TLDR;
This video from SPM IAS Academy provides an analysis of newspaper articles from November 13, 2025, focusing on topics relevant to the UPSC civil services exam. The discussion covers CPI inflation, translocation of cheetahs, implementation of GRAP III in Delhi, and the Climate Risk Index 2026.
- CPI inflation at a record low due to GST rate cuts, drop in food prices, and base effect.
- Cheetah translocation from Botswana to India as part of green diplomacy.
- GRAP III implemented in Delhi to combat air pollution.
- India ranked ninth in the Climate Risk Index 2026, highlighting vulnerability to climate-related disasters.
Introduction [0:00]
The video introduces the newspaper analysis for November 13, 2025, by SPM IAS Academy, informing viewers that they can download a PDF version via a link in the comment section. It addresses technical issues with the VDA app login, advising students to call a provided number for assistance, and acknowledges delays in answer checking due to a backlog. To address this, no Mains questions will be provided for the next two days to allow the team to catch up.
Topics of the day [3:41]
The presenter outlines the topics to be covered in the day's analysis, which include CPI inflation, the translocation of cheetahs from Botswana, the implementation of GRAP III in Delhi, and the Climate Risk Index 2026.
CPI Inflation-lowest ever [3:48]
The discussion begins with CPI (Consumer Price Index) inflation, noting that the retail inflation for October 2025 is at a record low of 0.25%. This is the lowest since the adoption of the new base year in 2012. The decline is attributed to GST rate cuts, a drop in food prices, and the base effect. GST rate reductions have directly lowered consumer prices, while food items, which hold a significant weight in the CPI basket, have experienced negative inflation. The base effect is explained by the high inflation rate in October 2024, which makes the current prices appear lower in comparison. The presenter uses graphs to illustrate CPI trends and explains how CPI inflation is calculated by comparing current year prices to the previous year. It is expected that the Monetary Policy Committee of RBI may adopt an expansionary monetary policy, potentially cutting the repo rate from 5.5% to 5.25% or even 5% during their meeting in December.
Translocation of Cheetahs from Botswana [17:20]
The topic shifts to the translocation of cheetahs, highlighting that India declared the Asiatic cheetah extinct in 1952 due to hunting. There are two main species of cheetahs: African and Asiatic. African cheetahs are categorized as vulnerable and are found in Eastern and Southern Africa, with a population between 6,500 and 7,000. Asiatic cheetahs are critically endangered, with only 40 to 50 remaining in Iran. In an effort to reintroduce cheetahs to India, agreements were signed with Namibia and South Africa in 2022 and 2023, leading to the translocation of cheetahs to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, which became their first new home. Later, some cheetahs were moved to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, also in Madhya Pradesh, making it the second home for cheetahs in India. The current news is that India has signed another agreement with Botswana to translocate eight more cheetahs, making Botswana the third country to contribute to this effort. The presenter also touches upon the concepts of ex-situ (XC2) and in-situ (C2) conservation, explaining that the cheetah reintroduction program is an example of ex-situ conservation.
GRAP III applied in Delhi [22:36]
The discussion addresses the implementation of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) III in Delhi to control air pollution. GRAP, enforced since 2018, is a set of guidelines that are implemented based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. Different stages of GRAP are applied as the AQI worsens: Stage One involves increased monitoring and public awareness, Stage Two includes bans on construction activities and restrictions on industrial operations, Stage Three involves banning diesel generators and restricting truck entry, and Stage Four includes shutting down polluting industries and closing schools. The Commission for Air Quality Management is the agency responsible for applying GRAP in Delhi and surrounding areas. This commission is a statutory body with 17 members, headed by a chairperson, and its goal is to improve air quality in the Delhi-NCR region.
Climate Risk Index 2026 [26:38]
The final topic is the Climate Risk Index 2026, a report published annually by the international NGO Germanwatch. According to the index, India ranks ninth among countries most affected by climate-related disasters in the last 30 years. The index is based on data from 1995 to 2024, and India has consistently been in the top 10 due to the many climate-induced disasters it has faced, including cyclones, heat waves, floods, and landslides. The presenter notes that this data can be used in Mains answers to highlight the impact of climate change in India.
Answer to the previous day's questions [29:10]
The presenter reviews the answers to the previous day's questions, clarifying that one statement related to Operation All Clear was incorrect because the Indian Army did not actively participate. Another incorrect statement was related to the Russia Minamata Convention, which emphasizes phasing out the use of mercury rather than completely banning it. The answer to the last question is David Szalay.
