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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India Approves Infibeam Avenues and PayU to Operate as Physical Payment Aggregators

• Infibeam Avenues and PayU received Reserve Bank of India (RBI) authorisation to operate as Payment Aggregators – Physical (PA-P), enabling them to offer offline payment aggregation services.
• The PA-P licence permits the use of PoS devices and soundboxes for accepting digital payments at physical retail stores.
• Both companies already hold the Payment Aggregator – Online (PA-O) licence, allowing them to operate digital payments in the online ecosystem.
• PayU is authorised to operate across PA-O, PA-P, and PA-CB (cross-border), including inbound and outbound payments.
• The PA-P licence covers PoS and soundbox devices, which banks and fintechs deploy to expand digital payment acceptance in physical outlets.
• Infibeam expanded offline payments after launching its CCAvenue SoundBox Max, an all-in-one PoS device supporting UPI, credit/debit cards, and QR-based payments.
• The PA-P approval becomes Infibeam’s fourth RBI licence, adding to its existing PA-O, PPI (Prepaid Payment Instruments), and BBPOU (Bharat Bill Pay Operating Unit)
• According to the RBI, a Payment Aggregator – Physical facilitates transactions where the acceptance device and payment instrument are physically present at the same location during the transaction.

India’s gold imports hit record $14.7 billion in October, driven by strong festive and wedding demand

• Gold imports surged nearly threefold to USD 14.72 billion in October 2025, mainly due to strong festival and wedding demand.
• Gold imports were USD 4.92 billion in October 2024, showing a sharp year-on-year increase.
• Cumulative gold imports during April–October 2025 rose 21.44% to USD 41.23 billion, compared to USD 34 billion in the previous year.
• High gold imports pushed India’s trade deficit to a record USD 41.68 billion in October 2025.
• Gold prices are around Rs 1.29 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital, reflecting strong market demand.

Key Highlights :

Sourcing and Trade Balance

• Switzerland is the largest source of gold imports with 40% share, followed by UAE (16%) and South Africa (10%).
• Imports from Switzerland increased by 403.67% to USD 5.08 billion in October 2025, showing a sharp rise in sourcing.
• Gold accounts for over 5% of India’s total imports, highlighting its major share in external trade.
• India is the world’s second-largest gold consumer after China, with major demand from the jewellery industry.
• Gems and jewellery exports declined 29.5% to USD 2.3 billion in October 2025, indicating pressure on the export sector.
• India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) narrowed to 0.2% of GDP (USD 2.4 billion) in April–June 2025, compared to 0.9% of GDP (USD 8.6 billion) a year earlier, supported by services exports.

Other Precious Metals

• The government revised gold import data earlier in January 2025 to correct double accounting in import figures after a spike in November 2024.
• Silver imports jumped 528.71% to USD 2.71 billion in October 2025, reflecting increased industrial demand in sectors like electronics, automobile, and pharmaceuticals.

SBI Research projects India’s Q2 FY26 GDP growth at 7.5%, exceeding RBI’s 7% forecast

• State Bank of India (SBI) Economic Research Department (ERD) released SBI Research Ecowarp report projecting India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for Q2 FY26 at 7.5%, higher than the RBI estimate of 7% for the same quarter.
• Based on the model, real GDP growth is expected to range between 7.5%–8.0%, with GVA projected at 8.0%.
• GST collections for November 2025 are projected at Rs 1.49 lakh crore, and total collections are expected to cross Rs 2 lakh crore including IGST and Compensation Cess.
• Headline CPI inflation dropped to 0.25% in October 2025, while core inflation (excluding gold) stood at 2.6%.
• Kerala recorded the highest inflation at 8.56%, followed by Jammu & Kashmir at 2.95% and Karnataka at 2.34%, while 12 out of 22 states showed negative inflation.

Reserve Bank of India Grants PayU Integrated Licence to Operate as Payment Aggregator for Online, Offline & Cross-Border Transactions

• PayU Payments Private Limited received integrated authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA) across online, offline, and cross-border transactions under the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act 2007.
• The authorisation allows PayU to support merchants in accepting payments through 100+ digital methods, including cards, net banking, QR codes, UPI, and wallets.
• With the new approval, PayU becomes a full-stack digital payments provider with integrated operational scope across all payment channels.
• The licence enables merchants to manage inward and outward cross-border transactions, providing a unified platform for online, in-store, and international payments.
• The approval confirms PayU’s compliance with RBI requirements, including capital adequacy, governance standards, and security norms for payment aggregators.
• In May 2025, PayU received the Certificate of Authorization (CoA) from RBI to operate as an online Payment Aggregator (PA-O).

RBL Bank enters the premium credit card market with the launch of ‘LUMIERE’ and ‘NOVA’ cards

• RBL Bank launched two new premium credit cards ‘LUMIERE’ and ‘NOVA’, marking its entry into the high-end credit card segment.
• The cards are aimed at High-Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) and affluent customers, reflecting India’s expanding premium consumer base.
• LUMIERE is an invitation-only metal card, offering lifestyle and travel benefits including airport service access, and comes with an annual fee of Rs 50,000.
• NOVA is a premium metal credit card targeted at consumers seeking reward-based value with strong lifestyle features, available with an annual fee of Rs 12,500.
• NOVA card offers higher reward rates for hotel and flight bookings, saving options at restaurants, and golf access through partner platforms.

About RBL Bank :

• Established : 1943
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• MD & CEO : Subramaniakumar
• Tagline “Apno ka Bank.”

Master Capital Services gets SEBI’s in-principle nod to launch Mutual Fund business

• Master Capital Services Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Master Trust, received in-principle approval from SEBI to set up a Mutual Fund (MF) business.
• After this approval, the company can proceed with regulatory processes to establish an Asset Management Company (AMC) and launch mutual fund schemes, subject to SEBI’s final approval.
• The upcoming MF business will offer equity, hybrid, and multi-asset products, catering to diverse investor categories.
• The investment strategy will combine quantitative investment methodologies with a bottom-up research approach to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns over time.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2.0 (2025–2029) Launched by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J.P. Nadda

• Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J.P. Nadda, launched the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) 2.0 in New Delhi, covering the period 2025–2029.
• This marks a major step in India’s public health strategy to combat the rising threat of antibiotic resistance.
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist medicines, making infections difficult to treat.
• It affects critical medical procedures such as surgery, cancer therapy, and intensive care treatments.
• The Minister highlighted that overuse and misuse of antibiotics have caused AMR to spread across hospitals, communities, and the veterinary sector, leading to prolonged illness, higher mortality, and greater healthcare costs.
• AMR 2.0 (2025–29) builds on the earlier plan and aims to:
  • Address gaps in AMR implementation
  • Increase accountability among stakeholders
  • Strengthen coordination across human health, animal health, and environment sectors
  • Enhance private sector participation in antimicrobial stewardship
  • Promote rational antibiotic use at all levels of healthcare
• The plan aligns with global frameworks such as the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance and the One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health.
• AMR results in delayed treatment, spread of resistant microbes, longer hospital stays, and high treatment costs, impacting both families and the national healthcare system. India faces higher risks due to frequent non-prescription antibiotic use.
• The government’s multi-sectoral approach under AMR 2.0 focuses on:
  • Strengthening surveillance systems to track resistance patterns
  • Regulatory measures to curb irrational drug use
  • Capacity building for doctors, pharmacists, and health workers
  • Public awareness campaigns on responsible antibiotic use
  • Stronger infection prevention and control in hospitals
• The strategy broadens AMR containment beyond hospitals to include agriculture, animal husbandry, and environmental sectors, ensuring a comprehensive national response.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Expanded to Cover Wild Animal Attacks and Paddy Inundation from Kharif 2026

• The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has been expanded to include crop losses caused by wild animal attacks and inundation of paddy fields starting from the Kharif season of 2026, as announced by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
• Losses caused by elephants, wild boars, nilgai, deer, and monkeys will now be officially treated as an insurable event, added as the fifth add-on under the Localised Risk category of PMFBY.
• Farmers in regions near forests, wildlife corridors, and hilly areas—where wild animal crop destruction is common—will now receive financial protection under the scheme.
• Damage to paddy fields due to inundation caused by heavy rainfall, cyclonic storms, or inadequate drainage will also be covered.
• The update is especially relevant to states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal, where waterlogging during monsoon is frequent.
• PMFBY, launched in 2016, is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme providing insurance against crop losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases.
• It covers both loanee farmers (with crop loans) and non-loanee farmers (without loans).
• The premium rates remain unchanged:
  • Kharif crops: 2% of the sum insured
  • Rabi crops: 1.5%
  • Horticultural/Cash crops: 5%
    Any premium amount above these fixed farmer contributions is shared equally by the Government of India and State Governments as subsidy. Insurance companies are selected annually through a bidding process.
• The Localised Risk category under PMFBY allows quick damage assessment and claim settlement for small-area events such as hailstorms, landslides, localized floods, now expanded to include wild animal attacks and paddy inundation.
• The expansions will benefit farmers in forest-adjacent areas by compensating previously uncovered wildlife-related losses, and support paddy farmers in flood-prone regions by protecting them from crop failures due to waterlogging.
• These additions enhance the scheme’s coverage, address region-specific vulnerabilities, and provide more comprehensive risk protection, encouraging farmers to invest confidently in agriculture.

RECENT NEWS

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), India’s flagship crop insurance scheme, has completed nine years since its launch on February 18, 2016, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The initiative aims to provide comprehensive crop insurance to Indian farmers, safeguarding them against various risks like natural disasters, pests, and diseases.

India’s Unemployment Rate Remains Stable at 5.2% in October 2025

• India’s national unemployment rate (UR) remained unchanged at 5.2% in October 2025, as per CMIE and MoSPI data, indicating a steady labour market despite economic shifts.
• Rural UR fell slightly from 4.6% in September to 4.4% in October, while urban UR increased from 6.8% to 7.0%, showing a clear divergence between rural and urban job trends.
• MoSPI data confirms that UR for individuals aged 15+ stayed at 5.2%, even as regional variations were significant.
• The stable national figure masks underlying differences, with rural areas showing marginal improvement and urban areas facing rising joblessness.

Key Highlights

• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) rose to 55.4%, reaching a six-month high.
• Worker Population Ratio (WPR) increased to 52.5%, continuing its upward trend since June.
• Female LFPR improved notably, rising to 34.2% in October from 32.0% in June, indicating stronger female workforce engagement.
• Rural employment showed slight recovery, supported by seasonal agricultural activities and higher female participation.
• Urban unemployment rising to 7.0% reflects continued pressure from structural job changes, migration, and slowdown in some service sectors.
• Female unemployment rate reduced from 5.5% to 5.4%, while male unemployment stayed at 5.1%, though urban male UR rose from 6.0% to 6.1%, highlighting persistent gender-based employment gaps.
• Overall employment indicators show mixed signals: stability at the national level but clear stress in urban labour markets.
• Policy implications point to the need for quality job creation in urban areas, better skill-matching, and ensuring employment growth aligns with rising participation, especially among women.
• LFPR and WPR trends indicate better labour engagement, suggesting that analysing these metrics alongside unemployment provides a clearer picture of India’s evolving labour dynamics.

Union Health Minister Inaugurates 10 New Amrit Pharmacies On 10th Anniversary

• Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda inaugurated 10 new AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) pharmacies on the scheme’s 10th anniversary, reaffirming the government’s commitment to expanding access to affordable medicines and medical devices.
• Launched in 2015, AMRIT has grown into a nationwide network of over 255 outlets across 24 States and 4 UTs, offering essential medicines and implants at up to 50% discount on MRP.

Key Highlights

• The newly inaugurated centres are located at: PGI Neuroscience Centre, Chandigarh; GMCH Unit-II, Jammu; State Cancer Institute, Jammu; AIIMS Deogarh; Dental Hospital, Srinagar; SCTIMST, Trivandrum; Mumbai Port Trust; IIT Jodhpur; AIIMS Gorakhpur; AIIMS Kalyani (Unit 3).
• Major achievements include: 6.85 crore+ patients benefited; medicines worth ₹17,000 crore dispensed; total savings of ₹8,500 crore for patients; and availability of 6,500+ drugs and medical devices through the network.
• The programme is operated by HLL Lifecare Limited, a PSU under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
• The minister announced plans to expand AMRIT to at least 500 outlets, ensuring that every medical college and district hospital has access to affordable medicines.
• He also launched Ecogreen 2.0, a new digital platform for operational efficiency, and a customised My Stamp in collaboration with India Post.
• The AMRIT scheme plays a vital role in reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure, improving access to treatment for chronic and life-threatening illnesses, and strengthening India’s push toward Universal Health Coverage.

Union Government Targets 10,000 Km Of National Highway Project Awards in Fy 2026

• The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has set a target to award 10,000 km of National Highway (NH) projects in FY 2025-26, aiming to reverse the recent decline in project awards.
• NH project awards have steadily dropped over the past three years:
  FY 2023 – ~12,000 km, FY 2024 – ~7,500 km, FY 2025 – ~6,000 km.
  The new FY 2026 target seeks to restore momentum in highway development.

Key Highlights

• The focus is on improving both award volume and quality, ensuring faster processing, better project readiness, and smoother execution of contracts.
• The target is important for enhancing national connectivity, boosting logistics efficiency, supporting regional growth, and strengthening the government’s overall infrastructure-led economic strategy. Beneficiaries include contractors and industries such as steel, cement, and construction equipment.
• Key challenges include land acquisition, Right-of-Way (RoW) issues, and delays in environmental and forest clearances, which often slow down project awarding and execution.
• Higher project volumes will require stronger funding mechanisms, including asset monetisation, InvITs, and toll-operate-transfer (TOT) models.
• Faster project awarding must be matched by timely execution, addressing past bottlenecks such as monsoon disruptions, contractor capacity constraints, and procedural delays.
• Sustainability and quality remain essential, with future projects expected to integrate environmental safeguards, strong maintenance provisions, and future-ready designs like expressways and high-speed corridors.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Sixth National Water Awards & Jal Sanchay–Jan Bhagidari Awards Presented

• President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the Sixth National Water Awards and Jal Sanchay–Jan Bhagidari Awards in New Delhi, recognising outstanding efforts in water conservation, efficient water use, and community-driven water management.
• The President highlighted India’s cultural reverence for water, noting that rivers, lakes, and water bodies have long been considered sacred.
• She referenced Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s national song beginning with “Sujalam”, showing water’s historic importance.
• She cautioned that India faces water scarcity, aggravated by climate change, rising population, and low per-capita water availability.
• She called for joint action by governments and citizens to ensure sustainable water use.
• A major achievement highlighted was the creation of over 35 lakh groundwater recharge structures under the Jal Sanchay–Jan Bhagidari initiative, launched a year ago to revive groundwater through community participation.
• Industries were praised for adopting circular water economy models, including water recirculation and zero liquid discharge, showing how technology can support sustainable water use.
• Water conservation was stressed as a shared responsibility involving:
  • Central and State Governments
  • District and Municipal bodies
  • Village Panchayats
  • Educational institutions and NGOs
  • Citizens, farmers, and entrepreneurs
• Citizens were encouraged to use water-efficient practices in farming, industry, and daily life.
• The President urged people to treat water as a precious and limited resource, appreciating tribal communities’ respectful approach towards nature. She said true change will come from public participation in conserving, harvesting, and managing water.
• National Water Awards aim to raise awareness, reward best practices, and motivate innovation in water conservation.
• Jal Sanchay–Jan Bhagidari Awards focus on community-led water recharge models, resource convergence, and scalable success stories.

List of Winners – Sixth National Water Awards 2024

1. Best State
   1st – Maharashtra
   2nd – Gujarat
   3rd – Haryana
2. Best District
   East Zone – Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh (1st)
   West Zone – Khargone, Madhya Pradesh (1st)
   South Zone – Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu (1st)
   North Zone – Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh (1st)
   North East Zone – Sepahijala, Tripura (1st)
3. Best Urban Local Body
   1st – Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
   2nd – Bhavnagar, Gujarat
   3rd (Joint) – Nabadiganta Industrial Township, West Bengal
   3rd (Joint) – Agra, Uttar Pradesh
4. Best Institution (Other than School/College)
   Inside Campus Category
   1st (Joint) – Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gujarat
   1st (Joint) – ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa
   2nd (Joint) – Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Rajasthan
   2nd (Joint) – Islamic University of Science and Technology Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir
   Special Mention – Assam Rifles, Manipur

Outside Campus Category
1st (Joint) – Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University Hisar, Haryana
1st (Joint) – Regional Chief Conservator of Forests Berhampur Circle, Odisha

5. Best Water User Association
   1st – Vettaikaranpudur Canal Odayakulam Village Water User Association, Tamil Nadu
   2nd – Kanifnath Water User Association, Maharashtra
   3rd – Kharlan Water User Association, Rajasthan
6. Best Civil Society
   1st – Banaskantha District Co-operative Milk Producers Union Ltd., Gujarat
   2nd – Ambuja Foundation, Rajasthan
   3rd – Art of Living, Karnataka
7. Best Village Panchayat
   1st (Joint) – Dubbiganipalli, Andhra Pradesh
   1st (Joint) – Payam, Kerala
   2nd (Joint) – Kaweshwar, Madhya Pradesh
   2nd (Joint) – Murugummi, Andhra Pradesh
   3rd (Joint) – Balapuram, Tamil Nadu
   3rd (Joint) – Dumarpani, Chhattisgarh
8. Best School or College
   1st (Joint) – Krishna Public School Raipur, Chhattisgarh
   1st (Joint) – Army Public School Kolkata, West Bengal
   2nd – BHSS Zainakote Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
   3rd (Joint) – Malusanta Government Nodal Higher Secondary School Damanjodi Koraput, Odisha
   3rd (Joint) – Jharkhand Balika Aawasiya Vidyalaya Rahe Ranchi, Jharkhand
   Special Mention – Mount Abu Public School Rohini, Delhi
   Special Mention – Maharaja Agarsain Public School Ashok Vihar, Delhi
   Special Mention – Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Model School Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
9. Best Industry
   1st – Apollo Tyres Ltd., Tamil Nadu
   2nd – Hero MotoCorp Ltd., Haryana
   3rd – Jhajjar Power Ltd., Haryana
10. Best Individual (Excellence in Water Sector)
    East Zone – Shri Kishore Jaiswal, Bihar (1st)
    West Zone – Shri Bajrang Lal Jaithu, Rajasthan (1st)
    North Zone – Shri Mohan Chandra Kandpal, Uttarakhand (1st)
    South Zone – Shri Podili Rajasekhara Raju, Andhra Pradesh (1st)

Venu Srinivasan Conferred the Confederation of Indian Industry Quality Ratna Award 2025

• Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor Company, has been awarded the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Quality Ratna Award 2025 at the 33rd CII Excellence Summit held in Kolkata, attended by over 1,000 quality experts and industry leaders.
• The award recognises his leadership in transforming Indian manufacturing quality standards to match global benchmarks, reinforcing his legacy as one of India’s most influential industrial leaders.

Key Highlights

• The CII Excellence Summit 2025, organised by the CII Institute of Quality, focused on raising India’s global manufacturing share from 3% to 25% and generating 100 million new jobs, aiming to position India among the top three global manufacturing hubs through quality leadership and innovation.
• Venu Srinivasan’s honour reflects the importance of visionary leadership in advancing India’s manufacturing ambitions and strengthening national competitiveness.
• Srinivasan pioneered Total Quality Management (TQM) practices at TVS Motor Company, making it one of the earliest Indian firms to adopt global-quality systems.
• Under his leadership, TVS Motor became the first two-wheeler company outside Japan to win the Deming Prize in 2002, setting new quality standards for Indian industry.
• His customer-centric leadership emphasised that designs must be driven by customer needs and that employee trust is essential for long-term organisational success.
• His philosophy integrates value creation, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction.
• Srinivasan highlighted at the summit that modern product design is guided by technology and social aspirations, stressing the need to understand customer needs deeply and serve them for a lifetime.
• The CII Quality Ratna Award is one of India’s highest recognitions in industrial excellence, honouring individuals who demonstrate sustained leadership in quality, operational excellence, and influence on national industrial culture and policy.
• The recognition aligns with national goals under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, reinforcing the importance of quality-led manufacturing growth, stronger export capabilities, and enhanced global competitiveness.
• Leaders like Srinivasan offer a roadmap for India’s transition from an assembly-based ecosystem to creating world-class products, while also highlighting the significance of TQM-based models to generate 100 million manufacturing jobs and build an innovation-driven, customer-centric industrial economy.

Veteran Art Director Thota Tharani Conferred with France’s Chevalier Award

• Veteran Indian art director Thota Tharani has been honoured with the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters), a prestigious French civilian award.
• The award was conferred at Alliance Française, Chennai, by the French Ambassador to India, coinciding with the inauguration of his art exhibition.

Key Highlights

• This recognition places him among distinguished Indian cultural icons such as Kamal Haasan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sivaji Ganesan, and Kalki Koechlin, who previously received the French honour.
• Thota Tharani’s career spans over four decades, during which he transformed art direction and production design in Indian cinema by creating visually rich, culturally rooted, and historically accurate environments.
• His notable films include Nayakan, Thalapathi, Indian, Sagara Sangamam, Sivaji, Dasavatharam, Ponniyin Selvan I & II, Kuberaa, and Hari Hara Veera Mallu, reflecting his impact across Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema.
• He studied at the Government Fine Arts College, Chennai, and the Royal College of Art, London, and began his film journey with Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi (1978) in Telugu, followed by his Tamil debut Raja Paarvai (1981).
• His major recognitions include 2 National Film Awards, 2 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, 3 Nandi Awards, 1 Kerala State Film Award, and the Padma Shri (2001).
• The Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is among France’s highest civilian honours, awarded to individuals who significantly contribute to arts and literature globally.
• Thota Tharani was selected for his contribution to cinema and visual arts, especially his work in cultural preservation, architectural accuracy, and artistic innovation, which has enriched visual storytelling in Indian cinema.

Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025 Concluded At Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad

• The inaugural Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025 concluded at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, honouring seven individuals for their exceptional contributions across journalism, rural development, social service, art & culture, youth leadership, women empowerment, and science & technology.
• The awards were instituted in memory of Sri Ramoji Rao, a legendary media icon and nation-builder.
• The ceremony was graced by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, and the Chief Ministers of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
• Dignitaries including Sri A. Revanth Reddy, Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Justice N. V. Ramana, and Sri M. Venkaiah Naidu paid tribute to Sri Ramoji Rao’s legacy in media, education, culture, and institution-building.
• A major highlight was the launch of the Ramoji Dictionary:
  • English-to-Telugu edition released by Sri M. Venkaiah Naidu.
  • Telugu-to-Telugu edition launched by Justice N. V. Ramana.
    This initiative aims to promote regional language learning and preserve Telugu heritage.
• Seven Honourees of the Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025:

1. Excellence in Journalism – Shri Jaideep Hardikar: Recognised for impactful reporting on India’s agrarian crises and rural communities.
2. Youth Icon Award – Shri Srikanth Bolla: Founder of Bollant Industries, pioneering inclusive employment for persons with disabilities.
3. Excellence in Art & Culture – Prof. Sathupati Prasanna Sree: Developed scripts for 19 tribal languages, strengthening indigenous linguistic identity.
4. Excellence in Rural Development – Smt. Amla Ashok Ruia: Known as the “Water Mother” for her rainwater harvesting initiatives across drought-hit regions.
5. Excellence in Service to Mankind – Shri Akash Tandon: Founder of Pehchaan – The Street School, educating underprivileged children in Delhi-NCR.
6. Women Achiever Award – Smt. Pallabi Ghosh: Human rights activist who has rescued over 10,000 victims of human trafficking.
7. Excellence in Science & Technology – Prof. Madhavi Latha Gali: Geotechnical engineering expert associated with major projects like the Chenab Railway Bridge, currently Chair at IISc Bengaluru’s Centre for Sustainable Technologies.

• The event featured cultural performances, emotional tributes, and reflections on Sri Ramoji Rao’s values of service, innovation, and integrity.
  Sri Ch. Kiron, Managing Director of Ramoji Group, delivered a heartfelt tribute, stating that “enterprise without ethics is empty and success without service is shallow.”
• The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem and a vote of thanks, marking a dignified end to the celebration.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SUMMITS & CONFERENCES

Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs to Hold 3rd National NeVA Conference at Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi

• The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs is organising the 3rd National Conference on the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) at Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.
• The event will be attended by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and MoS Dr. L. Murugan, along with senior officials Shri Nikunja Bihari Dhal and Satya Prakash.
• Over 100 participants, including Secretaries of Legislative Houses and State Nodal Department Secretaries, will review the progress of NeVA implementation across States and UTs.
• NeVA is one of the 44 Mission Mode Projects (MMPs) under the Digital India Programme, aimed at making State Legislatures paperless and transforming them into “Digital Houses”.
• The platform seeks to integrate all 37 Legislative Houses under the vision of “One Nation, One Application”.
• The conference will address best practices, operational challenges, and strategies to onboard the remaining Legislative Houses onto NeVA.
• Key discussions include leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to improve legislative processes, data accessibility, automation, transparency, and responsiveness.

About Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs :

• Cabinet Minister : Kiren Rijiju
• Minister of State : Arjun Ram Meghwal, L. Murugan

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Army and Indian Armed Forces to Deploy 16 Homegrown Laser-Powered Anti-Drone Systems

• India will induct 16 homegrown Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDS) to boost aerial security and counter-drone warfare capabilities.
• These DRDO-developed systems use laser technology capable of neutralising enemy drones up to 2 km
• The upgraded Mark-2 IDDS uses a 10-kW laser, doubling its engagement range compared to the earlier 1-km version.
• The system can disable sensors and damage drone structures, providing non-kinetic precision defence.
• The induction is expected to be approved soon by the Ministry of Defence, strengthening border and counter-intrusion capabilities.
• IDDS is part of DRDO’s Direct Energy Weapons (DEWs) programme, led by the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS).
• DRDO successfully demonstrated DEW MK-II (A) at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, where it defeated fixed-wing UAVs and swarm drones.
• India has also demonstrated a 30-kW laser system capable of striking targets up to 5 km, placing the country among nations like the US, China, and Russia.
• The move comes amid increasing drone incursions and attacks, especially from the western border, including Pakistan’s use of drones during Operation Sindoor.
• Drones are now widely used for reconnaissance, logistics drops, swarm attacks, and electronic warfare, making rapid countermeasures essential.
• DRDO is further developing high-energy microwave weapons, EMP systems, and other futuristic technologies, aiming to build multi-layered “Star Wars”-style defence

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Participate in 12th ADMM-Plus Summit in Kuala Lumpur

• Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh attended the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 1 November 2025.
• He will speak on ‘Reflection on 15 years of ADMM-Plus and Charting the Way Forward’, highlighting future defence cooperation priorities.
• The 2nd ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting will be held on 31 October 2025, chaired by Malaysia, with participation from all ASEAN member states.
• The meeting aims to strengthen ASEAN-India defence and security cooperation and advance India’s Act East Policy.

Key Highlights :

• ADMM is ASEAN’s highest defence consultative mechanism, and ADMM-Plus brings together 10 ASEAN countries + 8 Dialogue Partners (India, US, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia & New Zealand).
• India became an ASEAN Dialogue Partner in 1992, and the first ADMM-Plus was held on 12 October 2010 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
• Since 2017, ADMM-Plus has been held annually to deepen regional defence cooperation.
• India is co-chair of the Experts Working Group (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism with Malaysia for 2024–2027.
• The 2nd ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) is scheduled for 2026, boosting maritime security cooperation.

Defence Research and Development Organisation Transfers Technology for Eight Indigenous Products to Industry Through 12 LAToTs at SAMANVAY 2025

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over 12 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LAToTs) for eight indigenous defence products during SAMANVAY 2025, a two-day industry synergy event held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• SAMANVAY 2025 was organised by the Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS) Cluster of DRDO.

Key Highlights :

About DRDO Technology Transfer & Industry Engagement :

• The transferred technologies included advanced systems like Electronic Warfare Suites, Laser Photoacoustic Spectroscopy, and other strategic defence solutions.
• 150+ industry representatives, including MSMEs and start-ups, participated, indicating high industry interest in indigenous defence technologies.
• DRDO announced formation of Industry Interaction Groups (IIGs) across all labs and HQ to boost industry–DRDO collaboration.
• The LAToT handovers mark a major step in operationalising indigenous technologies, enabling industry-scale production.
• The initiative aligns with the Revised DRDO ToT Policy 2025, aimed at simplifying procedures and promoting MSMEs through the Technology Development Fund (TDF), which supports projects up to ₹50 crore.

Key Technologies Transferred :

• Combat Aircraft System Development & Integration Centre to D-29 Electronic Warfare Suite to BEL, Bengaluru
• Defence Electronics Application Laboratory to NATSAT-Handheld & NATSAT-Mini Terminals to BEL, Panchkula
• Defence Electronics Research Laboratory to
  • Sarang Electronic Support Measure System (SAMUDRIKA) to BEL, Bengaluru
  • DOLPHIN-II to BEL, Bengaluru
• Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE) to
  • Laser Beam Rider Guidance System with Eye-safe Laser Range Finder to BEL, Pune & BDL, Hyderabad
  • Athermal Laser Target Designator to BEL, Pune
  • Laser Photoacoustic Spectroscopy to DH Ltd (Ghaziabad), Enertech Engineering (Hyderabad), Beam Infotech (Gurugram), Nibe Ltd (Pune)
• Microwave Tube Research & Development Centre (MTRDC) to
  • M-Type Dispenser Cathode to Panacea Medical Technologies Pvt Ltd, Karnataka

About DRDO :

• Chairman: Samir Vankatpati Kamat
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Established: 1958

Indian Navy’s Second Commanders’ Conference Set to Begin on 22 October 2025

• The 2nd edition of the Indian Navy’s biannual Commanders’ Conference 2025 will be held in New Delhi from 22–24 October 2025.
• The conference gains significance due to the backdrop of ‘Operation Sindoor’ and the Navy’s heightened operational tempo and combat preparedness.
• The Navy aims to enhance combat capabilities, interoperability, and joint operations with the Indian Army, IAF, and ICG to address emerging threats in the IOR and Indo-Pacific.
• The Raksha Mantri and the Cabinet Secretary will address the Commanders, highlighting national interests and the vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.
• The Chief of the Naval Staff and Commanders-in-Chief will review the security situation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Navy’s primary area of responsibility.
• Key discussions include Naval operations, training, resource availability, and planning for future operational tasks.
• The Conference will assess the role of AI, Big Data, and Machine Learning (ML) in developing disruptive combat solutions and ensuring seamless operations.
• The Conference supports the Government’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across all Regions).
• The Indian Navy aims to reinforce its role as the Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the Indo-Pacific.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Karnataka Government Unveils KEO, an Affordable AI-Ready PC Priced at ₹18,999 to Enhance Digital Access

• The Government of Karnataka launched KEO (Knowledge-driven, Economical, Open-source), a low-cost, AI-ready Personal Computer priced at Rs 18,999 to boost digital access.
• Chief Minister K. Siddaramaiah officially launched the KEO PC at the 28th Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2025 in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Key Highlights :

• KEO is powered by a 5th Generation RISC-V processor and runs on a Linux-based Operating System, ensuring cost-effective and open-source computing.
• The PC was developed by the Karnataka Department of Electronics, IT & BT in partnership with KEONICS (Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited).
• The key components of KEO include 4G, Wi-Fi, USB-A, USB-C, HDMI ports, and an audio jack, providing essential connectivity options.
• KEO features an on-device AI core, enabling AI processing locally without requiring internet connectivity.
• It comes preloaded with BUDDH, an AI tool trained on the Karnataka DSERT syllabus to support students in low-connectivity regions.
• BUDDH currently supports English, with plans to add Kannada language support in the future.
• With computer penetration below 15% in Karnataka and under 10% in India, KEO aims to reduce the digital divide and increase access to affordable computing.

Google unveils Gemini 3, its most advanced and powerful AI model developed by Google DeepMind

• Google launched Gemini 3, developed by Google DeepMind, making it Google’s most intelligent and powerful AI model
• Gemini 3 delivers state-of-the-art reasoning and multimodal understanding, available across Google Search, Gemini app, AI Studio, Vertex AI, and Google Antigravity.

Key Highlights :

• Gemini 3 achieves 1501 Elo score on LMArena, 91.9% on GPQA Diamond, 87.6% on Video-MMMU, and 72.1% on SimpleQA Verified, proving its advanced reasoning, factual accuracy, and multimodal intelligence.
• Gemini 3 Deep Think enhances reasoning further, recording 41% on Humanity’s Last Exam and 93.8% on GPQA Diamond, and will be available for Google AI Ultra subscribers after safety checks.
• The model supports 1 million-token context, enabling deep analysis of long notes, academic texts, and videos, helping users learn with flashcards, visualizations, and personalized training plans.
• Gemini 3 improves developer productivity and is available via Google AI Studio, Gemini CLI, Google Antigravity, GitHub, Replit, and JetBrains, leading benchmarks like WebDev Arena (1487 Elo) and SWE-bench Verified (76.2%).
• It supports long-horizon planning, helping with appointments, schedules, inbox organization, and multi-step autonomous tasks, especially for Google AI Ultra users.
• Google introduced Antigravity, an agent-first development platform where AI can plan and execute full software development workflows using editor, terminal, and browser access.
• Gemini 3 includes enhanced safety and security, protected against prompt injection, bias, and cyber misuse, tested under Google’s Frontier Safety Framework.
• From 18 November 2025, Gemini 3 is rolling out across Google Search, Gemini app, AI Studio, Vertex AI, Gemini CLI, and Antigravity, while Deep Think mode will be released after further validation.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Ravindra Jadeja Becomes 4th Player In Test History To Achieve 4000 Runs & 300 Wickets

• Ravindra Jadeja has become only the fourth cricketer in Test history to complete the double of 4000+ runs and 300+ wickets, joining Kapil Dev, Ian Botham, and Daniel Vettori.
• He reached the milestone during the India vs South Africa Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on 15 November 2025, in his 88th Test match.
• Key Stats (as of Nov 15, 2025):
  Runs: 4000*
  Wickets: 338
  Matches: 88
  Jadeja needed 10 runs to enter this elite club and completed it during the morning session on Day 2.
• Elite Club (4000+ Runs & 300+ Wickets in Tests):
  Kapil Dev (India): 5248 runs, 434 wickets (131 Tests)
  Ian Botham (England): 5200 runs, 383 wickets (102 Tests)
  Daniel Vettori (NZ): 4531 runs, 362 wickets (113 Tests)
  Ravindra Jadeja (India): 4000 runs, 338 wickets (88 Tests)
• Jadeja is the second Indian after Kapil Dev to achieve this feat and the second fastest overall, behind Ian Botham who achieved it in 72 Tests.
• The milestone reinforces Jadeja’s status as the World No. 1 Test all-rounder, showcasing his all-round impact through:
  • Consistent batting as a lower-order backbone
  • Accurate, partnership-breaking left-arm spin
  • World-class fielding that changes match momentum
  • Match-winning performances across formats
• His all-round excellence continues to provide India with crucial balance and contributes significantly to team success.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Coromandel International Chairman Emeritus Arunachalam Vellayan passed away at 72 in Chennai

• Arunachalam Vellayan, Chairman Emeritus of Coromandel International Limited, passed away at age 72 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• He was born on 9 January 1953 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• He served for several decades in the Murugappa Group, providing strategic leadership across diversified businesses.
• He chaired Coromandel International Limited and EID Parry (India) Limited, contributing significantly to their growth.
• He served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of IIM Kozhikode (Kerala).
• He was a board member of Kanoria Chemicals & Industries Limited, EXIM Bank, and Indian Overseas Bank (IOB).
• He held key industry leadership positions in SICC, FAI, ISMA, and AICMA.
• He launched company-owned retail stores under the brand ‘My Gromor’.
• He received the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) and Aston University, UK.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

Universal Children’s Day 2025 Observed

• Universal Children’s Day 2025 is observed on 20 November 2025.
• It is celebrated to create awareness of the problems children face across the globe, improve the welfare of all children, and promote education, health, proper care, and nourishment for children.
• Children’s Day was first officially declared a national holiday by the Republic of Turkey in 1920 on 23 April.
• It has been celebrated nationally since 1920 by the Turkish Government as a dedicated day for children.
• An official confirmation for the observance was considered necessary, and the declaration was formally made nationally in 1929 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and President of the Republic of Turkey.
• Universal Children’s Day was established by the United Nations in 1954.
• On 20 November 1959, the United Nations General Assembly adopted an extended Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which was first acquired in 1924 by the League of Nations and later adopted by the United Nations as its official statement of children’s rights.

Daily CA One- Liner: November 20

• Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J.P. Nadda, launched the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) 2.0 in New Delhi, covering the period 2025–2029
• The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has been expanded to include crop losses caused by wild animal attacks and inundation of paddy fields starting from the Kharif season of 2026, as announced by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
• India’s national unemployment rate (UR) remained unchanged at 5.2% in October 2025, as per CMIE and MoSPI data, indicating a steady labour market despite economic shifts
• Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda inaugurated 10 new AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) pharmacies on the scheme’s 10th anniversary, reaffirming the government’s commitment to expanding access to affordable medicines and medical devices
• The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has set a target to award 10,000 km of National Highway (NH) projects in FY 2025-26, aiming to reverse the recent decline in project awards
• President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the Sixth National Water Awards and Jal Sanchay–Jan Bhagidari Awards in New Delhi, recognising outstanding efforts in water conservation, efficient water use, and community-driven water management
• Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor Company, has been awarded the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Quality Ratna Award 2025 at the 33rd CII Excellence Summit held in Kolkata, attended by over 1,000 quality experts and industry leaders
• Veteran Indian art director Thota Tharani has been honoured with the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters), a prestigious French civilian award
• The inaugural Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025 concluded at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, honouring seven individuals for their exceptional contributions across journalism, rural development, social service, art & culture, youth leadership, women empowerment, and science & technology
• Ravindra Jadeja has become only the fourth cricketer in Test history to complete the double of 4000+ runs and 300+ wickets, joining Kapil Dev, Ian Botham, and Daniel Vettori.

• Infibeam Avenues and PayU received Reserve Bank of India (RBI) authorisation to operate as Payment Aggregators – Physical (PA-P), enabling them to offer offline payment aggregation services.
• Gold imports surged nearly threefold to USD 14.72 billion in October 2025, mainly due to strong festival and wedding demand.
• State Bank of India (SBI) Economic Research Department (ERD) released SBI Research Ecowarp report projecting India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for Q2 FY26 at 7.5%, higher than the RBI estimate of 7% for the same quarter.
• PayU Payments Private Limited received integrated authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA) across online, offline, and cross-border transactions under the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act 2007.
• RBL Bank launched two new premium credit cards ‘LUMIERE’ and ‘NOVA’, marking its entry into the high-end credit card segment.
• Master Capital Services Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Master Trust, received in-principle approval from SEBI to set up a Mutual Fund (MF) business.
• The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs is organising the 3rd National Conference on the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) at Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.
• India will induct 16 homegrown Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDS) to boost aerial security and counter-drone warfare capabilities.
• Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh attended the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 1 November 2025.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over 12 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LAToTs) for eight indigenous defence products during SAMANVAY 2025, a two-day industry synergy event held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• The 2nd edition of the Indian Navy’s biannual Commanders’ Conference 2025 will be held in New Delhi from 22–24 October 2025.
• The Government of Karnataka launched KEO (Knowledge-driven, Economical, Open-source), a low-cost, AI-ready Personal Computer priced at Rs 18,999 to boost digital access.
• Google launched Gemini 3, developed by Google DeepMind, making it Google’s most intelligent and powerful AI model yet.
• Arunachalam Vellayan, Chairman Emeritus of Coromandel International Limited, passed away at age 72 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Universal Children’s Day 2025 is observed on 20 November 2025.

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