Current Affairs for 22 November 2025

Guru Tegh Bahadur

Why in the News ?

Following a car blast near Red Fort, Delhi Police have tightened security in the area as the heritage site is set to host an event commemorating the 350th death anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, remembered for his supreme sacrifice in protecting religious freedom.

About Guru Tegh Bahadur

• Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–1675) was the ninth Sikh Guru.
• Born as Tyaga Mal, he was the youngest son of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind.
• He earned the title "Tegh Bahadur" (Mighty of the Sword) after displaying exceptional bravery in a battle against Mughal forces.
• Became the 9th Sikh Guru in 1664, succeeding Guru Har Krishan Ji.
• His son, Guru Gobind Singh, became the 10th Sikh Guru.

Life and Works

1. Founder of Anandpur Sahib

• Guru Tegh Bahadur established the city of Anandpur Sahib in present-day Rupnagar (Ropar), Punjab.
• This city later became the spiritual and military base of Sikhism, where Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth in 1699.

2. Contribution to Sikh Scriptures

• Composed over 100 poetic hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib.
• Themes include:
  • Nature of God
  • Human attachments
  • Mind and body
  • Dignity and moral conduct
  • Service, detachment, and spiritual liberation

3. Defender of Religious Freedom

• Strongly opposed forced religious conversions by the Mughal regime.
• Supported Kashmiri Pandits facing persecution and coercion to convert to Islam.

Martyrdom

• Guru Tegh Bahadur was publicly executed (beheaded) in 1675 in Delhi by order of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb after refusing to convert to Islam.
• His martyrdom symbolizes the defense of freedom of conscience and the right to practice one's faith.

Key Memorials

• Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib (Chandni Chowk): Marks the site of his execution.
• Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib (near Parliament House): Marks the site of his cremation.

Commemoration

• His martyrdom is observed as Shaheedi Divas of Guru Tegh Bahadur every year on 24 November, as per the Nanakshahi calendar (2003).

SARAL SIMS

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Steel has launched a simplified registration facility called SARAL SIMS under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS). The facility became effective on November 21 and aims to ease import procedures for small consignments and export-oriented shipments.

About SARAL SIMS

• A new, streamlined system under Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS).
• Designed to simplify registration for small-quantity steel imports.
• Supports industries using frameworks like:
  • Advance Authorization
  • Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
  • Export-Oriented Units (EOUs)
• Reduces procedural burden for importers handling low-volume or export-linked shipments.

Key Features of SARAL SIMS

1. Coverage

• Applicable to steel and iron items under:
  • Chapters 72, 73, and 86 of the Indian Trade Classification (Harmonized System), 2022.

2. Single Annual Declaration

• Importers file one annual declaration stating intended import quantity.
• They receive a SARAL SIMS number, valid for multiple consignments throughout the financial year.

3. No Repeated SIMS Number Generation

• Earlier system required a new SIMS registration for every shipment.
• SARAL SIMS eliminates this requirement entirely.

4. Annual Return Requirement

• Importers must submit an annual return by April 30, mentioning actual imports made under SARAL SIMS.

5. Two Modes of Use

a. SARAL SIMS for Small Imports

• Allows consignments up to 10 tonnes.
• Annual cap:
  • 500 tonnes for FY 2025–26
  • 1000 tonnes from FY 2026–27 onward

b. SARAL SIMS for Export Purposes

• Covers imports under:
  • Advance Authorization
  • SEZ
  • EOU
• No quantity limit for these export-linked imports.

Benefits of SARAL SIMS

• Reduces compliance burden
• Enhances ease of doing business
• Supports MSMEs importing small steel quantities
• Facilitates export-oriented manufacturing
• Improves data collection while minimizing paperwork

Standard Operating Procedure for Transportation and Storage of Explosives

Context

Nine people were killed and 29 injured in a recent massive explosion at the Nowgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir. The explosion was caused by explosives seized during the investigation of the Red Fort blast case. This incident raises serious concerns about how to follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for safekeeping and handling of seized explosives.

Protocol for Explosives

• If any suspicious material resembling an explosive or IED (Improvised Explosive Device) is found during any raid, it is mandatory to immediately call the Bomb Detection Team (BDT) and Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) available at the district level.
• The first step is to store the material in a secluded and secure location, away from people.
• There should be no source of electricity or fire at the site. If necessary, the Controller of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) should also be informed.
• No such explosives should be stored in police stations or residential buildings unless the location is specifically approved for this purpose.

Transportation Rules

• Special explosive vans should be used to transport explosives.
• These vans are covered with aluminum sheets and lined with wood to prevent the risk of static electricity.
• Their structure is such that damage is minimized in case of an explosion during transportation.
• Although such vans are not available in all districts, their availability should be ensured in sensitive areas, such as Jammu and Kashmir.

Storage Rules

There are clear guidelines for storing confiscated explosives:

• They must be stored in a secluded, secure location, and away from any ignition source.
• If a suitable location is not available, they can be temporarily stored at a safe distance in places like open stadiums.
• Licensed explosive magazines are the safest option where advanced security systems are available.
• Some chemicals, such as phosphorus, must be stored in water, while sodium ignites in the open air, so these chemicals must be handled immediately by experts.

Vehicle Provisions

• Explosives cannot be transported in ordinary vehicles except special vans.
• Vehicles must be designed so that any spark or electric current cannot cause an explosion.
• These vans are regularly used in military and industrial sectors, but their number needs to be increased in police forces.

Relevant Laws

Key laws and regulations governing the storage, transportation, and destruction of explosives in India:

1. Explosives Act, 1884
2. Explosives Rules, 2008
3. Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) guidelines
4. Judicial permission: Permission from a judicial magistrate is required before destroying seized explosives.
5. It is mandatory to register an FIR after every seizure and maintain a chain of custody.

Challenges

• Lack of specialized vans in many districts
• Forced to store explosives in an unsafe manner in police stations
• Low awareness of SOPs
• Lack of experts to handle sensitive chemicals
• Seizure of large quantities of explosives due to increasing terrorist incidents
• Delays in chain of custody and documentation processes

Way Forward

• Ensuring the availability of explosive vans in every district
• Increasing the capacity of BDS and BDT teams
• Providing specialized training to officers in all police stations on explosive material identification and SOPs
• Strengthening the immediate neutralization process for sensitive chemicals
• Increasing the number and security of explosive magazines
• Establishing strict monitoring and accountability to ensure SOP compliance

New Labour Framework: Implementation of the Four Labour Codes

Why in the News ?

The Government of India has officially notified all Four Labour Codes, consolidating 29 labour laws into a unified, modern regulatory framework. This marks one of the most significant labour reforms since Independence, aimed at enhancing labour welfare, workplace safety, social security, and improving the ease of doing business.

Background

The Four Labour Codes

1. Code on Wages, 2019
2. Industrial Relations (IR) Code, 2020
3. Code on Social Security, 2020
4. Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code, 2020

Why were they delayed ?

• Strong opposition from Central Trade Unions (CTUs).
• Concerns over worker protections, retrenchment, and right to strike.
• Despite the resistance, the Centre has now fully operationalised all four codes.

Systemic Reforms Introduced

• Gender-neutral work policies
• Uniform safety standards
• Streamlined contract labour regulation
• Nationwide ESIC & EPFO coverage
• National floor wage introduction
• Boost towards formalisation of the labour force
  

Key Features of the Four Labour Codes

1. Universal Social Security and Expanded Coverage

• Gig workers, platform workers, and aggregators brought under the statutory framework for the first time.
• ESIC coverage extended to every district, including hazardous industries.
• Universal Account Number (UAN): Aadhaar-linked, portable benefits for migrant workers.
• Accident compensation expanded to include commuting accidents.
• Aggregator contribution: 1–2% of annual turnover (capped at 5%) for gig worker social security funds.

2. Wages, Minimum Pay, and Timely Payment

• Introduction of a National Floor Wage.
• Mandatory timely payment of wages across all establishments.
• Wage definition revised — increases the basic wage proportion, enhancing PF & gratuity.

3. Women’s Rights and Workplace Safety

• Women allowed to work in:
  • Night shifts
  • Underground mines
  • Hazardous machinery operations
    —with consent and adequate safety measures.
• Equal pay for equal work mandated.
• Free annual health check-up for workers aged 40+.

4. Fixed Term Employment (FTE)

• Employers may hire for a fixed duration without reducing benefits.
• FTE workers receive:
  • Same wages as permanent workers
  • Medical, leave, and social security benefits
  • Gratuity after 1 year (earlier 5 years)

5. Simplified Compliance & Ease of Doing Business

• Single registration, licence, and return system.
• Inspector-cum-facilitator for supportive compliance.
• Two-member Industrial Tribunals for quicker dispute resolution.
• National OSH Board to harmonize safety standards.

Stakeholder Responses

Government

• Calls it the most comprehensive labour reform since Independence.
• Claims it will formalise the labour market, provide global-standard protections, and support economic growth.

Industry (CII, FICCI)

• Welcomes codes as a historic milestone.
• Believes the framework increases predictability and ease of doing business.

Trade Unions (CTUs)

• Label the codes as:
  • “Anti-worker, pro-employer”
  • “Declaration of war on workers”
• Concerns over:
  • FTE misuse
  • Restrictions on the right to strike
  • Retrenchment and closure norms
• Nationwide protests planned for 26 November.

Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS)

• Partially supportive:
  • Supports codes on Wages & Social Security
  • Demands changes in OSHWC and IR Codes

Challenges and Concerns

• CTU Opposition: Fear of dilution of worker rights and strike restrictions.
• Implementation Capacity: Labour is a Concurrent Subject; State readiness varies.
• Risk of FTE Misuse: Employers may prefer short-term over permanent jobs.
• Gig worker social security: Scheme design and execution unclear.
• National Floor Wage: Requires State consensus and clear methodology.
• Digital Compliance: States need training, infrastructure, and workforce readiness.

Way Forward

• Strengthen consultation: Revive the Indian Labour Conference (ILC).
• Build State capacity: Provide financial & technical support for new compliance systems.
• Clear schemes for gig workers: Transparent contribution norms, seamless portability via UAN.
• Monitor FTE usage: Prevent replacement of permanent roles with FTE.
• Awareness campaigns: Informal workers must be made aware of new rights and protections.

Proposed Obscenity Guidelines for Online Content – New Digital Regulation Framework

Why in the News ?

The Union Government has proposed new guidelines to define “obscenity” and other restricted categories of digital content under the Information Technology Rules, 2021.

The draft seeks to:

• Provide an explicit definition of obscenity,
• Expand the Code of Ethics, and
• Apply new restrictions to social media platforms, OTT streaming services, and digital news publishers.

These proposals follow a Supreme Court directive seeking a clearer framework balancing Article 19(1)(a) (free speech) with Article 19(2) (reasonable restrictions).

Background of the Proposed Amendment

• The initiative stems from a case involving comedian Samay Raina, where the SC asked the government to evolve balanced guidelines for regulating objectionable online content.
• The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting submitted a detailed note on strengthening oversight under IT Rules.
• Driving factors include:
  • Increasing sexual/explicit content,
  • Proliferation of deepfakes,
  • Rising harmful or abusive speech,
  • Spread of misinformation.

The new guidelines aim to bring greater clarity, uniform standards, and broadcast-level regulation to the digital ecosystem.

Key Features of the Proposed Obscenity Guidelines

1. New Legal Definition of “Obscene Digital Content”

For the first time, “obscenity” is explicitly defined within IT Rules using elements from:

• Section 67 of the IT Act,
• Cable TV Programme Code,
• Indian Penal Code / Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

This marks a significant expansion resembling broadcast-style content regulation.

2. Expansion of the Code of Ethics

A new, detailed “Obscenity” Chapter is proposed.

Digital platforms must avoid content that:

• Offends good taste or decency,
• Is indecent, vulgar, suggestive, repulsive,
• Glorifies criminality,
• Contains visuals/words showing regional, ethnic, or linguistic groups in a derogatory manner.

A total of 17 prohibitions have been outlined.

3. Alignment with Cable Television Standards

Experts note that the government is importing the Cable TV Programme Code—originally meant for TV broadcasters—into digital regulatory space, raising concerns about overregulation.

4. OTT Platforms & Cinematograph Act Compliance

OTT platforms may be required to ensure that their content is fit for public exhibition, similar to movies certified under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

Although officials suggest OTTs are the main target, the draft does not explicitly limit the rule to them.

5. Revival of IT Rules 9(1) and 9(3)

These provisions (relating to the Code of Ethics) were stayed by the Bombay High Court.
The proposal attempts to revive and expand them, which has raised constitutional concerns.

6. Use of the “Community Standards Test”

The Supreme Court’s standard from Aveek Sarkar v. State of West Bengal will be applied.

Under this test, content is not obscene if:

• A reasonable person using contemporary community standards does not view it as appealing to lust or voyeurism, and
• It carries literary, artistic, scientific, or political value.

Digital rights groups caution that the broad interpretation could enable arbitrary censorship.

Criticism of the Proposed Amendment

1. Overbroad Definitions

The vague and subjective nature of terms like “good taste” may cover a wide spectrum of legitimate content.

2. Executive Overreach

Critics argue the government is expanding regulatory power through rules instead of Parliamentary law-making.

3. Risk to Free Speech

Ambiguous standards may chill free expression and creative content.

4. Legal Uncertainty

Several IT Rules are sub-judice or stayed by courts, yet similar provisions are being revived.

Implications for Digital Platforms

If the Court approves the guidelines:

For Social Media Platforms

• Stricter content filtering,
• More active removal of vulgar, indecent, or explicit material,
• Heightened compliance burdens.

For OTT Streaming Services

• Possible film-like certification,
• Greater pre-screening and edited releases.

For Digital News Publishers

• Increased scrutiny of visuals, satire, reporting, and commentary.

The amendments would move India’s digital regulation closer to a broadcast-style oversight regime, significantly reshaping the online content ecosystem.

Global Methane Status Report 2025

Why in the News ?

The Global Methane Status Report 2025 warns that crop-residue burning is turning India into a global methane hotspot. The report highlights rising methane concentrations, increasing climate risks, and slow global progress toward mitigation commitments.

About the Global Methane Status Report

• Released by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).
• Tracks global progress on methane reduction.
• Assesses gaps in meeting the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to cut methane emissions significantly this decade.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Report

1. Methane Levels Rising Rapidly

• Atmospheric methane concentrations have more than doubled since pre-industrial times.
• Rising emissions are projected to cause:
  • 24,000 additional premature deaths annually by 2030
  • 2.5 million tonnes of crop losses each year

2. India’s Position

• India is the third-largest methane emitter in the world.
• Indian agriculture contributes 12% of global agricultural methane emissions, one of the highest shares globally.
• Crop residue burning, livestock emissions, and rice cultivation are major contributors.

3. Mitigation Potential

• Full implementation of NDCs and Methane Action Plans could reduce emissions by 8% by 2030.
• 72% of global methane mitigation potential lies within G20+ countries, which produce 65% of human-caused methane emissions.

What is Methane?

• Chemical Formula: CH₄
• A major component of natural gas
• Colorless, odorless, flammable, water-insoluble gas
• Also called marsh gas or methyl hydride
• Responsible for one-third of today’s global warming due to its high short-term warming potential (80x stronger than CO₂ over 20 years)

Impact on India

• Worsening air pollution from crop-residue burning
• Higher climate vulnerability: heatwaves, extreme rainfall
• Agricultural productivity losses
• Pressure on India to accelerate methane-mitigation policies
• Opportunity to lead global agricultural methane solutions