UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 November 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 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 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 November (2025)
• The India Skills Report 2026
The India Skills Report 2026
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Rise in India’s Carbon Emissions
Rise in India’s Carbon Emissions
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Moon’s Sphere of Influence (MSI)
Moon’s Sphere of Influence (MSI)
• Draft Seeds Bill, 2025
Draft Seeds Bill, 2025
• Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill
Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill
• Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A
• Cohort Connect 2025
Cohort Connect 2025
• AI-based Locking Monitoring System called ‘DRISHTI’
AI-based Locking Monitoring System called ‘DRISHTI’
Mapping:
• New Mangalore Port
New Mangalore Port
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 November 2025
#### GS Paper 3:
The India Skills Report 2026
Source: IT
Subject: Economy
Context: The India Skills Report 2026 shows India’s employability rate rising to 56.35% (from 54.81%), signalling a rapid improvement in how “job-ready” the youth are.
About The India Skills Report 2026:
• What it is? The India Skills Report 2026 is an annual nationwide assessment of India’s workforce readiness, prepared by ETS, CII, AICTE, AIU and Taggd, based on surveys of students, recent graduates and employers across key sectors.
• The India Skills Report 2026 is an annual nationwide assessment of India’s workforce readiness, prepared by ETS, CII, AICTE, AIU and Taggd, based on surveys of students, recent graduates and employers across key sectors.
• To measure employability and skill gaps across education streams, sectors and regions. To map emerging trends in AI, gig work, digital fluency and hiring patterns. To help policymakers, academia and industry align curricula, training and recruitment with the demands of the future of work.
• To measure employability and skill gaps across education streams, sectors and regions.
• To map emerging trends in AI, gig work, digital fluency and hiring patterns.
• To help policymakers, academia and industry align curricula, training and recruitment with the demands of the future of work.
Key Trends Identified in the Report:
• Rising Employability: Overall employability has increased to 56.35% (from ~54.8%), almost a 10-percentage point jump in about 4 years, indicating more youth are job-ready and aligned with industry needs.
• Overall employability has increased to 56.35% (from ~54.8%), almost a 10-percentage point jump in about 4 years, indicating more youth are job-ready and aligned with industry needs.
• Women Surpass Men in Employability: Women: 54% vs Men: 51.5% – first time in years that women’s employability overtakes men’s, especially in BFSI, education, healthcare and in Tier-2/Tier-3 cities.
• Women: 54% vs Men: 51.5% – first time in years that women’s employability overtakes men’s, especially in BFSI, education, healthcare and in Tier-2/Tier-3 cities.
• Tech & AI at the Core: Computer Science (80%) and IT engineers (78%) top employability metrics, driven by roles in AI, data analytics, automation, cloud, cybersecurity. India already holds a significant share of global AI talent, and AI tools are widely used in recruitment and daily work.
• Computer Science (80%) and IT engineers (78%) top employability metrics, driven by roles in AI, data analytics, automation, cloud, cybersecurity.
• India already holds a significant share of global AI talent, and AI tools are widely used in recruitment and daily work.
• Skills > Degrees – Micro-credentials on the rise: Industry and institutions are converging through micro-credentials, stackable certificates and experiential learning, moving towards a “skills-first” hiring culture, not just degree-based recruitment.
• Industry and institutions are converging through micro-credentials, stackable certificates and experiential learning, moving towards a “skills-first” hiring culture, not just degree-based recruitment.
• Booming Gig & Freelance Economy: Gig hiring grew ~38%, and gigs now form around 16% of all jobs, with the gig workforce projected to reach tens of millions by 2030, giving workers more flexibility and diversified income streams.
• Gig hiring grew ~38%, and gigs now form around 16% of all jobs, with the gig workforce projected to reach tens of millions by 2030, giving workers more flexibility and diversified income streams.
• High Appetite for Internships & Practical Exposure: Around 92.8% of students seek internships or hands-on exposure, especially high in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, reflecting demand for real-world learning and industry projects.
• Around 92.8% of students seek internships or hands-on exposure, especially high in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, reflecting demand for real-world learning and industry projects.
• Hiring Intent is Strong, Especially in IT: Companies plan to hire 40% more people next year (up from 29%). IT sector leads fresher hiring at 35% (vs 14% cross-industry last year), followed by BFSI, manufacturing, pharma/healthcare, FMCG.
• Companies plan to hire 40% more people next year (up from 29%).
• IT sector leads fresher hiring at 35% (vs 14% cross-industry last year), followed by BFSI, manufacturing, pharma/healthcare, FMCG.
• Streams & Vocational Pathways Getting Stronger: Commerce grads: employability up to 62.81% (from 55%) – driven by BFSI & fintech. Science: ~61%, Arts: ~55.55% – benefitting from digital and interdisciplinary roles. ITI: 45.95% (up from 41%) and polytechnic: 32.92% – showing gradual success of vocational skilling.
• Commerce grads: employability up to 62.81% (from 55%) – driven by BFSI & fintech.
• Science: ~61%, Arts: ~55.55% – benefitting from digital and interdisciplinary roles.
• ITI: 45.95% (up from 41%) and polytechnic: 32.92% – showing gradual success of vocational skilling.
Opportunities for India in the Skills Landscape:
• Becoming a Global Talent Powerhouse: Large, young population + rising employability + English & digital fluency position India as a primary supplier of skilled talent to the world.
• Leadership in AI & Emerging Tech: Strong base in computer science, IT, data, cloud and AI opens space for India to build indigenous AI products and capture high-value global technology work.
• Demographic Dividend with Skills, Not Just Numbers: With a large share of youth, a skills-first orientation can convert demographic size into productivity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Tier-2 & Tier-3 Cities as New Skill Hubs: Growing employability and women’s participation in smaller cities can decongest metros, spread growth and create regional innovation clusters.
• Rise of Flexible Work Models: Gig work, remote work and freelancing enable Indians to work globally while staying local, earning in diverse markets and time zones.
• Deepening Industry–Academia Linkages: Micro-credentials, internships and industry projects create continuous pipelines from campus to corporate, reducing onboarding costs and mismatch.
Challenges highlighted in the Report:
• Access & Equity Gaps: Advanced skills in AI, data, automation remain more accessible in metros and elite institutions; rural and Tier-3 learners still face infrastructure, cost and exposure barriers.
• Soft Skills & Critical Thinking Deficits: Persistent concerns around communication skills, problem-solving, teamwork and critical thinking despite technical competence, especially for first-gen learners.
• Industry–Curriculum Mismatch: Many curricula lag behind rapidly changing tech (AI, green energy, quantum, biotech), leading to time-lag between learning and market demand.
• Digital Divide & Cost of New Tech: Devices, high-speed internet and access to advanced labs or tools are still unevenly distributed, making high-end skilling expensive or inaccessible for many.
• Over-reliance on Foreign Tech & Platforms: Heavy dependence on non-Indian AI tools and platforms risks value capture going abroad, while India mostly supplies labour instead of owning IP.
• Gig Work Without Safety Nets: Gig and freelance roles can mean income volatility, lack of social security and weak bargaining power, especially for youth with little financial literacy.
Way Ahead:
• Curriculum Reform: Skills-First & Interdisciplinary: Embed AI, data, digital skills, climate & sustainability across disciplines, with majors + minors and flexibility to mix tech and non-tech domains.
• Strengthen Vocational & Community-Based Skilling: Scale ITI, polytechnic and NSDC-led programs, link them to local industry clusters, and build affordable, modular courses in emerging sectors.
• Democratise Access to Digital & AI Learning: Expand online platforms, SWAYAM-type courses, blended learning, and subsidise access to devices and connectivity, particularly in rural and Tier-3 areas.
• Boost Industry–Academia Collaboration: Make internships, apprenticeships, live projects and credit-based industry training mandatory and mainstream, not optional add-ons.
• Invest in Faculty Upskilling: Continuous faculty development in AI, data science, green tech, biotech, and pedagogy so that teachers can translate new technologies into classroom and lab practice.
• Focus on Soft Skills & Holistic Development: Integrate communication, critical thinking, ethics, teamwork and leadership into all programmes through clubs, projects, debates, community work.
• Promote Indigenous Tech & Multilingual Tools: Incentivise creation of Indian AI platforms, low-cost EdTech, and multilingual content, ensuring that India is not just a user but also a creator of technology.
Conclusion:
The India Skills Report 2026 shows that India is not just adding more graduates, but building more employable, tech-ready professionals. If India can bridge access gaps, update curricula, and scale high-quality skilling to every region and social group, its youth can truly power a skills-first, innovation-led economy. Handled well, this momentum can turn India into a global talent hub by 2047, with growth that is not only faster, but also more inclusive and resilient.
“India’s rise as a global services powerhouse is not accidental but reform-driven”. Analyse the key structural reforms enabling this transition. Examine their economic outcomes. Outline key measures to sustain momentum amid global slowdown.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 November 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Rise in India’s Carbon Emissions
Context: The Global Carbon Project’s 2025 assessment shows that India’s carbon emissions rose by only 1.4%, a sharp slowdown compared to 4% in 2024.
About Rise in India’s Carbon Emissions:
• What it is? India’s annual carbon emissions arise mainly from fossil fuel use—especially coal—making it the third-largest global emitter after China and the U.S.
• India’s annual carbon emissions arise mainly from fossil fuel use—especially coal—making it the third-largest global emitter after China and the U.S.
• Major Trends Highlighted in the Report:
• Slower Emission Growth in India: India’s carbon emissions rose only 1.4% in 2025, a sharp drop from 4% in 2024, driven by good monsoon conditions and faster renewable energy uptake. Global Emissions Still Rising: Worldwide fossil CO₂ emissions are projected to grow 1.1%, reaching 38 billion tonnes—pushing the remaining carbon budget for 1.5°C dangerously close to exhaustion. China Shows Moderation: China’s emissions grew only 0.4%, supported by an unprecedented expansion of renewable energy capacity. Coal Dominance Continues: India’s emissions remain coal-heavy, while global emissions from coal (+0.8%), oil (+1%), and gas (+1.3%) continue to rise. Carbon Budget Nearly Exhausted: Only 170 billion tonnes of CO₂ remain for a 1.5°C pathway—equivalent to four years at current emission rates—making the target almost unattainable.
• Slower Emission Growth in India: India’s carbon emissions rose only 1.4% in 2025, a sharp drop from 4% in 2024, driven by good monsoon conditions and faster renewable energy uptake.
• Global Emissions Still Rising: Worldwide fossil CO₂ emissions are projected to grow 1.1%, reaching 38 billion tonnes—pushing the remaining carbon budget for 1.5°C dangerously close to exhaustion.
• China Shows Moderation: China’s emissions grew only 0.4%, supported by an unprecedented expansion of renewable energy capacity.
• Coal Dominance Continues: India’s emissions remain coal-heavy, while global emissions from coal (+0.8%), oil (+1%), and gas (+1.3%) continue to rise.
• Carbon Budget Nearly Exhausted: Only 170 billion tonnes of CO₂ remain for a 1.5°C pathway—equivalent to four years at current emission rates—making the target almost unattainable.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 1: Climate change impacts, environmental geography, global warming trends.
• GS Paper 3: Environment, climate change, renewable energy, INDC targets, Paris Agreement commitments.
• GS Paper 2: International climate negotiations (COP30, carbon budget), India’s climate diplomacy.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 November 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Moon’s Sphere of Influence (MSI)
Source: NIE
Subject: Science and Technology
Context: ISRO confirmed that the Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module (PM) re-entered the Moon’s Sphere of Influence (MSI) during its high-altitude Earth-bound orbit, undergoing two lunar flybys.
About Moon’s Sphere of Influence (MSI):
What it is?
• The Moon’s Sphere of Influence (MSI) is the region around the Moon where its gravitational influence dominates over Earth’s for orbital calculations.
• Inside this region, it is mathematically more accurate to treat a spacecraft as orbiting the Moon, with Earth acting as a perturbing body.
Located in:
• The MSI is an imaginary, approximately spherical (or oblate spheroid) region surrounding the Moon.
• For the Earth–Moon system, the MSI radius is roughly ~66,000 km from the Moon’s center (approximate, varies with models).
How to Calculate It (SOI Radius)?
Using the classical patched-conic approximation:
• a = Moon’s semi-major axis around Earth (~384,400 km)
• m = Mass of Moon
• M = Mass of Earth
• Gives a practical estimate used for mission planning.
(Note: For precise mission design, ISRO uses numerical N-body simulations, not this crude formula.)
Features of the Sphere of Influence:
• Dominant gravitational region: Moon’s gravity governs trajectory integration more strongly than Earth’s.
• Not a physical boundary: It is a mathematical convenience, not a sharp gravitational cutoff.
• Both Earth & Moon still influence motion: Earth still perturbs the orbit inside MSI; Moon still perturbs outside it.
• Useful for “patched conic” method: Helps switch from one two-body solution (Earth–craft) to another (Moon–craft).
• Shape is not perfectly spherical: It is closer to an oblate spheroid, influenced by orbital eccentricity and the Sun.
Significance:
• Trajectory Planning: Determines when spacecraft navigation should shift from Earth-centric to Moon-centric calculations.
• Critical for Lunar Flybys & Insertions: Ensures optimal timing for orbit circularisation, braking, or slingshot manoeuvres.
• Avoids Orbital Uncertainty: Helps predict perturbations from Earth, Sun, and other lunar orbiters.
Draft Seeds Bill, 2025
Source: PIB
Subject: Government Schemes
Context: The Government of India has released the Draft Seeds Bill, 2025 for public consultation to overhaul India’s seed regulation framework.
• It aims to replace the Seeds Act, 1966 and Seeds (Control) Order, 1983 with a modern, farmer-centric and innovation-driven system.
About Draft Seeds Bill, 2025:
What it is?
• A modern legislation to regulate seed quality, protect farmers, and build a transparent, traceable, and accountable seed ecosystem, including registration, certification, and QR-based digital tracking.
Background / Need:
• Existing laws (Seeds Act, 1966; Seeds Control Order, 1983) became outdated amid rising hybrids, GM traits, private R&D and global trade.
• Earlier reform attempts (like the 2004 Seeds Bill) stalled.
• The 2025 Draft Bill introduces digital traceability, farmers’ rights, graded penalties, and ease of doing business.
• Ensure high-quality seeds with clear germination, purity and health standards.
• Protect farmers from spurious, misbranded or sub-standard seeds.
• Strengthen transparency through a central Seed Traceability Portal and QR codes.
• Promote private R&D and reduce compliance burden with decriminalised minor offences
Key Features of the Draft Seeds Bill, 2025:
• Mandatory Registration of Seed Varieties:
• No seed can be sold for sowing unless it is registered based on Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) trials.
• Varieties notified under the 1966 Act are deemed registered, and existing cultivated varieties get provisional registration for 3 years.
• Registration may be suspended or revoked if performance is poor or safety concerns arise.
• Farmers’ Rights Protected:
• Farmers retain the right to save, use, re-sow, exchange and sell farm-saved seeds except under a brand name.
• They are exempt from penalties for selling their own farm seeds.
• Strong Quality Regulation & Standards:
• Central Government will notify minimum standards for germination, purity, traits, and seed health.
• Mandatory labelling + QR codes for traceability.
• Misbranded, spurious or sub-standard seeds prohibited.
• Mandatory Registration Across the Seed Chain:
• Seed producers, seed processing units, dealers, distributors, and plant nurseries must be registered with State Governments.
• A Central Accreditation System allows multi-state companies to be “deemed registered”.
• Certification & Testing Ecosystem Strengthened:
• Creation and recognition of Seed Certification Agencies (state or accredited).
• Central & State Seed Testing Laboratories established with defined standards.
• Seed Inspectors and Analysts get clear powers for sampling, search, and seizure.
• Liberalised but Regulated Seed Imports:
• Imports must comply with quarantine regulations and Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards.
• Unregistered varieties may be imported for research and trials with approval.
• Digital Seed Traceability (SATHI Portal):
• Mandatory onboarding of all producers, dealers, research bodies.
• Ensures end-to-end tracking, transparency, and minimisation of fraud.
• Graded Penalty System (Decriminalisation + Strict Action)
• Trivial offences: warnings + small penalties.
• Minor offences: penalties up to ₹2 lakh.
• Major offences: penalties up to ₹30 lakh, cancellation of registration, and even imprisonment in extreme cases.
• Farmers are exempt from penalties for selling farm-saved seeds.
• Price Regulation in Emergencies:
• Central Government may fix prices during scarcity, monopolistic pricing, or profiteering situations.
Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill
Source: IE
Subject: Miscellaneous
Context: Pakistan’s President has signed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, instantly making it part of the Constitution and dramatically reshaping the country’s power structure.
About Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill:
What it is?
• A rapidly passed constitutional amendment that centralises military authority, elevates the role and immunity of five-star officers (currently Asim Munir), and creates a new Federal Constitutional Court above the existing Supreme Court for constitutional matters.
• To formalise the military’s dominant role in Pakistan’s political and security structure.
• To institutionalise a new judicial architecture that limits the Supreme Court’s influence over constitutional interpretation.
• To grant permanent legal immunity and expanded authority to top military leadership.
Key Features of the Amendment:
• Asim Munir becomes more powerful:
• The Army Chief now becomes Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), bringing the Navy and Air Force under his command. All future Army Chiefs will also hold this dual role.
• The Army Chief now becomes Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), bringing the Navy and Air Force under his command.
• All future Army Chiefs will also hold this dual role.
• Control over Strategic & Nuclear Assets:
• A new Commander of the National Strategic Command is created. This official—appointed on the Army Chief’s recommendation—will oversee Pakistan’s nuclear and strategic assets.
• A new Commander of the National Strategic Command is created.
• This official—appointed on the Army Chief’s recommendation—will oversee Pakistan’s nuclear and strategic assets.
• Lifelong Immunity for Five-Star Officers:
• Five-star officers (a rank held only by Asim Munir and previously Ayub Khan) get:
• Five-star officers (a rank held only by Asim Munir and previously Ayub Khan) get:
• Lifelong legal immunity from any prosecution.
• Permanent rank and privileges, remaining in uniform for life.
• Removal only through a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
• This effectively places Munir above any law or judicial scrutiny.
• This effectively places Munir above any law or judicial scrutiny.
Changes to the Judiciary:
• New Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) Created:
• Becomes the highest court for: Constitutional interpretation Federal–provincial disputes Enforcement of fundamental rights Appeals on constitutional matters
• Constitutional interpretation
• Federal–provincial disputes
• Enforcement of fundamental rights
• Appeals on constitutional matters
• Its decisions will be binding on all other courts, including the Supreme Court.
• Supreme Court’s role drastically reduced:
• Now becomes mostly a final appellate court for civil and criminal cases. Loses authority over constitutional issues, writs, and presidential references.
• Now becomes mostly a final appellate court for civil and criminal cases.
• Loses authority over constitutional issues, writs, and presidential references.
• High Court Judges Can Be Transferred Without Consent:
• Judges resisting transfer can be forced to retire, affecting judicial independence.
• Judges resisting transfer can be forced to retire, affecting judicial independence.
Implications:
• Consolidation of Military Power:
• The amendment formalises military supremacy over civilian institutions. The CDF becomes more powerful than the Prime Minister, President, or Parliament.
• The amendment formalises military supremacy over civilian institutions.
• The CDF becomes more powerful than the Prime Minister, President, or Parliament.
• Erosion of Judicial Independence:
• The Supreme Court is sidelined. The new FCC, whose judges are government-appointed, weakens checks on the executive and military.
• The Supreme Court is sidelined.
• The new FCC, whose judges are government-appointed, weakens checks on the executive and military.
• Permanent Legal Shield for the Military Chief:
• Immunity ensures Asim Munir cannot be prosecuted—now or in the future—regardless of actions taken
• Immunity ensures Asim Munir cannot be prosecuted—now or in the future—regardless of actions taken
Hepatitis A
Source: TH
Subject: Government Schemes
Context: Public health experts are urging that Hepatitis A vaccination be included in India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) due to rising outbreaks and declining natural immunity among adolescents and young adults.
About Hepatitis A:
• What it is? Hepatitis A is an acute viral infection caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), leading to inflammation of the liver. It does not cause chronic liver disease, but can result in severe hepatitis or acute liver failure, especially in adults.
• Hepatitis A is an acute viral infection caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), leading to inflammation of the liver.
• It does not cause chronic liver disease, but can result in severe hepatitis or acute liver failure, especially in adults.
• Geographical Distribution:
• Occurs worldwide, with cyclic outbreaks and both sporadic and epidemic patterns. Highly prevalent in low- and middle-income regions with poor sanitation—most children get infected early in life. Low prevalence in high-income countries, but outbreaks occur in specific risk groups (MSM, PWID, travellers, homeless communities).
• Occurs worldwide, with cyclic outbreaks and both sporadic and epidemic patterns.
• Highly prevalent in low- and middle-income regions with poor sanitation—most children get infected early in life.
• Low prevalence in high-income countries, but outbreaks occur in specific risk groups (MSM, PWID, travellers, homeless communities).
• Mode of Transmission (Vector/Route): (Hepatitis A has no vector; transmission is faeco-oral.)
• (Hepatitis A has no vector; transmission is faeco-oral.)
• Ingestion of contaminated food or water. Direct contact with an infected person, including poor hygiene, dirty hands, or oral-anal sexual contact. Household transmission common when infected individuals handle food. Waterborne outbreaks linked to sewage contamination.
• Ingestion of contaminated food or water.
• Direct contact with an infected person, including poor hygiene, dirty hands, or oral-anal sexual contact.
• Household transmission common when infected individuals handle food.
• Waterborne outbreaks linked to sewage contamination.
• Symptoms: Fever, malaise, loss of appetite, Nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, Dark urine and jaundice.
• Treatment:
• No specific antiviral treatment exists. Hospitalisation only for severe disease or acute liver failure. Most people recover fully and gain lifelong immunity.
• No specific antiviral treatment exists.
• Hospitalisation only for severe disease or acute liver failure.
• Most people recover fully and gain lifelong immunity.
About Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP):
What it is?
• India’s largest public-health vaccination programme providing free immunisation to all children and pregnant women against major vaccine-preventable diseases. It is one of the largest immunisation programmes globally.
Launched In:
• 1978 – as Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)
• 1985 – renamed & expanded as Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
• Nationwide coverage achieved by 1989–90
Key Components of UIP:
• Strategy & Policy: Guided by National Health Policy, National Vaccine Policy & NTAGI recommendations.
• Guided by National Health Policy, National Vaccine Policy & NTAGI recommendations.
• Cold Chain, Vaccines & Logistics: ~30,000 Cold Chain Points; ILRs, Deep Freezers, WIC/WIFs, vaccine vans. Uses eVIN for real-time stock & temperature monitoring.
• ~30,000 Cold Chain Points; ILRs, Deep Freezers, WIC/WIFs, vaccine vans.
• Uses eVIN for real-time stock & temperature monitoring.
• Injection Safety & Waste Disposal: AD syringes, hub-cutters, CPCB-compliant biomedical waste disposal.
• AEFI Surveillance System: Structured multi-level reporting since 1988. SAFEVAC portal for real-time AEFI reporting.
• Structured multi-level reporting since 1988.
• SAFEVAC portal for real-time AEFI reporting.
• Training: Standardised training for MOs, health workers, cold-chain technicians (NCCTC Pune, NCCVMRC Delhi).
• Standardised training for MOs, health workers, cold-chain technicians (NCCTC Pune, NCCVMRC Delhi).
Cohort Connect 2025
Source: DD News
Subject: Miscellaneous
Context: The Union Minister of State for Science & Technology launched the Phenome National Conclave on Longitudinal Cohort Studies: Cohort Connect 2025 at CSIR–IMMT, Bhubaneswar.
About Cohort Connect 2025:
What it is?
• A nationwide scientific platform under the Phenome India programme, bringing together India’s major longitudinal cohort studies to generate large-scale, India-specific health data for precision medicine, disease prediction, and public health planning.
Launched In: 2025, by the Ministry of Science & Technology at CSIR–IMMT, Bhubaneswar.
• To examine how genes, lifestyle, behaviour, nutrition, pollution, and environment influence disease patterns in Indian populations.
• To create a massive longitudinal dataset for chronic and emerging diseases like diabetes, cancer, neurological disorders, and infectious disease interactions (e.g., diabetes–TB link).
Key Features:
• Integrates multiple Indian cohort studies under one national framework (“Cohort Connect”).
• Focuses on rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including diabetes, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and renal complications.
• Uses advanced tools such as genome sequencing, biomarkers, digital health monitoring, and lifestyle mapping.
• Builds upon India’s existing genomic progress—10,000 human genomes sequenced, moving toward one million genomes.
• Encourages collaboration between CSIR labs, DBT institutions, clinicians, epidemiologists, and industry partners.
• Generates long-term datasets involving diverse Indian populations, addressing India’s unique genetic and cultural diversity.
Significance:
• Provides “Indian data for Indian solutions”, reducing dependence on Western health models.
• Enables early detection, personalised treatment, and prevention strategies tailored to India’s population.
• Strengthens India’s preparedness against future health challenges, including emerging infections and lifestyle diseases.
AI-based Locking Monitoring System called ‘DRISHTI’
Source: IE
Subject: Science and Technology
Context: Indian Railways is set to install an AI-based Locking Monitoring System called ‘DRISHTI’ to enhance freight train security by detecting tampered or unlocked wagon doors in real time.
About AI-based Locking Monitoring System called ‘DRISHTI’:
What it is?
• ‘DRISHTI’ is an Artificial Intelligence–powered real-time surveillance and locking monitoring system designed to track the door-locking condition of freight wagons during transit.
Developed By: A joint innovation initiative between:
• Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR)
• IIT Guwahati – Technology Innovation and Development Foundation (IITG TIDF)
• To automate the detection of unlocked, open, or tampered wagon doors.
• To reduce manual inspections, which are slow, labour-intensive, and impractical for long-haul freight operations.
• To enhance the security, reliability, and transparency of freight movement across the Indian Railways network.
Key Features:
• AI-powered cameras & sensors mounted on freight wagons for continuous door monitoring.
• Computer vision + machine learning algorithms to analyse door positions and locking conditions.
• Real-time alerts for abnormalities such as tampering, partial locking, or unexpected door movement.
• Automated anomaly detection without disrupting normal train operations.
• Advanced analytics & imaging for accurate monitoring under dynamic transit conditions.
• Encouraging accuracy levels seen during 10-month trial phase on selected wagons.
• Scalable design for future deployment across the NFR and wider Indian Railways network.
Significance:
• Strengthens cargo security by preventing theft, pilferage, and tampering.
• Reduces dependence on manual checks, improving operational efficiency.
• Enhances rolling stock integrity, ensuring wagons remain sealed throughout transit.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 November 2025 Mapping:
New Mangalore Port
Source: News on Air
Subject: Mapping
Context: The Government of India has launched ₹1,500 crore worth of modernisation projects at the New Mangalore Port as part of its Golden Jubilee (50 years) celebrations in 2025.
About New Mangalore Port (NMP):
What it is?
• New Mangalore Port is an all-weather, deep inner-harbour major port on India’s west coast, and the only major port in Karnataka. It is among India’s top 10 major ports and a key gateway for petroleum, coal, container, and agricultural cargo.
Location:
• Situated at Panambur, Mangaluru, on the Arabian Sea coast.
• Lies north of the Gurupur (Phalguni) River estuary.
• 170 nautical miles south of Mormugao Port (Goa) and 191 nautical miles north of Kochi Port.
Established In:
• 1962 – Mangalore Harbour Project initiated
• 1968 – Maritime works commenced
• 4 May 1974 – Declared India’s 9th Major Port
• 11 January 1975 – Formally inaugurated by PM Indira Gandhi
• 1 April 1980 – Came under Major Port Trust Act, 1963
• 3 November 2021 – Renamed as New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) under the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021
History:
• Ancient port city referenced in Roman, Greek, and Ptolemaic records; known as Mangala in classical geography.
• Arab traders used the port for spice and silk trade during the Vijayanagara Empire.
• Old Mangalore Port (Bunder) became inadequate for rising trade needs, leading to the creation of a new deep-water port at Panambur.
• Grew from handling <1 lakh tonnes to 46 million tonnes (2024–25).
Key Features:
• Deepest inner harbour on India’s west coast.
• Total area: ~480 hectares (1,200 acres).
• Handles major export cargo: POL products, iron ore pellets, container cargo.
• Handles major import cargo: crude oil (for MRPL), coal, fertilizer, edible oil, liquid chemicals, containers.
• Excellent connectivity via NH-66, Konkan Railway (Surathkal station) and Mangaluru International Airport.
• Plays a vital role in export-led growth, reducing logistics costs, and supporting Karnataka’s industrial hinterland.
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