15 October 2025 - Daily Current Affairs Updates

UPSC GS – 1

1. Campi Flegrei Volcano

• Subtopic: Physical Geography – Volcanic Landforms & Tectonics

• Value Addition:

  • Located in Bay of Naples, Italy, near Mount Vesuvius.

  • Europe’s largest active volcanic caldera (12–15 km wide).

  • Formed ~39,000 years ago; linked to global climatic disturbances and Neanderthal decline.

  • Last eruption: 1538 (Monte Nuovo formation).

  • Classified as a supervolcano, with ongoing ground uplift, quakes, and hydrothermal activity since 2005.

  • New AI-based geological mapping revealed previously unknown magma chambers.

• Subject Analysis:

  • Illustrates link between tectonic processes and climate history.

  • Useful for GS1 – Physical Geography (Volcanoes, Plate Movements) and Disaster Management (GS3).

  • Case study for integrating AI in Earth Sciences.

UPSC GS – 2

2. PM GatiShakti – 4th Anniversary Initiatives

• Subtopic: Infrastructure & Governance Reforms

• Value Addition:

  • Launched new digital tools:

    • PM GatiShakti Public: Opens National Master Plan platform to private sector (via BISAG-N).

    • PM GatiShakti Offshore: For marine & coastal planning; supports Blue Economy.

    • District Master Plans (112 aspirational districts): Data-driven regional planning.

    • LEAPS 2025: Awards for logistics innovation & ESG adoption.

    • National Dashboard: Tracks inter-ministerial project progress.

• Subject Analysis:

  • A model of data-driven, whole-of-government infrastructure governance.

  • Links Digital India + National Logistics Policy 2022.

  • Useful for GS2 – Governance & e-Governance, GS3 – Infrastructure / Economy.

3. Bharat Taxi Initiative

• Subtopic: Digital Governance & Cooperative Federalism

• Value Addition:

  • India’s first cooperative ride-hailing platform — citizen-first & not-for-profit.

  • Promoted by NCDC, IFFCO, Amul, NABARD, NDDB, KRIBHCO, NAFED, NCEL.

  • Managed by National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under Digital India Corporation.

  • Integrated with DigiLocker, UMANG, API Setu for secure verification.

  • Ensures multilingual UI, accessibility, and cybersecurity compliance.

• Subject Analysis:

  • Example of cooperatives + digital innovation for service delivery.

  • Promotes inclusive urban mobility and digital self-reliance.

  • Useful for GS2 – Governance / Cooperative Development / e-Governance.

UPSC GS – 3

4. Fomoflation

• Subtopic: Behavioural Economics & Inflation Dynamics

• Value Addition:

  • Combines FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) + Inflation → demand-driven price spikes.

  • Triggered by panic buying due to fear of shortage (e.g., during crises or festivals).

  • Amplified by social media and instant information spread.

  • Example: Price surge post announcement of $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike in the US.

• Subject Analysis:

  • Highlights the role of behavioural psychology in market volatility.

  • Useful for GS3 – Economy / Behavioural Economics / Inflation Concepts.

  • Demonstrates non-monetary inflation triggers.

5. Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025

• Subtopic: Defence Cooperation & Strategic Partnerships

• Value Addition:

  • India–Australia bilateral army exercise held in Perth, with Gorkha Rifles Battalion participation.

  • Focus: Urban & semi-desert warfare, joint tactical drills, mission planning.

  • Complements AUSINDEX (naval) & PITCH BLACK (air force) exercises.

• Subject Analysis:

  • Reinforces Indo-Pacific military interoperability.

  • Enhances strategic defence cooperation under Quad framework.

  • Relevant for GS3 – Security / Defence Diplomacy.

6. IUCN Green Status of Species – Tigers

• Subtopic: Environment & Conservation Assessment

• Value Addition:

  • Introduced in 2012; complements IUCN Red List.

  • Evaluates species recovery & conservation success (“Green Score” 0–100%).

  • Categories: Largely, Moderately, Slightly Depleted, Fully Recovered.

  • First assessment: Tigers remain critically depleted across Asia.

• Subject Analysis:

  • Measures ecological functionality & recovery, not just extinction risk.

  • Encourages outcome-based conservation policy.

  • Useful for GS3 – Biodiversity & Conservation Management.

7. Indian Grey Wolf

• Subtopic: Wildlife & Grassland Ecology

• Value Addition:

  • Subspecies of Canis lupus; inhabits semi-arid grasslands of India.

  • Protected under Schedule I, WPA 1972, CITES Appendix I, IUCN: Least Concern (globally).

  • Population declining due to habitat loss & feral dog competition.

  • Found in Kadbanwadi Grassland, Maharashtra – coexists with Bengal fox, hyena, raptors.

• Subject Analysis:

  • Symbol of grassland ecosystem collapse in India.

  • Highlights need for grassland conservation policies (not forest-centric).

  • Relevant for GS3 – Environment / Ecology & Wildlife Governance.

8. Chowna Buku Chulu (Begonia Aryarakta)

• Subtopic: Plant Diversity & Bioprospecting

• Value Addition:

  • New Begonia species discovered in Basar, Arunachal Pradesh.

  • Name means “Noble Red” – honouring Dy. CM Chowna Mein.

  • Distinct red leaves adapted to humid tropical habitat.

  • Adds to 1,800+ Begonia species worldwide.

• Subject Analysis:

  • Enhances India’s Eastern Himalayan biodiversity records.

  • Potential ornamental & pharmaceutical value.

  • Relevant for GS3 – Environment / Biodiversity Discoveries.

Facts for Prelims

9. Kenton R. Miller Award

• Subtopic: Global Conservation Recognition

• Value Addition:

  • Biennial award (since 2006) by IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).

  • Recognizes innovation in protected area management.

  • Prize: USD 5,000 + citation.

  • 2025 Winners:

    • Sonali Ghosh (India) – Community-led conservation at Kaziranga NP.

    • Roque Sevilla (Ecuador) – Sustainable tourism via Mashpi Lodge.

• Subject Analysis:

  • Showcases India’s leadership in participatory conservation.

  • Useful for GS3 – Environment / Governance in Protected Areas.