November 2025 Current Affairs: Key Updates from India and the World
Stay updated with the most important events and developments from November 2025, covering governance, economy, law, technology, and global trends. Perfect for competitive exams and general awareness.
01) Ministry of Corporate Affairs backs ex‑ante regulation of digital markets
- The ministry has invited proposals for a market study on aspects of the draft competition bill aimed at regulating large digital‑tech companies. The Economic Times
- Why it matters:
- Signals a shift from ex‑post (after‑the‑fact) regulation to ex‑ante (preventive) regulation in digital markets.
- Could affect how big tech firms operate in India, including rules around data, competition, and new business models.
- For India’s digital economy: may help competition but could also raise compliance costs for firms.
- Tip: If you’re studying economics/business/governance, track the evolution of the bill and how India aligns with global digital‑market regulation trends.
02) Supreme Court of India rules that grounds of arrest must be furnished in writing in all cases
- The Court held that any person arrested must be given written reasons for the arrest, including under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (replacement for the Indian Penal Code) and not just special laws like UAPA or PMLA. Hindustan Times
- Why it matters:
- Strengthens procedural safeguards and rights of the arrested.
- Has implications for policing, detention practices, fair trial rights, and the criminal‑justice system.
- For governance and legal studies: an example of judicial expansion of rights and accountability of state action.
- Tip: When covering governance/polity topics, link this to the rights enshrined under the Constitution, due‑process norms, and how reforms are happening at ground level.
03) G20 report: 83% of countries have high income‑inequality (Gini > 0.4)
- The report notes that 83% of countries account for 90% of world population and exhibit high income inequality (Gini coefficient above 0.4). Vision IAS
- Why it matters:
- Highlights the global nature of inequality and implications for sustainable development, social stability, and inclusive growth.
- For India: reinforces why welfare reforms, social safety nets and redistribution policies (such as UBI) are being discussed.
- For economy/social policy: opens up debates about universal vs targeted welfare, impact of automation, and job‐less growth.
- Tip: In exam‑type preparation, you can link this to India’s policies (e.g., welfare schemes, UBI discussions), global commitments (e.g., SDGs), and the measurement of inequality (Gini, etc.).
4) Japan’s First Female Prime Minister:
Sanae Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female Prime Minister in October, made headlines throughout November with her “work, work, work” policy mantra, which was selected as one of Japan’s top catchphrases of the year.
5) Miss Universe 2025:
Fátima Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 at the finale held in Thailand on November 21. She bested over 100 contestants, though her win was surrounded by significant controversy and allegations of rigging, which she publicly addressed.
6) Booker Prize 2025:
The prestigious Booker Prize was awarded to David Szalay for his novel Flesh. He is the first Hungarian-British author to win the award.
7) UK Politics:
David Lammy continued to serve as the UK’s Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, having been appointed in September 2025 following a cabinet reshuffle.
National Affairs (India)
8) Safran MRO Facility Inauguration:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated India’s first global aircraft engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Hyderabad. The facility is set up by the French aerospace giant Safran.
9) Delhi Air Pollution Crisis:
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ordered a halt to all outdoor sports and activities in schools and colleges across Delhi-NCR in mid-November due to the Air Quality Index (AQI) breaching emergency thresholds.
10) Jio–NHAI Highway Alert System:
A new safety initiative was launched where users on National Highways will receive real-time voice alerts about danger zones directly on their phones via Jio’s telecom towers, without needing extra roadside infrastructure.
11) India International Trade Fair (IITF):
The 44th edition of the IITF was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from November 14–27, with the theme “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.”
Economy & Business
12) US–India Trade Tensions:
Indian exporters faced significant challenges in November due to a 50% tariff on specific Indian goods (including textiles, gems, and jewelry) imposed by the US administration. Reports indicated a sharp decline in exports in labor-intensive sectors.
13) GDP & IMF Report:
The IMF released its India: 2025 Article IV Consultation report, projecting India’s GDP growth at roughly 6.6% for FY26.
14) Animal Husbandry Statistics:
The government released the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025, noting record growth in milk, egg, and meat production.
Science & Technology
15) Chernobyl Fungi Discovery:
Scientists published major findings on “black fungi” from Chernobyl that thrive on radiation, suggesting potential applications for protecting astronauts in space.
16) Emerging Science Conclave:
PM Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, launching a ₹1 Lakh Crore fund to boost private sector R&D.
17) Cold Supermoon:
Skywatchers observed the Cold Supermoon, the last supermoon of the year, which occurred on November 5.
Awards & Honours
18) Indira Gandhi Peace Prize:
Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet was presented with the 2024 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for her work in human rights and gender equality.
19) UN Population Award:
UNFPA India honoured the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP) for winning the 2025 UN Population Award in the institutional category.
Sports
20) Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2025:
Chandigarh University dominated the medal tally, particularly in canoeing and kayaking events.
21) Formula 1:
Australian driver Oscar Piastri received the prestigious Don Award for his exceptional performance in the 2025 F1 season.
Disasters & Environment
22) Cyclone Ditwah:
A severe cyclone named Ditwah struck Sri Lanka and parts of Southern India in late November, causing widespread flooding and landslides.
23) Indonesia Floods:
Severe flooding in Indonesia displaced nearly 300,000 people and resulted in significant casualties.
