UPSC Mains Current Affairs for 26 October 2025

Google’s Willow Processor Demonstrates Verifiable Quantum Advantage

October 26, 2025

Quantum Advantage Latest News

Recently, two landmark papers published in Nature by researchers from Google, MIT, Stanford, and Caltech claimed a verifiable demonstration of quantum advantage using Google’s Willow quantum processor.
The studies mark a significant leap in the quest for practical quantum computing—showing that quantum systems can outperform classical supercomputers in specific computational tasks.

Working of Quantum Computer

Quantum computers exploit the wave-like behavior of particles at the subatomic level.
Using the principle of interference, quantum algorithms can amplify correct answers and cancel out wrong ones.
Quantum bits or qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously (superposition), enabling massive parallelism compared to classical bits (0 or 1).

Study 1 - Decoded Quantum Interferometry (DQI)

The DQI algorithm:
- The first paper introduced DQI — a quantum algorithm for optimization problems (finding the best solution among many possibilities).
- It employs a quantum Fourier transform to manipulate interference patterns.
- Constructive interference reinforces good solutions; destructive interference cancels poor ones.
Result:
- DQI efficiently solved the optimal polynomial intersection problem, finding good approximations much faster than classical algorithms.
- This demonstrated a potential quantum speed-up in optimization — crucial for applications like logistics, finance, and machine learning.

Step 2 - Measuring Quantum Information Scrambling

Meaning of scrambling:
- Information scrambling describes how data initially stored in one qubit becomes distributed across all qubits in a system.
- Like dye dispersing in water, information becomes hidden yet preserved within complex inter-particle correlations.
Experimental analogy:
- Researchers simulated this by introducing a disturbance (“kick”) in a system and observing how information spread using Out-of-Time-Order Correlator (OTOC) measurements.
- The faint, jumbled echo left after reversing the system’s evolution represented how deeply the information had been scrambled.
Key finding: Simulating these complex quantum circuits on a supercomputer would have taken over three years, while Willow completed it in about two hours, evidencing quantum advantage.

Verifiable Quantum Advantage

Verification:
- Unlike Google’s 2019 Sycamore experiment on random circuit sampling—which couldn’t be fully verified—the Willow experiment solved a scientifically meaningful and verifiable physical problem.
- The results can be cross-checked using classical computers or other quantum systems.
Limitations:
- Researchers have not yet proven that no classical algorithm can eventually solve these problems equally fast.
- Independent replication and real-world applications (e.g., physics, chemistry problems) remain the next milestone.

Connection with the 2019 Google Claim

In 2019, Google claimed “quantum supremacy” with its Sycamore processor, solving a random circuit sampling task in 200 seconds that would take classical supercomputers approx. 10,000 years.
However, the task had limited scientific relevance and statistical verification only.
The Willow experiments now represent a qualitatively stronger and verifiable advancement with physical interpretability.

Scientific and Technological Significance

These results are based on principles developed by Michel Devoret, 2025 Physics Nobel Laureate, and now Chief Scientist of Quantum Hardware at Google Quantum AI.
Quantum processors like Willow can assist in Hamiltonian learning — determining unknown parameters of physical systems by matching experimental and simulated data.
This advancement strengthens the foundation for quantum simulation, error correction, and scalable quantum architectures.

Way Forward

Error correction and stability: Developing techniques to manage decoherence and maintain qubit reliability.
Scalability: Expanding to thousands of error-free qubits to perform large-scale computations.
Verification frameworks: Establishing standardized benchmarking for validating quantum results.
Interdisciplinary applications: Extending algorithms to real-world physics, materials, and chemical modeling.
Public–private collaboration: Encouraging partnerships to accelerate quantum hardware and algorithm development.

Conclusion

The Willow quantum processor marks a decisive step toward practical quantum computing by demonstrating verifiable quantum advantage in solving meaningful physical problems.
Though challenges remain in scalability and validation, these studies represent a major stride in transitioning quantum computing from theoretical promise to experimental reality — a development with profound implications for science, technology, and computational paradigms.

Source: TH

Quantum Advantage FAQs

Q1: What is meant by 'Quantum Advantage'?

Ans: Quantum advantage refers to a quantum computer performing a specific task faster than the best known classical computer.

Q2: How did Google’s Willow processor demonstrate quantum advantage?

Ans: Google’s Willow processor achieved it by solving optimization and information scrambling problems far quicker than top supercomputers.

Q3: What is the principle of interference in quantum computing?

Ans: Quantum interference allows constructive amplification of correct solutions and destructive cancellation of incorrect ones, enabling faster and more accurate computation.

Q4: What is 'Decoded Quantum Interferometry (DQI)'?

Ans: DQI is a quantum algorithm that uses quantum Fourier transforms to solve optimization problems efficiently, showcasing practical quantum speed-up.

Q5: What is 'quantum information scrambling'?

Ans: Scrambling is the process by which information spreads across qubits in a system.

India’s Makhana Revolution: How the Government Plans to Transform the Foxnut Industry

October 26, 2025

Makhana Latest News

At a rally in Samastipur, Bihar, PM Modi described the newly inaugurated National Makhana Board as a “revolutionary step” for farmers.
Bihar, which produces nearly 90% of India’s makhana (foxnut), has been central to the government’s recent efforts to promote the industry through infrastructure support, branding, and exports.
The renewed focus on “makhananomics”—a term linking makhana to rural development—also carries a political dimension, aimed at appealing to local farmers and cooperatives ahead of the upcoming state Assembly elections.

Makhana: From Traditional Snack to Global Superfood

Makhana, or foxnut, is the dried seed of the prickly water lily (Euryale ferox), a freshwater plant native to South and East Asia.
Recognised for its violet-white flowers and large prickly leaves, the plant thrives in ponds and wetlands.

India’s Makhana Hub: Bihar’s Mithilanchal Region

India’s makhana production is concentrated in Bihar, which accounts for around 90% of the country’s total output.
The key producing districts — Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, and Sitamarhi — lie in the Mithilanchal region, with the first four contributing nearly 80% of Bihar’s production.
According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (2020), makhana cultivation spans 15,000 hectares, producing about 10,000 tonnes of popped makhana annually.

A Superfood on the Rise

Once used mainly in ritual and festive settings, makhana has now emerged as a fitness and wellness food, thanks to its low-fat, high-nutrient profile.
Nutritionists endorse it as a healthy snack, fuelling a surge in domestic and global demand.
Globally, the makhana market was valued at $43.56 million in 2023 and is projected to reach $100 million by 2033, according to Spherical Insights, underscoring its growing economic and export potential.

India’s Makhana Industry: Bihar Leads in Production but Lags in Value

Though Bihar produces nearly 90% of India’s makhana, the state remains a minor player in exports.
The largest exporters — Punjab and Assam — either process or repackage makhana sourced from Bihar, reaping the bulk of profits.

Lack of Processing and Export Infrastructure

Bihar’s underdeveloped food processing sector and poor export infrastructure prevent it from capitalising on the crop’s potential.
Most of its makhana is sold as raw material to food processing units (FPUs) in other states at low prices.
These FPUs then add value through flavouring, roasting, and packaging, earning significantly higher margins.
As a result, farmers and the state government lose out on both income and tax revenue.

Fragmented Market and Low Farmer Returns

The makhana supply chain in Bihar is dominated by intermediaries, leaving farmers with a small share of the final market price.
With no organised market structure, producers are unable to negotiate fair prices despite high demand.

Low Productivity and Manual Labour Challenges

Makhana cultivation remains labour-intensive and inefficient.
Farmers sow seeds in ponds, then dive underwater to harvest them. Processing — including drying, roasting, and popping — is still done manually, increasing labour costs and limiting productivity.

Slow Adoption of High-Yield Varieties (HYVs)

Although agricultural institutes have developed high-yield varieties (HYVs) such as Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1, adoption remains low.
Traditional methods yield only 1.7–1.9 tonnes per hectare, compared to 3–3.5 tonnes achievable with HYVs, as per ICAR (2020).

Limited Mechanisation and Future Needs

Attempts to mechanise the harvesting process have failed due to the lack of efficient machinery suited to pond-based cultivation.
Experts stress that awareness drives and technological innovation are vital if Bihar is to move from a raw material supplier to a value-added makhana powerhouse.

Building a Makhana Ecosystem: Bihar’s New Push for Industry Growth

The newly established National Makhana Board, launched with an initial budget of ₹100 crore, aims to transform Bihar’s makhana industry through improved production, processing, value addition, and marketing.
Announced in the Union Budget 2024, the Board will train farmers, ensure they benefit from relevant schemes, and promote sustainable growth across the makhana value chain.

Mithila Makhana Gets GI Tag: Bihar Seeks MSP Support

In 2022, ‘Mithila Makhana’ earned a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Following this recognition, the Bihar government urged the Centre to introduce a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for makhana to ensure fair prices for farmers and promote the crop as a profitable, identity-based agricultural product.

Infrastructure and Export Vision

As per the officials, the Bihar government plans to create an integrated food processing ecosystem with new processing units, cold storage chains, and export facilities.
Upcoming cargo-enabled airports in Patna, Purnea, and Darbhanga are expected to play a key role in enabling direct makhana exports.

Need for Greater Investment and Accountability

Experts cautioned that the success of the initiative will depend on adequate financial commitment and consistent policy attention from both the Centre and the state.
Past efforts—such as the National Research Centre for Makhana established in Darbhanga (2002)—failed due to neglect.
As of July 2024, the centre had only 10 employees against 42 sanctioned posts, no administrative staff, and no full-time director, highlighting the need for institutional focus and accountability.

The Road Ahead

For Bihar to truly harness its makhana potential, the government must bridge gaps in research, training, and infrastructure.
It should also focus on ensuring the new Makhana Board delivers real benefits to farmers and processors rather than becoming another underfunded bureaucracy.

Source: IE | IE

Makhana FAQs

Q1: Why is the government focusing on the makhana industry?

Ans: To develop Bihar’s makhana sector through improved processing, marketing, and export infrastructure, boosting rural income and employment.

Q2: Where is most of India’s makhana grown?

Ans: Nearly 90% of India’s makhana is produced in Bihar’s Mithilanchal region, with districts like Darbhanga and Madhubani leading output.

Q3: What are the key challenges facing makhana farmers?

Ans: Manual harvesting, low productivity, lack of mechanisation, poor processing infrastructure, and low market prices due to intermediaries.

Q4: What is the role of the National Makhana Board?

Ans: Launched with ₹100 crore, it aims to enhance value addition, provide farmer training, and build export-oriented infrastructure for makhana.

Q5: What initiatives support Bihar’s makhana brand?

Ans: ‘Mithila Makhana’ received a GI tag in 2022, and the state is seeking an MSP to ensure better prices for local farmers.

Election Commission Mandates AI Labels to Curb Deepfakes and Protect Fair Elections

October 26, 2025

AI Content Labelling Latest News

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued an advisory directing political parties to clearly label all AI-generated or altered videos, images, and audio clips shared online.
The move follows growing concerns over the misuse of deepfakes and synthetically generated content that can distort facts, mislead voters, and disrupt the level-playing field during elections.
The ECI warned that hyper-realistic AI content, especially that which falsely depicts political leaders making sensitive statements, poses a serious risk to electoral integrity and fair competition among candidates.
The advisory also specifies standards for label prominence and placement, aligning closely with the draft rules recently proposed by the IT Ministry to curb AI misinformation.
Calling such technology a “deep threat”, the ECI stressed that the ability of AI-generated content to convincingly mimic truth could mislead the public and undermine trust in the democratic process.

ECI Tightens Rules on Deepfakes: Mandatory Labels, Watermarks, and Disclosure

The ECI has expanded its earlier directions on AI-generated and deepfake content to ensure greater transparency during election campaigns.
Previously, the ECI had instructed parties to remove deepfake posts within three hours of detection and label altered media as “AI-Generated,” “Digitally Enhanced,” or “Synthetic Content.”
Under the new advisory, the ECI now mandates that:
- Labels or watermarks must cover at least 10% of the screen area for visuals or the first 10% of duration for audio clips.
- The label in video content must appear at the top of the screen.
- Each AI-generated item must clearly name the creator or responsible entity in its metadata or caption.
- Parties must maintain detailed internal records of all AI-generated materials, including creator identity and timestamps, for verification when required by the ECI.
These stricter norms mark a decisive step to curb misleading synthetic media and preserve integrity in political communication.

ECI’s Deepfake Guidelines Mirror Draft IT Rules on AI Content Labelling

ECI latest advisory on AI content labelling aligns closely with the draft amendments to the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021, proposed by the Ministry of Electronics and IT earlier this week.
While the IT Rules are still in the draft stage, they outline similar obligations for social media platforms, including:
- Requiring users to declare if uploaded content is synthetically generated.
- Mandating platforms to use automated tools or verification mechanisms to confirm the accuracy of these declarations.
- Ensuring prominent AI labels or notices on all verified synthetic or AI-generated content.
Non-compliance could result in loss of “safe harbour” protections, meaning platforms could be held legally liable for hosting unlabelled or misleading AI-generated content.
The draft rules also define synthetically generated information as content that is artificially created, modified, or altered using computer resources in a way that appears authentic or real.
Both the ECI and IT Ministry’s frameworks share the same goal — to combat deepfake misuse and preserve authenticity and trust in online and political communication.

AI and Threat to Democracy

AI while transformative, poses serious risks to democratic systems, particularly through deepfakes, misinformation, algorithmic bias, and voter manipulation.
These technologies can distort truth, erode public trust, and undermine free and fair elections.

Deepfakes and Political Disinformation

AI-generated deepfakes can create highly realistic fake videos or audio, spreading false narratives about political leaders.
During the 2023 Slovakian elections, deepfake audio clips mimicking opposition leaders surfaced just days before voting, potentially swaying voter opinion.

Manipulation of Public Opinion through AI Algorithms

AI-driven recommendation systems on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X can amplify polarising or false content, creating echo chambers that manipulate voter perception.
The Cambridge Analytica scandal showed how algorithmic profiling and data analytics were used to micro-target voters during the 2016 U.S. presidential election and Brexit referendum.

Loss of Authenticity in Political Discourse

AI tools can automate fake news creation, clone voices, and generate speeches, making it harder for citizens to distinguish between real and synthetic communication. This dilutes informed public debate.
In 2024, AI-generated robocalls mimicking U.S. President Joe Biden’s voice urged voters to abstain from a primary election — a clear attempt at voter suppression.

Source: IE | TH

AI Content Labelling FAQs

Q1: Why has the Election Commission directed parties to label AI-generated content?

Ans: To curb misinformation, deepfakes, and protect electoral integrity by ensuring voters can distinguish between real and synthetic media.

Q2: What does the ECI’s advisory mandate for AI-generated media?

Ans: Parties must add visible labels covering 10% of screen space and disclose creator details in metadata for all AI-generated content.

Q3: How do these rules align with India’s draft IT Rules?

Ans: The ECI’s advisory mirrors draft IT Rules 2021, requiring verification and labelling of synthetic media to retain platform accountability.

Q4: Why are deepfakes a threat to democracy?

Ans: Deepfakes can spread false narratives, mislead voters, and erode public trust, posing a serious risk to fair and informed elections.

Q5: How will parties be held accountable under new rules?

Ans: They must maintain records of AI-generated campaign materials with timestamps and creator details for verification when sought by the ECI.

U.S. Clarifies $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Rule – Explained

October 26, 2025

H-1B Visa Latest News

The U.S. government has clarified that the newly introduced $100,000 H-1B visa processing fee will apply only to new applications and not to extensions or status changes.

U.S. Clarifies H-1B Visa Fee Rule: Implications for Indian Professionals and Students

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a major clarification regarding the controversial $100,000 H-1B visa processing fee announced in September 2025 by the Trump administration.
The clarification, issued on October 20, 2025, provides relief to existing H-1B visa holders and applicants transitioning from other visa categories, including Indian students, who form the largest group of H-1B beneficiaries globally.
The clarification has eased anxieties within India’s technology sector, educational institutions, and the global business community, which had expressed concern that the earlier decision would make hiring foreign talent prohibitively expensive for U.S. companies.

About the Clarification

According to the USCIS, the $100,000 visa processing fee will now apply only to new H-1B applications submitted after September 21, 2025.
Those seeking visa extensions, renewals, or status changes (for instance, from an F-1 student visa to an H-1B work visa) will be exempted from this fee.
In addition, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been empowered to make exceptions in “extraordinarily rare circumstances” where the applicant is determined to serve the national interest and where no qualified American worker is available.
Such cases will also be exempted from the fee if paying it could undermine the U.S.’s national or economic interest.
This clarification has been perceived as a policy softening in contrast to the earlier, more protectionist measures aimed at tightening immigration and limiting foreign worker inflows.

Rationale Behind the Policy Revision

The September 2025 announcement of the $100,000 H-1B visa fee had sparked widespread criticism from U.S. businesses, universities, and international trade bodies.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce argued that the fee was “unlawful” and contrary to the H-1B programme’s purpose of enabling U.S. companies to hire skilled global talent, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields.
Small and mid-sized enterprises feared that the fee would make it “cost-prohibitive” to employ foreign professionals, thereby undermining innovation and competitiveness.
The Chamber also noted that the U.S. education system had “not kept pace with the needs of global businesses”, forcing industries to rely on foreign expertise, especially in technology, manufacturing, and engineering.
The decision to review and clarify the fee structure came amid mounting legal and political pressure on the Trump administration, which faced lawsuits from industry bodies and concerns from universities over declining foreign enrolments.

Impact on Indian Professionals and Students

The clarification brings significant relief to Indian professionals, who constitute over 70% of all H-1B visa holders in the U.S., largely employed in the IT and technology sectors.
For Indian students, the exemption is particularly important. Many pursue higher education in the U.S. on F-1 student visas, later transitioning to H-1B status to work for U.S. firms.
The exemption eliminates a major financial hurdle that could have discouraged students from staying on to work in the U.S.
However, concerns remain. The administration has recently introduced a proposal to cap international student admissions to 15% of total university enrolments, with no more than 5% from any single country.
Experts have warned that this cap could drastically reduce opportunities for Indian students to enter the U.S. education system, effectively limiting who can benefit from the visa rule change.

Broader Economic and Policy Implications

The H-1B clarification is viewed as an attempt by the U.S. government to balance domestic political priorities with economic realities.
While there is a growing push for protectionist policies aimed at safeguarding American jobs, the country’s technology and healthcare sectors continue to rely heavily on skilled foreign workers.
According to the U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA), student arrivals from India fell by 44% year-on-year in August 2025, contributing to a 19% overall decline in foreign student inflows.
This drop underscores the broader chilling effect of restrictive immigration measures on the U.S. economy and higher education sector.
Furthermore, India’s Department of Economic Affairs has warned that stringent visa regulations could disrupt future remittance flows and service trade surpluses, given the large Indian diaspora employed in the U.S.

Ongoing Concerns and Future Uncertainties

Despite the clarifications, experts caution that ambiguities persist.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) noted that there remains a lack of clear standards for determining fee exceptions. It warned that the U.S. government could announce new, abrupt policy changes, creating recurring uncertainty for businesses and applicants alike.
The broader U.S. immigration environment remains volatile, with debates over economic nationalism versus global competitiveness.
The Trump administration’s stance reflects a long-term ideological shift toward prioritising domestic employment, even at the cost of slowing innovation in industries dependent on global talent.

Source : TH

H-1B Visa FAQs

Q1: What clarification has the U.S. made regarding H-1B visa fees?

Ans: The U.S. clarified that the $100,000 processing fee applies only to new H-1B applications, not to extensions or status changes.

Q2: Who will be exempted from paying the $100,000 visa fee?

Ans: Existing visa holders seeking renewals or switching from another category, such as F-1 students, are exempted.

Q3: Why was the initial fee announcement controversial?

Ans: It was criticised for making foreign hiring cost-prohibitive and harming U.S. industries reliant on global talent.

Q4: How does the clarification affect Indian students?

Ans: It removes a major financial hurdle for students transitioning from study to employment in the U.S.

Q5: What concerns remain despite the clarification?

Ans: Experts note continued ambiguity over exception criteria and fear of sudden future policy reversals.