Top Social Work Current Affairs – November 2025 Edition (National & International)

 Date: December 1, 2025

Category: Current Affairs / Social Work News

Welcome to the November 2025 edition of our monthly roundup. For social work professionals, students, and policy enthusiasts, this month has been pivotal. From the implementation of India's massive labour reforms to critical global conferences on climate justice, November has reshaped the landscape of social welfare.

Below are the most significant national and international developments you need to know for your exams (UGC NET, UPSC, Labour Welfare) and professional practice.

National Current Affairs (India)

1. The "Big Four" Labour Codes Come Into Effect

In a historic shift for India’s workforce, the central government effectively implemented the four major Labour Codes on November 21, 2025. These codes consolidate 29 existing labour laws into a unified framework, significantly altering industrial relations and social security administration.

• The 4 Codes: Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Code on Social Security, and OSH (Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions) Code.

• Social Work Impact: The Code on Social Security, 2020 is particularly relevant for social workers. It now officially extends social security benefits (like life insurance, health benefits, and pension) to gig workers and platform workers for the first time, a massive step toward formalizing the unorganized sector.

2. Constitution Day 2025: "Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman"

India celebrated its 76th Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) on November 26, 2025. The celebrations were led by President Droupadi Murmu at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.

• Theme: "Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman" (Our Constitution – Our Pride).

• Key Launch: A digital version of the Constitution was released in 9 regional languages, including Bodo and Kashmiri for the first time, promoting linguistic inclusivity in legal access.

• Activity: A nationwide mass reading of the Preamble was organized to reaffirm commitment to Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

3. 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025

The government proposed the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill in November.

• Objective: To include the Union Territory of Chandigarh under the ambit of Article 240, allowing for the appointment of an independent administrator. This move aims to streamline governance and address specific administrative welfare needs of the UT.

4. UNICEF Report on Child Poverty in India

A critical report released by UNICEF in late November highlighted the state of multidimensional poverty among children.

• Key Data: While monetary poverty has declined, the report emphasized that millions of Indian children still face "multidimensional deprivation"—lacking access to at least two essentials among health, nutrition, sanitation, and education. This reinforces the need for integrated child welfare services like the Mission Vatsalya scheme.

5. Supreme Court Directives on Vulnerable Populations

• Women Prisoners: The Supreme Court observed that the current prison manual is "gender-blind" and directed the formulation of specific policies for women prisoners, focusing on their unique hygiene, reproductive health, and childcare needs (for children living in prison with mothers).

• Stray Dogs: The SC clarified that feeding stray dogs must be restricted to designated zones identified by municipal authorities to balance animal welfare with public safety.

🌍 International Social Work Updates

1. IFSW Asia-Pacific Regional Conference 2025 (Sri Lanka)

The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) held its Asia-Pacific Regional Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka from November 18–21, 2025.

• Theme: "Social Work Responds to Climate Change and Other Environmental Issues."

• Crisis Response: Immediately following the conference, Sri Lanka faced devastating floods and landslides. The IFSW issued a global Statement of Solidarity on Nov 29, mobilizing social worker networks to assist in disaster relief and psychosocial support, demonstrating the theme in real-time action.

2. UNAIDS World AIDS Day Report 2025

Released ahead of World AIDS Day (Dec 1), the UNAIDS 2025 report issued a stark warning.

• Findings: The global response to HIV is facing its most significant funding crisis in decades. The report highlighted that human rights setbacks—specifically the criminalization of marginalized groups—are blocking access to life-saving services, threatening the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

3. Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

November saw intensified calls from international aid agencies regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

• Update: A UNICEF report confirmed that malnutrition rates have spiked as winter sets in. The EU Commissioner for Crisis Management visited Egypt in late November to negotiate the unblocking of aid corridors, emphasizing that "starvation is being used as a weapon of war," a violation of international humanitarian law.

4. China’s "Nuclear-Resistant" Floating Island

In a development at the intersection of technology and future disaster management, China confirmed construction of the world's first "Nuclear-Resistant Artificial Floating Island."

• Details: Expected to be operational by 2028, this massive floating platform is designed to withstand nuclear blasts and Category 17 typhoons. While primarily for "marine research," social scientists are debating the dual-use implications for civilian safety vs. military expansion.

📅 Important Days Observed (November 2025)

• Nov 15: Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day) – Honoring the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.

• Nov 19: Women’s Entrepreneurship Day – Focus on financial inclusion schemes like Mudra Yojana.

• Nov 20: World Children’s Day – Theme focused on "Investing in our Future."

• Nov 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – Kicked off the "16 Days of Activism" campaign.

• Nov 26: Constitution Day (India).

💡 Social Work Exam Quiz Corner

• Q: Which new languages were added to the digital Constitution in Nov 2025?

  • A: Bodo, Kashmiri, Dogri, etc. (Focus on Bodo/Kashmiri as new additions).

• Q: The Code on Social Security 2020 extends benefits to which new category of workers?

  • A: Gig and Platform Workers.

Sources of Information:

1. Ministry of Labour & Employment, Govt of India (Labour Code Notifications)

2. Press Information Bureau (PIB) - Constitution Day Releases

3. International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) Official Website - Asia Pacific Conference Updates

4. UNAIDS Global Report 2025

5. UNICEF Press Centre - Child Poverty & Gaza Reports

6. Supreme Court of India - Judgment Summaries (Nov 2025)

7. South China Morning Post (SCMP) - Report on Floating Island Project