Current Affairs 05 November 2025

Content

1. How BRICS is Challenging SWIFT
2. SC to Review Surrogacy Ban on Couples with One Child
3. As Umngot River Turns Muddy, Residents Blame Road Project
4. Discovery of a New Spider Species — Pilia malenadu — in Chikkamagaluru
5. Stop Wildlife Imports to India Until Proper Checks in Place: CITES Report
6. Inequality fuels pandemics and prolongs crises — UNAIDS Report (2025)

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How BRICS is challenging SWIFT

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 Why in News ?

• At the Kazan Summit 2024, BRICS leaders unveiled a prototype of BRICS Pay, a cross-border payment system aimed at reducing dependence on the US dollar and SWIFT network.
• This represents a concrete step in the long-term BRICS strategy (since 2014) to build alternative global financial architecture led by developing nations.

Relevance :

GS Paper II (International Relations):

• Rise of multipolar financial order and reform of global governance institutions.
• South-South cooperation and de-dollarisation debates.
• India’s role in shaping alternative global financial frameworks (BRICS, NDB, CRA).

GS Paper III (Economy):

• Impact on global trade, finance, and monetary policy.
• Digital payment systems and financial sovereignty.
• Currency internationalisation and fintech diplomacy.

Background – BRICS’ Financial Autonomy Journey

• 2014 Fortaleza Summit:
  • Turning point where BRICS established its own financial institutions:
    • New Development Bank (NDB): Development financing for emerging economies.
    • Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA): Financial safety net for liquidity crises.
  • First time developing countries created such institutions independent of the IMF–World Bank system.
• Post-2014 (Crimea Crisis):
  • Western sanctions on Russia catalysed BRICS’ efforts to expand local currency usage in trade and finance.
• 2017 Xiamen Summit:
  • Agreement to enhance currency cooperation — currency swaps, local currency settlements, and direct investments.
• Early 2020s:
  • Formation of BRICS Payments Task Force (BPTF) to explore interoperable payment systems and digital infrastructure.

The 2024 Kazan Summit – Key Milestones

• Launch of BRICS Pay Prototype: Demonstrated in Moscow (Oct 2024).
• Strategic Focus:
  • Develop a BRICS-led cross-border payments network independent of the SWIFT system (controlled by G-10 central banks).
  • Strengthen correspondent banking networks within BRICS.
  • Enable settlements in local currencies.
• Symbolic Act:
  • BRICS Banknote unveiled, igniting debate on a potential BRICS common currency.
• Geopolitical Trigger:
  • Inclusion of Iran (2024) – long targeted by US sanctions – added urgency.
  • Threat from Donald Trump (President-elect) to impose 100% tariffs if BRICS moved to replace the dollar.

Why BRICS Wants to De-dollarise ?

• Reduce vulnerability to US-dominated sanctions and monetary policy.
• Increase autonomy of developing economies in global finance.
• Challenge unequal financial architecture dominated by Bretton Woods institutions.
• Enhance South-South financial cooperation.
• Support intra-BRICS trade through local currencies, lowering transaction costs and volatility risks.

Existing National Payment Systems (Building Blocks for BRICS Pay)

Country	System	Features / Strengths
Russia	SPFS (System for Transfer of Financial Messages)	Domestic alternative to SWIFT, post-2014 sanctions.
China	CIPS (Cross-Border Interbank Payment System)	Supports RMB settlements; participants from 120+ countries.
India	UPI (Unified Payments Interface)	Fast, interoperable digital payment infrastructure; accepted in 9 countries.
Brazil	Pix	Operated by central bank; regional expansion in Latin America.

 

• Challenge: Interoperability and harmonisation among these diverse systems.
• Opportunity: Integrate these networks to create a BRICS Financial Grid.

Challenges & Divergences

• Differing ambitions:
  • China seeks RMB internationalisation via CIPS.
  • India aims to globalise UPI.
  • Brazil promotes Pix regionally.
• Lack of common regulatory & cybersecurity standards.
• Political coordination needed among diverse governance models.
• Resistance from global markets tied to dollar liquidity and SWIFT security protocols.

Strategic Implications

• For Global Finance:
  • Marks the rise of a multipolar monetary order.
  • Could weaken dollar’s hegemony over time.
  • Encourages digital currency integration among emerging economies.
• For Developing Countries:
  • Offers an alternative payment route immune to Western sanctions.
  • May facilitate South-South trade settlements in local currencies.
• For the West:
  • Seen as a challenge to the financial dominance of the US and EU.
  • Could trigger financial fragmentation and geopolitical countermeasures.

Way Forward

• Technical: Develop secure, scalable interoperability architecture among SPFS, CIPS, UPI, and Pix.
• Institutional: Empower the BRICS Payment Task Force to draft unified regulatory and cybersecurity protocols.
• Strategic: Gradually expand to include other Global South economies (ASEAN, Africa, Latin America).
• Political: Balance China’s dominance to ensure equitable governance.

BRICS — Quick Summary

• Origin: Coined by Jim O’Neill (2001); formal group in 2009 (BRIC); South Africa joined 2010 → BRICS.
• Members (2025): Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa + Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE (BRICS+).
• Objective: Reform global governance, promote multipolarity, enhance trade, tech & development cooperation.
• Institutions:
  • New Development Bank (NDB) – HQ: Shanghai.
  • Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) – $100 bn liquidity pool.
  • Business Council, Think Tank, Academic Forum.
• Significance: ~45% of population, ~30% of global GDP (PPP). Driving de-dollarisation & Global South solidarity.
• India’s Focus: Multilateral reform, digital public goods, resilient supply chains, climate finance.

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SC to review surrogacy ban on couples with one child

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 Why in News ?

• Supreme Court (Nov 2025) decided to review the constitutionality of Section 4(iii)(C)(II) of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, which bans married couples with one living child from availing surrogacy, even if they suffer from secondary infertility.
• The Centre defended the ban, asserting no fundamental right to surrogacy, while petitioners argued it violates reproductive autonomy and right to privacy.

Relevance :

GS Paper II (Polity & Governance):

• Judicial review of legislation — Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021.
• Reproductive rights under Article 21 (Right to Privacy, Autonomy).
• Role of Supreme Court in balancing ethics and personal liberty.
• Gender justice and family policy frameworks.

GS Paper I (Society):

• Changing family structures and reproductive health rights.
• Ethical and social implications of assisted reproduction.

Surrogacy Regulation Framework in India

• Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021:
  • Regulates and restricts surrogacy to altruistic (non-commercial) arrangements only.
  • Commercial surrogacy banned to prevent exploitation of poor women.
  • Allows surrogacy only for Indian married couples (5+ years marriage), with proven infertility.
  • Eligibility clause [Section 4(iii)(C)(II)]: A couple must not have any surviving child (biological, adopted, or through surrogacy).
    Exception: If existing child is mentally/physically challenged or has a life-threatening disorder.
• ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Act, 2021 complements this by regulating fertility clinics and ART procedures (IVF, etc.).

What is Secondary Infertility?

• Inability to conceive after having at least one biological child.
• Globally affects ~10–15% of couples (WHO).
• In India, often under-recognised and socially stigmatized; medically and emotionally distressing.

Centre’s Stand

• No fundamental right to surrogacy under the Constitution.
• Surrogacy involves use of another woman’s body, hence cannot be demanded as a personal right.
  • Supported by Article 21 interpretation limits (right to life/personal liberty ≠ right over another’s body).
• Surrogacy should be last resort, only after failure of all other natural and ART options.
• The law’s restriction is reasonable, aimed at:
  • Preventing misuse and commercialization.
  • Protecting surrogate mothers from exploitation.
  • Avoiding repeated pregnancies for non-essential reasons.

Petitioners’ Arguments

• Violation of reproductive autonomy (Article 21) — right to make reproductive choices is part of personal liberty (K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India, 2017).
• Discriminatory restriction:
  • India has no one-child policy, so the law creates an artificial cap on family size.
  • Couples facing secondary infertility are denied reproductive justice.
• Emotional & social toll of infertility not considered — secondary infertility is as distressing as primary infertility.
• Requested Court to read down Section 4(iii)(C)(II) to allow such couples to avail surrogacy.

Supreme Court’s Observations (Nov 2025 Hearing)

• Bench: Justice B.V. Nagarathna (noted for gender-rights jurisprudence).
• Court to examine whether the restriction violates reproductive choice and privacy of citizens.
• Justice Nagarathna observed:
  • India’s demographic profile shows no need for a one-child-like restriction.
  • Provision seems reasonable, but requires nuanced scrutiny balancing autonomy vs ethical regulation.

Constitutional Dimensions

Issue	Provision / Case Law	Implication
Reproductive Choice	Article 21 (Right to Life & Personal Liberty)	Includes right to procreate (Puttaswamy, Suchita Srivastava v. Chandigarh Admin, 2009).
Equality	Article 14	Blanket ban may violate equality and non-arbitrariness.
Privacy & Autonomy	Puttaswamy Judgment (2017)	Protects decisional autonomy, including family planning choices.
State’s Regulatory Power	Reasonable restrictions permissible	To prevent exploitation of women and commodification of surrogacy.

 Social and Ethical Dimensions

• Concerns addressed by ban:
  • Exploitation of poor surrogate mothers.
  • Health risks from repeated surrogacies.
  • Commercialisation of motherhood.
• Criticisms of ban:
  • Denies medical solutions to genuine infertility cases.
  • Ignores emotional distress and family aspirations.
  • Overregulation may drive cross-border surrogacy or illegal arrangements.

Global Comparison

Country	Policy
UK	Only altruistic surrogacy permitted; regulated.
USA	Varies by state; many allow compensated surrogacy.
Russia	Allows commercial surrogacy; liberal framework.
China	Complete ban on surrogacy.
India	Altruistic only, with strict eligibility — among the most restrictive globally.

 Policy Implications

• Need for graded, empathetic regulation distinguishing between misuse and genuine cases.
• Review to incorporate medical definitions of infertility (primary vs secondary).
• Expand framework to include single parents, widows/divorcees, as suggested by earlier petitions.
• Potential alignment with reproductive rights jurisprudence under Article 21.

Way Forward

• Judicial clarity on scope of reproductive autonomy under surrogacy laws.
• Legislative reconsideration of Section 4(iii)(C)(II) to include medically certified secondary infertility.
• Ethical safeguards for surrogate mothers — health insurance, counselling, consent protocols.
• Public awareness to destigmatize infertility.

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As Umngot River Turns Muddy, Residents Blame Road Project

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Why in News ?

• Meghalaya’s Umngot River, known for its crystal-clear water and a key tourism attraction in Dawki and Shnongpdeng, has turned muddy and opaque this October 2025.
• Locals and environmentalists blame construction debris and soil dumping from the Shillong–Dawki road upgrade project carried out by NHIDCL (National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.).
• The issue has prompted intervention requests to the Union Ministers for Transport and Environment by local MP Ricky Syngkon.

Relevance :

GS Paper III (Environment & Ecology):

• Environmental impact of infrastructure in ecologically fragile zones.
• River sedimentation, erosion control, and bioengineering methods.
• Role of EIA, NHIDCL, and sustainable tourism in hill ecosystems.

GS Paper I (Geography):

• Human–environment interaction in the hilly regions.
• Impact of development on river systems and livelihoods.

Basic Facts

• River: Umngot River
• Location: Flows through West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya
• Tributary of: Not a major tributary, but part of the Umngot–Myntdu system
• Tourism Importance: Dawki and Shnongpdeng—famous for boating on transparent water
• Project Involved: Upgradation of 81 km Shillong–Dawki highway to a two-lane highway (10 m carriageway)

Ecological Concerns

• Loss of water clarity affects aquatic life and local livelihoods dependent on tourism and fishing.
• Sedimentation alters river ecology, reduces light penetration, and harms species diversity.
• Tourism Decline: Tourists deterred due to loss of visual appeal, affecting the local economy.
• Soil Dumping Issue: Improper stabilization and containment of excavated material on steep slopes causing run-off during rainfall.

Way Forward 

• Immediate Actions:
  • Remove dumped debris near the river.
  • Enforce strict adherence to environmental SOPs for hilly construction zones.
  • Conduct Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) review for ongoing segments.
• Long-Term:
  • Adopt bioengineering methods (vegetative stabilization, silt traps).
  • Continuous water quality monitoring of Umngot and similar hill rivers.
  • Integrate eco-tourism safeguards into infrastructure policy in ecologically sensitive zones.

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Discovery of a New Spider Species — Pilia malenadu — in Chikkamagaluru

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Why in News ?

• Researchers have discovered a new species of jumping spider belonging to the Pilia genus at Madhugundi village, Mudigere taluk, Chikkamagaluru district (Karnataka).
• The species has been named Pilia malenadu, after the locality where it was found.
• The discovery has been published in the international journal Zootaxa and marks the first recorded sighting of this genus in over 120 years.

Relevance :

GS Paper III (Environment & Biodiversity):

• Discovery of new species — importance for taxonomy and conservation.
• Biodiversity significance of the Western Ghats (UNESCO site).
• Threats to microhabitats and endemic fauna.
• Role of local biodiversity registers and community participation.

GS Paper I (Geography):

• Biodiversity hotspots and biogeographical zones of India.

Basic Facts

• Scientific Name: Pilia malenadu
• Genus: Pilia (Family: Salticidae — Jumping spiders)
• Discovered by: Ajit Padiyar, naturalist at Madhugundi
• Location: Madhugundi village, Western Ghats (Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka)
• Specimens Found: 24 individuals (17 males, 3 females, 4 juveniles)

About the Genus Pilia

• Pilia genus of jumping spiders (Salticidae) was first described in 1902 in Kerala — over 123 years ago.
• Till now, Pilia species were rarely observed and not documented elsewhere in India since the early 20th century.
• These spiders are small, agile predators known for excellent vision and jumping ability.

Significance of the Discovery

• Taxonomic Importance:
  • Extends scientific knowledge of the Pilia genus.
  • First time both male and female specimens of Pilia genus have been found.
• Biodiversity Indicator:
  • Discovery in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity hotspot, underscores its ecological richness.
  • Suggests healthy and intact microhabitats at the foothills of the Western Ghats.
• Historical Significance:
  • Rediscovery of a genus after over a century highlights the underexplored fauna of the Ghats.

Habitat  

• Habitat-specific — found only around two plant species:
  • Memecylon umbellatum
  • Memecylon malabaricum
• Indicates narrow ecological niche and dependence on specific vegetation.

Conservation Concerns

• Habitat Specificity:
  • Such species are vulnerable to habitat loss, deforestation, and land-use change.
  • Researchers warn that if the habitat is disturbed, the species could face extinction.
• Conservation Priority:
  • Protection of Western Ghats ecosystems essential for preserving microfaunal diversity.
  • Reinforces the need for localized biodiversity monitoring and microhabitat protection.

Broader Implications

• For Science: Encourages continued taxonomic surveys in underexplored ecosystems.
• For Policy: Highlights importance of community–based biodiversity conservation in Western Ghats.
• For Education: Adds to India’s growing record of new endemic species — particularly arachnids and insects.

Related Context

• Western Ghats Biodiversity:
  • One of eight “hottest” biodiversity hotspots globally.
  • Home to over 7,400 plant species and 139 mammal species, many endemic.
  • New species of amphibians, spiders, and plants continue to be discovered annually.
• Recent Discoveries in Region:
  • Hygrocrates wayanadensis (spider, Kerala)
  • Raorchestes chalazodes (frog rediscovery, Tamil Nadu)
  • Nasikabatrachus bhupathi (purple frog, Western Ghats)

Way Forward

• Conduct micro-faunal mapping of Western Ghats regions.
• Include local naturalists in biodiversity documentation programs.
• Integrate findings into State Biodiversity Boards’ People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).
• Promote eco-sensitive zone management around Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu.

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Stop Wildlife Imports to India Until Proper Checks in Place: CITES Report

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Why in News ?

• A CITES verification mission (Sept 2025) has recommended that India halt imports of wild animals — especially criticallyendangered species such as gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and snow leopards — until stronger verification, control, and traceability mechanisms are in place.
• The report found gaps in India’s due diligence and verification of animal origin, as several wild species imported as “captive bred” raised concerns about illegal wildlife trade.

Relevance :

GS Paper III (Environment & Biodiversity):

• CITES Convention — structure, appendices, and India’s obligations.
• Wildlife trafficking, traceability, and captive-breeding loopholes.
• Role of MoEFCC, WCCB, and compliance mechanisms.
• Ethical and legal aspects of animal trade.

GS Paper II (Governance & International Relations):

• India’s global environmental diplomacy and treaty compliance.
• Coordination between international and domestic wildlife laws.

Basic Facts

• CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (1973); India a party since 1976.
• Objective: Ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
• Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction — trade only under exceptional circumstances.
• Appendix II: Species not necessarily threatened but could become so if trade is not regulated.
• Indian Authority: Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Key Findings of the CITES Verification Mission

• Mission Period: September 15–20, 2025
• Sites Inspected:
  • Vantara’s Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Kingdom (GZRRK), Gujarat
  • Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKT EWT), Jamnagar
• Findings:
  • India imported a range of critically endangered species reportedly under “captive bred” status.
  • 41,839 animals at GZRRK and 594 at RKT EWT—claimed to be under legal acquisition.
  • CITES Secretariat noted irregularities in import documentation, raising doubt over the legality of the source.
  • Invoices from exporters (e.g., Czech Republic, Germany) contradicted India’s claims about animals’ captive-bred status.

Specific Red Flags

• GZRRK imported two snow leopards (Appendix I species) from Togo with claimed zoo-trade code (Z). Germany and CITES Secretariat found inconsistencies.
• India imported elephants from Myanmar and lions from Burkina Faso, but documentation lacked traceable origin data.
• CITES report: Some animals listed as “bred in captivity” were actually wild-caught and reclassified before export — violating Article IV of CITES.
• Highlighted misuse of purpose codes (T – trade, Z – zoo) and source codes (C – captive-bred, W – wild) in documentation.

Core Concerns

1. Traceability Failure: Lack of verification on whether imported animals were genuinely captive-bred.
2. Regulatory Gaps: India’s import permits sometimes issued without CITES Secretariat cross-verification.
3. Potential Illegal Trade Route:
   1. Exported from wild-capture countries (Togo, Myanmar)
   1. Reclassified via intermediate nations (e.g., Germany, Czech Republic)
   1. Imported into India as captive-bred zoo specimens.
4. Due Diligence Deficit: CITES noted India must verify “source, purpose, and transaction authenticity” before granting permits.

Recommendations by CITES

• Suspend imports of wild animals declared as “captive-bred” until India:
  • Strengthens verification and control mechanisms.
  • Ensures traceable documentation of origin and breeding.
  • Submits compliance report to CITES Secretariat.
• Mandate proof of legal acquisition from exporters.
• Reassess import permits granted between 2020–2025.

India’s Position

• India stated that no wild specimens were imported and all animals met CITES norms.
• Claimed animals were rescued or zoo-bound, not for commercial trade.
• MoEFCC assured strict adherence to CITES guidelines and readiness to enhance traceability systems.

Global Context

• Similar controversies have arisen in Thailand, Myanmar, and African states regarding reclassification of wild-caught animals as “captive-bred”.
• Reflects a global loophole in wildlife trade regulation, often exploited by private zoos and exotic pet traders.

Environmental & Ethical Implications

• Encourages illegal poaching in source countries.
• Threatens biodiversity conservation goals under SDG-15 (Life on Land).
• Undermines India’s global image as a wildlife conservation leader.
• Violates Article 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution — duty to protect environment and wildlife.

Way Forward 

• Establish National CITES Verification Authority for real-time tracking of imports.
• Implement DNA profiling and microchipping for imported species.
• Enforce import moratorium on high-risk species until compliance verified.
• Increase bilateral coordination with exporting nations and CITES Secretariat.
• Integrate digital permit traceability (blockchain-based) for transparency.

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Inequality fuels pandemics and prolongs crises — UNAIDS Report

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Why in News ?

• The UNAIDS Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemics released its report “Breaking the Inequality–Pandemic Cycle: Building True Health Security in a Global Age” on November 3, 2025, ahead of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
• It warns that inequality within and between nations increases vulnerability to pandemics, worsens their impact, and prolongs global crises like COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS.

Relevance :

GS Paper II (International Relations & Governance):

• Global health governance and UN institutions (UNAIDS, WHO).
• Role of G20 in equitable health architecture.
• Public health equity and pandemic preparedness.

GS Paper III (Economy & Disaster Management):

• Pandemic management, inequality, and economic vulnerability.
• IP rights, access to health technologies, and vaccine equity.

GS Paper I (Society):

• Inequality as a structural determinant of health and vulnerability.

Key Findings of the Report

• Scope of Study:
  • Based on two years of research.
  • Data from 217 countries (HIV) and 151 countries (COVID-19) analyzed using regression models.
• Core Conclusion:
  • Higher inequality = higher infection and mortality rates.
  • More equal societies = better resilience and quicker recovery during pandemics.
• Examples:
  • Africa: Informal settlements show higher HIV prevalence than formal housing.
  • Namibia: Poorer, less-educated women have higher HIV rates.
  • England: Overcrowded housing linked to higher COVID-19 mortality.
  • Brazil: People without primary education had multiple times higher COVID-19 fatality.
  • Migrants: 84% higher COVID-19 infection risk than non-migrants (meta-analysis of 53 million).
  • South Africa: Unemployed individuals face higher HIV infection odds (2016 DHS data).

Major Causes Identified

1. Unequal access to healthcare, housing, education, and employment.
2. Limited access to vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics in low-income countries.
3. Weak global cooperation on intellectual property waivers and local manufacturing.
4. Socioeconomic exclusion of migrants and informal workers.

Global Inequality Dimensions

• Within countries – poverty, informal housing, unemployment, and poor education increase exposure and limit access to treatment.
• Between countries – wealthier nations corner medical innovations, leaving poorer nations vulnerable to prolonged outbreaks.
• Systemic gap – low-income countries depend on external supplies; global financing and IP regimes slow emergency responses.

Impacts Highlighted

• Health impact: Higher mortality, slower containment of epidemics.
• Economic impact: Extended recovery periods, deepened poverty cycles.
• Social impact: Widened distrust in governance and global health institutions.

Recommendations by UNAIDS

1. Equitable access to medicines and health technologies across nations.
2. Automatic IP waivers once a pandemic is declared.
3. Investment in local and regional manufacturing of health products.
4. Integrated pandemic preparedness linking health, housing, and employment policies.
5. Focus on prevention and equity, not only emergency response.

Broader Context

• The report builds on lessons from COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS—showing that structural inequality directly determines who lives and who dies in pandemics.
• Aligns with SDG-3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG-10 (Reduced Inequalities).
• Comes as the G20 debates reforming global health architecture, financing, and technology-sharing frameworks.

India Relevance

• India’s health disparities (urban–rural divide, gendered access, digital inequality) mirror global findings.
• Strengthening domestic manufacturing (e.g., vaccines, diagnostics) and community-based health networks (ASHA, PHC) aligns with report’s equity vision.
• India’s role in G20 and Global South leadership positions it to advocate for equitable global health governance.

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