Daily Insights November 13, 2025

Daily Insights November 13, 2025

1. PM Modi Inaugurates Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan

Source: PIB

Key Points:
– 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project inaugurated jointly by PM Modi and Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on November 11, 2025
– Increases Bhutan’s power generation capacity by 40%
– Project jointly developed under India-Bhutan energy partnership; electricity export to India commenced
– Resumption of work agreed on 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I project
– India announced concessional Line of Credit of Rs 40 billion for energy projects in Bhutan
– MoU signed on renewable energy cooperation (solar, wind, biomass, green hydrogen, energy storage)

UPSC Relevance: Foreign relations, Infrastructure development, Energy sector cooperation, Regional diplomacy, Hydropower development

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2. National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM): India Poised for 10% Global Green Hydrogen Demand

Source: PIB

Key Points:
– India on track to capture 10% of global green hydrogen demand by 2030
– NGHM launched January 2023 with Rs 19,744 crore outlay until 2029-30
– 19 companies allocated 862,000 tonnes annual green hydrogen production capacity; 15 firms awarded 3000 MW electrolyser manufacturing
– World’s lowest green ammonia price: Rs 49.75/kg for 7.24 lakh MTPA production
– Four Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters: Jodhpur, Pune, Bhubaneswar, Kerala (Rs 485 crore investment)
– Expected to create 6 lakh jobs, reduce fossil imports by Rs 1 lakh crore, avoid 50 MMT GHG emissions annually by 2030

UPSC Relevance: Clean energy transition, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Sustainable development, Industrial policy, Job creation

3. India’s First Indigenous Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM) Unveiled

Source: PIB

Key Points:
– P-Quest Group (IIT Bombay) developed India’s first indigenous Quantum Diamond Microscope under National Quantum Mission
– QDM enables 3D magnetic field imaging at nanoscale using nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond
– Applications: neuroscience research, materials research, non-destructive semiconductor chip evaluation, 3D magnetic mapping
– Announced at ESTIC 2025 in presence of Dr. Jitendra Singh (Science & Technology Minister)
– India’s first patent in quantum diamond microscopy domain
– Aligned with National Quantum Mission objectives

UPSC Relevance: Science & Technology, Quantum technology, Research & innovation, Self-reliance, Patent development

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4. CSIR and NICDC Partner to Drive Innovation Across Industrial Corridors

Source: PIB

Key Points:
– Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) signed MoU on November 12, 2025
– Framework for leveraging CSIR’s R&D expertise across industrial corridors
– Establishes R&D hubs, industrial incubators, innovation centers in smart cities
– Priority sectors: automation, biotechnology, renewable energy, advanced materials, digital manufacturing, aerospace, chemicals, pharmaceuticals
– Strengthens Make in India, Startup India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives
– Fosters self-reliant, innovation-led industrial ecosystems

UPSC Relevance: Industrial policy, Make in India, Startup ecosystem, Government initiatives, Aatmanirbhar Bharat

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5. Delhi Air Quality Hits Severe Category: AQI Reaches 428

Source: The Indian Express

Key Points:
– Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to ‘Severe’ on November 11-12, 2025; AQI reached 428 (worst in 11 months)
– Visibility dropped to 600-700 meters; dense morning smog blanketed NCR
– Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III enforced across Delhi-NCR
– Restrictions: C&D activities banned; BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles restricted
– Non-essential diesel goods vehicles banned from entering Delhi
– Schools up to Class V shifted to hybrid mode
– Causes: calm winds, low temperatures trapping pollutants

UPSC Relevance: Environmental pollution, Climate change, Air quality management, Urban governance, Environmental regulations

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6. Delhi Jal Board Partners with IIT Kanpur for AI-Driven Water Management

Source: The Indian Express

Key Points:
– Delhi Jal Board (DJB) signed MoU with IIT Kanpur’s Airawat Research Foundation (ARF) on November 12, 2025
– Non-financial, non-binding collaboration for AI-driven urban water management (first in India)
– Focus areas: non-revenue water reduction, predictive infrastructure maintenance, real-time monitoring
– AI-based grievance redressal system for faster complaint resolution
– AI-driven revenue management for billing accuracy improvement
– Clean Yamuna Mission support through AI-based pollution monitoring
– Groundwater Digital Twin for real-time aquifer monitoring

UPSC Relevance: Urban governance, Technology in governance, Environmental protection, Digital India, Water resource management

7. Red Fort Car Blast Investigation: DNA Confirms Dr. Umar Nabi Drove Explosive Vehicle

Source: The Indian Express

Key Points:
– Car explosion near Delhi Red Fort on November 10, 2025; death toll reached 13
– DNA test confirmed Dr. Umar Nabi (Pulwama-based doctor) drove Hyundai i20 that exploded
– Vehicle carried ammonium nitrate explosives
– NIA took over investigation; case registered under UAPA
– Blast linked to terror module; connections to Al-Falah University in Faridabad
– Doctors from university arrested; evidence of weapons and explosives recovered
– “White-collar terrorist” profile: employed, educated individuals radicalized

UPSC Relevance: National security, Counter-terrorism, Internal security, Law enforcement, Criminal investigation

8. India Ranks 9th in Global Climate Risk Index for Climate Disasters (1995-2024)

Source: The Indian Express

Key Points:
– India ranked 9th globally for countries most affected by climate disasters (Germanwatch CRI 2026)
– Data span: 1995-2024; index presented at COP30 (Belem, Brazil)
– India experienced 430 extreme weather events; 80,000 deaths; 170 billion USD economic losses
– Major disasters: 1999 Odisha cyclone, 2013 Uttarakhand floods, 2020 Cyclone Amphan, recurring heat waves (50°C+)
– 1.3 billion people affected; recurring disasters limit recovery time
– Floods, cyclones, heat waves primary threats in coastal and river basin areas
– India’s ranking improved from 8th (2023) to 9th (2025) in this metric

UPSC Relevance: Climate change, Disaster management, Environmental degradation, Climate resilience, Development challenges

9. WHO Global TB Report 2025: India Accounts for 25% Global TB Cases

Source: The Indian Express

Key Points:
– India tops global TB burden with 25% of world’s TB cases (WHO Global TB Report 2025)
– TB incidence rate: 187 per 1 lakh population (improved from previous year)
– TB mortality: 21 per 1 lakh population (target: 77 cases per 100,000 by 2025)
– India accounts for 32% of global multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases
– Top 5 countries account for 55% global TB total: India, Indonesia, Philippines, China, Pakistan
– Top 8 countries account for 67% global TB burden
– Funding for TB response remains inadequate: 5.9 billion USD available vs. 22 billion USD target

UPSC Relevance: Public health, Healthcare policy, Communicable diseases, Development indicators, Health systems

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10. Fossil Fuels Endanger 2 Billion People Globally: Amnesty International & BPL Study

Source: Down to Earth

Key Points:
– Global study released at COP30: 2 billion people live within 5 km of fossil fuel infrastructure
– 520 million children exposed to harmful fossil fuel sites within 5 km radius
– 463 million living within 1 km face severe health and environmental risks
– 3,500 additional fossil fuel infrastructure sites proposed/under construction globally
– 135 million more people at risk from future expansion
– 32% of fossil fuel sites overlap with critical ecosystems
– Indigenous Peoples disproportionately exposed (16% of infrastructure on Indigenous territories)
– Health risks: cancer, cardiovascular disease, adverse reproductive outcomes

UPSC Relevance: Environmental degradation, Indigenous rights, Climate action, Global environmental governance, Health hazards

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11. Global Temperature Sets Record: 2025 Second or Third Warmest Year on Record

Source: Down to Earth

Key Points:
– 2025 projected to be second or third warmest year on record (WMO)
– Past 11 years (2015-2025): eleven warmest years in 176-year observational record
– Mean near-surface temperature Jan-Aug 2025: 1.42°C ± 0.12°C above pre-industrial average
– Greenhouse gas concentrations reached record levels; ocean heat content record-breaking
– Arctic sea-ice extent: lowest on record at 13.8 million km² (March 2025)
– Antarctic sea-ice extent: third lowest on record
– Global mean sea level rise accelerated: 4.1 mm/year (2016-2025) vs. 2.1 mm/year (1993-2002)
– Glaciers recorded largest mass loss since 1950: −1.3 m water equivalent

UPSC Relevance: Climate change, Environmental degradation, Polar regions, Sea-level rise, Global warming

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12. India’s Merchandise Exports Reach USD 8.49 Billion to 111 Markets (Apr-Sep 2025)

Source: PIB

Key Points:
– India’s merchandise exports to 111 markets: USD 8.49 billion (April-September 2025)
– Growth: 10% YoY increase; absolute growth USD 770.3 million vs. previous year USD 7.72 billion
– Export diversification: development of non-traditional markets
– Government focus: Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives
– Adaptation to global uncertainties despite tariff pressures
– Policy emphasis: export diversification, value addition, global market integration

UPSC Relevance: International trade, Export policy, Global commerce, Economic growth, External sector

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13. NIA Conducts Major Al-Qaeda Terror Conspiracy Case Raids Across 5 States

Source: The Indian Express

Key Points:
– NIA conducted raids across five states (Gujarat, West Bengal, and 3 others) in Al-Qaeda terror conspiracy case
– Case RC-19/2023/NIA/DLI registered June 2023 under UAPA, IPC, Foreigners Act
– Focus: illegal Bangladeshi immigrants involved in terror plotting
– Digital evidence and documents seized during operation
– Connects to broader Al-Qaeda networking in Indian subcontinent
– Investigation links to international terror organizations

UPSC Relevance: Counter-terrorism, National security, Immigration issues, Internal security, Law enforcement

14. Supreme Court Issues Directions on Delhi Air Pollution Control Measures

Source: Down to Earth

Key Points:
– Supreme Court (Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran) directed Commission for Air Quality Management and CPCB to file affidavit within one week
– Affidavit to outline steps preventing air pollution deterioration or severe levels
– Most air quality monitoring stations in Delhi remained closed during Diwali
– NGT also directed authorities on Katha River pollution (Yamuna tributary)
– NGT notice issued to National Mission for Clean Ganga, CPCB, groundwater authorities
– Multiple environmental agencies involved in response framework

UPSC Relevance: Environmental law, Judicial activism, Pollution control, Environmental governance, Constitutional framework

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15. UN Report: Global Cooling Demand to Triple by 2050, Emissions Reduction Urgent

Source: Down to Earth

Key Points:
– UN report highlights cooling demand projected to triple by 2050
– Sustainable Cooling Pathway could cut emissions 64% and save USD 43 trillion in avoided electricity/grid costs
– Global Cooling Pledge signed by 72 countries: commit to 68% emissions reduction by 2050
– Only 54 countries have comprehensive policies aligned with Sustainable Cooling Pathway
– Cities implementing nature-based solutions: green corridors, microparks for cooling/equity/health
– Sector represents growing climate adaptation challenge
– Issued ahead of COP30 climate negotiations

UPSC Relevance: Climate action, Energy efficiency, Sustainable development, Global environmental governance, Adaptation strategy

PIB

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