Daily Current Affairs 09th & 10th November 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

State Bank of India Becomes First Indian Bank to Cross $100 Billion Market Cap and ₹100 Trillion Total Business

State Bank of India (SBI) achieved a historic dual milestone by crossing $100 billion in market capitalization and ₹100 trillion in total business, becoming the first Indian bank to reach this scale and reflecting the strength of India’s public sector banking system.
SBI’s market cap surged past $100 billion after strong Q2 FY26 performance, joining global banking giants and major Indian firms like Reliance Industries and TCS, showing rising investor confidence and a robust retail, SME, and corporate lending base.
SBI’s total business — the sum of advances and deposits — exceeded ₹100 trillion, marking a first in Indian banking history, with advances of ₹44.2 lakh crore and deposits of ₹55.9 lakh crore, highlighting its nationwide financial reach.
The bank recorded 12.7% year-on-year credit growth, driven by retail, SME, and agricultural lending, supported by festive demand and digital loan initiatives.
Net profit rose by 10% in Q2 FY26, aided by improved asset quality, lower gross NPAs, and a focus on cost efficiency and digital banking.

About State Bank of India (SBI):

Founded Year: 1955
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Chairman: Challa Sreenivasulu Setty
Slogan: “The Banker to Every Indian”

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI Governor Malhotra Lead Drive to Build World-Class Banks and Reform India’s Financial Sector

India is preparing for a new era of banking reform as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra emphasized building large, world-class banks to match the country’s economic ambitions.
The focus is on public sector bank mergers, regulatory easing, and creating a competitive financial ecosystem to meet India’s evolving credit needs.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman advocated for globally competitive banks capable of supporting India’s fast-growing economy and rising industrial demand, especially after GST rate cuts.
She confirmed discussions with the RBI and PSBs to build banking scale and improve financial inclusion.
The government is considering further bank mergers to enhance efficiency, noting the successful consolidation from 27 PSBs in 2017 to 12 by 2020.
Key points from Sitharaman’s address included the need for world-class standards, credit flow to MSMEs and infrastructure, focus on local language connectivity at branches, and possible strategic disinvestment.
Past mergers include:
United Bank of India + Oriental Bank of Commerce → Punjab National Bank,
Syndicate Bank → Canara Bank,
Allahabad Bank → Indian Bank,
Andhra Bank + Corporation Bank → Union Bank of India,
Dena Bank + Vijaya Bank → Bank of Baroda, and
SBI + five associate banks + Bharatiya Mahila Bank → State Bank of India.
These mergers created stronger institutions capable of handling larger balance sheets and global-scale financing.
The RBI has removed restrictions on acquisition financing, raised IPO-related loan caps, and adopted a balanced regulatory approach that encourages bank growth while maintaining systemic stability through risk weights and provisioning norms.

Reserve Bank of India Proposes Lowering Risk Weights for NBFC-Financed High-Quality Infrastructure Projects

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed lowering risk weights on high-quality infrastructure projects financed by Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) to boost long-term project lending.
Projects where the borrower has repaid at least 10% of the sanctioned amount will attract a 50% risk weight, and those with 5–10% repayment will attract 75%, instead of 100% earlier.
If such projects later fail to meet repayment or quality criteria, a 100% risk weight will apply.
To qualify as high-quality, the project must have completed one year of satisfactory operations after the Date of Commencement of Commercial Operations (DCCO).
Borrowers must maintain sound funding arrangements and cannot raise additional debt on project cash flows without lender consent.
Feedback on the draft is open till November 21, 2025, with implementation effective from April 1, 2026.

Reserve Bank of India Releases Quarterly House Price Index Based on Property Transaction Data

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) releases the House Price Index (HPI) quarterly, based on transaction-level data from property registration authorities.
The latest HPI for Q1:2025-26 has been released with a new base year 2022-23, covering 18 major cities across India.
Eight new cities—Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Pune, Ghaziabad, Thane, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Chandigarh, and Nagpur—have been added to the earlier 10-city series.
The All-India HPI recorded a year-on-year increase of 3.6% in Q1:2025-26, compared to 7.6% in the same quarter last year.
Nagpur, Chandigarh, Chennai, and Kochi registered the highest increases in house prices among the 18 cities.

RBI Report: Digital Payments Make Up 99.7% of Volume and 97.5% of Value in CY 2024

According to the RBI Half-Yearly Payment System Report, June 2025, digital payment transactions accounted for 99.7% in volume and 97.5% in value in the payments system during CY 2024.
Digital payment systems include NEFT, IMPS, RTGS, NACH, debit & credit cards, prepaid payment instruments, and UPI.
The report showed an increasing trend across all categories, except paper-based instruments; cheques accounted for 2.3% of total transactions by value.
Payment transaction volume grew from 3,248 crore in CY 2019 to 20,849 crore in CY 2024, and value rose from ₹1,775 lakh crore to ₹2,830 lakh crore.
UPI accounted for the largest share in volume (85%) in H1 2025, but only 9% in value.
RTGS recorded the largest share in value (69%) during H1 2025, but the lowest share in volume (0.1%).
The Government Securities market expanded from ₹769 lakh crore in CY 2019 to ₹1,812 lakh crore in CY 2024.
As of June 2025, there were 111.64 crore outstanding cards in India, including 11.12 crore credit cards and 100.52 crore debit cards.
Credit card transactions increased in volume from 208.7 crore in 2019 to 447.2 crore in 2024, and in value from ₹7.1 lakh crore to ₹20.4 lakh crore.
Private sector banks dominate the credit card space, with their market share rising from 65.8% in June 2020 to 70.8% in June 2025; Public Sector Banks (PSBs) grew from 22.5% to 24.1% in the same period.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Announces Staggered Office Timings to Curb Winter Air Pollution

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced staggered working hours for government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices to address worsening air pollution during the winter season.
The revised timings will be effective from November 15, 2025, to February 15, 2026, a period when the national capital experiences hazardous air quality levels.
Revised Office Timings:
– Delhi Government Offices: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
– MCD Offices: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Previously, Delhi Government offices functioned from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM and MCD offices from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, causing heavy traffic congestion due to overlapping commuting hours.
The new schedule aims to reduce vehicular movement during peak hours, thus helping to lower pollution levels caused by traffic emissions.
The decision followed a high-level meeting with officials from the Department of Environment and scientific experts to evaluate rising levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 during winter.
PM 2.5 and PM 10 are fine particulate matters that penetrate deep into the lungs, causing severe respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
Vehicular emissions are among the major contributors to Delhi’s winter air pollution, which worsens due to temperature inversion and stagnant air.
Factors responsible for Delhi’s annual winter pollution include stubble burning in neighbouring states, low wind speeds, temperature inversion, and increased use of vehicles and heating appliances.
During this period, Delhi often records “very poor” to “severe” Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, leading to public health warnings and emergency pollution-control measures.

RECENT NEWS

The Pink Saheli Card, launched by the Delhi government in late 2025 under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s visionary leadership, is revolutionizing urban commuting for women and transgender residents across the capital.

About Delhi:

Chief Minister: Rekha Gupta
Lieutenant Governor: Vinai Kumar Saxena
Capital: New Delhi
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Aravalli Biodiversity Park

Karnataka Becomes the First State in India to Approve 12 Days of Paid Menstrual Leave Annually for Women Employees

Karnataka has become the first state in India to approve 12 days of paid menstrual leave annually for women employees, marking a major step towards gender equality and workplace inclusivity.
The policy applies to both government and private sector employees, granting one day of paid leave per month for menstruation-related discomfort or health issues.
The initiative aims to support women’s health, dignity, and productivity in the workplace while recognising menstrual health as a legitimate workplace issue.
This decision represents a gender-sensitive approach, reflecting empathy, equity, and realism in labour policy.
The move aligns India with global best practices, as countries like Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Spain already offer menstrual leave provisions.
It is especially beneficial for women in physically demanding jobs where managing menstrual symptoms can be difficult.
The policy encourages normalisation of menstrual health, helps reduce stigma, and promotes better morale and performance among women employees.
Experts have also suggested that a national policy framework could ensure uniformity and protect women from workplace discrimination.
Additional recommendations include flexible work arrangements, improved hygiene facilities, and sensitisation campaigns to promote understanding and inclusivity.

RECENT NEWS

The Tata Group, in partnership with Airbus, is launching India’s first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Vemagal in Karnataka to produce the Airbus H125 helicopter. This initiative marks a significant milestone for India’s aerospace industry, as the facility will assemble, test, and deliver both civil and military versions of the H125.

About Karnataka:

Capital: Bengaluru
Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah
Governor: Thaawarchand Gehlot
National Parks: Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Kudremukh National Park, Anshi (Kali) National Park, Bannerghatta National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Launched NexCAR19 – India’s First Indigenous CAR T-Cell Therapy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched NexCAR19, India’s first indigenously developed CAR T-cell therapy, marking a breakthrough in cancer treatment and a major step toward self-reliant healthcare innovation.
• Developed jointly by ImmunoACT, IIT Bombay, and Tata Memorial Hospital, with support from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
• NexCAR19 uses Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell technology, where a patient’s own T-cells are genetically modified to identify and destroy cancer cells.
• It is designed to treat B-cell blood cancers such as Leukemia and Lymphoma, especially in patients who do not respond to chemotherapy or radiation.
• Process of CAR T-Cell Therapy:

Collection: Extraction of T-cells from the patient’s blood.
Engineering: Modification of T-cells to express CARs that target cancer-specific antigens.
Multiplication: Laboratory multiplication of these modified cells.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Flagged Off Four New Vande Bharat Express Trains from Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi, marking a major milestone in India’s efforts to modernise railway infrastructure.
The initiative aims to provide faster, more comfortable, and energy-efficient travel, while enhancing connectivity, tourism, and economic growth across multiple regions.
The Vande Bharat Express is India’s flagship semi-high-speed train, known for its modern facilities, shorter travel times, and superior passenger comfort, connecting major cultural, economic, and educational hubs across the country.
New Routes Introduced:

Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat: Connects Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho; saves around 2 hours 40 minutes; promotes religious and heritage tourism; boosts connectivity in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat: Covers Lucknow, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur; journey time around 7 hours 45 minutes, saving nearly 1 hour; improves access to Haridwar via Roorkee and enhances intra-state connectivity in Uttar Pradesh.
Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat: Fastest train on the route; connects Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala with the National Capital Region; total journey 6 hours 40 minutes; boosts business, education, and travel between Punjab and Delhi.
Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat: Links Kerala and Karnataka; connects major IT and commercial hubs; journey time 8 hours 40 minutes, saving over 2 hours; benefits students, professionals, and tourists.
During the flag-off, PM Modi stated that these new trains will reduce travel time, boost tourism, and promote economic development, reflecting India’s technological progress and self-reliance in railway manufacturing.

COP30 to Focus on Climate Adaptation – The “COP of Adaptation”

The COP30 Climate Summit will be held in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025, with a strong focus on climate adaptation — shifting from emission mitigation to addressing existing climate impacts like floods, droughts, and rising sea levels.
Over 35 countries, including India, have supported a $1.3 trillion annual adaptation finance roadmap, expected to make COP30 known as the “COP of Adaptation.”
Climate adaptation involves adjusting human and natural systems to minimize the damage caused by climate change, unlike mitigation, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Examples of adaptation include flood-resistant housing, drought-tolerant crops, and mangrove restoration for coastal protection.
UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell emphasized that COP30 must mark a historic turning point by treating adaptation as a necessity, especially for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Climate finance imbalance: In 2023, 43% of global climate finance went to mitigation, while only 23% supported adaptation.
Developing nations are projected to need $2.4 trillion annually by 2030 to achieve climate resilience goals.
The “Baku to Belém Roadmap for 1.3T” aims to close the adaptation finance gap through:
- Reforming Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to prioritize adaptation
- Expanding concessional finance (low-interest loans)
- Mobilizing $65 billion annually from private investors by 2030
Examples of adaptation finance in action:
- India’s climate-resilient agriculture projects supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF)
- Bangladesh’s flood defence initiatives funded through international adaptation programs
National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) integrate resilience strategies into national development. By September 2025, 144 countries had initiated NAPs, including 23 LDCs and 14 SIDS.
India’s NAPCC (National Action Plan on Climate Change), launched in 2008, includes missions on sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and protection of Himalayan ecosystems.
Fiji’s NAP focuses on coastal relocation and flood protection for vulnerable island communities.
Adaptation is framed as “not charity but survival,” ensuring long-term economic stability and climate resilience.

India Gears Up for 2026 Tiger Census – World’s Largest Wildlife Survey

India is preparing for the 2026 All India Tiger Estimation (AITE), the world’s largest and most advanced wildlife survey.
India hosts over 75% of the global wild tiger population.
The AITE not only counts tigers but also assesses the health of entire ecosystems, including prey density, forest quality, habitat pressure, and human-wildlife interaction zones.
The 2022 survey recorded 3,682 tigers; the 2026 census will use cutting-edge technology alongside traditional fieldwork.
The exercise is expected to set a global benchmark for conservation science.

Phase 1 – On-Ground Tracking and Habitat Mapping

Conducted by forest guards patrolling designated transects across reserves and forest divisions.
Each guard walks around 15 km over three days to record pugmarks, claw marks, scat, and prey remains.
Observations also include prey sightings (like deer and sambar) to assess food availability.
Vegetation density and signs of human presence (wood cutting, cattle dung) are documented to evaluate habitat health.
Provides ground truthing data forming the base layer for satellite-assisted analysis.

Phase 2 – Satellite Integration and Remote Sensing

Managed by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun using satellite imaging and data analytics.
Remote sensing studies forest cover, terrain, water sources, and human encroachment.
Helps identify critical habitats, wildlife corridors, and stress zones.
Satellite mapping guides camera placement in Phase 3 by identifying areas with high tiger activity.
Ensures scientific precision and efficient resource utilisation.

Phase 3 – Camera Traps and AI-Based Identification

Over 40,000 camera traps deployed across a grid-based system (each 4 sq km grid has two motion-sensitive cameras).
Cameras placed near trails, ridgelines, or waterholes identified in earlier phases.
Cameras operate for 25 days, capturing images of wildlife movements.
Images analysed using AI software that recognises unique stripe patterns for individual tiger identification.
In 2022, Karnataka identified 563 tigers through this method, demonstrating the success of AI-driven monitoring.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Bangladesh Becomes First South Asian Country to Join U.N. Water Convention in 2025

Bangladesh became the first South Asian nation to join the U.N. Water Convention in 2025, aiming to secure transboundary water resources and promote sustainable water management.
The country faces severe water insecurity, with 50% of its population in drought-prone zones, 60% flood-vulnerable, and major rivers drying due to climate change and population pressures.
The UN Water Convention, also called the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, was adopted in Helsinki in 1992 and entered into force in 1996, initially regional and opened to all UN member states from 2016.
India is not a signatory, preferring bilateral and basin-level treaties such as the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) and the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty (1996).

About Bangladesh :

President : Mohammed Shahabuddin
Capital : Dhaka
Currency : Taka

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

INS Ikshak, Third SVL-Class Ship, Commissioned into Indian Navy at Kochi

INS Ikshak, the third ship of the Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 6 November 2025 at the Naval Base, Kochi.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.
Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, Ikshak has a displacement of about 3,400 tonnes and measures 110 metres in length.
Ikshak has dual-role capability: as a survey vessel and for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) or hospital operations.
It is the first SVL with dedicated women’s accommodation, reflecting the Navy’s focus on inclusivity and modernisation.
The first Sandhayak-class vessel, INS Sandhayak, was commissioned on 3 February 2024, followed by INS Nirdeshak on 18 December 2024.
Ikshak is the 102nd ship managed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and the first vessel of its class to be based at the Southern Naval Command.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

United States Conducts Routine Test Launch of Unarmed Minuteman III ICBM to Verify Nuclear Force Readiness

The United States conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) — designated GT-254 — from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on 5 November 2025, as a routine operational test to validate the reliability and readiness of the land-based nuclear deterrent.
The GT-254 test involved the launch of an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM from Vandenberg, with the re-entry vehicle impacting near the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site (Kwajalein Atoll) in the central Pacific Ocean.
The operation also tested the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS), with launch authority exercised from an E-6B airborne platform, validating backup command-and-control procedures for nuclear operations.
The test aimed to assess system reliability, operational readiness, and accuracy of the ICBM force, serving as a strategic assurance measure for the US deterrent capability.
Although Minuteman III test flights are routine, this launch gained attention as it followed President Donald Trump’s October 2025 call to resume nuclear testing and adopt a tougher strategic posture, though US officials clarified that GT-254 was part of scheduled readiness checks.
The Minuteman III, a long-range, land-based ICBM, has been the backbone of the US strategic triad for decades, and such tests help validate aging systems awaiting replacement by next-generation missiles.

China Commissions Third Aircraft Carrier ‘Fujian’ Featuring Advanced Technology

China has commissioned its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, marking a major milestone in its naval modernization and expansion of maritime power.
The induction ceremony took place at Sanya Port, Hainan Province, and was attended by President Xi Jinping under tight security.
The Fujian is described as China’s most advanced and modern warship, showcasing cutting-edge naval engineering and technological sophistication.
It is China’s first flat-deck aircraft carrier, which allows for more efficient aircraft launch and recovery operations, improving sortie rates and operational efficiency.

Key Highlights :

A key highlight of the Fujian is its Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), a technology that was previously exclusive to the US Navy’s USS Gerald R. Ford.
This system allows aircraft to launch with full fuel and weapons payloads, significantly enhancing strike capability and operational range.
The Fujian also includes electromagnetic arresting gear and an all-electric propulsion system, placing it on par with modern Western aircraft carriers.
With an approximate displacement of 80,000 tonnes, it is China’s largest and most sophisticated warship to date.
The EMALS system provides smoother and more consistent acceleration, enables quicker aircraft launches, reduces wear and tear on aircraft, and supports the launch of heavier aircraft with larger combat payloads.
This advancement strengthens the combat readiness and reach of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
China plans to deploy the Fujian in strategically vital regions such as the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and potentially the Indian Ocean Region.
In comparison with earlier carriers:
Liaoning (commissioned in 2012) was refitted from a Soviet-era ship.
Shandong (commissioned in 2019) was China’s first indigenously built carrier with a ski-jump takeoff system.
The Fujian, commissioned in 2025, is the first carrier equipped with EMALS and a flat deck, offering enhanced capacity and advanced launch technology.

All India Institute of Ayurveda Pharmacology Laboratory Earns Triple ISO Certification from BIS, Setting Benchmark in Global Ayurveda Research Standards

The Pharmacology Laboratory of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, received IS/ISO 9001:2015, 14001:2015, and 45001:2018 certifications from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for quality, environmental, and occupational safety management.
This recognition establishes AIIA as a benchmark for institutional excellence in Ayurveda research by aligning its operations with global quality standards.
Through an Integrated Management System (IMS), AIIA has improved process standardization, ethical compliance, and operational efficiency in pre-clinical pharmacological research.
AIIA is already NAAC A++ and NABH-accredited and operates a 200-bed hospital with 45 specialty clinics, reaffirming its leadership in evidence-based Ayurvedic innovation and adherence to global best practices.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SUMMITS & CONFERENCES

India Hosts First BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network Conference to Strengthen Blue Economy Cooperation

The first biennial BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) Conference was held in Kochi from November 4–6, 2025, reinforcing India’s Blue Economy cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.
BIMReN, launched in 2024 by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, promotes institutional collaborations through twinning research grants and split-site PhD fellowships between Indian and BIMSTEC research institutions.
The initiative was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Colombo BIMSTEC Summit in 2022, aimed at strengthening collective marine science research and aligning with India’s Neighbourhood First, Act East, Indo-Pacific, and MAHASAGAR strategies.
In its pilot phase, BIMReN connected 25 institutions and over 50 researchers across BIMSTEC member countries, advancing regional cooperation in marine research and the sustainable blue economy.
Discussions focused on marine challenges, ecosystem health, scientific innovation, resource management, and policy harmonization across the Bay of Bengal region.
The launch of BIMReN underscores India’s long-term commitment to sustainable fisheries management, supporting the Bay of Bengal, which contributes 6% of global fish catch and hosts over one-third of the world’s fishing fleet.

Union Minister Manohar Lal Opens 18th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Exhibition 2025 in Gurugram

The 18th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Exhibition 2025 was inaugurated in Gurugram, Haryana by Union Minister Manohar Lal, who also holds the Housing & Urban Affairs and Power portfolios.
The event was jointly organized by MoHUA, Government of Haryana, the Institute of Urban Transport (India), and Gurugram Metro Rail Limited (GMRL).
The conference focused on the theme “Urban Development and Mobility Nexus”, emphasizing the link between city planning and sustainable transport.
Manohar Lal announced the deployment of 10,000 electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa, including 100 e-buses for Gurugram, to enhance green and sustainable mobility in smaller cities.
The Minister highlighted that India’s metro network has reached 1,100 km, making it the third-largest in the world, and underscored the importance of strengthening last-mile connectivity to boost metro ridership.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Competition Commission of India Clears BCP Asia II Holdco VII’s Acquisition of 80.15% Stake in Aadhar Housing Finance Limited.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of up to 80.15% shareholding in Aadhar Housing Finance Limited. (AHFL) by BCP Asia II Holdco VII Private. Limited.
The transaction includes both a secondary acquisition and an open offer to AHFL’s public shareholders.
BCP Asia II Holdco VII Pte. Ltd. is controlled by funds advised or managed by Blackstone Inc. affiliates, indicating Blackstone’s major investment in India’s housing finance sector.
Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd. (AHFL) provides home loans, housing finance, and loans against property across India, focusing on affordable housing.
AHFL is also a Corporate Agent (Composite) registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) for distributing life and general insurance products.

About CCI:

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is responsible for enforcing the Competition Act of 2002.
Founded: October 14, 2003
Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Chairperson: Ravneet Kaur

Mahindra & Mahindra Exits RBL Bank with ₹678 Crore Sale, Secures 62.5% Return on Investment

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has sold its entire 3.5% stake in RBL Bank for ₹678 crore ($77.1 million), achieving a 62.5% return on its 2023 investment.
The sale marks M&M’s complete exit from RBL Bank within one year of investment.
The move follows Emirates NBD’s plan to acquire a 60% stake in RBL Bank for $3 billion, indicating major shifts in India’s private banking sector.

About RBL Bank (Ratnakar Bank Limited) :

Founded : 1943
Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Manika Vishwakarma to Represent India at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand

Manika Vishwakarma, a 22-year-old from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, is representing India at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant to be held in Thailand.
She was crowned Miss Universe India 2025, at a grand finale in Jaipur, after impressing judges with her confidence, intellect, and eloquence.
Manika is pursuing her final year in Political Science and Economics at Delhi University, and currently resides in Delhi.
Before winning the national crown, she had earned the title of Miss Universe Rajasthan, steadily rising through the pageant circuit.
During the question–answer round, she stood out for prioritizing women’s education over financial aid, calling education “the most powerful tool to break poverty cycles.”
Beyond pageantry, Manika is trained in classical dance and is a skilled painter recognized by both the Lalit Kala Akademi and the JJ School of Art.
She is also a passionate advocate for neurodivergence awareness, particularly conditions like ADHD.
To promote inclusivity, she founded Neuronova, an initiative that works to change public perception and understanding of neurodiversity.
The 74th Miss Universe competition will take place on November 21, 2025, at the Impact Challenger Hall, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand.
The reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Theilvig from Denmark, will crown her successor at this event.
India’s past Miss Universe winners include Sushmita Sen (1994), Lara Dutta (2000), and Harnaaz Sandhu (2021). Manika aims to bring the crown back to India after four years.
Her journey represents a blend of beauty, intelligence, and social purpose, symbolizing the empowered new generation of Indian women making their mark on the global stage.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Raahul VS Becomes India’s 91st Grandmaster

Raahul VS has officially become India’s 91st Grandmaster (GM) after clinching the title at the 6th ASEAN Individual Championship 2025.
He secured the final GM norm with a round to spare, reflecting his dominance and composure in international competition.
Raahul had earned his International Master (IM) title in November 2021, after achieving five IM norms and crossing the 2400 live rating mark.
His commanding performance at the ASEAN event proved his readiness for the highest honour in chess.
This achievement adds to India’s rapidly growing list of Grandmasters, reinforcing the country’s strong presence in world chess.
In 2025, India witnessed a surge of new Grandmasters:
- Illamparthi AR became India’s 90th GM, earning his final norm at the Bijeljina Open 2025 in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- S Rohith Krishna became India’s 89th GM in August 2025, achieving the feat at the Almaty Masters Qonaev Cup in Kazakhstan, where he scored 6/9 and crossed the 2500 Elo rating.
The Grandmaster (GM) title, awarded by FIDE (International Chess Federation), is the highest title in chess, ranked above International Master (IM), FIDE Master (FM), and Candidate Master (CM).
To achieve the GM title, a player must secure three GM norms in international tournaments and cross the 2500 Elo rating at least once in their career.
The title signifies the pinnacle of individual chess achievement, representing exceptional skill, tactical mastery, and mental endurance.

Sheetal Devi Becomes India’s First Para-Archer Selected for the Able-Bodied National Team

Sheetal Devi, an 18-year-old para-archer from Jammu and Kashmir, has created history by becoming the first Indian para-athlete to be selected for an able-bodied national archery team.
She will represent India in the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this December, competing in the compound women’s team category.
Born with phocomelia, a rare congenital condition causing the absence of arms, Sheetal Devi learned to shoot using her legs and shoulders, symbolizing resilience and innovation in sports.
Her remarkable achievements include:
- 2 Gold Medals – 2023 Asian Para Games
- Silver Medal – 2023 World Archery Championships
- Bronze Medal – 2024 Paris Paralympics (Mixed Team) at age 17, becoming India’s youngest Paralympic medallist
- Gold Medal – 2025 World Archery Para Championships (Gwangju) in the individual event
The selection trials for India’s compound archery team were held from 3rd to 6th November 2025 at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence, Sonipat, where over 60 able-bodied archers competed.
Sheetal Devi finished third with a score of 703, earning her place in the national women’s compound team alongside Tejal Rajendra Salve and Vaidehi Hirachandra Jadhav.
This selection marks the first time in Indian history that a para-athlete has qualified for an able-bodied international team, redefining inclusion in Indian sports.
The milestone signifies a shift toward merit-based selection and inclusivity, proving that skill and determination can transcend physical limitations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

DNA Double Helix Co-Discoverer and Nobel Laureate James D. Watson Passed away at 97

James D. Watson, pioneering molecular biologist and co-discoverer of the DNA double helix, passed away at the age of 97 in East Northport, New York.

About James D. Watson :

Born on April 6, 1928, in Chicago.
In 1953, Watson and Crick proposed the double helix model of DNA, explaining genetic inheritance and replication.
Their discovery was published in Nature and was partly based on X-ray crystallography data from Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins.
The model became the foundation for modern molecular biology, genetic research, and biotechnology advancements.
Watson played a key role in the Human Genome Project, which mapped over 3 billion base pairs of human DNA and promoted ethical research funding.
As Director of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (1968–1994), he helped transform it into a leading genetic research center and promoted education and cancer genetics studies.
He faced major controversies, including racist remarks in 2007 that led to his removal from honorary roles at Cold Spring Harbor, and criticism for his portrayal of Rosalind Franklin in his memoir The Double Helix.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962 along with Francis H.C. Crick for discovering the structure of DNA.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

National Legal Services Day 2025 is observed on the 9th of November

National Legal Services Day 2025 is observed on the 9th of November 2025.
The aim of the Day is to increase public understanding of the rights of litigants as well as the various parts of the Legal Services Authorities Act.

History

Every year on November 9th, National Legal Services Day is marked to mark the beginning of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which went into effect on that date in 1995.
State Legal Services Authorities across the nation hold legal awareness events on National Legal Services Day to inform people about the availability of free legal help.
Additionally, every year campaigns are held across the country to inform the public of the many services offered by Legal Services Authorities.

World Science Day for Peace and Development 2025 is observed on the 10th of November

World Science Day for Peace and Development 2025 is observed on the 10th of November 2025.
The theme of the UNESCO celebration of the World Science Day for Peace and Development 2025 is: Trust, transformation, and tomorrow: The science we need for 2050.