Daily Current Affairs 12 November 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 12 November 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

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Centre Bans Lithium-Ion Battery Waste Exports To Boost Recycling In India

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Science and technology – Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

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Why in the News?

The Union Government has prohibited the export of lithium-ion battery black mass and related battery waste to strengthen India’s domestic battery recycling and critical mineral processing ecosystem.

News in Brief

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• The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has amended the export policy to prohibit the export of lithium-ion battery black mass and related battery waste with immediate effect.
• Black mass is a powder-like material obtained after processing discarded lithium-ion batteries and contains valuable minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese and graphite.
• The decision seeks to ensure the domestic availability of critical mineral resources for recycling and refining industries and reduce dependence on imported raw materials.
• The move comes alongside a ₹2,814 crore government scheme to support critical mineral processing and establish domestic capabilities in lithium and nickel processing.

What is Black Mass?

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• Black mass is a powder-like material obtained after dismantling and mechanically processing discarded lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles, electronic devices and energy storage systems.
• It contains several valuable materials, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, graphite, silicon, tin and rhenium, among other materials.
• These materials can be recovered through recycling and reused in the manufacturing of new batteries.
• Black mass is an important secondary source of critical minerals and reduces the need of new batteries.
• Black mass is an important secondary source of critical minerals and reduces the need for fresh mineral extraction.

Government’s decision to ban exports

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• The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has amended the export policy under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• The export of lithium-ion battery black mass and related battery waste has been shifted from the ‘Free’ to the ‘Prohibited’ category.
• The restriction covers waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, including spent lithium-ion batteries, subject to specified exclusions.
• The notification excludes certain waste materials containing lead, cadmium or mercury from the relevant category.
• The government has clarified that the transitional arrangements under Para 1.06 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, will apply to the notification.

Why has the government banned exports?

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• Increasing domestic demand for critical minerals
  • India has limited domestic reserves of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, which are essential for battery manufacturing.
  • The country remains heavily dependent on imports to meet its requirements.
  • Retaining black mass within India will provide domestic recyclers with access to valuable secondary raw materials.
• Strengthening domestic recycling capacity
  • Recycling black mass allows valuable minerals to be recovered and reused in battery manufacturing.
  • The export restriction is expected to ensure a steady supply of raw materials for domestic recycling and refining units.
  • It will also encourage investment in recycling infrastructure, technological capabilities and employment generation.
• Reducing import dependence
  • Recovering critical minerals domestically can reduce the need for imported raw materials.
  • It will help lower import costs and minimize vulnerabilities arising from disruptions in global supply chains.
• Preventing loss of valuable resources
  • Some industry players export black mass instead of recovering minerals domestically.
  • This creates dependence on overseas recycling facilities, particularly in countries with large-scale processing capacities such as China.
  • Retaining black mass within India will help maximize domestic value addition.

Link with India’s critical mineral processing scheme

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• The Union Cabinet has approved a scheme with an outlay of ₹2,814 crore to promote critical mineral processing.
• The scheme aims to establish domestic processing capabilities for minerals such as lithium and nickel.
• It is expected to support sectors including electric mobility, battery energy storage systems, electronics, defence and speciality steel.
• The export restriction complements this initiative by ensuring the domestic availability of recycled mineral resources.

India’s Battery Recycling capacity

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• According to government data cited in the report, 57 lithium-ion battery recyclers are registered on the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Battery Waste Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) portal.
• These recyclers have a combined annual processing capacity of approximately 5.17 lakh tonnes.
• However, their combined input capacity specifically for lithium-ion battery black mass is estimated at around 75,500 metric tonnes per annum.
• This indicates the need to strengthen specialized black mass processing and refining capabilities.

Significance of the move

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• The export ban will strengthen India’s critical mineral security by retaining valuable minerals within the country and reducing dependence on imports and global supply chains.
• It promotes a circular economy through the recovery and reuse of lithium, cobalt and nickel from discarded batteries.
• The move can support domestic battery manufacturing, electric mobility and renewable energy storage while encouraging investment in recycling and refining industries.
• It also advances the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat and India’s clean energy transition.

Challenges and concerns

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• India faces limitations in advanced recycling technologies, specialized processing facilities and skilled manpower.
• Establishing recycling infrastructure requires substantial investment.
• An export ban alone cannot ensure domestic mineral recovery without efficient battery collection and recycling systems.
• Improper processing may also cause environmental pollution, while domestic recyclers face competition from established global players.

Way Forward and Conclusion

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India should strengthen its battery recycling infrastructure, invest in advanced recovery technologies and improve collection systems for discarded batteries. Effective implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), strict environmental standards and incentives for private investment can improve domestic recycling and refining capabilities.

The export restriction is an important step towards securing critical minerals and promoting a circular economy. However, its success will depend on building cost-effective, technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable recycling systems, thereby strengthening India’s self-reliance in the battery and electric mobility sectors.

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India Simplifies Visa Framework, Reduces Categories From 13 To 9

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions for development for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation; International Relations

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Why in the News?

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced a major rationalization of India’s visa framework, reducing the number of main visa categories from 13 to 9 and sub-categories from 49 to 23.

News in Brief

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• The Centre has reduced the main visa categories from 13 to 9 and sub-categories from 49 to 23, simplifying India’s visa framework.
• Information required in visa application forms has been reduced by approximately 65–70% to ease documentation and processing.
• The earlier Tourist Visa has been renamed the Visitor Visa (V-1 and V-2), while student visas have been consolidated into S-1 and S-2 categories.
• Business visas have been reorganized into B-1 and B-2, alongside rationalization of medical, AYUSH, research and other specialized visa categories.

Background of Visa Rationalization

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• In October 2025, the government reduced the main visa categories from 22 to 13 and sub-categories from 63 to 49.
• On August 27, 2026, the MHA announced another round of rationalisation, reducing the categories from 13 to 9 and sub-categories from 49 to 23.
• The government studied the visa systems of developed countries and international standards while undertaking the exercise.
• The objective is to consolidate visas issued for similar and make it easier for foreign nationals to identify the appropriate visa cateogory.

Reduction in Documentation

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• Information sought in visa application forms has been reduced by approximately 65–70%.
• Application forms across all 23 sub-categories have been shortened while retaining essential information required for processing.
• The move is expected to reduce procedural difficulties and improve the overall visa application experience.

Existing E-Visa Facility

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• India’s existing e-Visa facility covers nationals of 172 countries under 13 sub-categories, as mentioned in the MHA statement.
• The revised framework seeks to improve the accessibility and organization of visa services.

Major Changes in Visa Categories

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Visitor Visa (V-1 and V-2)

The earlier Tourist Visa has been renamed the Visitor Visa and divided into two categories to accommodate a wider range of activities beyond conventional tourism.

• V-1 Visa
  • Allows multiple entries over a period of 30 days for eligible activities.
  • Covers business meetings, medical consultations, wellness retreats and short-duration medical treatment.
  • Also permits participation in short courses in Indian languages, music, art and craft.
• V-2 Visa
  • Available with a validity of one, five, or ten years, depending on the visa granted.
  • Allows multiple entries.
  • Visitors undertaking mountaineering activities will be granted a six-month multiple-entry visa.

Medical and AYUSH Visas

The revised framework reorganizes medical-related visas to cover conventional medical treatment and traditional systems of medicine.

• M-1 Visa: Issued to foreign nationals seeking treatment outside the AYUSH system.
• M-3 Visa: Issued to foreign nationals seeking treatment under AYUSH systems, including their electronic visa variants.
• These visas will ordinarily be issued for one year with multiple entries.
• Accompanying attendants will be eligible for M-2 and M-4 visas, respectively.

Student Visas (S-1 and S-2)

Student visas have been consolidated into two categories.

• S-1 Visa: Covers school, undergraduate and postgraduate education.
• S-2 Visa: Covers research and other specified academic activities, including PhD programmes, visiting faculty assignments, internships and student exchanges.
• Foreign students enrolled through the Study in India portal may receive multiple-entry e-S1 visas for up to five years or the duration of their course, whichever is shorter.

Business Visas (B-1 and B-2)

• Business visas have been reorganized according to the nature and duration of business activities.
• B-1 Visa: Covers long-term, licence-based activities, including establishing industrial units and business ventures in India.
• B-2 Visa: Covers short-term, contract-based activities such as production investment, conferences, sports, performing arts and films.
• Foreign specialists, engineers and technical personnel engaged by Indian companies for specific assignments may obtain a Production Investment Business Visa through the e-Visa platform under the B-2 category.
• This replaces the earlier e-B4 nomenclature.

Significance of the Revised Visa Framework

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• The revised visa framework is expected to improve India’s Ease of Doing Business by facilitating foreign investment, industrial collaborations and technical partnerships.
• A more flexible visitor visa system can promote international tourism and wellness tourism, while simplified student visa procedures can strengthen India’s position as an attractive destination for international education.
• Separate provisions for conventional medical treatment and AYUSH services can further support medical value travel.
• Additionally, consolidating similar visa categories and reducing documentation can improve administrative efficiency, minimize procedural confusion and simplify visa processing.
• Overall, the reforms can strengthen India’s economic, educational and cultural engagement with other countries.

Challenges and Concerns

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• The revised visa framework also presents certain challenges that require careful attention.
• Simplifying visa procedures should not compromise immigration screening and national security safeguards.
• Effective implementation requires coordination among immigration authorities, Indian missions and relevant government departments.
• Increased dependence on online visa services may create accessibility barriers for applicants with limited digital literacy or internet access.
• Clear guidelines are also necessary to avoid confusion regarding visa eligibility, permitted activities and validity.
• Further, multiple-entry and long-duration visas require effective monitoring mechanisms to prevent misuse, unauthorised activities and overstaying by foreign nationals.

Way Forward and Conclusion

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India should strengthen its e-Visa system, maintain robust security checks and improve coordination among relevant authorities. Clear guidelines and regular reviews are essential to ensure smooth implementation and address emerging challenges.

A simplified yet secure visa regime can promote tourism, education, healthcare and foreign investment, strengthening India’s global engagement while safeguarding national security.

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Greenjoules Plans Agri-Waste-To-Fuel Plant In Pune

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Science and Technology

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Why in the News?

Greenjoules Private Limited has secured ₹250 crore in funding to establish an agri-waste-to-fuel plant at Khed City near Pune, Maharashtra.

News in Brief

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• Greenjoules plans to establish a plant at Khed City near Pune, with a production capacity of up to 2 lakh litres of bio-crude per day.
• The company operates a 15,000-litre-per-day facility at Chakan, near Pune, which is expected to expand to 30,000 litres per day.
• The company aims to achieve a total bio-crude production capacity of 5 lakh litres per day by 2028.
• The project has secured ₹250 crore, including ₹100 crore from the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology and ₹150 crore through a Series B funding round from investors.

Key Highlights

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• Technology used
  • Greenjoules has developed a proprietary technology called the Integrated Catalytic Thermo Cracking Process.
  • It converts agricultural residues into bio-crude in the presence of multiple catalysts at approximately 600 degree Celsius.
  • The process uses agricultural waste rather than food crops as its primary raw material.
• Agricultural Waste used
  • The plant will utilize different types of agricultural residues, including paddy straw and husk, groundnut shells, cashew shells, sugarcane baggasse.
  • These residues are often underutilized and can contribute to environmental pollution when disposed of through open burning.
• Conversion into Renewable Fuels
  • The bio-crude produced can be processed in conventional oil refineries to manufacture renewable diesel and bio-naphtha.
  • According to the company, approximately 75% of every litre of refined bio-crude can be obtained as renewable diesel.
  • The renewable diesel can be used in existing vehicles without requiring engine modifications.
• Addressing the food-versus-fuel debate
  • Unlike conventional biofuels produced from sugarcane, cereal grains and vegetable oils, this process uses agricultural rsidues.
  • It therefore reduces direct competition between food production and fuel production for agricultural resources.
• Investment and expansion
  • The ₹250 crore investment will support the development of the Khed facility in phases from 2027.
  • The proposed facility is expected to become the largest of its kind in India.
  • The funding includes institutional support from the Technology Development Board and private investment.

Government Initiatives related to Biofuels

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• National Policy on Biofuels, 2018 (amended in 2022): Promotes biofuel production, diversification of feedstocks and higher blending of biofuels with conventional fuels.
• Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme: Promotes ethanol blending in petrol to reduce dependence on imported crude oil.
• Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana: Supports the establishment of advanced biofuel projects using lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstocks.
• SATAT Initiative: Promotes the production and use of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) from agricultural residues, municipal solid waste and other organic waste.

Significance of Agri-Waste-To-Fuel Technology

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• Agri-waste-to-fuel technology offers several environmental and economic benefits.
• It promotes sustainable agricultural waste management by converting crop residues into useful fuels, reducing the practice of open-field burning and helping control air pollution. It strengthens energy security by supporting domestic renewable fuel production and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
• The technology also promotes a circular economy by converting agricultural waste into commercially valuable products.
• Further, it can provide additional income opportunities for farmers by creating a market for agricultural residues.
• From a climate perspective, the use of agricultural waste for renewable fuel production can help reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels, depending on the production process and sourcing of raw materials.

Challenges

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• Despite its potential, agri-waste-to-fuel technology faces several challenges.
• Feedstock availability remains a concern, as agricultural residues are seasonal and ensuring a continuous supply throughout the year can be difficult.
• The dispersed nature of agricultural waste across rural areas increases the cost of collection, storage and transportation.
• Further, advanced conversion technologies require substantial capital investment, specialized infrastructure and technical expertise.
• Ensuring the commercial viability of biofuels in another challenges, as production costs must remain competitive with conventional fossil fuels.
• In addition, excessive removal of crop residues from fields may reduce soil organic matter affect nutrient recycling and adversely impact long-term soil fertility.

Way Forward and Conclusion

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India should strengthen biomass collection and storage infrastructure, encourage FPO participation and promote research to improve biofuel production efficiency. Financial incentives and public-private partnerships can help reduce costs and scale up advanced biofuel projects while ensuring sustainable residue management.

Agri-waste-to-fuel technology can turn agricultural residues into valuable resources, supporting a circular economy, energy security and cleaner agriculture while advancing India’s clean energy transition.

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Supreme Court Review Of Gender Identity And Biological Sex

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

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Why in the News?

A petition filed in the Supreme Court by Women’s Declaration International (WDI), India chapter, challenges the Transgender Persons Act, 2019, and its Rules, questioning gender identity recognition and its implications for women-specific protections.

News in Brief

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• The petition challenges Section 7 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and Rule 7 of the Transgender Persons Rules, which provide for changes in gender certificates.
• It raises concerns about the distinction between biological sex and gender identity, particularly in the context of women-specific rights and protections.
• The 2014 NALSA judgment recognized gender identity as an essential aspect of individual identity and held that individuals have the right to determine their gender.
• Legal experts have cautioned that reopening the issue could weaken the legal protections and recognition already available to transgender persons.

Gender Identity and Biological Sex

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Biological Sex

• Biological sex refers to the classification of individuals as male, female or intersex based on reproductive and biological characteristics.
• It is generally determined by biological factors such as chromosomes, reproductive anatomy and secondary sexual charateristics.
• These characteristics may not always fit into strictly male or female categories.

Gender Identity

• Gender identity refers to an individual’s internal and personal sense of being a man, woman, both, neither or another gender.
• It is a social and personal dimension of identity rather than being determined exclusively by biological characteristics.
• A person’s gender identity may differ from the sex assigned to them at birth.
• Example- A transgender woman may have been assigned male at birth but identify herself as a woman.

Biological sex relates to biological characteristics, whereas gender identity concerns an individual’s personal understanding of their gender.

What does the petition challenge?

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The petition filed by Women’s Declaration International (WDI), India chapter, raises concerns regarding the legal recognition of gender identity.

• Section 7 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019
  • Section 7 deals with the change of gender in the official certificate of identity.
  • It provides for the issuance of a revised certificate when a transgender person undergoes surgery to change their gender.
  • The petition challenges the legal framework governing such recognition.
• Rule 7 of the Transgender Persons Rules, 2019
  • Rule 7 provides the procedure for obtaining a revised certificate of identity following medical intervention.
  • It forms part of the mechanism through which changes in gender are reflected in official documents.
• Concerns raised by the Petition
  • The petition argues that recognizing gender identity independently of biological sex could affect women-specific protections and benefits.
  • It seeks to preserve sex-based rights and safeguards intended for biological women.
  • It also questions the interpretation of gender identity established by the Supreme Court in the NALSA judgment.

What did the 2014 NALSA Judgment establish?

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The Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment in NALSA v. Union of India (2014), recognizing the constitutional rights of transgender persons. The judgment established several important principles;

• Recognition of Gender Identity
  • The Court recognized that gender identity is distinct from biological sex.
  • It upheld an individual’s right to determine their own gender identity.
  • It recognized the right to identify as male, female or third gender.
• Constitutional Protection
  • The Court held that discrimination on the basis of gender identity falls within the constitutional prohibition against discrimination under Articles 15 and 16.
  • It recognized that transgender persons are entitled to equality and equal protection under the Constitution.
• No compulsory Medical Intervention
  • The Court held that individuals cannot be compelled to undergo surgery, sterilization or hormonal treatment to obtain legal recognition of their gender identity.
  • Gender identity must be respected as an essential aspect of individual dignity and autonomy.
• Recognition of Third Gender
  • The judgment recognized transgender persons as a third gender for constitutional and legal purposes.
  • It emphasized the need to protect their fundamental rights and ensure equal opportunities.
• Significance
  • The NALSA Judgment shifted the legal understanding of gender identity from a purely biological approach towards one that recognizes individual autonomy, dignity and constitutional equality.

Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 provide

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• The Act was enacted to protect the rights of transgender persons and provide a legal framework for their welfare.
• Key provisions include;
  • Definition of transgender person: Section 2(k) defines a transgender person, including trans men, trans women, persons with intersex variations, genderqueer persons and individuals with socio-cultural identities such as kinner, hijra, aravani and jogta.
  • Prohibition of discrimination: Section 3 prohibits discrimination against transgender persons in education, employment, healthcare, public services, accommodation and other areas.
  • Right to recognition: Section 4 recognizes the right of transgender persons to be recognized and provides for self-perceived gender identity.
  • Identity certificate: Section 5 provides for an application to the District Magistrate for a certificate of identity.
  • Revised certificate: Section 7 provides for a revised certificate reflecting a change in gender following surgery.
  • Welfare measures: The Act provides for government measures to support the welfare, rehabilitation and social inclusion of transgender persons.

Concerns raised by legal experts

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The petition has generated debate among legal experts regarding the implications of reconsidering the NALSA judgment.

• Risk to Constitutional Recognition
  • Senior Advocate Jayna Kothari argued that the Supreme Court had already clarified that gender identity is distinct from biological sex.
  • She emphasized that gender identity should be determined by the individual.
  • Compulsory surgery or hormonal treatment cannot be made a condition for recognizing a person’s gender.
• Continuing Discrimination
  • Despite legal recognition, transgender persons continue to face discrimination in education, employment and access to public services.
  • Legal protection alone has not eliminated social exclusion and institutional barriers.
• Concerns over dilution of existing rights
  • Faculty member Swarupa Deb argued that the petition appears to portray transgender persons as a risk requiring management rather than individuals entitled to equal rights.
  • She noted that the NALSA judgment had provided an important degree of constitutional protection.
  • Reconsidering the existing framework could weaken the safeguards available to transgender persons.

Constitutional and Governance Dimensions

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The issue involves a wider debate between individual rights, gender equality and the scope of legal protection.

• Article 14 – Right to Equality
  • Guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of laws to every person.
• Article 15 – Prohibition of Discrimination
  • Prohibits discrimination on specified grounds, including sex.
  • The NALSA judgment recognised that discrimination based on gender identity is covered by constitutional protections.
• Article 16 – Equality of Opportunity
  • Guarantees equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.
• Article 19 – Freedom of Expression
  • The freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a) has also been interpreted in the context of expressing one’s gender identity.
• Article 21 – Right to Life and Personal Liberty
  • Protects life and personal liberty. The right to dignity, privacy and personal autonomy forms an important part of this constitutional guarantee.

Way Forward and Conclusion

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The legal framework must balance gender identity rights and sex-based protections while upholding constitutional values of equality, dignity and personal liberty. Stronger anti-discrimination measures, evidence-based policymaking and consultation with all stakeholders areessential.

Ultimately, an inclusive legal framework should protect individual autonomy, prevent discrimination and ensure equal rights without compromising the dignity of any section of society.

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