SOCIAL ISSUES

• The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) plans to liberalise withdrawals while mandating that 25% of the balance remain intact. Data shows nearly half of members have less than ₹20,000 at final settlement, with 95% making premature withdrawals, often upon unemployment. Most members earn ₹15,000 or less monthly, limiting savings and pension eligibility. New reforms simplify withdrawal categories, increase withdrawal frequency for education, marriage, and illness, and aim to protect long-term retirement security.
• Saudi Arabia has officially abolished the decades-old kafala labour sponsorship system, a controversial practice long criticised by international labour and human rights groups as a form of modern-day

ENVIRONMENT

• The Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS) of West Bengal’s Sundarbans received global recognition from the FAO for its Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems (SAIME) model. Integrating aquaculture with mangrove conservation, SAIME enhances climate adaptation, ecosystem health, and farmer livelihoods. Practiced over 30 hectares, it uses mangrove litter for shrimp feed, cutting costs and doubling profits. The model reduces pollution, supports carbon sequestration, and aligns with SDGs, offering a replicable, sustainable solution for mangrove-based aquaculture globally.
• The IUCN’s World Heritage Outlook 4 (2025) lists India’s Western Ghats, Manas, and Sundarbans National Parks as sites of “significant concern.” It evaluates over 200 global natural World Heritage Sites, noting a decline in positive conservation outlooks from 63% (2014–2020) to 57% in 2025. Major threats in South Asia include climate change, tourism, invasive species, and infrastructure. The Western Ghats face degradation from hydropower, plantations, and exotic flora, while the Sundarbans suffer from salinity, sea-level rise, and habitat loss.
• The State of Climate Action Report 2025 reveals that despite record renewable energy investments—nearly double fossil fuel spending—the world remains off-track to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal. Coal use reached record highs in 2024, offsetting renewable gains, while global emissions show no signs of peaking. With COP 30 in Brazil approaching, the report urges nations to enhance NDCs, phase out coal, scale up climate finance, and strengthen accountability to achieve net-zero targets.

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

• The 47th ASEAN Summit (Oct 26–28, 2025) in Kuala Lumpur gathers global leaders to address regional issues, including the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict, U.S. trade tensions, and Myanmar’s crisis. A key highlight is East Timor’s formal induction as ASEAN’s 11th member, enhancing inclusivity and regional influence. The summit also coincides with the 22nd India–ASEAN Summit. Key discussions focus on peace accords, trade relief, and strategies for strengthening stability and economic cooperation across Southeast Asia.
• China’s endangered golden snub-nosed monkeys have debuted at European zoos, expanding the idea of “panda diplomacy.” Traditionally, China gifted or loaned pandas to strengthen diplomatic ties, beginning in 1957 with the Soviet Union and later evolving into long-term leases supporting conservation. Now, golden monkeys serve a similar role—enhancing soft power, scientific collaboration, and cultural exchange. However, ethical concerns remain over animal welfare and the commercialization of wildlife under diplomatic pretexts.