Environment &Climate
- An exoelectrogen is a microorganism capable of transferring electrons extracellularly, meaning they can move electrons outside their cell membrane to external electron acceptors such as solid conductors or metal compounds. These bacteria generate electrons during cellular respiration and instead of using internal molecules like oxygen as the final electron acceptor, they transfer electrons to external substances like iron or manganese oxides or electrodes. This unique ability makes exoelectrogen important for applications like microbial fuel cells (MFCs), where they act as biocatalysts to convert organic material into electric current by donating electrons to an anode, which then flow to a cathode generating electricity. The electron transfer mechanisms include direct contact through outer membrane cytochromes, secretion of electron shuttles like flavins, and conductive pili (nanowires). Exoelectrogen are key in bioenergy research due to their potential in bioremediation and renewable energy production through wastewater treatment and electricity generation.
- Heat Wave is caused by rising greenhouse gas emission leading to global warming, shifts in atmospheric circulation pattern s, such as jet streams and urban Heat Island effects amplifying temperature in the city.
- The Scarlet Dragonfly sighting in Mannar refers to the recent observation of a rare species of dragonfly known as the Scarlet Dragonfly (scientific name: Crocothemis erythraea). However, the prominent documented sightings have been in Munnar, Kerala, in the Western Ghats region rather than Mannar specifically. This dragonfly is notable for its bright scarlet red coloration in males and preferred habitats near water bodies like ponds, rivers, and streams. This species is usually found in warmer, lower altitude regions across southern Europe, Africa, western Asia, and occasionally southern China. Its presence in cooler, high-altitude areas like Munnar (and possibly Mannar, if recently sighted there) is unusual and of ecological interest. The sighting highlights biodiversity richness and possible ecological shifts, potentially linked to climate or environmental changes.
- The “Atlantic current collapse” usually refers to the potential collapse or severe weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a major system of ocean currents in the Atlantic Ocean that circulates warm surface waters northward and cold deep waters southward. The AMOC acts like a giant conveyor belt and plays a critical role in regulating climate, especially in the North Atlantic region and Europe. Currently, the AMOC is weakening due to climate change effects such as warming surface waters and increased freshwater input from ice melt (especially Greenland’s ice sheets). The weakening disrupts the sinking of cold, dense water in the North Atlantic, which drives the circulation. Scientists warn that this weakening could lead to a tipping point and eventual collapse of the AMOC, potentially as soon as mid-21st century or later.
- Blue dragons, more accurately known as “blue dragons,” are small, ornate sea slugs with the scientific name Glaucus atlanticus. They are tiny, typically around 4 centimeters long, and live floating upside down on the ocean surface, using an air bubble in their stomach to maintain buoyancy. Their striking blue upper side helps them camouflage with the ocean’s blue water, while their white underside blends with the sunlight when viewed from below—a defensive adaptation against predators. Blue dragons feed primarily on venomous sea creatures like jellyfish and siphonophores, including the Portuguese man o’ war. Remarkably, they are immune to the venom of their prey and can store the stinging cells (nematocysts) in their bodies, using them as a potent defense mechanism. Their sting can be very painful to humans, causing redness, swelling, nausea, and even breathing difficulties, though it is typically not fatal. They are found in tropical and temperate waters and have recently appeared in unusual locations, such as the Mediterranean Sea, possibly due to rising sea temperatures. Despite their beauty, they are dangerous if handled because their sting remains active even after death.
- Gokul Jalashay (Buxar district) and Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran district) of the state of Bihar have been included into Ramsar wetlands bringing India’s total to 93.
Geopolitics and International relation
- India held the 11th India-EU Foreign Policy and Security Consultations and the 6th Strategic Partnership Review Meeting in Brussels on November 18-19, 2025. The discussions reviewed bilateral engagements and explored cooperation on global issues, with India and the EU working toward completing their “Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025” and enhancing multilateral collaboration. This meeting also took note of India’s upcoming BRICS Chairship in 2026
- India’s foreign policy in 2025 is marked by a focus on strategic autonomy and multi-alignment amid global geopolitical shifts. There are rising tensions with the U.S. over trade and diplomatic matters, changes in India-Russia relations with defence and intelligence engagement advancing, and renewed China-India border trade and direct flights following a 2020 suspension. These shifts shape India’s regional and global strategy.
- The Indian government strengthened its defence and security posture with exercises involving partner countries, modernization of military equipment, and improvements to coastal and border security infrastructure during November 2025.
- A major upcoming geopolitical event includes the scheduled visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India in early December 2025 for the 23rd Annual India-Russia Summit. This visit is anticipated to be significant in terms of defence cooperation and potential strategic deals.
- The eighth edition of the India-UK Joint Military Exercise “AJEYA WARRIOR-25” took place from 17 to 30 November 2025 at the Foreign Training Node, Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan. This bilateral exercise involved 240 personnel from the Indian Army and British Army for enhanced interoperability and cooperation.
- Tri-Services Exercise “Trishul 2025,” led by the Indian Navy with the Army and Air Force, was ongoing in early November focusing on large-scale operations in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and maritime amphibious operations in the North Arabian Sea. While the exercise started earlier, related operations and training likely continued into late November.
- After the 10 November 2025 car explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi, deemed a terrorist act, heightened security measures were implemented in multiple states including Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and enhanced border security, particularly at the Indo-Nepal border.
Labour Reforms
The major policy decision in the labour sector in November 2025 was the implementation of four comprehensive Labour Codes in India effective from November 21, 2025. These codes consolidate and replace 29 existing central labour laws, modernizing labour governance with improved worker protections, simplified compliance, and expanded social security coverage.
Key highlights of the reforms include:
- Establishment of a national floor wage ensuring minimum wages for all workers.
- Rights to timely wage payment with no unauthorized deductions.
- Recognition and social security coverage extended to gig and platform workers.
- Permission for women to work night shifts with consent and safety safeguards.
- Mandatory appointment letters for workers ensuring job security and transparency.
- Expanded social security benefits including gratuity, provident fund, insurance, and free annual health checkups.
- Increased labour flexibility by raising the requirement for prior government approval for layoffs from 100 to 300 workers.
- Introduction of fixed-term employment with related benefits and protections.
- Safety and welfare measures such as safe transportation, CCTV surveillance, and establishment of national standards.
These reforms modernize labour laws originating largely from colonial times, aiming to provide a cohesive and future-ready labour framework that balances worker rights and business facilitation. The government projects long-term benefits including enhanced social security, better working conditions, job creation, and improved productivity across the economy.
Energy sector
Key policy announcements in India’s energy sector
- The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was introduced to modernize India’s power sector by promoting competition in distribution, rationalizing tariffs to better reflect costs, and enabling multiple distribution licensees in the same area. It aims to protect subsidized tariffs for farmers and low-income households while encouraging cost-efficiency and sustainability in the electricity market. The bill also strengthens regulatory oversight and mandates infrastructure efficiency, including energy storage system recognition.
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) continues policy support for green energy consumption, allowing consumers to choose green energy proportions in their usage.
- The renewable energy ministry urged the power regulator to defer the implementation of stricter green power rules for wind and solar producers, considering the current challenges faced by renewable energy integration.
- From November 1, 2025, new import regulations mandating prior registration for solar and wind energy component imports were implemented to enhance monitoring and streamline the supply chain of critical renewable parts.
- There is ongoing emphasis on battery energy storage systems (BESS) and pumped storage projects (PSP) to ensure round-the-clock reliable renewable power, backed by viability gap funding schemes and technical standards for flexible operations of thermal plants.
Economy
- Industry-Friendly Defence Reforms: On November 1, 2025, India introduced reforms aimed at improving fairness, transparency, and accountability in defence procurement to promote domestic production and exports under the Defence Production Atmanirbharta initiative.
- Income Tax and Fiscal Measures: The government continued with transformational shifts introduced in the Union Budget 2025, such as increased income tax exemption thresholds (nil tax slab raised to ₹12 lakh annually), higher TDS limits for senior citizens, and incentivizing middle-income groups to boost disposable income and consumption
- Interest-Free Loans for States: A historic move to provide ₹1.5 lakh crore in 50-year interest-free loans to states aimed at boosting capital expenditure and infrastructure development, thereby catalysing economic growth.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST) Reforms: November also saw the continued rollout of GST reforms which included reducing or eliminating GST on many food items, commercial vehicles, and packaging materials. These tax cuts targeted lowering input costs, inflation, and promoting MSME sector growth and logistical efficiency.
- Regulatory and Ease of Doing Business Reforms: The government set up high-level committees to review non-financial regulations and licensing to foster competitiveness amongst states. An investment-friendliness index was introduced to encourage states to compete positively for investment.
- Initiatives Supporting MSMEs, Startups, and Employment: New schemes to provide financial support and social security to gig workers and a targeted push for expanding MSME participation and employment generation featured prominently in policy announcements.
- Trade and Investment Outlook: India continued to negotiate a major trade deal with the United States to improve trade terms and encourage foreign direct investment, balancing the challenges posed by a widened trade deficit