November 2025 Current Affairs
Geopolitics & International Trade
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WTO Dispute Over PLI Schemes: China has filed a formal complaint with the WTO, alleging that India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) programs for EVs and batteries violate international subsidy rules by unfairly favoring domestic manufacturers.
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U.S.-China Economic "Thaw": At the APEC Summit in Busan, a mutual reduction in tariffs and export restrictions signaled a cooling of tensions between the U.S. and China. This shift toward "G-2" cooperation may impact India's strategic positioning in the global supply chain.
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Chabahar Port Extension: The U.S. has granted India a six-month waiver to proceed with the development of Iran’s Chabahar Port, maintaining a vital trade corridor to Afghanistan and Central Asia that bypasses Pakistan.
Defense & Space Technology
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Naval Surveillance Boost: ISRO successfully deployed GSAT-7R, India’s heaviest dedicated defense satellite. Launched via the LVM3 rocket, it significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s secure communication and maritime monitoring capabilities across the Indian Ocean.
Environment & Infrastructure
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Urban Subsidence Crisis: New satellite data reveals that heavy groundwater extraction is causing land to sink in major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. This land subsidence threatens structural safety and increases the risk of severe urban flooding.
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The Climate Finance Gap: While the wealthiest 1% are responsible for 15% of global emissions, the UNEP reports a massive $365 billion annual shortfall in climate adaptation funding for developing nations, highlighting a growing global inequality.
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Farm-to-Market Cold Chains: Under the PMKSY initiative, the Ministry of Food Processing is aggressively expanding integrated cold chain infrastructure to minimize post-harvest losses and ensure national food safety.
Legal & Governance Reforms
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Crypto Labeled as Property: In a landmark ruling, the Madras High Court declared cryptocurrency to be "property." This decision provides a legal safety net for investors and paves the way for more robust digital asset regulations in India.
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Youth in Governance: Aligning with NEP 2020, the government launched the Model Youth Gram Sabha initiative. By involving students in mock local governance, the program aims to cultivate civic responsibility within JNVs and state-run schools.
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Strengthened Disaster Response: Following recent cyclones, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC)—now holding statutory status—has taken a lead role in synchronizing national relief efforts alongside the NDMA.