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November 25th Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – November 25

Table of Contents

Woman from Arunachal Pradesh stopped at China airport; India issues strong demarche

Relevance to UPSC

GS Paper II: International Relations

    • Demonstrates diplomatic tension between India and China.
    • Highlights India’s response via demarche (a strong formal diplomatic protest).
    • Touches on issues of sovereignty (Arunachal Pradesh) and how India defends its territorial integrity.

More About the News

    • An Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was detained for 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong Airport, her passport declared “invalid.”
    • Chinese officials allegedly mocked her, saying “Arunachal is not part of India,” and suggested she apply for a Chinese passport.
    • India responded with a strong demarche, insisting Arunachal Pradesh is “indisputably Indian territory” and invoking international aviation norms.

India-China Relations

India and China—ancient civilizations and Asian giants—share deep cultural, economic, and geopolitical linkages. Their evolving relationship defines regional stability, cooperation, and competition in the 21st-century Indo-Pacific order.

Historical Background

    • Ancient ties through Silk Route and Buddhism fostered cultural and trade exchanges.
    • Diplomatic relations established in 1950, with India recognizing the People’s Republic of China.
    • The slogan “Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai” marked early friendship in the 1950s.
    • Relations strained after the 1962 Sino-Indian War over border disputes.
    • Gradual normalization began post-1976, followed by Rajiv Gandhi’s 1988 visit.
    • Border agreements (1993, 1996, 2005) sought to maintain peace along the LAC.

Strengths in the Ties

    • Economic engagement: Bilateral trade crossed $135 billion in 2023, making China India’s 2nd-largest trading partner.
    • Multilateral cooperation: Coordination in BRICS, SCO, and G-20 on global governance reform.
    • Climate and energy cooperation under Paris Agreement forums.
    • People-to-people exchanges through tourism, education, and culture (Confucius Institutes, Indian studies).
    • Shared interest in multipolar world order and reform of international financial institutions.

Border Disputes

    • Disagreements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) across Western (Ladakh), Middle (Uttarakhand–Himachal), and Eastern (Arunachal Pradesh) sectors.
    • Major flashpoints: Aksai Chin, Arunachal Pradesh, and Depsang Plains.
    • Notable confrontations: 1962 War, Doklam standoff (2017), Galwan clash (2020).
    • Persistent divergence on LAC alignment and differing perceptions of boundaries.

Challenges in the Ties

    • Border tensions and militarization along LAC.
    • Trade imbalance: Heavy Chinese exports vs limited Indian exports.
    • Strategic distrust due to China-Pakistan nexus and BRI’s CPEC corridor through PoK.
    • China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean and South Asia (Nepal, Sri Lanka).
    • Technological dependency and concerns over data security and 5G networks.
    • Lack of mutual trust in multilateral institutions and regional connectivity projects.

Measures to Counter Challenges

    • Confidence-building measures (CBMs): Border management talks, hotline mechanisms, and military-level dialogues.
    • Diversification of trade sources and Atmanirbhar Bharat to reduce dependency.
    • Strengthening strategic partnerships with Quad, ASEAN, and Indo-Pacific partners.
    • Increased infrastructure development along border areas for deterrence and logistics.
    • Diplomatic engagement through special representatives’ meetings and summit diplomacy.
    • Restricting sensitive Chinese investments under national security review.

Common Groupings

    • BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).
    • Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
    • G-20, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
    • RCEP (observer) and UN frameworks for climate and sustainable development.

Common Initiatives Taken

    • BCIM Economic Corridor (Bangladesh–China–India–Myanmar).
    • Joint Working Groups on border issues, trade, and investment.
    • Cooperation in global health, renewable energy, and WTO reform.
    • Cultural exchange programmes and tourism year initiatives.

Way Forward

    • Institutionalize regular high-level dialogues and promote transparency on border issues.
    • Develop rules-based regional order ensuring sovereignty and mutual respect.
    • Balance competition with cooperation in climate action, trade, and technology.
    • Promote people-centric diplomacy to strengthen societal trust.
    • Work towards gradual normalization of border stability as foundation for broader engagement.

The future of India-China relations must blend strategic caution with constructive engagement into transforming rivalry into managed competition for sustainable coexistence, regional stability and shared Asian prosperity in a multipolar world.

Prelims MCQ

Q. “Belt and Road Initiative” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (PYQ 2016)

A. African Union

B. Brazil

C. European Union

D. China

Mains Question

Q. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.    (PYQ 2018)

Offices To Work At 50% Strength, WFH For Rest As Toxic Air Chokes Delhi

Relevance to UPSC

GS Paper-II: Governance

    • Displays administrative action during a public health/environmental emergency.
    • Reflects coordination between environmental regulatory bodies (Commission for Air Quality Management) and the state government.
    • Raises questions on governance, compliance, and enforcement (penalties under Environment Protection Act).

GS Paper-III: Environment & Disaster Management

    • Highlights air pollution management in a major city (Delhi), showing implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
    • Shows government intervention under environmental law, the order is under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
    • Illustrates public health risk and policy response: reducing commuting to mitigate emissions and health hazards.

More About the News

    • Delhi institutes GRAP Stage III, ordering all government and private offices to operate at 50% on-site staff.
    • The remaining employees must work from home, to curb travel-linked emissions and reduce health risks.
    • The order is issued under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, with strict compliance mandated.

Air Pollution

Air pollution, a critical environmental and public health challenge, arises from anthropogenic and natural sources, causing severe health, ecological, and economic impacts. Combating it is essential for sustainable development, climate resilience, and societal well-being.

Important Data Sets

    • PM2.5 & PM10 Levels: Delhi recorded annual average PM2.5 of 115 µg/m³ in 2024 (WHO guideline: 5 µg/m³).
    • Global Air Pollution: 99% of the global population breathes polluted air exceeding WHO standards.
    • Mortality Data: ~7 million deaths annually worldwide linked to air pollution (WHO, 2023).
    • Urban vs Rural: 70% of Indian cities with >1 million population exceed safe air quality limits.
    • Economic Loss: Air pollution causes ~1% of India’s GDP loss annually due to health expenses and productivity decline.

Causes of Air Pollution

    • Industrial Emissions: Factories release SO2, NOx, and particulate matter.
      Example: Steel plants in Jamshedpur and power plants in NTPC regions.
    • Vehicular Pollution: Cars, trucks, and two-wheelers emit CO, NOx, and PM.
      Example: Delhi-NCR experiences dense smog during winter months.
    • Biomass Burning: Crop residue burning contributes to PM2.5 and toxic gases.
      Example: Punjab & Haryana stubble burning every post-harvest season.
    • Construction Dust: Debris and unpaved roads generate suspended particulate matter.
      Example: Rapid urbanization in Bengaluru and Mumbai.
    • Natural Sources: Dust storms, forest fires, volcanic eruptions.
      Example: Rajasthan dust storms transport PM across northern India.

Impacts of Air Pollution

    • Health Impacts: Respiratory, cardiovascular diseases, cancer.
      Example: Rise in asthma and COPD cases in Delhi during winter.
    • Environmental Damage: Acid rain, reduced soil fertility, water contamination.
      Example: SO2 from industries causing acidification in rivers near Singrauli.
    • Economic Loss: Increased healthcare expenditure and reduced workforce productivity.
      Example: Loss of over ₹5,00,000 crore annually in India due to pollution-related diseases.
    • Climate Change: Black carbon and particulate matter accelerate global warming.
      Example: Soot from crop residue burning influencing Himalayan glacial melt.
    • Biodiversity Threats: Harm to flora and fauna, affecting ecosystems.
      Example: Acid deposition damaging sensitive alpine and aquatic species.

Challenges in Curbing Air Pollution

    • Rapid Urbanization: Increases traffic, construction dust, and energy demand.
      Example: Delhi’s vehicle population growth outpaces emission regulations.
    • Agricultural Practices: Crop burning remains a recurring seasonal problem.
      Example: Punjab-Haryana stubble burning contributing to Delhi smog.
    • Weak Regulatory Enforcement: Existing laws are not strictly implemented.
      Example: Industries violating emission norms in Maharashtra and UP
    • Public Awareness: Limited knowledge on pollution mitigation and health risks.
      Example: Low adoption of cleaner cooking fuels in rural India.
    • Transboundary Pollution: Pollution travels across states/countries, complicating control.
      Example: Dust from Pakistan and Rajasthan affecting northern India.

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

    • Launched in 2019 to reduce particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels by 20–30% by 2024–25 compared to 2017 levels.

    • Covers 132 non-attainment cities (cities not meeting air quality standards), later expanded to 360+ cities.

    • Focuses on source-based interventions: vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, dust control, waste burning, and crop residue management.

    • Establishes air quality monitoring networks and public reporting mechanisms.

    • Promotes capacity building, public awareness, and research for long-term air quality improvement.

    • Encourages state and city-level action plans with defined targets and accountability.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

    • Implemented in Delhi-NCR to combat severe air pollution episodes, particularly during winter.

    • Tiered actions based on Air Quality Index (AQI) severity: Moderate, Poor, Very Poor, Severe, Emergency.

    • Measures include:

      • Vehicular restrictions (odd-even schemes or diesel/petrol limitations).

      • Suspension of construction activities in high-pollution episodes.

      • Temporary shutdown of polluting industries during severe smog.

      • Ban on burning of biomass, garbage, and firecrackers.

    • Acts as a real-time emergency response framework to protect public health during pollution spikes.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

    • AQI: Composite index measuring pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, O3.
    • Features:
      • Scale: 0–500, higher values is worse air quality.
      • Categories: Good, Satisfactory, Moderate, Poor, Very Poor, Severe.
      • Helps policymakers and citizens take precautionary measures.

Government Initiatives

    • Odd-Even Scheme in Delhi to reduce vehicular emissions.
    • Promotion of CNG and EVs in public transport.
    • Scrapping of old vehicles under Bharat Stage norms.
    • Clean energy initiatives: Solar, wind, and LPG adoption.
    • Air Quality Monitoring: CPCB’s Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS).

Best Practices

India:

  • Pune: Tree plantation and green belt development around industrial zones.
  • Chandigarh:  Integrated public transport promotion to reduce personal vehicle use.

Global:

  • London (UK): Congestion pricing to reduce vehicular emissions.
  • Beijing (China): Strict industrial relocation and emission control policies; adoption of green tech.

Way Forward

    • Strengthen inter-state and international coordination to tackle transboundary pollution.
    • Promote clean energy, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient technologies.
    • Increase public awareness campaigns and school programs on air quality.
    • Improve real-time monitoring, data transparency, and citizen participation.
    • Implement strict enforcement of emission norms, incentives for green industries, and penalties for violators.

Air pollution control requires integrated approaches combining technology, policy enforcement, public awareness, and sustainable practices, ensuring cleaner air, healthier populations, and resilience against climate change for future generations.

Prelims MCQ

Q. Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? (PYQ 2020)

1. Automobile exhaust
2. Tobacco smoke
3. Wood burning
4. Using varnished wooden furniture
5. Using products made of polyurethane

A. 1, 2 and 3 only

B. 2 and 4 only

C. 1, 3 and 4 only

D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Mains Question

Q. Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve revised standards?  (PYQ 2021)

Gratuity, Minimum Wages, WFH, Worker Safety; Everything You Need To Know About New Labour Laws

Relevance to UPSC

GS Paper-II: Governance & Social Justice

    • Demonstrates reform in labour governance, consolidating 29 old laws into four modern labour codes.
    • Shows the government’s institutional capacity to regulate job security, wages, and worker protections.
    • Reflects on formalisation of gig / contract work and extension of social security to the informal sector.

GS Paper-III: Economics, Labour & Employment

    • Relevant to labour economics: minimum wage guarantee, national floor wage, and gratuity restructuring.
    • Impacts labour market flexibility and business costs (e.g., gratuity after 1 year).
    • Focuses on occupational safety and working conditions (OSH code), increasing compliance burden but improving worker welfare.

More About the News

    • The four new labour codes come into force from 21 November 2025, consolidating and modernizing 29 older labour laws.
    • Gratuity eligibility for fixed-term and contract workers is slashed from five years to one year.
    • A national minimum wage floor is introduced, and all workers (including gig/platform ones) must receive social security.

Labour Code

India’s labour landscape is undergoing a major transformation as constitutional safeguards, labour codes, and social-security reforms attempt to balance workers’ rights with economic flexibility, formalisation, productivity, and emerging challenges in a rapidly evolving labour market

Labour and Constitutional Rights in India

    • Article 19(1)(c): Ensures workers’ right to form unions and engage in collective action.
    • Article 23: Forbids forced labour and protects individuals from coercive work conditions.
    • Article 24: Prohibits employment of children below 14 years in hazardous sectors.
    • Article 38: Directs the State to promote welfare and reduce economic and income inequalities.
    • Article 43A: Encourages workers’ participation in management to strengthen industrial democracy.

Overview of Labour Codes

1. Code on Wages, 2019

  • Unified definition of wages for all employees.

  • Mandates timely wage payments and introduces national minimum wage.

  • Ensures equal pay for equal work, eliminating gender-based wage discrimination.

2. Industrial Relations Code, 2020

  • Simplifies procedures for union registration and recognition.

  • Introduces negotiation unions/councils for dispute settlement.

  • Mandates 60-day strike notice and strengthens grievance redressal.

  • Raises retrenchment threshold to 300 workers; formalises fixed-term employment.

3. Code on Social Security, 2020

  • Brings gig, platform, and unorganised workers under social-security schemes.

  • Mandates a dedicated welfare fund for informal workers.

  • Expands maternity and gratuity benefits across sectors.

4. OSHWC Code, 2020

  • Consolidates safety, health and working-condition norms.

  • Requires annual medical check-ups and uniform licensing for contractors.

  • Enhances welfare facilities and defines core activities where contract labour is restricted.

Before vs After Labour Codes

    • Employment Formalisation: Appointment letters made compulsory for all workers.
    • Social Security: Universalised PF, ESIC, insurance—including gig/platform workers.
    • Minimum Wages: Coverage extended to all workers with statutory wage protection.
    • Healthcare: Mandatory free annual health screenings for employees.
    • Timely Wages: Employers must ensure fixed wage-payment timelines.
    • Women Workers: Allowed in all occupations including night shifts with safeguards.
    • ESIC: PAN-India coverage with compulsory inclusion in hazardous industries.
    • Compliance: Unified registration and licences reduce administrative burden.

Benefits Across Key Sectors

Fixed-Term Employees:

  • Equal benefits as permanent workers; gratuity after one year.

  • Encourages direct hiring and reduces over-dependence on contractors.

Gig and Platform Workers

  • Legal definitions introduced; aggregators contribute to worker welfare.

  • UAN ensures portable benefits across states.

Contract Workers:

  • Fixed-term contracts ensure improved social security and annual health checkups.

  • Principal employer responsible for welfare facilities.

Women Workers:

  • Guaranteed equal pay, night-shift access, and mandatory representation on grievance panels.

  • Expanded definition of family for dependent benefits.

Youth Workers: Uniform minimum wages, formal employment records, and paid leave protections.

MSME Workers:

  • Social-security coverage based on employee count.

  • Mandatory welfare facilities and timely wage payments.

Beedi & Cigar Workers: Guaranteed minimum wages, standard hours, voluntary overtime, and eligibility for bonus.

Plantation Workers:

  • Included under OSHWC; mandatory safety training and protective gear.

  • Full ESIC coverage for families.

Audio-Visual & Digital Media Workers: Appointment letters, timely pay, social-security coverage, and regulated overtime.

Mine Workers: Uniform safety standards, accident coverage, and limited working hours.

Hazardous Industry Workers: Annual medical tests, national safety norms, and women’s inclusion in hazardous roles.

Textile Workers: Migrant workers ensured equal wages, welfare benefits, and double overtime.

IT & ITES Workers: Strict wage timelines, equal pay, night-shift opportunities, and strong grievance processes.

Dock Workers: Legal recognition, social-security benefits, and employer-funded health facilities.

Export Sector Workers: Fixed-term workers eligible for PF, gratuity, and safe night-shift conditions.

Challenges with Labour Codes

    • Uneven State Implementation: Differing rules create inconsistent worker protections.
    • Excessive Delegation: Government notifications override legislative clarity.
    • Weak Gig-Worker Security: Benefits under e-Shram are unclear and uneven across states.
    • Restricted Collective Bargaining: High strike-approval thresholds weaken union power.
    • Reduced Job Security: Higher retrenchment threshold makes layoffs easier.
    • Fixed-Term Contract Abuse: Repetitive renewals create “temporary permanency.”
    • Broad Exemptions: “Public interest” exemptions risk dilution of safeguards.
    • Low Awareness: MSMEs and informal workers lack clarity on compliance and entitlements.

Way Forward

    • Establish a national minimum framework for uniform implementation across states.
    • Embed crucial definitions within legislation to avoid excessive delegation.
    • Formulate a national policy for gig and platform workers with DBT-integrated benefits.
    • Reduce strike-approval thresholds and promote tripartite consultations.
    • Introduce unemployment insurance and reskilling programmes for retrenched workers.
    • Cap fixed-term contract renewals and strengthen worker entitlements.
    • Limit exemptions with time-bound, reviewable criteria.
    • Improve digital compliance support and awareness for MSMEs and informal workers.

Strengthening India’s labour framework requires balancing economic competitiveness with robust worker protections, universal social security, gender inclusion, and gig-economy safeguards to build a resilient, future-ready and equitable workforce for the coming decades.

Prelims MCQ

Q. Which principle among the following was added to the Directive Principles of State Policy by the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution? (PYQ 2017)

A. Equal pay for equal work for both men and women

B. Participation of workers in the management of industries

C. Right to work, education and public assistance

D. Securing living wage and human conditions of work to workers

Mains Question

Q. Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour- intensive exports rather than capital-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports.  (PYQ 2017)

Ladakh violence: Supreme Court allows Wangchuk to join plea against NSA detention

Relevance to UPSC

GS Paper II: Polity & Governance

    • Raises questions about the use of preventive detention under the National Security Act (NSA) and due process.
    • Involves fundamental rights, especially Articles 14, 19, 21, and 22 (habeas corpus, right to legal representation, procedural safeguards).
    • Shows the role of the Supreme Court in reviewing detention orders and upholding civil liberties.

GS Paper III: Internal Security

    • Illustrates how internal security laws (NSA) are used in a sensitive border region (Ladakh) to maintain public order.
    • Touches on center-state tensions with the Ladakh administration justifying detention in context of violent protests and “security of the state.”
    • Highlights the potential security-dissent trade-off — how environmental activism (climate) gets entangled with national security in strategic regions.

More about the News

    • The Supreme Court allowed Wangchuk to join his wife’s petition challenging his preventive detention under the NSA.
    • Ladakh authorities accuse him of making provocative speeches that allegedly incited violence during protests demanding statehood and autonomy.
    • The detention order was defended as “lawfully issued,” invoking subjective satisfaction and compliance with procedural safeguards under NSA.

National Security Act, 1980

Note: The above topic has been covered under the Current Affairs of 27/09/2025 . Click here and refer to it.

Capital owners gain, workers lose: the widening wealth gap

Relevance to UPSC

GS Paper-II: Social Justice

    • Highlights inequality in wealth distribution, raising questions about equitable growth and social justice.
    • Points to the role of public policy (taxation, welfare) in addressing capital-labour imbalance.
    • Reflects challenges of inclusive governance and the need for redistributive mechanisms.

GS Paper-III: Economics

    • Pertains to macro-economic issues: capital income versus labour income, returns on capital, and economic inequality.
    • Shows structural shifts in income dynamics — growing share of capital owners vis-à-vis workers.
    • Connects to fiscal policy debates: taxation of wealth, redistributive policies, and long-term growth sustainability.

More about the News

    • Capital owners are gaining an increasing share of national income, while the portion accruing to workers is shrinking.
    • According to wealth-inequality data, concentration of wealth among top percentiles has grown sharply in recent decades.
    • Experts warn this widening gap could undermine equitable growth and call for stronger redistributive policies and better tax structure. 

Income Inequality

Note: The above topic has been covered under the Current Affairs of 11/09/2025 . Click here and refer to it.

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