Daily Insights November 4, 2025
Contents
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:
Quantum Computing: 50-1000 qubits within 8 years; applications in drug discovery, materials science, complex problem-solving
Quantum Communication: Secure, unhackable inter-city and international communications; quantum key distribution networks
Quantum Sensing: Atomic clocks, magnetometers for precision navigation, defense systems
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:
Defence-Industrial Collaboration:
Integration of defence industrial supply chains
Joint production capabilities
Technology transfer agreements
Focus on co-development and co-production
Military Interoperability:
Enhanced coordination across all domains
Land operations coordination
Air force integration
Naval interoperability
Space operations
Cyber domain collaboration
Information & Technology Sharing:
Intelligence exchange mechanisms
Real-time coordination protocols
Advanced technology access
Defense research collaboration
Maritime Domain Awareness:
Joint monitoring of Indian Ocean Region
Counter-piracy operations
Freedom of navigation missions
Blue economy protection
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:
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Mechanism to establish protected zones in high seas, like national parks for oceans
Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs): Fair sharing of benefits from commercial use of genetic material (bacteria, corals, deep-sea sponges) used in medicine, cosmetics, biotechnology
Capacity Building & Technology Transfer: Assist developing countries in implementation
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):
| City | Category | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Jaipur | Crafts & Folk Art | 2015 |
| Varanasi | Music | 2015 |
| Chennai | Music | 2017 |
| Mumbai | Film | 2019 |
| Hyderabad | Gastronomy | 2019 |
| Srinagar | Crafts & Folk Art | 2021 |
| Gwalior | Music | 2023 |
| Kozhikode | Literature | 2023 |
| Lucknow | Gastronomy | 2025 |
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):
Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Artificial Intelligence
Bio-Manufacturing
Blue Economy
Digital Communications
Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing
Emerging Agriculture Technologies
Energy, Environment & Climate
Health & Medical Technologies
Quantum Science & Technology
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