THE HINDU NEWS EXAM POINT NOV 28

 

THE HINDU NEWS EXAM POINT  (dated November 28, 2025), here are the comprehensive current affairs notes structured for UPSC and TNPSC preparation.

 

I. Polity & Governance (GS Paper II / General Studies)

1. Simultaneous Elections (One Nation, One Election)

·         News: The Union Law Ministry defended the proposal for simultaneous elections before the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).

·         Key Arguments for Mains/Group I:

o    Basic Structure: The Ministry argued that synchronizing elections does not violate the "Basic Structure" of the Constitution or federalism.

o    Tenure Flexibility: The 5-year tenure (Articles 83(2) and 172(1)) is not sacrosanct. The phrase "unless sooner dissolved" implies the framers envisaged premature dissolution.

o    Precedent: Cited the 42nd Amendment (Emergency era), which extended tenure to 6 years, to argue that tenure can be amended.

o    Rights: The right to vote and contest (Article 326) are statutory rights, not Fundamental Rights in this context.

·         Objective: To reduce poll frequency and expenditure.

2. Regulation of Online Content

·         News: The Supreme Court has asked the government to create a mechanism to regulate user-generated content.

·         Proposed Mechanism: An "impartial and autonomous authority" to vet content, independent of broadcasters and the government.

·         Reasoning: To protect innocents from "anti-national," obscene, or reputation-damaging content which goes viral before platforms can take it down.

·         Suggested Checks: Use of Aadhaar details to verify user age for adult content.

3. Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025

·         News: Assam Assembly passed a bill banning polygamy.

·         Key Provisions: Penalizes entering a second marriage without legally dissolving the first. Punishment up to 10 years.

·         Next Step: The CM announced that a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill will be the next step for Assam.

 

II. Economy (GS Paper III / Economics)

1. IMF Grades India’s Data as 'C'

·         News: The IMF's annual Article IV assessment gave India's national accounts statistics (GDP/GVA) a 'C' grade.

·         Meaning: Data has "shortcomings that somewhat hamper surveillance".

·         Issues Highlighted:

o    Outdated base year (2011-12).

o    Use of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for deflators instead of Producer Price Indices.

o    Discrepancies between "production" and "expenditure" approaches to GDP.

·         CPI Rating: Consumer Price Index (inflation data) received a 'B' grade but was criticized for an outdated consumption basket (also 2011-12).

2. Implementation of 4 Labour Codes

·         News: The four Labour Codes became effective on November 21, 2025²⁰.

·         The Codes: Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Social Security Code, and OSH Code.

·         Key Reforms:

o    Gig Workers: Included under social security coverage.

o    Ease of Compliance: Single registration, single license, and single return for businesses²³.

o    Workers' Rights: Universal minimum wages and a 48-hour work week.

·         Criticism (Mains Perspective): Trade unions argue it promotes "hire and fire" (fixed-term employment) and centralizes power, diluting state authority.

3. Tex-RAMPS Scheme

·         News: Centre approved 'Textiles Focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and Start-up (Tex-RAMPS) Scheme'.

·         Budget: ₹305 crore (2025-2031).

·         Aim: To strengthen research, innovation, and data systems (like 'India-size' study) in the textile sector.

 

III. Science & Technology (GS Paper III)

1. Skyroot Aerospace & Vikram-I

·         News: PM Modi inaugurated Skyroot’s "Infinity Campus" in Hyderabad and unveiled the Vikram-I orbital rocket.

·         Significance: Marks the success of the private sector in India's space economy, which now has 300+ startups. Vikram-I is capable of launching satellites into orbit.

2. Food Safety: Auramine O

·         News: Persistent use of banned dye Auramine O found in food items (sweets, street food).

·         Prelims Fact: Auramine O is a yellow industrial dye used in textiles/leather. It is carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and damages the liver/kidney.

·         Reason for Use: Cheaper and brighter than permitted food colors like tartrazine or natural saffron.

 

IV. International Relations (GS Paper II)

1. India-Indonesia Defence Dialogue

·         News: 3rd Defence Ministers' Dialogue held in New Delhi.

·         Key Outcome: Progress made on the BrahMos supersonic missile deal.

·         New Initiative: Proposal to form a "Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee".

·         Strategic Context: Alignment between India's "Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative" and the "ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific".

 

V. Environment (GS Paper III)

1. Air Pollution Governance

·         Analysis: The editorial highlights that India's pollution crisis is due to fragmented governance (responsibility scattered across multiple agencies like CPCB, CAQM, State boards).

·         The "Traps" hindering solution:

o    Intellectual Trap: Elite, theoretical solutions that don't match municipal realities.

o    Western Trap: Importing "best practices" (like smog towers/cloud seeding) without adapting to Indian constraints (informal economy, weak enforcement).

·         Way Forward: Needs a coordinating body with clear authority and indigenous solutions designed for local constraints.