Current Affairs at UPSC This Week: On November 9, investigators found a flour mill, electronic devices, and about 360 kg of ammonium nitrate at the same location. 2025 Current Affairs: As the UPSC exam increasingly focuses on governance, policy developments, institutional updates, and national security, weekly current affairs are a crucial component of preparation. Key constitutional appointments, labor reforms, defense developments, environmental regulation, international payment linkages, internal security findings, and modifications to international mobility regulations are among this week’s highlights.
Surya Kant was sworn in as India’s 53rd Chief Justice
After taking the oath of office as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant—who is renowned for having contributed to a number of important Supreme Court rulings—replaced Justice B.R. Gavai. He will serve until February 9, 2027, when he retires at age 65. He was born in Hisar, Haryana, on February 10, 1962. He graduated from Government Post Graduate College in Hisar and Maharishi Dayanand University in Rohtak with a law degree.Constitutional bodies, the judiciary, and the appointment and tenure of CJIs are all relevant to UPSC (Articles 124-126).
New Labor Codes: Crucial Information Regarding Gratuity Payment With a One-Year Eligibility Reduction
A significant modification to the gratuity regulations has been announced by the Indian government, which shortens the eligibility period from five years to one year. Millions of workers will be impacted by this change, which attempts to improve worker welfare programs and clarify gratuity payments across industries.
Important Aspects of the New Gratuity Rule
Instead of five years, fixed-term employees will receive a gratuity after one year of continuous service.
Gratuity payments have increased as a result of the definition of “wages” being broadened to include more elements.
Employees will benefit from a higher base for gratuity calculations.
Employers will be charged 10% annual interest if they fail to pay the gratuity within 30 days.
Mandatory Annual Health Examinations for Employees Over 40
By combining 29 earlier laws into four unified labor codes, the Indian government has carried out a significant labor reform. Employers are now mandated by the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions (OSH) Code to give all employees over 40 free yearly physicals. This represents a significant change in the direction of workplace safety and preventive healthcare.
UPSC relevance: Social Justice, OSH Code, worker welfare,Labour reforms.
The Indian Navy will commission the “Mahe,” an indigenous anti-submarine vessel
On November 24, the Indian Navy will commission “Mahe,” the first ship of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, at the Mumbai Naval Dockyard. The ship’s enhanced maneuverability and cutting-edge anti-submarine features bolster its coastal defense capabilities.
UPSC relevance: Coastal security, Naval capabilities,Defence indigenisation.
Delhi’s GRAP Enforcement: ₹84 Crore in Fines in Just One Month
Delhi Traffic Police issued 84,981 challans totaling ₹84.98 crore for violations related to Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates between October 14 and November 18 during GRAP Stages 1 and 2. The Southern and New Delhi Ranges issued fewer challans than the Western Range. During times of high pollution, the enforcement seeks to increase compliance.
UPSC relevance: Urban environmental regulation,Air pollution, GRAP stages.
RBI Declares UPI’s Integration With Europe’s TIPS
The Reserve Bank of India has declared that the EU’s TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) system and India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will soon be compatible. The goal of the linkage is to make cross-border transactions between India and the Eurozone quicker and less expensive.
UPSC relevance: Global fintech cooperation, RBI initiatives,Digital payments.
Delhi Blast Case: Investigator Says Explosives Were Made in a Flour Mill
Investigators looking into the November 10 Red Fort explosion discovered that co-accused Muzammil Shakeel Ganaie allegedly processed chemicals for explosive devices in a flour mill at his rented home in Faridabad. Electronic equipment, a flour mill, and nearly 360 kg of ammonium nitrate were confiscated. Pulwama resident Ganaie has been taken into custody.
UPSC relevance: Terror modules, explosive precursors,Internal security.
US Immigration Charges Will Increase Starting in 2026
According to the US Department of Homeland Security, changes brought about by HR-1 (One Big Beautiful Bill) will result in an increase in immigration and border control fees starting on January 1, 2026. There will be changes to the fees for EVUS, ESTA, and temporary parole admissions. Travel-related expenses may slightly increase for Indian tourists.
UPSC relevance: Mobility rules, diaspora issues,International relations.