Daily Current Affairs — 20 November 2025
6 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Global Methane Status Report 2025
In News The Global Methane Status Report released by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) at COP30 in Belem. Key Points of the Report Methane Emissions Rising: Despite stronger waste regulations and improved monitoring, global trends remain far short of the target to cut methane by 30% by 2030. Potency and Impact: Methane is around 80 times more powerful than CO₂ over a 20-year timescale, accounting for approximately one-third of current warming.
Indigenous Gene Editing Technology to Aid Cheaper, Commercial Crop Breeding
In News Indian scientists at ICAR’s Central Rice Research Institute have developed a patented indigenous Genome-Editing(GE) technology using TnpB proteins as a compact alternative to the globally patented CRISPR-Cas systems. TnpB or Transposon-associated proteins It acts as “molecular scissors,” and precisely cuts and modifies plant DNA, enabling desirable traits without introducing foreign genes. Unlike bulky Cas9 and Cas12a proteins, the hypercompact TnpB (408 amino acids) can be easily delive
India Becoming A Hub of Natural Farming
Context Recently, the Prime Minister of India, at South India Natural Farming Summit in Tamil Nadu, declared that India is poised to become a global hub for natural farming, emphasizing its alignment with traditional wisdom, scientific innovation, and sustainable development. About Natural Farming It is a chemical-free agricultural method that relies on locally available resources such as cow dung, cow urine, biomass mulch, and indigenous seeds. It avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, fo
ISRO Tests Bootstrap Mode Start on CE20 Cryogenic Engine
In News ISRO has successfully demonstrated the bootstrap-mode start of its CE20 cryogenic engine at the Mahendragiri High-Altitude Test facility engine. Bootstrap-mode is a self-sustaining start-up sequence where the engine uses its own propellant flow and turbopump dynamics to initiate ignition. This will increase engine efficiency, restart capability, and reduce weight.
SC Strikes Down Some Provisions of Tribunals Reforms Act
Context The Supreme Court struck down several provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, which had earlier been introduced through the Tribunals Reforms Ordinance, 2021. Why the Supreme Court Struck Down These Provisions? Violation of Judicial Independence: The Act gave the executive a dominant role in the appointment and service conditions of tribunal members.
Rights of Transgender Persons in India
Context India has made significant strides in addressing the historical marginalisation of the transgender community through comprehensive legal protections, welfare schemes, and digital accessibility. LGBTQIA+ LGBTQIA+ is an umbrella term for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual persons, with ‘+’ representing other identities that are not specifically included in these letters. Notably, LGBTQIA+ persons do not conform with traditional gender roles and expectations,