Current Affairs This Week (9–15 November 2025) for UPSC, SSC

Current Affairs and General Awareness from 9th to 15th November 2025 was one of the most eventful of the year, blending crucial developments in environment, security, governance, economy, diplomacy, science, and defence. India witnessed heightened environmental stress with severe pollution and an incoming cold wave. It simultaneously handled a major security incident in Delhi, policy reforms in governance, progress in technology, and significant strides in infrastructure and exports.

Globally, climate diplomacy took centre stage at COP30, accompanied by geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Defence modernisation and international scientific advances added further significance.

This comprehensive weekly review is structured to help students, competitive-exam aspirants, educators, and policy analysts understand and retain the week’s most important developments. Themes are organised in clear sections to aid systematic revision.

1. Vande Mataram: 150 Years of Legacy & Nationwide Observances

The week saw widespread national attention on Vande Mataram as India began commemorating the 150th anniversary of the iconic patriotic song composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in November 1875. The Government of India launched a year-long celebration from November 2025 to November 2026 to mark this milestone.

A grand inaugural ceremony was held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister released a commemorative coin and postage stamp dedicated to the occasion. The event included mass singing of Vande Mataram across schools, colleges, cultural institutions and government offices nationwide. Delhi authorities also issued a large-scale traffic advisory due to the crowds expected at the anniversary event.

1.1 State-Level Announcements & Public Reactions

In Uttar Pradesh, the state government announced that singing Vande Mataram would be made mandatory in all educational institutions, including schools and colleges. This sparked renewed debate surrounding the role of patriotic songs in formal education, national identity formation, and the cultural duties of academic institutions.

In Maharashtra, public discourse intensified after a state minister stated that those who feel hesitant or ashamed to chant the national song “should leave India.” The remark created political and social conversation around patriotism, dissent, and personal choice in national expression.

1.2 Cultural Celebrations Across Cities

The anniversary also inspired events in multiple cities. In Prayagraj, schools organised morning processions, group recitations, and cultural presentations celebrating the song’s legacy. Police personnel and civil institutions also participated in coordinated singing activities.

The Waltair Railway Division in Visakhapatnam held large group-singing ceremonies across railway stations and administrative offices, symbolising the song’s deep roots in India’s freedom movement and its continuing emotional resonance across generations.

2. Governance, Society & Environment

2.1 Delhi’s Pollution Crisis and GRAP Stage 3

Delhi’s winter pollution once again escalated into a full-blown crisis, with AQI levels entering the “severe” category. The Commission for Air Quality Management activated GRAP Stage 3, triggering stringent restrictions across the National Capital Region.

Key measures included:

• Ban on non-essential construction work

• Restrictions on industrial activity using polluting fuels

• Reduction in vehicle emissions through enhanced checks

• Control on diesel generator usage

• Tightening of logistics and material-transport rules

The smog episode was driven by local vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial output, and seasonal temperature inversion. Residual stubble burning in neighbouring states also contributed.

This event remains highly relevant for topics such as environmental governance, air-quality management, health impacts of pollution, and urban environmental planning.

2.2 Cold Wave Warning Across North India

Simultaneously, the India Meteorological Department issued a cold wave alert for several northern states including Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand.

Highlights:

• Temperatures were projected to fall 2–3°C below normal.

• Cold wave conditions were expected on multiple days during the week.

• Fog, mist and cold north-westerly winds intensified the chill.

• Temperature inversion worsened Delhi’s pollution by trapping particulate matter near the surface.

This combination—cold wave plus severe pollution—created a dual public-health challenge, particularly for children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory illnesses.

For UPSC and other examinations, this adds value to topics such as weather phenomena, disaster management, health impacts of climate and environmental changes, and winter meteorological patterns in India.

2.3 Punjab’s Martyrdom Remembrance Month

The Punjab government announced the observance of “Martyrdom Remembrance Month” throughout November to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom. State-wide events—kirtans, seva campaigns, heritage programmes, and educational activities—highlighted the Guru’s sacrifice for religious freedom, dignity, and human rights.

This is significant for:

• Indian culture and heritage

• Sikh history in Modern India

• Ethical values and pluralism

• State-sponsored cultural preservation

2.4 Ease of Doing Business: Delhi Removes 21-Year Renewal Rule

In a move towards regulatory simplification, the Delhi government abolished the mandatory 21-year renewal requirement under the Delhi Shops & Establishments Act, 1954.

Impact:

• Reduced compliance burden for small businesses

• Smoother functioning for shops, restaurants, and micro-service enterprises

• Improved ease of doing business at the state level

This aligns with reforms aimed at boosting business efficiency and lowering bureaucratic hurdles.

2.5 Road-Safety Enforcement: Gurugram’s Traffic Drive

Gurugram Police, under the campaign #ChallanNahiSalamMilega, issued more than 17,000 challans within one week. The campaign used CCTV cameras and drones to detect violations such as:

• Wrong-side driving

• Helmets and seat-belts non-compliance

• Overspeeding

• Indiscipline at intersections

The campaign emphasised behavioural change through positive messaging, combining enforcement with awareness.

3. Economy, Infrastructure & Skill Development

3.1 Electronics Exports: India’s Rising Tech Powerhouse

India’s electronics exports surged dramatically and became the third-largest export category. Key patterns included:

• Over USD 40 billion exported in FY25

• USD 22 billion recorded in the first half of FY26

• Electronics rose to over 10% of India’s export basket

• Smartphones and telecom equipment made up nearly two-thirds of exports

  
  

The surge was driven by manufacturing incentives, global diversification away from China, and strong US demand.

3.2 Sugar Export Policy: 1.5 Million-Tonne Quota

After improved domestic output, India approved sugar exports of 1.5 million tonnes for the 2025–26 season. With stable production and reduced domestic pressure, India re-entered the international market strategically.

Importance:

• Balances farmer income and consumer interests

• Influences global sugar prices

• Supports sugar mills and impacts ethanol-blending dynamics

3.3 Electronics Development Fund (EDF): Boosting Deep-Tech Innovation

The Electronics Development Fund, launched earlier to support innovation, reported funding over 128 start-ups and investing around ₹250+ crore.

Supported areas:

• Semiconductors

• Embedded systems

• Medical electronics

• IoT and AI hardware

• Cyber-security platforms

This supports India’s ambition to become a global semiconductor and electronics hub.

3.4 RBI’s Emergency Export Relief Package

The Reserve Bank of India announced targeted measures for exporters under stress due to global tariff changes and weakened demand.

Key measures:

• Moratorium on term-loan repayments

• Extension of export-credit deadlines from 270 to 450 days

• Extended period for realising export proceeds

• Relaxed asset-classification norms

• Complementary support from central government guarantee schemes

  
  

Such measures stabilize MSME exporters and protect jobs in labour-intensive sectors.

3.5 India Skills Report 2026

The India Skills Report 2026 revealed:

• Overall employability: 56.35%

• Women’s employability overtook men’s for the first time

• Uttar Pradesh emerged as the leading talent hub

• Tech, BFSI, manufacturing, renewables and healthcare were top recruiting sectors

• Increase in demand for remote work and gig-economy roles

  
  

This reflects evolving labour-market conditions and India’s demographic potential.

3.6 National Water Awards 2024

The 6th edition honoured 46 winners across categories including:

• Best State: Maharashtra

• Best Local Body: Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation

• Best Institutions: Army Public School Ballygunge & RCCF Berhampur

The awards highlight innovative water conservation, reuse, and local governance efforts.

3.7 Infrastructure Milestones: Navi Mumbai Airport & Metro Expansion

Two major infrastructure developments were recorded:

• Navi Mumbai International Airport set for opening on 25 December 2025

• Mandale Metro Depot, Asia’s largest elevated depot, became operational for Mumbai Metro Line 2B

These represent progress in urban mobility, aviation capacity, and economic development.

4. Law, Data Protection & Agriculture

4.1 Data Protection Rules 2025

The government released Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules 2025, operationalising the DPDP Act 2023.

Key provisions:

• Obligations for companies (data fiduciaries)

• Breach-notification requirements

• Establishment of the Data Protection Board of India

• Higher obligations for “Significant Data Fiduciaries”

• Concerns related to exemptions and RTI restrictions

This is vital for understanding India’s evolving digital governance framework.

4.2 Draft Seeds Bill 2025

The draft Seeds Bill aims to modernise India’s seed laws. Its proposals include:

• Compulsory registration of seed varieties

• Quality standardisation

• Compensation mechanisms for farmers

• Traceability and transparency in the seed supply chain

This is critical for agriculture, food security and farm-level risk-mitigation.

5. International Relations & Defence

5.1 COP30 in Brazil: Climate and Health at the Forefront

The 30th UN Climate Conference placed special focus on health under the Belém Health Action Plan, mobilising hundreds of millions of dollars for:

• Climate-resilient health systems

• Disease-related research

• Early-warning infrastructure

• Support for vulnerable communities

The partial absence of major players in global climate politics raised questions about global climate governance.

5.2 Growing China–Japan Tensions Over Taiwan

Japan’s new leadership signalled stronger support for Taiwan’s defence. China reacted sharply, increasing friction in East Asia. The tension is crucial from India’s strategic lens considering:

• Indo-Pacific power balance

• QUAD dynamics

• Regional maritime security

• Strategic partnerships with Japan and the US

5.3 Defence Technology Updates

Important defence developments included:

• A new US–UAE drone system

• China’s Type 076 amphibious assault ship advancing sea trials

• India’s DRDO unveiling new portable underwater vehicles for mine-counter-measures

These developments reflect rapid innovations in autonomous warfare and maritime capability.

5.4 Nyoma Airbase Operationalised in Ladakh

India operationalised the Nyoma Airbase, one of the world’s highest airbases, located close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Significance:

• Enhances India’s rapid-deployment capability

• Strengthens logistics in high-altitude warfare

• Acts as a strategic counterweight to China’s infrastructure in Tibet

• Capable of handling transport aircraft, fighters, and helicopters

A major boost to India’s border defence posture.

6. Science, Technology & Health

6.1 Advances in Research

This week saw developments across scientific fields:

• Discovery of a prehistoric apex marine predator

• New research linking oestrogen to enhanced dopamine and improved learning

• NASA experiments on soft matter in microgravity

Such breakthroughs are frequently tested under science & tech, space research, and biotechnology.

6.2 Comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS)

The comet continued to attract global attention after surviving a close solar pass. It is expected to come nearest to Earth later in November 2025. This contributes to astronomy awareness and science communication.

6.3 Technology and Corporate Innovation

Major tech-business developments included:

• AI-driven growth projections boosting semiconductor markets

• Strategic cloud and AI partnerships between major IT consultancies and cloud providers

• Telecommunications companies adopting advanced automated network-testing systems

These signify strong integration of AI, cloud, and telecom technologies in India’s economic ecosystem.

7. Awards, Literature & Education

7.1 Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025

The annual awards honoured children’s literature across 22 scheduled languages, English, and Rajasthani. Awarded works covered poetry, stories, drama, and non-fiction.

7.2 For Women in Science Awards

International recognition was given to women scientists working in biomedical and life-science fields. This contributes to the discourse on gender diversity in STEM.

8. Internal Security: Delhi Car Explosion Near Red Fort

A tragic incident shook the nation when a car exploded near the Red Fort in Delhi, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries.

Key details:

• A parked vehicle exploded near a busy metro-station junction

• Several other vehicles caught fire

• The incident was classified a terrorist attack

• National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the probe

• Security was tightened across Delhi-NCR

• Early investigations pointed to an improvised explosive device

  
  

The attack raises critical concerns about urban security, policing, and intelligence coordination.

9. Climate & Energy: Slowing CO₂ Emission Growth in India

India recorded a significant slowdown in CO₂ emission growth, with power-sector emissions even registering a decline—only the second such instance in five decades.

Contributing factors:

• Slower growth in electricity demand

• Record growth in renewable-energy capacity

• Higher hydro-power output

• Reduced reliance on fossil-fuel-based generation

Implications:

• Signals early signs of decoupling emissions from economic growth

• Supports India’s long-term climate commitments

• Reinforces renewable-energy progress and structural shifts in the power sector

10. Sports

10.1 Cricket

India gained a strong position in the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata, highlighted by disciplined bowling performances.

10.2 Badminton

Lakshya Sen reached the semi-finals of the Kumamoto Masters, showcasing continued excellence among India’s badminton players.

10.3 Tennis

Build-up to the men’s ATP Finals highlighted potential clashes among the world’s top seeds, creating excitement in international tennis circuits.