UPSC Current Affairs 23 November 2025

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Linkages of Organized Crime with TerrorismGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

At G-20 summit, Modi proposes new initiatives on health, skills, Pg1

PM Modi unveils health, skill initiatives at G-20, proposes ACITI partnership amidst US boycott, and advocates integral humanism.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Linkages of Organized Crime with TerrorismGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

At G-20 summit, Modi proposes new initiatives on health, skills, Pg1

PM Modi unveils health, skill initiatives at G-20, proposes ACITI partnership amidst US boycott, and advocates integral humanism.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

COP30 ends with plan for road maps to halt deforestation, curb fossil fuels, Pg1

COP30 concludes with 'Global Mutirão' agreement, focusing on deforestation, fossil fuel transition, and climate finance, despite disagreements on timelines.

COP30 ends with plan for road maps to halt deforestation, curb fossil fuels, Pg1

COP30 concludes with 'Global Mutirão' agreement, focusing on deforestation, fossil fuel transition, and climate finance, despite disagreements on timelines.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization

Ukraine, allies scramble over U.S. proposal on ending war, Pg1

Trump proposes Ukraine peace deal by November 27, prompting counter-proposals from Ukraine and European allies amidst territorial concerns.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization

Ukraine, allies scramble over U.S. proposal on ending war, Pg1

Trump proposes Ukraine peace deal by November 27, prompting counter-proposals from Ukraine and European allies amidst territorial concerns.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

CAQM enforces stricter emergency pollution control measures in Delhi, Pg6

CAQM tightens Delhi's pollution control with revised GRAP, advancing emergency measures amid 'very poor' air quality after Supreme Court directive.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

CAQM enforces stricter emergency pollution control measures in Delhi, Pg6

CAQM tightens Delhi's pollution control with revised GRAP, advancing emergency measures amid 'very poor' air quality after Supreme Court directive.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine

10 Bills listed for Winter Session of Parliament, Pg6

Government plans to introduce 10 Bills in Winter Session, including nuclear sector privatization and Chandigarh governance changes.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine

10 Bills listed for Winter Session of Parliament, Pg6

Government plans to introduce 10 Bills in Winter Session, including nuclear sector privatization and Chandigarh governance changes.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

‘Major hurdle will be to chip away at the 90,000 pending cases in the SC’, Pg7

CJI-designate Justice Surya Kant prioritizes reducing 90,000 pending Supreme Court cases through Constitution Benches and promoting mediation.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

‘Major hurdle will be to chip away at the 90,000 pending cases in the SC’, Pg7

CJI-designate Justice Surya Kant prioritizes reducing 90,000 pending Supreme Court cases through Constitution Benches and promoting mediation.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Labour experts welcome new Codes, but urge govt. to address ‘teething issues’, Pg7

Labour experts flag implementation challenges as Centre enforces four Labour Codes from November 21, 2025, urging conciliatory approach.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Labour experts welcome new Codes, but urge govt. to address ‘teething issues’, Pg7

Labour experts flag implementation challenges as Centre enforces four Labour Codes from November 21, 2025, urging conciliatory approach.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Health Sector

COVID-19 virus poses higher risks in kids than vaccines: study, Pg10

U.K. study reveals COVID-19 poses higher risks of heart inflammation and blood clots in children than vaccines.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Health Sector

COVID-19 virus poses higher risks in kids than vaccines: study, Pg10

U.K. study reveals COVID-19 poses higher risks of heart inflammation and blood clots in children than vaccines.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: IT and ComputersGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

How much of the internet actually runs on Cloudflare?, Pg10

Cloudflare outage exposes internet's reliance on single infrastructure provider, impacting millions of websites and highlighting centralization risks.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: IT and ComputersGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

How much of the internet actually runs on Cloudflare?, Pg10

Cloudflare outage exposes internet's reliance on single infrastructure provider, impacting millions of websites and highlighting centralization risks.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

More efficient technique to mine polymetallic nodules, Pg10

Scientists develop innovative, eco-friendly smelting process for polymetallic nodules, reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing resource recovery for battery production.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

More efficient technique to mine polymetallic nodules, Pg10

Scientists develop innovative, eco-friendly smelting process for polymetallic nodules, reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing resource recovery for battery production.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

No interloper: moon-making rock came from near sun, Pg10

Research unveils moon-forming rock, Theia, originated closer to the sun than Earth, reshaping lunar formation theories.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

No interloper: moon-making rock came from near sun, Pg10

Research unveils moon-forming rock, Theia, originated closer to the sun than Earth, reshaping lunar formation theories.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Health Sector

High costs, poor training deepen India’s stinging snakebite toll, Pg10

India faces alarming snakebite crisis: high treatment costs, inadequate training, and delayed care worsen mortality rates, especially among the poor.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Health Sector

High costs, poor training deepen India’s stinging snakebite toll, Pg10

India faces alarming snakebite crisis: high treatment costs, inadequate training, and delayed care worsen mortality rates, especially among the poor.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Why did India’s trade deficit widen in October?, Pg11

India's trade deficit widens to $21.8 billion in October 2025, driven by surging gold imports and declining merchandise exports.

Why did India’s trade deficit widen in October?, Pg11

India's trade deficit widens to $21.8 billion in October 2025, driven by surging gold imports and declining merchandise exports.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Are e-KYC norms excluding MGNREGA workers?, Pg11

e-KYC drive leads to mass deletion of MGNREGA workers, raising concerns about transparency and exclusion in the scheme.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Are e-KYC norms excluding MGNREGA workers?, Pg11

e-KYC drive leads to mass deletion of MGNREGA workers, raising concerns about transparency and exclusion in the scheme.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Environmental Impact Assessment

What is the Mekedatu dam project dispute?, Pg11

Karnataka's Mekedatu dam project faces Tamil Nadu's resistance despite SC ruling; CWMA to examine revised DPR amid water dispute.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Environmental Impact Assessment

What is the Mekedatu dam project dispute?, Pg11

Karnataka's Mekedatu dam project faces Tamil Nadu's resistance despite SC ruling; CWMA to examine revised DPR amid water dispute.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

COP backs push against trade curbs linked to climate change, silent on fossil fuel roadmap, Pg1

COP30 backs developing nations' concerns on climate finance, trade curbs, omitting fossil fuel phaseout roadmap amid US absence.

COP backs push against trade curbs linked to climate change, silent on fossil fuel roadmap, Pg1

COP30 backs developing nations' concerns on climate finance, trade curbs, omitting fossil fuel phaseout roadmap amid US absence.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Linkages of Organized Crime with TerrorismGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Drug-terror nexus a global threat, act now: PM to G20, Pg1

PM Modi urges G20 to combat drug-terror nexus with new initiative; proposes Africa Skills Multiplier and Global Healthcare Response Team.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Linkages of Organized Crime with TerrorismGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Drug-terror nexus a global threat, act now: PM to G20, Pg1

PM Modi urges G20 to combat drug-terror nexus with new initiative; proposes Africa Skills Multiplier and Global Healthcare Response Team.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Work-from-home kicks in sooner, govt tells pvt firms to have 50% staff onsite, Pg4

Delhi-NCR enforces stricter pollution control: Work-from-home and staggered hours advanced under revised GRAP to combat worsening air quality.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Work-from-home kicks in sooner, govt tells pvt firms to have 50% staff onsite, Pg4

Delhi-NCR enforces stricter pollution control: Work-from-home and staggered hours advanced under revised GRAP to combat worsening air quality.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

What is GRAP and how it is implemented, Pg4.

Delhi-NCR enforces GRAP III as pollution levels rise, mandating stringent measures to combat 'severe' air quality.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

What is GRAP and how it is implemented, Pg4.

Delhi-NCR enforces GRAP III as pollution levels rise, mandating stringent measures to combat 'severe' air quality.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

In accommodating some, ignoring others, COP30 signals key shift in power equations, Pg9

COP30 climate agreement favors developing nations' financial concerns, omits fossil fuel phase-out roadmap amid shifting power dynamics.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

In accommodating some, ignoring others, COP30 signals key shift in power equations, Pg9

COP30 climate agreement favors developing nations' financial concerns, omits fossil fuel phase-out roadmap amid shifting power dynamics.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and ForaGS 1: Women and Women's Organizations

G20 declaration barely mentions Ukraine, terrorism, skips Gaza plan, Pg6

G20 declaration omits Gaza plan, barely mentions Ukraine, and US boycott weakens summit's impact on global issues.

G20 declaration barely mentions Ukraine, terrorism, skips Gaza plan, Pg6

G20 declaration omits Gaza plan, barely mentions Ukraine, and US boycott weakens summit's impact on global issues.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Bill on civil nuclear sector among 10 listed for Winter Session, Pg7

Winter Session to table bills on nuclear sector privatization, higher education reforms, GST amendments, and corporate law changes.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Bill on civil nuclear sector among 10 listed for Winter Session, Pg7

Winter Session to table bills on nuclear sector privatization, higher education reforms, GST amendments, and corporate law changes.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Pumped hydro project near Malshej Ghat gets approval for impact studies, Pg8

Malshej Ghat's 1,200-MW pumped hydro project secures preliminary approval for environmental impact studies amidst ecological concerns and Western Ghats fragility.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Pumped hydro project near Malshej Ghat gets approval for impact studies, Pg8

Malshej Ghat's 1,200-MW pumped hydro project secures preliminary approval for environmental impact studies amidst ecological concerns and Western Ghats fragility.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Modern HistoryPrelimsGS 2: Parliament and State LegislaturesGS 2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms

When a Gorakhpur leader forced a Presidential Reference, Pg10

Flashback to 1964: How a Gorakhpur pamphlet triggered a Presidential Reference, shaping legislative privilege and judicial review.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Modern HistoryPrelimsGS 2: Parliament and State LegislaturesGS 2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms

When a Gorakhpur leader forced a Presidential Reference, Pg10

Flashback to 1964: How a Gorakhpur pamphlet triggered a Presidential Reference, shaping legislative privilege and judicial review.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

STATES IMPLEMENTING KEY REFORMS, Pg11

Sixteen states implement 38 key reforms, including labor reforms allowing night shifts for women and easing licensing norms.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

STATES IMPLEMENTING KEY REFORMS, Pg11

Sixteen states implement 38 key reforms, including labor reforms allowing night shifts for women and easing licensing norms.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

India's IPO frenzy: Mostly promoter exits, not capital-raising opportunity, Pg11

India's IPO frenzy reveals promoters' exit strategy concerns, raising questions about overpriced valuations and retail investor risks.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

India's IPO frenzy: Mostly promoter exits, not capital-raising opportunity, Pg11

India's IPO frenzy reveals promoters' exit strategy concerns, raising questions about overpriced valuations and retail investor risks.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

MSMEs: Gains from cut in compliance may offset any cost increase, Pg11

Labour Codes implementation to ease compliance burden for MSMEs, potentially offsetting increased employee costs in the long run.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

MSMEs: Gains from cut in compliance may offset any cost increase, Pg11

Labour Codes implementation to ease compliance burden for MSMEs, potentially offsetting increased employee costs in the long run.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Timely wages, higher basic pay, health checkups, Pg11

New Labour Codes notified: Timely wages, higher basic pay, and health checkups mandated for employees nationwide, impacting wage structures.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Timely wages, higher basic pay, health checkups, Pg11

New Labour Codes notified: Timely wages, higher basic pay, and health checkups mandated for employees nationwide, impacting wage structures.

News Analysis

At G-20 summit, Modi proposes new initiatives on health, skills, Pg1

At G-20 summit, Modi proposes new initiatives on health, skills, Pg1

COP30 ends with plan for road maps to halt deforestation, curb fossil fuels, Pg1

COP30 ends with plan for road maps to halt deforestation, curb fossil fuels, Pg1

Ukraine, allies scramble over U.S. proposal on ending war, Pg1

Ukraine, allies scramble over U.S. proposal on ending war, Pg1

CAQM enforces stricter emergency pollution control measures in Delhi, Pg6

CAQM enforces stricter emergency pollution control measures in Delhi, Pg6

10 Bills listed for Winter Session of Parliament, Pg6

10 Bills listed for Winter Session of Parliament, Pg6

‘Major hurdle will be to chip away at the 90,000 pending cases in the SC’, Pg7

‘Major hurdle will be to chip away at the 90,000 pending cases in the SC’, Pg7

Labour experts welcome new Codes, but urge govt. to address ‘teething issues’, Pg7

Labour experts welcome new Codes, but urge govt. to address ‘teething issues’, Pg7

COVID-19 virus poses higher risks in kids than vaccines: study, Pg10

COVID-19 virus poses higher risks in kids than vaccines: study, Pg10

How much of the internet actually runs on Cloudflare?, Pg10

How much of the internet actually runs on Cloudflare?, Pg10

More efficient technique to mine polymetallic nodules, Pg10

More efficient technique to mine polymetallic nodules, Pg10

No interloper: moon-making rock came from near sun, Pg10

No interloper: moon-making rock came from near sun, Pg10

High costs, poor training deepen India’s stinging snakebite toll, Pg10

High costs, poor training deepen India’s stinging snakebite toll, Pg10

Why did India’s trade deficit widen in October?, Pg11

Why did India’s trade deficit widen in October?, Pg11

Are e-KYC norms excluding MGNREGA workers?, Pg11

Are e-KYC norms excluding MGNREGA workers?, Pg11

What is the Mekedatu dam project dispute?, Pg11

What is the Mekedatu dam project dispute?, Pg11

COP backs push against trade curbs linked to climate change, silent on fossil fuel roadmap, Pg1

COP backs push against trade curbs linked to climate change, silent on fossil fuel roadmap, Pg1

Drug-terror nexus a global threat, act now: PM to G20, Pg1

Drug-terror nexus a global threat, act now: PM to G20, Pg1

Work-from-home kicks in sooner, govt tells pvt firms to have 50% staff onsite, Pg4

Work-from-home kicks in sooner, govt tells pvt firms to have 50% staff onsite, Pg4

What is GRAP and how it is implemented, Pg4.

What is GRAP and how it is implemented, Pg4.

In accommodating some, ignoring others, COP30 signals key shift in power equations, Pg9

In accommodating some, ignoring others, COP30 signals key shift in power equations, Pg9

G20 declaration barely mentions Ukraine, terrorism, skips Gaza plan, Pg6

G20 declaration barely mentions Ukraine, terrorism, skips Gaza plan, Pg6

Bill on civil nuclear sector among 10 listed for Winter Session, Pg7

Bill on civil nuclear sector among 10 listed for Winter Session, Pg7

Pumped hydro project near Malshej Ghat gets approval for impact studies, Pg8

Pumped hydro project near Malshej Ghat gets approval for impact studies, Pg8

When a Gorakhpur leader forced a Presidential Reference, Pg10

When a Gorakhpur leader forced a Presidential Reference, Pg10

STATES IMPLEMENTING KEY REFORMS, Pg11

STATES IMPLEMENTING KEY REFORMS, Pg11

India's IPO frenzy: Mostly promoter exits, not capital-raising opportunity, Pg11

India's IPO frenzy: Mostly promoter exits, not capital-raising opportunity, Pg11

MSMEs: Gains from cut in compliance may offset any cost increase, Pg11

MSMEs: Gains from cut in compliance may offset any cost increase, Pg11

Timely wages, higher basic pay, health checkups, Pg11

Timely wages, higher basic pay, health checkups, Pg11

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