11 November 2025 - Daily Current Affairs Updates

UPSC GS – 1

Subtopic: Modern Indian History – National Movement & Political Leadership
Value Addition:
- Full Name: Chittaranjan Das (1870–1925); revered as “Deshbandhu” (Friend of the Nation).
- Key Roles & Contributions:
  - Defended Aurobindo Ghose in the Alipore Bomb Case (1908) → established as a nationalist lawyer.
  - Defense counsel in Dacca Conspiracy Case (1910–11).
  - Active leader in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920).
  - President, Indian National Congress (Gaya Session, 1922).
  - Co-founded Swaraj Party (1923) with Motilal Nehru & Vitthalbhai Patel — aimed to enter councils & obstruct colonial policies.
  - Established National University (1921, Dacca) to promote nationalist education.
  - First elected Mayor of Calcutta Corporation (1924).
- Literary Works:
  - Founded Forward (later Liberty) with Subhas Chandra Bose as editor.
  - Authored India for Indians and Freedom Through Disobedience.
Subject Analysis:
- Symbol of constitutional opposition & moderate radical synthesis.
- Pioneered constructive nationalism through education, politics, and literature.
- Relevant for GS1 – Modern Indian History / National Movement Leaders.

Subtopic: Blue Economy & Marine Governance
Value Addition:
- Objective: Regulate sustainable fishing across India’s EEZ (2.3 million sq km) – nearly 49% around islands.
- Approach:
  - Community-based model – Priority to Fishermen Cooperatives & FFPOs.
  - Mother–Child Vessel System – Enables mid-sea transshipment, reduces time at sea.
  - Capacity Building – Training under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana & FIDF.
- Regulations:
  - Ban on LED, pair, and bull trawling to protect biodiversity.
  - Mandatory Access Pass via ReALCRaft portal for large vessels.
  - Fish from EEZ officially recognized as “Indian origin.”
  - Encouragement for mariculture & seaweed farming for alternate livelihoods.
Subject Analysis:
- Strengthens sustainable fisheries & maritime governance.
- Promotes community participation & blue economy goals.
- Relevant for GS2 – Governance / Policy Implementation / Maritime Economy.

Subtopic: Environment & Pollution Control
Value Addition:
- Element: Mercury (Hg), atomic no. 80 – only metal liquid at room temperature.
- Sources:
  - Natural: Volcanoes, oceans, rock weathering.
  - Human-made: Mining, fuel combustion, cement & metal industries.
- Toxic Impact:
  - Converts to methylmercury in aquatic systems → bioaccumulates in fish and food chains.
  - Causes neurological, renal, and developmental damage.
- Recent Development: Minamata COP6 (2025) → phase-out of dental amalgam by 2034.
Subject Analysis:
- Landmark for toxic chemical regulation & global health protection.
- Supports India’s compliance under UNEP’s Minamata Convention (2013).
- Relevant for GS3 – Environment / Pollution / International Treaties.

Subtopic: Science, Technology & Sustainable Nutrition
Value Addition:
- Functional Foods:
  - Designed for disease prevention & health enhancement.
  - Examples: Vitamin-enriched rice, omega-3 milk, probiotic yogurt.
  - Techniques:
    - Nutrigenomics – diet–gene interaction.
    - Biofortification – micronutrient enrichment during growth.
    - 3D Food Printing – customizable nutrient layering.
    - Bioprocessing – uses enzymes/microbes for fortification.
- Smart Proteins:
  - Sustainable, biotech-derived protein alternatives to livestock.
  - Types:
    - Plant-based – legumes, cereals.
    - Fermentation-based – microbial proteins for meat substitutes.
- Significance: Reduces pressure on agriculture & animal farming.
Subject Analysis:
- Aligns with UN SDG-2 (Zero Hunger) & SDG-12 (Sustainable Consumption).
- Supports food security + environmental sustainability.
- Relevant for GS3 – Science & Tech / Nutrition / Biotechnology.

Subtopic: Economy & Financial Resilience
Value Addition:
- Released by World Bank under the FSAP (IMF–World Bank joint initiative, 1999).
- Highlights:
  - India on track to become $30 trillion economy by 2047.
  - Financial system now diversified, inclusive, and resilient.
  - Capital markets → grew from 144% to 175% of GDP.
  - NBFC Regulation: Scale-based norms improved stability.
  - Commended for digital public infrastructure & gender-inclusive finance.
- Purpose: FSAP evaluates financial stability, crisis management & regulation efficiency.
Subject Analysis:
- Reinforces India’s global financial credibility.
- Supports SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth).
- Relevant for GS3 – Economy / Financial Sector Reforms.

Subtopic: Internal Security & Bioterrorism Threats
Value Addition:
- Source: Extracted from castor beans (Ricinus communis).
- Nature: Deadly biological toxin – stable under normal conditions; inactivated >80°C.
- Toxic Dose: 5–10 micrograms/kg can be fatal.
- Mechanism:
  - Inhibits cellular protein synthesis → cell death → multi-organ failure.
- Forms: Powder, mist, pellet, or dissolved solution.
- No antidote – treatment = supportive care.
Subject Analysis:
- Raises concerns under UN Biological Weapons Convention (1972).
- Highlights biosecurity and medical preparedness gaps.
- Relevant for GS3 – Security / Internal Threats / Bioterrorism.

Subtopic: Defence Cooperation & Indo-Pacific Security
Value Addition:
- Started: 1992 (India–US); expanded to Quad format (India, US, Japan, Australia) in 2020.
- Host: Guam (2025).
- Phases:
  - Harbour Phase – planning, communication drills, friendly events.
  - Sea Phase – anti-submarine warfare, gunnery, fleet ops, air coordination.
- Objective: Enhance interoperability & maritime dominance in Indo-Pacific.
Subject Analysis:
- Demonstrates Quad’s strategic depth & deterrence posture.
- Reinforces India’s maritime diplomacy under SAGAR & Act East Policy.
- Relevant for GS3 – Defence / Security / Maritime Strategy.