Daily Current Affairs - 8 October 2025

Explore the Daily Current Affairs 8 October 2025, relevant for UPSC exam. Also download quick REVISION NOTES.

Source: The Hindu newspaper (Page no. 1)

Quantum Tunnelling

Context: 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for their groundbreaking work in experimental quantum physics, particularly for exploring and demonstrating quantum tunneling and superconducting circuits.

What is Quantum tunneling?

It refers to a quantum behavior where particles can pass through barriers that would be impenetrable according to classical physics.

Superconducting Circuits & Josephson Junctions:

The scientists created a superconducting circuit using:

Two superconductors: materials that carry current with zero resistance.
A Josephson junction: a very thin non-conductive barrier between the superconductors.

The Josephson junction enables quantum effects like tunneling to occur in the circuit, essentially allowing quantum phenomena to be harnessed in a controllable electrical system.

GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology; awareness in the fields of IT, space, computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology, etc.

Significance:

India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM) is timely and essential
- Goals: Quantum computing, secure communication, quantum sensing
Building domestic quantum infrastructure aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat
Proved Quantum Mechanics at the Macroscopic Scale: Traditionally, quantum mechanics was believed to govern only microscopic particles (atoms, electrons). This discovery proved that quantum laws like tunneling and energy quantization apply to entire electrical circuits, visible to the naked eye. It bridges the gap between quantum and classical physics.
Strategic & Economic Importance: Quantum tech is a strategic frontier in cybersecurity, AI, cryptography.

Applications and Implications:

A. Quantum Computing:

The experimental setup mimics qubit behavior
Superconducting qubits (used by Google, IBM, etc.) are built on similar architecture
Enables coherent control of quantum states, essential for scalable quantum computers

B. Quantum Sensors

Enhanced precision in magnetic/electric field measurements
Used in defense, navigation, and medicine

C. Energy and Communication

Superconductors enable zero-loss energy transmission
Josephson junctions can be used in ultra-fast digital electronics and secure quantum communication

Prelims practice Question:

Q1. Which of the following best describes a Josephson junction?

A) A semiconductor device used in transistors

B) A non-conducting barrier between two superconductors

C) A magnetic material used in MRI machines

D) A crystal used in solar panels

Correct Answer: B

Source: The Hindu newspaper (Page no. 7)

Decline of Maoist insurgency in India

Background: Left Wing Extremism (LWE), often referred to as Naxalism, is one of India’s most serious internal security challenges. The movement has aimed to undermine the Indian state through armed rebellion and parallel governance structures, particularly targeting security forces, public infrastructure, and democratic institutions.

The Maoist insurgents claim to fight for the rights of the marginalized, particularly tribal communities, but their methods include armed violence, extortion, destruction of infrastructure, and recruitment of children and civilians.

India’s multidimensional counter-LWE strategy – combining security enforcement, inclusive development, and community engagement has systematically weakened the movement.

The number of LWE affected districts reduced from 126 in 2017 to 38 in April 2024.

India’s multidimensional counter-LWE strategy include initiatives:

Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme: Under the SRE Scheme, the Central Government reimburses security related expenditure for LWE affected districts and districts earmarked for monitoring.

Special Central Assistance (SCA) for most LWE affected districts: This Scheme was approved in 2017 with an objective to fill the critical gaps in Public Infrastructure and Services in most LWE affected districts.
Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS): Under Special Infrastructure Scheme, funds are provided for strengthening of State Intelligence Branches (SIBs), Special Forces, District Polices and Fortified Police Stations (FPSs).

Civic Action Programme (CAP): This Scheme is being implemented as a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’ to bridge the gaps between Security Forces and local people through personal interaction and bring the human face of SFs before the local population. The Scheme has been very successful in achieving its goal.
Media Plan: The Maoists have been misguiding and luring the innocent tribals/local population in LWE affected areas by their so-called poor-friendly revolution through petty incentives or by following their coercive strategy. Their false propaganda is targeted against the security forces and the democratic setup. Therefore, the Government is implementing this Scheme in LWE affected areas. Under the scheme activities like Tribal Youth Exchange programmes, radio jingles, documentaries, pamphlets etc. are being conducted.
Road Requirement Plan-I (RRP-I) for LWE affected areas and Road Connectivity Project for LWE affected areas (RCPLWE

Telecom Connectivity: 3 telecom projects, namely, Mobile Connectivity Project Phase-I & Phase-II, Provision of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages of Aspirational Districts and Saturation of 4G mobile services, are being implemented in LWE affected areas to improve telecom connectivity.
Aspirational District: The Ministry of Home Affairs has been tasked with the monitoring of Aspirational districts programme in 35 LWE affected districts.

Financial Inclusion: For financial inclusion of the local populace in these areas, 1,007 bank branches and 937 ATMs in 30 Most LWE affected districts and 5,731 new post offices have been opened in LWE affected districts since April 2015. 37,850 Banking
Skill Development and Education: For Skill development 48 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 61 Skill Development Centres (SDCs) have been made functional in LWE affected districts.

Mains practice Question:

Q1. Discuss the recent decline in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India and analyse the role of state policy, security forces, and tribal dynamics in this trend.

Source: The Hindu newspaper (Page no. 9)

Stablecoin

What are Stablecoins?

Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency that are pegged to the value of a stable asset, such as a fiat currency (like the US Dollar or Indian Rupee), commodities (like gold), or other cryptocurrencies.

Detailed article on ‘stablecoins’ is covered in previous Current affairs – Stablecoins