CURRENT AFFAIRS 12 November, 2025

CURRENT AFFAIRS 12 November, 2025

1. SHAH BANO CASE 1985 & MUSLIM WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN INDIA –

• An upcoming Bollywood film inspired by the Shah Bano case, 1985, has renewed public attention on one of India’s most debated legal judgments concerning Muslim women’s rights, and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The case remains a milestone in balancing personal laws with constitutional principles.

How Did the Shah Bano Verdict Shape the Legal Landscape for Muslim Women in India?

• Case Background: In 1978, Shah Bano Begum, a 62-year-old Muslim woman, sought maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC (now Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023) after being divorced by her husband. This section ensures maintenance for dependents irrespective of religion.
• Husband contended that under Muslim personal law, his obligation ended after the iddat period (3 months after divorce), but the Madhya Pradesh High Court increased her maintenance, prompting him to appeal to the Supreme Court (SC).
• Supreme Court Verdict (1985): A 5 judge SC constitution bench unanimously ruled in Shah Bano’s favour, declaring Section 125 CrPC a secular law applicable to all, including Muslim women.
• The Court held she was entitled to maintenance beyond the iddat period and lamented that Article 44 (UCC) remained a “dead letter.” SC criticized the non-implementation of Article 44, which calls for a Uniform Civil Code.
• It referenced the Quran to support continued maintenance post-divorce.
• Backlash and Legislative Response (1986): Facing protests from conservative Muslim groups, the government passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986.
• This act diluted the SC’s ruling by limiting the husband’s responsibility to the iddat period, shifting long-term support to the woman’s relatives or Waqf Board.
• Reaffirmation in Daniel Latifi Case (2001): In 2001, the SC upheld the 1986 Act after Danial Latifi (Shah Bano’s lawyer) challenged its validity in the Daniel Latifi Case, 2001.
• It ruled that husbands must make a one-time payment within the iddat period to cover a woman’s future needs, preserving the spirit of the Shah Bano verdict.
• Mohd. Abdul Samad v. State of Telangana Case, 2024: The SC ruled that the 1986 Act does not override Section 125 CrPC, allowing divorced Muslim women to seek maintenance under either or both laws.
• Significance of the Shah Bano Case 1985: It restored legal clarity, strengthened access to justice, ensured constitutional parity for Muslim women, and reinforced the secular character of Indian maintenance law.
• The case continues to influence India’s constitutional journey, highlighting tensions between faith vs. equality, law vs. politics, and religion vs. reform.

2. 150 YEARS OF VANDE MATARAM –

• Recently, the Indian Prime Minister inaugurated year-long celebrations marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, calling the iconic national song an “enduring symbol of patriotism and unwavering devotion to the nation.”

About the Celebration

• Nationwide Celebrations: As India marks 150 years of Vande Mataram, commemorative events across the country honour its legacy as a song of unity, resistance, and national pride.
• Government-led Commemoration: The Government of India will observe the milestone in four phases, ensuring national, international, and local-level participation, reflecting Vande Mataram’s timeless power to inspire collective patriotism.

3. SERGIO GOR SWORN IN AS NEW US AMBASSADOR TO INDIA –

• Sergio Gor has officially assumed charge as the United States Ambassador to India, marking a significant step in Washington’s diplomatic engagement with New Delhi. The 38-year-old diplomat was sworn in by US Vice President J.D. Vance at the Oval Office, with President Donald Trump presiding over the ceremony attended by senior American officials and lawmakers.

Gor Expresses Commitment to Strengthening Ties

• Following his swearing-in, Ambassador Gor expressed gratitude to President Trump for the opportunity, stating that he looks forward to advancing the US–India partnership. In a social media post, Gor wrote, “Very much looking forward to being the new U.S. Ambassador to India. Thank you @POTUS @realDonaldTrump! I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity and committed to honouring the faith you’ve shown in me.”
• India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, congratulated Gor and wished him success as he prepares to take up his assignment in New Delhi, reaffirming the mutual warmth in bilateral relations.

4. KALINGA STADIUM TO HOST INDIA’S FIRST NATIONAL INDOOR ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS –

• Bhubaneswar’s iconic Kalinga Stadium is set to host the inaugural National Indoor Athletics Championships in January 2026, marking a historic development in India’s athletics calendar. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced the introduction of indoor competitions for the first time in the country, focusing on expanding the domestic athletics ecosystem.

India’s First-Ever Indoor Athletics Event

• AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo confirmed that the National Indoor Championships would be part of the 2026 domestic season. The indoor meet will feature key events such as the pole vault and heptathlon, showcasing India’s readiness to embrace international standards in athletics infrastructure. Bhubaneswar’s world-class indoor facility at Kalinga Stadium will serve as the venue for this pioneering edition.

5. PM MODI EXTENDS $455 MILLION CREDIT LINE TO STRENGTHEN ENERGY TIES WITH BHUTAN –

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan has deepened India’s energy cooperation with the Himalayan nation, marking a major boost in regional development and strategic relations. During the visit, Modi announced a $455 million line of credit and inaugurated the India-funded Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project, reaffirming India’s long-standing commitment to Bhutan’s sustainable growth.

Expanding Energy Cooperation

• The 1,020-megawatt Punatsangchhu-II project, inaugurated by PM Modi, represents a major milestone in bilateral collaboration on renewable energy. The project, built with Indian financial and technical support, is expected to increase Bhutan’s hydropower capacity by nearly 40%, further cementing the country’s role as a key clean energy exporter to India. The project highlights India’s focus on regional energy integration under its “Neighbourhood First” policy.

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.  Who won the 2025 Booker Prize ?

1. a) Salman Rushdie
2. b) David Szalay
3. c) Arundhati Roy
4. d) Margaret Atwood

Q2.  Greater Flamingo Sanctuary (GFS) is located in which state ?

1. a) Karnataka
2. b) Kerala
3. c) Tamil Nadu
4. d) Maharashtra

Q3.  Which Indian Naval Ship (INS) is representing India at the multilateral Exercise Malabar-2025 ?

1. a) INS Kolkata
2. b) INS Chennai
3. c) INS Sahyadri
4. d) INS Vikramaditya

Q4.  Consider the following statements regarding Blue Flag certification:

         Statement I: The Blue Flag certification criteria for beaches require mandatory implementation of full waste segregation and control of plastic pollution to ensure high standards of environmental quality.

         Statement II: The Climate Action criterion under the Blue Flag programme addresses only the infrastructure-related aspects of a beach, such as energy efficiency and coastal erosion control.

         Statement III: The certification is a permanent, one-time award that promotes consistent protection of the marine ecosystem.

         Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

1. a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and both of them explain Statement III
2. b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but only one of them explains Statement III
3. c) Only Statement I is correct and that explains Statement II
4. d) Statement I is correct and Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Explanation-

• Statement I is correct. The Blue Flag criteria explicitly focus on Pollution and Water Quality, which mandates top-grade water testing, waste segregation, and control of plastic and oil pollution, thereby ensuring high standards of environmental quality.
• Statement II is incorrect. While the Climate Action criterion includes infrastructure aspects like energy-efficient infrastructure and resilience to coastal erosion, its overarching goal relates to broader climate action and engagement (as part of the six key areas), making the restrictive term “only” in relation to infrastructure incorrect.
• Statement III is incorrect. The Blue Flag is an eco-label that is awarded on an annual basis. Beaches must re-apply and meet the stringent standards every year to retain the certification, which ensures consistent and continuous improvement, not a permanent, one-time award.

Q5.  With reference to India-led global initiatives, consider the following statements:

1. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was launched jointly by India and France during COP21 in Paris.
2. The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) was launched during India’s G20 Presidency to promote sustainable fuel alternatives like ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
3. The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) focuses exclusively on tiger conservation within Asia.

         Which of the statements given above are correct ?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 1 and 3 only
3. c) 2 and 3 only
4. d) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation-

• Statement 1 – Correct: The ISA was co-founded by India and France in 2015 during the COP21 Summit in Paris, with a focus on expanding global solar energy deployment to address climate change and energy access.
• Statement 2 – Correct: The GBA was launched by India in 2023, during its G20 Presidency, to accelerate the adoption of biofuels, especially ethanol, biodiesel, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and to position India as a biofuel innovation hub.
• Statement 3 – Incorrect: The IBCA does not focus exclusively on tigers or Asia. It covers all major big cat species globally — including tigers, lions, leopards, jaguars, snow leopards, cheetahs, and pumas — promoting international cooperation in research, conservation, and habitat protection.

Answer Key