For aspirants preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 and other competitive tests, staying updated with the week's significant national and international developments is crucial. The period from November 24 to November 30, 2025, witnessed a spectrum of important events across polity, defence, environment, and sports that are highly relevant for the current affairs syllabus.
Polity and Governance Highlights
The nation celebrated Constitution Day on November 26 under the theme “Hamara Samvidhan–Hamara Swabhiman.” The main event was held in the Central Hall of the Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu released the digital version of the Constitution of India in nine languages: Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Punjabi, Bodo, Kashmiri, Telugu, Odia, and Assamese. This marked a historic first for the Bodo and Kashmiri editions, while the Punjabi edition received its first update in nearly five decades.
In a significant judicial appointment, Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India by President Droupadi Murmu. Justice Kant, who was part of the landmark Article 370 abrogation judgement, will hold office until February 9, 2027. His appointment followed the established Memorandum of Procedure, where the outgoing CJI recommends the seniormost judge considered fit for the role.
Defence, Security, and International Relations
On the defence front, the third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue was held in New Delhi on November 27. The dialogue reinforced the strategic partnership, with discussions centering on Indonesia's potential procurement of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. If finalized, Indonesia would become the second country after the Philippines to acquire this Indian weapon system.
In a major anti-narcotics operation named Operation Crystal Fortress, the Narcotics Control Bureau and Delhi Police's Special Cell arrested two peddlers and seized a large consignment of methamphetamine, also known as the “Ice” drug. The operation's name was derived from the crystal-like appearance of the drug and the fortified hideout where it was stored.
Demonstrating India's role as a first responder in the region, Operation Sagar Bandhu was launched to assist Sri Lanka, which was devastated by Cyclone Ditwah. The Indian Navy deployed aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline ship INS Udaigiri to deliver critical relief materials. In another international achievement, India was re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation Council with the highest votes in its category for the 2025-26 term.
Schemes, Environment, and Science
The Union Cabinet approved a landmark scheme to promote the manufacturing of sintered rare earth permanent magnets (REPMs) with an outlay of Rs 7,280 crore. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to establish an annual manufacturing capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes, enhancing self-reliance in sectors like electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defence.
To boost innovation in the textile sector, the government launched the Tex-RAMPS Scheme (Textiles Focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning, and Start-up) with a total outlay of Rs 305 crore from FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31.
The environment sector saw significant activity. Cyclone Ditwah, which caused severe damage in Sri Lanka, approached the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coasts, prompting an IMD orange alert. Another system, Cyclone Senyar, developed near the Strait of Malacca. Additionally, a volcanic ash plume from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano, which erupted for the first time in 12,000 years, entered Indian airspace, affecting flight operations.
In science and technology, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Skyroot Aerospace and unveiled the Vikram-I rocket, the company's first orbital launch vehicle. In a nod to Indian geography, the International Astronomical Union named seven locations on Mars after Indian places, including Varkala, Thumba, and Bekal.
Defence Indigenisation and Sports Achievements
Strengthening the defence manufacturing ecosystem, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and France's Safran signed an agreement for the joint production of HAMMER air-to-ground precision-guided weapons in India. The Indian Navy also commissioned its first indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, INS Mahe, and received the stealth frigate INS Taragiri.
In the sports arena, India celebrated multiple victories. The Indian women's kabaddi team won the Kabaddi World Cup in Dhaka, defeating Chinese Taipei for its second consecutive title. At the Deaflympics in Tokyo, India achieved its best-ever performance, winning 20 medals (9 gold, 7 silver, 4 bronze) and finishing sixth overall. Shuttler Lakshya Sen clinched the Australian Open Super 500 title, and Indian boxers dominated the World Boxing Cup Finals, securing 20 medals.
In other news, the archaeological site of Sirpur in Chhattisgarh, a 5th–12th century multi-religious urban centre, is being pushed for a UNESCO World Heritage tag. The 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur was observed, and Ahmedabad was formally confirmed as the host for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Test Your Knowledge:
1. Consider the following statements:
1. Since Independence November 26, the day the Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly, is celebrated as Samvidhan Divas.
2. This year for the first time the Bodo and Kashmiri editions of the Constitution are being introduced in the history of India.
Which of the above-mentioned statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched by the Indian government, was for which of the following countries?
(a) Sri Lanka (b) Bangladesh (c) Nepal (d) Indonesia
3. Consider the following statements:
1. The Indian team won the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup after defeating Bangladesh in the finals.
2. The inaugural edition of the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup was held in Patna, Bihar, back in 2012.
Which of the above-mentioned statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None
Answer Key: 1. (b), 2. (a), 3. (b)
