November 8, 2025

Quick Overview

This week’s Current Affairs roundup brings together four major developments shaping India’s governance, science, trade, and diplomacy. From the scrutiny of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) to India’s rise in immunology research, its push for export diversification, and advancements in quantum communication technology, each theme reflects India’s evolving socio-economic and scientific landscape. Additionally, Kazakhstan’s move to join the Abraham Accords underscores ongoing shifts in global geopolitics.

1. Governance: PMKVY Under Scrutiny

India’s flagship skill development programme, the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), faces scrutiny after the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship blacklisted 178 training partners and centres due to serious irregularities including fake trainees, forged documents, and non-existent centres.

Key Issues:

• Corruption and Mismanagement: Fund diversion and fake enrolments.

• Weak Monitoring: Poor oversight and lack of transparency from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

• Skill–Industry Mismatch: Courses often fail to align with industry needs.

• Accessibility Issues: Inadequate facilities and digital infrastructure in rural areas.

Reform Measures Suggested:

• Real-time digital attendance and biometric verification.

• Performance-linked incentives for training partners.

• Strengthened digital infrastructure via the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).

• Linkages with MUDRA and PM-Vishwakarma for entrepreneurship support.

Conclusion:
PMKVY can only realise India’s demographic dividend if it shifts from enrolment-driven to outcome-based, industry-aligned skilling.

2. Science & Technology: India’s Advancing Immunology Research

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine highlighted immunology’s importance in understanding peripheral immune tolerance. For India, this field represents a crucial bridge between infectious and non-communicable disease management.

Challenges in India’s Immunology Sector:

• Limited specialised education in immunology and molecular biology.

• Inadequate funding and long-term research support.

• Weak academia-industry collaboration and translational research gaps.

• High treatment costs for advanced therapies like CAR-T.

• Regulatory bottlenecks and brain drain.

Policy and Institutional Support:

• Initiatives by DBT, ICMR, and BIRAC to promote vaccine R&D.

• Establishment of Regional Immunology Centres and integration with National Health Policy.

• Emphasis on affordable immunotherapies and translational innovation.

Conclusion:
With strategic investment in infrastructure, education, and global collaboration, India can emerge as a hub for immunological innovation and public health research.

3. Economy & Trade: Diversification of India’s Export Markets

Despite a decline in exports to the US due to tariff hikes, India’s overall exports grew by 6.7%, driven by markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. This reflects a proactive diversification strategy under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023.

Key Developments:

• Decline in US Exports: 12% fall due to rising tariffs (up to 50%).

• Growth in Non-US Markets: Surge in exports to UAE, Iran, Vietnam, and China.

• Policy Support: FTAs, Market Access Initiatives, and PLI Schemes to expand trade outreach.

Top Export Sectors (FY 2024–25):

• Engineering Goods (26.6%)

• Agriculture & Allied Products (11.8%)

• Pharmaceuticals and Electronics

Conclusion:
India’s diversification strategy strengthens economic resilience, aligning with its vision for Viksit Bharat 2047, though sustaining competitiveness and addressing logistics gaps remain crucial.

4. Science & Security: India’s Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Network

India achieved a significant milestone with QNu Labs demonstrating a 500 km Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network under the National Quantum Mission (NQM). The technology uses quantum mechanics to secure communication against even quantum-level hacking.

Significance:

• Provides future-proof cybersecurity.

• Enhances protection for strategic infrastructure.

• Supports digital sovereignty and indigenous tech development.

Conclusion:
QKD positions India as a global player in secure communication, strengthening both technological innovation and national security capabilities.

5. International Relations: Kazakhstan Joins the Abraham Accords

Kazakhstan’s decision to join the Abraham Accords — a framework normalising ties between Israel and Arab nations — marks a pivotal moment in West Asian diplomacy.

Context:

• The accords, initiated in 2020, include Israel, UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.

• They symbolise regional cooperation beyond the Palestine issue.

India’s Interests:

• Strengthened relations with both Israel and Arab partners.

• Expansion of strategic frameworks such as I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, US).

Conclusion:
The inclusion of Kazakhstan broadens the scope of Middle Eastern diplomacy, opening new opportunities for India’s strategic and economic engagement in the region.

CLAT/Exam Relevance Summary