INTERNATIONAL NEWS

China Achieves Breakthrough in Thorium-Based Nuclear Technology

• China became the first nation to successfully convert thorium-232 into uranium-233 inside a Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR), marking a major leap in nuclear innovation.

• The TMSR design operates with molten salt as a coolant, allowing the reactor to run efficiently at normal atmospheric pressure.

• Built-in passive safety systems enhance reliability and reduce risks compared to conventional high-pressure reactors.

• The achievement confirms the in-reactor breeding capability of U-233, a crucial step toward establishing thorium as a viable next-generation nuclear fuel.

• This milestone strengthens global confidence in thorium technology as a pathway to cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy.

• India, holding the largest thorium reserves, is advancing similar technologies through the AHWR and the Indian Molten Salt Breeder Reactor (IMSBR).

• China’s success reinforces the global race toward thorium-based reactors, where India remains a key future contender due to its long-term strategic programs.

Zohran Mamdani Becomes New York City’s Youngest Mayor in a Century

• Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat, won the 2025 New York mayoral election at age 34, becoming the first Muslim mayor-elect and the youngest since 1917.

• His democratic-socialist platform gained strong support among progressives, even as it drew criticism from Donald Trump, Republicans, and moderate Democrats.

• Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo by a 9-point margin, while Republican Curtis Sliwa finished far behind.

• In his victory speech, Mamdani described the outcome as a clear mandate for change in the city.

• As a Queens Assemblyman, he campaigned on lowering living costs and improving public services for New Yorkers.

• The Mayor of New York City serves as the chief executive, overseeing a vast administrative system that affects 8.5 million residents.

• The mayor’s key duties include drafting and executing the city budget, managing citywide programs, and coordinating with federal, state, and local authorities.

Russia Launches Nuclear Submarine ‘Khabarovsk’

• Russia unveiled its newest nuclear-powered submarine ‘Khabarovsk’, which comes armed with the advanced Poseidon nuclear drone.

• The Poseidon system, often referred to as a “Doomsday Missile,” is believed to have the capability to inflict massive damage on coastal regions.

• The launch ceremony was led by Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.

• ‘Khabarovsk’ was deployed from the Sevmash shipyard, the same facility known for upgrading India’s INS Vikramaditya.

• The submarine has been engineered by Rubin Design Bureau, a key institution in Russia’s marine engineering sector.

• Its primary mission is to strengthen Russia’s maritime security and support its wider strategic goals.

• The vessel is equipped with cutting-edge underwater robotic systems and next-generation naval technologies, enhancing its operational capability.

SPORTS

India Begins 100-Year Celebrations of Hockey Legacy

• Hockey India will launch its centenary celebrations on November 7 at New Delhi’s Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

• The occasion marks a century of Indian hockey, commemorated in partnership with the Sports Authority of India.

• The event honors the Indian Hockey Federation, established on November 7, 1925, which governed the sport until Hockey India took over in 2009.

• Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced that over 1,400 tournaments will be conducted nationwide as part of the celebrations.

• These competitions will span more than 550 districts, reflecting the sport’s wide reach across the country.

• The initiative aims to celebrate hockey’s heritage, motivate young players, and strengthen India’s overall sporting ecosystem.

• A special highlight will be a 30-minute exhibition match featuring the Union Minister’s XI against Hockey India’s Mixed XI.

India Shines at 2025 Para Shooting World Cup in Al Ain

• Avani Lekhara clinched the gold in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 category at the Para Shooting World Cup in Dubai.

• She topped the event by surpassing Sweden’s Anna Besnon, who finished in second place.

• The bronze medal in the same event went to Wannipa Leungvilai of Thailand.

• India delivered another strong performance in the Mixed 50m Pistol SH1 event.

• In the individual final, Akash secured gold with an impressive score of 223.1, while Sandeep Kumar took silver.

• The Indian trio — Akash, Sandeep, and Rudransh Khandelwal — also bagged silver in the team event, finishing just behind Iran.

• These results highlight India’s growing strength in para shooting, with multiple medals across categories.

IOA Announces Cash Rewards for Asian Youth Games Medallists

• The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) declared cash prizes for athletes who secured medals at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain.

• India achieved its best-ever medal haul at the event, earning 48 medals—13 gold, 18 silver, and 17 bronze.

• A felicitation ceremony will soon be organised to honour not just medallists but also coaches and athletes who finished fourth.

• The reward structure includes ₹5 lakh for gold, ₹3 lakh for silver, and ₹2 lakh for bronze medal winners.

• Competitors who secured fourth place will receive ₹50,000 as appreciation for their efforts.

• Coaches of all medal-winning athletes will be recognised with a ₹1 lakh cash award.

• Both boys’ and girls’ kabaddi teams will be granted ₹10 lakh each, with IOA President P.T. Usha emphasising that this performance highlights the rising strength of India’s youth sporting system.

RANKING AND INDEX

Indian Institutions Shine in QS Asia University Rankings 2026

• The QS Asia University Rankings 2026 placed seven Indian institutions — including five IITs, IISc Bengaluru, and Delhi University — in the top 100.

• IIT-Delhi, IIT-Madras, IIT-Bombay, IIT-Kanpur, IIT-Kharagpur, IISc, and DU were the Indian institutes featured among Asia’s leading universities.

• Overall, India secured 20 spots in the top 200 and 66 in the top 500, reflecting strong regional representation.

• This year’s performance showed mixed movement: 36 institutions improved, 16 maintained their position, while 105 slipped in ranking.

• India ranked number one in Asia for “staff with PhD,” signalling academic strength and research depth.

• IIT-Delhi, placed at rank 59, continued as India’s highest-ranked institute for the fifth straight year.

• The rankings were led by global leaders — University of Hong Kong (1st), Peking University (2nd), and Singapore’s NUS and NTU tied at 3rd — with East Asian institutions dominating the top 10 list.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

India at the Second World Summit for Social Development

• Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya is heading India’s delegation to the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar.

• The global summit is scheduled from 4–6 November, bringing together nations to discuss social development priorities.

• Dr. Mandaviya will highlight India’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth during various sessions.

• He will also present India’s vision of equitable development at the ILO Ministerial Dialogue under the Global Coalition for Social Justice.

• The minister is set to participate in a High-Level Round Table focused on strengthening the three core pillars of social development.

• Several bilateral meetings with leaders from Qatar, Romania, and Mauritius are planned during the summit.

• Dr. Mandaviya will attend a special session on the National Career Service (NCS) Portal, co-hosted by the Ministry of Labour & Employment and the Indian Business and Professionals Council.