Weekly Important News (10 - 16 Nov)

Fresh SSB batches start around the 1st & 15th of every month.

• Aditya-L1 gets a close look at eruptions from the sun

India’s Aditya-L1 mission, using the VELC instrument, captured the first-ever visible-range spectroscopic observations of a coronal mass ejection near the sun. Scientists estimated its mass, speed, temperature, and density, marking a major milestone in solar physics and real-time CME monitoring.

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• Climate change, imbalance in fertilizer use impact soil’s organic carbon: ICAR study

An ICAR study of over 2.5 lakh soil samples across 29 States found that excessive fertilizer use and climate change are degrading soil organic carbon. Declining micronutrients, rainfall variability, and temperature rise are worsening soil health, especially in arable lands like Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.

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• Can Tamil Nadu’s reforms change transgender healthcare?

Tamil Nadu has pioneered transgender-inclusive healthcare through gender clinics, insurance coverage, surgeries, and anti-discrimination policies. Court rulings and State laws further expanded rights. Challenges remain in scaling primary-to-tertiary care, building provider competence, and ensuring grievance mechanisms, but TN offers a national model for inclusive care.

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• India’s carbon emission rise slower this year, says report

India’s emissions rose by 1.4% in 2024, slower than last year’s 4% increase. A strong monsoon, reduced cooling demand, and higher renewable use kept growth modest. The Global Carbon Project says India remains the world’s third-largest emitter, with coal still dominating energy use.

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• SC wants govt. to promote EVs amid high air pollution

With air quality worsening nationwide, the Supreme Court urged the government to revive and enforce the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan and expand EV charging infrastructure. It also suggested pilot EV zones in major cities to reduce pollution from combustion-engine vehicles.

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• Central government notifies key parts of Digital Personal Data Protection Act

The Centre operationalised major provisions of the DPDP Act, strengthening citizens’ data privacy rights. Firms must protect personal data, follow strict processing rules, and may face penalties for breaches. Consent management, data removal rights, and transparency norms will take effect gradually until 2026.

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• India, Canada cement ties on trade, critical minerals, investment

India and Canada agreed to deepen cooperation on critical minerals, clean energy, aerospace, and dual-use technologies. Both sides will encourage long-term supply chain partnerships and expand investment opportunities. The engagement gained momentum after recent meetings between trade ministers of both nations.

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• U.S. approves military sale worth $330 mn to Taiwan

The U.S. cleared a $330-million sale of spare parts and components for Taiwan’s air force, aimed at boosting combat readiness. China strongly opposed the move, which comes weeks after Trump’s meeting with Xi Jinping and amid heightened U.S.–China tensions.

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• U.S. to launch new military operation in Latin America

The U.S. Defence Secretary announced “Operation Southern Spear” to remove narco-terrorist threats in Caribbean and Latin American waters. Increased naval deployment aims to disrupt drug trafficking networks and prevent destabilising activities. Venezuela condemned the plan as a threat to its sovereignty.

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• Iran seizes oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz

Iran seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz, redirecting it into Iranian waters. Tehran denies escalation but tensions rise amid earlier tanker seizures and U.S. sanctions. The vessel was reportedly linked to disputes over oil shipments.

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• Record women turnout in Bihar elections

The 2025 Bihar elections saw record female voter turnout, with 4.34 lakh more women voting than men. Women’s turnout reached 71.6%, the highest ever in the State’s history, contributing to an overall turnout of 66.91%. Exit polls predicted an NDA lead.

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• Delhi AQI hits season’s worst; triggers construction ban

Delhi’s air quality fell to the ‘severe’ category, prompting CAQM to invoke GRAP Stage III restrictions. Construction and demolition activities were halted, school classes up to grade 5 moved to hybrid mode, and diesel vehicle restrictions tightened to control pollution.

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• In highest turnout since 1951, Bihar registers 67% polling

Bihar recorded 67% voter turnout across two election phases—the highest since 1951. Women (71.6%) outvoted men. The Election Commission reported strong NDA support; opposition parties claimed momentum on their side. Over 8.5 lakh new voters and 1,302 candidates participated across 122 seats.

• India and China have goodwill towards us, says Sri Lankan PM

Sri Lankan PM Harini Amarasuriya said both India and China recognise Sri Lanka as an important partner. She highlighted successes in stability and political culture under the NPP government, ongoing IMF challenges, and the need for a home-grown reconciliation process and a consultative Constitution.

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• High-intensity explosion in Capital kills at least 9

A powerful blast in a slow-moving car near Delhi’s Red Fort killed at least nine people and injured over 20. Investigations are exploring all possibilities, with national agencies involved. Severe damage to vehicles and bodies was reported. PM Modi and Amit Shah reviewed the situation.

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• What South Asia wants from COP30

South Asia demands climate finance, disaster resilience, regional cooperation, and inclusion of vulnerable communities. Experts argue the region needs scaled investment in adaptation, technology transfer, renewable energy, and trust-building. They stress localised solutions and restoration of multilateralism to address intensifying monsoon floods, heatwaves, and cross-border climate risks.

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• Rural unemployment down, urban joblessness up: government survey

PLFS data for July–September 2025 shows rural unemployment falling to 4.4% while urban unemployment rose slightly. Rural jobs were driven by self-employment and agriculture, whereas urban employment saw minor gains in regular wages. Female labour force participation increased, especially in rural areas.

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• All HCs should upload details of time taken by judges to deliver verdicts: SC

The Supreme Court urged all High Courts to publicly disclose how long judges take to deliver reserved judgments. Justice Surya Kant said transparency is essential as delays often exceed a year. The reform aims to improve accountability and meet citizens’ expectations of timely justice.

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• Jaishankar chairs conference of Indian envoys in the U.S.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reviewed India–U.S. ties, diaspora engagement, and consular coordination at a conference in New York. Discussions focused on strengthening partnerships, supporting Indian communities abroad, and reinforcing the strategic cooperation between the two nations.

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• After three-year slump, govt. aims at awarding 10,000 km of National Highway projects

The Centre plans to award 10,000 km of highway projects by FY 2026, recovering from a slowdown in recent years. Faster approvals and timely tendering are expected to boost execution. Officials said performance is improving despite earlier delays and funding pressures.

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• Iran looks to BRICS countries to use cryptos to help it bypass sanctions

Iran is exploring cryptocurrency-based trade with BRICS nations—including India—to circumvent U.S. and EU sanctions. Officials argue cryptocurrencies offer resilience against SWIFT restrictions. Iran is working on blockchain regulations and a national crypto strategy but denies aiming for full “de-dollarisation.”

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• The South at the centre (COP30)

At COP30 in Brazil, the Global South asserted leadership with ambitious climate–development proposals. Brazil pushed initiatives linking green growth, industrialisation, equity, and climate justice. Despite internal debates, the summit showcased the South’s growing confidence in shaping global climate decisions as Western influence recedes.

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• China urges citizens to avoid Japan travel as row over Taiwan escalates

China warned citizens against travelling to Japan after remarks by Japan’s PM about potential Taiwan intervention sparked diplomatic tensions. Both sides summoned envoys. China cited safety risks, while Japan called the advisory inconsistent with bilateral relations. Airlines began offering refunds on Japan routes.