UPSC Current Affairs 12 October 2025

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Trump envoy meets PM, raising hopes of a thaw, Pg1

U.S. envoy Sergio Gor meets PM Modi, signaling efforts to mend strained India-U.S. ties and expedite trade agreement.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Trump envoy meets PM, raising hopes of a thaw, Pg1

U.S. envoy Sergio Gor meets PM Modi, signaling efforts to mend strained India-U.S. ties and expedite trade agreement.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support PricesGS 3: Government Budgeting

Grow export-oriented crops, Modi tells farmers, Pg7

PM Modi urges farmers to grow export-oriented crops, launches ₹11,000 crore Pulses Self-Reliance Mission benefiting 2 crore farmers.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support PricesGS 3: Government Budgeting

Grow export-oriented crops, Modi tells farmers, Pg7

PM Modi urges farmers to grow export-oriented crops, launches ₹11,000 crore Pulses Self-Reliance Mission benefiting 2 crore farmers.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Women and Women's Organizations

Ban on women journalists at Taliban Minister’s press conference sparks a row, Pg7.

A controversy erupted after Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s press conference in New Delhi excluded female journalists, drawing criticism from Indian media bodies, opposition parties, and global observers for violating norms of gender equality and press freedom.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Women and Women's Organizations

Ban on women journalists at Taliban Minister’s press conference sparks a row, Pg7.

A controversy erupted after Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s press conference in New Delhi excluded female journalists, drawing criticism from Indian media bodies, opposition parties, and global observers for violating norms of gender equality and press freedom.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India, EU may close trade deal this year, Pg8

India and EU aim to finalize trade deal by year-end amidst tariff disputes and CBAM concerns.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India, EU may close trade deal this year, Pg8

India and EU aim to finalize trade deal by year-end amidst tariff disputes and CBAM concerns.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Constitutional BodiesGS 2: Vulnerable Sections

Scheduled Caste panel brings out a ‘checklist’ to reject complaints, Pg8

NCSC introduces 'checklist' for complaint rejection, aiming to reduce pendency and filter non-SC grievances, raising concerns about access to justice.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Constitutional BodiesGS 2: Vulnerable Sections

Scheduled Caste panel brings out a ‘checklist’ to reject complaints, Pg8

NCSC introduces 'checklist' for complaint rejection, aiming to reduce pendency and filter non-SC grievances, raising concerns about access to justice.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Economy

Overcoming U.S. taris, the U.P. way, Pg9.

In response to the impact of the 50% U.S. import tariffs imposed on key Indian exports such as carpets, textiles, and handicrafts, Uttar Pradesh has unveiled its Export Promotion Policy 2025–30, introducing schemes to diversify markets, enhance competitiveness, and support exporters affected by trade barriers.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Economy

Overcoming U.S. taris, the U.P. way, Pg9.

In response to the impact of the 50% U.S. import tariffs imposed on key Indian exports such as carpets, textiles, and handicrafts, Uttar Pradesh has unveiled its Export Promotion Policy 2025–30, introducing schemes to diversify markets, enhance competitiveness, and support exporters affected by trade barriers.

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 1: Art & CultureGS 1: Modern HistoryGS 1: LiteratureGS 1: The Freedom Struggle

Prime Ministers Museum and Library offers 1,372 interviews on freedom, development, Pg8

PMML's oral history archive features 1,372 interviews chronicling India's freedom struggle, development, and political evolution through firsthand accounts.

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 1: Art & CultureGS 1: Modern HistoryGS 1: LiteratureGS 1: The Freedom Struggle

Prime Ministers Museum and Library offers 1,372 interviews on freedom, development, Pg8

PMML's oral history archive features 1,372 interviews chronicling India's freedom struggle, development, and political evolution through firsthand accounts.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Even on ‘clear’ days, the air can still be chemically toxic, Pg10

Research reveals 'safe' air can be toxic; iron-rich particles from vehicles/coal harm lungs despite low PM2.5 levels.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Even on ‘clear’ days, the air can still be chemically toxic, Pg10

Research reveals 'safe' air can be toxic; iron-rich particles from vehicles/coal harm lungs despite low PM2.5 levels.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: IT and ComputersGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

AI models team up to ace U.S. medical exam, Pg10

AI 'council' of GPT-4 models surpasses individual performance on U.S. Medical Licensing Exams through collaborative reasoning and consensus-building.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: IT and ComputersGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

AI models team up to ace U.S. medical exam, Pg10

AI 'council' of GPT-4 models surpasses individual performance on U.S. Medical Licensing Exams through collaborative reasoning and consensus-building.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: IT and Computers

RRI technique yields certified randomness with one qubit, Pg10

RRI demonstrates certified randomness generation using single qubit, overcoming limitations of pseudorandom generators for enhanced security and quantum computing.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: IT and Computers

RRI technique yields certified randomness with one qubit, Pg10

RRI demonstrates certified randomness generation using single qubit, overcoming limitations of pseudorandom generators for enhanced security and quantum computing.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Biotechnology

More harmful mutations in older men’s sperm, Pg10

Study reveals older men's sperm accumulates 1.7 new mutations yearly, increasing offspring's risk of developmental and cancer-related disorders.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Biotechnology

More harmful mutations in older men’s sperm, Pg10

Study reveals older men's sperm accumulates 1.7 new mutations yearly, increasing offspring's risk of developmental and cancer-related disorders.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Biotechnology

How is the immune system kept in check?, Pg11.

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Jeffrey M. Bluestone, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi for their discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance — revealing how the immune system prevents attacking its own body. Their work laid the foundation for treatments of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Biotechnology

How is the immune system kept in check?, Pg11.

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Jeffrey M. Bluestone, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi for their discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance — revealing how the immune system prevents attacking its own body. Their work laid the foundation for treatments of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelims

What is macroscopic quantum tunnelling?, Pg11.

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for demonstrating macroscopic quantum tunnelling through Josephson junctions, proving that quantum effects can occur at visible circuit scales. Their discovery has paved the way for superconducting quantum processors and ultra-sensitive quantum devices.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelims

What is macroscopic quantum tunnelling?, Pg11.

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for demonstrating macroscopic quantum tunnelling through Josephson junctions, proving that quantum effects can occur at visible circuit scales. Their discovery has paved the way for superconducting quantum processors and ultra-sensitive quantum devices.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Achievements of Indians in Science and TechnologyGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Why did MOFs pioneers win the chemistry Nobel?, Pg11.

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi for developing Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) — porous crystalline materials that revolutionized molecular storage, catalysis, and gas capture technologies. Their discovery has significant implications for clean energy, carbon capture, and environmental sustainability.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Achievements of Indians in Science and TechnologyGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Why did MOFs pioneers win the chemistry Nobel?, Pg11.

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi for developing Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) — porous crystalline materials that revolutionized molecular storage, catalysis, and gas capture technologies. Their discovery has significant implications for clean energy, carbon capture, and environmental sustainability.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources

Trump imposes extra 100% tariff on China starting Nov. 1, Pg13

Trump escalates trade war with China, imposing 100% tariffs and threatening summit cancellation over rare earth export curbs.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources

Trump imposes extra 100% tariff on China starting Nov. 1, Pg13

Trump escalates trade war with China, imposing 100% tariffs and threatening summit cancellation over rare earth export curbs.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

From Dholpur & Ayodhya, via IIT: First indigo-dyed wool denim at fashion week, Pg13.

IIT-Delhi develops world's first indigo-dyed wool denim using plasma technology, showcased at Lakme Fashion Week, blending sustainability and innovation.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

From Dholpur & Ayodhya, via IIT: First indigo-dyed wool denim at fashion week, Pg13.

IIT-Delhi develops world's first indigo-dyed wool denim using plasma technology, showcased at Lakme Fashion Week, blending sustainability and innovation.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

From the Volga banks, a Russian republic calls India, Pg1.

Tatarstan, Russia, seeks stronger ties with India, focusing on trade, investment, and cultural exchange amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

News Analysis

Trump envoy meets PM, raising hopes of a thaw, Pg1

Trump envoy meets PM, raising hopes of a thaw, Pg1

Grow export-oriented crops, Modi tells farmers, Pg7

Grow export-oriented crops, Modi tells farmers, Pg7

Ban on women journalists at Taliban Minister’s press conference sparks a row, Pg7.

Ban on women journalists at Taliban Minister’s press conference sparks a row, Pg7.

India, EU may close trade deal this year, Pg8

India, EU may close trade deal this year, Pg8

Scheduled Caste panel brings out a ‘checklist’ to reject complaints, Pg8

Scheduled Caste panel brings out a ‘checklist’ to reject complaints, Pg8

Overcoming U.S. taris, the U.P. way, Pg9.

Overcoming U.S. taris, the U.P. way, Pg9.

Prime Ministers Museum and Library offers 1,372 interviews on freedom, development, Pg8

Prime Ministers Museum and Library offers 1,372 interviews on freedom, development, Pg8

Even on ‘clear’ days, the air can still be chemically toxic, Pg10

Even on ‘clear’ days, the air can still be chemically toxic, Pg10

AI models team up to ace U.S. medical exam, Pg10

AI models team up to ace U.S. medical exam, Pg10

RRI technique yields certified randomness with one qubit, Pg10

RRI technique yields certified randomness with one qubit, Pg10

More harmful mutations in older men’s sperm, Pg10

More harmful mutations in older men’s sperm, Pg10

How is the immune system kept in check?, Pg11.

How is the immune system kept in check?, Pg11.

What is macroscopic quantum tunnelling?, Pg11.

What is macroscopic quantum tunnelling?, Pg11.

Why did MOFs pioneers win the chemistry Nobel?, Pg11.

Why did MOFs pioneers win the chemistry Nobel?, Pg11.

Trump imposes extra 100% tariff on China starting Nov. 1, Pg13

Trump imposes extra 100% tariff on China starting Nov. 1, Pg13

From Dholpur & Ayodhya, via IIT: First indigo-dyed wool denim at fashion week, Pg13.

From Dholpur & Ayodhya, via IIT: First indigo-dyed wool denim at fashion week, Pg13.

From the Volga banks, a Russian republic calls India, Pg1.

From the Volga banks, a Russian republic calls India, Pg1.

Trump threatens China with 100% more tariffs over rare earth curbs, Pg1.

Trump threatens China with 100% more tariffs over rare earth curbs, Pg1.

‘Incredible’ meet with PM, ‘optimistic’ about days ahead, says new US envoy, Pg1.

‘Incredible’ meet with PM, ‘optimistic’ about days ahead, says new US envoy, Pg1.

Why children under six do not need cough syrup, Pg4.

Why children under six do not need cough syrup, Pg4.

SMOKE & MIRRORS, Pg7.

SMOKE & MIRRORS, Pg7.

PM launches mega agri schemes, Pg9.

PM launches mega agri schemes, Pg9.

DGCA probes incident faced on landing at Birmingham, Pg17.

DGCA probes incident faced on landing at Birmingham, Pg17.

Bharat 6G Alliance, 9 global bodies endorse 6G, Pg17.

Bharat 6G Alliance, 9 global bodies endorse 6G, Pg17.

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