Daily Insights

Daily Insights November 4, 2025

Daily Insights November 4, 2025

1. India Develops Quantum Technology Network for Digital Security

Context: Department of Science & Technology (DST) Secretary Abhay Karandikar announced plans to develop a Quantum Technology Network using quantum encryption to safeguard India’s digital economy and critical digital assets against cyber threats.​ (Indian Express)

Key Facts:

Background – National Quantum Mission (NQM):

  • Launch Date: April 2023

  • Budget: ₹6,003.65 crore (2023-24 to 2030-31)

  • Status: Seventh country with dedicated quantum mission (after US, Austria, Finland, France, Canada, China)

  • Implementing Agency: Department of Science & Technology

Current Progress:

  • Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) established across top academic and R&D institutes

  • 17 proposals selected for development across four domains

  • Private sector participation: 8 startups supported; QpiAI (Bengaluru) launched India’s most powerful quantum computers with 25 superconducting qubits

  • Target: Scale up to 64 qubits (2-3 years), then 100, 500+ qubits

Quantum Technology Network Initiative:

Purpose: Create indigenous, quantum-safe network framework to secure India’s:

  • Digital infrastructure

  • Banking systems and cryptocurrency transactions

  • Unified Payment Interface (UPI) – billions of digital transactions monthly

  • Critical government communications

  • Defence systems

Task Force Formation:

  • Multi-sectoral composition: Banks, SEBI, industry, academia

  • First meeting: September 2025, New Delhi

  • Stakeholders: Securities regulators, telecom sector, finance institutions

  • Consultation ongoing at India Mobile Congress, Delhi

Four Core Technology Domains:

  1. Quantum Computing: 50-1000 qubits within 8 years; applications in drug discovery, materials science, complex problem-solving

  2. Quantum Communication: Secure, unhackable inter-city and international communications; quantum key distribution networks

  3. Quantum Sensing: Atomic clocks, magnetometers for precision navigation, defense systems

  4. Quantum Materials & Devices: Superconductors, novel semiconductors, topological materials

Capacity Building Initiatives:

  • Support for 75 government and private engineering colleges (₹1 crore each)

  • Teaching labs for quantum technology

  • Undergraduate minor courses and train-the-trainer programs

  • Focus on quantum algorithm development for researchers

Significance:

Cybersecurity Advantage:

  • Quantum computers can break traditional RSA encryption

  • Quantum key distribution uses quantum mechanics for unbreakable encryption

  • Proactive defense against future cyber threats from nation-states with quantum capabilities

Economic Protection:

  • India’s digital transaction volume: Billions monthly via UPI

  • Protection against organized cyber attacks, fraud, and financial crimes

  • Safeguarding of sensitive economic data and intellectual property

Global Positioning:

  • Places India among leading quantum-capable nations

  • Supports “Make in India” and technological self-reliance goals

  • Creates indigenous technology rather than dependence on foreign systems

UPSC Relevance: GS3 – Science & Technology, Cybersecurity, National security, Digital infrastructure


2. India-US 10-Year Defence Framework Strengthens Strategic Partnership

Context: India and United States signed an expansive “Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership” on 31 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during bilateral meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.​

Key Facts:

Framework Overview:

  • Duration: 10 years (replacing 2015 framework)

  • Signatories: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (India), Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth (USA)

  • Location: ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), Kuala Lumpur

  • Significance: Replaces and supersedes 2015 defence framework with expanded scope

Five Key Pillars:

  1. Defence-Industrial Collaboration:

    • Integration of defence industrial supply chains

    • Joint production capabilities

    • Technology transfer agreements

    • Focus on co-development and co-production

  2. Military Interoperability:

    • Enhanced coordination across all domains

    • Land operations coordination

    • Air force integration

    • Naval interoperability

    • Space operations

    • Cyber domain collaboration

  3. Information & Technology Sharing:

    • Intelligence exchange mechanisms

    • Real-time coordination protocols

    • Advanced technology access

    • Defense research collaboration

  4. Maritime Domain Awareness:

    • Joint monitoring of Indian Ocean Region

    • Counter-piracy operations

    • Freedom of navigation missions

    • Blue economy protection

  5. Joint Military Exercises:

    • Enhanced frequency of exercises

    • Multi-domain war games

    • Interoperability drills

    • Capacity building initiatives

Strategic Context:

Bilateral Defence Relations Growth:

  • Defence cooperation: Cornerstone of India-US relations for two decades

  • Despite tariff tensions, defence ties insulated as strategic priority

  • Context: US imposed 50% tariffs on India earlier in 2025

  • Focus: “Recalibrating” partnership for “emerging security challenges”

Ministerial Statements:

Rajnath Singh’s Position:

  • “Ushers in a new era of our already strong defence partnership”

  • “Strategic convergence” essential for bilateral ties

  • “Essential for maintaining a free, open, and rules-bound Indo-Pacific region”

  • Defence remains major pillar of overall bilateral relations

Pete Hegseth’s Statement:

  • Defence ties “have never been stronger”

  • Framework described as “ambitious”

  • “Sets a roadmap for deeper collaboration”

  • Called India-US partnership “most consequential globally”

  • Built on “shared interests, mutual trust, commitment to secure Indo-Pacific”

Background Context:

  • Initial agreement expected July-August 2025 but delayed

  • Delay reason: India’s dissatisfaction with Trump’s Pakistan ceasefire claims

  • Three prior phone discussions between ministers before formal signing

  • Follows February 2025 Modi-Trump joint statement on renewed defence framework

Strategic Imperatives:

Indo-Pacific Dimension:

  • Counter-balance to China’s regional assertiveness

  • Deterrence against potential threats

  • Regional stability maintenance

  • Free and open Indo-Pacific vision

Technology & Equipment:

  • Trump administration indicated major F-35 stealth fighter jet sales

  • Substantially increased military equipment supplies proposed

  • Technology transfer mechanisms

  • Joint development initiatives

Complementary Trade Negotiations:

  • Separate Bilateral Trade Agreement under discussion

  • Indian approach: Cautious to ensure long-term sustainability

  • Both nations working to finalize trade deal amid tariff tensions

  • Multi-faceted partnership beyond defence

Broader Strategic Ecosystem:

  • Aligned with Quad framework (India, US, Japan, Australia)

  • Counter-terrorism collaboration emphasis

  • Shared democratic values

  • Strategic convergence in Indo-Pacific vision

Historical Context:

  • 2015 Defence Framework: Foundation for sustained cooperation

  • 2025 Framework: Significantly expanded scope and ambition

  • 10-year horizon: Long-term policy certainty for military planning

Implementation Timeline:

  • Immediate: Joint planning and interoperability meetings

  • 12 months: First joint capability assessment

  • Multi-year: Technology transfer and co-production initiatives

  • Ongoing: Regular ministerial and working-level dialogues

Significance for India:

Military Modernization:

  • Access to cutting-edge US defence technology

  • Joint development of next-generation systems

  • Capacity building with world’s most advanced military

Regional Influence:

  • Strengthened hand in Indo-Pacific

  • Enhanced deterrence against threats

  • Strategic parity with regional powers

Economic Benefits:

  • Defence industry growth opportunities

  • Technology-driven manufacturing jobs

  • Make in India initiatives in defence sector

  • Supply chain resilience and diversification

UPSC Relevance: GS2 – International Relations, Bilateral agreements, Geopolitics; GS3 – Defence procurement, Strategic partnerships

3. Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Digital Arrest Scams

Context: Supreme Court expressed shock over ₹3,000 crore extorted through “digital arrest” scams targeting senior citizens across India.​

Key Facts:

  • Bench: Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan, and Joymalya Bagchi

  • Nature of Crime: Fraudsters impersonate CBI, ED, police, and judicial officers using forged Supreme Court orders

  • Modus Operandi: Video calls showing fake documents, threats of arrest, coercion to transfer money

  • Primary Victims: Senior citizens and elderly people

  • Amount Lost: Nearly ₹3,000 crore across India

  • International Angle: Scam syndicates operating from Myanmar, Thailand, and other offshore locations

Supreme Court Observations:

  • “Shocking that ₹3,000 crore collected from victims”

  • “Will deal with iron hands” to combat this menace

  • “If we don’t pass harsh and stringent orders, problem will magnify”

  • Described forgery of judicial authority as “direct assault” on judiciary

Actions Taken:

  • Suo motu case initiated after Haryana senior couple lost ₹1.5 crore

  • Notices to Union Home Secretary, CBI Director, State governments

  • Sealed cover reports submitted by MHA and CBI

  • Senior Advocate NS Nappinai appointed as amicus curiae

  • Proposed transfer of all such cases to CBI

  • Special unit in MHA’s Cyber Crime Division coordinating response

  • Next hearing: November 10

UPSC Relevance: GS2 – Judiciary, Governance; GS3 – Cybersecurity, Internal Security


4. Jharkhand HIV Blood Transfusion Tragedy

Context: Five thalassemia-affected children contracted HIV after receiving contaminated blood transfusions at Chaibasa Sadar Hospital, West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand.​

Key Facts:

  • Victims: 5-6 children (ages 7-10) with thalassemia requiring regular blood transfusions

  • Discovery: Family of 7-year-old patient first alleged HIV infection on October 24, 2025

  • Investigation: Five-member medical team from Ranchi confirmed 4 additional cases

  • Officials Suspended: Civil Surgeon, Medical Officer in charge of blood bank, technicians

  • Preliminary Findings: Blood donors tested HIV-negative initially; possible “window period” infection

  • Window Period: Time shortly after HIV infection when virus is undetectable in tests

Government Response:

  • Chief Minister Hemant Soren ordered immediate suspensions

  • High-level probe initiated

  • ₹2 lakh financial assistance per affected family

  • Complete treatment costs to be borne by government

  • Statewide audit of all blood banks ordered within 5 days

  • Antiretroviral therapy and counselling arranged

Historical Context:

  • Not an isolated incident – 6 children found HIV-positive in 2017

  • Another case in Koderma district in January 2025

  • Indicates systemic failures in blood safety protocols

Editorial Commentary (Indian Express):

  • “Price of chronic neglect, hollowed public-health system”

  • Suspensions and compensation insufficient without structural reforms

  • Need for real-time monitoring, sustained investment in healthcare

  • Restoration of trust requires more than “paper protocols”

UPSC Relevance: GS2 – Health, Governance issues; GS3 – Disaster Management


5. RBI Launches MuleHunter.AI to Combat Digital Fraud

Context: Reserve Bank of India announced AI-powered model “MuleHunter.AI” developed by RBI Innovation Hub (RBIH) to detect mule bank accounts used in financial frauds.​

Key Concepts:

Mule Accounts:

  • Bank accounts exploited by criminals for laundering illicit funds

  • Often purchased from low-income individuals or those with low technical literacy

  • Used to funnel money from cybercrimes before actual criminals withdraw funds

Money Mules:

  • Innocent account holders whose accounts are misused

  • Often face police action while actual criminals escape

  • Typically receive small payments (₹5,000-10,000) for “allowing” account use

Scale of Problem:

  • Centre froze approximately 4.5 lakh mule accounts recently

  • About 40,000 detected in various SBI branches alone

  • Integral to online financial fraud ecosystem in India

MuleHunter.AI Solution:

  • AI/ML-powered detection model analyzing 19 different mule account behavior patterns

  • Pilot tested with two large public sector banks showing promising results

  • Processes transaction data and account details to predict mule accounts precisely

  • Superior to traditional rule-based systems with high false-positive rates

  • Real-time detection capabilities

Government Strategy:

  • Department of Financial Services meeting with banks, RBI, NABARD

  • Banks urged to adopt AI/ML solutions for real-time detection

  • Staff training on fraud prevention and detection mandated

  • “Zero Financial Frauds” RBI Hackathon focusing on mule accounts

  • Proposed restrictions on withdrawals from dormant accounts receiving large sums

UPSC Relevance: GS3 – Technology, Cybersecurity, Banking sector reforms


6. High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) – Entry into Force in January 2026

Context: The UN High Seas Treaty reached 60 ratifications (Morocco being 60th) on 19 September 2025, triggering its entry into force on 17 January 2026.​

About the Treaty:

  • Full Name: Agreement on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)

  • Also Known As: “Paris Agreement for the Ocean”

  • Adoption: 2023 under UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

  • Scope: Areas beyond 200 nautical miles from coast (beyond Exclusive Economic Zone)

  • Status: 145 countries signed; 74 ratified (as of September 2025)

  • India’s Status: Signed in September 2024 but NOT yet ratified

Four Pillars:

  1. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Mechanism to establish protected zones in high seas, like national parks for oceans

  2. Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs): Fair sharing of benefits from commercial use of genetic material (bacteria, corals, deep-sea sponges) used in medicine, cosmetics, biotechnology

  3. Capacity Building & Technology Transfer: Assist developing countries in implementation

  4. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Mandatory for activities like deep-sea mining, conducted transparently

Exceptions:

  • Does NOT apply to warships, military aircraft, or naval auxiliaries

  • Does NOT apply to fishing and fishing-related activities (regulated under other laws)

Significance:

  • First legally binding international agreement for high seas conservation

  • Targets protecting 30% of world’s oceans by 2030 (30×30 goal)

  • Supports SDG 14: Life Below Water

  • Addresses sea surface temperature rise, overfishing, pollution, unsustainable practices

India’s Panel:

  • Ministry of Earth Sciences set up 12-member panel to implement framework

  • Aligning with BBNJ provisions to safeguard India’s interests in international waters

UPSC Relevance: GS2 – International Relations, International organizations; GS3 – Environment, Marine biodiversity


7. India-New Zealand FTA Fourth Round of Negotiations

Context: Fourth round of India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement negotiations commenced in Auckland on 3-7 November 2025.​

Background:

  • FTA Launch: March 16, 2025, during meeting between Commerce Ministers Piyush Goyal (India) and Todd McClay (New Zealand)

  • Earlier Attempt: Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations began in April 2010 but stalled after 9 rounds in 2015

  • Revival Context: PM Narendra Modi’s guidance during New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon’s visit in March 2025

Current Round Focus:

  • Trade in Goods

  • Trade in Services

  • Rules of Origin

  • Technical and institutional matters

Ministerial Review:

  • Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to visit Auckland this week

  • Will meet counterpart Todd McClay to review progress

  • Both sides working to resolve outstanding issues for early conclusion

Trade Data:

  • Bilateral Trade (2024-25): USD 1.3 billion (49% growth over previous year)

  • India’s Exports (April-Sept 2025): $298.48 million

  • India’s Imports (April-Sept 2025): $302.5 million

India’s Key Exports to NZ:

  • Clothing, fabrics, home textiles

  • Medicines and medical supplies

  • Refined petrol, agricultural equipment (tractors, irrigation)

  • Auto parts, iron & steel, paper, electronics

  • Shrimps, diamonds, basmati rice

New Zealand’s Key Exports to India:

  • Agricultural goods, minerals

  • Apples, kiwifruit, meat (lamb, mutton)

  • Milk albumin, lactose syrup, coking coal

  • Logs, sawn timber, wool, scrap metals

Strategic Significance:

  • NZ’s average import tariff: only 2.3%

  • Expected to boost investment linkages

  • Strengthen supply chain resilience

  • Create predictable framework for businesses

UPSC Relevance: GS2 – International Relations, Bilateral agreements; GS3 – International trade


8. Lucknow Designated UNESCO ‘City of Gastronomy’

Context: UNESCO officially recognized Lucknow as a Creative City of Gastronomy at its 43rd General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on 31 October 2025.​

Nomination Process:

  • Dossier Preparation: Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh

  • Submission to Ministry of Culture: 31 January 2025

  • Official Nomination by India: 3 March 2025

  • UNESCO Announcement: 31 October 2025

Unique Culinary Heritage:

  • Awadhi Cuisine: Centuries-old culinary legacy from Nawabi era

  • Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb: Unique cultural blend of Hindu-Muslim traditions

  • Iconic Dishes: Galouti kebab, nihari-kulcha, puri-kachori, tokri chaat, Awadhi biryani, malai gilori, makhan malai, motichoor laddu

  • Heritage: Royal kitchens of Nawabs, diverse street food culture, traditional ustads and chefs

Research & Documentation:

  • Led by heritage architect Abha Narain Lambah

  • Documented recipes, cooking traditions, oral histories

  • Research from royal kitchens to street stalls

  • Highlighted how food transcends religion and class barriers

Tourism Impact:

  • 2024 Visitors: 8,274,154 tourists

  • 2025 (Jan-June): 7,020,492 visitors

  • Recognition expected to amplify global outreach

  • Promote food-based entrepreneurship

  • Encourage sustainable culinary tourism

Indian Cities in UNESCO Creative Cities Network (Total: 9):

CityCategoryYear
JaipurCrafts & Folk Art2015
VaranasiMusic2015
ChennaiMusic2017
MumbaiFilm2019
HyderabadGastronomy2019
SrinagarCrafts & Folk Art2021
GwaliorMusic2023
KozhikodeLiterature2023
LucknowGastronomy2025

UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN):

  • Established 2004

  • 350+ cities worldwide across 7 creative fields

  • Fields: Crafts & Folk Art, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature, Music

UPSC Relevance: GS1 – Indian culture, Heritage; GS2 – International organizations


9. Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ESTIC 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on 3 November 2025, launching ₹1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme.​

Key Highlights:

₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme Fund:

  • Aims to promote private sector-driven R&D ecosystem

  • Major boost to India’s research and innovation landscape

PM’s Key Statements:

  • “India no longer just consumer of technology, now pioneer of transformation through technology”

  • “When science meets scale, innovation becomes inclusive, technology drives transformation”

  • India’s R&D expenditure doubled in last decade

  • Registered patents increased 17 times

  • India now world’s 3rd largest startup ecosystem

  • 6,000+ deep-tech startups working in clean energy, advanced materials

Sectoral Achievements:

  • Semiconductor sector: Taking flight

  • Bio-economy: Grown from $10 billion (2014) to $140 billion (2025)

  • Key domains: Green hydrogen, quantum computing, deep-sea research, critical minerals

  • Digital Public Infrastructure: World’s most successful

  • AI Framework: India shaping global framework for ethical, human-centric AI

Conclave Details:

  • Duration: 3-5 November 2025

  • Participants: 3,000+ from academia, research, industry, government

  • Attendees: Nobel Laureates, eminent scientists, innovators, policymakers

  • Thematic Areas (11):

    1. Advanced Materials & Manufacturing

    2. Artificial Intelligence

    3. Bio-Manufacturing

    4. Blue Economy

    5. Digital Communications

    6. Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing

    7. Emerging Agriculture Technologies

    8. Energy, Environment & Climate

    9. Health & Medical Technologies

    10. Quantum Science & Technology

    11. Space Technologies

Other Achievements Mentioned:

  • Successful launch of India’s heaviest communication satellite

  • India’s women’s cricket team World Cup victory

  • Focus on “Ease of Doing Research” to create modern innovation ecosystem

UPSC Relevance: GS3 – Science & Technology, Innovation, R&D policy


10. India-EU FTA Discussions Intensify

Context: Senior EU negotiators in New Delhi (3-7 November 2025) for India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations following Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s Brussels visit.​

Background:

  • Minister’s Visit: Piyush Goyal visited Brussels (27-28 October 2025)

  • EU Counterpart: H.E. Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security

  • Virtual Meeting: 3 November 2025 between Goyal and Šefčovič, plus Agriculture Commissioner H.E. Christophe Hansen

Key Focus Areas:

  • Trade in goods

  • Trade in services

  • Rules of origin

  • Technical and institutional matters

High-Level Talks:

  • EU DG Trade: Ms. Sabine Weyand in New Delhi (5-6 November 2025)

  • India’s Commerce Secretary: Shri Rajesh Aggarwal

  • Discussions on key technical and policy issues

Strategic Vision:

  • Modern, robust, future-ready FTA

  • Reflects priorities and sensitivities of both sides

  • Fair and balanced agreement

  • Foster trade, investment, innovation, sustainable growth

Significance:

  • EU is India’s 3rd largest trading partner

  • India is EU’s 10th largest trading partner

  • Both sides intensifying engagement for comprehensive agreement

  • Joint determination to conclude balanced framework

UPSC Relevance: GS2 – International Relations, India-Europe relations; GS3 – Foreign trade


11. Typhoon Kalmaegi Devastates Central Philippines

Context: Typhoon Kalmaegi (local name: Tino) made landfall in central Philippines on 3 November 2025 with sustained winds of 150 kph, causing widespread devastation.​

Key Facts:

  • Strength: Category equivalent with 150 kph sustained winds, gusts up to 205 kph

  • Landfall: Silago town, Southern Leyte province, around midnight

  • Movement: Northwestward at 25 kph

  • Death Toll: At least 1 confirmed (elderly villager drowned in Southern Leyte)

  • Evacuations: Over 70,000-150,000 people evacuated to safer ground

  • Flights Cancelled: More than 160 flights to/from affected areas

Affected Regions:

  • Visayas islands region (worst affected)

  • Parts of southern Luzon

  • Northern Mindanao

  • Central provinces including Cebu (still recovering from 6.9 earthquake, September 30)

Weather Warnings:

  • Second-highest storm warning issued

  • “Life-threatening” conditions warned

  • Storm surges up to 3 meters (10 feet) high

  • Torrential rains and potentially destructive winds

  • Risk of volcanic mudflows from Kanlaon volcano on Negros island

Context:

  • 20th tropical cyclone to hit Philippines in 2025

  • Philippines averages 20 typhoons/storms annually

  • Region still recovering from recent disasters including earthquakes

Historical Reference:

  • Guiuan town in Eastern Samar was devastated by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in November 2013

  • Haiyan: One of most powerful tropical cyclones on record (7,300+ dead/missing)

  • Current evacuation compliance high due to Haiyan experience: “better safe than sorry”

Climate Change Connection:

  • Scientists warn storms intensifying due to human-driven climate change

  • Philippines among world’s most disaster-prone nations

  • Frequent earthquakes, active volcanoes, typhoons create multiple hazards

UPSC Relevance: GS1 – Geography, Disaster-prone regions; GS3 – Disaster Management, Climate change impacts


12. Afghanistan Struck by Major 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake

Context: Powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit northern Afghanistan near Mazar-i-Sharif at 00:59 local time on 3 November 2025.​

Earthquake Details:

  • Magnitude: 6.3 (USGS); 6.8 (Uzbekistan Ministry)

  • Epicenter: Nahri Shahi District, Balkh Province near Samangan Province border

  • Depth: 28 km (17 miles)

  • Time: 12:59 AM local time (20:29 UTC, 2 November)

  • Intensity: Maximum Modified Mercalli Intensity VII (Very strong)

Human Impact:

  • Deaths: 20-30 people (initial reports)

  • Injuries: 863-945 people

  • Most Affected: Balkh (9-12 deaths, 593-616 injuries) and Samangan Provinces (11 deaths, 270-329 injuries)

  • Private Hospital Treatment: Over 400 patients

Infrastructure Damage:

  • Blue Mosque: Historic 15th-century mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif severely damaged (tiles, walls, inscriptions)

  • Health Facilities: Balghali PHC (WHO-supported), Samangan Provincial Hospital laboratory collapsed

  • Landslide: Section of Asian Highway 7 buried in Khulm District (10 deaths, 43 injuries)

  • Houses: 70+ destroyed in Khulm; 800+ partially destroyed in Badakhshan Province

  • Power: Lines connecting with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan damaged; outages in 9 provinces including Kabul

Tremors Felt In:

  • Kabul, Afghanistan

  • Termez, Uzbekistan

  • Mashhad, Iran

  • Islamabad, Pakistan

  • India-Pakistan border areas

Tectonic Setting:

  • Afghanistan in broad zone of continental deformation within Eurasian Plate

  • Influenced by Arabian Plate subduction (west) and Indian Plate oblique subduction (east)

  • Hindu Kush region known for deep earthquakes (up to 300 km depth)

  • Chaman Fault: Major transform fault

Humanitarian Context:

  • Compounds Afghanistan’s difficulties under Taliban rule

  • Reduced international aid since 2021

  • Over 2 million Afghans returned from neighboring countries in 2025

  • Previous earthquake in August 2025: 2,200+ deaths in eastern region

  • Tensions with Pakistan: border exchanges, Pakistani airstrikes on Kabul and Kandahar

USGS PAGER Alert: Orange level – “significant casualties likely, disaster may be extensive,” requiring regional/national response

UPSC Relevance: GS1 – Geography, Seismology; GS2 – International Relations (Afghanistan); GS3 – Disaster Management

PIB

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