Daily Current Affairs — 4 November 2025
6 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
China’s First-ever Thorium Fuel Conversion Paves Way for 100MW Molten-salt Reactor
Context China has successfully achieved the first-ever conversion of thorium into uranium fuel within a Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR). About It is the first time in the world that scientists have been able to acquire experimental data on thorium operations from inside a molten salt reactor. The achievement makes the 2 megawatt liquid-fuelled thorium-based molten salt reactor (TMSR) the only operating example of the technology in the world to have successfully loaded and used thorium fuel.
Heavy Metals Contamination
Context A recent study, published in Environmental Earth Sciences, reveals alarming levels of heavy metal contamination in fish species of Cauvery River, posing serious risks to ecosystems and public health. About the Heavy Metals These are naturally occurring elements with high atomic weights and densities. While some like iron and zinc are essential in trace amounts, others such as lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium are toxic even at low concentrations.
NITI Aayog Unveils “Reimagining Agriculture: Roadmap for Frontier Technology Led Transformation”
In News NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub unveiled a major roadmap titled “Reimagining Agriculture: A Roadmap for Frontier Technology Led Transformation”. Key Features of the Roadmap Frontier Technologies: The roadmap focuses on integrating cutting-edge tools such as climate-resilient seeds, digital twins, precision agriculture, AI (including Agentic AI), and advanced mechanization. Customization for Farmer Segments: Farmers are categorized as Aspiring, Transitioning, and Advanced, with each group
India and Bahrain’s Bilateral Relations
Context External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Bahrain’s Foreign Minister and discussed cooperation in defence and security. Brief on India Bahrain Ties Bilateral trade: USD 1.64 billion (FY 2024–25); India among Bahrain’s top five trading partners. Emphasis on diversification into electronics, petroleum products, processed foods, base metals, gems jewellery.
Need for Shift from Food Security to Nutrition Security
Context At the inaugural session of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 PM Modi urged the scientific community to focus on moving from food security to nutrition security. Status of Food Security in India According to the Third Advance Estimates for 2024-25, India has achieved record foodgrain production of 353.96 million tonnes, including 117.51 million tonnes of wheat and 149.07 million tonnes of rice. The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 ensures subsid
Challenges Linked to High Seas Treaty
In News The High Seas Treaty, ratified by over 60 countries, will take effect in January 2026. Origin and Evolution of Treaty The High Seas Treaty process began in 2004 when the UN General Assembly formed a working group to address gaps in UNCLOS (1982) regarding Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). By 2011, countries agreed to negotiate four key areas: Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs), Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and capacity buildin