UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 18 November 2025

Integrated Forum on Climate Change and Trade

November 18, 2025

Integrated Forum on Climate Change and Trade Latest News

Recently, the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change formally launched an integrated forum on Climate Change and Trade (IFCCT).

About Integrated Forum on Climate Change and Trade

It is a politically supported forum where countries can address the increasingly contentious intersection between trade policies and climate action.
Launched at: It was launched at COP30, Belém (Brazil), on 15 November 2025.
It bridges divides between climate ambition and trade policy and help developing countries gain a stronger voice in shaping emerging trade rules.
It will be co-chaired by Brazil and a developed country partner, and open to all Parties to the UNFCCC.
The IFCCT will be institutionally independent of both the WTO and the UNFCCC.
The Forum will not negotiate binding outcomes or interpret existing agreements or adjudicate disputes or evaluate specific national measures

Key Features of Integrated Forum on Climate Change and Trade

It will begin with an open-ended consultation process extending into 2026 to define topics to be discussed and the forum's jurisdiction.
It creates an opportunity of interoperability rather than fragmentation related to climate negotiations.
It will bring together civil society organisations, business associations, and international initiatives.

Source: DTE

Integrated Forum on Climate Change and Trade FAQs

Q1: Where was the IFCCT launched?

Ans: It was launched during COP30, Belém, Brazil.

Q2: What is the principle of IFCCT?

Ans: Trade can be a key lever for turning climate ambition into action.

Adam Chini Rice

November 18, 2025

Adam Chini Rice Latest News

Agricultural scientists at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), have recently achieved significant breakthroughs in improving the Adam Chini Rice variety’s resilience and productivity by using mutagenesis.

About Adam Chini Rice

It is an aromatic black rice variety known for its pleasant aroma and superior cooking qualities.
It is mainly grown in the Eastern Uttar Pradesh region including Chandauli, Varanasi and Vindhya region.
It received Geographical Indication (GI) in 2023.

Characteristics of Adam Chini Rice

It is known for its sugar-crystal-like grains, drought tolerance, and disease resistance qualities.
It reaches height up to 165 cm and its grains are short-bold, scented with intermediate alkali digestion value
It has long maturity period (155 days) and low yields (20-23 quintals per hectare)
It is renowned for its excellence in flavor and aroma.
It has intermediate amylose content which helps rice to remain fluffy and remains soft on cooling.

Improved Features of Adam Chini Rice

Reduced height (105 cm for mutant-14),
Early maturity (120 days for mutant-19),
Higher yields (30-35 quintals per hectare for mutants 14, 15, 19, and 20).
Now it is more suitable for mass production while retaining its coveted fragrance.

Source: NIE

Adam Chini Rice FAQs

Q1: Where is Adam Chini Rice primarily grown?

Ans: Eastern Uttar Pradesh

Q2: What is a distinctive feature of Adam Chini Rice?

Ans: It has sugar-crystal-like grains.

Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR

November 18, 2025

Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR Latest News

Recently, the eighth edition of the Exercise “AJEYA WARRIOR-25” commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan.

About Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR

It is a bilateral military exercise conducted between India-UK.
It is held biennially since 2011, AJEYA WARRIOR has evolved into a flagship engagement between the Indian Army and the British Army.

Key Features of Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR 25

The Indian Army is being represented by troops of the Sikh Regiment.
The objective of the exercise is to facilitate the exchange of best combat skills and experiences between the two armies and to enhance their ability to operate together in complex situations.
It is conducted under a United Nations mandate, the exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban environments.
It includes joint mission planning at Brigade level, integrated tactical drills, simulation-based scenarios and company-level field training exercises replicating real-life counter-terror contingencies.
The exercise also aims to share best practices, enhance tactical proficiency and develop coordinated responses for managing complex operations in challenging environments.
Significance: The 2025 edition further reinforces shared values of professionalism, cooperation and commitment to regional stability and global peace.

Source: PIB

Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR FAQs

Q1: What is Exercise Ajeya Warrior?

Ans: A biennial military training event between India and the UK.

Q2: Where is the 8th edition of Exercise Ajeya Warrior being held?

Ans: Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan, India

Sentinel-6B Satellite

November 18, 2025

Sentinel-6B Satellite Latest News

Recently, the Sentinel-6B was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

About Sentinel-6B Satellite

It is a joint mission between the United States’ NASA and NOAA, and the European Space Agency.
Objective: It is an ocean-tracking satellite which will measure the rising sea levels and its impacts on the planet.
Sentinel-6B is set to carry forward the legacy of Sentinel -6 Michael Freilich, launched in November 2020.
It will orbit Earth at a speed of 7.2 km per second, completing one revolution every 112 minutes.
Sentinel-6B will provide primary sea level measurements down to approximately an inch from over 90% of all the oceans.

Components of Sentinel-6B Satellite

It consists of six onboard science instruments.
The satellite has two fixed solar arrays, plus two deployable solar panels, and will travel in a longitude direction around Earth in a non-Sun-synchronous orbit.
It is expected to spend the next 5.5 years in orbit.

Significance of Sentinel-6B Satellite

It observes Earth's ocean, measuring sea levels to improve weather forecasts and flood predictions.
It safeguards public safety, benefits commercial industry, and protects coastal infrastructure.

Source: IE

Sentinel-6B Satellite FAQs

Q1: What is the expected lifespan of the Sentinel-6B satellite?

Ans: 5.5 years

Q2: What is the primary objective of the Sentinel-6B satellite?

Ans: To measure sea surface topography

Lycodon Irwini

November 18, 2025

Lycodon Irwini Latest News

Researchers recently confirmed the discovery of Lycodon irwini, a glossy black wolf snake, on Great Nicobar Island.

About Lycodon Irwini

It is a new species of snake.
It was discovered on the remote Great Nicobar Island at the southern tip of the Nicobar Islands.
The snake, which is a member of the Lycodon subcinctus group, was named in honour of the late Australian conservationist and television personality, Stephen Robert Irwin.
It is a striking glossy-black wolf snake that had remained unidentified for years because it closely resembles another widespread species.
The new research finally confirms that the Great Nicobar population represents a distinct species currently known only from the island.
One of the most notable features of Lycodon irwini is its uniform glossy black colour, unlike close relatives that typically have white bands or patches.
The snake is slender, nocturnal, and can grow close to 1.2 metres in length.
The researchers also documented a higher number of belly and tail scales compared to similar species.

Source: RM

Lycodon irwini FAQs

Q1: What is Lycodon irwini?

Ans: It is a new species of snake.

Q2: Where was Lycodon irwini discovered?

Ans: It was discovered on the remote Great Nicobar Island at the southern tip of the Nicobar Islands.

Q3: What is a distinguishing feature of Lycodon irwini?

Ans: Uniform glossy black colour

Kwar Hydroelectric Project

November 18, 2025

Kwar Hydroelectric Project Latest News

Several labourers were rescued safely after a truck caught fire inside a tunnel at the Kwar hydroelectric power project on the Chenab river in the mountainous Kishtwar district of the Jammu region recently.

About Kwar Hydroelectric Project

It is a 540 MW run-of-river hydropower project.
It is located on the Chenab River in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The project is being developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Ltd (CVPPL).
- CVPPL is a joint venture company between NHPC Ltd and Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) with equity contributions of 51 percent and 49 percent, respectively.
The project shall generate 1,975.54 million units in a 90 percent dependable year.
The Government of India is extending a grant of Rs. 69.80 crore towards the cost of enabling Infrastructure and also supporting the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir by providing a grant of Rs. 655.08 crore for the equity contribution of JKSPDC (49%) in M/s. CVPPPL.

Source: TI

Kwar Hydroelectric Project FAQs

Q1: The Kwar Hydroelectric Project is located on which river?

Ans: Chenab River

Q2: Where is the Kwar Hydroelectric Project situated?

Ans: Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir

Q3: What is the total installed capacity of the Kwar Hydroelectric Project?

Ans: 540 MW

Q4: Which company is developing the Kwar Hydroelectric Project?

Ans: The project is being developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Ltd (CVPPL).

Dariya Bahadur Island

November 18, 2025

Dariya Bahadur Island Latest News

Udupi police recently registered a case against eight individuals who allegedly entered the restricted Dariya Bahadur, or Bhadragada Island, also known as Lighthouse Island, within Malpe police station limits.

About Dariya Bahadur Island

It is located in the Udupi district, Karnataka.
It is among the four islands near Malpe Beach.
It is also known as Bhadragada Island, or Lighthouse Island.
The island’s breadth is just approximately 1.6 square kilometres, and its area is estimated to be less than 250 yards.
It is well renowned for being a rocky island and esteemed for the elegance of its buildings.
This island is where the famous Daira Bahadurgarh fort is located.
- It was constructed by Basavappa Naik of Bidanur.
- There is also a mystery associated with the island fort, as the treasure of the king was buried somewhere to escape from the invasion of Haider Ali during the mid-18th century.
- Surrounding the fort premises, there is an old tile factory and also a few temples.

Source: TOI

Dariya Bahadur Island FAQs

Q1: Dariya Bahadur Island is located in which Indian state?

Ans: Karnataka

Q2: Dariya Bahadur Island is situated near which popular beach?

Ans: Malpe Beach

Q3: What is another name for Dariya Bahadur Island?

Ans: It is also known as Bhadragada Island, or Lighthouse Island.

Q4: Which historic structure is located on Dariya Bahadur Island?

Ans: Daira Bahadurgarh Fort

United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime

November 18, 2025

United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime Latest News

Recently, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to take a call on ratifying the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime.

About United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime

It was adopted by member states of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in December 2024 to strengthen global cooperation in combating cybercrime.
Purpose: To promote international cooperation, strengthen measures to prevent and combat cybercrime, and support capacity-building, particularly for developing countries.
It will enter into force 90 days after the 40th State deposits its ratification.
India has not signed this treaty yet.
It is the first universal legally binding instrument to strengthen collective defences against cybercrime.
The convention was developed by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Key Provisions of United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime

It sets legal standards for addressing offenses such as illegal access, cyber fraud, and online child exploitation, while ensuring human rights and data privacy.
It provides States with a range of measures to be undertaken to prevent and combat cybercrime.
It facilitates the sharing of electronic evidence across borders and establishes a 24/7 cooperation network among States.
It recognises the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images as an offence.
It covers crimes such as hacking, ransomware, online financial fraud, illegal interception, money laundering,
It applies not only to cyber offences but also to the collection and sharing of electronic evidence in serious crimes.

Source: IE

United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime FAQs

Q1: When was the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime adopted?

Ans: December 2024

Q2: Has India signed the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime?

Ans: No. India has not signed yet.

National Gopal Ratna Award

November 18, 2025

National Gopal Ratna Awards Latest News

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying recently announced the winners of the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2025.

About National Gopal Ratna Awards

NGRA are the country’s highest honours in the livestock and dairy sector.
It was constituted by the Department of Animal Husbandry, and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
It was launched under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission in 2021.
Objective: It aims to encourage excellence among milk-producing farmers, dairy cooperatives, Milk Producer Companies (MPCs), Dairy Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs).
The NGRA will be conferred in the following categories:
- Best Dairy farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds (list of registered breeds Annexed).
- Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/ Milk Producer Company (MPC)/Dairy Farmer Producer Organization (FPO).
- Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT).
There is also a provision of Special award for the North Eastern Region (NER) and Himalayan States so as to encourage and boost the dairy development activities in these States/UTs.
The Award consists of a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh for 1st rank, Rs. 3 lakh for 2nd rank, Rs. 2 lakh for 3rd rank and Rs. 2 lakh for Special Award for North Eastern Region, along with a Certificate of merit and a memento in the first two categories i.e Best Dairy Farmer and Best DCS/FPO/MPCs.
In the Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT) category, NGA will consist of a Certificate of merit and a memento.

Source: DDN

National Gopal Ratna Awards FAQs

Q1: The National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) are the highest honours in India for which sector?

Ans: Livestock and dairy sector

Q2: Which ministry oversees the National Gopal Ratna Awards?

Ans: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

Q3: The National Gopal Ratna Awards were launched in 2021 under which scheme?

Ans: Rashtriya Gokul Mission

Q4: What is the primary objective of the NGRA?

Ans: To encourage excellence in dairy and livestock activities.

Vitamin K

November 18, 2025

Vitamin K Latest News

Vitamin K, often overlooked, is vital for blood clotting, bone strength, and heart health.

About Vitamin K

It is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes in two forms.
- The main type is called phylloquinone (Vitamin K1), found in green leafy vegetables like collard greens, kale, and spinach.
- The other type, menaquinones (Vitamin K2), are found in some animal foods and fermented foods.
- Menaquinones can also be produced by bacteria in the human body.
Vitamin K helps to make various proteins that are needed for blood clotting and the building of bones.
- Prothrombin is a vitamin K-dependent protein directly involved with blood clotting.
- Osteocalcin is another protein that requires vitamin K to produce healthy bone tissue.
Vitamin K is found throughout the body, including the liver, brain, heart, pancreas, and bone.
It is broken down very quickly and excreted in urine or stool.
Because of this, it rarely reaches toxic levels in the body even with high intakes, as may sometimes occur with other fat-soluble vitamins.

Why Do Modern Diets Often Cause Vitamin K Deficiency?

Many people fall short of Vitamin K not because food is scarce but because daily diets lack greens and fermented foods.
Over-frying or overcooking vegetables also destroys much of the vitamin.
Long-term antibiotic use, liver disease, or fat-absorption disorders can further lower Vitamin K levels since it is fat-soluble and requires dietary fat for absorption.
Vitamin K deficiency can contribute to significant bleeding, poor bone development, osteoporosis, and increased cardiovascular disease.

Source: ET

Vitamin K FAQs

Q1: Vitamin K is primarily classified as which type of vitamin?

Ans: It is a fat-soluble vitamin.

Q2: What is the main form of Vitamin K found in green leafy vegetables?

Ans: Phylloquinone (Vitamin K1)

Q3: Which Vitamin K–dependent protein is directly involved in blood clotting?

Ans: Prothrombin

Q4: Why does Vitamin K rarely reach toxic levels in the body?

Ans: It is broken down quickly and excreted.