UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 November 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 November 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 November (2025)
• Legal Aid Mechanism in India
Legal Aid Mechanism in India
• India-Bhutan Bilateral Relations
India-Bhutan Bilateral Relations
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Watershed Mahotsav
Watershed Mahotsav
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Integrity Matters Checklist
Integrity Matters Checklist
• Red Fort
Red Fort
• Graded Response Action Plan
Graded Response Action Plan
• Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules, 2025
Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules, 2025
• Altermagnetism
Altermagnetism
• Exercise Mitra Shakti XI – 2025
Exercise Mitra Shakti XI – 2025
Mapping:
• Ethiopia
Ethiopia
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 November 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
Strengthening Legal Aid Mechanism in India
Source:
Subject: STV
Context: Prime Minister of India, at the National Conference on Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms, emphasized ensuring “ease of justice” through accessible, affordable, and inclusive legal services for all citizens.
About Strengthening Legal Aid Mechanism in India:
• What it is? Legal aid refers to free legal assistance provided to those unable to afford legal representation, ensuring equality before the law.
• Legal aid refers to free legal assistance provided to those unable to afford legal representation, ensuring equality before the law.
• Launched in: Institutionalized through the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 (implemented in 1995) under the guidance of Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer.
• Aim: To ensure that no person is denied justice due to economic or social disadvantage, as envisioned in Article 39A of the Constitution.
• Key Features:
• Free legal representation in courts for economically weaker sections (EWS) and marginalized groups. Provision of legal advice, mediation, and awareness through National (NALSA), State, and District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA). Integration with digital platforms such as Tele-Law and Nyaya Bandhu for remote legal access. Legal literacy programs through universities, NGOs, and paralegal volunteers across rural India.
• Free legal representation in courts for economically weaker sections (EWS) and marginalized groups.
• Provision of legal advice, mediation, and awareness through National (NALSA), State, and District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA).
• Integration with digital platforms such as Tele-Law and Nyaya Bandhu for remote legal access.
• Legal literacy programs through universities, NGOs, and paralegal volunteers across rural India.
Need for a Strong Legal Aid Mechanism in India
• Access to Justice: Around 70% of India’s population lives in rural areas where legal infrastructure is sparse, making affordable access to justice crucial for equality before law.
• Backlog Reduction: India has over 4.5 crore pending cases (as of 2025); community-based legal aid and mediation could reduce pendency by 30–35% in civil and family disputes.
• Social Inclusion: Over 80% of undertrial prisoners come from economically weaker backgrounds—legal aid ensures representation for women, SC/ST, minorities, and marginalized citizens.
• Legal Awareness: According to NALSA (2024), only 1 in 5 eligible citizens are aware of free legal aid rights—grassroots legal literacy can bridge this awareness gap.
• Constitutional Mandate: Article 39A of the Constitution directs the State to provide free legal aid to promote social, economic, and political justice as part of the welfare model.
Initiatives Taken So Far:
• NALSA and DLSAs: A four-tier legal aid network (national to taluk) has handled over 8 lakh cases in the last three years, ensuring justice at the doorstep.
• Tele-Law Services: Operational in 1.3 lakh Common Service Centres, this initiative has provided over 45 lakh free legal consultations since its launch in 2017.
• Nyaya Bandhu Platform: A Ministry of Law initiative (2019) connecting 11,000+ pro bono advocates with low-income litigants for representation in court.
• Community Mediation (Mediation Act, 2023): Introduced structured mediation mechanisms—aiming to settle 70% of petty civil and family disputes outside courts.
• Translation of Judgments: Over 80,000 Supreme Court and High Court judgments translated into 18 Indian languages via the e-Courts Mission Mode Project.
• Legal Awareness Drives: 2,500+ legal literacy camps organized by law universities and NGOs under NALSA’s Pan-India Awareness Campaign (2024).
Challenges Associated:
• Low Awareness: Nearly 75% of rural citizens remain unaware of their entitlement to free legal aid under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
• Quality of Representation: Only 20% of empanelled legal aid lawyers undergo formal capacity training, leading to inconsistent service quality.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Around 40% of district courts lack dedicated legal aid clinics or mediation centers, especially in northeastern and tribal regions.
• Digital Divide: Poor digital literacy and limited internet coverage in 25% of rural areas limit the reach of Tele-Law and online grievance systems.
• High Case Pendency: Average case disposal time exceeds 6 years in lower courts; inadequate manpower and procedural delays add to congestion.
Way Ahead:
• Institutional Strengthening: Increase NALSA and DLSA funding by 25%, ensuring district-level legal aid centers with trained paralegal staff.
• Professional Quality Standards: Introduce mandatory certification and continuous legal education for all empanelled legal aid lawyers.
• Digital Legal Infrastructure: Expand AI-driven translation, e-filing, and mobile legal helpdesks for faster case management and inclusivity.
• Grassroots Legal Literacy: Integrate legal literacy modules in NEP 2020 curriculum and panchayat-level awareness campaigns.
• Collaborative Frameworks: Partner with law universities, bar councils, and private firms to expand pro bono networks and mediation facilities.
Conclusion:
Legal aid is the bedrock of democratic justice, not a welfare gesture. Strengthening it through technology, awareness, and institutional reforms will ensure that justice in India is not a privilege of the few, but a right for all—aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and true social equity.
Discuss the importance of legal aid in India. Do you agree that citizens often upon the law as an enemy, not as a friend in India? Discuss the issues and challenges associated specifically with free legal aid services in India.
India-Bhutan Bilateral Relations
Source: India and its Neighbourhood Relations
Subject: IE
Context: Prime Minister of India is in Thimphu to join the seventieth birthday celebrations of former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, widely called K Four, and to underline the strategic depth of India Bhutan ties.
About India-Bhutan Bilateral Relations:
• Historic Foundation: The 1949 Treaty of Friendship institutionalised India-Bhutan relations; the 2007 revision removed guidance clauses, marking a mature, sovereign partnership.
• Shared Values: Rooted in trust, cultural affinity, and Buddhism, both nations see their relationship as moral and civilisational, not merely strategic.
• Geostrategic Relevance: Bhutan acts as a critical Himalayan buffer between India and China, ensuring India’s northern frontier stability.
• Economic Integration: India is Bhutan’s largest trade and investment partner, absorbing over 90% of Bhutan’s exports, mainly hydropower.
• Diplomatic Consistency: Bhutan remains India’s most reliable partner in South Asia, exemplifying the “Neighbourhood First” policy in practice.
Key Areas of Cooperation:
• Hydropower Diplomacy: Projects like Chukha, Tala, and Mangdechhu (totaling over 2,100 MW) power Bhutan’s economy while exporting clean energy to India.
• Security Partnership: Bhutan’s Operation All Clear (2003) removed Indian insurgents, showcasing unwavering strategic trust.
• Connectivity Projects: Ongoing work on Kokrajhar–Gelephu and Banarhat–Samtse rail links enhances border and trade integration.
• Digital Collaboration: RuPay cards, BHIM UPI, and QR interoperability link the nations’ fintech ecosystems for cashless cross-border transactions.
• Space and Technology: Launch of the India-Bhutan Satellite (2022) and shared ground stations mark a leap in scientific cooperation.
Major Initiatives Taken So Far:
• ₹10,000 crore support committed for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan, ensuring continuity of developmental aid and community projects.
• Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (1,020 MW) inaugurated in 2025, symbolising energy self-reliance and regional green power trade.
• Gyalsung National Service Program: India extended ₹200 crore grant and ₹1,500 crore concessional loan to skill Bhutanese youth for nation-building.
• India-Bhutan Renewable Energy Roundtable 2024 advanced cooperation in solar, hydrogen, and private hydropower investment.
• Cultural diplomacy: The Piprahwa Buddha relic exhibition and Zhabdrung statue restoration deepen spiritual and heritage ties.
Differences Between India and Bhutan:
• Economic Scale: India’s trillion-dollar economy contrasts Bhutan’s billion GDP, creating asymmetry but also interdependence through trade.
• Energy Dependence: Bhutan relies on hydropower for 30% of revenues, whereas India seeks diversification into renewables.
• Demographic Contrast: India’s population exceeds 1.4 billion; Bhutan’s is less than a million, influencing governance and resource priorities.
• Geopolitical Exposure: India engages global powers, while Bhutan navigates a triangular balance between India, China, and global institutions.
• Climate Position: Bhutan remains carbon-negative, while India is a major emitter balancing growth with sustainability commitments.
Way Ahead:
• Diversify Economic Base: Encourage tech, tourism, organic agriculture, and education partnerships to reduce hydropower dependence.
• Green Corridor Expansion: Develop joint solar and hydrogen projects, integrating Bhutan into India’s carbon market ecosystem.
• Strategic Infrastructure: Fast-track cross-border rail, digital fibre, and power-grid interconnections for deeper physical and virtual integration.
• Youth and Skill Integration: Create dual degree programmes, start-up incubation hubs, and AI research linkages to empower Bhutanese youth.
• Regional Stability: Maintain joint vigilance on the China frontier, ensuring the Doklam sector remains secure for both nations.
Conclusion:
India-Bhutan friendship represents trust without tutelage, cooperation without coercion, and proximity with parity. As both embrace a green and digital future, the relationship must evolve from hydropower to knowledge power—anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and regional harmony.
Discuss the major irritants in India–Nepal relations. How can India balance strategic interests with Nepal’s sovereignty concerns?
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 November 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Watershed Mahotsav
Context: Union Minister of Agriculture will inaugurate the Watershed Mahotsav in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, on November 11, 2025.
About Watershed Mahotsav:
What it is?
• The Watershed Mahotsav is a national festival celebrating community participation in sustainable watershed management. It focuses on integrating citizens, policymakers, and local bodies to promote holistic soil and water conservation in rural India.
Origin:
• It is part of the National Watershed Conference 2025, organised by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development.
Aim: To foster Jan Bhagidari (public participation) in watershed development, restore degraded ecosystems, and strengthen rural livelihoods through efficient water management and soil conservation.
Key Features:
• Promotes Mission Watershed Revitalisation for repairing and maintaining old watershed structures.
• Integrates MGNREGA for funding and on-ground implementation of soil and water conservation work.
• Includes community initiatives like shramdaan, tree plantation drives, and recognition through the Watershed Jan Bhagidari Cup 2025.
• Focuses on rainfed area development, water harvesting, afforestation, and spring-shed rejuvenation.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper III (Agriculture & Environment): Demonstrates watershed development, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and soil-water conservation—core UPSC themes.
• GS Paper II (Governance & Policy): Illustrates Jan Bhagidari (public participation), cooperative federalism, and community-driven rural governance models.
• GS Paper I (Geography): Links to land degradation mitigation, rainfed ecosystem management, and resource geography of rural landscapes.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 November 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Integrity Matters Checklist
Source: DTE
Subject: Environment
Context: The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has launched the UN-endorsed “Integrity Matters Checklist”, a new tool designed to help companies align their climate disclosures with UN standards for credible net-zero commitment.
About Integrity Matters Checklist:
• What it is? An UN-endorsed climate disclosure framework that helps companies and investors transparently report on net-zero targets, transition plans, and greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
• An UN-endorsed climate disclosure framework that helps companies and investors transparently report on net-zero targets, transition plans, and greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
• Developed by: GRI in partnership with the United Nations, aligning with recommendations of the UN High-Level Expert Group (HLEG) on Net Zero Commitments.
• Aim: To operationalise the Integrity Matters report of the HLEG by ensuring corporate climate action is credible, science-based, and transparent, supporting both the Paris Agreement and 2030 Agenda goals.
• Key Features:
• Alignment with UN guidance on verifiable net-zero targets and just transition principles.
• Integrated with GRI 102: Climate Change 2025 Standard, enabling consistent and comparable sustainability reporting.
• Encourages companies to phase out fossil fuel investments and adopt science-based transition pathways.
• Provides a checklist-based reporting tool to track progress from pledges to delivery, enhancing investor and policymaker trust.
• Endorsed by UN officials as a bridge between corporate ambition and climate accountability.
• Endorsed by UN officials as a bridge between corporate ambition and climate accountability.
About Global Reporting Initiative (GRI):
• What it is? An international independent standards organisation that provides the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting framework for businesses, governments, and NGOs.
• An international independent standards organisation that provides the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting framework for businesses, governments, and NGOs.
• Launched in: 1997, by Ceres and the Tellus Institute, with support from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
• Aim: To promote transparency and accountability by helping organisations measure and communicate their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts in a standardized and comparable way.
Red Fort
Source: NDTV
Subject: Art and culture
Context: A blast occurred near Delhi’s Red Fort, resulting in several injuries and reported deaths. Union Home Minister informed that a comprehensive investigation is underway by the Delhi Police, NIA, NSG, and FSL to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
About Red Fort (Lal Qila):
• What it is? The Red Fort is a historic Mughal fort and palace complex located in Old Delhi, serving as the main residence of Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. It represents the zenith of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Timurid, and Indian styles.
• The Red Fort is a historic Mughal fort and palace complex located in Old Delhi, serving as the main residence of Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years.
• It represents the zenith of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Timurid, and Indian styles.
• Built in: Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 and completed in 1648, following his decision to shift the capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad (Delhi). The fort’s design was prepared by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the architect of the Taj Mahal.
• Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 and completed in 1648, following his decision to shift the capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad (Delhi).
• The fort’s design was prepared by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the architect of the Taj Mahal.
• History: The Red Fort was plundered during Nadir Shah’s invasion (1739) and later used as a British military garrison after the 1857 Revolt. It witnessed the decline of Mughal power, British colonial rule, and later became a symbol of India’s freedom.
• The Red Fort was plundered during Nadir Shah’s invasion (1739) and later used as a British military garrison after the 1857 Revolt.
• It witnessed the decline of Mughal power, British colonial rule, and later became a symbol of India’s freedom.
• Characteristics of the Fort: Constructed mainly from red sandstone, symbolizing power and grandeur. Enclosed by 2.5 km-long massive defensive walls along the Yamuna River. Features architectural marvels like Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Moti Masjid, and the Nahr-i-Behisht (Stream of Paradise) water channel connecting royal pavilions. The layout reflects Islamic Garden aesthetics (Charbagh concept) infused with Hindu design motifs.
• Constructed mainly from red sandstone, symbolizing power and grandeur.
• Enclosed by 2.5 km-long massive defensive walls along the Yamuna River.
• Features architectural marvels like Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Moti Masjid, and the Nahr-i-Behisht (Stream of Paradise) water channel connecting royal pavilions.
• The layout reflects Islamic Garden aesthetics (Charbagh concept) infused with Hindu design motifs.
• Important Events in History at Red Fort:
• 1739: Plundered by Nadir Shah, who looted the Peacock Throne and other treasures.
• 1857: Became a key site during the First War of Independence; Bahadur Shah Zafar was captured and tried here.
• 1945–46: Venue for the Indian National Army (INA) trials, symbolizing the final phase of India’s freedom struggle.
• 15 August 1947: Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the national flag at the Lahori Gate, marking India’s independence.
• 2007: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and architectural significance.
Graded Response Action Plan
Source: HT
Subject: Environment
Context: The Delhi government has implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III) as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) breached 400, entering the ‘severe’ category for the first time this season.
About Graded Response Action Plan:
What it is?
• The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a dynamic pollution control framework designed to combat deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) through stage-wise preventive and corrective actions based on AQI levels.
Organisation Involved: Implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in coordination with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Government, and state pollution control boards of NCR states.
Established in: 2017, following the directions of the Supreme Court of India, based on recommendations by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA).
• To reduce air pollution in Delhi-NCR through timely, coordinated, and graded interventions, thereby safeguarding public health and ensuring compliance with the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) objectives.
Key Features:
• Four-stage response system linked to air quality levels:
• Stage I: Poor (201–300)
• Stage II: Very Poor (301–400)
• Stage III: Severe (401–450)
• Stage IV: Severe+ (>450)
• Progressive and cumulative restrictions — each stage includes measures from previous stages.
• Actions include: bans on construction, demolition, and BS-III petrol/BS-IV diesel vehicles, closure of schools (up to Class 5), and promotion of work-from-home.
• Essential services like metro, railways, sanitation, defence, and healthcare are exempt but must adhere to dust and emission control norms.
• Real-time monitoring via CPCB and IMD/ IITM forecasts helps invoke stages in advance.
How it Works?
• The CAQM Sub-Committee reviews daily AQI data and forecasts to decide when to activate or relax stages.
• When higher AQI levels are expected to persist for three or more days, the next GRAP stage is invoked proactively.
• Enforcement is carried out jointly by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), NCR state boards, and district administrations, ensuring inter-agency coordination and public compliance.
Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules, 2025
Source: ETH
Subject: Miscellaneous
Context: The Union Health Ministry has amended the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules, 2025, removing the mandatory requirement of clinical specular equipment for corneal transplantation centres.
About Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Rules, 2025:
• What it is? The amendment to the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules, 2014, issued under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, seeks to simplify norms for corneal transplantation and strengthen the National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP).
• The amendment to the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules, 2014, issued under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, seeks to simplify norms for corneal transplantation and strengthen the National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP).
• Aim: To boost cornea donation and transplantation services, streamline the approval process, and remove infrastructural bottlenecks, ensuring equitable access to eye-care facilities across India.
• To boost cornea donation and transplantation services, streamline the approval process, and remove infrastructural bottlenecks, ensuring equitable access to eye-care facilities across India.
• Key Features:
• Removal of mandatory clinical specular microscope requirement: previously used to assess corneal endothelial cell health, easing compliance for smaller eye centres.
• Promotes equitable access to transplant services in rural and semi-urban regions by reducing cost and equipment barriers.
• Strengthens NOTP by improving coordination among hospitals, tissue banks, and regulatory authorities.
• Based on expert and stakeholder consultations, aligning with the government’s Vision for Equitable Healthcare Access.
• Long-term objective: Strengthen India’s cornea donation ecosystem and reduce the burden of corneal blindness — the second-leading cause of blindness among Indians over 50 years of age.
• Long-term objective: Strengthen India’s cornea donation ecosystem and reduce the burden of corneal blindness — the second-leading cause of blindness among Indians over 50 years of age.
About the Cornea:
• What it is? The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped outer layer at the front of the eye that functions like a window, allowing light to enter and focus on the retina for clear vision.
• The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped outer layer at the front of the eye that functions like a window, allowing light to enter and focus on the retina for clear vision.
• Characteristics: Acts as a protective barrier against dust, microbes, and injury. Comprises six layers: Epithelium, Bowman’s Layer, Stroma, Pre-Descemet’s (Dua’s) Layer, Descemet’s Layer, and Endothelium. Highly sensitive: has 300–600 times more pain receptors than skin, ensuring quick reflex protection. Maintains eye structure and fluid balance, essential for vision clarity. Self-healing: minor injuries repair rapidly, but deeper damage (scarring or clouding) often requires corneal transplant surgery to restore vision.
• Acts as a protective barrier against dust, microbes, and injury.
• Comprises six layers: Epithelium, Bowman’s Layer, Stroma, Pre-Descemet’s (Dua’s) Layer, Descemet’s Layer, and Endothelium.
• Highly sensitive: has 300–600 times more pain receptors than skin, ensuring quick reflex protection.
• Maintains eye structure and fluid balance, essential for vision clarity.
• Self-healing: minor injuries repair rapidly, but deeper damage (scarring or clouding) often requires corneal transplant surgery to restore vision.
Altermagnetism
Source: TH
Subject: Science and Technology
Context: Physicists have confirmed altermagnetism as a new class of magnetic order, distinct from ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism, following recent experimental validations in 2024–25.
About Altermagnetism:
What it is?
• Altermagnetism is a third form of magnetism that combines features of ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism.
• In altermagnetic materials, atomic spins alternate in direction, but are related by rotations or mirror reflections within the crystal structure instead of simple shifts.
• This leads to no overall magnetic field while retaining a unique internal spin polarization, giving rise to a new magnetic phase.
Properties of Altermagnets:
• Physical Properties:
• Zero net magnetisation: Although spins alternate, their arrangement cancels external magnetic fields, similar to antiferromagnets. Spin-split electronic bands: Inside the material, electrons with opposite spins occupy slightly different energy states, a feature typical of ferromagnets. Symmetry-based spin arrangement: The opposite spins are related by mirror or rotational symmetry, not by simple spatial translation. High-speed spin dynamics: Spin switching occurs on picosecond or sub-picosecond timescales, allowing operation in the terahertz range.
• Zero net magnetisation: Although spins alternate, their arrangement cancels external magnetic fields, similar to antiferromagnets.
• Spin-split electronic bands: Inside the material, electrons with opposite spins occupy slightly different energy states, a feature typical of ferromagnets.
• Symmetry-based spin arrangement: The opposite spins are related by mirror or rotational symmetry, not by simple spatial translation.
• High-speed spin dynamics: Spin switching occurs on picosecond or sub-picosecond timescales, allowing operation in the terahertz range.
• Chemical and Material Properties:
• Found in compounds like manganese telluride (MnTe) and ruthenium dioxide (RuO₂). Exhibits strong crystalline symmetry that defines spin alternation and electronic structure. Can exist in metals, semiconductors, and insulators, making it broadly applicable for material engineering.
• Found in compounds like manganese telluride (MnTe) and ruthenium dioxide (RuO₂).
• Exhibits strong crystalline symmetry that defines spin alternation and electronic structure.
• Can exist in metals, semiconductors, and insulators, making it broadly applicable for material engineering.
Applications:
• Spintronics: Enables next-generation spin-based electronics that are faster, smaller, and more energy-efficient.
• Quantum computing: Reduces magnetic noise, enhancing qubit stability and coherence.
• Data storage: Facilitates high-density storage with minimal signal interference.
• Ultrafast electronics: Allows terahertz-level magnetic switching for advanced processors and logic gates.
• Sensors and detectors: The anomalous Hall effect in altermagnets enables precise electrical detection of magnetic states.
Limitations:
• Complex synthesis: Producing single-domain, defect-free altermagnetic crystals is still difficult.
• Detection difficulty: Conventional magnetometers cannot detect them due to the absence of external fields.
• Scalability concerns: Controlling spin domains and maintaining uniformity across large samples remains a challenge.
Exercise Mitra Shakti XI – 2025
Source: TH
Subject: Defence Exercise
Context: The 11th edition of India–Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise “Mitra Shakti XI–2025” began at Belagavi, Karnataka, bringing together troops from both nations to enhance operational coordination under UN peacekeeping mandates.
About Exercise Mitra Shakti XI – 2025:
• What it is? A bilateral joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army, conducted annually to strengthen defence cooperation and interoperability in sub-conventional operations.
• A bilateral joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army, conducted annually to strengthen defence cooperation and interoperability in sub-conventional operations.
• Host: The Foreign Training Node, Belagavi (Karnataka) is hosting the 2025 edition.
• Nations involved: The Indian contingent (170 personnel) is led by the Rajput Regiment, while the Sri Lankan contingent (135 personnel) is represented by the Gajaba Regiment.
• The Indian contingent (170 personnel) is led by the Rajput Regiment, while the Sri Lankan contingent (135 personnel) is represented by the Gajaba Regiment.
• Aim: To jointly rehearse sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, focusing on counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations through joint tactical drills.
• To jointly rehearse sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, focusing on counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations through joint tactical drills.
• Key features: Joint raid, search and destroy missions, heliborne operations, and counter-terrorist drills. Use of drones, counter-UAV systems, and helicopters for real-time operational training. Inclusion of Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting, and Yoga sessions to build physical and mental synergy. Focus on casualty evacuation, securing helipads, and integrated command operations to simulate UN peacekeeping conditions. Exchange of best practices and tactical experiences to enhance mutual learning and strengthen bilateral defence
• Joint raid, search and destroy missions, heliborne operations, and counter-terrorist drills.
• Use of drones, counter-UAV systems, and helicopters for real-time operational training.
• Inclusion of Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting, and Yoga sessions to build physical and mental synergy.
• Focus on casualty evacuation, securing helipads, and integrated command operations to simulate UN peacekeeping conditions.
• Exchange of best practices and tactical experiences to enhance mutual learning and strengthen bilateral defence
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 November 2025 Mapping:
Ethiopia
Source: IT
Subject:
Context: Ethiopia is set to be officially confirmed as the host of COP32 in 2027, making it the first East African nation to organize a UN Climate Change Conference.
About Ethiopia:
• What it is? Ethiopia is a federal republic and one of the oldest independent countries in the world, known for its rich cultural heritage and role in African unity. It is the largest and most populous nation in the Horn of Africa and headquarters of the African Union and UN Economic Commission for Africa.
• Ethiopia is a federal republic and one of the oldest independent countries in the world, known for its rich cultural heritage and role in African unity.
• It is the largest and most populous nation in the Horn of Africa and headquarters of the African Union and UN Economic Commission for Africa.
• Located in: Horn of Africa, in the eastern part of the African continent.
• Capital: Addis Ababa.
• Neighbouring Nations: Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan and Sudan
• Geological and Physical Features:
• Topography: One of Africa’s most rugged terrains, dominated by highlands, plateaus, and deep valleys. Major Highlands: Western and Eastern Highlands separated by the Great Rift Valley, which runs north to south through the country. Highest Point: Mount Ras Dejen (Dashen) at 4,533 metres, the tallest peak in Ethiopia. Key Rivers: Blue Nile (Abay), Tekeze, Baro, Awash, Omo, Shebele, and Genale, forming three main drainage systems. Lakes and Basins: Lake Tana—the source of the Blue Nile—and numerous Rift Valley lakes like Abaya, Shala, and Ziway. Geological Composition: Built mainly of Precambrian crystalline rocks, overlaid by volcanic basalt and sedimentary layers from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras.
• Topography: One of Africa’s most rugged terrains, dominated by highlands, plateaus, and deep valleys.
• Major Highlands: Western and Eastern Highlands separated by the Great Rift Valley, which runs north to south through the country.
• Highest Point: Mount Ras Dejen (Dashen) at 4,533 metres, the tallest peak in Ethiopia.
• Key Rivers: Blue Nile (Abay), Tekeze, Baro, Awash, Omo, Shebele, and Genale, forming three main drainage systems.
• Lakes and Basins: Lake Tana—the source of the Blue Nile—and numerous Rift Valley lakes like Abaya, Shala, and Ziway.
• Geological Composition: Built mainly of Precambrian crystalline rocks, overlaid by volcanic basalt and sedimentary layers from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras.
• COP upcoming summits: COP 30 Host: Belém, Brazil COP 31 Host: Australia (in partnership with Pacific Island nations) or Turkey not finalised. COP32 Host: Ethiopia
• COP 30 Host: Belém, Brazil
• COP 31 Host: Australia (in partnership with Pacific Island nations) or Turkey not finalised.
• COP32 Host: Ethiopia
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