{"id":2465,"date":"2025-10-21T10:42:18","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T10:42:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/?p=2465"},"modified":"2025-10-21T14:00:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T14:00:35","slug":"current-affairs-20th-october-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/2025\/10\/21\/current-affairs-20th-october-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Affairs 20th October 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

1. Chandrayaan-2 makes the first-ever observation on lunar exosphere<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

General Studies Paper III: Science & Technology<\/p>\n

CONTEXT: <\/strong>ISRO\u2019s Chandrayaan-2 orbiter (CHACE-2 payload) made the first-ever observation of a solar Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) directly impacting the Moon\u2019s exosphere, confirming the CME\u2019s powerful effect on lunar environment.\u200b<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Background: Chandrayaan-2 Mission<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Chandrayaan-2, India\u2019s second lunar mission, was launched on 22 July 2019 using GSLV Mk III-M1 from Sriharikota.\u200b<\/li>\n
  • Mission components: Orbiter (operational), Vikram lander, Pragyan rover (lander crashed, orbiter still working).<\/li>\n
  • Objectives: Soft-landing technology demonstration, study of lunar topography, mineralogy, exosphere, water signatures, a\"\" nd elemental abundance.\u200b<\/li>\n
  • Status: Orbiter operational, major scientific objectives achieved except landing\/roving.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Feature<\/strong><\/td>\nDetail<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Mission Name<\/td>\nChandrayaan-2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Launch Date<\/td>\n22 July 2019<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Launch Vehicle<\/td>\nGSLV Mk III-M1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Components<\/td>\nOrbiter (operational), Vikram Lander, Pragyan Rover<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Objectives<\/td>\nSoft landing; lunar surface, exosphere, elemental studies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Status<\/td>\nOrbiter operational; Lander\/Rover lost on 6 Sept. 2019<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    What\u2019s New: Discovery \/ Observation<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • First empirical evidence: CME on May 10, 2024, caused direct, measurable enhancement in dayside lunar exosphere pressure and neutral density, validating prior models.\u200b<\/li>\n
    • Detects real-time changes due to space weather events on Moon.\u200b\"\"<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong>What is a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)?<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • CME is an explosive burst of solar plasma and magnetic field from the Sun.\u200b<\/li>\n
      • Ejects billions of tons of material at high speeds; causes space weather disturbances.\u200b<\/li>\n
      • Powerful CMEs impact planets, disrupt satellite and lunar environments.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        What is the Lunar Exosphere?<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • The Moon\u2019s exosphere is its ultra-thin, outermost atmospheric layer.\u200b<\/li>\n
        • Composed of neutral atoms\/molecules (helium, argon, sodium) with very low densities.\u200b<\/li>\n
        • Created by solar wind, radiation, meteoroid impacts; sensitive to solar events like CME.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          What Did CHACE-2 Observe? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
          Observation<\/strong><\/td>\nExplanation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Pressure Increase<\/td>\nCME plasma impacted Moon, knocking off atoms, raising exospheric pressure\u00a0\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Higher Neutral Density<\/td>\nEnhanced release of neutral particles, confirmed by CHACE-2 readings\u00a0\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          Event Specifics<\/td>\nDirect effect on dayside exosphere, during CME passage, then returned to baseline\u00a0\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

          Why is this Observation Important?<\/strong><\/p>\n

          (1) Scientific Importance<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Empirical data on solar-lunar exosphere interaction, previously only theorized.\u200b<\/li>\n
          • Deepens understanding of planetary atmospheres\/exospheres affected by solar activity.\u200b<\/li>\n
          • Informs models for other bodies (Mercury, airless moons).\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            (2) Practical Importance<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Advance space weather forecasting for lunar missions.\u200b<\/li>\n
            • Helps in designing lunar habitats and shielding against radiation\/particle surges.\u200b<\/li>\n
            • Guides strategies for resource utilization during solar events.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              \u00a0<\/strong>Broader Implications for Future Lunar Bases<\/strong><\/p>\n

                \n
              • CME events can temporarily spike radiation and atmospheric particle density\u2014bases need real-time monitoring.\u200b<\/li>\n
              • Infrastructure (solar panels, antennas) must withstand periodic space weather surges.\u200b<\/li>\n
              • Sustainable lunar resource extraction must factor in episodic exospheric changes.\u200b<\/li>\n
              • Data supports planning for international, long-term lunar research and colonization efforts.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                \u00a0<\/strong>About CHACE-2 Payload (Table)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                Parameter<\/strong><\/td>\nDetail<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Instrument Type<\/td>\nQuadrupole Mass Spectrometer with pressure gauge\u00a0\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Mass Range<\/td>\n1\u2013300 atomic mass units (amu)\u00a0\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Objective<\/td>\nComposition, distribution, and variability study of the lunar exosphere\u00a0\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Operation Mode<\/td>\nContinuous, covering all orbital seasons\u00a0\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Key Capability<\/td>\nDetects neutral species; measures spatial\/temporal variation\u00a0\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Scientific Focus<\/td>\nExospheric mapping; solar-lunar interaction studies\u00a0\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                What is \u201cSpace Weather\u201d?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Space weather describes solar activity (CME, solar flares, solar wind) and its effect on planets and spacecraft.\u200b<\/li>\n
                • Causes: Solar eruptions (CME, flares), magnetic storms.\u200b<\/li>\n
                • Effects: Satellite operations, GPS, power grids, astronaut safety\u2014all can be disrupted.\u200b<\/li>\n
                • The Moon, lacking a magnetic field, is especially exposed to space weather<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  \u00a0<\/strong>Conclusion<\/strong>: This landmark finding by Chandrayaan-2 highlights India\u2019s expanding role in lunar science and advances knowledge of how solar storms impact the Moon. It lays a foundation for safer lunar missions and a deeper understanding of space weather\u2014crucial for future permanent lunar settlements.<\/p>\n

                  <\/h2>\n

                  2. Fire in the sky<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                  GS paper-II -Environment and Ecology<\/p>\n

                  Context: <\/strong>The Supreme Court of India recently permitted the use of green crackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali 2025, relaxing a previous ban due to air pollution and public health concerns. This marks a policy shift to balance cultural traditions with environmental priorities.<\/p>\n

                  \u00a0<\/strong>Background<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • On Oct 15, 2025, the Supreme Court permitted NEERI-certified green cracker sales in Delhi-NCR from Oct 18-21, at notified locations only.\u200b<\/li>\n
                  • Bursting restricted to open spaces on Oct 19-20, 6-7 AM and 8-10 PM; QR codes required, licences suspended for fakes\/smuggling.\u200b<\/li>\n
                  • CPCB and State PCBs monitor AQI daily; water sampling checks for pollutant traces.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    \u00a0<\/strong>Why Important?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Delhi-NCR has severe winter pollution; firecrackers worsen respiratory health risks and disrupt daily life.\u200b<\/li>\n
                    • Supports livelihoods in the firecracker industry (Delhi-NCR forms 70% of demand) while curbing emissions; green crackers emit 20-30% less PM than traditional.\u200b<\/li>\n
                    • Enforcement remains challenging as bans often lead to smuggling and illegal use.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      \u00a0<\/strong>Supreme Court\u2019s Position (2025 Order)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • Temporary relaxation as a balanced approach to uphold Diwali celebration yet safeguard clean air rights, per CJI Gavai.\u200b<\/li>\n
                      • Only CSIR-NEERI and PESO-approved green crackers allowed; banned chemicals strictly prohibited.\u200b<\/li>\n
                      • Real-time AQI tracking, strict location-wise monitoring; sales revoked if pollution spikes.\u200b<\/li>\n
                      • Reverses July 2025 blanket ban, based on economic and practical impacts.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        \u00a0<\/strong>What Are Green Crackers?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Eco-friendly fireworks by CSIR-NEERI; reduce PM, SO2, NO2 by 20-30%, cap noise at 125 dB.<\/li>\n
                        • Features: smaller shell, no ash, dust suppressants, water vapor emission, QR for authenticity.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                          Parameter<\/strong><\/td>\nConventional Firecrackers<\/strong><\/td>\nGreen Crackers<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          Composition<\/td>\nBarium nitrate, chlorate, metals<\/td>\nSafe oxidizers, water vapor, no barium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          Emissions<\/td>\nHigh PM, SO2, NO2, ash<\/td>\n20-30% less PM, SO2, NO2, minimal ash<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          Noise<\/td>\nUp to 160 dB<\/td>\n110-125 dB<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          Shell Size<\/td>\nLarge, more material<\/td>\n30% smaller<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          Environmental<\/td>\nSignificant pollution, health impacts<\/td>\nCleaner, lesser harm, but not zero-emission<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          Approval<\/td>\nUnregulated<\/td>\nCSIR-NEERI certified, QR traceability<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                          The Pollution Challenge: Why This Matters?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • Post-Diwali AQI often in “severe” zone (300+); pollutants trapped via winter inversions cause respiratory illness spikes.\u200b<\/li>\n
                          • Firecrackers cause a sharp, short-term PM spike (~10-15%), but amplify risks for vulnerable populations.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            \u00a0<\/strong>Major Pollution Sources in Delhi-NCR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                            Source<\/strong><\/td>\nContribution (Approx.)<\/strong><\/td>\nPeriod\/Impact<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Vehicles<\/td>\n39-51%<\/td>\nYear-round; peak in winter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Road Dust<\/td>\n20-38%<\/td>\nConstruction boom, dry seasons<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Industries<\/td>\n25-44%<\/td>\nOngoing, higher in NCR<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Stubble Burning<\/td>\n7-35%<\/td>\nOct-Nov, episodic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Biomass\/Waste Burning<\/td>\n10-24%<\/td>\nWinter, festivals<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Secondary Aerosols<\/td>\n25-35%<\/td>\nYear-round, enhanced by stagnant air<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Firecrackers<\/td>\n~10-15% (seasonal spike)<\/td>\nFestival days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                            Scientific Insight<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Pollution is multi-source; meteorology amplifies winter effects 2-3x.\u200b<\/li>\n
                            • Green cracker technologies (SWAS, STAR) cut PM by 20-30%, but are not emission-free.\u200b<\/li>\n
                            • Historical data: extended rains, GRAP-like interventions can reduce AQI substantially.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              \u00a0<\/strong>The Balancing Act vs. Environment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                              Dimension<\/strong><\/td>\nExplanation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                              Cultural<\/td>\nDiwali crackers symbolize tradition, support 5 lakh jobs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                              Environmental<\/td>\nSpikes AQI; green crackers cut effects, but need robust enforcement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                              Economic<\/td>\n\u20b96,000 crore industry; bans hurt, green shift creates jobs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                              Social\/Health<\/td>\nFestivals boost morale but raise ER visits; awareness promoted<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                              Policy<\/td>\nCourts move from ban to regulated use, per SDG 13, for sustainability<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                              The Way Forward<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • Comprehensive Air Quality Mgmt: Strict GRAP enforcement, regional coordination, daily AQI dashboard.\u200b<\/li>\n
                              • Promote Awareness: Campaigns, “Green Delhi” app, community eco-zones, school outreach.<\/li>\n
                              • Technological Shift: Scale up green cracker production, QR traceability, AI monitoring, EV infra.<\/li>\n
                              • Long-Term Reforms: Clean fuels, 50% EV target by 2030, mechanical sweeping, strict construction norms.<\/li>\n
                              • Judicial Prudence: Favor science-based annual reviews over festival-time bans.<\/li>\n
                              • Ethical Environmentalism: Move to responsible celebration, virtual events, sync with SDG 13 goals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                 <\/p>\n

                                3. FAO Celebrates 80 Years of Partnership with India on World Food Day 2025<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                                CONTEXT: <\/strong>On\u00a0World Food Day 2025 (October 16), the\u00a0Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)\u00a0of the UN and the\u00a0Government of India\u00a0celebrated\u00a080 years of partnership\u00a0in New Delhi.\u200b<\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • The event, themed\u00a0\u201cHand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,\u201d\u00a0marked FAO’s global 80th anniversary celebration.\u200b\u200b<\/li>\n
                                • The partnership highlights India\u2019s transformation from a food-deficient country to a\u00a0global food-secure and surplus producer, contributing significantly to\u00a0global nutrition and agricultural sustainability.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  \u00a0<\/strong>Key Highlights of the Event<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  • Speaker:\u00a0Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary (Agriculture & Farmers Welfare), delivered the keynote address.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                  • Acknowledgments:\u00a0FAO\u2019s technical support in India\u2019s self-sufficiency in food grains, crop diversification, and climate-resilient agriculture.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                  • Public Stockholding & MSP:\u00a0Recognized FAO\u2019s role in strengthening\u00a0food security systems\u00a0(MSP, NFSA, and public distribution) that ensure access for 800+ million Indians.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                  • Launch Highlight:\u00a0FAO released a coffee table book titled\u00a0\u201cSowing Hope, Harvesting Success\u201d\u00a0chronicling 80 years of India\u2013FAO collaboration.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                    \u00a0<\/strong>Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    • Marks a\u00a0milestone in global food governance, showcasing how\u00a0international partnerships drive local transformation.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                    • Reinforces India\u2019s role in\u00a0achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)\u00a0through nutrition-sensitive, sustainable, and digital agriculture (AgriStack, natural farming).\u200b<\/li>\n
                                    • Illustrates FAO\u2019s evolving collaboration with India in climate adaptation, rural livelihoods, and agri-food innovation.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                       <\/p>\n

                                      4. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                                      \u00a0<\/strong>What is GRAP?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      • Statutory framework for air pollution control in Delhi-NCR.\u200b\"\"<\/li>\n
                                      • Specifies progressive, stage-wise interventions as air quality deteriorates.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                      • First adopted in 2017 by Supreme Court directive; revised by CAQM in 2024.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                        \u00a0<\/strong>Aim: <\/strong>Establish graded, preemptive action to manage worsening pollution, based on AQI levels and weather forecasts.\u200b<\/p>\n

                                        \u00a0<\/strong>Stages and Criteria<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                                        Stage<\/strong><\/td>\nCategory<\/strong><\/td>\nAQI Range<\/strong><\/td>\nKey Actions<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                        I<\/td>\nPoor<\/td>\n201\u2013300<\/td>\nDust control, stop garbage burning, vehicle norms<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                        II<\/td>\nVery Poor<\/td>\n301\u2013400<\/td>\nMechanical sweeping, regulate DG sets, halt coal\/firewood use<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                        III<\/td>\nSevere<\/td>\n401\u2013450<\/td>\nRestrict BS-III\/IV vehicles, construction bans<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                        IV<\/td>\nSevere +<\/td>\nAbove 450<\/td>\nBan truck entry, halt C&D projects, WFH orders<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                                        Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        • Dynamic Implementation: Measures activated as AQI worsens or forecasts show impending pollution peaks.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                        • Cumulative Measures: Higher stages add restrictions but retain previous stage actions.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                        • Multi-agency Coordination: CAQM leads implementation; CPCB, SPCB, Urban Local Bodies, Traffic Police involved.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                        • Predictive Enforcement: Actions start before AQI reaches trigger levels, to prevent emergencies.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                          \u00a0<\/strong>Context: Stage II Invoked<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          • CAQM invoked Stage II measures as Delhi AQI crossed 300 (\u201cvery poor\u201d air).\u200b<\/li>\n
                                          • Actions include mechanical sweeping, tighter monitoring of construction and demolition (C&D), and regulating generator use.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                          • All prior Stage I actions (dust control, vehicle norms, etc.) continue alongside.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                          • Coordinated response aims to avoid escalation to “severe” (Stage III) and “severe+” (Stage IV) pollution emergencies.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                            \u00a0<\/strong>Related Agencies and Legislation<\/strong><\/p>\n