UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 November 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 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 – 13 November (2025)

• Global TB Report 2025

Global TB Report 2025

GS Paper 3:

• Global Cooling Watch 2025 Report

Global Cooling Watch 2025 Report

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Operation Bullion Blaze

Operation Bullion Blaze

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Silver Jubilee of PPV&FRA Act

Silver Jubilee of PPV&FRA Act

• Cabinet Approves New Royalty Rates for 4 Critical Minerals

Cabinet Approves New Royalty Rates for 4 Critical Minerals

• Nyoma Air Base

Nyoma Air Base

• National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM)

National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM)

• ARISE Program

ARISE Program

• Export Promotion Mission (EPM)

Export Promotion Mission (EPM)

Mapping:

• Botswana

Botswana

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 November 2025

#### GS Paper 2:

Global TB Report 2025

Source: WHO

Subject: Health

Context: The WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2025, shows that India remains the country with the highest TB burden (25% of global cases) despite achieving a 21% reduction in incidence since 2015.

About Global TB Report 2025:

• What it is? The annual global assessment of tuberculosis trends, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment at global, regional, and national levels.

• The annual global assessment of tuberculosis trends, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment at global, regional, and national levels.

• Published by: World Health Organization (WHO).

• Aim: To track progress towards the End TB Strategy (2015–2035), which targets a 90% reduction in TB deaths and 80% reduction in incidence by 2030, and guide evidence-based national TB control policies.

Global Trends in TB:

• Global Incidence: TB incidence declined by 1.7% between 2023 and 2024, reaching 131 cases per 100,000 population, reversing pandemic-related setbacks.

• Regional Patterns: Declines continued in the African, South-East Asian, Eastern Mediterranean, and European Regions, while the Americas saw a fourth consecutive rise due to under-detection.

• Geographical Burden: South-East Asia (34%), Western Pacific (27%), and Africa (25%) accounted for the bulk of global TB cases.

• High-Burden Nations: Eight countries made up 67% of global cases — led by India (25%), Indonesia (10%), and the Philippines (6.8%).

• Drug Resistance: Global multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB remains a major threat, with modest progress in detection and treatment.

• Funding Gap: International TB financing has stagnated since 2020, and donor cuts from 2025 threaten national programs.

TB Trends in India:

• Incidence Rate: India’s TB incidence fell from 195 (2023) to 187 per 100,000 (2024) — a 21% reduction since 2015, compared to a global decline of 12%.

• Case Detection: India diagnosed 2.61 million of an estimated 2.7 million cases in 2024, sharply reducing the “missing cases” gap.

• Mortality: TB deaths dropped from 28 (2015) to 21 per 100,000 (2024), though still above the target of 3 per 100,000 by 2025.

• Drug Resistance: India accounted for 32% of global MDR-TB cases, though incidence is gradually declining.

• Policy Momentum: The government’s Ni-kshay 2.0 and TB-Mukt Bharat initiatives have improved treatment coverage (92%) and expanded upfront molecular diagnostics.

Initiatives to Reduce TB:

• Global Level:

• End TB Strategy (WHO, 2015–2035): Global framework to cut TB deaths by 90% and incidence by 80% by 2030. UN High-Level Meetings (2018, 2023): Renewed global commitments, including targets for funding, vaccine development, and universal access to TB care. Global Fund & Stop TB Partnership: Strengthen resource mobilization, surveillance, and innovation. New WHO Guidelines (2024–25): Updated guidance on diagnosis, MDR-TB treatment, and TB–diabetes comorbidity management.

• End TB Strategy (WHO, 2015–2035): Global framework to cut TB deaths by 90% and incidence by 80% by 2030.

• UN High-Level Meetings (2018, 2023): Renewed global commitments, including targets for funding, vaccine development, and universal access to TB care.

• Global Fund & Stop TB Partnership: Strengthen resource mobilization, surveillance, and innovation.

• New WHO Guidelines (2024–25): Updated guidance on diagnosis, MDR-TB treatment, and TB–diabetes comorbidity management.

• India Level:

• National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination (2017–2025): Targets an 80% incidence reduction by 2025, ahead of global goals. Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana: Nutritional support for TB patients. Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: Community engagement and corporate participation in patient adoption. Expanded Diagnostics: Rollout of Truenat and CBNAAT molecular tests nationwide.

• National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination (2017–2025): Targets an 80% incidence reduction by 2025, ahead of global goals.

• Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana: Nutritional support for TB patients.

• Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: Community engagement and corporate participation in patient adoption.

• Expanded Diagnostics: Rollout of Truenat and CBNAAT molecular tests nationwide.

Challenges to TB Reduction:

• Persistent Undernutrition: Malnutrition remains a major driver of TB vulnerability, especially among low-income groups, weakening immunity and sustaining disease transmission.

• Rising MDR-TB Burden: Multidrug-resistant TB cases continue to strain health systems due to limited access to newer, shorter, and less toxic treatment regimens.

• Funding Stagnation: Global and national TB programs face declining donor funding, threatening continuity of diagnostics, treatment, and community outreach initiatives.

• Weak Surveillance: Inadequate reporting from rural and private sectors leads to under-detection and delayed treatment, undermining national elimination goals.

• Limited Vaccine Pipeline: Despite promising candidates, no new TB vaccine has yet reached large-scale rollout, slowing prevention efforts in high-burden countries.

Recommendations:

• Accelerate Vaccine R&D: Prioritize global and domestic investment in next-generation TB vaccines, fast-tracking trials and equitable access frameworks.

• Expand Molecular Diagnostics: Scale up Truenat, CBNAAT, and LAMP-based tests for rapid, accurate detection in high-risk and remote districts.

• Ensure Sustainable Financing: Increase domestic TB funding through national health budgets and blended finance models to reduce donor dependency.

• Strengthen Nutrition & Social Support: Link TB programs with food security and welfare schemes to address poverty, malnutrition, and stigma barriers.

• Integrate Digital Surveillance: Use AI-enabled platforms and real-time data analytics for better case tracking, treatment adherence, and outcome monitoring.

Conclusion:

The WHO Global TB Report 2025 highlights that despite steady progress, TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease. India’s strong decline in incidence and mortality is commendable but insufficient to meet the 2025 elimination target. Achieving a TB-free world demands accelerated vaccine development, robust financing, and holistic health–nutrition–poverty interventions.

India has one of the highest burdens of Tuberculosis (TB) globally, and ensuring an adequate supply of quality-assured drugs is crucial for effective treatment. Examine the major impediments to ending TB in India.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 November 2025 GS Paper 3

Global Cooling Watch 2025 Report

Source: UNEP

Subject: Environment

Context: The UNEP launched the Global Cooling Watch 2025 report at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, warning that global cooling demand could triple by 2050 under a business-as-usual scenario, potentially doubling emissions and straining power systems.

About Global Cooling Watch 2025 Report:

• What it is? The Global Cooling Watch 2025 is UNEP’s second global assessment on the environmental, economic, and equity dimensions of cooling, providing the scientific foundation for the Global Cooling Pledge.

• The Global Cooling Watch 2025 is UNEP’s second global assessment on the environmental, economic, and equity dimensions of cooling, providing the scientific foundation for the Global Cooling Pledge.

• Published by: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at COP30 (2025).

• Aim: To analyse global cooling trends, project future emissions, and propose a “Sustainable Cooling Pathway” to achieve near-zero emissions while ensuring equitable access to cooling worldwide

Key Trends Identified:

• Rising Cooling Demand: Global cooling capacity is projected to rise 2.6 times (22 TW → 58 TW) by 2050, driven by rapid urbanization, income growth, and intensifying heatwaves, particularly in developing nations.

• Emission Surge: Without strong policy intervention, cooling-related GHG emissions may reach 10.5 billion tons of CO₂e by 2050, nearly double 2022 levels, threatening to offset gains from other climate actions.

• Developing Country Growth: Cooling demand in Article 5 countries (developing nations) is set to increase fourfold, highlighting a widening divide in energy use and infrastructure readiness between rich and poor economies.

• Energy Consumption: Global electricity use for cooling may rise from 5,000 TWh (2022) to 18,000 TWh (2050), straining power grids and escalating peak load demands, especially in tropical regions.

• Heat Inequality: Over 2 billion people in low-income households remain vulnerable to extreme heat exposure due to lack of access to affordable, efficient cooling technologies.

• Passive Cooling Potential: Integrating passive cooling design—like reflective roofing and urban greening—can lower indoor temperatures by up to 8°C and cut energy use by 15–55%, offering scalable climate adaptation.

• HFC Transition: Phasing down high-global-warming refrigerants (HFCs) and adopting low-GWP alternatives could eliminate up to 0.4°C of projected global warming this century.

• Global Cooling Pledge Progress: So far, 72 nations and 80 organizations have joined the Global Cooling Pledge, collectively aiming for a 68% emission reduction in the cooling sector by 2050.

Successes:

• Strengthened global collaboration through the Global Cooling Pledge, harmonizing standards and accelerating knowledge sharing among nations.

• Mainstreaming of passive cooling measures in building codes and urban policies, especially in Asia and Africa.

• Rapid technological progress in hybrid and low-energy cooling systems, improving energy efficiency by up to 50%.

• Enhanced private sector participation in manufacturing and financing sustainable cooling technologies.

• Emerging Tiered Access Frameworks are improving cooling equity and resilience for low-income and heat-vulnerable populations.

Limitations:

• Persistent inequality in cooling access, with millions in tropical developing regions still unprotected from lethal heat exposure.

• Insufficient adaptation finance, as current funding meets less than 20% of global cooling resilience needs.

• Policy fragmentation across sectors—energy, housing, and environment—hampers unified cooling governance.

• Delayed HFC phase-down and poor refrigerant disposal continue to drive high direct emissions.

• Dependence on fossil-based electricity undermines gains from efficiency and refrigerant transition efforts.

UNEP Recommendations:

• Adopt a Sustainable Cooling Pathway combining passive design, efficient appliances, and rapid clean energy integration.

• Accelerate refrigerant phase-down through Kigali Amendment implementation and enforce full lifecycle refrigerant recovery.

• Mobilize green finance via concessional lending, PPPs, and climate bonds to expand access to sustainable cooling.

• Mandate passive cooling standards in national building and urban planning regulations.

• Ensure equitable access by subsidizing efficient cooling for vulnerable communities and heat-stressed regions.

Conclusion:

The Global Cooling Watch 2025 underscores that unchecked cooling demand could derail global climate goals. A coordinated shift toward efficient, equitable, and low-emission cooling is essential. If implemented urgently, UNEP’s pathway could cut 97% of future emissions and secure a climate-safe, heat-resilient future.

Climate impacts are now lived experiences rather than distant projections in many middle-income countries. Examine this shift. Analyse how it is altering public willingness to adopt sustainable lifestyle changes.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 November 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Operation Bullion Blaze

Context: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched “Operation Bullion Blaze” in Mumbai, cracking a major gold-smuggling and melting syndicate. It seized 11.88 kg of gold worth ₹15.05 crore and arrested 11 individuals.

About Operation Bullion Blaze:

• What it is? A targeted enforcement drive to dismantle organised gold-smuggling and illicit bullion-melting networks operating in Mumbai.

• A targeted enforcement drive to dismantle organised gold-smuggling and illicit bullion-melting networks operating in Mumbai.

• Launched by: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Ministry of Finance.

• Aim: To intercept illegal gold inflows, shut down unregistered melting units, and curb black-market bullion trading.

• Execution: Based on specific intelligence, simultaneous searches were carried out at four premises—two melting units and two unregistered shops—leading to multiple seizures and arrests.

• Significance: Strengthens fiscal discipline by preventing revenue loss, curbs illegal gold imports that fuel the shadow economy, and reinforces DRI’s deterrent role in financial crime enforcement.

• Strengthens fiscal discipline by preventing revenue loss, curbs illegal gold imports that fuel the shadow economy, and reinforces DRI’s deterrent role in financial crime enforcement.

Relevance for UPSC Syllabus:

• GS Paper III – Internal Security & Economy: Illustrates India’s efforts to counter smuggling and illicit trade that undermine fiscal stability and national security.

• GS Paper II – Governance: Showcases institutional accountability and coordination in enforcing anti-smuggling laws and protecting revenue interests.

• GS Paper IV – Ethics: Reflects on integrity, vigilance, and probity in public service through strict enforcement against economic offences.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 November 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Silver Jubilee of PPV&FRA Act

Source: PIB

Subject: Government Schemes

Context: Union Agriculture Minister presented the Plant Genome Saviour Awards in New Delhi to mark the Silver Jubilee of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FRA) Act, 2001.

About Silver Jubilee of PPV&FRA Act:

What it is?

• India’s first sui generis legal framework (enacted in 2001) for protecting the rights of farmers and plant breeders, ensuring equitable benefit-sharing and seed sovereignty.

Launched in: 2001, under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare; Authority operational since 2005.

Aim: To establish a balanced system that encourages innovation in plant breeding while recognizing farmers’ role in conserving genetic diversity.

Key Features:

• Farmers’ Rights (Section 39): Farmers can save, use, sow, resow, exchange, and share seeds of registered varieties; they are also eligible for compensation for non-performance of varieties.

• Breeders’ Rights: Exclusive rights to produce, sell, or license protected varieties, ensuring intellectual property protection for innovation.

• Registration Criteria (DUS): Varieties must meet Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability standards; 57 crop species notified for registration.

• National Gene Fund: Created to channel benefit-sharing fees and support in-situ conservation and rewarding farmers.

• Researchers’ Exemption: Allows use of registered varieties for experimentation and varietal development, ensuring open scientific access.

• Benefit-Sharing & Protection: Recognition of community knowledge through National Register of Plant Varieties (NRPV) and legal remedy for biopiracy.

About Plant Genome Saviour Awards:

• What it is? A national recognition scheme instituted by PPV&FRA to honour farmers and communities preserving traditional and endangered plant varieties.

• A national recognition scheme instituted by PPV&FRA to honour farmers and communities preserving traditional and endangered plant varieties.

• Origin: Introduced under Section 39(1)(iii) of the PPV&FRA Act to reward grassroots conservationists of genetic resources.

• Awarded to:

• Individual farmers and community seed groups engaged in conserving indigenous landraces and wild relatives of crops.

• 2025 recipients include Community Seed Bank (Telangana), Mithilanchal Makhana Producers’ Association (Bihar), and CRS-Na Dihing Tenga Unyan Committee (Assam), among others.

Cabinet Approves New Royalty Rates for 4 Critical Minerals

Source: ET

Subject: Economy

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the rationalisation of royalty rates for four critical minerals — Graphite, Caesium, Rubidium, and Zirconium — to promote domestic production.

About Cabinet Approves New Royalty Rates for 4 Critical Minerals:

What is Royalty Rate?

• It is a charge levied by the government on mineral producers for the extraction of natural resources, calculated as a percentage of the Average Sale Price (ASP) of the mineral or on a fixed per-tonne basis.

Law Governing:

• Governed by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) and the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, which empower the Central Government to fix or revise royalty rates.

Aim: To ensure fair value capture for the state, encourage exploration and auction of mineral blocks, and promote the availability of critical minerals vital for green technologies and strategic sectors like EVs, nuclear energy, and electronics.

Key Features of the Decision:

• Graphite: Royalty will now depend on quality — 2% for higher-grade (≥80% carbon) and 4% for lower-grade (<80%) graphite. Earlier, it was a flat per-tonne charge; now it changes with market price.

• Caesium & Rubidium: Both will have a 2% royalty on the value of metal extracted.

• Zirconium: Will attract a 1% royalty on its metal value.

• The new rates will make it easier to auction blocks containing these minerals and discover linked elements like lithium and rare earths.

• It brings India’s royalty structure in line with international norms (2–4%), ensuring fair pricing and more investor interest.

Significance:

• Reduces Import Dependence: India currently imports 60% of its graphite requirement; new rates incentivize indigenous mining and processing.

• Boosts Green Energy Transition: Critical for EV batteries, nuclear cladding, atomic clocks, and fiber optics—key components in India’s clean-tech ecosystem.

• Supports ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’: Ensures resource security, employment generation, and supply chain resilience.

Nyoma Air Base

Source: HT

Subject: Mapping

Context: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has operationalised the Nyoma Air Base in Eastern Ladakh, with Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh making the inaugural landing on a C-130J aircraft.

About Nyoma Air Base:

• What it is? A newly operationalised IAF airbase at Mudh-Nyoma in Eastern Ladakh, designed to handle fighter jets, heavy transport aircraft, and helicopters, making it one of the highest operational airfields in the world at an altitude of 13,700 feet.

• A newly operationalised IAF airbase at Mudh-Nyoma in Eastern Ladakh, designed to handle fighter jets, heavy transport aircraft, and helicopters, making it one of the highest operational airfields in the world at an altitude of 13,700 feet.

• Located in: Nyoma subdivision, Leh district, Ladakh, near the southern bank of Pangong Tso and about 30 km from the LAC, on the northern bank of the Indus River.

• History: Originally built as a mud-paved landing ground in 1962, it remained inactive for decades. Reactivated in 2009 when an AN-32 aircraft landed successfully. Following the 2020 India–China border standoff, Nyoma ALG supported operations of C-130J, AN-32, Apache, and Chinook aircraft. In 2023, the BRO began upgrading it into a full-fledged airbase under Project Himank, completing the 2.7-km paved runway by 2024 at a cost of ₹218 crore. Operationalised in November 2025 after completion of hangars, ATC, and support facilities.

• Originally built as a mud-paved landing ground in 1962, it remained inactive for decades.

• Reactivated in 2009 when an AN-32 aircraft landed successfully.

• Following the 2020 India–China border standoff, Nyoma ALG supported operations of C-130J, AN-32, Apache, and Chinook aircraft.

• In 2023, the BRO began upgrading it into a full-fledged airbase under Project Himank, completing the 2.7-km paved runway by 2024 at a cost of ₹218 crore.

• Operationalised in November 2025 after completion of hangars, ATC, and support facilities.

• Geological Features: Situated in a high-altitude cold desert terrain, surrounded by rugged mountains and the Changthang plateau. The region experiences temperatures up to –30°C, limiting construction windows to just a few months each year. Lies near strategic valleys like Hanle, Chumar, and Demchok, with proximity to the Kailash Range and Skakjung plains.

• Situated in a high-altitude cold desert terrain, surrounded by rugged mountains and the Changthang plateau.

• The region experiences temperatures up to –30°C, limiting construction windows to just a few months each year.

• Lies near strategic valleys like Hanle, Chumar, and Demchok, with proximity to the Kailash Range and Skakjung plains.

• Importance of Nyoma Air Base: Strategic Edge: Enhances India’s air mobility and quick response capability along the sensitive LAC with China. Infrastructure Milestone: Symbolises India’s growing border infrastructure strength alongside airfields at Leh, Thoise, Kargil, Daulet Beg-Oldie, and Fukche. Geo-political Significance: Strengthens deterrence posture, ensuring sustained dominance and surveillance across the Indus–Pangong–Hanle corridor.

• Strategic Edge: Enhances India’s air mobility and quick response capability along the sensitive LAC with China.

• Infrastructure Milestone: Symbolises India’s growing border infrastructure strength alongside airfields at Leh, Thoise, Kargil, Daulet Beg-Oldie, and Fukche.

• Geo-political Significance: Strengthens deterrence posture, ensuring sustained dominance and surveillance across the Indus–Pangong–Hanle corridor.

National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM)

Source: NIE

Subject: Miscellaneous

Context: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made it mandatory for all highway Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to include analysis using ISRO’s National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM).

About National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM):

• What it is? A geo-spatial platform providing real-time, space-based data for disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation across India.

• A geo-spatial platform providing real-time, space-based data for disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation across India.

• Developed by: National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO, under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

• Aim: To serve as a national repository of GIS-based data for emergency management, helping policymakers, disaster managers, and planners make evidence-based, risk-informed decisions.

• Key Features: Multi-hazard coverage: Provides data on floods, earthquakes, landslides, droughts, and cyclones. Digital Elevation Models (DEM): Enables terrain mapping for slope and drainage assessment. Land-use and hazard zonation layers: Identify vulnerable zones and optimise land planning. Decision Support Tools: Integrates multi-scale data for real-time risk analysis and emergency response. Multi-institutional access: Used by NDRF, SDRF, and State Disaster Management Authorities for planning and rescue operations.

• Multi-hazard coverage: Provides data on floods, earthquakes, landslides, droughts, and cyclones.

• Digital Elevation Models (DEM): Enables terrain mapping for slope and drainage assessment.

• Land-use and hazard zonation layers: Identify vulnerable zones and optimise land planning.

• Decision Support Tools: Integrates multi-scale data for real-time risk analysis and emergency response.

• Multi-institutional access: Used by NDRF, SDRF, and State Disaster Management Authorities for planning and rescue operations.

• Importance of NDEM in Road Infrastructure Development: Accurate Route Planning: Helps identify flood-prone or landslide-prone zones before road alignment is finalised. Feasibility Enhancement: Reduces field-level uncertainties and cost overruns by enabling data-driven DPRs. Risk Mapping: Supports safer and more resilient design of roads, bridges, and tunnels. Disaster Mitigation: Ensures road networks remain operational during calamities by factoring in hazard data.

• Accurate Route Planning: Helps identify flood-prone or landslide-prone zones before road alignment is finalised.

• Feasibility Enhancement: Reduces field-level uncertainties and cost overruns by enabling data-driven DPRs.

• Risk Mapping: Supports safer and more resilient design of roads, bridges, and tunnels.

• Disaster Mitigation: Ensures road networks remain operational during calamities by factoring in hazard data.

ARISE Program

Source: ET

Subject: Environment

Context: At the COP30 Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil, the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) launched a new program — ARISE (Accelerating Resilience Investments and Innovations for Sustainable Economies) — with initial funding of million from Germany and Spain

About ARISE Program:

• What it is? ARISE is the next-generation resilience program launched under the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) to help developing countries strengthen their economic and institutional resilience against climate shocks and transform climate risks into opportunities for sustainable growth.

• ARISE is the next-generation resilience program launched under the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) to help developing countries strengthen their economic and institutional resilience against climate shocks and transform climate risks into opportunities for sustainable growth.

• Launched by: Climate Investment Funds (CIF) — a multilateral climate finance mechanism housed within the World Bank.

• Aim: To mainstream climate resilience into national economic planning, mobilize catalytic finance for adaptation, and empower communities and institutions to withstand and recover from compounding climate risks like floods, droughts, and storms.

About Climate Investment Fund (CIF):

• What it is? A multilateral climate finance mechanism that provides concessional funding to developing countries to support low-carbon, climate-resilient development.

• A multilateral climate finance mechanism that provides concessional funding to developing countries to support low-carbon, climate-resilient development.

• Established in: 2008, as a collaborative initiative under the World Bank Group.

• Managed by: Hosted within the World Bank, implemented through six Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) — including the IFC, ADB, AfDB, EBRD, and others — ensuring country-led and partnership-based climate action.

• Aim: To catalyse transformational climate investments by mobilising public and private finance for clean technology, energy access, resilience, and nature-based solutions in over 70 low and middle-income countries.

• Key Features: Two Core Funds: Clean Technology Fund (CTF) – finances renewable energy, clean transport, and energy efficiency projects. Strategic Climate Fund (SCF) – pilots and scales innovative programs such as the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR), Forestry Investment Program, and Smart Cities Program. Blended Finance Model: Combines concessional CIF funds with MDB and private investments to reduce risks and attract commercial capital.

• Two Core Funds: Clean Technology Fund (CTF) – finances renewable energy, clean transport, and energy efficiency projects. Strategic Climate Fund (SCF) – pilots and scales innovative programs such as the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR), Forestry Investment Program, and Smart Cities Program.

• Clean Technology Fund (CTF) – finances renewable energy, clean transport, and energy efficiency projects.

• Strategic Climate Fund (SCF) – pilots and scales innovative programs such as the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR), Forestry Investment Program, and Smart Cities Program.

• Blended Finance Model: Combines concessional CIF funds with MDB and private investments to reduce risks and attract commercial capital.

Export Promotion Mission (EPM)

Source: TOI

Subject: Schemes

Context: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister of India has approved the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore (2025–26 to 2030–31) to strengthen India’s export competitiveness.

About Export Promotion Mission (EPM):

• What it is? A flagship, outcome-based initiative aimed at creating a unified, technology-driven framework to promote exports, reduce trade barriers, and enhance India’s competitiveness in global markets.

• A flagship, outcome-based initiative aimed at creating a unified, technology-driven framework to promote exports, reduce trade barriers, and enhance India’s competitiveness in global markets.

• Launched in: Announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 and approved by the Cabinet in November 2025.

• Implemented by: the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

• Term: To be implemented during FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31, with a total financial outlay of ₹25,060 crore.

• Aim: To boost exports through financial and non-financial interventions, consolidate existing export schemes under one mission, and ensure inclusive, sustainable, and regionally balanced export growth aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047.

• Key Features: Two Sub-schemes: Niryat Protsahan – Enhances access to affordable trade finance via interest subvention, export factoring, and credit guarantees for MSMEs. Niryat Disha – Provides non-financial support such as export quality improvement, branding, packaging, logistics, trade fairs, and capacity building. Scheme Integration: Merges major export-support initiatives like the Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES) and Market Access Initiative (MAI) under one coordinated mechanism. Digital Implementation: All applications and fund disbursals managed through an integrated DGFT digital platform linked with trade systems. Sectoral Focus: Priority to textiles, leather, gems & jewellery, engineering goods, and marine products, sectors facing global tariff and supply chain pressures. Impact Goals: Expand access to trade finance, enhance compliance and certification readiness, promote new market access, and generate employment across manufacturing and logistics.

• Two Sub-schemes: Niryat Protsahan – Enhances access to affordable trade finance via interest subvention, export factoring, and credit guarantees for MSMEs. Niryat Disha – Provides non-financial support such as export quality improvement, branding, packaging, logistics, trade fairs, and capacity building.

• Niryat Protsahan – Enhances access to affordable trade finance via interest subvention, export factoring, and credit guarantees for MSMEs.

• Niryat Disha – Provides non-financial support such as export quality improvement, branding, packaging, logistics, trade fairs, and capacity building.

• Scheme Integration: Merges major export-support initiatives like the Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES) and Market Access Initiative (MAI) under one coordinated mechanism.

• Digital Implementation: All applications and fund disbursals managed through an integrated DGFT digital platform linked with trade systems.

• Sectoral Focus: Priority to textiles, leather, gems & jewellery, engineering goods, and marine products, sectors facing global tariff and supply chain pressures.

• Impact Goals: Expand access to trade finance, enhance compliance and certification readiness, promote new market access, and generate employment across manufacturing and logistics.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 November 2025 Mapping:

Botswana

Source: News on Air

Subject: Mapping

Context: During President of India state visit to Botswana, the country announced the donation of eight cheetahs to India under Project Cheetah.

About Botswana:

• What it is? Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, renowned for its democratic stability, wildlife diversity, and conservation-led development model. It gained independence from Britain in 1966 and has since become one of Africa’s most peaceful and prosperous nations.

• Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, renowned for its democratic stability, wildlife diversity, and conservation-led development model. It gained independence from Britain in 1966 and has since become one of Africa’s most peaceful and prosperous nations.

• Located in: The centre of Southern Africa, roughly triangular in shape, covering about 600 miles north–south and east–west.

• Neighbouring Border Nations: Namibia (Caprivi Strip), Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

• Geological & Physical Features: Lies on a high inland plateau (~1,000 m elevation) dominated by the Kalahari Desert sands. Divided into three main regions: Hardveld (rocky hills and shallow soils in the east) Sandveld (deep Kalahari sands covering most of the country) Ancient lakebeds and wetlands in the north (Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans). Major rivers include the Okavango, Chobe, and Limpopo; rainfall is sparse and seasonal. Climate: Semi-arid, with hot summers (up to 34°C) and dry winters; cyclic droughts are frequent.

• Lies on a high inland plateau (~1,000 m elevation) dominated by the Kalahari Desert sands.

• Divided into three main regions: Hardveld (rocky hills and shallow soils in the east) Sandveld (deep Kalahari sands covering most of the country) Ancient lakebeds and wetlands in the north (Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans).

• Hardveld (rocky hills and shallow soils in the east)

• Sandveld (deep Kalahari sands covering most of the country)

• Ancient lakebeds and wetlands in the north (Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans).

• Major rivers include the Okavango, Chobe, and Limpopo; rainfall is sparse and seasonal.

• Climate: Semi-arid, with hot summers (up to 34°C) and dry winters; cyclic droughts are frequent.

About Cheetah Distribution Worldwide:

• Global Range: Once widespread across Africa, the Middle East, and India, cheetahs now occupy only ~9–10% of their historical range.

• Current Population: Around 7,100 adult and adolescent cheetahs remain globally.

• African Distribution: Southern Africa (Namibia, Botswana, Angola, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia) holds the largest population, retaining about 22% of the species’ former range. Eastern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) retains about 6%.

• Southern Africa (Namibia, Botswana, Angola, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia) holds the largest population, retaining about 22% of the species’ former range.

• Eastern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) retains about 6%.

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