the DRAVYA Portal, an AI-ready digital repository for 100 key medicinal substances in Ayush.

About DRAVYA Portal

• Developed by Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), integrates classical texts and modern research.

• Features:

  • AI-ready, QR code integration.

  • Profiles include botany, chemistry, pharmacy, pharmacology, and safety.

  • Dynamic updates for precision and authenticity.

• Significance:

  • Facilitates evidence-based research, innovation, and global access.

  • Linked with Ayush Grid for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

DEFENCE

7. SAKSHAM SYSTEM

Current Context: The Indian Army procured the indigenously developed SAKSHAM CUAS System to enhance airspace security.

About SAKSHAM System

• Full Form: Situational Awareness for Kinetic Soft and Hard Kill Assets Management.

• Developed by: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

• Purpose: Detect, track, identify, and neutralise hostile drones in real time.

• Features:

  • Integrated Recognised UAS Picture (RUASP).

  • AI-enabled predictive analysis and GIS-based 3D battlefield visualisation.

  • Linked with Akashteer System for full airspace awareness.

8. AIM-120 AMRAAM MISSILE

Current Context: The United States may supply AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles to Pakistan, a medium-range air-to-air missile, after Pakistan sent the first consignment of mineral samples to Washington under a rare earths deal.

About AIM-120 AMRAAM

• Type: Active, radar-guided, medium-range, air-to-air missile.

• Developed by: United States, operational since 1991.

• Users: 35+ countries, including NATO allies, Japan, Australia.

• Features:

  • Speed: Mach 4 (~3,000 mph).

  • Fire-and-forget capability, real-time target tracking.

  • Range: Over 160 km under optimal conditions.

  • All-weather, day/night launch capability.

  • Two-way data link for enhanced accuracy.

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