Explore the Daily Current Affairs 1 November 2025, relevant for UPSC exam. Also download quick REVISION NOTES.
Framework for the U.S.–India Major Defence Partnership
GS Paper 2 – International Relations
Context: India and the United States have signed a 10-year defence framework, officially titled the “Framework for the U.S.–India Major Defence Partnership”, during the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur.
Objective : The agreement aims to advance peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Strategic Significance:
- Strengthens the India–U.S. strategic partnership, especially under the framework of Indo-Pacific cooperation and the Quad grouping (India, U.S., Japan, Australia).
- Reinforces India’s role as a security provider in the region amid rising Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean.
- Focuses on co-production and co-development of advanced defence technologies — aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India goals in defence manufacturing.
- The signing took place during ADMM-Plus, underscoring India’s engagement with ASEAN-led regional security architectures.
Conclusion: The 10-year defence framework marks a new phase in India–U.S. defence and strategic cooperation, crucial for maintaining a stable Indo-Pacific and enhancing India’s defence capabilities. It reflects India’s evolving foreign policy priorities, strategic autonomy, and the multi-aligned approach necessary to navigate a complex global order.
Mains practice Question:
Q1. The new India–U.S. 10-year Defence Framework marks a deepening of strategic convergence between the two democracies in the Indo-Pacific. Discuss its significance and challenges for India’s strategic autonomy.
United Nation reforms
GS Paper 2 – International Relations – International Organizations
Context: As the United Nations (UN) marks its 80th anniversary, the article highlights the growing gap between its founding ideals and its institutional structure.
Key Issues Highlighted:
- Episodic Diplomacy: The UNSC engages during crises but withdraws once fighting slows, causing peace processes to collapse.
- Institutional Gaps: No UN body ensures continuous political support after peace agreements.
- Peacekeeping Limitations: Missions stabilise security but lack a political mandate for reconciliation and governance.
- Overdependence on UNSC Reform: Waiting for structural reform (e.g., new permanent members) delays practical innovations.
- Loss of Continuity: The UN fails to retain institutional memory and political momentum in long conflicts.
UN Reforms from India’s perspective:
- Expansion of Permanent Membership: Include developing countries and major regional powers such as India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan (the G4 nations). Ensure representation from Africa (e.g., South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt). This would make the UNSC more representative and legitimate.
- Reform of the Veto System: India calls for either limiting or gradually phasing out veto powers, or at least extending them equally to all permanent members if expansion occurs. The veto has often paralysed the Council (e.g., in Syria, Ukraine, Gaza).
- Human Rights and Multilateral Reform: India supports reforms that make the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) less politicised and more development-oriented. It advocates dialogue-based approaches over sanctions or coercion.
- Improve efficiency, transparency, and reduce bureaucratic delays.
- Strengthen UN peacekeeping operations, where India is a leading troop contributor, by:
- Giving peacekeeping missions clear mandates and adequate resources.
- Ensuring political follow-up to peacekeeping — linking security to governance and development (similar to the sustainable security idea).
Mains practice Question:
Q2. India’s demand for United Nations reforms reflects the need for a more representative and effective multilateral order. Critically examine India’s proposals for UN reform, the challenges they face, and their relevance in the contemporary global context.
Aabhar online store
GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions, Social empowerment. GS Paper 3: Indian Economy, Inclusive growth, MSMEs, Make in India, and Geographical Indications
Context: The Indian Railways is promoting local talent and indigenous products through its newly launched ‘Aabhar’ online store on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
‘Aabhar’ initiative:
Aabhar store is designed to showcase curated One District One Product (ODOP), Geographical Indication (GI), and other exquisite products, including gift hampers from select organizations such as CCIE, TRIFED, KVIC, and State Handloom & Handicraft Emporiums.
The collection features five broad categories:
- Handloom products
- Handicraft products
- Artisanal food items
- Personal care products
- Sustainable products
Significance:
- Promotion of Local Artisans & Traditional Industries:
- Direct market access for artisans ensures better income, reducing dependence on middlemen.
- Encourages continuation of traditional crafts and handlooms, preventing cultural erosion.
- Alignment with National Campaigns:
- Supports ‘Vocal for Local’ and Make in India, boosting domestic manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
- Promotes ODOP and GI products, strengthening regional identity and economic potential.
- Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development:
- Empowers marginalized groups, women, and rural communities.
- Encourages socially inclusive growth while creating formal market linkages.
- Strategic Use of Government Platforms:
- Leveraging GeM ensures transparency, wide reach, and integration with government procurement for official functions.
- Expands the success of OSOP beyond physical stations into the digital marketplace.
Mains practice Question:
Q3. In the context of promoting local artisans and indigenous products, critically examine the role of initiatives like ‘Aabhar’ and ‘One Station One Product’ by Indian Railways. How do such programs contribute to inclusive growth and rural entrepreneurship in India?