Comprehensive analysis of November 2025 Current Affairs for UPSC, Banking, and SSC exams. Covers the implementation of 4 Labour Codes, COP30 in Brazil, G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Justice Surya Kant’s appointment as CJI, and the Booker Prize 2025.
Period Covered: November 1, 2025 – November 30, 2025
Focus Areas: Labour Reforms, Global Climate Action (COP30), and Judicial Transitions.
Target Audience: Aspirants of UPSC CSE (Mains 2026), RBI Grade B, NABARD, and SSC CGL.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: THE NOVEMBER TRANSFORMATION
November 2025 will be etched in Indian administrative history as the month of the “Great Labour Consolidation” with the implementation of the four Labour Codes, ending a decade-long reform process. On the global stage, India championed the Global South’s voice at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg and the COP30 in Brazil, securing vital commitments on adaptation finance. Domestically, the judiciary saw a leadership transition with Justice Surya Kant taking oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. In the realm of arts, David Szalay secured the Booker Prize, while India’s Women’s Kabaddi team clinched the World Cup, reinforcing the nation’s dominance in indigenous sports.
SECTION 1: POLITY, LEGISLATION & GOVERNANCE
Domain: Legislative Reforms | Relevance: GS-II (Polity), EPFO, RBI Grade B
1.1 Implementation of Four Labour Codes
Historic Event: On November 21, 2025, the Ministry of Labour & Employment officially implemented the four Labour Codes, consolidating 29 existing labor laws. This marks the most significant labor reform in independent India.
| The Four Codes | Key Impact & Provisions |
|---|---|
| Code on Wages | Universalizes minimum wage provisions for all workers, regardless of sector or wage ceiling. |
| Industrial Relations Code | Streamlines dispute resolution; introduces fixed-term employment; makes strikes harder without notice (14 days notice mandatory). |
| Social Security Code | Extends social security (ESIC, EPFO) to Gig and Platform Workers; creates a Social Security Fund. |
| OSH Code | Mandates single registration for establishments; focuses on Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions. |
1.2 Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025
Notification: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notified the rules on November 13, 2025.
- Core Focus: Operationalizes the DPDP Act 2023.
- Key Provision: Introduces strict consent norms (must be free, specific, informed, and unambiguous) and establishes high penalties for data breaches.
- Significance: Establishes the Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) as the adjudication body.
1.3 Constitutional & Political Developments
- 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill: Introduced by Home Minister Amit Shah on November 17, 2025, in the Lok Sabha. (Context: Focuses on legislative adjustments for J&K and UTs).
- Bihar Political Shift: Nitish Kumar took oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the 10th time.
- Election Commission: ECI initiated SIR 2025 (Special Intensive Revision) of electoral rolls in 12 States/UTs to ensure error-free voter lists.
SECTION 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & SUMMITS
Domain: Geopolitics | Relevance: GS-II (IR)
2.1 G20 Summit 2025 (Johannesburg)
Venue: Johannesburg, South Africa (November 22–23, 2025).
Key Outcomes:
- Global South Priority: The summit concluded with unified commitments on climate action and empowering the Global South, continuing the momentum from the New Delhi and Rio summits.
- India’s Role: PM Narendra Modi emphasized “Strategic Autonomy” and pushed for the implementation of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) repository globally.
2.2 COP30: The Amazon Summit
Venue: Belém, Brazil (November 10–21, 2025).
Theme: “Delivering on the Paris Promise”.
| Agreement / Outcome | Details |
|---|---|
| Mutirão Spirit | India praised the Brazilian presidency’s spirit of “Mutirão” (collective effort) in achieving consensus. |
| Climate Finance | Significant discussions on tripling adaptation finance to $120 billion by 2035. |
| Equity | India reaffirmed its commitment to “Common But Differentiated Responsibilities” (CBDR). |
2.3 Bilateral & Strategic Exercises
- Exercise GARUDA VIII: India and France conducted the 8th edition of their bilateral air exercise, focusing on high-intensity interoperability.
- Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-25: India and UK joint military exercise commenced in Rajasthan (8th Edition), focusing on counter-terrorism in semi-desert terrain.
- Exercise VINBAX 2024 (Late cycle ref): 5th Edition held in Ambala, Haryana (Vietnam-India).
SECTION 3: ECONOMY & BANKING
Domain: Finance | Relevance: GS-III, Bank Exams
3.1 Regulatory Overhaul: RBI’s 244 Directions
Development: On November 28, 2025, the RBI issued a Master Direction consolidating 244 guidelines into a single framework.
- Scope: Covers credit card facilities, prudential norms, CRR/SLR maintenance, and treatment of wilful defaulters.
- Objective: To simplify compliance and strengthen governance in the financial sector.
3.2 Banking & Energy Milestones
- RBL Bank Premium Cards: Launched “LUMIÈRE” and “NOVA” credit cards.
- India-US LPG Deal: India signed its first-ever one-year LPG import deal with the US for 2.2 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) in 2026.
- JSW Energy: Commissioned India’s largest green hydrogen manufacturing plant.
SECTION 4: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Domain: Innovation | Relevance: GS-III, Prelims
4.1 Global AI & Space Breakthroughs
November 2025 was a month of rapid technological deployment.
| Innovation/Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Google Gemini 3 | Released on Nov 18, 2025. Google’s most advanced AI model, integrated into search. |
| ESCAPADE Mission | NASA launched this mission using Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket to study Mars’ magnetosphere. |
| Antimatter Production | CERN’s ALPHA experiment achieved an eightfold increase in antimatter production rates. |
| CRISPR Therapy | Breakthrough in gene therapy targeting ANGPTL3 to reduce cholesterol by nearly 50%. |
4.2 Domestic Tech Achievements
- GSAT-7R (CMS-03): ISRO successfully launched the Navy’s heaviest communication satellite, enhancing secure strategic communications.
- Kaveri Processor: India announced a new 64-qubit quantum processor named ‘Kaveri’ (Referenced in Nov context of tech review).
- Durga Drone Squadron: BSF commissioned its first-ever all-women drone squadron in Madhya Pradesh.
SECTION 5: AWARDS & HONOURS
Domain: Recognition | Relevance: SSC, Banking
5.1 The Booker Prize 2025
Winner: David Szalay.
Work: For his novel “Flesh” (Sixth work of fiction).
Note: Distinct from the International Booker (which Banu Mushtaq won earlier in the year).
5.2 Other Major Awards
- 76th National Book Awards: Hosted by Jeff Hiller.
- Pfizer Award 2024: Prof. Projit Bihari Mukharji for his book “Brown Skins, White Coats: Race Science in India, 1920–66”.
- Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace (2023): Presented in Nov 2025 to Daniel Barenboim (Pianist) and Ali Abu Awwad (Palestinian activist).
SECTION 6: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
Domain: Persons in News | Relevance: All Exams
| Person | New Designation | Key Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Justice Surya Kant | 53rd Chief Justice of India | Took oath on Nov 24, 2025. Prioritizes reducing case backlogs. |
| Parag Jain | Secretary, SPG | Appointed Nov 12. (Previously RAW Chief in July – dual/movement context). |
| Justice Vikram Nath | Executive Chairman, NALSA | Appointed to lead the National Legal Services Authority. |
| Kondru Sanjay Murthy | Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) | Took over as the 15th CAG of India. |
| Sunil Paliwal | Chairman, IWAI | Inland Waterways Authority of India. |
SECTION 7: SPORTS CURRENT AFFAIRS
Domain: Sports | Relevance: SSC, Railways
7.1 Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025
Winner: India.
Context: India won the 2nd edition of the prestigious trophy, solidifying dominance in the sport.
7.2 Asian Women’s Hockey Championship 2024
Winner: India.
Runner-Up: China.
Venue: Rajgir Hockey Stadium, Bihar.
7.3 Inclusivity in Sports
Sheetal Devi: Created history by becoming the first Indian para-athlete to be selected for an able-bodied national archery team.
SECTION 8: IMPORTANT DAYS & THEMES (NOVEMBER 2025)
Domain: General Awareness
- November 11: National Education Day.
- November 15: Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (150th Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda).
- November 26: Constitution Day (Samvidhan Diwas). 76th Anniversary observed nationwide.
RAPID FIRE REVISION QUIZ
Q1. Which four major codes were implemented by the Ministry of Labour & Employment on November 21, 2025?
A. The Civil Codes
B. The Four Labour Codes
C. The Digital Codes
D. The Banking Codes
Answer: B (The Four Labour Codes)
Q2. Who took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India in November 2025?
A. Justice B.R. Gavai
B. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud
C. Justice Surya Kant
D. Justice Sanjiv Khanna
Answer: C (Justice Surya Kant)
Q3. Who won the Booker Prize 2025 for the novel “Flesh”?
A. Banu Mushtaq
B. Samantha Harvey
C. David Szalay
D. Shehan Karunatilaka
Answer: C (David Szalay)
Q4. The G20 Summit 2025 was hosted by which country?
A. Brazil
B. USA
C. South Africa
D. India
Answer: C (South Africa – Johannesburg)
Q5. Which space agency launched the ESCAPADE mission to Mars in November 2025?
A. ISRO
B. ESA
C. NASA (on Blue Origin rocket)
D. CNSA
Answer: C
