• A new species of trapdoor spider, named Aptostichus ramirezae, has been discovered by researchers from the University of California, Davis, in 2025. The species was found inhabiting California’s coastal dunes and was previously mistaken for its close relative, Aptostichus simus. The discovery provides new insights into spider biodiversity and highlights the growing need to protect fragile coastal ecosystems threatened by human activity and climate change.

• The Indian Navy is leading the Tri-Services Exercise (TSE-2025) “Trishul”, a large-scale joint military operation involving the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. Scheduled to begin in early November 2025, the exercise aims to enhance synergy, interoperability, and joint operational readiness among the three Services. It reflects India’s growing emphasis on integrated defence operations to counter multi-domain threats.

• In a major development for India’s global fintech expansion, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has partnered with Razorpay Curlec to enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in Malaysia. Announced during the Global Fintech Fest 2025, this collaboration allows Indian travellers to make instant and secure digital payments to Malaysian merchants using their regular UPI-enabled apps such as PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay.

• Saudi Arabia has launched the second edition of its Global Harmony Initiative on 2 November 2025, beginning with “India Week” as part of the ongoing Riyadh Season. The programme, led by the Ministry of Media in cooperation with the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to cultural inclusivity and cross-cultural understanding under Saudi Vision 2030.

Overview

• The Government of India plans to expand its rare earth magnet manufacturing incentive scheme to Rs7,000 crore ($788 million) — nearly three times the earlier allocation. The move is part of India’s broader strategy to build self-reliance in critical minerals and clean technologies, while reducing dependence on China, which currently dominates global rare earth processing.

Strategic Context

• The decision follows China’s tightening of rare earth export controls in April 2025, which disrupted global supply chains. In response, India aims to position itself as an alternative hub for critical material production used in electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy systems, and defence technologies.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for non-weaponisation of critical minerals, underscoring the need for diversified and resilient supply chains similar to efforts underway in the US, Japan, and Europe.