Daily Current Affairs - 13th November 2025
- TPP
- Nov 13
- 15 min read
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | Botswana and Eight Cheetahs, EPM, HVICs, Quantum Diamond Microscope, Gynandromorphism and more.
Amid Murmu’s State Visit: Botswana Announces Translocation of Eight Cheetahs |
India and Botswana have formally announced the translocation of eight cheetahs to India as part of ‘Project Cheetah’.
This announcement came during President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit to Botswana.
The visit followed her earlier trip to Angola, completing a six-day cumulative state visit to both African nations.
This is the first-ever Presidential visit from India to Botswana.
The visit also gains significance as it precedes the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Botswana, to be celebrated in 2026.
About Project Cheetah
Project Cheetah, launched in 2022, aims to translocate African cheetahs to India.
It is the world’s first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation initiative — meaning the first-ever effort to move a big predator species between continents.
Under the project, eight cheetahs from Namibia were brought to Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh) in 2022.
Later, in 2023, twelve cheetahs from South Africa were also translocated to Kuno National Park.
The project is implemented by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
NTCA is a statutory body (legally established by law) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
NTCA was constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and its provisions were amended in 2006 to strengthen conservation efforts.
In 2023, NTCA established the Cheetah Project Steering Committee to oversee, evaluate, and advise on the implementation of Project Cheetah.
The project operates under the umbrella of Project Tiger, which is India’s flagship tiger conservation program launched in 1973.
Significance of Reintroducing Cheetahs in India
The reintroduction aims at ecological restoration of India’s grassland ecosystems.
Cheetahs, being apex predators (top of the food chain), help maintain the balance of prey species and overall ecosystem health.
The project also supports biodiversity conservation by protecting grassland and semi-arid habitats.
Cheetahs act as flagship species — species chosen to represent an environmental cause — for conserving not only their prey but also other endangered species in these ecosystems.
About the Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus)
The cheetah is known as the world’s fastest mammal, capable of speeds up to 112 km/h.
It is also the only large carnivore to have gone extinct in India, with the species declared extinct in 1952.
Unlike other big cats such as lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars, cheetahs do not roar.
There are two recognized species of cheetahs — the African cheetah and the Asiatic cheetah.
The African cheetah is listed as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List (a global conservation status index).
The Asiatic cheetah is listed as Critically Endangered on the same list.
The Asiatic cheetah is now found only in the arid regions of eastern Iran, while the African cheetah inhabits various parts of Africa.
Union Cabinet Approves Export Promotion Mission (EPM) for Six Years |
The Union Cabinet has approved the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) for a duration of six years.
The EPM was first announced in the Union Budget 2025–26.
The mission aims to serve as a comprehensive and flexible framework to strengthen India’s export ecosystem.
It is designed to respond to evolving global trade challenges and enhance India’s trade resilience.
Key Features of the Export Promotion Mission (EPM)
The mission has a financial outlay of ₹25,060 crore.
The implementation period will extend from FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31.
The core objective of EPM is to enable affordable trade finance, especially for MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises).
It also seeks to enhance export competitiveness through compliance and certification support.
Another major goal is to expand international market access and generate employment.
The target beneficiaries include MSMEs, first-time exporters, and labour-intensive sectors.
Key labour-intensive sectors covered include Textiles, Leather, and Gems & Jewellery, among others.
Mission Architecture
The EPM will operate through two integrated sub-schemes for holistic export support.
The first sub-scheme is Niryat Protsahan (Financial Support).
Niryat Protsahan focuses on improving access to affordable trade finance for exporters.
It will use financial instruments such as interest subvention, collateral guarantees, and credit cards for e-commerce exporters.
Interest subvention means providing a subsidy on loan interest rates to reduce borrowing costs for exporters.
The second sub-scheme is Niryat Disha (Non-Financial Support).
Niryat Disha aims to enhance market readiness and competitiveness of Indian exporters.
It will support export quality compliance, international branding, and export warehousing and logistics.
Compliance refers to meeting international quality, safety, and environmental standards necessary for global trade.
Institutional and Implementation Framework
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) will be the primary implementing agency.
DGFT will collaborate with the Department of Commerce, Ministry of MSME, and Ministry of Finance.
The mission will also involve financial institutions, Export Promotion Councils, and State Governments.
The EPM seeks to consolidate and modernize existing export schemes for greater efficiency.
It will integrate key schemes like the Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES) and the Market Access Initiative (MAI).
The Interest Equalisation Scheme provides interest rate support to make export credit more affordable.
The Market Access Initiative offers financial assistance for market promotion, branding, and trade fairs.
Related News: Cabinet Approves Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE)
Alongside EPM, the Cabinet has approved the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE).
The CGSE provides additional credit support of up to ₹20,000 crore.
The credit will be collateral-free, meaning no physical security is required from exporters.
It offers 100% guarantee coverage through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC).
The beneficiaries of this scheme include both MSME exporters and non-MSME exporters.
The main objective of CGSE is to enhance liquidity in the export sector.
It also aims to support market diversification and job creation.
Another goal is to boost global competitiveness of Indian exporters.
The scheme will be implemented by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) through NCGTC.
An oversight body will be constituted in the form of a Management Committee.
The Management Committee will function under the Chairmanship of the Secretary, DFS.
Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVICs) |
The Union Minister of Science and Technology has announced the development of four Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVICs) across India.
These clusters aim to demonstrate a complete Green Hydrogen value chain across production, storage, transport, and utilization.
The HVICs represent India’s first large-scale hydrogen demonstration projects.
The value chain approach ensures that hydrogen is produced, stored, and used locally, reducing energy losses and logistical costs.
About HVICs
The primary aim of HVICs is to showcase the full hydrogen value chain — from generation to end-use applications.
These clusters were originally conceptualized by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
They have now been integrated under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) for coordinated implementation.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) is an umbrella programme launched in 2023 to create a Green Hydrogen ecosystem in India.
The NGHM targets the production of 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of Green Hydrogen annually by 2030.
What is Green Hydrogen?
Green Hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power instead of fossil fuels.
The process commonly involves electrolysis, which means splitting water (H₂O) into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.
It can also be produced by biomass gasification, a process that converts organic material into hydrogen-rich gas.
For hydrogen to be classified as “green,” emissions must not exceed 2 kg of CO₂ equivalent per 1 kg of hydrogen produced.
This emission limit ensures that the production process remains low-carbon and climate-friendly.
India’s first three Green Hydrogen Hubs have been identified at Deendayal Port (Gujarat), V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tamil Nadu), and Paradip Port (Odisha).
Opportunities and Significance of Green Hydrogen
India’s abundant renewable energy resources, especially solar and wind, make it ideal for large-scale Green Hydrogen production.
It enhances energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The mission positions India as a potential global export hub for Green Hydrogen and related technologies.
Green Hydrogen can decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, refineries, and fertilizers.
It will drive job creation through new opportunities in manufacturing, research, and renewable energy deployment.
The initiative aligns with India’s climate goals, acting as a crucial enabler for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Challenges in Green Hydrogen Development
The production cost of Green Hydrogen remains significantly higher than that of conventional “grey hydrogen.”
Grey Hydrogen is hydrogen produced from natural gas or coal, which emits substantial CO₂.
There is an infrastructure gap in pipelines, storage systems, and distribution networks needed for large-scale hydrogen deployment.
Water scarcity poses a challenge, as hydrogen production through electrolysis requires large volumes of pure water.
Technological challenges persist due to limited availability of advanced electrolyzers, which are devices used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen efficiently.
Grid reliability issues arise because renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent and not continuously available.
There is also a need for clear policy frameworks, incentives, and safety standards to support investment and commercialization.
India’s first Quantum Diamond Microscope |
IIT Bombay has developed India’s first Quantum Diamond Microscope.
The innovation has been developed under the National Quantum Mission (NQM).
The Quantum Diamond Microscope represents a major step in India’s quantum sensing and imaging technology capabilities.
About Quantum Diamond Microscope
The microscope works on quantum sensing technology, which uses quantum properties of particles to measure physical quantities with extreme precision.
It employs nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres in diamonds as the core sensing element.
NV centres are atomic-scale defects in diamond where a nitrogen atom replaces a carbon atom next to a vacant site in the crystal lattice.
These NV centres are highly sensitive to magnetic and electric fields, allowing precise measurements at the nanoscale (billionth of a metre) resolution.
The microscope can image magnetic fields at nanoscale resolution while operating at room temperature.
This ability eliminates the need for cryogenic (ultra-low temperature) systems, making the instrument more practical and accessible.
Applications
The Quantum Diamond Microscope enables advanced research in neuroscience by mapping tiny magnetic signals generated by neural activity.
It supports materials science by allowing visualization of magnetic properties in novel materials like superconductors and quantum magnets.
The technology also enables non-destructive semiconductor testing, helping detect defects or magnetic anomalies in chips without damaging them.
Significance
The development marks India’s first patent in the field of quantum sensing.
It strengthens India’s national capability in frontier scientific instrumentation and quantum technology development.
The innovation aligns with the National Quantum Mission’s objective to advance quantum computing, communication, and sensing technologies.
It places India among the few countries globally capable of building quantum-enabled precision imaging tools.
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy |
Recent reports have highlighted the growing use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy in post-blast forensic investigations.
In such investigations, FTIR spectroscopy acts as a rapid and effective analytical tool for detecting material evidence after explosions.
It helps forensic scientists identify chemical residues or explosive compounds from extremely small or degraded samples.
About FTIR Spectroscopy
FTIR Spectroscopy is a scientific technique used to analyze materials based on how they absorb infrared (IR) light.
The technique measures vibrations of chemical bonds within a substance when exposed to infrared radiation.
Every material has a unique pattern of absorption, known as its infrared spectrum, which acts like a chemical fingerprint.
The instrument used in FTIR spectroscopy employs a special device called an interferometer.
An interferometer is a device that splits and recombines light waves to measure differences in how materials absorb infrared energy.
The data recorded by the interferometer is then processed by a computer to generate a graph called a spectrum.
This spectrum displays peaks corresponding to specific chemical bonds, helping identify the material’s composition.
Significance of FTIR Spectroscopy
FTIR is a non-destructive technique, meaning the sample remains intact after analysis.
It requires only a very small amount of material, making it suitable for rare or trace samples.
The method provides both qualitative information (what substances are present) and quantitative information (how much of each substance is present).
These features make FTIR spectroscopy highly valuable for sensitive or limited forensic evidence.
Applications of FTIR Spectroscopy
FTIR spectroscopy is widely used across multiple scientific fields.
In pharmaceuticals, it helps in drug formulation and purity testing.
In materials science, it aids in characterizing polymers, coatings, and composites.
In environmental analysis, it assists in identifying pollutants or contaminants in air, water, and soil.
In forensic science, it is particularly useful for analyzing post-blast residues, fibers, paints, and other trace evidence.
Gynandromorphism |
Scientists in Thailand have discovered a rare spider species named Damarchus inazuma.
This spider exhibits a condition known as gynandromorphism, where one half of its body is female and the other half is male.
The discovery provides new insights into sexual development and chromosomal anomalies in arachnids (spiders and related species).
About Gynandromorphism
Gynandromorphism is an abnormal reproductive condition in which both male and female characteristics appear within the same individual organism.
The condition can result in distinctly divided physical traits, such as one side male and the other female, or a mosaic distribution of both sexes.
It is most often observed in species that show strong sexual dimorphism — meaning visible physical differences between males and females.
Examples of such species include certain butterflies, spiders, and birds, where coloration, size, or body structure differ by sex.
Cause and Mechanism
Gynandromorphism usually occurs due to an error during mitosis, which is the process of cell division in early development.
During mitosis, sex chromosomes (which determine male or female traits) are sometimes not divided correctly between two daughter cells.
When this misdivision occurs, one of the resulting cells may contain both male and female chromosome sets.
This leads to the development of mixed male and female cell lines within the same organism.
As the organism grows, these mixed cell lines express both male and female features in different parts of the body.
Significance of Discovery
The discovery of Damarchus inazuma highlights the rarity and biological importance of gynandromorphism in nature.
It helps scientists better understand genetic errors, sexual differentiation, and developmental biology in invertebrates.
Such findings also contribute to research on chromosomal behavior and mutation effects in other sexually dimorphic animals.
DNA Identification |
DNA Identification (or DNA profiling) was recently used to identify suspects and victims in the Red Fort blast investigation.
It is a scientific technique that identifies individuals by analyzing unique patterns within their DNA sequences.
Every individual (except identical twins) has a distinct DNA profile, making DNA-based identification highly accurate and reliable.
About DNA Identification
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the genetic material that carries hereditary information in all living organisms.
Each person’s DNA sequence contains regions that vary greatly among individuals, which form the basis of DNA profiling.
DNA profiling works by comparing these variable regions between samples collected from crime scenes and known individuals.
Key Methods of DNA Identification
1. Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Analysis
The STR method examines short, repeating DNA sequences found in the nucleus of cells.
These repeats differ in number among individuals, creating a unique genetic signature.
STR analysis is the most commonly used method in forensic investigations due to its high accuracy and sensitivity.
2. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Analysis
When nuclear DNA is damaged or degraded, scientists analyze mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) instead.
mtDNA is found in the mitochondria, which are energy-producing structures in cells.
It is maternally inherited, meaning it is passed from mother to child without recombination.
Because of this, mtDNA can be matched with maternal relatives to help identify victims or missing persons.
It is especially useful for old, burned, or decomposed biological samples where nuclear DNA cannot be retrieved.
3. Y Chromosome Analysis
The Y chromosome method focuses on Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) located on the Y chromosome.
The Y chromosome is passed from father to son through the male lineage.
This technique is used to identify male victims or link male relatives through paternal inheritance patterns.
4. Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Analysis
SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) are single-base variations at specific positions in the DNA sequence.
Each person has a unique pattern of SNPs, which can serve as a precise genetic identifier.
SNP analysis is particularly useful for highly degraded DNA samples where longer sequences cannot be amplified.
In such cases, DNA can be matched with personal items like toothbrushes or combs to confirm identity.
Significance of DNA Identification
DNA profiling provides scientific evidence that can link suspects to crime scenes with a high degree of certainty.
It also plays a crucial role in disaster victim identification and missing person investigations.
The method is non-invasive, highly reliable, and capable of analyzing trace or damaged biological materials.
In the Red Fort blast case, DNA profiling helped accurately identify human remains and contributed to forensic reconstruction of events.
Ricin and Ammonium Nitrate : Deadly Substances Linked to Recent Terror Alerts in India |
Recently, terror attacks were averted in India involving the potential use of Ricin poison and Ammonium Nitrate.
Both substances are classified as high-risk materials under counter-terrorism and chemical safety frameworks.
Their misuse poses a severe threat due to their high lethality and easy accessibility in raw or industrial form.
What Is Ricin?
Ricin is a naturally occurring toxic protein extracted from the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis).
It can be produced from the waste residue left after castor oil extraction.
Ricin is categorized as a biological toxin, meaning it comes from a living source but acts as a chemical poison.
How Lethal Is Ricin?
Ricin is extremely deadly. Even 1 milligram mixed with food, water, or inhaled can kill an adult.
There is no known antidote or specific treatment for ricin poisoning.
Ricin works by entering human cells and blocking protein synthesis, which is essential for cell survival.
When cells cannot produce proteins, they die rapidly, leading to multi-organ failure and death.
How Does Ricin Affect the Human Body?
Ricin poisoning can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or injection.
Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, and organ failure.
Death can occur within 36 to 72 hours, depending on exposure and dose.
Because it is odorless, tasteless, and highly potent, ricin is considered a potential biological weapon.
What Is Ammonium Nitrate?
Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is a white, crystalline, water-soluble compound widely used in fertilizers and industrial applications.
It has a melting point of 170°C, which allows it to be easily processed and stored.
In its pure form, ammonium nitrate is not explosive.
Why Is Ammonium Nitrate Dangerous?
Ammonium nitrate becomes explosive when mixed with fuels or other reactive substances.
It is commonly used in the manufacture of industrial and mining explosives such as ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil).
Under high heat or shock, it can detonate violently, releasing large volumes of gas and energy.
Major global disasters, including the Beirut explosion (2020), were caused by improper storage of ammonium nitrate.
Why Are These Substances a Security Concern?
Both Ricin and Ammonium Nitrate are dual-use substances — meaning they have legitimate industrial or medical uses but can be misused for terrorism.
Ricin falls under Schedule 1 of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which bans its development and possession.
Ammonium nitrate is regulated under India’s Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012, to prevent unauthorized storage and diversion.
Their combination in recent intelligence reports reflects a potential shift toward unconventional terror tactics involving biochemical and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FRA) Act, 2001 |
The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FRA) Act, 2001 was enacted to provide legal protection to plant varieties and safeguard farmers’ rights.
Recently, the ‘Plant Genome Saviour Awards Ceremony’ was held to celebrate 25 years of the PPV&FRA Act, 2001.
The main objective of the PPV&FRA Act is to establish an effective protection system for plant varieties, farmers’ rights, and breeders’ rights.
The Act also aims to encourage the development of new plant varieties and promote the growth of the seed industry, which involves production and distribution of seeds.
The Act recognizes farmers’ rights, which include registration and protection of new, farmers’, and extant varieties of plants.
Farmers’ rights also include rewards for the conservation of traditional plant varieties, supporting biodiversity.
It recognizes researchers’ rights, allowing them to use any registered variety for experiments to develop improved plant strains.
The Act recognizes breeders’ rights, giving breeders exclusive rights to produce, sell, import, or export their registered varieties.
The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) was established in 2005 as a statutory body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
The PPV&FRA Authority’s functions include registration of new plant varieties and management of the national gene bank, which stores genetic material for future use.
Auroras |
Auroras were recently witnessed in North America, Australia, and other regions due to a cannibal solar storm.
A cannibal solar storm occurs when a faster solar storm catches up with an earlier one, producing a stronger storm.
Such solar storms can affect GPS systems and power infrastructure, causing disruptions.
An aurora is a natural light display in the night sky, typically visible in polar regions, also called the lower Polar Regions.
Auroras occur when high-energy charged particles from the Sun collide with atoms in the upper atmosphere, creating light emissions.
For example, oxygen atoms produce green and red light, while nitrogen atoms produce blue and purple light.
Near the North Pole, this phenomenon is called aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights.
Near the South Pole, it is called aurora australis, or the southern lights.
Pratyush Sinha Committee |
A SEBI-appointed High-Level Committee (HLC), under the chairmanship of Pratyush Sinha recommended stronger rules to prevent conflicts of interest among top officials within SEBI.
Key Recommendations of the Committee
Mandatory Disclosure: Of assets and liabilities by the Chairperson, whole-time members and senior officers.
Insider Classification: Top SEBI leadership to be categorised as “insiders” under insider-trading regulations.
Investment Restrictions: Senior officials and dependent family members allowed investing only through pooled, professionally-managed funds.
Ethics Oversight: Creation of an Office of Ethics & Compliance, digital disclosure registry, and formal recusal reporting.
Dedicated whistleblower channel for conflict of interest reporting.
Read Daily Quotes
Stay updated with the latest news by joining our Telegram channel – The PRESS Pad , and follow us on Instagram and X.
Comments