Major World News Roundup – 4 November 2025

Global Turmoil and Tectonic Shifts: Key Events on November 4, 2025

By Our Global News Desk

November 4, 2025, crystallized a world grappling with intertwined crises, geopolitical realignments, and accelerating technological regulation. From Washington's historic government shutdown to devastating typhoons in the Asia-Pacific and the deepening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, global events underscored both the fragility of international stability and the urgent need for political will and concerted action.

This comprehensive overview draws on official assessments, economic analyses, and diplomatic reports, covering developments in politics, security, technology, public health, and climate action across continents.

I. United States Domestic Crisis: Shutdown and Electoral Reckonings

The U.S. domestic landscape was dominated by the federal government shutdown, which, on November 4, 2025, tied the record for the longest in U.S. history at 35 days, surpassing the previous 2018–2019 funding lapse.

Political Stalemate Deepens

The Senate failed for the 14th time to advance a House-passed continuing resolution (CR) aimed at ending the stalemate. The vote fell short, 54–44, with no new Democrats crossing the aisle. The House-passed measure would fund the government until November 21, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted that date is "lost" and would have to change, possibly requiring the House to return to vote on an extension, potentially into January 2026.

The impasse continues amid partisan deadlock over funding and expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. Republicans argue Democrats are waiting until after Tuesday’s elections to relent.

President Trump’s administration blamed Democrats for the gridlock. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed President Trump "feels really strongly" about abolishing the Senate filibuster to ease the passage of Republican legislation. Leavitt stated that if Democrats regain power, they would "absolutely take away the filibuster".

However, contours of a potential deal were emerging, with bipartisan conversations revolving around funding the government via a CR alongside a package of full-year appropriations bills (a "minibus") in exchange for a vote on extending health insurance tax credits demanded by Democrats. Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin expressed confidence the shutdown would end this week, possibly by Thursday or Friday, suggesting Democrats had been assured they could vote freely after the elections.

Humanitarian and Economic Fallout

The shutdown’s consequences are severe and tangible:

1. SNAP Benefits: The crisis has strained food assistance programs. Despite a federal court order requiring the administration to use contingency funds for food benefits, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments were partial (capped at 50% for November) and delayed. President Trump had initially posted on Truth Social that SNAP benefits would only be given once Democrats agreed to end the shutdown, though the White House later clarified they were complying with the court order. The partial payments are exacerbating household strains, with research suggesting up to 20% more families could face food insecurity this winter.
2. Air Travel: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if the shutdown continues into next week, the Department of Transportation may be forced to close "certain parts of the airspace" due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers who are working without pay. This "exponential problem" could lead to mass flight delays and cancellations, creating "real gridlock" and raising extreme concerns ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
3. Economic Drag: Economists estimate the shutdown is causing a 0.2–0.5% drag on Q4 GDP.

State Elections and Policy Tests

Off-year elections unfolded in pivotal states, serving as early barometers for national trends.

• New York: The mayoral race featured progressive challenger Zohran Mamdani, whose grassroots campaign mobilized 100,000 volunteers and knocked on a million doors, surging past centrist Andrew Cuomo (running as an independent).
• Virginia and New Jersey: Gubernatorial contests tested President Trump's tariff-heavy agenda amid inflation concerns. Democrat Abigail Spanberger led comfortably in Virginia's gubernatorial tilt.

II. Geopolitics and Global Partnerships

The EU Enlargement Momentum

The European Commission adopted its annual Enlargement Package, reaffirming that the momentum for enlargement stands high on the EU’s priority agenda. The accession of new Member States is "increasingly within reach," though the process remains strictly merit-based.

The package assessed the progress of Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Türkiye, and Georgia. Reforms in democracy, rule of law, and fundamental rights directly impact the speed of accession.

Key Partner Progress:

• Montenegro: Marked significant progress, closing four negotiation chapters in the last year. It is on track to meet the ambitious objective of closing accession negotiations by the end of 2026, subject to maintaining reform pace.
• Albania: Made significant progress, opening four clusters. The goal is to conclude negotiations by 2027, provided reform momentum is maintained.
• Ukraine and Moldova: Despite Russia’s aggression and hybrid threats, both nations successfully completed the screening process and met conditions required to open three clusters: one (fundamentals), two (internal market), and six (external relations). Ukraine signaled its objective to provisionally close negotiations by the end of 2028, while Moldova aims for early 2028, both requiring an acceleration of the current pace of reforms.

Significant Setbacks:

• Serbia: Reforms have significantly slowed down amid deep polarization and mass protests since November 2024 over corruption and lack of transparency. Serbia is urgently expected to reverse backsliding on freedom of expression and the erosion of academic freedom.
• Georgia: The situation has sharply deteriorated since the European Council concluded the EU accession process was de facto halted in 2024. Due to severe democratic backsliding, the Commission considers Georgia a candidate country in name only.
• Türkiye: Remains a candidate country but accession negotiations have been at a standstill since 2018. Serious concerns persist regarding the deterioration of democratic standards, judicial independence, and increasing legal actions against opposition figures.

The Commission intends to present a Communication on in-depth policy reviews and reforms soon to ensure the EU’s preparedness to welcome new members. Furthermore, future Accession Treaties should contain stronger safeguards against backsliding on commitments regarding the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights.

Asia-Pacific Cooperation: APEC Summit 2025

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2025, held in Gyeongju, South Korea, concluded with the adoption of the APEC Leaders’ Gyeongju Declaration (2025).

The Declaration reaffirms commitment to inclusive economic growth and recognizes the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and demographic shifts. It outlined three priorities: building a dynamic regional economy, preparing the region for digital and AI transformation, and addressing shared challenges.

Key outcomes included:

• APEC Artificial Intelligence (AI) Initiative (2026–2030): A six-year framework to drive inclusive, resilient growth through innovation and sustainable, energy-efficient AI development.
• Framework for Demographic Changes: Adopted to address ageing populations, declining birth rates, and rapid urbanization, promoting people-centred, intergenerational policies, and a “silver economy”.
• Geopolitical Signals: US–China talks on the sidelines signaled easing tensions with plans to restart trade talks and cut select tariffs.

APEC, founded in 1989, is a regional forum of 21 economies (using the term "economies" to stress economic over political cooperation). India is not a member of APEC, despite viewing it as a gateway to deeper regional integration. India’s past bids for membership declined due to the forum’s consensus-based admission process, a freeze on new members, concerns over India’s protectionist trade policies, and China’s quiet opposition.

Escalating Conflicts

Sudan Civil War: UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated the war in Sudan is "spiralling out of control," calling for an end to the violence. The civil war between the Sudanese armed forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century, with more than 150,000 people killed and over 14 million displaced. The RSF, reportedly backed by the UAE, seized El Fasher in Darfur. The SAF leadership is currently discussing a US-proposed truce but faces strong resistance internally, insisting the RSF must withdraw from cities.

Gaza Ceasefire Dynamics: Fragile truce dynamics persist in Gaza. A humanitarian gesture saw the exchange of bodies of 45 Palestinians and three Israeli hostages. However, violence endures, with Israeli strikes near Rafah claiming three Palestinian lives. A US-drafted UN resolution proposes an "enforcement force"—an International Stabilization Force (ISF)—drawing troops from nations like Indonesia and Pakistan to dismantle armed groups until 2027.

Ukraine-Russia War: Ukrainian drone strikes hit Russian refineries deep inland, including a major facility in Sterlitamak, disrupting oil output and potentially eroding Russia's refining capacity by up to 15%.

III. Global Health and Digital Regulation

India’s Lagging Health Preparedness

The most fundamental reform of the International Health Regulations (IHR) since 2005 came into effect on September 19, 2025. The 2024 IHR amendments introduce a new alert level—“pandemic emergency”—building on the existing PHEIC mechanism. They also establish a National IHR Authority and a Coordinating Financial Mechanism.

Despite India’s active role in shaping these amendments, its domestic legal framework remains inadequate. India relies heavily on the colonial-era Epidemic Disease Act of 1897 and the Disaster Management Act of 2005, neither of which are designed for the complexities of modern pandemic preparedness. Expert groups have called urgently for a dedicated Public Health Emergency Management Act (PHEMA). To comply with the amended IHR, India must prioritize passing comprehensive public health legislation, establish a high-level National IHR Authority, and accelerate investments in digital health infrastructure for enhanced real-time surveillance.

EU Digital Regulatory Wave

The European Union and the UK continued rapid advancement in digital regulation, notably concerning AI, data, and online safety.

• AI Act: The General-Purpose AI (GPAI) Code of Practice was finalized on July 10, 2025. This voluntary, Commission-endorsed guideline helps GPAI providers comply with the AI Act, covering transparency, copyright, and safety/security. Guidance on incident reporting clarified that cooperation obligations following a serious incident require communication and reaction within 24 hours.
• Data Act: The EU Data Act became fully applicable on September 12, 2025. It establishes a user-centric data-sharing regime for IoT products, granting users the right to access data generated by their connected products and outlawing unilaterally imposed unfair contract terms in B2B data contracts.
• Digital Fairness Act (DFA): The Commission launched a consultation on the DFA, aimed at strengthening consumer protection against manipulative online practices such as dark patterns, addictive design, and aggressive personalization.
• CSAM Regulation Deadlock: The draft regulation governing child sexual materials remains deadlocked in the EU Council because Germany announced it will not support the compromise proposal. Germany reiterated its firm opposition to any measure that would weaken or circumvent end-to-end encryption.
• UK Online Safety Act (OSA): The UK regulator Ofcom reported that since the child protection rules came into force, industry-wide change has occurred, with companies deploying age checks. Ofcom is “actively checking compliance” and has opened investigations into 69 sites and apps.

IV. Climate Crisis and Disaster Response

Climate Alarm from the UN

The UN Emissions Gap Report 2025 delivered a dire warning: global emissions show only a slight slowdown but remain "off target" for Paris Agreement goals. Current pledges are insufficient, projecting a warming trajectory of 2.3–2.5°C by 2100. The report states that a temporary breach of 1.5°C is now inevitable. To avert severe warming, nations must accelerate cuts, with current pledges falling short by 28 gigatons of CO2 equivalent annually.

Devastating Storms in Asia

Typhoon Kalmaegi (locally Tino) caused devastation across the central Philippines, particularly in Cebu. The toll climbed to at least 26–48 confirmed deaths, displacing hundreds of thousands of residents. The storm's unusually intense rainfall was identified as the major cause of devastation. Tragically, a Philippine Air Force helicopter deployed for relief operations crashed in Mindanao, killing all six responders onboard.

Elsewhere, Nepal mourned seven climbers—including foreigners—lost to an avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri. The accident, triggered by snowstorms, renewed urgency over the compounded risks of Himalayan mountaineering due to climate change.

V. Economic and Market Updates

Global indices closed mixed on November 4. The Dow Jones closed down 0.5%, while the Nasdaq closed higher by 0.5%, buoyed by gains in Amazon and Nvidia. Gold prices slipped slightly, standing at $3,988. Asian markets were also mixed (Hang Seng up 0.2%, Nikkei down 0.1%).

Indian equity benchmarks were likely to open muted, though they had rebounded slightly the previous day. Institutional activity showed Foreign Institutional Investors (FII) outflow (-1883 Rs crore) and Domestic Institutional Investors (DII) inflow (3516 Rs crore).

Corporate news highlighted several shifts: Bharti Airtel and Titan saw positive read-throughs, while Hero Moto and Power Grid showed negative trends.

A major economic concern for India is the proposed U.S. “Halting International Relocation of Employment (HIRE) Act,” which would impose a 25% tax on payments for outsourced work. India’s Congress party warned this bill would "light a fire in the Indian economy" if enacted, posing a severe threat to India's globally competitive IT and services sectors.

Meanwhile, despite U.S. tariffs, China’s exports continued to surge, bolstered by global buyers filling gaps, demonstrating Beijing’s economic persistence. Starbucks sold its China majority stake for $4 billion, signaling foreign firms' recalibration, though experts like Morgan Stanley’s CEO affirmed the market is "too big to ignore".

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Major World News Roundup – 4 November 2025

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Introduction

The global news landscape on 4 November 2025 was marked by major developments across politics, international cooperation, public policy, environmental crises, economic trends, scientific innovation, and culture. This comprehensive news roundup provides deeply analytical coverage of the day’s most significant events, drawing on verified sources and official statements. Highlights include the adoption of a landmark political declaration at the Doha Summit, political realignment in India’s northeast, significant cross-border religious events, ongoing disaster response in Asia, major judicial and economic policy updates, groundbreaking scientific progress, and influential sports and cultural occasions.

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Politics & International Diplomacy

Adoption of Doha Political Declaration at Second World Summit for Social Development

• World leaders at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar formally adopted the “Doha Political Declaration,” renewing and strengthening global commitments to social justice, poverty eradication, and sustainable development.

The inaugural day of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha represented a globally significant moment in international diplomacy. Heads of State, ministers, international organizations, youth representatives, and civil society assembled to endorse a “landmark pledge” through the Doha Political Declaration. This multilateral document builds upon the legacy of the 1995 Copenhagen Summit, vowing to accelerate progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key themes in the declaration include universal, gender-responsive social protection, equitable access to health and education, and a robust response to misinformation and hate speech—all regarded as threats to democratic values. Importantly, the Declaration underscores digital inclusion and explicitly demands that marginalized groups—youth, elders, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous peoples—are directly engaged in policy-making. UN Secretary-General António Guterres characterized the declaration as “a booster shot for development,” emphasizing the urgency of closing persistent implementation gaps, promoting climate resilience, and fostering debt relief and fairer trade systems. Environmental links were foregrounded by UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, who identified climate change as the largest barrier to social development and called for holistic solutions that integrate economic, social, and environmental priorities. Host nation Qatar reinforced its readiness to support global anti-poverty efforts, both domestically and internationally, particularly in conflict zones like Palestine and Sudan.

New Political Entity Formed for Northeast India

• Chief ministers and senior leaders from Meghalaya, Tripura, Assam, and Nagaland announced the creation of the “One North East” political entity to unite indigenous and regional voices and consolidate political representation.

On 4 November 2025, a significant recalibration of the political landscape occurred in India’s northeast. Key regional leaders—Meghalaya’s Chief Minister Conrad Sangma (NPP), Pradyot Manikya of Tipra Motha, Mmhonlumo Kikon (former BJP spokesperson from Nagaland), and Daniel Langthasa (People’s Party, Assam)—proclaimed the formation of a new platform called “One North East.” This umbrella entity aims to amplify indigenous rights, unite historically fragmented political efforts, and safeguard land rights for native communities. With political parties like the NPP and Tipra Motha already aligned with the BJP at the central level, this move signals an intent to prioritize local autonomy and identity. Leaders made it clear that the objective is not to antagonize existing parties but to create a unified framework for civil rights advocacy and self-determination. A committee has been established to determine the future structure of the platform, and discussions will include the possible eventual merger of regional parties. This development is particularly timely given recent administrative controversies and security challenges in the region, including the imposition of federal rule in Manipur earlier this year. The “One North East” movement was immediately recognized as a potentially transformative force in regional and national Indian politics.

Sikh Pilgrims Cross India–Pakistan Border for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 556th Birth Anniversary

• More than 2,100 Indian Sikhs crossed into Pakistan via Wagah border—the first major crossing since the May 2025 border conflict—to attend birth anniversary celebrations at Nankana Sahib and other holy sites.

The reopening of the India–Pakistan Wagah-Attari border for Sikh pilgrims on 4 November 2025 constituted a highly symbolic act in regional diplomacy and religious affairs. This movement marked the largest such crossing since violence erupted along the border during Operation Sindoor in May, leading to the temporary closure of cross-border travel. The Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi issued visas for more than 2,100 pilgrims, facilitating their participation in the ten-day celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 556th birth anniversary—a revered occasion in the Sikh calendar. The pilgrims, who will visit Nankana Sahib (Guru Nanak’s birthplace) and Kartarpur (his resting place), were greeted with ceremonial welcomes that included floral presentations. The resumption of religious exchanges was interpreted by both governments as a step toward “inter-religious and inter-cultural harmony,” even though the broader political relationship remains tense. Notably, the Kartarpur Corridor, opened in 2019 to facilitate Sikh pilgrimages without visa requirements, remains closed since the May 2025 conflict, making the opening of the main land border especially impactful. This development reaffirms the powerful role of religious diplomacy in South Asian geopolitics, underlining the urge for people-to-people contacts amid cyclical bilateral tensions.

India–Israel Dialogue Focuses on Anti-Terror Cooperation and Trade

• Senior government officials from India and Israel met in New Delhi to deepen security ties, build a “zero tolerance” approach to terrorism, and discuss expansion of trade and regional connectivity, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

The meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on 4 November 2025, came at a critical juncture amidst ongoing crises in the Middle East. Both nations underlined their shared vulnerability to terrorism, with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s planned visit to India and India’s support for a Gaza peace initiative looming large. The leaders reiterated their historical solidarity—India was among the first to condemn the October 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas and to call for a lasting ceasefire and human rights protections in Gaza. Key issues discussed included implementation of the IMEC to enhance infrastructure, transportation, and digital connectivity. Bilateral economic aims were reinforced through mention of a recently concluded investment agreement, with Indian businesses eager to leverage Israeli advances in sectors such as agriculture, semiconductors, innovation, and cyber-security. Significantly, the two sides addressed the welfare of Indian migrant workers in Israel—now numbering around 40,000—advocating for improved labor protections and mobility policies. This dialogue, while rooted in mutual security concerns, also reflects a broader trend in Indo-Israeli relations to expand cooperation from hard security issues into economic development and technological innovation.

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Public Policy & Legal Developments

Supreme Court of India Weighs Exemptions in New Online Gaming Law

• The Supreme Court indicated that regular competitions and tournaments may be excluded from the definition of “betting and gambling” under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, potentially exempting many skill-based online games.

During a session on 4 November, the Indian Supreme Court addressed a multi-state legal challenge to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The Act imposes a sweeping ban on real money gaming, online betting, and associated financial transactions. However, in oral observations, the justices differentiated between chance-based gambling and skill-based competitions or tournaments, such as those in chess or esports. The Court questioned whether participation in tournaments constitutes gambling as defined in the Act and suggested that legitimate competitions could be exempted, subject to further review. The petitioners—representing gaming companies and professional players—argued that the ban had halted their businesses, prompting urgent calls for judicial relief. The Supreme Court consolidated cases from several state high courts, emphasizing the need for a uniform national standard. A detailed government response was requested ahead of the next hearing set for 26 November. The case is seen as a major test of India’s evolving digital regulation, balancing concerns over financial risk, addiction, and criminal misuse of platforms with the rights of legitimate businesses and players in gaming, esports, and tech innovation sectors.

Supreme Court Expresses Concern Over Misuse of POCSO Act

• The Supreme Court raised alarm over the misuse of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in cases of marital discord and consensual adolescent relationships, calling for increased societal awareness among boys and men about sexual offences laws.

The Indian judiciary again signaled its sensitivity to legal overreach and societal complexities, this time in relation to the POCSO Act. In a hearing on 4 November, the Supreme Court observed that the Act, intended as a powerful instrument to protect children against sexual abuse, is increasingly invoked in family disputes and in cases where teenage consensual relationships are at issue. The Court emphasized that this misuse not only undermines the intent of the law but can result in wrongful criminalization of otherwise consensual acts among adolescents. As part of ongoing public interest litigation, the Bench urged integration of legal education and gender sensitivity into school curricula as a preventative step. The justices called for coordinated awareness campaigns at the institutional, family, and societal levels, including input from the Education and Broadcasting Ministries as well as the Central Board of Film Certification. The debate surrounding POCSO, particularly post-2012 Nirbhaya reforms, highlights the challenge of balancing robust legal frameworks for protecting children and women with the dangers of excessive criminalization and erosion of due process.

DGCA Proposes Traveler-Friendly Reforms for Air Ticket Refunds

• India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) published drafts for new refund and cancellation norms, introducing a 48-hour fee-free cancellation/rescheduling window for most flight bookings and stricter refund requirements for airlines and agents indiatoday.in onmanorama.com.

In a significant move for consumer rights, India’s aviation regulator issued draft amendments intended to simplify and humanize the flight ticket refund process. The cornerstone of the proposal is a 48-hour “look-in window” that allows passengers to cancel or modify bookings without penalty, as long as the scheduled departure is at least five days in the future for domestic flights or fifteen days for international flights. The reforms seek to root out predatory hidden fees, slow or forced refunds, and burdensome terms often encountered by air travelers. Airlines and booking agents would be held responsible for timely and transparent refund processing, with direct payment to passengers preferred over vouchers or credit shells. The public has been invited to provide comments on the proposals until the end of November. If implemented, these changes would mark India’s most significant enhancement of air passenger rights in years, followed closely by calls for similar reforms in other parts of the region.

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Disaster & Crisis Response

Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh: Fatal Train Collision

• A passenger train collided with a stationary goods train near Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, resulting in at least five deaths and over a dozen injuries; major rescue and relief operations were launched, and an official inquiry was ordered.

At around 4pm on 4 November, a MEMU passenger train on the Gevra–Bilaspur route struck a goods train between Gatora and Bilaspur. The collision led to coach derailments, severe structural damage, and a halt in operations along this critical rail corridor. Emergency responders, including local police, railway teams, and medical units, worked swiftly to extract survivors trapped in the wreckage. The Chhattisgarh state government announced immediate compensation and underscored comprehensive support for victims’ families. A formal investigation led by the Commissioner of Railway Safety will examine the causes of the incident. This accident rekindled longstanding concerns about rail safety oversight, the need for modernization, and fast-tracked rollout of advanced signaling and collision avoidance systems on India’s vast but aging railway network.

Avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri, Nepal

• Seven climbers—five foreign nationals (French, Canadian, Italian) and two Nepali guides—were killed in an avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri; recovery operations remain challenged by weather and remoteness, with several missing.

Disaster struck Nepal’s Rolwaling Valley when an avalanche swept away a party of 15 climbers on Mount Yalung Ri, a 5,630-meter peak popular for autumn expeditions. The avalanche, triggered by days of snowstorms intensified by a recent cyclone, left at least seven confirmed dead and four missing, with survivors relating harrowing stories of waiting hours for help in sub-zero blizzards. Rescue teams managed to airlift four injured survivors to hospital after weather improved, but ongoing snowfall hampered recovery efforts. This tragedy brought renewed urgency to debates about the compounded risks of Himalayan mountaineering due to climate change, glacial instability, and the escalation of extreme weather events. Local officials and international disaster prevention forums have called for more stringent risk mitigation protocols for tourists and tougher regulation of expedition operators.

Typhoon Kalmaegi Ravages Central Philippines

• Typhoon Kalmaegi caused devastating floods in Cebu and surrounding islands of the Philippines, leaving at least 40-46 people dead, trapping residents, and causing widespread displacement; a military rescue helicopter crash killed six more responders.

Typhoon Kalmaegi, locally named “Tino,” made landfall overnight, unleashing torrential rainfall—more than the monthly norm in just 24 hours—on Cebu, Leyte, and Bohol. The ensuing floods submerged entire communities, washed away vehicles, and left families clinging to rooftops. The storm’s unusually intense rainfall, rather than wind, was identified as the major cause of devastation, underlining the increasing role of climate change in amplifying tropical disasters. A Philippine Air Force helicopter, deployed for relief operations, crashed in Mindanao, killing all six onboard. Approximately 400,000 residents evacuated preemptively, but rescue and recovery missions remain ongoing. Provincial governors labelled the event “unprecedented,” echoing warnings from international climate scientists about stronger, more erratic typhoons fueled by warmer oceans. With several more storms forecast before year-end, the disaster has reignited calls for investment in infrastructure resilience, advanced warning systems, and climate adaptation in the world’s most typhoon-prone archipelago.

Earthquake in Northern Afghanistan

• A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck northern Afghanistan near Mazar-i-Sharif, killing at least 20 people, injuring hundreds, and damaging infrastructure; relief efforts hampered by remote terrain and ongoing conflict.

Early on 3 November, a strong earthquake rattled the provinces of Balkh and Samangan, with Kholm—close to the epicenter and home to around 65,000 people—experiencing particular devastation. Large numbers of rural, mud-brick homes suffered structural collapse, and the historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif sustained damage. Afghans, already enduring years of drought and war, found rescue and relief efforts slowed by poor road networks, active conflict, and logistical gaps typical of Afghanistan’s crisis-prone geography. The disaster, which follows close on the heels of previous powerful quakes in the region, reinforces the need for sustained international engagement and a shift from reactive emergency aid to disaster risk reduction, resilience-building, and infrastructure investment in South and Central Asia.

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Climate Change, Science & Technology

UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2025: Dire Warning on Global Climate Failure

• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released its Emissions Gap Report 2025, warning that current climate pledges would still yield a 2.3–2.5°C temperature rise, with G20 countries off track for 2030/2035 targets and a temporary breach of 1.5°C now inevitable.

On 4 November, UNEP’s flagship climate report provided its annual science-based assessment of progress towards the Paris Agreement. While new national commitments have marginally lowered global warming projections, implementation remains grossly insufficient. Even if all new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are met, expected warming will surpass 2.3–2.5°C by 2100, far above the “well-below 2°C” and “1.5°C” Paris targets. The report bluntly states that only a third of Parties submitted updated pledges for 2035, and of these, actual policy implementation falls well short of stated goals. The window to avoid a multiyear breach of 1.5°C is “dangerously tight.” G20 countries, accounting for the bulk of emissions, remain especially off course, with emissions rising by 0.7% in 2024 and G20 oil and coal use undermining global ambitions. UNEP warns of severe escalation in climate risks—heatwaves, storms, loss of biodiversity—if rapid, “unprecedented” emissions cuts are not enacted. Delivering such transformative reductions, the report suggests, will require political will beyond anything seen to date, massive public and private investment in renewables, and global leadership focused on just transition measures.

EU Science for Preparedness Conference Opens in Turin

• The EU Science for Preparedness Conference launched in Turin, gathering experts from science, policymaking, and emergency management to promote innovation and crisis preparedness across Europe.

Running from 4–6 November, the conference—co-organized by the Copernicus Emergency Management Service and the Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Centre—brought together leaders in natural disaster risk management, early warning systems, risk modeling, and resilience planning. Sessions addressed the need for multi-hazard early warning systems, the operationalization of earth system modeling and artificial intelligence for emergency management, and building a unified EU risk assessment framework. Special focus was placed on integrating scientific innovation into operational services, bridging the gap between research and field-level crisis response. Panels dissected the lessons from recent crises, like catastrophic European wildfires and floods, and explored the global reach of Copernicus earth observation tools. The event was streamed live, underlining transparency and real-time dialogue in a world where crises are increasingly complex, intersecting, and transnational.

2025’s Most Influential Scientific Breakthroughs

• 2025 was marked by profound scientific advancements: AI-powered medical diagnostics, major progress in nuclear fusion at ITER, launch of biodegradable electronics, space tech revolutions, and rapid gains in quantum computing.

AI-Driven Diagnostics: AI has redefined healthcare, with innovative systems now diagnosing cancers, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases faster and more accurately than ever. Market research estimates global AI diagnostics will exceed $4.7 billion by 2029, driven by partnerships and the need to reduce clinician workload. In India especially, startups like Qure.ai, SigTuple, and AarogyaAI are democratizing access, cutting costs, and making instant diagnostics a reality nationwide.

Nuclear Fusion: At the multinational ITER project in France, scientists achieved sustained fusion reactions, maintaining stable plasma at record durations. This leap brings humanity closer to harnessing clean, limitless fusion energy—a major milestone after decades of incremental progress.

Biodegradable Electronics: Several companies launched commercially viable, fully recyclable gadgets (including eco-friendly smartphones), tackling the world’s growing e-waste crisis. These electronics break down safely after use, vastly reducing landfill and pollution.

Space Technology: Global agencies and private players (notably NASA, ISRO, and SpaceX) lowered costs with new reusable rockets and pushed deeper into Mars research. Autonomous rovers and probes conducted detailed surface and atmospheric studies, bringing human settlement on Mars a step closer.

Quantum Computing: 2025 saw the debut of next-generation quantum computers by tech giants like IBM and Google. These machines, significantly outpacing classical supercomputers, are unlocking breakthroughs in drug discovery, cryptography, and climate modeling that were previously unthinkable, foreshadowing a new era in high-tech problem-solving.

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Economic Updates & Business Policy

Market Sentiment and Macro-Economic Dynamics

• Global markets on 4 November navigated cautious optimism and volatility, with investor attention focused on inflation data, monetary policy signals, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

By mid-day, major indices—including the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq—showed nuanced movement as investors processed mixed signals from macroeconomic data. The interplay between moderating inflation and central bank interest rate intentions dominated market analysis, alongside evolving U.S. Federal Reserve positioning and strong corporate earnings from leading consumer staples and tech firms (e.g., Procter & Gamble, Microsoft, Nvidia). High-growth segments, such as technology and artificial intelligence, experienced significant volatility, reflecting sensitivity to rising interest rates and a broader recalibration of valuations. On the energy front, companies like ExxonMobil were closely watched, with performance tied to global oil prices and supply-chain stability. Amidst persistent economic uncertainties, regulatory trends—including heightened scrutiny of sectors deemed critical to national interests—continued to shape strategic business decisions. The outlook for Q4 2025 and 2026 will hinge on the ability of corporations to pivot on operational efficiency, supply chain security, and technological adaptation, particularly in light of ongoing global realignments (AI, renewable energy expansions) and unresolved conflicts.

Congress Issues Warning Over US HIRE Bill

• India’s Congress party warned that the US “Halting International Relocation of Employment (HIRE) Act,” would “light a fire in the Indian economy” if enacted, as it proposes a 25% tax on payments for outsourced work and could devastate India’s IT and services sectors.

Introduced by U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno and referred to the Senate Finance Committee, the HIRE Act aims to discourage outsourcing by imposing hefty penalties and tax levies on American firms transferring white-collar employment abroad. Industry leaders and Indian lawmakers have flagged the bill’s disproportionate potential impact on India’s globally competitive IT, BPO, and consulting sectors, which collectively underpin much of the services export success achieved over the past quarter-century. While the bill’s prospects remain uncertain (with possible amendments or delays), it reflects a broader trend toward protectionism and economic nationalism in the U.S., echoing patterns of past industrial job repatriation discourse. U.S.-India trade and diplomatic collaboration, which has grown in recent years, faces a new test, as India’s business leaders and policymakers brace for potential job losses and diminished bilateral economic engagement.

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Major Global and Regional Events

Melbourne Cup Day: Australia’s “Race That Stops a Nation”

• The 165th Melbourne Cup, Australia’s most famous horse race, was held at Flemington on 4 November; rain resulted in slow track conditions, and pre-race favorite Half Yours captured widespread attention.

The Melbourne Cup’s cultural significance echoes beyond sport, serving as a key symbol of national unity, fashion, and celebration. In 2025, heavy rains led to the Flemington course being classified as Soft 7 or Heavy 8, affecting race dynamics and betting strategies. Half Yours, the Caulfield Cup champion, entered as the favorite, with jockey Jamie Melham aiming for a rare double triumph. The prize pool soared to A$10 million, reflecting the race’s high international standing. The Cup is but one highlight in a packed global November sports calendar, which also features the ATP and WTA tennis finals in Turin and Riyadh, Formula 1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, the New York City Marathon, and rugby’s Autumn Internationals.

Schedule of Other Major Sports Events

• November 2025 included the ATP Finals (Turin), WTA Finals (Riyadh), UEFA Champions League Matchday 4, BWF Korea Masters (Badminton), WTT Champions Frankfurt (Table Tennis), World Series close in MLB (baseball), and regular NFL, NBA, and NHL games.

Across continents, November delivered a feast of international sporting drama. The New York City Marathon drew over 50,000 runners and millions of fans, while the Rugby Autumn Internationals pitted hemisphere powerhouses against each other. The footballing world remained engaged with UEFA Champions League group stage matches on 4-5 November. India’s cricket team hosted Australia in a T20I series, while Test matches against South Africa and other fixtures populated a dense sporting season. Tennis fans followed elite players at season-ending championships, as the Billie Jean King Cup in Bengaluru put a spotlight on Indian women’s tennis performance. Globally, sports provided a powerful backdrop of unity and aspiration amid otherwise tumultuous times.

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Culture, Faith, and Celebrations

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday: A Symbol of Unity Amid Tensions

• The birth anniversary (Gurpurab) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was marked by global prayers, processions, langars (community meals) at gurdwaras, and cross-border pilgrimages, with main celebrations set for 5 November 2025.

Guru Nanak Jayanti, one of Sikhism’s holiest festivals, commemorates the 556th birth anniversary of the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak, and is observed on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day in Kartik, per the Hindu calendar; astronomically overlapping 4-5 November this year). Rituals began with the Akhand Path (a continuous, non-stop 48-hour recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), followed by Nagar Kirtans (processions with hymn-singing), and culminated in prabhat pheris and community service. The occasion is marked globally—in India (notably in Punjab, Delhi, Maharashtra), Pakistan (Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur), and Sikh diaspora centers in the UK, Canada, and the US. The opening of the land border for Indian Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan, allowing large-scale cross-border worship after months of closure, was especially poignant, highlighting the role of faith in bridging geopolitical divides. Guru Nanak’s teachings of equality, peace, and selfless service resonated strongly at a time of international and social fractures, with many temples also using the day to launch environmental and anti-discrimination initiatives.

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Conclusion

The 4th of November 2025 revealed the complexity and interconnectedness of global affairs. From summit diplomacy in Doha aimed at uplifting social development, to regional political innovation in India and cross-border religious diplomacy, the day’s events reflected humanity’s ongoing struggles—and creative solutions—in governance, security, equity, and spirituality. Severe natural disasters across Asia underscored the growing bite of climate change, while judicial actions in India highlighted the nuances—and challenges—of public policy in a digital and highly mobilized society. In parallel, major advances in science and technology, as well as dynamic cultural and sporting life, demonstrated the resilience and aspirations of communities worldwide. Future trajectories—particularly regarding climate, digital governance, and economic reform—will depend on the political will, collective action, and inclusive innovation that characterized the most hopeful stories of this day.

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100 Question and Answer Pairs on Global Events (November 4, 2025)

I. US Government Shutdown and Domestic Politics

1. Q: As of November 4, 2025, how long had the US federal government shutdown lasted?

   A: The government shutdown had lasted 35 days, tying the record for the longest in U.S. history, surpassing the previous record set in late 2018 and early 2019.

2. Q: What was the outcome of the 14th procedural vote in the Senate on the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) to end the stalemate?

   A: The Senate failed for the 14th time to advance the CR; the vote was 54–44, falling short of the required 60 votes, with no new Democrats crossing the aisle.

3. Q: What specific Affordable Care Act (ACA) issue is part of the ongoing partisan gridlock?

   A: The stalemate involves the expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which Democrats are demanding to extend.

4. Q: What two types of legislation are senators discussing as the emerging contours of a potential deal to reopen the government?

   A: Senators are discussing an agreement that would fund the government via a continuing resolution (CR) alongside a package of full-year appropriations bills (a "minibus").

5. Q: What specific date was contained in the House-passed continuing resolution for funding the government?

   A: The House-passed measure would fund the government until November 21.

6. Q: Why did Senate Majority Leader John Thune say the November 21 date is "lost"?

   A: Thune said the date is "lost" because the timing requires more time for work on year-long appropriations bills.

7. Q: What date does House Speaker Mike Johnson favor extending the government funding deadline to, and why?

   A: Speaker Johnson favors extending the date until January, explicitly stating he is not a fan of extending it to December because of "PTSD about Christmas omnibus spending bills".

8. Q: What specific claim did President Trump make on Truth Social regarding SNAP benefits?

   A: President Trump posted that SNAP benefits "will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before!".

9. Q: How much of their full benefits are eligible SNAP recipients scheduled to receive for November?

   A: Eligible SNAP recipients are receiving 50% of their benefits for November.

10. Q: What is the estimated strain the shutdown is putting on the U.S. economy?

    A: Economists estimate the shutdown is causing a 0.2–0.5% drag on Q4 GDP.

11. Q: What potential consequence did Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warn about regarding air travel if the shutdown continues?

    A: Secretary Duffy warned the Department of Transportation may be forced to close "certain parts of the airspace" next week due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers.

12. Q: What is President Trump's position regarding the Senate filibuster rule?

    A: President Trump "feels really strongly" about abolishing or eliminating the filibuster rule.

13. Q: Who is the progressive challenger surging in the New York mayoral race?

    A: Zohran Mamdani is the progressive challenger in the New York mayoral race.

14. Q: What detail highlights the massive mobilization effort of Zohran Mamdani's campaign?

    A: His grassroots campaign mobilized 100,000 volunteers and knocked on a million doors.

15. Q: What national policy is being tested in the gubernatorial contests in Virginia and New Jersey?

    A: President Trump's tariff-heavy agenda is being tested in these contests amid inflation concerns.

II. EU Enlargement and Geopolitics

16. Q: What specific goal did the European Commission adopt its annual Enlargement Package to reaffirm?

    A: The package reaffirms that the momentum for enlargement stands high on the priority agenda of the EU.

17. Q: What EU official stated that a larger Union means a stronger and more influential Europe on the global stage?

    A: Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

18. Q: What document will the Commission present soon to prepare the EU for welcoming new members?

    A: A Communication on in-depth policy reviews and reforms will be presented soon.

19. Q: What key area of reform must be accelerated by Ukraine to meet its ambitious objective for closing accession negotiations?

    A: An acceleration of the pace of reforms is required, notably with regards to the fundamentals, in particular rule of law.

20. Q: What is Montenegro's ambitious target for closing accession negotiations?

    A: Montenegro is on track to meet the objective of closing accession negotiations by the end of 2026.

21. Q: How many negotiation chapters did Montenegro close in the last year?

    A: Montenegro closed four negotiation chapters over the last year.

22. Q: What is Albania's goal for concluding accession negotiations, provided reform momentum is maintained?

    A: Albania aims to conclude negotiations by 2027.

23. Q: Name the three clusters Ukraine met the conditions required to open.

    A: Ukraine met conditions to open clusters: one (fundamentals), six (external relations), and two (internal market).

24. Q: What is the signaled objective of the Ukrainian government for provisionally closing accession negotiations?

    A: The objective is to provisionally close accession negotiations by the end of 2028.

25. Q: What date has the government of Moldova signaled as its objective for provisionally closing accession negotiations?

    A: Moldova has signaled its objective to provisionally close accession negotiations by early 2028.

26. Q: Since when have mass protests been taking place across Serbia, reflecting disappointment over corruption and lack of transparency?

    A: Mass protests have been taking place across Serbia since November 2024.

27. Q: In addition to freedom of expression, what academic freedom issue is Serbia urgently expected to reverse backsliding on?

    A: Serbia is urgently expected to reverse the erosion of academic freedom.

28. Q: What country is North Macedonia required to include citizens from in its Constitution to move forward with EU accession?

    A: North Macedonia must adopt constitutional changes to include citizens who are part of other people, such as Bulgarians.

29. Q: Due to severe democratic backsliding, what is Georgia considered by the Commission?

    A: The Commission considers Georgia a candidate country in name only.

30. Q: Since what year have accession negotiations with Türkiye been officially at a standstill?

    A: Accession negotiations with Türkiye have been at a standstill since 2018.

III. APEC and Asia-Pacific Relations

31. Q: What city hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2025?

    A: The APEC Summit 2025 was held in Gyeongju, South Korea.

32. Q: What is the outcome document adopted at the APEC Summit 2025 called?

    A: It is called the APEC Leaders’ Gyeongju Declaration (2025).

33. Q: What demographic shifts does the Gyeongju Declaration recognize the transformative impact of?

    A: It recognizes the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and demographic shifts on labor markets.

34. Q: What is the specific timeframe for the APEC Artificial Intelligence (AI) Initiative?

    A: The AI Initiative is a six-year framework spanning 2026–2030.

35. Q: What economic concept is promoted by the APEC Framework for Demographic Changes to address ageing populations?

    A: It promotes a “silver economy” for aging populations.

36. Q: How many economies are members of APEC?

    A: APEC is a regional forum of 21 economies.

37. Q: Why does APEC intentionally use the term “economies” instead of “countries”?

    A: It uses the term to stress economic cooperation over political representation.

38. Q: What percentage of world GDP did APEC member economies represent in 2021?

    A: APEC economies represent approximately 62% of world GDP.

39. Q: How does the APEC process operate?

    A: APEC operates on consensus and voluntary participation, with all members having an equal voice and decisions made through dialogue.

40. Q: What specific geopolitical factor is listed as quietly contributing to the decline of India’s bid for APEC membership?

    A: China’s quiet opposition is listed as a reason India remains out of the forum.

41. Q: What diplomatic signal resulted from US–China talks on the sidelines of the APEC summit?

    A: The talks signaled easing tensions with plans to restart trade talks and cut select tariffs.

42. Q: What is the name of the long-term strategic plan APEC leaders reaffirmed in the Gyeongju Declaration?

    A: They reaffirmed the Putrajaya Vision 2040.

IV. Global Health and Digital Regulation

43. Q: When did the most fundamental reform of the International Health Regulations (IHR) since 2005 come into effect?

    A: The IHR amendments came into effect on September 19, 2025.

44. Q: What new, higher alert level did the 2024 IHR amendments introduce?

    A: The amendments introduce a higher alert level called “pandemic emergency”.

45. Q: What two institutional innovations did the IHR amendments establish to enhance health security governance?

    A: They established the States Parties Committee for Implementation and the National IHR Authority.

46. Q: What piece of colonial-era legislation does India heavily rely on for its pandemic response, which lacks specialized provisions?

    A: India relies on the colonial-era Epidemic Disease Act of 1897.

47. Q: What comprehensive legislation have expert groups recommended India urgently pass to update its legal framework?

    A: They have called for a dedicated Public Health Emergency Management Act (PHEMA).

48. Q: Where is the final General-Purpose AI (GPAI) Code of Practice designed to help providers comply with?

    A: The Code of Practice is designed to help GPAI model providers comply with Articles 53 and 55 of the AI Act.

49. Q: What deadline does the draft guidance on incident reporting set for a deployer's obligation to inform providers of serious incidents?

    A: The deployer must inform providers "immediately," which is defined as doing so within 24 hours.

50. Q: What are the three chapters into which the final GPAI Code of Practice is organized?

    A: The three chapters are Transparency, Copyright, and Safety and Security.

51. Q: What specific type of data sharing regime does the EU Data Act establish for IoT products?

    A: It establishes a user-centric data-sharing regime for IoT products and related services.

52. Q: When did the EU Data Act become fully applicable?

    A: The EU Data Act became fully applicable on September 12, 2025.

53. Q: What is the deadline for eliminating all switching charges for data-processing services under the Data Act?

    A: All switching charges must be eliminated by January 2027.

54. Q: What is the goal of the proposed Digital Fairness Act (DFA)?

    A: The DFA is aimed at strengthening consumer protection against manipulative online practices such as dark patterns, addictive design, and aggressive personalization.

55. Q: Why did Germany refuse to support the compromise proposal for the CSAM Regulation (governing child sexual materials)?

    A: Germany refused because it opposes any measure that would weaken or circumvent end-to-end encryption.

56. Q: What is the UK regulator Ofcom doing regarding compliance with the Online Safety Act (OSA)?

    A: Ofcom is “actively checking compliance” and has opened investigations into 69 sites and apps.

57. Q: What specific technology are organizations encouraged to question the necessity of when designing systems under the ICO's draft guidance on Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs)?

    A: Organizations should ask themselves whether blockchain is needed at all, or whether they could instead use a traditional database.

58. Q: What specific content did Germany move to criminalize again in its second attempt at deepfake legislation?

    A: Germany moved to criminalize non-consensual AI-generated media, particularly concerning image-based sexualized abuse.

59. Q: What is the timeframe for the expiration of the interim regime that temporarily allows online services to voluntarily detect and report CSAM?

    A: The interim regime is set to expire on April 3, 2026.

60. Q: What core principle is the Human Rights and the Regulation of AI inquiry in the UK seeking to protect?

    A: The inquiry seeks to understand the risks and rewards AI poses for human rights and work out if greater protections are needed.

V. Conflicts and Humanitarian Crises

61. Q: What did UN Secretary-General António Guterres say about the civil war in Sudan?

    A: Guterres said the war in Sudan is "spiralling out of control".

62. Q: Which military group, reportedly backed by the UAE, seized El Fasher in Darfur last week?

    A: The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized El Fasher.

63. Q: How many people are facing famine risks in besieged cities of Sudan, according to UN pleas?

    A: Blockades threaten 25 million people with starvation.

64. Q: What condition is the SAF leadership insisting upon to support a US-proposed truce?

    A: They insist that the RSF must withdraw from Sudan’s cities, including El Fasher.

65. Q: How many bodies were exchanged between Israel and Hamas as a humanitarian gesture in Gaza?

    A: The bodies of 45 Palestinians and three Israeli hostages were exchanged.

66. Q: What does the US-drafted UN resolution propose for stabilizing Gaza until 2027?

    A: It proposes an "enforcement force"—an International Stabilization Force (ISF)—to dismantle armed groups until 2027.

67. Q: What nations were mentioned as potential contributors to the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza?

    A: Nations like Indonesia and Pakistan were mentioned as potential contributors.

68. Q: What action did Ukraine take against Russia that may have eroded its refining capacity?

    A: Ukrainian drone strikes hit Russian refineries deep inland, including a major facility in Sterlitamak.

69. Q: By what percentage is Russia’s refining capacity estimated to have been eroded by Ukrainian strikes?

    A: Evidence leans toward these attacks eroding Russia's refining capacity by up to 15%.

70. Q: Where was Al-Qaeda’s senior commander killed by a US drone strike?

    A: Al-Qaeda's senior commander in Yemen was killed in a US drone strike.

VI. Climate and Disaster Response

71. Q: What is the dire warning of the UN Emissions Gap Report 2025 regarding future warming trajectory?

    A: Current pledges project a warming trajectory of 2.3–2.5°C by 2100.

72. Q: How short are current climate pledges in terms of necessary annual CO2 equivalent cuts?

    A: Current pledges fall short by 28 gigatons of CO2 equivalent annually.

73. Q: What major typhoon caused devastation across the central Philippines?

    A: Typhoon Kalmaegi (locally Tino) caused devastation across the central Philippines, particularly in Cebu.

74. Q: How many confirmed deaths resulted from Typhoon Kalmaegi?

    A: The toll climbed to at least 26–48 confirmed deaths.

75. Q: What secondary tragedy occurred during the typhoon response in Mindanao?

    A: A Philippine Air Force helicopter deployed for relief operations crashed in Mindanao, killing all six responders onboard.

76. Q: How many climbers, including foreign nationals, were lost to an avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri, Nepal?

    A: Seven climbers—including foreigners—were lost to an avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri.

77. Q: What triggered the avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri, according to reports?

    A: The accident was triggered by snowstorms intensified by a recent cyclone.

78. Q: What happened near Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, that resulted in casualties on November 4?

    A: A MEMU passenger train collided with a stationary goods train near Bilaspur, resulting in at least five deaths and over a dozen injuries.

79. Q: Where did a magnitude 6.3 earthquake strike, damaging infrastructure and resulting in fatalities?

    A: The earthquake struck northern Afghanistan near Mazar-i-Sharif.

80. Q: What specific problem threatens ancient documents in Japan?

    A: Invasive bookworms threaten ancient documents in Japan, prompting preservation alerts.

VII. Economy and Markets

81. Q: Which two U.S. indices closed mixed on November 4, 2025, and what was their movement?

    A: The Dow Jones closed down 0.5%, while the Nasdaq closed higher by 0.5%.

82. Q: What was the price of Gold (in USD) on November 4, 2025?

    A: Gold prices stood at USD 3,988.

83. Q: Why did gold prices slip slightly?

    A: Gold prices slipped as Fed cut bets fade.

84. Q: What was the Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) cash outflow in Indian rupees (Rs crore)?

    A: FII cash outflow was -1883 Rs crore.

85. Q: What was the Domestic Institutional Investor (DII) cash inflow in Indian rupees (Rs crore)?

    A: DII cash inflow was 3516 Rs crore.

86. Q: Which Indian stock closed with an ARPU of Rs. 256 versus an estimate of Rs. 250?

    A: Bharti Airtel.

87. Q: What negative trend was cited for Hero Moto's Q2 performance?

    A: Hero Moto reported October sales below estimates as domestic demand dragged, with total sales falling 7% year-over-year (YoY).

88. Q: What proposed U.S. legislation did India's Congress party warn would severely harm the Indian economy?

    A: The US “Halting International Relocation of Employment (HIRE) Act”.

89. Q: What specific tax would the HIRE Act impose?

    A: The HIRE Act proposes a 25% tax on payments for outsourced work.

90. Q: Despite U.S. tariffs, what continued to surge in China, according to economic data?

    A: China’s exports continued to surge, bolstered by global buyers filling gaps.

91. Q: What major corporate shift occurred involving Starbucks in China?

    A: Starbucks sold its China majority stake for $4 billion.

92. Q: What opinion did Morgan Stanley's CEO offer regarding the Chinese market?

    A: Morgan Stanley’s CEO affirmed the market is "too big to ignore".

VIII. Culture, Science, and Diplomacy

93. Q: What significant scientific breakthrough was achieved at the multinational ITER project in France?

    A: Scientists at ITER achieved sustained fusion reactions, maintaining stable plasma at record durations.

94. Q: What new type of electronics aims to tackle the world’s growing e-waste crisis?

    A: Biodegradable electronics.

95. Q: What specific sporting achievement did India’s women’s cricket team celebrate?

    A: India's women’s cricket team returned triumphant from the World Cup.

96. Q: What major religious event was celebrated on November 4, 2025?

    A: Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 556th birth anniversary (Gurpurab).

97. Q: What highly symbolic event occurred on the India–Pakistan border related to this religious celebration?

    A: More than 2,100 Indian Sikh pilgrims crossed into Pakistan via the Wagah border to attend celebrations.

98. Q: What international event concluded with the formal adoption of the "Doha Political Declaration"?

    A: The Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar.

99. Q: What is the name of the new political entity formed by chief ministers and senior leaders from Meghalaya, Tripura, Assam, and Nagaland?

    A: The "One North East" political entity.

100. Q: What major Australian sporting event was affected by heavy rains on November 4?

     A: The 165th Melbourne Cup was held at Flemington, where rain resulted in slow track conditions.

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