Daily Insights November 18, 2025

1. 45 Indian Pilgrims Killed in Saudi Arabia Bus-Tanker Collision

Source: The Hindu

Key Points:

• 45 Indian pilgrims (mostly from Hyderabad) killed when a bus from Mecca to Medina collided with a fuel tanker

• Only 1 survivor: 24-year-old Md Abdul Shoeb, who was seated with the driver

• 22 women and 11 children among the victims

• Fire spread rapidly after the collision around 1:30 AM IST, charring most passengers

• Group of 54 pilgrims had departed from Hyderabad on November 9

• Telangana government announced ₹5 lakh compensation per family

• PM Modi expressed condolences and embassy coordinating relief efforts

GS Paper: II (Consular relations, disaster management), IV (Ethics – Human tragedy)

2. The Lower Judiciary — Litigation, Pendency, Stagnation

Source: The Hindu

Key Points:

• India faces 4.6 crore pending cases, with 74.9% in High Courts and 63.1% in lower courts over 1 year old

• Judge-to-population ratio: 21 judges per million (recommended: 50 per million)

• Over 8.82 lakh execution petitions pending, causing litigants to wait years even after winning

• Causes: judicial staff shortages, procedural inefficiencies, outdated CPC/CrPC provisions, inadequate case management

• Higher courts must also ensure timely disposal; problem not solely with subordinate courts

• Needed: comprehensive reform including modern procedural frameworks, improved training, smart administrative design

• Enables reduction in litigation costs and encourages alternative dispute resolution

GS Paper: II (Functioning of judiciary, administration of justice), III (Legal reforms)

3. India Needs to ‘Connect, Build and Revive’ with Africa

Source: The Hindu

Key Points:

• Decade since India-Africa Forum Summit III (2015) brought together all 54 African nations

• India established 17 new diplomatic missions; trade surpassed $100 billion

• By 2050, one in four people on Earth will be African; India becoming world’s 3rd largest economy

• China still ahead in trade and investment; Indian companies hampered by limited financial scale and bureaucratic delays

• Strategic priorities: Connect finance to real outcomes; Build India-Africa digital corridor; Revive the IAFS mechanism

• Future sectors: green hydrogen, electric mobility, digital infrastructure for joint innovation

• Human connections through education, sports, culture are most enduring strength

GS Paper: II (India’s relations with African nations, foreign policy)

4. Trump’s Military Action Sparks Regional Alarm as Venezuela Braces for U.S. Moves

Key Points:

• Trump did not rule out military action against Venezuela, maintaining pressure on Nicolás Maduro

• USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group deployed to Caribbean for alleged “counter-drug operations”

• US preparing terrorist designation for Cartel de los Soles allegedly led by Maduro

• Maduro willing for dialogue but insists on diplomatic channels (“Talk, yes. Peace, yes. War, no”)

• Analysts note Trump administration negotiating from position of strength rather than seeking talks

• Previous agreements (2022-2024) foundered when Maduro claimed disputed 2024 election victory

• Unclear whether US seeks policy change, regime change, or resource control

• Mexico and Colombia also threatened with potential strikes for drug operations

GS Paper: II (International relations, geopolitics), III (Narco-trafficking)

5. Iran Proposes Cryptocurrency Strategy with BRICS to Bypass Sanctions

Key Points:

• Iran pushing cryptocurrency adoption to circumvent US and UN sanctions

• Renewed sanctions in August 2025 by France, UK, Germany over uranium enrichment (snapback mechanism)

• Iranian Parliament declared crypto settlements “required,” not optional for international trade

• SWIFT exclusion since decades; digital currencies proposed as payment system workaround

• deBlock Summit (Iran’s first government-backed blockchain conference) marked strategic shift

• Parliament committed to attracting investment in digital currency sector and blockchain initiatives

• Challenge: Central Bank maintains sole oversight; restrictions prevent Rial-to-crypto conversion on local platforms

• Debate over subsidized electricity rates for mining operations vs. residential users

GS Paper: II (International relations, sanctions regimes), III (Digital currency, financial systems)

6. e-Jagriti Platform Revolutionizes Consumer Justice

Source: PIB 

Key Points:

• Digital grievance-redressal platform of Department of Consumer Affairs launched January 1, 2025

• Over 2.75 lakh users registered (including 1,388 NRIs) within 11 months

• 1,30,550 case filings; 1,27,058 cases disposed (high disposal efficiency)

• NRI complaints: 466 filed (USA: 146, UK: 52, UAE: 47, Canada: 39, Australia: 26, Germany: 18)

• Features: OTP-based registration, virtual hearings, real-time case tracking, multilingual interface

• AI-powered, includes voice-to-text for elderly and visually impaired users

• Integrates legacy systems (OCMS, e-Daakhil, NCDRC CMS) into single portal

• Promotes paperless, contactless, efficient justice; 2 lakh SMS alerts and 12 lakh email notifications sent

• Reflects government’s citizen-centric, tech-driven governance for inclusive consumer protection

GS Paper: II (Citizen grievance systems, justice delivery), III (Digital governance, e-justice)

7. India’s Trade Deficit Hits Record ₹41.68 Billion in October 2025

Key Points:

• Trade deficit widened to record $41.68 billion in October 2025 (vs. $26.23 billion YoY, $32.15 billion in September)

• Far exceeded market expectations of $29.4 billion

• Imports jumped 16.6% to all-time high of $76.06 billion, driven by 200% surge in gold purchases

• Gold imports: $14.72 billion (October 2025) vs. $4.92 billion (October 2024)

• Exports contracted 11.8% to $34.38 billion (14-month low) due to high base effect and tariffs

• US exports fell 8.6% due to Trump tariffs; exports to other regions fell 12.5%

• Services exports: $38.52 billion (11.9% growth); services trade surplus: $19.88 billion

• Forecast: Trade deficit expected to cool in Nov-Dec 2025; current account deficit widening to 2.4-2.5% of GDP in Q3 FY26

GS Paper: III (External trade, balance of payments, monetary policy)

8. India’s First Quantum Diamond Microscope Unveiled

Key Points:

• India developed first indigenous Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM) by P-Quest Group at IIT Bombay

• Announced at ESTIC 2025; led by Prof. Kasturi Saha; aligned with National Quantum Mission

• Technology: Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond with robust quantum coherence at room temperature

• Application: 3D magnetic field imaging at nanoscale via optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR)

• Potential uses: neuroscience, materials research, non-destructive semiconductor chip diagnostics

• Solves problem of visualizing buried magnetic paths in complex 3D chip architectures and cryogenic processors

• India’s first patent in quantum diamond microscopy domain

• Future integration: AI/ML-based computational imaging for chip diagnostics, biological imaging, geological studies

GS Paper: III (Scientific research, indigenous technology development, quantum mission)

9. Researchers Study Rare Dolphin-Fisher Cooperation in Ashtamudi Lake

Key Points:

• International collaborative research began November 16 at Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala

• Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) and traditional fishermen engage in cooperative hunting

• Dolphins chase fish toward shore; fishermen time net casting to coordinate with dolphin movements

• Mutual benefit: improved catches for fishermen; better foraging success for dolphins hunting mullet

• Research team: Prof. A Biju Kumar (University of Kerala), Mauricio Cantor (Oregon State), Damien Farine (ANU), Fabio Jorge (UFSC Brazil), Dipani Sutaria (Dakshin Foundation)

• First comparative study across three continents (India, Brazil, Myanmar) on human-animal cooperation

• Methods: photo/video documentation, behavioral observations, interviews with fishers, hydrophones, sonars

• Non-invasive protocol; no animals captured, handled, or disturbed

• Ashtamudi Estuary recognized as globally significant site; recognized Ramsar Site in 2002

GS Paper: III (Wildlife conservation, human-animal cooperation, marine ecosystems), I (World geographical features)

10. India Misses 2025 TB Elimination Target Despite Progress

Source: https://studyiq.com/blogs/global-tb-report-2025

Key Points:

• Global TB Report 2025 released by WHO on November 12, 2025

• India recorded 27.1 lakh TB cases and 3+ lakh deaths in 2024

• 2015-2024 achievements: 21% reduction in TB incidence, 28% reduction in deaths (below 50% and 75% targets)

• Treatment coverage improved to 92% in 2024 (from 53% in 2015)

• India has established 9,391 rapid molecular labs and 107 culture/DST labs (world’s largest TB diagnostic network)

• Challenges: Drug-resistant TB, healthcare gaps, social stigma, limited private sector engagement

• National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) aimed for 2025 goal (5 years ahead of global 2030 target)

• Initiatives: Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (Ni-kshay Mitras support), Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana

• Way forward: Strengthen prevention, improve private sector participation, address social determinants

GS Paper: III (Public health, TB elimination, healthcare infrastructure)

11. Vietnam Floods Claim 35+ Lives; Climate Change Blamed

Key Points:

• Series of storms in 2025 (Ragasa, Bualoi, Matmo, Kalmaegi) caused record devastation

• 35+ deaths; extreme weather cost Vietnam estimated $1.4 billion in 2025

• Climate change driving heavier rainfall, warmer ocean temperatures (0.9°C above pre-industrial), more intense typhoons

• Vietnam normally faces 12 storms/year; 2025 cluster described as “clear signal” of global warming

• Nearly 19% of Vietnam’s population (18 million) lives in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on vulnerable river deltas

• 75% of Hanoi at risk of flooding; urban infrastructure overwhelmed; colonial-era drainage system inadequate

• Lost 285 soccer field-areas of water bodies between 2015-2020 due to development

• Adaptation measures: $6+ billion committed through 2030 for early warning, “sponge city” design, community relocation

• Nature-based solutions gaining traction: green spaces, permeable surfaces, restored wetlands

GS Paper: I (Climate change, natural disasters, geographical impacts), III (Disaster management, climate adaptation)

12. India’s Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) – 2nd Tranche Approved

Key Points:

• 2nd tranche: 17 projects approved with ₹7,172 crore investment across 9 states and UTs

• Total cumulative production: ₹65,111 crore; direct employment: 11,808 jobs

• Components include: optical transceivers (SFP), oscillators, precision enclosures for laptops/smartwatches, PCBs, connectors

• Serves sectors: smartphones, IT hardware, wearables, telecom, EVs, industrial electronics, defense, medical electronics, renewable energy

• With 1st tranche: 24 total projects approved; investment commitments: ₹1,15,351 crore (double original target)

• Expected production value: ₹10,34,751 crore over 6 years (2.2× initial projection)

• Goal: India’s electronics sector to reach $500 billion manufacturing value by 2030-31

• Focus: Developing design teams, achieving Six Sigma quality, promoting “Swadeshi” in manufacturing

• Position India as trusted global manufacturing hub for electronics; reduce import dependence

GS Paper: III (Make in India, industrial policy, government schemes)

13. India Signs Historic LPG Import Deal with US

Key Points:

• First-ever structured LPG import agreement between India and US finalized for 2026

• Quantity: 2.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) representing ~10% of India’s annual LPG imports

• Signed by IOC, BPCL, and HPCL; benchmarked to Mont Belvieu (US pricing hub)

• Described as “historic” by Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri

• Strategic rationale: Diversify sourcing beyond West Asia; improve supply stability; hedge against price spikes

• Context: India is world’s 2nd largest LPG consumer; Ujjwala Yojana drives household adoption

• Current situation: India imports 50%+ of LPG needs; last year prices surged 60%

• Government absorption: Rs. 40,000+ crore spent in 2024-25 keeping Ujjwala cylinder prices at ₹500-550 while actual cost ₹1,100

• Strengthens India-US energy cooperation; potential for longer-term contracts

• Reduces supply-chain risk and adds pricing stability

GS Paper: III (Energy security, strategic partnerships, infrastructure), II (India-US bilateral relations)

14. India’s Inflation Hits Record Low of 0.25% in October 2025

Key Points:

• CPI inflation fell to 0.25% in October 2025 (lowest in current CPI series since 2013)

• Decrease of 119 basis points from September 2025 (1.44%)

• Food inflation: -5.02% (deflation); Rural: -4.85%, Urban: -5.18%

• 9th consecutive month inflation below RBI’s 4% target; 3rd month below 2% tolerance floor

• Sharp drop from 6.21% in October 2024 to nearly zero year-on-year

• Signals: Ultra-low inflation reflects weak consumer demand; consumers postponing purchases expecting further price declines

• Risk: Could slip into deflation—prices falling continuously due to weak demand

• When consumers stop buying, tax collections drop, businesses lose revenue—creating vicious slowdown

• RBI’s comfort band: 2-6%, with 4% target; current level well below range indicates demand slowdown

• Next release: December 12, 2025

GS Paper: III (Monetary policy, inflation dynamics, RBI mandate, economic slowdown indicators)

15. Red Fort Attack Confirmed as Suicide Bombing; NIA Arrests Accomplice

Key Points:

• NIA confirmed Red Fort (November 10) attack was suicide bombing—Delhi’s first car bomb suicide attack

• Bomber: Dr. Umar-un-Nabi (assistant professor at Al-Falah University, Faridabad)

• Casualty: 13+ killed, 28+ injured near iconic Red Fort (major tourist hub in Old Delhi)

• Arrested accomplice: Kashmir resident in whose name the i20 car was registered

• NIA named him as Amir Rashid Ali; arrested in Delhi after NIA took over case from Delhi Police

• Second such attack since 2019 Pulwama bombing

• Attack timing: November 10 around 6:42 PM IST when vehicle came to stop near traffic light

• Recovered video: Dr. Umar justifying “martyrdom operation” concept, attempting to reframe suicide bombing

• Investigation: NIA interviewed 70+ witnesses; continues search for other accomplices

• Linked to “white-collar terror module”; Al-Falah University under scrutiny

• Terror designation: US reportedly preparing terrorist designation for Cartel de los Soles (Venezuela context)

GS Paper: II (Internal security, counter-terrorism, investigation), III (Crime and law enforcement)

PIB

The Hindu

Daily Insights