November 24, 2025 - Current Affairs

IBSA Dialogue Forum and Equitable Global Governance

Context

The Prime Minister of India, at the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ Summit, emphasized that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms are no longer a matter of choice but a global imperative.

Key Highlights of IBSA Summit (2025)

Strengthening Security Cooperation: India proposed the institutionalization of an IBSA National Security Advisers (NSA)-level meeting to deepen trilateral security cooperation.

It stressed the need for close coordination among member nations on terrorism.

Technology and Human-Centric Development: India announced the proposal for an IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance recognizing technology’s transformative power.

It aims to facilitate the sharing of digital public infrastructure such as Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Health platforms like CoWIN, Cybersecurity frameworks, and Women-led technology initiatives.

South Africa G20 Summit Concluded

In News

The 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa is the first-ever G20 summit held on African soil under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”

Key Highlights of the Summit

Adoption of the G20 Leaders’ Declaration reaffirming commitments to climate action (focusing on adaptation finance and renewable energy), debt sustainability, and supporting vulnerable developing countries.

Emphasis on institutional reforms including UN Security Council reform and stronger multilateral cooperation rooted in shared humanity (Ubuntu).

Strong focus on empowerment of women and girls and condemning terrorism.

Recognition of Africa’s developmental priorities, bolstered by the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20.

National conference of chairpersons of State Public Service Commissions (PSCs)

In News

The 2025 national conference of chairpersons of the State Public Service Commissions (PSCs) is being hosted by the Telangana State Public Service Commission on December 19 and 20.

Historical Linkages

Public Service Commissions (PSCs) in India emerged from the Independence struggle, rooted in the demand for merit-based civil services and self-rule.

The Montagu-Chelmsford Report (1918) proposed a politically independent office, leading to the creation of the first Union PSC in 1926.

The Government of India Act, 1935 extended this to provinces, and the Constitution continued these provisions.

Today, India has the UPSC at the Union level and State PSCs, primarily tasked with recruitment.

Assam Accord (1985)

Context

Recently, the Assam government has announced that a broad consensus has been reached on most of the recommendations made under Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, 1985.

About the Assam Accord (1985)

It was signed on August 15, 1985, between the Government of India, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP).

It marked the end of a six-year-long anti-foreigner agitation in Assam (1979–1985), which was driven by concerns over large-scale illegal immigration from Bangladesh and its impact on the state’s demography, culture, and economy.

Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025

Context

Recently, the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was unveiled to reform the electricity sector in India.

Key Features of the Bill

Structural Reforms: Bill aims to facilitate regulated competition in electricity distribution, allowing multiple licensees to operate in the same area using shared and optimized infrastructure.

It mandates Universal Service Obligation (USO) for all licensees, ensuring non-discriminatory access and supply to all consumers, while enabling SERCs to make Distribution licensees free from USO, in consultation with State Governments, for large consumers eligible for Open Access (more than 1 MW).

Tariff and Cross-Subsidy Rationalisation: Bill promotes cost-reflective tariffs while protecting subsidised consumers (e.g., farmers, poor households) through transparent budgeted subsidies.

News in Short – 24 November, 2025

In News

India’s strengthening of textile and sericulture cooperation with Georgia, including participation in the 11th BACSA International Conference (CULTUSERI 2025).

About Georgia (Capital: Tbilisi)

Georgia is a Transcaucasian country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, making it a significant geopolitical bridge between the two continents.