UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 17 November 2025

by Vajiram & Ravi - 17 November 2025

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 17 November 2025, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Siliguri Corridor

November 17, 2025
Siliguri Corridor

Siliguri Corridor Latest News

Amid shifting regional dynamics following the change of regime in Bangladesh and concerns over China’s growing presence near the vulnerable Siliguri corridor, the Indian Army has reinforced its eastern frontier by establishing three new garrison locations.

About Siliguri Corridor

  • It is a narrow stretch of land in West Bengal that connects India’s mainland to its northeastern states.
  • It is around 170 km long and 60 km in width, with its narrowest section being just 20-22 km.
  • Overall, it is 12,200 sq.km. in area.
  • This corridor shares its border with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh and is only 130 km away from China’s Chumbi Valley.
  • Its geographical fragility and criticality have earned it the nickname “Chicken’s Neck” in strategic and military circles.
  • It is the only land link between our Northeast region and the rest of the country.
  • Any disruption in this corridor — be it from military conflict, natural disaster, or internal unrest — would sever India’s northeastern states from the rest of the country.

Source: TH

Siliguri Corridor FAQs

Q1: Which Indian state contains the Siliguri Corridor?

Ans: West Bengal

Q2: The Siliguri Corridor connects mainland India to which region?

Ans: Northeast India

Q3: What is the narrowest width of the Siliguri Corridor?

Ans: 20–22 km

Q4: Approximately how far is the Siliguri Corridor from China’s Chumbi Valley?

Ans: 130 km

Thames River

November 17, 2025
Thames River

Thames River Latest News

A video of an Indian man washing his feet in London's River Thames has gone viral recently.

About Thames River

  • It is a 346-km river that flows through southern England.
  • It is the longest river in England and the second longest in the United Kingdom, right after the River Severn. 
  • Course: 
    • Origin: Its source is at Thames Head, near Kemble in the Cotswold Hills, Gloucestershire County.
    • It flows into the North Sea via the Thames Estuary.
    • The Nore is the sandbank that marks the mouth of the Thames Estuary and the confluence point of the Thames and the North Sea. 
  • The Thames’ basin covers an area of approximately 16,130 sq.km.
  • The Thames is tidal a few miles upstream from London. Past London it becomes an estuary.
  • Main Tributaries: 
    • Lea, Leach, Churn, Coln, Windrush, Kennet, Evenlode, Ock, and Loddon. 
    • The River Kennet is the largest one at 45 miles long.
  • The river passes numerous popular cities along its way, such as London, Reading, Hendley-on-Thomas, Windsor, and Oxford, where it is also called the Isis River.
  • It provides two-thirds of London’s drinking water.
  • It has been a vital transportation route since ancient times, facilitating trade and commerce between London and other parts of England.
  • There are 16 bridges that cross the River Thames in Greater London alone, most prominently the Golden Jubilee Bridges and the Millennium Bridges for pedestrians.

Source: NDTV

Thames River FAQs

Q1: What is the total length of the River Thames?

Ans: 346 km

Q2: The River Thames flows through which country?

Ans: United Kingdom

Q3: Where does the River Thames originate?

Ans: Its source is at Thames Head, near Kemble in the Cotswold Hills, Gloucestershire County.

Q4: Into which water body does the Thames flow?

Ans: North Sea

Senkakau Islands

November 17, 2025
Senkakau Islands

Senkaku Islands Latest News

Recently, a China Coast Guard ship formation passed through the disputed waters of the Senkaku Islands.

About Senkaku Islands

  • Location: These are an uninhabited group of islands situated in the East China Sea.
  • The islands comprise Uotsuri Island, Kuba Island, Taisho Island Kitakojima Island, Minamikojima Island, Tobise Island, Okinokitaiwa Island, and Okinominamiiwa Island. 
  • The total land area of all the islands is roughly 6.3 square kilometers.

Features of Senkaku Islands

  • This island consists of conglomerate sandstone (alternate layers of sandstone and conglomerate in some parts), tuff, andesite, andesitic lava, coral outcroppings elevated above sea level during the Holocene era, and other rocky material. 
  • The surrounding area is highly volcanic and features faults associated with this volcanic activity, and this affects land formation.
  • Dispute: The Senkaku Islands (called the Diaoyu Islands by China) have long been disputed between China and Japan.
  • Administration of Senkaku Islands: Currently, Japan administers and controls the Senkaku Islands as part of the city of Ishigaki in Okinawa Prefecture.

Source: TH

Senkaku Islands FAQs

Q1: Where are the Senkaku Islands located?

Ans: East China Sea

Q2: Which country currently administers the Senkaku Islands?

Ans: Japan

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