Prelims Current Affairs includes Ramanujan Junior Researchers Programme, Kapas Kranti Mission, Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX) 2025, Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025, Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems (SAIME), Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS), Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Doctrine of Lis Pendens, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Health Effects Institute (HEI), Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), USA, International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO), Tuvalu has become the 90th State Member of IUCN, New Development Bank (NDB), We Rise Initiative and National Green Tribunal (NGT).

IMPORTANT DAY

1. UNITED NATIONS DAY

Observed annually on 24 October.

ABOUT UNITED NATIONS DAY

• Established: 24 October 1945

• Declared by: United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

• Significance: Marks the creation of the United Nations, replacing the League of Nations after WWII.

Focus Areas of the UN

• Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping

• Climate Action and Environmental Protection

• Humanitarian Assistance and Refugee Support

• Sustainable Development and Human Rights Promotion

2. WORLD DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION DAY

Observed on 24 October

Purpose: To draw attention to development problems and promote international cooperation for sustainable and inclusive growth.
First Observed: 24 October 1973.

POLICY AND PROGRAMME

3. RAMANUJAN FELLOWSHIP

Current Context: India and the United Kingdom have jointly launched the Ramanujan Junior Researchers Programme, enabling young Indian scientists to conduct theoretical research at London Institute for Mathematical Sciences (LIMS).

ABOUT RAMANUJAN JUNIOR RESEARCHERS PROGRAMME

• Launched by: Government of India & Government of the United Kingdom

• Implemented by: Department of Science and Technology (DST) in partnership with LIMS, London

• Announced during: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to India

• Named after: Legendary Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan

• Purpose: To promote research collaboration in theoretical sciences between India and the UK

Phases of the Programme

1. Phase 1: Junior Visitors from JNCASR

   • Selection of PhD students from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR).

   • Up to six students to work at LIMS with senior theorists.

   • Focus on lectures, research ideas, and advanced theoretical problems.

2. Phase 2: Ramanujan Junior Fellowships

   • Three-year fellowships for early-career Indian researchers in theoretical physics and mathematics.

   • Fellows to work full-time at LIMS, collaborating with British counterparts.

4. KAPAS KRANTI MISSION

Current Context: The Government of India has launched a ₹600 crore “Kapas Kranti Mission” to promote high-yield, long-staple cotton cultivation using advanced agricultural technology.

ABOUT KAPAS KRANTI MISSION

• Launched by: Central Government of India

• Budget: ₹600 crore

• Objective: To enhance cotton productivity through innovative farming practices and technology integration.

• Model State: Telangana (based on successful HDP model from Maharashtra).

ABOUT HIGH-DENSITY PLANTATION (HDP) METHOD

• Definition: A farming method involving closely spaced crops to increase the number of plants per unit area.

• Benefits:

  • Boosts yield and productivity.

  • Optimises use of water, nutrients, and land.

  • Especially effective for cotton cultivation.

About COTTON CORPORATION OF INDIA (CCI)

• Established under: Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

• Role:

  • Procures cotton directly from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP).

  • Ensures fair remuneration and price stability.

  • Maintains national buffer stock for cotton.

DEFENCE

5. EXERCISE JAIMEX 25

Current Context: The Indian Navy’s INS Sahyadri reached Yokosuka, Japan, to participate in the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX) 2025, held from October 16–17, 2025.

ABOUT EXERCISE JAIMEX 25

• Participants: Indian Navy & Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)

• Venue: Yokosuka, Japan

• Objective: Strengthen defence cooperation and enhance interoperability between the two navies.

• Focus Areas:

  • Maritime security and strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific region.

  • Joint drills to enhance coordination in complex maritime operations.

ENVIRONMENT

6. GLOBAL FOREST AREA

Current Context: According to the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bali, India ranks 9th globally in total forest area and 3rd in annual forest area gain.

ABOUT GFRA 2025

• Published by: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations

• Released every: Five years

• Purpose: To assess global trends in forest conservation, growth, and land management.

India’s Performance

• Total Forest Area Rank: 9th globally (up from 10th in previous report)

• Annual Forest Area Gain: 3rd globally (maintained position)

FACTORS BEHIND INDIA’S SUCCESS

1. Government Initiatives:

   • Green India Mission, Compensatory Afforestation, and CAMPA Funds.

   • PM’s campaign “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam” promoting cultural and environmental synergy.

2. State-Level Efforts: Active plantation drives by Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.

3. Community Participation: Strong role of Panchayats, tribal groups, and community forestry models.

7. SAIME AQUACULTURE MODEL FROM SUNDARBANS EARNS FAO GLOBAL RECOGNITION

Current Context: The Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems (SAIME) model developed by the Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS) has received Global Technical Recognition from the FAO of the United Nations.

ABOUT SAIME MODEL

• Developed by: Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS), India

• Recognized by: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN

• Region: Sundarbans, West Bengal

• Focus: Integration of mangrove conservation with sustainable aquaculture

KEY FEATURES

• Focus Species: Native black tiger shrimp

• Approach: Ecosystem-based, climate-resilient, and conservation-linked

• Method: Integrated Mangrove Aquaculture (IMA) model promoting:

  • Low stocking density

  • No chemical or fertilizer input

  • Use of mangroves as natural carbon sinks

PERSON IN NEWS

8. JAPAN’S FIRST FEMALE PRIME MINISTER: SANAE TAKAICHI

Current Context: Sanae Takaichi has made history by becoming Japan’s first female Prime Minister.

ABOUT SANAE TAKAICHI

• Country: Japan

• Position: 1st Female Prime Minister

• Significance: Represents a major step towards gender equality in Japanese leadership.

• Political Background: A senior leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

About Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia, known for its rich cultural heritage, technological advancement, and natural beauty.

• Consists of four major islands—Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu—and thousands of smaller islands.

• Highest Peak: Mount Fuji – an active volcano and sacred national symbol.

• Terrain: About 75% mountainous.

• Tectonic Zone: Located in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

POLITY

9. DOCTRINE OF LIS PENDENS

Current Context: The Delhi High Court ruled that courts can exempt properties from the Doctrine of Lis Pendens to protect genuine owners from malicious or vexatious litigation.

ABOUT THE DOCTRINE OF LIS PENDENS

• Meaning: Derived from Latin, meaning “pending litigation.”

• Legal Source: Section 52, Transfer of Property Act (TPA), 1882.

• Applicability:

  • Prevents transfer of immovable property while a related case is pending.

  • Ensures any transfer made during litigation remains subject to final judgment.

  • Protects rights of parties involved in the dispute.

NON-APPLICABILITY

• When a mortgagor sells under a valid power deed.

• In collusive or fraudulent suits.

• When property description is unclear.

• If ownership rights are not directly under dispute.

CONDITIONS FOR APPLICABILITY

• Existence of a pending suit or proceeding.

• The case is before a court of competent jurisdiction.

• The title or right to property is in question.

• The transfer affects the rights of other parties.

• The case must not be collusive.

REPORT

10. STATE OF GLOBAL AIR REPORT 2025

Current Context: Released by the Health Effects Institute (HEI) and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), USA.

ABOUT THE REPORT

• Purpose: To provide global, regional, and national estimates of air pollution exposure and health impacts.

• Focus Year: 2023

KEY FINDINGS (INDIA)

• Around 2 million deaths in 2023 linked to air pollution — a 43% rise since 2000.

• 75% of India’s population exposed to PM2.5 above WHO limits.

• India ranks 3rd globally in ozone pollution exposure.

• PMUY initiative promotes LPG usage to reduce indoor air pollution.

11. METHANE EMISSIONS – UNEP REPORT

Current Context: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) released the fifth edition of its International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) report titled “An Eye on Methane: From Measurement to Momentum.”

ABOUT METHANE

• Second-Biggest Climate Driver: After CO₂, responsible for one-third of total warming.

• High-Impact Gas: 80× more potent than CO₂ over 20 years, but shorter lifespan (7–12 years).

• Major Sources:

  • Human Activities (60%) – Agriculture, fossil fuel extraction, and landfills.

  • Natural Sources (40%) – Wetlands.

• Significance: Cutting methane offers one of the fastest ways to slow climate change.

HEALTH & DISEASE

12. TRACHOMA ELIMINATION – FIJI

Current Context: Fiji has officially become the 26th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO).

ABOUT TRACHOMA DISEASE

• Type: Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD)

• Cause: Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium

• Transmission: Through contact, contaminated surfaces, or flies

• Health Impact: Repeated infections cause eyelid scarring, inward eyelashes, and blindness.

• India’s Status: Eliminated trachoma earlier.

ORGANISATION

13. INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE (IUCN)

Current Context: Tuvalu has become the 90th State Member of IUCN.

ABOUT TUVALU

• Location: West-Central Pacific Ocean, between Australia and Hawaii

• Former Name: Ellice Islands

• Area: 26 sq. km (4th smallest in world)

• Capital: Funafuti

• Climate: Hot, rainy, no rivers; extremely vulnerable to sea-level rise

• Currency: Tuvalu Dollar (same as Australian Dollar)

14. NEW DEVELOPMENT BANK (NDB)

Current Context: Pakistan has sought China’s support to secure membership in the New Development Bank (NDB), also known as the BRICS Development Bank.

ABOUT NEW DEVELOPMENT BANK

• Established by: BRICS nations

• Founded: July 15, 2014 (Fortaleza Summit)

• Headquarters: Shanghai, China

• Capital: USD 100 billion (Authorized); USD 50 billion subscribed equally.

• Objective: Mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development.

• Key Sectors: Clean energy, transport, water, sanitation, digital infrastructure.

ORGANISATION

15. ‘WE RISE INITIATIVE’

Current Context: NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and DP World jointly launched the ‘We Rise Initiative’ to support women entrepreneurs.

ABOUT WE RISE INITIATIVE

• Full Form: Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises

• Launched by: NITI Aayog and DP World under WEP’s ATR (Award to Reward) initiative

• Aim: Help women entrepreneurs scale businesses globally through mentorship and trade access.

• Focus: Empowering product-centric women-led enterprises.

• Nature: Public-private collaboration promoting women-led growth.

GEOGRAPHY

16. MARKANDA RIVER

Current Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the State Pollution Control Boards of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana to submit reports on industrial pollution in the Markanda River.

ABOUT MARKANDA RIVER

• Type: Tributary of the Ghaggar River

• Origin: Lower Shiwalik Hills, Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh

• Course: Flows through Kala Amb → Haryana → joins Ghaggar at Ismailabad

• Nature: Rain-fed, seasonal river

• Tributaries: Begna, Nakati, Ran, Salani Nallah, Roon Nallah, Sukdoh Nallah

• Religious Significance: Markandeshwar Temple dedicated to Rishi Markandeya on its banks.

17. RAKCHHAM-CHITKUL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Current Context: An international bird-watching programme was held at Rakchham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh, to promote eco-tourism and biodiversity awareness.

ABOUT RAKCHHAM-CHITKUL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

• Location: Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh

• Area: 30.98 sq. km

• Altitude Range: 3,200 – 5,486 metres above sea level

• Geographical Setting: Western Himalayan Range

• Climate: Dry zone (no monsoon influence)

TOURISM & GEOGRAPHICAL SIGNIFICANCE

• Lamkhanga Pass: Key trekking route linking Kinnaur (HP) with Gangotri (Uttarakhand).

• Landscape: Snow peaks, alpine valleys, and pristine rivers attract global trekkers and ornithologists.

Download Pdf | Study Material | Downloads | Daily Quiz  | FREE Youtube Videos