Daily Current Affairs — 22 October 2025
5 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
CAQM Invokes Stage-II of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Entire NCR
In News The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) as Delhi’s air quality slipped into the “Very Poor” category (AQI 301–400) ahead of winter. What is GRAP? Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR to control air pollution based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
Impact of a Coronal Mass Ejection on the Lunar Exosphere
Context The Chandrayaan-2 mission has made the first-ever observation of the effects of the Suns Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) on the Moon using its onboard scientific instruments. About the observation The finding was made by Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2 (CHACE-2), a payload onboard Chandrayaan-2’s orbiter. CHACE-2 recorded a sharp rise in total pressure and molecular density in the Moon’s sunlit exosphere.
Evolving Dimensions of Poverty in India
Context Economists from the RBI have updated the poverty line established by the Rangarajan Committee in 2014, for 20 major states of India using the latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23. What is a Poverty Line? A poverty line is a threshold level of income or consumption used to determine whether an individual or household is poor.
Lead Exposure: Major Public Health and Economic Threat
In News New study in Communications Earth Environment reveals that lead exposure remains a major public health and economic threat. About The estimated annual global cost from childhood lead exposure is $3.4 trillion, or over 2% of global GDP (2019), with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt due to informal recycling and weak regulations. Lead production is around 16 million tonnes/year, mainly used in batteries, paints, and consumer goods.
Japan Elects First Female Prime Minister
Context The Prime Minister extended congratulations to Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s newly-elected and first woman Prime Minister. Similarities and Differences between Indian and Japanese Political Systems Parliamentary System: India is a parliamentary republic, while Japan is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. In both systems, the Prime Minister is the real executive authority.