Daily Insights November 5, 2025
Contents
Daily Insights November 5, 2025
1. Amul and IFFCO Rank Top Two in Global Cooperatives
Source: PIB Release (November 4, 2025)
Key Points:
Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (Amul) ranked 1st and Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) ranked 2nd among global cooperatives based on GDP per capita performance
Ranking announced by International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) World Cooperative Monitor 2025 at ICA CM50 Conference in Doha, Qatar
ICA headquartered in Brussels represents cooperatives worldwide and promotes sustainable business models
Recognition reflects contribution to empowering millions of dairy farmers and fostering inclusive growth, social equity, and sustainable rural development
Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed it a proud moment showcasing the “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation) vision
Top 300 cooperatives achieved combined turnover of USD 2.79 trillion in 2023
Agriculture (35.7%) and insurance (31.7%) sectors dominate cooperative rankings
Significance: Validates India’s cooperative model as a global benchmark for empowerment and self-reliance; strengthens rural economy through farmer-centric organizations.
2. Third Round of PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel Launched
Source: PIB Release (November 4, 2025)
Key Points:
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy launched PLI 1.2 (Third Round) of Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Specialty Steel
PLI Scheme approved by Cabinet in July 2021 with total outlay of ₹6,322 crore under Atmanirbhar Bharat vision
First two rounds have attracted committed investment of ₹43,874 crore with ₹22,973 crore already invested
Created over 13,000 jobs (30,760 direct jobs targeted) and expected to add 14.3 million tonnes of new specialty steel capacity
Covers 22 product sub-categories including super alloys, CRGO, stainless steel (long and flat), titanium alloys, and coated steels
Incentive rates: 4% to 15% applicable for five years starting FY 2025-26, disbursement from FY 2026-27
Base year updated to FY 2024-25 from FY 2019-20 to reflect current market trends
Targets critical sectors: defence, aerospace, power, infrastructure, and automobiles
Significance: Aims to reduce import dependence in high-value steel products; positions India as global hub for advanced steel manufacturing; enhances value addition in strategic sectors.
3. Record Increase in Indian Universities in QS Asia Rankings
Source: PIB Release (November 4, 2025)
Key Points:
India’s representation in QS Asia University Rankings 2026 increased from 24 institutions in 2016 to 294 in 2026 – a remarkable 1,125% increase
Seven Indian institutions secured spots in Asia’s top 100: five IITs (Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Kanpur, Kharagpur), IISc Bengaluru, and Delhi University
IIT Delhi ranked 59th – best Indian institute for fifth consecutive year
137 first-time entrants in 2026 edition marking highest-ever single-cycle increase
India emerged as Asia’s leader in papers per faculty and staff with PhDs
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal achieved #1 position in Asia for research productivity
19 institutions achieved their best-ever rankings including Chandigarh University, BITS Pilani, Shoolini University, O.P. Jindal Global University
PM Modi acknowledged commitment to quality education with focus on research and innovation
Significance: Reflects success of National Education Policy 2020 reforms; demonstrates strengthened research ecosystem; enhances India’s position as global knowledge leader.
4. Supreme Court’s Suo Motu Action Against Digital Arrest Scams
Source: The Hindu Editorial (November 5, 2025)
Key Points:
Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Surya Kant expressed grave concern over digital arrest scams with extortion of over ₹3,000 crore from citizens
Scam syndicates operating from offshore locations including Myanmar, Cambodia, and Thailand
CBI and MHA submitted sealed cover reports revealing criminal networks linked to digital arrest frauds
Court vowed to deal with crimes with “iron hands” and pass stringent orders
Appointed Senior Advocate NS Nappinai as amicus curiae to assist in the matter
Directed all states and UTs to file details of FIRs relating to these scams
Court considering entrusting investigation to CBI as crimes are pan-India or cross-border in nature
Fraudsters impersonate police, CBI, RBI officials using fake court orders and video calls to extort money
Thousands of Indians trafficked to Cambodia and held in captivity to conduct cyber scams
Significance: Addresses emerging cyber crime challenge; highlights need for international cooperation to tackle transnational organized crime; emphasizes protection of vulnerable sections especially senior citizens.
5. Nationwide Digital Life Certificate Campaign 4.0
Source: PIB Release (November 4, 2025)
Key Points:
Dr. Jitendra Singh launched 4th Nationwide Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign 4.0 from November 1-30, 2025
Conducted in 2,000 Districts/Sub-Divisions/Cities across India – largest ever digital empowerment campaign
DLC Campaign 3.0 (2024) generated 1.62 crore DLCs including 49.75 lakh for Central Government Pensioners
Over 85,200 DLCs submitted by pensioners above 90 years age; 52.73 lakh DLCs using Face Authentication technique
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) holding camps at 1,600 Districts through network of 1.8 lakh postmen and Gramin Dak Sewaks
19 Pension Disbursing Banks holding camps at 250 cities at more than 1,250 locations
57 Pensioners’ Welfare Associations organizing camps and mobilizing pensioners
Jeevan Pramaan – Aadhaar-based online submission launched in November 2014 by PM
Focus on Face Authentication Technology – works on Android and iOS platforms
Doorstep DLC services available for aged/disabled/sick pensioners
Significance: Enhances Ease of Living for pensioners through Digital India initiative; promotes digital inclusion of senior citizens; demonstrates successful e-governance model.
6. India’s Clean Industry Pipeline Faces Financing and Regulatory Hurdles
Source: Reuters/The Hindu (November 4, 2025)
Key Points:
Mission Possible Partnership report highlights India has 53 clean-industry projects in development – tied with Australia for highest in “new industrial sunbelt”
However, none reached final investment decision this year compared to China’s 12 out of 19 globally
Outdated construction rules and slow regulatory changes holding back cement industry from adopting cleaner technologies (calcined clay, low-carbon cement blends)
High financing costs in emerging markets limit bankability of clean-industry projects
Projects awaiting clear rules, permits, and access to power transmission infrastructure
Lack of demand-side regulation (blending mandates, green procurement rules) critical for creating markets
India’s stranded renewable power capacity more than doubled over nine months due to unfinished transmission lines and regulatory delays
Study identified 70 projects beyond China as “poised” for investment representing $140 billion global opportunity
Report warns India risks missing industrial transformation without enabling policy frameworks
Significance: Critical for India’s clean energy transition goals; highlights policy-implementation gap; emphasizes need for regulatory reforms and innovative financing mechanisms to achieve climate commitments.
7. India’s Tighter Green Power Rules May Impact Clean Energy Investments
Source: Reuters/Indian Express (November 5, 2025)
Key Points:
Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) proposed tighter regulations under Deviation Settlement Mechanism (DSM) in September 2025
New framework narrows permissible gap between electricity producers commit vs. actual generation
Starting April 2026, formula revised with tolerance margin shrinking each year until 2031 when renewable generators treated at par with conventional plants
Industry groups warn wind projects could lose up to 48% revenue; solar projects up to 11%
Wind Independent Power Producers Association challenged regulations arguing substantial financial burden for developers
National Solar Energy Federation of India cautioned rules could undermine project viability and deter future investments
Goal: improve forecasting and scheduling accuracy to ensure grid reliability as renewables account for larger share (target: 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030)
Industry argues wind generation depends on “unpredictable weather” unlike solar, coal, gas plants
Grid India study cited by CERC shows potential significant revenue losses
Significance: Balance between grid stability and investment attractiveness crucial for renewable energy expansion; highlights challenges in integrating variable renewable energy sources; impacts India’s climate targets.
8. Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica – 30% GDP Loss
Source: Reuters/Indian Express (November 4, 2025)
Key Points:
Hurricane Melissa – strongest-ever storm to hit Jamaica – caused damage equivalent to 28-32% of 2024 GDP
PM Andrew Holness estimates $6-7 billion USD in damages; short-term economic output may decline by 8-13%
At least 75 people dead in Caribbean (32 in Jamaica, 43 in Haiti)
Damages will push up Jamaica’s debt-to-GDP ratio and pressure fiscal targets
Government activating emergency provisions to temporarily suspend fiscal rules
PM described Melissa as “on the very edge of what is physically possible in the Atlantic Ocean” powered by record sea temperatures
Seismographs hundreds of miles away registered storm’s passage
Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility announced record payout of $71 million to Jamaica
US providing $24 million in emergency assistance for Jamaica, Haiti, Bahamas, Cuba
PM pledged to rebuild infrastructure including moving parts of electric grid underground
Significance: Highlights devastating impact of climate change on small island developing states; underscores need for climate finance and loss & damage mechanisms; Caribbean leaders’ call for reparations from heavy-polluting nations validated.
9. Typhoon Kalmaegi Kills 66 in Philippines
Source: Reuters/The Hindu (November 4-5, 2025)
Key Points:
Typhoon Kalmaegi (locally: Tino) killed at least 66 people with 26 missing in Philippines, mostly in Cebu province (49 deaths)
Sustained winds of 130 kph and gusts up to 180 kph when moving into South China Sea
183 millimeters (7 inches) rain in 24 hours before landfall – exceeding 131mm monthly average in Cebu
Nearly 340,000 individuals affected; widespread flooding submerged homes to second floors
Major cities including Cebu City and Mandaue experienced unprecedented flooding – first in 35 years for some areas
Six Philippine Air Force personnel killed when Super Huey helicopter crashed in Agusan del Sur during relief mission
State of calamity declared in Cebu; Governor described it as “worst flash flood caused by typhoon” in province’s history
Area recovering from 6.9-magnitude earthquake on September 30 that killed 79 people
4,704 people, 1,649 rolling cargoes, 1,643 maritime vessels stranded; at least 138 flights cancelled
Typhoon moved through Visayas region towards South China Sea; expected to re-intensify
Significance: Demonstrates increased intensity of tropical cyclones due to climate change; highlights vulnerability of densely populated urban areas to extreme weather; emphasizes importance of disaster preparedness and early warning systems.
10. EU Agrees on 2040 Climate Target Ahead of COP30
Source: Reuters/The Hindu (November 5, 2025)
Key Points:
EU climate ministers struck tentative deal after over 18 hours of negotiations to reduce emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels
Agreement reached in early hours of Wednesday ahead of UN COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil (November 2025)
Deal includes provisions allowing countries to purchase foreign carbon credits to account for 5-10% of reduction goal – effectively reducing required domestic cuts to 85%
Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary opposed but insufficient to derail consensus (requires support from at least 15 member states)
Denmark holding EU’s rotating presidency led discussions
Target reaffirms EU’s determination to reach climate neutrality by 2050 (legally binding objective in EU Climate Law)
EU’s 2030 target: reduce net GHG emissions by at least 55% relative to 1990
Commission proposed 90% reduction aligns with EU Competitiveness Compass and Clean Industrial Deal
Some nations (Italy, Poland, Czech Republic) warned target could hurt industries; others (Netherlands, Spain, Sweden) pushed for greater ambition
World will overshoot 1.5°C target – UNEP report says latest government pledges would result in 2.3-2.5°C warming
Significance: Critical for global climate leadership ahead of COP30; demonstrates challenges in balancing climate ambition with economic competitiveness; highlights urgency as 2024 was hottest year at 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels.
11. France Reports First Case of Pine-Killing Nematode
Source: Reuters/The Hindu Science Section (November 4, 2025)
Key Points:
France detected for first time a microscopic worm – pine wilt nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) – that ravages pine trees
Native to North America; causes trees to perish by stopping resin circulation
Outbreak confirmed by ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) lab in municipality of Seignosse, Landes region (southwestern France)
Located about 60 km from Spain in zone considered vulnerable due to proximity and prevalence of pine forests
Classified as priority quarantine organism under European legislation
First detected in EU in Portugal in 1999, then Spain in 2008; now extending presence in Europe
Transmitted tree to tree by beetles (Monochamus galloprovincialis)
No risk to human or animal health but likely to have “particularly significant impact” if proliferates
Mandatory control measures must be implemented to eradicate outbreak
France’s overall forest area expanded steadily but authorities concerned hotter, drier climate increasing tree losses
Significance: Agricultural/forestry pest management; international cooperation for quarantine diseases; climate change impacts on forest ecosystems; relevance to India’s forest conservation efforts and biosecurity protocols.
12. Nepal Avalanche Kills Seven Climbers Including Foreigners
Source: Reuters/The Hindu (November 3, 2025)
Key Points:
Avalanche struck Yalung Ri peak (5,630 meters) base camp in Rolwaling Valley, Dolakha district on November 3 (Monday) around 8:30 AM local time
Seven climbers killed: five foreigners (three Americans, one Canadian, one Italian) and two Nepali guides
Four others missing (all Nepali high-altitude workers); five injured
Expedition team consisted of 15 members – 5 foreign climbers and 10 Nepali workers
Rescue operations hampered by adverse weather including heavy snowfall and cloud cover
Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police mobilized for search and rescue
Area experienced persistent snowfall for several days before incident
Team originally came to climb Dolma Kang (6,334 meters); Yalung Ri was part of acclimatization schedule
Nepal boasts 8 of world’s 14 tallest mountains including Mount Everest
Autumn expeditions (October-November) less favored due to shorter, colder days compared to spring season (April-May)
Previous week Cyclone Montha caused significant rainfall and snowfall throughout Nepal, stranding trekkers
Significance: Disaster management and mountain rescue operations; climate change impact on high-altitude regions (increased avalanche risk); tourism safety in Himalayan regions; international cooperation in rescue efforts.
