{"id":2921,"date":"2025-11-06T08:36:15","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T08:36:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/?p=2921"},"modified":"2025-11-07T12:57:45","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T12:57:45","slug":"current-affairs-06th-november-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/2025\/11\/06\/current-affairs-06th-november-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Affairs 06th November 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

1. QS Asia Rankings<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations, International Rankings and their impact on Indian higher education<\/p>\n

GS Paper III: Science & Technology, Economic Development, Higher education advancements, research output, innovation in universities<\/p>\n

Context: <\/strong>QS Asia Rankings 2026 announced this week.China surpasses India in university representation.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • India\u2019s top institutions have slipped in rankings compared to 2025.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong>What is QS World University Ranking (Asia)<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Annual ranking by Quacquarelli Symonds focusing on Asian universities.<\/li>\n
    • Evaluates institutions by academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty\u2013student ratio, citations, international outlook, and other measures.\u200b<\/li>\n
    • Used as a benchmark for global and regional university quality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong>Key Highlights \u2013 2026 Edition<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Total universities ranked:\u00a01,526\u00a0(with\u00a0557 new entries).\u200b<\/li>\n
      • India: 394 universities\/institutes ranked; 132 added this year.\u200b<\/li>\n
      • China: 494 universities\/institutes ranked; 259 added this year.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        \u00a0<\/strong>Country-Wise Top 100 Representation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
        Country<\/strong><\/td>\nNo. of Universities in Top 100<\/strong><\/td>\nRemarks<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        China<\/td>\n25<\/td>\nMost institutions in top 100; dominated top 10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        India<\/td>\n7<\/td>\nRetained count; lower average ranks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Hong Kong<\/td>\nData not specified<\/td>\nTop positions dominated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Singapore<\/td>\nData not specified<\/td>\nTop positions dominated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Others (Japan, Korea, etc.)<\/td>\nData not specified<\/td>\nPresent, but not dominant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

        \u00a0<\/strong>India Universities in Top 100<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • IIT Bombay (Ranked highest at 59)<\/li>\n
        • IISc (Indian Institute of Science)<\/li>\n
        • IITs: Madras, Bombay, Kharagpur, Kanpur<\/li>\n
        • University of Delhi\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          \u00a0<\/strong>Top 10: Dominated by East Asia<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Universities from Hong Kong, Singapore, China dominate the top 10 positions.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            \u00a0<\/strong>Why India Slipped Down \u2013 Key Reasons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
            India\u2019s Decline<\/strong><\/td>\nExplanation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            Slippage in top ranks<\/td>\nIIT Delhi fell from 44 \u2192 59, Delhi Univ. from 81 \u2192 95, IISc from 62 \u2192 64, IIT Madras 56 \u2192 70<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            Increased competition<\/td>\nChina added far more new institutions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            Regional excellence<\/td>\nEast Asian universities outperformed in research and reputation\u200b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
              \n
            • The top 10 mainly featured Hong Kong, Singapore, and Chinese universities due to better international outlook, research, and faculty credentials.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              These ranking highlights regional shifts in Asian higher education, competitive global academic standards, and the areas where Indian institutions need improvement for future ranking success.\u200b<\/p>\n

               <\/p>\n

              2. Model code of conduct<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

              General Studies Paper II: Polity and Governance<\/p>\n

              General Studies Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude<\/p>\n

              Context: <\/strong>Bihar\u2019s MMRY scheme has raised allegations of violating the MCC during the 2025 Assembly elections, especially due to cash transfers to women beneficiaries shortly before and during the election period.<\/p>\n

              \u00a0<\/strong>Origin, and Spirit of the MCC<\/strong><\/p>\n

                \n
              • The MCC aims to ensure free and fair elections by restricting certain government activities and conduct of parties during the election period.<\/li>\n
              • Originating from election commission guidelines and partially from legislative provisions, the MCC\u2019s spirit is to maintain a level playing field without misuse of official machinery or public funds during elections.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                \u00a0<\/strong>Nature and Duration of Applicability<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • The MCC applies from the announcement of election schedules by the Election Commission until the completion of the election process.<\/li>\n
                • It is a voluntary code and not legally enforceable as a standalone statute but may invoke provisions of other laws like the IPC and Representation of the People Act.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  \u00a0<\/strong>Objectives and Key Provisions<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Prevent misuse of government resources, maintain neutrality of administrative machinery.<\/li>\n
                  • Prohibitions include using government funds or programs as inducements, restraining officials from partisan acts, and avoiding new releases or announcements that could influence voters.<\/li>\n
                  • Ensures compliance with ethical norms for parties and candidates during the election period.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    \u00a0<\/strong>General Conduct and Power in Office<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Parties in power are restricted from initiating or announcing new welfare schemes or disbursing benefits that could sway voters.<\/li>\n
                    • Officials must act neutrally and avoid election-related bias.<\/li>\n
                    • Election manifestos and campaigns must follow guidelines limiting undue influence or expenditure beyond prescribed limits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      \u00a0<\/strong>Legal Status<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • MCC is voluntary and convention-based; not legally binding.<\/li>\n
                      • Enforcement may come through related laws but not by direct legal sanction on the MCC itself.<\/li>\n
                      • The Election Commission opposes making MCC legally enforceable due to practical constraints of fast election timelines and judiciary delays.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        \u00a0<\/strong>Recent Violation: Bihar MMRY Scheme 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • The scheme involved disbursing \u20b910,000 directly to women beneficiaries through SHGs.<\/li>\n
                        • Disbursements happened on October 17, 24, and 31, 2025, after MCC came into effect (after election schedule announcements on Oct 6).<\/li>\n
                        • RJD leader Manoj Jha formally protested to the Election Commission over this, calling it a blatant MCC violation aimed at vote-buying.\u200b<\/li>\n
                        • The timing just before the Bihar Assembly polls and scale (over a crore beneficiaries) pointed to political advantage exploitation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          \u00a0<\/strong>Issue and Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • The MMRY timing was politically convenient but the scheme design aimed at women empowerment and economic inclusion.<\/li>\n
                          • The MCC violation debate raises questions on governance continuity versus fair polling practices.<\/li>\n
                          • Fiscal transparency and accountability are critical, given the large budgetary impact and debt concerns of Bihar\u2019s government.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            \u00a0<\/strong>Pattern of Violations and Larger Debate<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • MCC violations often include misuse of government schemes for electoral gain, premature announcements, and targeted transfers.<\/li>\n
                            • Whether MCC should be legally binding is debated.<\/li>\n
                            • Critics argue binding MCC could delay elections or judicially entangle the election process.<\/li>\n
                            • Advocates say legal enforceability is needed for credible, fair elections and to prevent repeated violations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              \u00a0<\/strong>Criticism of the Election Commission of India (ECI)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • Criticism arises over ECI\u2019s perceived leniency and inability to enforce MCC strictly.<\/li>\n
                              • Some argue ECI\u2019s voluntary MCC approach allows ruling parties to exploit resources.<\/li>\n
                              • Others highlight the complexity of regulating electoral conduct amid governance needs.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                \u00a0<\/strong>Author\u2019s Argument on MCC Enforcement<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • MCC is essential for fair elections but its voluntary and non-binding nature weakens its impact.<\/li>\n
                                • Indian elections’ fast pace complicates binding legal enforcement.<\/li>\n
                                • Different legal frameworks (IPC, RPA) partly cover violations but integrated MCC legal status could provide clarity.<\/li>\n
                                • Bihar\u2019s MMRY example shows need for clearer guidelines on welfare schemes during election times.<\/li>\n
                                • Strengthening ECI\u2019s powers and transparency mechanisms could balance electoral fairness with governance continuity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  This response integrates the MCC’s origin, purpose, nature, and legal status, with key insights from the Bihar MMRY 2025 controversy as the recent case of MCC violation and related debates.\u200b<\/p>\n

                                   <\/p>\n

                                  3. Indian Navy commissions INS Ikshak<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                                  Context: <\/strong>The Indian Navy commissioned\u00a0INS Ikshak, the third vessel of the Survey Vessel (Large) class and the first to be stationed at the Southern Naval Command, at the Naval Base in Kochi.<\/p>\n

                                  \u00a0<\/strong>About INS Ikshak<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  • Overview:\u00a0Third ship in the Survey Vessel (Large) (SVL) class; first to serve under Southern Naval Command.<\/li>\n
                                  • Series Lineage:\u00a0Follows INS Sandhayak and INS Nirdeshak; replaces the older Sandhayak-class survey ships.<\/li>\n
                                  • Builder:\u00a0Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata, under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative; over 80% of components sourced from Indian MSMEs.<\/li>\n
                                  • Name Significance:\u00a0The term \u201cIkshak\u201d means\u00a0Guide<\/em>\u00a0in Sanskrit, reflecting its role in charting uncharted waters and enhancing navigation safety in the Indian Ocean Region.<\/li>\n
                                  • Primary Role:\u00a0Designed for hydrographic surveys and capable of supporting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions; can be reconfigured as a hospital ship in emergencies.<\/li>\n
                                  • Key Specifications:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                      \n
                                    • Length: 110 m; Beam: 16 m; Displacement: 3,400 tonnes.<\/li>\n
                                    • Crew complement: around 231 personnel.<\/li>\n
                                    • Powered by twin main engines with twin-shaft setup; cruising speed 14 knots, maximum 18 knots.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                        \n
                                      • Survey Equipment:\u00a0Fitted with multi-beam echo sounders, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), four Survey Motor Boats, and advanced oceanographic systems for coastal and deep-sea mapping.<\/li>\n
                                      • Aviation Facility:\u00a0Contains a helicopter deck for extended reach and reconnaissance.<\/li>\n
                                      • Dual Mission Design:\u00a0Convertible for disaster relief and medical support operations.<\/li>\n
                                      • Inclusive Infrastructure:\u00a0First Indian survey vessel with dedicated accommodation for women officers and sailors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                         <\/p>\n

                                        4. Clearest Black Hole Merger signal allows probe of Hawking\u2019s Law<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                                        GS PAPER III-SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY<\/p>\n

                                        Context: <\/strong>Researchers detected the clearest gravitational wave signal,\u00a0GW250114, from merging black holes\u2014providing the strongest experimental proof of\u00a0Stephen Hawking\u2019s 1971 Black Hole Area Theorem\u00a0and reinforcing\u00a0Einstein\u2019s General Relativity.<\/p>\n

                                        \u00a0<\/strong>About GW250114<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        • Detected on:\u00a0January 14, 2025, by LIGO (US), Virgo (Italy), and KAGRA (Japan).<\/li>\n
                                        • Signal clarity:\u00a0The most distinct gravitational wave ever observed.<\/li>\n
                                        • Source:\u00a0Collision of two black holes, each about 30 times the Sun\u2019s mass, located 1.3 billion light-years away.<\/li>\n
                                        • Published in:\u00a0Physical Review Letters, September 2025.<\/li>\n
                                        • Significance:\u00a0Offers direct observational evidence confirming Hawking\u2019s theorem that black hole area cannot decrease.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                          \u00a0<\/strong>Black Holes \u2013 Key Concepts<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          • Definition:\u00a0A region in space where gravity is so intense that even light cannot escape.<\/li>\n
                                          • Formation:\u00a0Formed after the collapse of a massive star at the end of its lifecycle.<\/li>\n
                                          • Types:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                              \n
                                            • Stellar black holes \u2013 formed from massive stars.<\/li>\n
                                            • Supermassive black holes \u2013 found at galaxy centers.<\/li>\n
                                            • Intermediate or primordial types \u2013 smaller or early-universe categories.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                \n
                                              • Core properties:\u00a0Defined by mass, spin, and charge; grow by accreting matter or merging with others.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                \u00a0<\/strong>Black Hole Merger Explained<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                  \n
                                                • Process:\u00a0Two orbiting black holes spiral inward, collide, and form a larger black hole.<\/li>\n
                                                • Phases:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                    \n
                                                  • Inspiral<\/em>\u2013 gradual inward movement due to energy loss.<\/li>\n
                                                  • Merger<\/em>\u2013 collision releasing intense gravitational waves.<\/li>\n
                                                  • Ringdown<\/em>\u2013 the new black hole stabilizes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                      \n
                                                    • Observation:\u00a0Such mergers produce spacetime ripples known as gravitational waves, first detected by LIGO in 2015.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                      \u00a0<\/strong>Hawking\u2019s Black Hole Area Theorem (1971)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                        \n
                                                      • Main concept:\u00a0The total surface area of black holes can never decrease; it can only stay constant or increase.<\/li>\n
                                                      • Theoretical parallel:\u00a0Comparable to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, where entropy always rises.<\/li>\n
                                                      • Physical meaning:\u00a0After a merger, the resulting black hole\u2019s surface area is equal to or larger than the combined original areas.<\/li>\n
                                                      • Empirical confirmation:\u00a0Data from the GW250114 event verified this principle, supporting Hawking\u2019s 1971 prediction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                         <\/p>\n

                                                        5. Gamma-Ray Bursts from Black Hole \u2018Morsels\u2019 could expose Quantum Gravity<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                                                        GS paper III-Science and technology<\/p>\n

                                                        Context: <\/strong>A new theoretical study accepted in\u00a0Nuclear Physics B<\/em>\u00a0(August 2025) has proposed the concept of \u201cblack hole morsels\u201d \u2014 tiny, ultra-dense micro\u2013black holes that might form when two large black holes merge. These hypothetical remnants could emit distinctive gamma rays, offering clues to quantum gravity.<\/p>\n

                                                        \u00a0<\/strong>Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) \u2013 Key Facts<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                          \n
                                                        • Nature:\u00a0Extremely energetic cosmic explosions releasing intense bursts of gamma radiation, the highest-energy form of electromagnetic waves.<\/li>\n
                                                        • Discovery:\u00a0First observed in the late 1960s by U.S. Vela satellites, which were initially designed to detect nuclear test explosions.<\/li>\n
                                                        • Classification by Duration:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                            \n
                                                          • Short GRBs:\u00a0Last less than 2 seconds; originate from mergers of two neutron stars or neutron star\u2013black hole pairs.<\/li>\n
                                                          • Long GRBs:\u00a0Last 2\u20131000 seconds; arise from collapses of massive stars (collapsars) leading to supernovae.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                              \n
                                                            • Energy Scale:\u00a0Each GRB can unleash as much energy in seconds as the Sun emits over its entire lifetime (around 10\u2075\u00b9\u201310\u2075\u2074 ergs).<\/li>\n
                                                            • Afterglow:\u00a0Leaves behind emissions across X-ray, optical, and radio bands, helping locate host galaxies and measure distances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                              \u00a0<\/strong>The \u201cBlack Hole Morsel\u201d Hypothesis<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                \n
                                                              • Concept:\u00a0Suggests that during black hole mergers, spacetime can \u201cpinch off\u201d to form ultra-compact, asteroid-mass black holes \u2014 termed \u201cmorsels.\u201d<\/li>\n
                                                              • Formation Mechanism:\u00a0Extreme gravitational stress during coalescence creates separate, dense spacetime pockets.<\/li>\n
                                                              • Emission Signature:\u00a0Expected to radiate gamma rays and high-energy particles through Hawking radiation.<\/li>\n
                                                              • Scientific Aim:\u00a0Provides a framework to connect general relativity with quantum mechanics by exploring quantum spacetime behavior.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                \u00a0<\/strong>Characteristics of Black Hole Morsels<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                  \n
                                                                • Origin:\u00a0Form as fragmented remnants during mergers of massive black holes.<\/li>\n
                                                                • Size and Mass:\u00a0Asteroid-scale masses but vastly denser than ordinary matter.<\/li>\n
                                                                • Temperature and Emission:\u00a0Extremely hot, releasing photons, neutrinos, and high-energy particles through Hawking radiation.<\/li>\n
                                                                • Lifespan:\u00a0Ranges from a few milliseconds to several years depending on initial mass.<\/li>\n
                                                                • Detectability:\u00a0Believed to produce near-isotropic gamma-ray flashes (unlike directional GRB jets).<\/li>\n
                                                                • Detection Efforts:\u00a0Monitoring by observatories such as HESS (Namibia), HAWC (Mexico), LHAASO (China), and NASA\u2019s Fermi Space Telescope.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                  \u00a0<\/strong>Scientific Relevance<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                    \n
                                                                  • Quantum Gravity Test:\u00a0Discovery would serve as evidence that gravity operates at quantum scales.<\/li>\n
                                                                  • Spacetime Insights:\u00a0Could reveal the quantum structure of spacetime near singularities.<\/li>\n
                                                                  • Natural Particle Accelerators:\u00a0Offer insights into ultra-high-energy physics, far beyond human-made colliders.<\/li>\n
                                                                  • Current Progress:\u00a0No confirmed detections yet; analysis of existing gamma-ray archives continues to refine model predictions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                     <\/p>\n

                                                                    6. With upcoming film \u2018Haq\u2019, recalling the landmark Shah Bano case and what it held on Muslim women\u2019s rights<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                                                                    GS PAPER I-Indian society: Role of Women & Women Organization<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                    \u00a0<\/strong>Context: <\/strong>An upcoming Bollywood film is set to dramatize the historic Shah Bano case (1985), one of India\u2019s most contentious legal battles that reshaped debates on personal law, gender justice, and the Uniform Civil Code.<\/p>\n

                                                                    \u00a0<\/strong>Case Background\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                      \n
                                                                    • Origin:\u00a0In 1978, Shah Bano Begum, a 62-year-old Muslim woman from Indore, was divorced by her husband, Mohammad Ahmad Khan, through triple talaq after 43 years of marriage.<\/li>\n
                                                                    • Legal Step:\u00a0She approached the court seeking maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), a secular provision for dependents unable to support themselves.<\/li>\n
                                                                    • Husband\u2019s Defence:\u00a0Argued that under Muslim personal law, his responsibility ended after the iddat period (about three months) and that paying mahr (dower) completed his duty.<\/li>\n
                                                                    • Lower Court Decisions:\u00a0The trial court awarded \u20b925 per month; the Madhya Pradesh High Court raised it to \u20b9179.20. Khan appealed to the Supreme Court, setting the stage for a landmark judgment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                      \u00a0<\/strong>Supreme Court Verdict (April 23, 1985)<\/strong><\/p>\n