Daily Current Affairs - 22nd November 2025
- TPP
- Nov 22
- 14 min read
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | Four new labour codes, Ultra-processed foods, Framework on Traceability in Fisheries and Aquaculture, SFIO, UPI-TIPS, Naegleri fowleri, Meerut Bugle and more.
If you missed Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP) | Sept - Oct 2025, read it here.
Table of Content
SECURITY / DEFENCE
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
MISCELLANY
Central government implements four new labour codes
The Union Government has announced the implementation of four new labour codes, replacing and rationalising 29 existing Central labour laws.
The intention is to streamline compliance, reduce complexity, and eliminate outdated provisions.
The reform seeks to create a simplified, efficient regulatory structure that supports ease of doing business while ensuring strong protection for workers’ rights and welfare.
The four codes—covering wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety—will now be implemented uniformly nationwide, bringing consistency to labour governance.
The four Labour Codes being operationalised from 21 November 2025 are:
Code on Wages, 2019
Industrial Relations Code, 2020
Code on Social Security, 2020
Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020
Many earlier labour laws dated back to the 1930s–1950s, reflecting economic realities very different from today’s world of work.
These laws were fragmented, complex, and often restrictive, leading to compliance challenges for industries and insecurity for workers.
Labour Code | Laws it Subsumed | Key-Provisions |
Code on Wages, 2019 | Code replaces the following four laws:
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Industrial Relations Code, 2020 | Subsumes 3 labour acts
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Code on Social Security, 2020 | Subsumes 9 Labour Acts like Employees' Compensation Act, 1923, Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, etc. |
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Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 | Subsumes 13 Labour Acts like Factories Act, 1948, Plantation Labour Act, 1951, Mines Act, 1952 etc. |
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Ultra-processed foods driving surge in obesity and diabetes globally: Lancet Report
A Lancet Report warns that Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) are driving a global surge in obesity and diabetes.
The report states that rising UPF consumption is damaging public health.
It further notes that UPFs are fuelling chronic diseases across populations.
The report also highlights that UPFs are worsening health inequalities worldwide.
UPF consumption in India increased 40-fold between 2006 and 2019, indicating a rapid dietary shift.
During the same period, obesity almost doubled in India among both men and women.
Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) are foods that are heavily industrially processed.
These foods contain high levels of fat, sugar, and salt, contributing to poor health outcomes.
UPFs include additives such as emulsifiers, colours, and artificial flavours, which enhance texture and appearance.
Emulsifiers are additives that improve texture by keeping ingredients mixed.
Artificial flavours are chemical compounds designed to mimic natural taste.
Common UPFs include instant noodles, biscuits, and chips, widely consumed across age groups.
UPFs are designed to be hyper-palatable, meaning they are engineered for irresistible taste and repeated intake.
Increased UPF consumption is linked to hypertension, a condition of persistently high blood pressure.
It is also linked to renal failure, which refers to the loss of kidney function.
UPFs are associated with obesity, a condition involving excess body fat.
They are further associated with fatty liver disease, which involves abnormal fat buildup in the liver.
UPFs contribute to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions increasing cardiovascular risks.
They are also connected to cardiovascular diseases, affecting the heart and blood vessels.
Aggressive marketing is a major reason behind rising UPF consumption.
Aggressive marketing includes heavy advertising and digital targeting of all age groups.
High corporate profits also drive UPF production because these foods are cheap to manufacture.
These profits increase due to the hyper-palatable design that encourages repeated consumption.
Weak regulations allow UPFs to spread easily in markets.
Weak regulations include loose rules on labeling and advertising.
They also include permissive rules for selling UPFs in schools.
Lifestyle changes in urban areas increase reliance on ready-to-eat foods.
High availability of UPFs in markets further increases their consumption.
India has launched initiatives such as the Eat Right India Campaign to curb UPF consumption.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) leads this campaign to ensure safe and wholesome food.
FSSAI has also limited trans-fatty acids (TFAs) in foods to 2% of total oils and fats by mass.
Trans-fatty acids (TFAs) are harmful fats that raise the risk of heart disease.
India imposes a 40% GST on aerated beverages containing sugar or flavouring.
Aerated beverages include carbonated soft drinks with added sugar or flavours.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) released revised Dietary Guidelines for Indians in 2024.
Experts recommend increasing taxes on UPFs to reduce their consumption.
Such taxes can also be used to fund subsidies for healthier foods.
Policymakers are urged to regulate corporate influence on food systems.
This includes replacing industry self-regulation with stronger, mandatory rules.
It also includes enforcing competition oversight to limit unfair corporate practices.
Public health experts recommend Front-of-Pack Warning Labels to guide consumer choices.
These labels highlight high salt, sugar, or fat levels in packaged foods.
Another key recommendation is to restrict UPFs in public institutions.
Such restrictions apply to schools that influence children’s eating habits.
They also apply to hospitals where nutritional standards must be high.
The restrictions extend to childcare centres, protecting early-age nutrition.
They further apply to government facilities, setting a model for responsible food environments.
National Framework on Traceability in Fisheries and Aquaculture 2025
India has launched the National Framework on Traceability in Fisheries and Aquaculture 2025.
The framework is developed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).
PM-MKSSY is a Central Sector Sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
A Central Sector Sub-scheme means it is fully funded and implemented by the Central Government.
PM-MKSSY aims at formalization of the fisheries sector, helping bring uniform standards.
It also aims to support fisheries micro and small enterprises, strengthening small-scale livelihoods.
The primary objective of the framework is to establish a national digital traceability system.
A digital traceability system is a technology-based mechanism that records and tracks the movement of products.
This system aims to enhance food safety through reliable tracking of seafood origin.
It also aims to ensure sustainability by monitoring responsible fishing and aquaculture practices.
Another objective is to improve global market access for Indian seafood exports.
The framework provides a comprehensive strategy to unify India’s fragmented traceability practices.
It proposes integrating advanced digital tools to create a standardised system.
These tools include blockchain technology, which secures data through tamper-proof digital ledgers.
They also include the Internet of Things (IoT), which connects sensors and devices for automatic data capture.
The framework includes the use of QR codes, which store product information that consumers can scan.
It further includes GPS technology, which tracks the geographic location of fishing activities.
The digital system will enable real-time tracking of seafood at every stage.
It will support end-to-end traceability, meaning complete visibility from production to consumption.
The system will trace seafood products “from farm to plate” in aquaculture settings.
It will also trace products “from catch to consumer” in marine capture fisheries.
Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO)
The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has introduced safeguards to prevent impersonation of its officials.
The safeguards require SFIO officers to issue Summons and Notices digitally.
Digital issuance is mandated to prevent misuse of official communication.
Physical issuance of notices is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
SFIO is a multi-disciplinary investigating agency.
A multi-disciplinary agency means it draws expertise from law, finance, accountancy, forensic auditing, and investigation.
SFIO investigates and prosecutes complex corporate frauds.
SFIO has been granted statutory status under the Companies Act, 2013.
Statutory status means the agency is established and empowered by law.
SFIO functions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
The organisation is headed by a Director.
The Director is an officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of India.
The headquarters of SFIO is located in New Delhi.
The Companies Act specifies that when a case is assigned to SFIO, no other Central or State agency may continue its investigation.
This provision ensures that SFIO has exclusive jurisdiction over cases entrusted to it.
RBI has announced the UPI–TIPS interlinkage
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the UPI–TIPS interlinkage.
This interlinkage is designed to enhance cross-border payments between India and the Euro Area.
TIPS refers to the TARGET Instant Payment Settlement system.
TIPS is an instant payment system that enables real-time fund transfers.
TIPS is operated by the Eurosystem, which governs monetary policy and payment systems in the Euro Area.
The Eurosystem consists of the European Central Bank and national central banks of Euro Area countries.
The UPI–TIPS interlinkage aims to facilitate cross-border remittances between India and the Euro Area.
Cross-border remittances refer to international fund transfers from one jurisdiction to another.
The interlinkage is expected to benefit users in both jurisdictions by enabling faster and easier payments.
The initiative aligns with the G20 Roadmap for enhancing cross-border payments.
The G20 Roadmap focuses on making remittances cheaper, improving affordability for users.
It also focuses on making remittances more efficient, ensuring quicker transactions.
Another priority of the roadmap is to make remittances more transparent, improving clarity of fees and processes.
The roadmap further aims to make remittances more accessible, expanding reach to underserved populations.
UN Women says 44% of the world’s women and girls lack legal protection against digital Violence
UN Women reports that 44% of the world’s women and girls lack legal protection against digital violence.
Digital abuse is spreading at alarming speed, according to UN Women.
This rapid spread is fuelled by AI technology, online anonymity, and weak laws.
Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women and Girls (TFVAWG) shows a prevalence ranging between 16% and 58%.
Misinformation and defamation form the most common type of online violence against women at 67%.
73% of women journalists report experiencing online violence.
These statistics come from UN Women’s 2024 findings.
Digital violence against women refers to acts of digital abuse created and spread through AI technologies.
This form of violence causes physical harm, sexual harm and psychological harm.
It results in social harm. It contributes to political harm by silencing or intimidating women’s participation.
It creates economic harm through loss of income and opportunities.
It includes other infringements of women’s rights and freedoms in digital spaces.
Anti-rights actors are increasingly using online platforms to undermine women’s rights.
Anti-rights actors engage in cyberbullying, targeting women with abusive messages.
They engage in online harassment, including stalking and intimidation.
They also issue threats of violence, escalating fear and insecurity.
The growth of AI intensifies digital violence against women.
AI facilitates the spread of targeted disinformation about women.
AI also increases image-based abuse, including non-consensual modifications of photos.
AI has led to a surge in deepfake pornographic videos, which are synthetic videos created without consent.
Studies show 90–95% of online deepfakes are non-consensual porn.
Nearly 90% of such deepfakes depict women, highlighting gendered targeting.
New AI-powered abuses include AI-driven impersonation, where attackers mimic real women.
AI-powered abuses also include sextortion, which is blackmail using intimate images.
AI tools also increase sophisticated doxing, meaning exposure of personal data.
These new forms significantly escalate psychological harm for women.
The expansion of the manosphere intensifies online misogyny.
The manosphere is an ecosystem of misogynistic content and male-supremacist ideologies.
This ecosystem is seeping into mainstream online culture.
It shapes public attitudes toward women, normalizing discrimination.
It further fuels violence by encouraging hatred and hostility.
Legal gaps are widening as digital violence evolves.
Current laws such as the UK’s Online Safety Act struggle to regulate fast-advancing AI.
Laws such as Mexico’s Ley Olimpia face similar limitations.
Even the EU’s Digital Safety Act finds it difficult to address emerging AI-enabled harms.
A strong way forward requires global cooperation.
Countries must ensure that digital platforms and AI tools meet safety and ethics standards.
Governments must support survivors of digital violence through dedicated funding.
Funding must be directed to women’s rights organizations that assist victims.
Preventive measures require investments in digital literacy for women and girls.
Preventive measures also require online safety training to reduce vulnerability.
Programmes must challenge toxic online cultures that normalize misogyny.
Technology must be used to create positive social change.
An example is the French tech firm Bodyguard.AI, which filters online abuse using AI.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been designated as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for seaports.
This designation is granted under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
An RSO functions as a regulator for seaport security.
The RSO designation allows CISF to audit, assess, and oversee security measures at seaports.
The ISPS Code is a comprehensive set of mandatory maritime security measures.
The ISPS Code is implemented through the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The ISPS Code operates under the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
SOLAS is a global treaty that sets minimum safety standards for ships and maritime operations.
The CISF is part of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
CAPFs function under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
CISF receives legal backing from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Act, 1968.
The CISF Act of 1968 was passed as an Act of Parliament, giving CISF statutory authority.
CISF is headed by an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer.
The head of CISF holds the rank of Director-General.
CISF provides security to airports, ensuring aviation safety.
It provides security to government buildings, protecting critical infrastructure. It provides security to monuments, safeguarding national heritage.
CISF assists during disasters, supporting emergency response.
It provides VIP security, ensuring protection for important personalities.
It secures critical installations such as the Delhi Metro, ensuring public transport safety. It provides security to the Department of Space, protecting strategic assets.
It also secures the Department of Atomic Energy, safeguarding sensitive nuclear facilities.
These roles are performed in addition to CISF’s traditional mandate of providing industrial security.
Sagar Kavach
Recently Sagar Kavach exercise was conducted along the Maharashtra & Goa coastline.
About Sagar Kavach
About: it is a Biannual coastal security exercise conducted by the Indian Coast Guard.
Objective: to assess preparedness of in handling coastal security emergencies, preventing attacks on vital coastal installations and strengthening the multi-layered Coastal Security Network
It also sought to enhance synergy among central and state stakeholders responsible for coastal and maritime security.
Karnataka Issues Advisory On 'Brain-Eating Amoeba'
Karnataka has issued a safety advisory after cases of the “brain-eating amoeba” infection were reported in Kerala.
The organism responsible is Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba.
Naegleria fowleri lives in warm and shallow bodies of fresh water.
These water bodies include lakes, which warm up during summer.
They also include rivers, especially those with slow-moving warm water.
They further include hot springs, which provide ideal temperatures for the amoeba.
The amoeba can also be found in soil, particularly in warm climates.
People infected by Naegleria fowleri develop a condition called Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM).
PAM is a serious infection of the central nervous system.
PAM is almost always fatal, making it one of the deadliest rare infections.
The most common route of infection is when contaminated water enters the nose.
The amoeba then travels up the olfactory nerve, which connects the nose to the brain.
Infection does not spread from person to person, ensuring no human-to-human transmission.
Infection also does not occur by drinking contaminated water, since it must enter through the nasal passage.
A Post-AR6 (Assessment Report ) update on Climate Change in India
A recent study provides a Post-AR6 update on India’s climate change patterns.
AR6 refers to the Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC, which assesses global climate science.
The study offers a comprehensive assessment of India’s observed and projected climate changes.
RISING TEMPERATURES
India has warmed by 0.89°C when comparing 2015–2024 to 1901–1930.
This warming trend indicates long-term temperature acceleration over the subcontinent.
India is projected to warm by an additional 1.2–1.3°C by mid-century.
OCEAN WARMING
The Indian Ocean has been warming at a rate of 0.12°C per decade since 1950.
This warming rate is projected to increase to 0.17°C per decade by 2100.
Marine heatwaves in the Indian Ocean currently last about 20 days per year.
These marine heatwaves are projected to increase to ~200 days per year by mid-century.
Sea levels in the North Indian Ocean have been rising at 3.3 mm per year from 1993 to 2017.
Rising sea levels increase risks of coastal flooding and erosion.
MONSOON PATTERNS
Mean Southwest Monsoon rainfall has declined over the Indo-Gangetic Plains.
The monsoon rainfall has also declined over the Northeast region.
At the same time, extreme precipitation events have intensified, leading to severe flooding.
All-India mean monsoon rainfall is projected to increase by 6–8% by mid-century.
This monsoon increase will show high spatial variability, causing region-specific impacts.
CRYOSPHERE – HINDU KUSH HIMALAYAS
The Hindu Kush Himalayan region is experiencing accelerated warming.
This region is warming at a rate of 0.28°C per decade between 1950 and 2020.
Accelerated warming is causing rapid glacier mass loss across the Himalayas.
Glacier volume in the region is projected to reduce by 30–50% by 2100.
These projections correspond to a global warming range of 1.5–2°C.
CYCLONES
Pre-monsoon cyclone intensity over the Arabian Sea has increased by 40% from 1982 to 2019.
This intensification indicates a stronger and more hazardous storm system over the Arabian Sea.
Historical 1-in-100-year extreme sea-level events are becoming more frequent along the Arabian Sea coastline.
These extreme sea-level events are projected to occur annually by mid-century.
Source : PLOS
Mount Semeru
Mount Semeru, the most active volcano in Indonesia, has erupted recently.
It is located on East Java Island.
It is the highest volcano on Java Island at present.
It is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
The Pacific Ring of Fire is a highly seismically active belt surrounding the Pacific Ocean.
This belt is known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Mount Semeru is classified as a stratovolcano.
A stratovolcano is a cone-shaped volcano made of layers of lava, ash, and volcanic rock.
Stratovolcanoes are known for explosive and powerful eruptions.
Indonesia has witnessed other recent volcanic eruptions such as Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki.
Indonesia has also recorded eruptions from the Merapi Volcano.
UAE Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP)
The COP30 Presidency has released a draft of the UAE Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) under the Paris Agreement.
The UAE JTWP is a work programme created under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
A work programme under UNFCCC refers to a formal climate action framework adopted by member countries.
The JTWP focuses on achieving a just transition in the global climate response.
A just transition ensures climate resilience by strengthening communities against climate impacts.
A just transition aims to reduce inequality arising from climate change and climate policies.
A just transition aims to create quality jobs, ensuring social and economic stability during the low-carbon shift.
The background of the JTWP goes back to COP27, which established a work programme on just transition in 2022.
The programme was operationalized at COP28 as the United Arab Emirates JTWP in 2023.
As part of the JTWP process, two technical dialogues are held each year and one ministerial meeting is also held each year.
Meerut Bugle has earned a GI tag.
The Meerut bugle is a brass wind instrument used in India’s military drills, parades, ceremonies, and signalling.
It is recognised for its commanding sound associated with Indian military tradition.
Its craftsmanship originated in Meerut during the late 19th century under the British era.
The British period made the bugle integral to battlefield communication, which relied on sound-based signals.
Over time, Meerut developed into a specialised centre for handmade bugles.
The instrument is handcrafted using high-quality brass, which ensures durability.
High-quality brass also provides accurate tonal clarity required for military signalling.
The Meerut bugle is widely used in regimental bands across India.
It is equally used in military academies for training and ceremonies.
It is also used in state and national ceremonial events.
Meerut Bugle and the GI Tag
The Meerut bugle has been granted a GI tag, recognising its regional authenticity.
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag legally identifies products originating from a specific region.
A GI tag certifies that the product’s qualities and reputation are linked to that region.
GI tags are governed under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
This Act has been implemented since September 2003.
GI registration is handled by the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai.
The Registry functions under the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
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