Daily Insights November 26, 2025

Daily Insights November 26, 2025

1. Arunachal Pradesh is India’s Integral Part: MEA Reaffirms

Source: MEA Official Spokesperson Response

Key Points:

• MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India

• Strong protest lodged with China over arbitrary detention of Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh at Shanghai airport

• Chinese actions violated international air travel conventions and their own 24-hour visa-free transit regulations

• India rejected China’s claim on “Zangnan” (Chinese name for Arunachal Pradesh) as an indisputable reality

• The detained woman was on transit to Japan with a valid Indian passport listing Arunachal Pradesh as birthplace

UPSC Relevance: International Relations (India-China), Border Issues, Sovereignty

2. India-France HAMMER Joint Venture: Defence Indigenisation Boost

Source: PIB – Defence Ministry

Key Points:

• BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited) and Safran Electronics & Defence (France) signed Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA)

• Production of HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) smart precision-guided air-to-ground weapons in India

• 50:50 shareholding between BEL and Safran in the Joint Venture Company

• Indigenisation level will progressively increase to 60% including sub-assemblies, electronics and mechanical parts

• HAMMER weapons were first acquired during 2020 Galwan standoff via emergency procurement for Rafale jets

• Will equip Indian Air Force Rafale and Navy’s Rafale Marine aircraft

• Range: Up to 70 km, enabling stand-off attacks from outside hostile air defence zones

UPSC Relevance: Defence Manufacturing, Atmanirbhar Bharat, India-France Strategic Partnership

3. Constitution Day 2025: Celebrating 76 Years of Samvidhan Divas

Source: PIB Press Release

Key Points:

• November 26 marks Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) commemorating adoption of Constitution on 26 November 1949

• 2025 Theme: “Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman” (Our Constitution – Our Pride)

• Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950 (Republic Day)

• Drafting took 2 years, 11 months and 18 days (9 December 1946 to 26 November 1949)

• Government of India declared November 26 as Constitution Day in 2015 during Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary

• Previously observed as National Law Day by legal institutions

• Constitution signed by 284 members of Constituent Assembly

• National function held at Samvidhan Sadan (Central Hall) with President presiding

UPSC Relevance: Indian Polity, Constitutional History, National Days

4. Hayli Gubbi Volcanic Eruption: Ethiopia’s 12,000-Year Dormant Volcano Awakens

Source: The Hindu Science

Key Points:

• Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar Region erupted on November 23, 2025 after ~12,000 years of dormancy

• Sub-plinian eruption sent ash plume up to 15 km (45,000 feet) into atmosphere

• Part of Erta Ale volcanic range in East African Rift Zone – one of world’s most tectonically active areas

• Ash cloud traveled across Red Sea, Yemen, Oman and reached North India

• DGCA issued advisory to airlines to avoid affected altitudes (FL250 to FL450)

• Air India cancelled multiple domestic and international flights

• Shield volcano made of basalt with trachyte and rhyolite rock

• Silica-rich magma caused explosive eruption unlike typical effusive shield volcano eruptions

• No previous eruption recorded during the entire Holocene Epoch

UPSC Relevance: Physical Geography (Volcanism), East African Rift System, Aviation Safety

5. RBI Signals Potential Repo Rate Cut in December Policy

Source: Indian Express Business

Key Points:

• RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra indicated scope for repo rate cut in December 2025 monetary policy

• India’s CPI inflation fell to record low of 0.25% in October 2025 (lowest since current CPI series began in 2012)

• 100 basis points rate cuts already delivered in current easing cycle (February-June 2025):

  • February: 25 bps

  • April: 25 bps

  • June: 50 bps

• Current repo rate: 5.5%; Expected terminal rate: 5.25%

• December MPC meeting scheduled for 5 December 2025

• RBI revised GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 6.8%

• Inflation projections revised down to 3.7% from 4%

• Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) cut by 100 bps from 4% to 3% in four tranches

UPSC Relevance: Indian Economy, Monetary Policy, RBI Functions

6. World Bank Revises India’s FY26 Growth Forecast to 6.5%

Source: Business Standard

Key Points:

• World Bank raised India’s FY26 GDP growth forecast to 6.5% from 6.3% (June projection)

• FY27 growth forecast downgraded to 6.3% (20 bps reduction) due to US tariffs (50%) on Indian exports

• India expected to remain world’s fastest-growing major economy

• South Asia growth forecast: 6.6% in 2025, declining to 5.8% in 2026

• Key drivers: GST reforms, rural wage growth, agricultural recovery

• IMF also upgraded India’s FY26 forecast to 6.6% (+0.2 percentage points)

• S&P Global maintained forecast at 6.5% for FY26

• India on track to cross $4 trillion GDP in FY26 (CEA Nageswaran)

• Approximately 1/5th of India’s exports go to US (~2% of GDP)

UPSC Relevance: Indian Economy, International Economic Relations, Growth Forecasts

7. Assam Tea Crisis: Climate Change and Stagnant Prices Threaten Industry

Source: The Hindu Editorial

Key Points:

• Assam’s tea industry facing dual crisis: erratic climate + stagnant prices

• 2024 production decline: West Bengal (-21%), Assam (-11%)

• Tea prices surged 13% due to reduced output but growers remain squeezed

• Climate impacts:

  • Erratic rainfall and temperature spikes

  • Increased pest infestations (tea mosquito bugs) and fungal diseases

  • Traditional weather patterns disrupted

  • Tea quality and yield affected

• Industry employs millions of workers, especially tribal communities

• Small tea growers operate without formal recognition or credit access

• Lack of modernization, irrigation infrastructure, and climate-resilient practices

• India’s tea exports competitiveness declining due to global competition

• Crop insurance extended to tea sector in 2025

UPSC Relevance: Agriculture, Climate Change Impact, Plantation Economy

8. Trump-MbS Summit: Saudi Arabia’s $1 Trillion US Investment Pledge

Source: Indian Express World

Key Points:

• Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) raised Saudi investment in US from $600 billion to nearly $1 trillion

• Announcement during meeting with President Donald Trump at White House on November 18, 2025

• Investments span advanced technology, AI chips, and multiple sectors

• Part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification away from oil

• Oil prices fallen to ~$60/barrel (from $80 earlier in year)

• Marks shift from strained ties during Biden administration

• Saudi Arabia is world’s leading energy exporter seeking tech partnerships

• Agreement includes Boeing engines for Saudi’s 787 Dreamliners

• Focus on job creation and strengthening US industrial base

UPSC Relevance: International Relations, West Asia, Economic Diplomacy

9. POSH Act 2013: Needs Spine in 2025 – Reforms for Workplace Safety

Source: The Hindu Editorial

Key Points:

• POSH Act, 2013 (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace) enacted after Vishaka vs State of Rajasthan (1997) guidelines

• July 2025 Amendment: Companies (Accounts) Second Amendment Rules mandate detailed disclosures:

  • Number of sexual harassment complaints received

  • Complaints disposed during year

  • Cases pending for more than 90 days

• Key gaps in current framework:

  • Narrow understanding of consent – emotional coercion not recognized

  • Short complaint timeline (3 months, extendable by 3 months) criticized

  • Weak digital evidence protocols

  • Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) lack training

• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Amendment Bill, 2024 introduced in Rajya Sabha (February 2024) proposes reforms

• Power imbalances in workplaces and academic institutions remain challenge

• Justice outcomes often depend on survivor’s endurance rather than institutional support

UPSC Relevance: Governance, Social Issues, Women Safety Laws

10. US Labels Venezuela’s ‘Cartel de los Soles’ as Terrorist Organization

Source: Reuters International

Key Points:

• US formally designated Cartel de los Soles as Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) effective November 24, 2025

• US alleges cartel is led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and includes high-ranking officials/military

• Cartel accused of providing material support to Tren de Aragua and Sinaloa Cartel (both FTOs since February 2025)

• $50 million bounty on Maduro (increased from $25 million)

• Venezuela rejected designation as “ridiculous fabrication” to justify intervention

• US military presence increased in Caribbean for counter-narcotics operations

• Maduro serving third term after disputed July 2024 election (opposition claims 2:1 margin victory)

• Designation strengthens legal basis for potential US military action

• 2020 US indictment accused Maduro of conspiring to “flood the United States with cocaine”

UPSC Relevance: International Relations, Latin America, US Foreign Policy

11. Personality Rights in the Age of AI: Deepfake Challenges

Source: The Hindu Editorial

Key Points:

• Generative AI and deepfakes blur line between real and fake, challenging identity protection

• Personality rights rooted in privacy, dignity, and commercial autonomy not designed for AI manipulation

• Constitutional basis: K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) affirmed privacy as fundamental right under Article 21

• Key Indian judgments:

  • Amitabh Bachchan v. Rajat Nagi (2022): Affirmed personality rights

  • Anil Kapoor v. Simply Life (2023): Banned AI misuse of likeness

  • Arijit Singh v. Codible Ventures (2024): Protected voice from AI replication

• India lacks dedicated statute for personality rights – jurisprudence through IP and tort law

• Gaps: No statutory AI definitions, deepfakes not classified as high-risk

• Personality rights not recognized as inheritable in India

• 2024 Deepfake Advisory is first step but inadequate

• Need for AI watermarking, platform liability, cross-border cooperation

UPSC Relevance: Governance, Emerging Technology Laws, Fundamental Rights

12. Draft Seeds Bill 2025: Modernizing India’s Seed Regulation

Source: PIB – Ministry of Agriculture

Key Points:

• Draft Seeds Bill, 2025 to replace Seeds Act, 1966 and Seeds (Control) Order, 1983

• Public consultation open till December 11, 2025

• Key provisions:

  • Mandatory registration of seed varieties based on VCU (Value for Cultivation and Use) trials

  • QR codes and digital tracking via SATHI Portal (Seed Traceability Portal)

  • Mandatory labeling with germination, purity, and seed health standards

  • Registration of producers, dealers, distributors, and plant nurseries

  • Central Accreditation System for multi-state companies

• Farmer rights protected: Can grow, save, use, exchange, share, sell farm seeds except under brand name

• Graded penalties with decriminalized minor offenses

• Concerns raised:

  • Bill favors large corporations over small farmers

  • Digital reporting challenges for rural seed keepers

  • Foreign seeds allowed via overseas VCU testing (GMO concerns)

UPSC Relevance: Agriculture, Governance, Farmer Rights

13. Indian Rupee: Asia’s Worst Performing Currency in 2025

Source: The Hindu Business

Key Points:

• Rupee hit record low of ₹89.66/USD on November 21, 2025

• Asia’s worst-performing currency in 2025 with ~4.5% depreciation against dollar

• Currently trading around ₹89.20/USD, approaching psychological ₹90 mark

• Key factors:

  • $16.5 billion FPI outflows from Indian equities in 2025

  • Uncertainty around India-US trade deal

  • 50% US tariffs on Indian imports (since August 2025)

  • Reduced Fed rate cut expectations

• RBI sold $20+ billion in forex intervention in 2025

• Forex reserves: ~$650 billion (world’s 4th largest)

• Other Asian currencies (Taiwan dollar, Thai baht, Malaysian ringgit) appreciated against USD

• RBI Governor: 3-3.5% annual rupee depreciation is typical due to inflation gap with advanced economies

UPSC Relevance: Indian Economy, External Sector, Currency Markets

14. National Milk Day 2025: Honoring India’s White Revolution

Source: PIB Press Release

Key Points:

• November 26 marks National Milk Day – birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien (Father of White Revolution)

• India is world’s largest milk producer contributing ~32% of global supply

• Projected milk production for 2026: 242 million tonnes

• GST Council reforms (September 2025):

  • UHT milk and pre-packaged paneer now tax-free

  • Butter, ghee, cheese, condensed milk moved from 12% to 5% GST

  • Ice cream reduced from 18% to 5%

• White Revolution 2.0 launched on December 25, 2024 (5-year program 2024-2029)

• Target: Increase milk procurement by cooperatives to 1,007 lakh kg/day

• 31,908 dairy cooperative societies organized under NPDD

• Goals by 2030: Eradicate Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Brucellosis

• India to increase milk processing capacity to 100 million liters by 2028-29

• National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025 announced for livestock sector contributions

UPSC Relevance: Agriculture, Food Processing, Government Schemes

15. India’s Q2 FY26 GDP Expected at 7-7.5%: Strong Economic Momentum

Source: New Indian Express Economy

Key Points:

• Q2 FY26 (July-September) GDP growth estimated at 7-7.5% (data release: November 28, 2025)

• Q1 FY26 growth was 7.8% – fastest in five quarters

• Key drivers:

  • Rural consumption recovery due to low inflation

  • GST rate rationalization (September 22, 2025)

  • Pick-up in investment activities

  • Buoyancy in services and manufacturing

• Estimates by agencies:

  • SBI Research: 7.5%

  • ICRA: 7%

  • India Ratings: 7.2%

  • RBI projection: 7%

• Ind-Ra revised FY26 GDP estimate to 7% (from 6.3% in July)

• India likely to cross $4 trillion GDP in FY26 (CEA Nageswaran)

• Private consumption expenditure expected to grow 7.4% in FY26

• Low GDP deflator due to falling inflation making real GDP appear stronger

• Impact of US tariffs: Exports to US dropped 11.9% (Sept), 8.9% (Oct)

UPSC Relevance: Indian Economy, GDP Analysis, Economic Indicators

PIB

The Hindu

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