Daily Current Affairs - 11th November 2025
- TPP
- Nov 11
- 15 min read
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World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) |
WAICO stands for World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization.
It was recently proposed by China during the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) meeting held in South Korea.
The main aim of WAICO is to shape global standards for AI cooperation among nations.
It seeks to build a unified framework for how countries develop and manage Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.
The organization draws its guiding principles from China’s 2023 Global AI Governance Initiative.
This Global AI Governance Initiative emphasizes human-centric design, meaning AI systems should serve human welfare and safety.
It also stresses data sovereignty, which refers to a nation’s right to control data generated within its borders.
Another key element is algorithmic transparency, meaning AI decision-making processes should be open and understandable.
WAICO was officially announced during the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference held in Shanghai.
The key purpose of WAICO is to reimagine the international architecture of AI governance—that is, to redesign how AI rules and norms are structured globally.
It also aims to position China as an alternative leader to the United States in global AI governance.
Through WAICO, China seeks to expand its soft power, meaning influence through ideas, standards, and diplomacy rather than force.
India’s Development Cooperation Model: A Distinct Alternative to Conventional Aid |
India’s development cooperation model presents a distinct alternative to traditional donor-recipient aid systems.
It aims to blend local ownership with global credibility, ensuring that partner nations drive their own development priorities.
The model defines a new approach to South–South Cooperation (SSC), which refers to collaboration among developing countries for mutual growth and learning.
It emphasizes moving beyond aid dependency, promoting self-reliance and sustainable partnerships.
Key Features of India’s Development Cooperation Model
The model follows a Demand-Driven Approach, meaning project proposals originate directly from partner governments rather than being imposed externally.
A key example of this approach is the India–UN Development Partnership Fund, established in 2017 under the UN Office for South–South Cooperation (UNOSSC).
This demand-driven nature ensures that projects reflect local priorities and ownership, enhancing accountability and effectiveness.
Another major pillar is the Capacity-Building Focus, which aims to train local personnel, strengthen institutions, and facilitate technology transfer.
The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, run by the Ministry of External Affairs, exemplifies this approach.
Under ITEC, officials from more than 160 countries have received specialized training to enhance human resource capabilities.
India’s model also prioritizes vulnerable states, including Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS) supports such nations by offering lines of credit through the Export–Import Bank of India.
These credit lines assist developing African and non-African countries in financing development projects without creating debt traps.
India further emphasizes blending local ownership with multilateral credibility, ensuring balanced and transparent cooperation.
By partnering with the United Nations, India ensures transparent execution and insulation from bilateral political pressures.
An example is the India–UN Global Capacity-Building Initiative, implemented under the Ministry of External Affairs.
Additional defining features of India’s model include respect for sovereignty, meaning India does not interfere in domestic affairs of partner countries.
It also ensures cost-effective solutions, focusing on practical outcomes rather than high-cost projects.
Moreover, India provides non-conditional support, meaning assistance is given without political or economic conditions.
A clear example of such support was seen in Vaccine Maitri, where India supplied COVID-19 vaccines to multiple countries purely on humanitarian grounds.
Comparison with China’s Development Model
In contrast, China’s development model is largely Supply-Driven, meaning projects are often initiated and designed by China rather than by recipient countries.
China’s projects are often driven by strategic and economic influence, as seen in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
This model frequently involves lending large sums of money to developing nations, particularly those that are financially vulnerable.
Such practices have raised concerns about “Debt Diplomacy”, a term used when excessive lending leads to dependence or loss of sovereignty.
Steps to Further Strengthen India’s Cooperation Model
India can enhance Transparency and Monitoring by creating a real-time results dashboard that tracks project outputs and outcomes.
This would improve accountability and public trust in development initiatives.
It can also promote Inclusive Partnerships by actively involving local actors such as civil society, private sector, women-led enterprises, and indigenous communities.
Broader participation ensures that development benefits reach marginalized groups.
Finally, India should conduct Periodic Evaluations of its cooperation model to keep it adaptable to evolving global challenges.
Such evaluations will help address emerging issues like climate change, political transitions, and economic instability in partner countries.
India’s Bioeconomy to Reach $300 Billion in Coming Years |
Union Minister of State for Science & Technology recently announced that India’s bioeconomy is projected to reach $300 billion in the coming years.
The announcement was made while addressing the 2nd Foundation Day of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC).
The Minister also revealed plans to establish a 200-acre BRIC Bio-Enterprise Innovation Park in Faridabad to strengthen India’s biotech innovation ecosystem.
About BRIC (Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council)
BRIC was created in 2023 by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
It was formed by subsuming 14 Autonomous Institutions of DBT to ensure better coordination, research integration, and innovation scaling in biotechnology.
Understanding the Concept of Bioeconomy
The Bioeconomy refers to the use of renewable biological resources—such as plants, animals, microorganisms, and organic waste—to produce food, energy, and industrial goods.
It promotes sustainability, meaning responsible use of resources for long-term ecological balance.
The bioeconomy also contributes to economic growth by creating new industries and employment opportunities.
It provides sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, helping reduce pollution and resource depletion.
It ultimately enhances societal well-being through cleaner technologies and healthier ecosystems.
Status of India’s Bioeconomy
India’s bioeconomy has witnessed remarkable growth, expanding from $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024.
The government has set a target of $300 billion by 2030, reflecting India’s growing global leadership in biotechnology.
As of 2024, Maharashtra ranks as the leading state in bioeconomy development, followed by Karnataka.
Four Key Subsectors of India’s Bioeconomy
1. Bio-Industrial (47%)
The Bio-Industrial sector contributes the largest share of India’s bioeconomy at 47%.
It includes biofuels, bioplastics, and enzymatic applications across industries such as textiles, food, and chemicals.
2. Bio-Pharma (35%)
The Bio-Pharma sector accounts for 35% of the bioeconomy.
It encompasses pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biologics (therapeutic products derived from living organisms).
3. Bio-Agri (8%)
The Bio-Agriculture sector contributes 8% to the bioeconomy.
It focuses on genetically modified (GM) crops, precision farming, and bio-based agricultural products.
A key example is Bt Cotton, India’s most widely adopted GM crop.
4. Bio-Research (9%)
The Bio-Research sector contributes 9% and focuses on clinical trials, bioinformatics, and biotech software development.
This sector plays a critical role in data-driven biotechnology innovation.
Key Initiatives Promoting India’s Bioeconomy
1. BioE³ Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment)
The BioE³ Policy was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2024.
It focuses on high-performance biomanufacturing, promoting biotechnology as a driver of the economy, environmental sustainability, and employment generation.
2. National Biopharma Mission (NBM) – Innovate in India (i3)
The National Biopharma Mission (NBM), branded as “Innovate in India (i3)”, is implemented by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
It is co-funded with the World Bank with a total budget of $250 million.
The mission supports over 100 projects and 30 MSMEs, fostering innovation in the biopharma sector.
BIRAC is a not-for-profit Section 8 Public Sector Enterprise under DBT, categorized as a Schedule B organization.
Its mandate is to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration in biotechnology.
3. Bioenergy and Ethanol Blending
India has made significant progress in bioenergy, particularly in ethanol blending for cleaner fuels.
In 2025, India achieved 20% ethanol blending (E20) in petrol, five years ahead of the original target.
This achievement underscores India’s commitment to renewable energy and carbon reduction goals.
Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP) Launched |
The Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP) has been launched as a year-long, targeted initiative under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U) 2.0.
The programme aims to achieve the goals of “Lakshya Zero Dumpsites” by September 2026.
This initiative reflects India’s growing commitment toward scientific solid waste management and urban sustainability.
Background: Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U) 2.0
SBM-U 2.0 was launched in 2021 with the vision of making all Indian cities “Garbage Free.”
One of its major goals is the remediation of all legacy dumpsites, meaning the cleanup of old waste deposits.
It also aims to transform remediated sites into green zones, promoting urban livability and environmental recovery.
About DRAP (Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme)
The main objective of DRAP is to prioritize high-impact locations for dumpsite remediation.
The programme targets the treatment of approximately 8.8 crore metric tonnes (MT) of legacy waste.
Legacy waste refers to aged municipal solid waste lying in dumpsites or landfills, often consisting of partially decomposed biodegradable materials, plastic waste, and inert matter.
Nearly 80% of India’s legacy waste is concentrated across 214 major dumpsites in 202 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is the nodal ministry responsible for implementing DRAP.
Eligibility under DRAP
All States and Union Territories (UTs) that have ongoing legacy waste remediation projects are eligible to participate.
Priority is given to sites containing over 45,000 MT of legacy waste, to ensure maximum environmental impact.
For Union Territories and North-Eastern States, no minimum threshold is prescribed, considering their unique geographical and demographic challenges.
Status of Dumpsite Management in India
India is currently undertaking remediation at 1,428 dumpsites across various cities.
Out of these, 1,048 dumpsites have already been fully remediated, reflecting rapid progress under SBM-U 2.0.
The remaining sites are at various stages of biomining, biocapping, or waste segregation processes.
Environmental Concerns from Dumpsites
Dumpsites release major emissions of environmental concern, primarily leachate and landfill gas.
Leachate refers to polluted liquid that drains from decomposing waste and contaminates soil and groundwater.
Landfill gas is a mixture of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) produced under anaerobic conditions, meaning the absence of oxygen during waste decomposition.
These emissions contribute to air pollution, greenhouse gas accumulation, and health hazards in nearby communities.
Key Technologies for Dumpsite Remediation
1. Biocapping Technology
Biocapping involves covering a dumpsite with layers of soil and vegetation, effectively transforming it from a wasteland into a natural ecosystem or park.
This technique enhances aesthetics and reduces surface pollution but still generates leachate and landfill gases, which require careful management.
Biocapped sites require regular maintenance for at least 15 years to ensure long-term environmental safety.
2. Biomining Technology
Biomining uses microorganisms (beneficial bacteria) to extract valuable or recyclable materials from waste heaps.
It helps completely resolve the problem of leachate and landfill gases, as all waste is scientifically processed and segregated.
Once biomining is completed and land reclaimed, no further monitoring is required, making it a permanent and sustainable solution.
Government to Establish UCBs in All Cities with Population Over 2 Lakh within Five Years |
The Union Minister of Cooperation announced that the government will establish Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) in all cities with a population exceeding 2 lakh within the next five years.
The announcement was made during the International Conference on the Urban Cooperative Credit Sector – Co-Op Kumbh 2025, held in New Delhi.
The move aims to strengthen the cooperative banking network and expand financial access in India’s fast-growing urban centers.
Digital Initiatives for UCBs
The government also launched two key digital applications—Sahkar Digi-Pay and Sahkar Digi-Loan—to promote digital transformation in cooperative banking.
Sahkar Digi-Pay will enable even the smallest UCBs to provide digital payment facilities to their customers.
Sahkar Digi-Loan will help UCBs extend digital lending services, improving credit accessibility for urban and semi-urban borrowers.
About Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs)
Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) are a subset of cooperative banks that operate mainly in urban and semi-urban areas.
These banks are member-owned financial institutions, meaning they are collectively owned and managed by their depositors and borrowers.
Historical Background
The origin of cooperative banking in India can be traced back to the Cooperative Credit Societies Act of 1904.
The amendment of 1912 to the Act provided a stronger legal foundation for cooperative credit institutions.
Over time, urban cooperative banks evolved as a key pillar of India’s cooperative credit structure.
Registration and Legal Framework
UCBs are registered as cooperative societies under State Cooperative Societies Acts if they operate within a single state.
Those operating across multiple states are registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
This structure ensures both local representation and inter-state operational flexibility for UCBs.
Control and Regulation Framework
UCBs function under a dual regulatory framework, meaning they are supervised by both the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS).
They were brought under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 through an amendment in 1966, allowing RBI to regulate their banking operations.
The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020 further strengthened RBI’s control over UCBs.
This amendment empowered RBI to intervene in management and governance matters of UCBs to safeguard depositors’ interests.
At the same time, administrative functions such as registration, elections, and audits are managed by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) under state or central governments.
Significance of Urban Cooperative Banks
UCBs play a crucial role in financial inclusion, catering mainly to small borrowers, lower-income groups, and local entrepreneurs.
They operate with a strong local focus, serving specific communities through personalized banking services.
As per regulatory norms, UCBs must allocate 60% of their total lending to Priority Sector Lending (PSL)—which includes agriculture, MSMEs, education, and housing sectors.
This makes UCBs vital for grassroots economic empowerment and inclusive finance.
Challenges Faced by UCBs
The distribution of UCBs remains highly concentrated in a few states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, limiting nationwide reach.
The dual regulation by both RBI and state cooperative authorities often leads to overlapping jurisdiction and compliance issues.
UCBs face acute competition from Small Finance Banks (SFBs) and FinTech companies, which offer more agile digital and customer-centric banking services.
Limited technological adoption and small-scale operations further constrain UCBs’ growth and modernization.
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) |
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently confirmed an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in Mauritania and Senegal, located in Western Africa.
This outbreak highlights the growing concern over zoonotic diseases, which are diseases transmitted from animals to humans.
Origin and History
The disease derives its name from Kenya’s Rift Valley, where it was first recognized in the early 1930s.
Since its discovery, RVF has caused periodic outbreaks in Africa, particularly in areas with heavy rainfall and mosquito breeding.
Causative Agent
Rift Valley Fever is caused by the Phlebovirus, which belongs to the Phenuiviridae family.
The Phlebovirus is a type of RNA virus, meaning it carries its genetic material in the form of ribonucleic acid.
Transmission and Spread
RVF primarily affects animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and camels.
Humans become infected through direct contact with infected animals, especially during slaughtering, handling, or veterinary procedures.
The disease can also be transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, mainly species of the Aedes and Culex genera.
Importantly, RVF has not been shown to spread from person to person, which limits its potential for human-to-human transmission.
Symptoms and Impact
In animals, RVF often causes abortions and high mortality among young livestock, leading to severe economic losses for farmers.
In humans, most infections are mild or asymptomatic, but in severe cases, it can lead to hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, or vision problems.
Treatment and Prevention
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment available for RVF in humans.
Medical care is supportive, focusing on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
However, animal vaccines against RVF do exist, which can help prevent outbreaks in livestock populations.
Controlling mosquito breeding and ensuring safe animal handling practices are key measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
Greater Flamingo Sanctuary (GFS) |
The Greater Flamingo Sanctuary (GFS) in Tamil Nadu has recently come into focus due to a proposed 50-MW wind farm project by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE).
Experts have raised concerns that this wind project could adversely affect the ecological balance and bird habitats within the sanctuary.
About the Greater Flamingo
The Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is the largest species of flamingo found across multiple continents.
Its geographical range extends across Africa, Western Asia, and Southern Europe, making it a widely distributed migratory bird.
During the breeding season, the species is typically found in shallow, saline, and alkaline wetlands, which are rich in microorganisms and crustaceans that form their main diet.
These habitats are ecologically sensitive and essential for breeding, feeding, and roosting of flamingos and other migratory birds.
About the Greater Flamingo Sanctuary (GFS)
The Greater Flamingo Sanctuary was established by the Tamil Nadu Government to conserve critical coastal bird habitats.
It is located in Dhanushkodi, a narrow strip of land near Rameswaram, known for its rich marine and avian biodiversity.
The sanctuary lies within the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, one of India’s most ecologically sensitive marine ecosystems.
The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is home to coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and migratory bird nesting sites.
Aim and Significance of GFS
The primary aim of establishing GFS is to protect vital migratory bird habitats located along the Central Asian Flyway (CAF).
The Central Asian Flyway is a major migratory bird route connecting Eurasia with the Indian subcontinent.
This flyway supports over 182 migratory bird species, many of which rely on India’s coastal wetlands as stopover or wintering sites.
By conserving these habitats, GFS plays a critical role in global avian conservation efforts.
Ecological Concerns and Conservation Imperatives
The proposed 50-MW wind farm by NIWE poses potential risks to bird flight paths, nesting areas, and feeding zones.
Wind turbines, though sources of clean energy, can cause bird collisions and habitat disturbance if not properly sited.
Conservationists emphasize that renewable energy projects must balance ecological sensitivity with energy goals.
Therefore, conducting comprehensive environmental impact assessments (EIAs) is vital before project implementation.
Climate Investment Fund (CIF) |
The Climate Investment Fund (CIF) recently gained global attention during COP 30 of the UNFCCC, held in Brazil.
During this event, Spain and Germany committed $100 million to the CIF’s Accelerating Resilience Investments and Innovations for Sustainable Economies (ARISE) programme.
The ARISE initiative aims to help developing countries “turn climate risk into opportunity” by investing in climate resilience and adaptive growth.
It also focuses on strengthening the adaptive capacity of economies, meaning their ability to adjust and respond effectively to climate-related shocks.
About the Climate Investment Fund (CIF)
The Climate Investment Fund (CIF) was established in 2008 by a coalition of world and regional multilateral development banks (MDBs).
Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) are international financial institutions that provide loans and grants to developing countries for development projects.
The CIF functions as a multilateral climate finance mechanism, meaning it pools resources from multiple countries to fund global climate action.
It currently supports climate action in more than 70 low- and middle-income countries across regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Key Features and Objectives
The core objective of CIF is to enable developing nations to integrate low-carbon and climate-resilient strategies into their national development plans.
It provides concessional funding, meaning financial support at low-interest or favorable terms, to promote sustainable projects.
Through this model, CIF bridges the finance gap that often prevents developing countries from investing in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and adaptation projects.
The fund operates as a partnership platform, bringing together governments, private sector entities, and civil society organizations to promote collective climate action.
Structure and Funds under CIF
The CIF operates through two main trust funds, each targeting specific climate objectives.
The first is the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), which supports deployment of low-carbon technologies in energy, transport, and industry sectors.
The second is the Strategic Climate Fund (SCF), which finances innovative pilot programs addressing adaptation, renewable energy, and forest conservation.
Together, these funds act as a catalyst for leveraging larger investments from public and private sources.
Global Importance
The CIF has become one of the largest and most influential climate finance instruments globally.
It plays a crucial role in accelerating climate adaptation and mitigation efforts in vulnerable economies.
With new contributions like the $100 million from Spain and Germany under ARISE, CIF continues to empower developing countries to build sustainable, climate-resilient economies.
Neodymium |
India has announced plans to scale up its Neodymium production to 500 tonnes by the end of FY27.
This initiative aims to boost India’s self-reliance in rare earth elements (REEs), which are critical for advanced technologies and national security.
About Neodymium
Neodymium (Nd) is classified as a Lanthanide metal, part of the group of rare earth elements found in the periodic table.
Lanthanides are a series of 15 metallic elements known for their magnetic, catalytic, and luminescent properties.
Neodymium is a key component in the global rare-earth magnet industry, forming the backbone of high-performance permanent magnets.
Industrial and Strategic Importance
These Neodymium-based magnets are vital for manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, and other clean energy technologies.
They are also crucial for defence systems, including radars, precision-guided weapons, and communication devices.
Thus, increasing domestic production aligns with India’s goal of strategic autonomy and green industrial growth.
Physical Characteristics
Neodymium is a lustrous, silvery-yellow metal that adds a distinctive sheen to its compounds.
It tarnishes quickly when exposed to air, forming a thin oxide layer on its surface.
This property requires it to be stored under mineral oil or inert gases to prevent oxidation.
Key Applications
The most important use of Neodymium is in making very strong permanent magnets, specifically Neodymium–Iron–Boron (NdFeB) magnets.
These magnets are widely used in electric motors, computer hard drives, and renewable energy generators.
Neodymium is also used in lasers, especially for eye and cosmetic surgeries, due to its precise and focused light emission.
Additionally, Neodymium-doped lasers are applied in the treatment of skin cancers and various medical therapies.
Sources of Neodymium
Neodymium is primarily extracted from mineral ores such as Monazite and Bastnäsite.
Monazite is a phosphate mineral rich in rare earth elements and thorium, while Bastnäsite is a carbonate-fluoride mineral found in igneous rocks.
Like most lanthanide elements, these ores contain Neodymium in complex mixtures, requiring advanced separation technologies for extraction.
Mitra Shakti Exercise |
The 11th edition of the India–Sri Lanka joint military exercise “Mitra Shakti 2025” has begun at Belagavi, Karnataka.
About Mitra Shakti
Exercise Mitra Shakti is a bilateral annual joint military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army.
The term “Mitra Shakti” translates to “Power of Friendship”, reflecting the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation between the two nations.
The exercise is conducted alternatively by India and Sri Lanka.
Its primary objective is to enhance interoperability, meaning the ability of both armies to operate together effectively in joint operations.
The focus areas include counter-terrorism operations, sub-conventional warfare, and peacekeeping missions under the United Nations mandate.
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