As UPSC aspirants prepare for the 2026 preliminary examinations, staying updated with current affairs becomes crucial for success. The week from November 17 to November 23, 2025, witnessed significant developments across international diplomacy, environmental conservation, scientific innovation, and judicial matters that demand attention from serious candidates.
International Diplomacy and Climate Action
G20 Summit in South Africa marked a historic moment as the first gathering of this influential group on African soil. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 20th G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, proposing several groundbreaking initiatives including a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team, Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, Open Satellite Data Partnership, and Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative. The G20 comprises 19 countries along with the European Union and African Union, the latter having joined in June 2023.
On the sidelines, the IBSA leaders' meeting brought together Prime Minister Modi, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Modi emphasized that the IBSA grouping could demonstrate unity and cooperation in a fragmented global landscape. He proposed establishing an IBSA fund for climate-resilient agriculture and a digital innovation alliance to share successful digital public infrastructure models.
COP30 Key Outcomes
The COP30 climate summit concluded in Belem, Brazil, on November 22 with the adoption of the Belem Political Package. Designated as the implementation COP, the focus shifted from commitments to execution strategies. Significant outcomes included:
The Belem Health Action Plan emerged as a flagship achievement, unveiled on the dedicated Health Day of COP30. This initiative aims to strengthen global health systems against climate change impacts.
Brazil officially launched the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), a payment-for-performance model using satellite monitoring to reward tropical forest countries for preservation efforts. Approximately one-fifth of this fund is allocated to Indigenous communities protecting forests.
Colombia announced the Santa Marta conference on Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels, co-hosted with the Netherlands scheduled for April 2026.
Indigenous activism featured prominently with the Munduruku Indigenous group protest at COP30, demanding an end to extractive activities threatening their territories. Brazil responded by announcing demarcation of 10 new Indigenous lands covering nearly 1,000 square miles.
National Developments and Awards
Audit Diwas was observed on November 16, commemorating the assumption of office by India's first auditor-general in 1860. Sir Edward Drummond pioneered this role, which evolved into the constitutional authority of Comptroller and Auditor General of India after independence.
New Delhi hosted the World Toilet Summit 2025 from November 19-21, organized by Sulabh International. The theme Sanitation in a changing world emphasized the enduring importance of toilet access, coinciding with UN-designated World Toilet Day.
Water Management Recognition
President Droupadi Murmu presented the 6th National Water Awards at Vigyan Bhawan, with Maharashtra securing the top position as Best State, followed by Gujarat and Haryana. These awards, instituted by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, recognize outstanding contributions to water conservation and management.
The inaugural Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Awards honored community-driven water conservation efforts, with Telangana leading for constructing 5.2 lakh water conservation structures under the JSJB 1.0 initiative.
In international recognition, Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and UN Human Rights Chief, received the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2024. The award includes ₹10 million and a trophy made of Haematite Jasper, the same stone used at Indira Gandhi's samadhi.
Judicial and Constitutional Matters
The Supreme Court delivered a significant ruling on November 19, striking down key provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021 as unconstitutional. The court emphasized judicial independence and separation of powers, noting that executive dominance in tribunal appointments creates conflicts of interest when the government appears as litigation party.
In another landmark development, the Centre implemented four long-pending labour codes covering wages, industrial relations, social security, and working conditions. These codes replace 29 fragmented laws with a unified framework, though central-level implementation had remained pending since parliamentary clearance between 2019-2020.
The Supreme Court responded to a Presidential reference from President Droupadi Murmu regarding gubernatorial authority over state bills. While declining to set specific timelines for gubernatorial action, the court affirmed that states could seek judicial intervention in cases of unreasonable delay, balancing separation of powers with accountability.
Environmental Conservation Updates
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced India's decision to host a Global Big Cats Summit in New Delhi, building on the International Big Cat Alliance launched by Prime Minister Modi in 2023. Seventeen countries have formally associated with IBCA, with over thirty more expressing interest in joining this conservation initiative for seven big cat species.
Solar Mamas Initiative
The Barefoot College International continues its transformative work training marginalized, often illiterate women from Global South nations as solar engineers. These Solar Mamas learn to design, install, and maintain solar lighting systems, bringing clean energy to remote regions while serving as health catalysts by replacing harmful light sources like kerosene. The program has expanded across Africa with campuses in Madagascar and Senegal, illuminating thousands of homes.
At COP30, Indigenous communities highlighted the cultural and ecological significance of the Samauma tree, known as the queen of tropical forests. This 50-meter giant plays a crucial role in oxygen production and rainfall cycles through evapotranspiration, while also serving as a natural navigation aid for lost travelers in rainforests.
Marine and Wildlife Conservation
A recent IUCN assessment raised concerns about the dugong population in Indian waters. The marine mammal's survival appears uncertain in the Gulf of Kutch and challenging in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while populations in Gulf of Mannar-Palk Bay have significantly declined. Dugongs, listed as Vulnerable on IUCN Red List and under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, face threats from habitat loss and human activities.
Chilean scientists warned about the declining Humboldt penguin population, which has dropped to fewer than 20,000 from approximately 45,000 in the late 1990s. Climate change impacts, commercial fishing competition, and habitat degradation contribute to this decline, prompting Chile to classify the species as endangered.
Scientific and Technological Advancements
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad arrested three individuals, including a doctor with Chinese medical qualifications, for allegedly attempting to produce ricin poison. Derived from castor beans, ricin inhibits protein synthesis in cells and can cause multi-organ failure, with no known antidote available.
Forensic analysis of the Red Fort blast revealed use of ammonium nitrate and triacetone triperoxide (TATP) mixture. Despite strict regulations governing ammonium nitrate sales through SETT monitoring, illegal transactions persist, enabling creation of improvised explosive devices.
Sentinel-6B satellite launched on November 16 as a joint NASA-NOAA-ESA mission to monitor rising sea levels. The ocean-tracking satellite will enhance weather forecasting accuracy and support climate change adaptation planning.
Indigenous Innovation
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research received a patent for indigenous genome-editing technology using TnpB proteins as miniature alternatives to CRISPR-Cas systems. Sourced from extreme environment-surviving bacteria, this innovation promises more accessible genetic modification tools for agricultural applications.
India launched its first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease, named BIRSA-101 in honor of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The one-time infusion treatment corrects genetic mutations causing sickle-shaped red blood cells, potentially benefiting India's tribal populations disproportionately affected by this condition. The same therapy shows promise for treating thalassaemia.
Sports Achievement
India created history by winning the inaugural Blind Women's T20 World Cup, defeating Nepal by seven wickets in Colombo. After restricting Nepal to 114/5, India chased the target in 12.1 overs, with Khula Sharir's unbeaten 44 off 27 balls steering the victory.
This comprehensive current affairs coverage provides UPSC aspirants with essential information from the past week, highlighting interconnected developments across governance, environment, technology, and international relations that could feature in competitive examinations.
