TLDR;
This YouTube video by SSC Wallah covers current affairs as of October 18th, focusing on important news and events. The session includes discussions on a newly discovered active volcano in Iran, global recognition for Sundarban's aquaculture model, a naval exercise between India and Indonesia, India's gift of Prussian Blue Capsules to Indonesia, and Uruguay's legalization of euthanasia. Additionally, the video touches upon the discovery of new dragonfly species in Silent Valley National Park, the changing status of the Indian Wolf by the IUCN, and the appointment of Vivek Menon as the chairperson of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. The session concludes with updates on the National Nutrition Month and the Senior Women National Football Championship, along with a brief on a trade deal between India and Brazil.
- Taftan Volcano in Iran becoming active after 700,000 years.
- Sundarban's aquaculture model receives global recognition from FAO.
- Samudra Shakti 2025, a naval exercise between India and Indonesia, held in Visakhapatnam.
- India gifts Prussian Blue Capsules to Indonesia to control radioactive particles.
- Uruguay legalizes euthanasia.
- Six new dragonfly species discovered in Silent Valley National Park.
- IUCN changes the status of the Indian Wolf.
- Vivek Menon appointed as chairperson of the IUCN Species Survival Commission.
- Closing ceremony of the 8th National Nutrition Month organized in Dehradun.
- Manipur wins the 38th Senior Women National Football Championship.
- India and Brazil sign a Preferential Trade deal.
Introduction [0:10]
The session begins with a warm greeting to all viewers on the SSC Wallah YouTube channel. The host acknowledges that many viewers might be on leave due to Dhanteras but emphasizes the importance of covering current affairs daily to avoid any gaps. The host mentions that the revision part, usually included after every news item, will be skipped to ensure the class ends on time, allowing viewers to spend time with their families. He also reminds everyone about a mandatory session at 11:00 am, where a booking and special offer will be available for that day only.
Taftan Volcano in Iran [3:51]
A recent study reveals that the Taftan Volcano in Iran is becoming active after approximately 700,000 years. Located in Iran, this active volcano lies on the Makran Continental belt, about 56 km from Pakistan. It is classified as a strato volcano, standing at an altitude of 12,979 feet. The Taftan Volcano is the only volcano in Iran, situated near places like Ramsar and Tehran. Iran is bordered by the Caspian Sea to the north and the Persian Gulf to the south. Stratovolcanoes are cone-shaped, similar to an ice cream cone. In India, Barren Island recently became active, and mud volcanoes have also been observed.
Global Recognition for Sundarban's Aquaculture Model [7:51]
The Sundarban area in West Bengal has received the Global Technical Recognition Award from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). FAO, operating under the UN, was established on October 16, 1945, with its headquarters in Rome. The award was given in connection with World Food Day on October 16th. The recognition is for Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems, a model known as Syme. The Syme program focuses on mangrove forests, which are crucial for sinking carbon. The initiative aims to double farmers' income by using mangroves as natural fodder and increasing the production and export of items like shrimp and prawns. The Sundarban area, also a UNESCO site since 1987 and a Ramsar site since 2019, is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and Ganga Sagar Island, where the Ganga Sagar Mela is organized.
Samudra Shakti 2025 Naval Exercise [13:21]
The Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy are conducting the fifth edition of the Samudra Shakti 2025 exercise in Visakhapatnam, India. This naval exercise, which began in 2018, is part of India's Act East Policy. The fourth edition took place in the South China Sea in 2023. The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kabaratti, a Komota-class vessel and part of Project 28, is participating in the exercise, which focuses on anti-submarine, anti-ship, and anti-drone warfare. The INS Kabaratti, named after the capital of Lakshadweep, was developed by Goa Shipyard. The exercise is scheduled from October 14th to 17th. Other exercises between India and Indonesia include Garuda Shakti and IAD Indo Combat Exercise.
India's Gift of Prussian Blue Capsules to Indonesia [18:53]
India has gifted Prussian Blue Capsules to Indonesia to help control radioactive particles found on Sumatra Island. These particles are CCM 137, a radioactive substance. The Indian Embassy in Jakarta made the announcement, as Indonesia lacked the means to control the emission of CCM 137. The capsules will help control the spread of these particles. The Indian embassy in Afghanistan, which was closed in 2021 during the Taliban rule, has been reopened.
Uruguay Legalizes Euthanasia [22:14]
Uruguay has legalized euthanasia, making it no longer a crime. Located in South America, with its capital in Montebidio, Uruguay's Senate passed a bill decriminalizing euthanasia. Euthanasia is voluntary death, which can be active or passive. Active euthanasia involves directly causing death, while passive euthanasia involves removing life support. In India, passive euthanasia is allowed under specific criteria, following the Aruna Shan Bagh case in 2011, with guidelines established by 2018. Uruguay shares borders with Argentina and Brazil and features Pampas Grassland vegetation.
Discovery of New Dragonfly Species in Silent Valley National Park [28:57]
Scientists have discovered six new species of dragonflies in Silent Valley National Park, Kerala, bringing the total number of species to 109. The survey, conducted between October 10th and 12th, revealed that these new dragonflies have notably long legs. Silent Valley National Park, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is an evergreen forest area. The Kuntifuja River flows through the park. Dragonflies, also known as Odonates, serve as indicators of ecosystem health.
IUCN Changes Status of Indian Wolf [33:28]
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has changed the status of the Indian Wolf. Formed in 1948, with headquarters in England, the IUCN recently held a meeting in the UAE, where awards were given to the Director of Kaziranga National Park. The Indian Wolf population has declined to about 3,000 due to habitat loss. These wolves, found in India and Pakistan (with only 10-20 in Pakistan), are among the oldest wolf species. The IUCN has moved the Indian Wolf from "vulnerable" to "endangered" status.
Vivek Menon Appointed as Chairperson of IUCN Species Survival Commission [37:01]
Vivek Menon has been appointed as the new chairperson of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), succeeding John Paul. The SSC, formed in 1949, collects data on different species. Menon is the first Asian to hold this position in the IUCN. He is also the founder of the Wildlife Trust of India, established in 1998 and headquartered in Noida.
Closing Ceremony of 8th National Nutrition Month [39:45]
The closing ceremony of the 8th National Nutrition Month is being organized in Dehradun. Celebrated in September, the National Nutrition Month focuses on women and girl children, aiming to provide them with proper nutrition. The theme is "Eat Right for a Better Life."
Manipur Wins 38th Senior Women National Football Championship [40:47]
Manipur has won the 38th Senior Women National Football Championship, also known as the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy, defeating West Bengal 1-0. This marks Manipur's 23rd time winning the trophy. The championship was hosted in Chhattisgarh.
India and Brazil Sign Preferential Trade Deal [42:44]
India and Brazil have signed a Preferential Trade deal with the Mercosur Group, a South American trade bloc that includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia (excluding Venezuela). The deal, initially signed in 2004, aims to promote free trade between India and Brazil. The current President of Brazil is Lula da Silva.
One-Liners: Recent Deaths and ICC Player of the Month [44:28]
The session concludes with one-liners, including the recent death of singer Rabu Bala Saheb. Additionally, Abhishek Sharma has been named the ICC Player of the Month for September 2025, and Memory Loss has been awarded the ICC Women's Player of the Month for September 2025. The host assigns a homework task for viewers to complete in the comment section and expresses gratitude for the birthday wishes. He reminds everyone about the 11:00 am session for a book review and shares that class PDFs and handwritten notes will be available on Twitter.