Daily Insights November 21, 2025

Daily Insights November 21, 2025

1. 21st Instalment of PM-KISAN Released

Source: PIB

Key Points:

• Prime Minister released 21st instalment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu on November 19, 2025

• Nearly 9 crore farmers across India received approximately ₹18,000 crore in direct financial assistance

• Funds transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system ensuring transparency and eliminating intermediary involvement

• Special focus on calamity-affected states

• PM inaugurated South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 during the same event

UPSC Relevance: GS2 (Welfare Schemes), GS3 (Agriculture) – Direct Benefit Transfer, farmer welfare, agricultural income support, digital governance

2. YUVA AI for ALL Initiative Launched

Source: PIB

Key Points:

• National-level AI literacy initiative launched to democratize access to Artificial Intelligence education

• Free certification program integrated with FutureSkills Prime, iGOT Karmayogi and other ed-tech platforms with official GoI certification

• Aims to bridge AI awareness gap across urban-rural, socioeconomic and generational lines

• Part of IndiaAI Mission with ₹10,300 crore allocation

• Supports India’s target to become AI-powered economy by building base-level AI-fluent population

• Aligns with National Strategy for AI (NITI Aayog) recommendations on awareness, skilling and responsible AI

UPSC Relevance: GS2 (Governance), GS3 (Science & Technology) – Digital literacy, skill development, IndiaAI Mission, National Digital Literacy Mission

3. 6th National Water Awards Announced

Source: PIB

Key Points:

• 46 winners across 10 categories honoured for water conservation excellence (NWA 2024 cycle)

• Best State Rankings: 1st – Maharashtra, 2nd – Gujarat, 3rd – Haryana

• JSJB Awards: 1st – Telangana, 2nd – Chhattisgarh, 3rd – Rajasthan

• Awards conferred by President Droupadi Murmu on November 18, 2025

• 751 applications received demonstrating widespread participation

• Highlights shift toward community-driven, decentralized water management

• Complements Jal Shakti Abhiyan, PMKSY, Atal Bhujal Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission

UPSC Relevance: GS1 (Geography), GS2 (Governance) – Water conservation, cooperative federalism, participatory governance, groundwater management

4. India Celebrates World Fisheries Day 2025

Source: PIB

Key Points:

• Theme: “India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Value Addition in Seafood Exports”

• Marine product exports increased 11.08% from US$0.81 billion (Oct 2024) to US$0.90 billion (Oct 2025)

• GST reforms reduced rates on fish oils, extracts, prepared/preserved fish and shrimp from 12% to 5%

• Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in EEZ notified on November 4, 2025

• 178 project proposals approved under FIDF worth ₹6,369.79 crore

• India is second-largest fish producer globally with 195 lakh tonnes production

• Sector supports livelihood of over 3 crore people

UPSC Relevance: GS3 (Agriculture, Economy) – Blue Economy, seafood exports, GST rationalization, fisheries infrastructure, PMMSY

5. 26 E-Commerce Platforms Declare Compliance with Dark Pattern Guidelines

Source: PIB

Key Points:

• 26 leading e-commerce platforms submitted self-declaration confirming compliance with Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023

• Platforms include Flipkart, Myntra, Zomato, Swiggy, Meesho, BigBasket, JioMart among others

• Companies conducted internal or third-party audits to eliminate manipulative user interface designs

• CCPA issued advisory on June 5, 2025 for mandatory self-audit within three months

• 13 prohibited dark patterns include: False Urgency, Basket Sneaking, Confirm Shaming, Forced Action, Subscription Trap, Interface Interference

• Guidelines notified under Consumer Protection Act, 2019 on November 30, 2023

UPSC Relevance: GS2 (Governance), GS3 (E-commerce) – Consumer protection, digital marketplace regulation, CCPA, unfair trade practices

6. India Calls for Equity-Driven Just Transition at COP30

Source: Down to Earth

Key Points:

• India sharpened stance at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, urging global framework grounded in equity and CBDR-RC

• Warned that unilateral trade measures (UTMs) including carbon border mechanisms threaten fairness under UNFCCC

• Called for dedicated Just Transition Mechanism with affordable finance, accessible technology and scaled-up capacity building

• Emphasized JT must remain non-sectoral, non-prescriptive and party-driven

• India achieved revised climate targets 5 years early – 50% non-fossil fuel capacity, 36% reduction in emission intensity

• International Solar Alliance (ISA) promotes affordable solar energy across 120+ countries

UPSC Relevance: GS2 (International Relations), GS3 (Environment) – Climate diplomacy, CBDR principle, Paris Agreement, energy transition, carbon border tax

7. Fire Disrupts COP30 Climate Summit in Brazil

Source: Reuters

Key Points:

• Fire broke out at COP30 venue in Belém on November 20, 2025, forcing evacuation

• Blaze contained within 6 minutes; 13 people treated for smoke inhalation

• Disrupted crucial negotiations on fossil fuel phase-out and climate finance

• UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged agreement on reducing global reliance on fossil fuels

• Nearly 200 nations struggling to reach consensus with less than 48 hours before scheduled conclusion

• Future of fossil fuels emerged as central theme throughout two-week negotiations

• Brazil leading calls for framework detailing fossil fuel phase-out roadmap

UPSC Relevance: GS2 (International Relations), GS3 (Environment) – Climate negotiations, fossil fuel transition, global climate action

8. Afghanistan’s Commerce Minister Visits India

Source: The Hindu

Key Points:

• Taliban’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi arrived for 5-day visit on November 19, 2025

• Visit aims to boost bilateral trade and investment ties amid Pakistan border shutdown

• First visit by Afghan minister to India International Trade Fair (IITF) since 2021

• Key exports: India sends pharmaceuticals, textiles, machinery, sugar, tea; Afghanistan sends agricultural goods and minerals

• India upgraded mission in Kabul to full embassy status in October 2025

• Visit follows Taliban Foreign Minister Muttaqi’s successful October visit

• Pakistan border closures causing heavy losses to Afghan fruit exporters

UPSC Relevance: GS2 (International Relations) – India-Afghanistan ties, regional connectivity, Chabahar port, humanitarian diplomacy

9. China’s Disinformation Campaign Post-Operation Sindoor: US Report

Source: The Print

Key Points:

• US-China Economic and Security Review Commission report accused China of orchestrating disinformation campaign

• China used fake social media accounts to propagate AI-generated images of aircraft “debris”

• Campaign aimed to hinder sales of French Rafale jets and promote Chinese J-35 fighters

• Report cites French intelligence confirming the disinformation operation

• Chinese embassies allegedly convinced Indonesia to halt Rafale purchase already in process

• Campaign followed Operation Sindoor in May 2025

• Report highlights China’s grey zone warfare tactics

UPSC Relevance: GS3 (Internal Security, Defence) – Cyber warfare, hybrid warfare, defence diplomacy, information operations

10. ISRO Tests Bootstrap Mode on CE20 Cryogenic Engine

Source: The Hindu

Key Points:

• Successfully conducted bootstrap mode start test on CE20 engine on November 7, 2025 at Mahendragiri facility

• Test conducted for 10 seconds under vacuum conditions in High-Altitude Test facility

• First time gas-generator cycle cryogenic engine achieved such start without auxiliary support

• Eliminates need for additional start-up gas bottle, enhancing payload capacity

• CE20 engine powers LVM3 upper stage, already qualified for Gaganyaan missions

• Multi-element igniter employed in thrust chamber and gas generator

• Milestone enhances restart capability and mission flexibility for future LVM3 flights

UPSC Relevance: GS3 (Science & Technology) – Space technology, ISRO achievements, cryogenic engines, Gaganyaan mission

11. Indigenous Gene Editing Technology for Crop Breeding

Source: Indian Express

Key Points:

• ICAR developed indigenous genome-editing technology using TnpB (Transposon-associated proteins)

• Provides alternative to globally patented CRISPR-Cas systems owned by Broad Institute and Corteva

• Indian Patent Office granted 20-year patent on September 15, 2025

• International patent filed under Patent Cooperation Treaty

• Can deliver high-yield, climate-resilient, pest-resistant varieties at lower costs

• Strengthens India’s position in $165.7 billion bioeconomy, projected to reach $300 billion by 2030

• Two GE rice varieties already released in May 2025 by IIRR and IARI

UPSC Relevance: GS3 (Agriculture, Science & Technology) – Biotechnology, food security, intellectual property rights, Atmanirbhar Bharat

12. Supreme Court Verdict on Governor’s Powers

Source: DD News

Key Points:

• Five-judge Constitution Bench ruled on November 20, 2025 that courts cannot prescribe timelines for President or Governors

• “Deemed assent” concept contrary to constitutional framework

• Governors have three options: grant assent, return bill with comments, or reserve for President

• Governor cannot withhold assent indefinitely or “simpliciter”

• Courts may issue “limited mandamus” directing action within reasonable timeframe

• Verdict responded to Presidential Reference challenging earlier Tamil Nadu Bills case

• Bench led by CJI B R Gavai; verdict delivered after 10-day marathon hearing

UPSC Relevance: GS2 (Polity & Governance) – Articles 200 & 201, Governor’s discretion, separation of powers, federalism, judicial review

13. Groundwater Contamination Crisis in Punjab

Source: The Hindu

Key Points:

• Severe groundwater contamination in Punjab with high levels of uranium, fluoride and other pollutants

• Faridkot samples showed uranium at 112.25 µg/l – almost 400% above permissible limit of 30 µg/l

• Parliamentary Standing Committee raised concerns over continued uranium contamination

• CGWB survey (2019-20): 450 out of 16,000 groundwater samples exceeded WHO limits

• Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan most affected; contamination linked to excessive fertilizer use and groundwater overexploitation

• Health impacts include kidney damage, chronic kidney disease, skeletal damage

• Urgent need for nationwide monitoring, policy reform and local interventions

UPSC Relevance: GS1 (Geography), GS3 (Environment) – Groundwater crisis, water quality, public health, pollution control

14. US Economy: September Jobs Report Shows Mixed Signals

Source: CNBC

Key Points:

• US added 119,000 jobs in September 2025 (delayed report released November 20)

• Unemployment rate rose to 4.4%, highest since October 2021

• Report delayed due to 44-day government shutdown

• Full-time employment surged by 673,000; part-time roles decreased by 573,000

• Labor force participation rate rose to 62.4%, highest since May

• Federal workforce reduced by 3,000 jobs; total 97,000 cuts since year start

• Traders expect Fed to skip December rate cut

UPSC Relevance: GS3 (Economy) – Global economic trends, US Federal Reserve policy, labor market dynamics, impact on Indian economy

15. Climate Performance: India Falls to 23rd Place in Global Index

Source: Mongabay India

Key Points:

• India slipped 13 ranks in Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026

• Updated NDC commits to 50% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and 45% reduction in emissions intensity

• CCPI experts note 2070 net-zero goal not aligned with 1.5°C pathways

• Absence of interim milestones for 2035 and 2040; unclear sectoral trajectories

• Limited consultation with civil society and affected communities highlighted

• Recommendations include: time-bound coal phase-down, no-new-coal date, peak coal year

• Need for binding sectoral roadmaps and just transition framework

UPSC Relevance: GS3 (Environment) – Climate action, NDCs, renewable energy, coal transition, climate justice

PIB

The Hindu

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