ENVIRONMENT

• A rare sighting of a striped hyena (katte kiruba) was recorded at Kali Tiger Reserve, Karnataka, by forest officials. The individual may have strayed from Dharwad forests, as hyenas are uncommon in the Western Ghats. Officials are monitoring via camera traps and sightings to collect data. Kali’s semi-evergreen forests are atypical hyena habitats. The sighting is significant for biodiversity monitoring, potential range expansion, and understanding predator-prey dynamics in the Western Ghats.
• Birdwatchers recorded the first-ever sighting of the Indian Scops-Owl (Otus bakkamoena) near the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Karnataka. This nocturnal, insect-eating owl, found in forests and scrublands across India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Iran, has a stocky body, round head, and bright yellow eyes. Though IUCN-listed as Least Concern, its reliance on forested habitats makes it vulnerable. The sighting highlights the sanctuary’s biodiversity significance and emphasizes habitat conservation for lesser-known species.
• For the first time, mosquitoes have been reported in Iceland, previously one of the only mosquito-free regions alongside Antarctica. Citizen scientist Björn Hjaltason discovered the species Culiseta annulata on October 16, 2025, confirmed by the Icelandic Institute of Natural History. The invasion is attributed to climate change and human-mediated transport. Implications include potential mosquito-borne diseases and ecological disruption, as rising temperatures allow cold-tolerant mosquitoes to survive and adapt in previously inhospitable habitats.
• The National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), through the National Critical Minerals Stockpile (NCMS), aims to secure rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical minerals vital for green technologies. India seeks to reduce dependence on China, maintain a two-month reserve, and support domestic REE processing and magnet production. Led by the Ministry of Mines with public-private participation, NCMS strengthens strategic autonomy, mitigates supply chain risks, and underpins the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
• On October 10, 2025, the Supreme Court directed Jharkhand to notify 314 sq km of Saranda as a wildlife sanctuary. Saranda, West Singhbhum, is a biodiversity hotspot with Sal forests, elephants, sloth bears, and elephant corridors. The case stems from a plea seeking NGT’s 2022 eco-sensitive zone directive. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, pre-existing sanctuaries are deemed valid. The move balances ecological conservation, tribal rights, and mining regulation under judicial oversight.

SCIENCE

• Fiji recently became the 26th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, marking a key milestone against neglected tropical diseases. Trachoma, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, spreads via contact with eye, nose, or throat secretions and thrives in areas with poor sanitation. Early symptoms include red eyes, swollen eyelids, blurred vision, and if untreated, can cause blindness. The WHO’s SAFE strategy—Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement—has been central to its elimination.
• Google Quantum AI’s Willow chip has achieved the world’s first verifiable quantum advantage, performing computations 13,000 times faster than classical supercomputers using the Quantum Echoes (OTOC) algorithm. This breakthrough enables replicable, experimentally verified results, bridging theory with practical application. Willow’s capabilities promise advances in drug discovery, materials science, and molecular simulations, marking a transition from theoretical quantum supremacy to practical, real-world applications, recognized globally through publication in Nature.
• The Maldives has become the first country globally validated by the WHO to eliminate mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis. This “triple elimination” prevents newborn infections, reduces infant mortality, and demonstrates effective maternal health strategies. Key measures include universal antenatal care, routine screening, timely treatment, newborn vaccination, and healthcare capacity building. Maldives’ achievement exemplifies how political will and strong healthcare systems can eradicate MTCT, serving as a model for other nations.

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS

• President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Mahasamadhi centenary of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt, honoring his legacy of social reform and equality. Born in 1856 in Kerala, Guru challenged caste discrimination, promoted non-violence, spiritual freedom, and the philosophy of “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind.” He led temple reforms, founded SNDP Yogam and Sivagiri Math, supported Vaikom Satyagraha, and authored works emphasizing Advaita Vedanta and social upliftment.
• The WHO Global Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance Report 2025 highlights antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a major public health threat, with 1 in 6 bacterial infections resistant to at least one antibiotic. Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter spp. show high resistance. South-East Asia and Africa face disproportionate burdens. WHO recommends strengthening surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, R&D of new antibiotics, responsible use, and a One Health approach to reduce AMR-related deaths by 10% by 2030.