Current Affairs 13 November 2025

Ethiopia to Host COP32 Climate Summit in 2027.

• Ethiopia is set to be confirmed as the host nation for the 2027 U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP32) in Addis Ababa.
• The decision was reached in principle during Brazil’s COP30, announced by COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago.
• Host selection for COP31 in 2026 remains undecided, with Australia and Turkey competing for the bid.

India–Bahrain Launch Real-Time UPI–EFTS Payment Link.

• NPCI International (India) & BENEFIT (Bahrain) launched a real-time cross-border payment system linking UPI with Bahrain’s EFTS via Fawri+.
• The RBI–CBB–guided initiative boosts fintech cooperation, enabling instant, secure remittances and advancing digital financial inclusion.
• Built on the 2019 MoU and 2024 Joint Commission pledge, it strengthens bilateral economic and people-to-people ties.

India Develops Indigenous Quantum Diamond Microscope.

• IIT Bombay’s P-Quest Group, under the National Quantum Mission, unveiled India’s first Quantum Diamond Microscope for advanced magnetic imaging.
• QDM uses nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond to enable nanoscale 3D magnetic field visualization via optically detected magnetic resonance.
• Applications include neuroscience, materials research, and non-destructive 3D mapping of semiconductor chips.

Australia, Indonesia Forge New Security Treaty.

• Australia and Indonesia agreed on a security treaty committing to consult if either nation faces threats, enhancing regional peace and stability.
• Treaty includes regular dialogue between leaders and close defence and security cooperation; formal signing expected next year.
• Modeled on 1995 agreement, the treaty reflects warming ties without binding obligations to act jointly against threats.

Kepler, James Webb Telescope Observations Revive Rare Earth Hypothesis.

• Proposes that while microbial life may be common, complex life is extremely rare due to unique planetary conditions.
• The hypothesis lists many rare factors — such as a stable orbit, magnetic field, presence of a large moon, and plate tectonics — as prerequisites for complex life.
• Popularized by Ward & Brownlee (2000); NASA’s Kepler and JWST missions refine Earth-like planet frequency.