Daily Current Affairs 19th November 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Ind-Ra Projects India’s Q2 FY26 Gross Domestic Product Growth at 7.2%

• India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra), a Fitch Group subsidiary, projected India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 7.2% for Q2 FY26, driven by robust private consumption and a resilient services sector.
• The 7.2% GDP projection is higher than 5.6% in Q2 FY25, but lower than 7.8% in Q1 FY26, which was the fastest growth in five quarters.
• Nominal GDP growth may have slipped below 8% YoY in Q2 FY26, likely impacting government tax collections.
• Private consumption is estimated to have grown 8% in Q2 FY26, compared to 7% in Q1 FY26 and 6.4% in Q2 FY25, due to income tax cuts (Union Budget FY26), record low inflation, and stable rural wage growth.
• Investment demand increased 7.5% YoY in Q2 FY26, supported by stable government capital expenditure (Capex) amid global uncertainty.

India Ratings and Research Forecasts India’s Q2 FY26 GDP Growth to Ease to 7% Amid Reduced Government Spending

• India Ratings and Research (ICRA) projected India’s GDP growth to moderate to 7% in Q2 FY26, down from 7.8% in Q1 FY26, mainly due to lower government spending.
• Services and agriculture sectors are expected to lose momentum in Q2 FY26, while the industrial sector remains strong, driven by manufacturing, construction, and favourable base effects.
• GDP growth for Q2 FY26 is estimated at 7% YoY, compared to 5.6% in Q2 FY25, as per ICRA.
• The NSO will release the official Q2 FY26 GDP data on 28 November 2025.
• ICRA’s Chief Economist Aditi Nayar stated that a lower YoY rise in government expenditure will weigh on GDP and GVA growth in Q2 FY26.

Key Highlights :

Sectoral GVA Projections

• GVA growth is expected to ease to 7.1% in Q2, from 7.6% in Q1 FY26.
• Services GVA is projected to fall to 7.4% in Q2, from 9.3% in Q1, due to slower government spending and weaker services exports.
• Services exports slowed to $101.6 billion (8.7%), from $97.4 billion (10.1%) in Q1 FY26.
• Agriculture GVA likely moderated to 3.5% in Q2, compared to 3.7% in Q1 and 4.1% in Q2 FY25, as floods and unseasonal rains hampered yields and harvesting.
• Industry GVA is expected to rise to 7.8% in Q2, a five-quarter high, up from 6.3% in Q1, boosted by inventory stocking, festive demand, GST rate cuts, and pre-tariff export rush to the US.

Government Expenditure and Taxes

• Government gross capital expenditure slowed to 30.7% in Q2, compared to 52% in Q1, affecting growth momentum.
• The Centre’s non-interest revenue expenditure contracted by 11.2% in Q2, after a 6.9% rise in Q1, signalling expenditure moderation.
• State capital expenditure (based on 22 states) declined 4.6% in Q2, after rising 23% in Q1, due to an adverse base effect.
• Net indirect taxes contracted by 5.2% in Q2, compared to 11.3% growth in Q1, driven by subsidy adjustments and revenue moderation.
• The GDP–GVA gap turned negative, shifting from +18 bps in Q1 to –10 bps in Q2, due to lower net indirect taxes.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Sixteenth Finance Commission (XVIFC) Submits Report to the President of India

• The Sixteenth Finance Commission (XVIFC), chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, officially submitted its report to the President of India.
• The recommendations will guide India’s fiscal framework for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031, shaping tax devolution, grants-in-aid, and disaster management financing.
• This marks a major development in India’s fiscal federal structure.
• The Finance Commission, constituted under Article 280 of the Constitution, recommends:
  • Distribution of net tax proceeds between the Centre and States
  • Allocation among States
  • Principles for grants-in-aid
  • Recommendations on disaster management funding
  • Any additional matters assigned by the President under the Terms of Reference (ToR)
    The XVIFC, set up in 2023, has completed its mandate for the 2026–31 award period.
• Members of the XVIFC included:
  Chairperson: Dr. Arvind Panagariya
  Members: Smt. Annie George Mathew, Dr. Manoj Panda, Shri T. Rabi Sankar, Dr. Soumyakanti Ghosh
  Secretary: Shri Ritvik Pandey
  The report was submitted to the President, with copies later shared with the Prime Minister and Union Finance Minister.
• The report’s scope covers:
  • Vertical devolution: Centre–State tax sharing
  • Horizontal devolution: Distribution among States based on population, income distance, area, etc.
  • Performance-based grants: Education, health, sanitation, green initiatives
  • Revenue deficit grants: Support for structurally weaker States
  • Disaster risk financing: Review of existing mechanisms
  • Local body financing: Empowerment of rural and urban local governments
• The Commission held wide-ranging consultations, including:
  Union & State Governments, local bodies, former Finance Commission members, leading academic institutions, multilateral organisations, and domain experts, supported by deliberations with the Advisory Council.
• This ensured a comprehensive and inclusive report.
• The final report consists of two volumes:
  • Volume I – Recommendations and policy framework
  • Volume II – Annexures, data sets, and analytical tables
    The report will be released publicly after it is laid before Parliament under Article 281 of the Constitution.

RECENT NEWS

• The Government of India has extended the tenure of the 16th Finance Commission by one month, shifting the deadline for its report submission from October 31 to November 30, 2025.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

3rd International Ayurveda Conference Concludes in Sao Paulo, Brazil

• Dinesh Bhatia, Ambassador of India to Brazil, inaugurated the 3rd International Ayurveda Conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
• The conference was jointly organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) and Conayur Sao Paulo (Conselho Nacional de Ayurveda).
• The event was held from 14–15 November 2025, marking 40 years of Ayurveda practice in Brazil.
• Brazil is the first South American country to officially recognize Ayurveda.
• The conference aimed to strengthen India-Brazil cooperation in traditional medicine and holistic health systems.
• The theme of the 2025 edition was “Diversity and Inclusion in Ayurveda: Caring for Everybody and Every Being”.
• The event was held under the patronage of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
• Participants included scholars, Ayurveda practitioners, integrative medicine experts, researchers, students, and health regulators from India, Brazil, and other Latin American countries.
• The WHO–Ministry of AYUSH Global Summit on Traditional Medicine is scheduled in New Delhi from 17–19 December 2025.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Oscar Piastri Wins Don Award 2025

• Australian Formula One driver Oscar Piastri has been honoured with the Don Award 2025, Australia’s highest sporting honour, presented by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
• The announcement was made ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, recognising his outstanding performances in the 2025 F1 season and his status as a national inspiration.

Key Highlights

• Piastri’s breakthrough season includes Grand Prix victories in China, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Miami, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands, along with multiple podiums, pole positions, and consistent points finishes, establishing him as a strong contender for the 2025 F1 Drivers’ Championship.
• His performances place him among Australia’s top motorsport names, reviving comparisons with Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo.
• The Don Award, named after Sir Donald Bradman, honours athletes whose achievements and character inspired the nation in the past year.
• Piastri described the recognition as “a deeply humbling honour,” expressing pride in representing Australia on the global Formula One stage.
• The award reflects Piastri’s growing influence in international motorsport. With seven Grand Prix wins and a rising global fan base, he is inspiring the next generation of Australian motorsport talent.
• Officials from the Sport Australia Hall of Fame praised his professionalism, humility, and consistent excellence, noting that his achievements embody both individual success and national pride.

Tom Cruise Receives Honorary Academy Award at 2025 Governors Awards

• Tom Cruise, aged 63, was honoured with an honorary Academy Award at the 2025 Governors Awards held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom, Los Angeles.
• This is Cruise’s first-ever Oscar, recognising over four decades of contribution to acting, producing, and promoting the theatrical moviegoing experience.
• He received a two-minute standing ovation, reflecting his global influence.
• A career montage preceded the award, featuring iconic works such as
  Taps (1981), Born on the Fourth of July (1989), Jerry Maguire (1996), Magnolia (1999), Top Gun: Maverick (2022), and Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning (2025).
• The award holds major significance as the Governors Awards are not televised, aligning with Cruise’s long-held stance in favour of theatrical releases over streaming.
• Cruise has been nominated four times previously, and this honour signals renewed Academy recognition as he continues exploring diverse roles.
• The honour was presented by director Alejandro González Iñárritu, who is collaborating with Cruise on a 2026 film in London
• Other 2025 Governors Awards honorees included:
  Wynn Thomas (production designer),
  Debbie Allen (dancer, actor, choreographer),
  Dolly Parton (honoured for philanthropic work, appeared in absence).
• The event featured a star-studded audience marking the quiet start of the upcoming Oscar campaign season, with attendees including Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, Sydney Sweeney, Dwayne Johnson, Ariana Grande, and Jacob Elordi.

National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2025 Announced by Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

• The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD) announced the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2025, one of India’s highest civilian honours in the livestock and dairy sector.
• The awards will be presented on National Milk Day (26 November 2025), marking the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, India’s ‘Milkman’.
• A total of 2,081 applications were received, and winners were selected in three categories: Best Dairy Farmer, Best Dairy Cooperative Society/FPO/MPC, and Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT).
• The awards were instituted under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) in 2021 to promote scientific management of indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds, encourage innovation in milk production, strengthen sustainability in breeding, and support India’s status as the world’s largest milk producer.
• The awards also recognise the crucial role of AITs in improving genetic quality.
• The ceremony will be attended by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) and Ministers of State Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian.
  Winners will receive a Certificate of Merit, Memento, and Cash Prizes (only for the first two categories):
  • ₹5,00,000 for 1st Prize
  • ₹3,00,000 for 2nd Prize
  • ₹2,00,000 for 3rd Prize
  • ₹2,00,000 for NER/Himalayan State Special Awards
    AIT winners will receive certificate and memento only.
• NGRA 2025 Winners (Full List):

Best Dairy Farmer – Indigenous Breeds (Non-NER Region):

• • 1st: Aravind Yashavant Patil (Kolhapur, Maharashtra)
  • 2nd: Dr. Kankanala Krishna Reddy (Hyderabad, Telangana)
  • 3rd (Joint): Harshit Jhuria (Sikar, Rajasthan)
  • 3rd (Joint): Kumari Shraddha Satyawan Dhavan (Ahmednagar, Maharashtra)

Best Dairy Farmer – Indigenous Breeds (NER/Himalayan States):

• • Vijay Lata (Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh)
  • Pradeep Pangariya (Champawat, Uttarakhand)

Best Dairy Cooperative/FPO/MPC (Non-NER Region):

• • 1st: Meenan Gadi Ksheerolpadaka Sahakarana Sangham Ltd (Wayanad, Kerala)
  • 2nd (Joint): Kunnamkattupathy Ksheerolpadaka Sahakarana Samgham (Palakkad, Kerala)
  • 2nd (Joint): Ghinoi Dugdh Utpadak Sahkari Samiti (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
  • 3rd: TYSPL 37 Sendurai Milk Producers Cooperative Society Ltd (Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu)

Best Dairy Cooperative/FPO/MPC (NER/Himalayan States):

• • Kulha Duud Udpadhak Sahkari Samiti (Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand)

Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT) – Non-NER Region:

• • 1st: Dillip Kumar Pradhan (Anugul, Odisha)
  • 2nd: Vikas Kumar (Hanumangarh, Rajasthan)
  • 3rd: Anuradha Chakali (Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh)

Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT) – NER/Himalayan States:

• • Deluwar Hasan (Barpeta, Assam)

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Banks Call for Relaxation of Reserve Bank of India’s 10% Tier-I Limit on Acquisition Financing

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a draft proposal allowing banks to finance corporate acquisitions, both domestic and international, marking a major policy shift from the restrictions in place since 2006.

Key Highlights :

• The draft framework permits banks to fund up to 70% of an acquisition, with the acquiring company required to contribute 30% equity, and the firm must be listed, profitable for three years, and have a satisfactory net worth.
• Bank exposure to acquisition financing is capped at 10% of Tier-I capital, while capital market exposure limits are set at 20% (direct) and 40% (combined direct + indirect).
• The guidelines mandate valuation safeguards, a maximum debt-equity ratio of 3:1, and secure collateral, typically backed by the target company’s shares.
• Bankers argue that the 10% Tier-I capital cap is restrictive, especially for large infrastructure or cross-border acquisitions, potentially limiting big-ticket M&A activity.
• The mandatory 30% equity contribution may reduce flexibility if the RBI counts only common equity, prompting suggestions to include preference shares, convertible debentures, and hybrid securities as eligible equity instruments.
• Without wider recognition of alternate capital instruments, large acquisition deals may shift toward overseas private equity, NBFCs, or other non-bank sources of funding.
• The proposal creates opportunities for banks by enabling direct participation in M&A financing, strengthening engagement with corporate clients, and expanding high-margin credit segments.
• The draft is important for competitive exams as it represents a paradigm shift in RBI’s approach to M&A financing, is expected to be implemented from April 1, 2026, and requires familiarity with concepts like Tier-I capital, capital market exposure, acquisition leverage, and hybrid capital instruments.

State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda to Lead Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation for Real-Time Fraud Detection

• State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of Baroda (BoB) will lead the creation of the Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation (IDPIC) to detect and prevent digital payment frauds in real time.
• All 12 public sector banks will take equity stakes in IDPIC, which will be established as a Section 8 company with ₹500 crore authorised capital and ₹200 crore paid-up capital.
• Initially, two senior executives from SBI and BoB will join as directors, and SBI and BoB will each contribute ₹10 crore as initial funding.
• The platform aims to strengthen fraud detection, as bank fraud amounts surged to ₹36,014 crore in FY25, nearly three times the FY24 level.
• Banks currently use tools like AI and coordinate with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to curb cybercrimes and detect mule accounts.
• The establishment of IDPIC follows the A.P. Hota Committee’s recommendation to create a Digital Payments Intelligence Platform.

Lxme Introduces India’s First Women-Exclusive UPI Platform ‘LxmePay’

• Lxme has launched LxmePay, India’s first UPI platform exclusively for women, promoting smarter and conscious financial behaviour.
• The platform addresses challenges women face with fast UPI payments, such as overspending, lack of tracking, and minimal long-term rewards.
• Unlike typical cashback-based apps, LxmePay rewards every transaction—including receiving money—with digital gold, helping women build long-term wealth.

NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) Elevated to Schedule ‘A’ CPSE Status by Government of India

• NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) is a subsidiary of NTPC Limited and has been granted Schedule ‘A’ CPSE status by the Government of India.
• Schedule ‘A’ status places NGEL among the top tier of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), reflecting its strategic importance in India’s energy sector.
• The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) sets the criteria for classification and re-classification of CPSEs into different schedules.
• CPSEs are grouped into four schedules: Schedule ‘A’, Schedule ‘B’, Schedule ‘C’, and Schedule ‘D’.
• Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of NGEL : Gurdeep Singh (Additional Charge).

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

AJEYA WARRIOR-25, the 8th India–UK Joint Military Exercise, Kicks Off on 17 November 2025 in Rajasthan

• The eighth edition of the India–UK Joint Military Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-25 began on 17 November 2025 at the Foreign Training Node, Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan.
• The bilateral exercise is scheduled from 17–30 November 2025 and involves 240 personnel, with equal representation from the Indian Army and the British Army.
• The Indian Army is represented by troops of the Sikh Regiment, known for high professionalism and operational experience.
• The exercise is conducted under a United Nations mandate and focuses on counter-terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment.
• Training activities include joint mission planning at Brigade level, integrated tactical drills, simulation-based scenarios, and company-level field exercises replicating real-life counter-terror contingencies.
• The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, share best practices, improve tactical proficiency, and develop coordinated responses to complex security situations.
• AJEYA WARRIOR, held biennially since 2011, is a flagship defence engagement between India and the UK, strengthening military cooperation, peacekeeping collaboration, and commitment to regional and global security.
• The 2025 edition reinforces shared values of professionalism, cooperation, and stability, while boosting capabilities for UN peacekeeping, semi-urban warfare, and joint counter-terror operations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Dr. Jitendra Singh unveils India’s first homegrown high-precision compact diode laser at ESTIC 2025 in New Delhi

• Union Minister of State (MoS) (IC) Dr. Jitendra Singh launched India’s first indigenous high-precision compact diode laser at ESTIC 2025 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• The diode laser enables quantum-encrypted communication using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), improving cybersecurity for financial and banking transactions.
• It was developed by Prenishq Private Limited, a startup supported by the National Quantum Mission (NQM) and incubated at IIT-Delhi.
• The laser will support quantum research, education, and scientific applications, offering high beam quality, high stability, and long-term reliability.
• The device includes integrated driver electronics, ensuring stable output and features a compact, low-power, small form factor, and plug-and-play design, making it fit for teaching, advanced research, and industrial systems.

Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Launches NASA’s ESCAPADE Mission to Mars from Cape Canaveral

• Blue Origin launched its heavy-lift New Glenn rocket from LC-36, Cape Canaveral, carrying NASA’s ESCAPADE Mars mission.
• This was New Glenn’s second flight and the first attempt to land its reusable first stage, Jaclyn, on a sea-based platform.
• The ESCAPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers) mission is the first coordinated multi-spacecraft orbital science mission to Mars.
• ESCAPADE’s twin orbiters, named Blue and Gold, will conduct simultaneous observations from different locations around Mars.
• The mission is part of NASA’s SIMPLEx (Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration) program.
• The spacecraft will loiter at L2 until the optimal window for Mars travel opens in late 2026.
• The launch marks Blue Origin’s first NASA payload under the VADR contract and supports NASA’s SIMPLEx program for low-cost planetary missions.

India to Establish West Africa’s First IIT Campus in Nigeria Under NEP 2020 Vision

• India is expanding its global education footprint, with Nigeria set to host West Africa’s first IIT campus, aligned with NEP 2020 vision of internationalising Indian education.
• Nigeria’s Education Minister, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, confirmed the plan in coordination with the Indian High Commission in Abuja.
• The new IIT campus will be located at the Federal Government Academy (FGA), Suleja, upgraded into a centre of excellence with Indian support.
• The model will follow IIT Madras–Zanzibar, with India providing faculty and training, while Nigeria offers infrastructure and logistics.
• IIT Nigeria is part of India’s broader globalisation effort, following campuses in Zanzibar (2023) and Abu Dhabi (2024), with future plans in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the UK.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

United Nations Children’s Fund India Names National Award Winner Keerthy Suresh as Celebrity Advocate for Child Rights and Gender Equality

• The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) India appointed National Award-winning actress Keerthy Suresh as its Celebrity Advocate to promote awareness on children’s rights, mental health, education, and gender equality.
• As Celebrity Advocate, Keerthy Suresh will use her influence to create awareness on the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents, gender equality, empowerment of girls, quality and inclusive education, and child protection and rights.
• Keerthy Suresh began her acting career as a child artist in the Malayalam film Geetanjali (2013).
• She later appeared as a lead actress in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam
• In 2018, she received the National Film Award for the Telugu biopic “Mahanati”, based on the life of legendary actress Savitri.

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya Sworn in for Eighth Seven-Year Term After Winning 53.66% Vote

• Paul Biya, Cameroon’s longtime president and the world’s oldest sitting head of state, was sworn in for a new seven-year term after winning the election with 53.66% of the vote.
• His main rival, Issa Tchiroma, who secured 35.19%, rejected the results, calling it a “constitutional coup” and alleging widespread fraud.
• The victory marks Paul Biya’s eighth consecutive term in office.
• In 1962, Biya joined the Presidency of the Republic and served in various administrative and ministerial roles, including Secretary-General of the Presidency (1968–1975).

About Cameroon :

• Capital : Yaoundé
• Currency : Central African CFA franc.

Abhinav Bindra Chosen as Torchbearer for 2026 Winter Olympics

• Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra has been selected as a torchbearer for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
• The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held from 6 to 22 February 2026 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
• Bindra won India’s first individual Olympic gold in the 10m air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
• Bindra stated that carrying the torch again is a special moment reflecting the spirit of sport and inspiration.
• Italy will host the Winter Olympics for the fourth time in 2026.
• The 2026 edition will feature 116 medal events across 16 disciplines, including 7 new events and 1 new discipline compared to Beijing 2022.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya and Defence Research and Development Organisation Sign MoU for Indigenous Defence Technologies and Secure Logistics Systems

• Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi, marking a major advancement in India’s push for indigenous smart defence technologies and secure logistics systems.

Key Highlights

• The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Samir V. Kamat (Chairman DRDO & Secretary Defence R&D), Prof. Manoj Choudhary (Vice Chancellor, GSV) and Dr. Lal Chand Mangal (DG–Technology Management, DRDO).
• The collaboration focuses on joint R&D in logistics management at tactical, operational, and strategic levels, operational logistics modelling and plan validation, advanced chip design, hardware security, homomorphic and blockchain-based encryption technologies, and deployment planning of indigenous defence systems—critical areas for India’s defence readiness, cybersecurity, and Aatmanirbhar technological capabilities.
• The MoU enables joint research projects, seminars, academic conferences, round-table workshops, and capacity-building programmes for researchers, scientists, and defence professionals, strengthening India’s talent pool in defence innovation.
• Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, established in 2022 under the Ministry of Railways, is India’s first university dedicated to transportation and logistics education, and already collaborates with the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• The partnership with DRDO, India’s premier defence R&D organisation, integrates civilian logistics expertise with high-end military technology development.
• DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat stated that the collaboration will support the development of technological solutions for deployment aspects of indigenous defence systems, aligning with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision in defence technologies, including AI-enabled logistics, cyber-secure communication, and resilient supply chains.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

India Tops 24th Asian Archery Championships 2025 in Dhaka

• India finished as the top nation at the 24th Asian Archery Championships 2025 held in Dhaka, winning a record 10 medals: 6 Gold, 3 Silver, and 1 Bronze (India’s best-ever performance at the event).
• Ankita Bhakat won the women’s individual recurve gold, defeating Olympic silver medallist Nam Suhyeon (South Korea) 7-3.
• She also beat Deepika Kumari in a semifinal shoot-off.
• Dhiraj Bommadevara claimed the men’s individual recurve gold, defeating compatriot Rahul 6-2, ensuring a 1–2 Indian finish.
• India’s dominance marked a historic break in South Korea’s 12-year winning streak in recurve events, signalling a major shift in Asian archery power balance.
• Women’s Recurve Team (featuring Ankita Bhakat) won gold by defeating Korea in a close final.
  Sangeeta won women’s recurve bronze, beating Deepika Kumari in a shoot-off.
• Compound Event Results:
  • Compound Women’s Team (Deepshikha, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Prithika Pradeep) won gold defeating Korea 236–234.
  • Compound Mixed Team (Abhishek Verma, Deepshikha) won gold by beating Bangladesh.
  • Compound Men’s Team secured silver after a close match against Kazakhstan.
• India’s performance reflects improved training systems, better facilities, and exposure through domestic leagues such as the Archery Premier League, which helped young athletes gain high-pressure competition experience.
• The landmark achievement strengthens India’s status as a rising archery powerhouse in Asia, inspiring the next generation of athletes and highlighting the nation’s growing sporting capabilities.

Marco Bezzecchi Creates History at Valencia GP; Aprilia Secures First-Ever Top-3 Season Finish

• The 2025 MotoGP season ended on a dramatic note as Marco Bezzecchi won the Valencia Grand Prix, becoming the first Aprilia rider to win back- to-back races.
• The win, following his Portugal victory, helped him secure 3rd place in the World Championship standings, the best-ever finish for both Bezzecchi and Aprilia.

Key Highlights

• Bezzecchi dominated from the start, beginning with pole position in qualifying, and successfully holding off Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse – 2nd) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Ducati – 3rd).
• This win marked his third victory of the season, with the back-to-back achievement being a historic first for Aprilia.
• The 2025 season proved a breakthrough for Aprilia Racing, traditionally viewed as an underdog in MotoGP. Bezzecchi’s consistent performances, including 5th place in the Valencia sprint race, propelled Aprilia to its first-ever top-3 finish in the final world standings, signalling the team’s emergence as a strong title contender for 2026.
• The season witnessed the absence of reigning world champion Marc Marquez, who secured his 7th world title in Japan but withdrew early due to a collarbone injury.
• In his place, Alex Marquez delivered an impressive year, finishing 2nd in the championship, taking a sprint race win, and securing 6th place in Valencia.
• New contenders rose alongside established names, with Fabio Di Giannantonio and Raul Fernandez emerging as strong competitors.
• Their presence on the Valencia podium reflects the increasingly competitive MotoGP grid, setting up a dynamic and unpredictable run into the 2026 season.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

WORLD CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE DAY 2025 OBSERVED ON 19 NOVEMBER

• World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day (COPD) 2025 is observed on the third Wednesday of November, and this year it falls on 19 November 2025.
• COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
• The theme for 2025 is “Short of Breath, Think COPD.”
• The first World COPD Day was observed in 2002, and since then, organisers in over 50 countries conduct awareness and education activities every year, making it one of the most significant global events dedicated to COPD awareness.
• The event is organised annually by GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease). GOLD also selects a new theme each year, strengthening efforts toward awareness, early diagnosis, and action plans for COPD.

INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY 2025 OBSERVED ON 19 NOVEMBER

• International Men’s Day 2025 is observed on 19 November, with the theme “Celebrating Men and Boys”, recognizing the lives, achievements, and contributions of men and boys to the nation, society, community, family, marriage, and childcare.
• The idea for a dedicated day for men was first mentioned in 1968 by John P. Harris, an American journalist, who pointed out the absence of a male counterpart to International Women’s Day and highlighted the need to focus on men’s health, achievements, and contributions.
• In the early 1990s, Thomas Oaster, Director of the Missouri Center for Men’s Studies, encouraged organizations in the U.S., Australia, and Malta to conduct International Men’s Day events in February.
• The events lasted two years successfully, after which the celebrations declined, except in Malta, which continued the observance.
• Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh from Trinidad and Tobago revived International Men’s Day by selecting 19 November—his father’s birthday and the day a local football team united the nation—as the official date.
• Following this, countries across the world adopted 19 November as International Men’s Day. Malta, which earlier celebrated in February, also shifted its observance to 19 November.

WORLD TOILET DAY 2025 OBSERVED ON 19 NOVEMBER

• World Toilet Day 2025 is observed on 19 November to raise awareness and inspire action towards tackling the global sanitation crisis and achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation for All by 2030.
• The day was founded by Jack Sim, a Singaporean philanthropist, who established the World Toilet Organization on 19 November 2001 and declared the date as World Toilet Day.
• The observance aims to highlight the importance of complete sanitation systems, not just toilets—covering wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and handwashing.
• SDG 6 emphasizes that waste must be safely processed, and global efforts to address sanitation challenges were further strengthened in 2010.
• In 2013, the Government of Singapore and the World Toilet Organization initiated Singapore’s first UN resolution titled “Sanitation for All”, aimed at ending the world sanitation crisis by 2025.
• Following this, World Toilet Day became an official UN observance, with the resolution being adopted by 122 countries at the 67th UN General Assembly session in New York.

Daily CA One- Liner: November 19

• The Sixteenth Finance Commission (XVIFC), chaired by Arvind Panagariya, officially submitted its report to the President of India.
• Australian Formula One driver Oscar Piastri has been honoured with the Don Award 2025, Australia’s highest sporting honour, presented by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame
• Tom Cruise, aged 63, was honoured with an honorary Academy Award at the 2025 Governors Awards held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom, Los Angeles
• The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD) announced the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2025, one of India’s highest civilian honours in the livestock and dairy sector
• Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi, marking a major advancement in India’s push for indigenous smart defence technologies and secure logistics systems
• India finished as the top nation at the 24th Asian Archery Championships 2025 held in Dhaka, winning a record 10 medals: 6 Gold, 3 Silver, and 1 Bronze
• The 2025 MotoGP season ended on a dramatic note as Marco Bezzecchi won the Valencia Grand Prix, becoming the first Aprilia rider to win back- to-back races.
• India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra), a Fitch Group subsidiary, projected India’s Gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 7.2% for Q2 FY26, driven by robust private consumption and a resilient services sector.
• India Ratings and Research (ICRA) projected India’s GDP growth to moderate to 7% in Q2 FY26, down from 7.8% in Q1 FY26, mainly due to lower government spending.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a draft proposal allowing banks to finance corporate acquisitions, both domestic and international, marking a major policy shift from the restrictions in place since 2006.
• State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of Baroda (BoB) will lead the creation of the Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation (IDPIC) to detect and prevent digital payment frauds in real time.
• Lxme has launched LxmePay, India’s first UPI platform exclusively for women, promoting smarter and conscious financial behaviour.
• NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) is a subsidiary of NTPC Limited and has been granted Schedule ‘A’ CPSE status by the Government of India.
• Dinesh Bhatia, Ambassador of India to Brazil, inaugurated the 3rd International Ayurveda Conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
• The eighth edition of the India–UK Joint Military Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-25 began on 17 November 2025 at the Foreign Training Node, Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan.
• Union Minister of State (MoS) (IC) Dr. Jitendra Singh launched India’s first indigenous high-precision compact diode laser at ESTIC 2025 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Blue Origin launched its heavy-lift New Glenn rocket from LC-36, Cape Canaveral, carrying NASA’s ESCAPADE Mars mission.
• India is expanding its global education footprint, with Nigeria set to host West Africa’s first IIT campus, aligned with NEP 2020 vision of internationalising Indian education.
• The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) India appointed National Award-winning actress Keerthy Suresh as its Celebrity Advocate to promote awareness on children’s rights, mental health, education, and gender equality.
• Paul Biya, Cameroon’s longtime president and the world’s oldest sitting head of state, was sworn in for a new seven-year term after winning the election with 53.66% of the vote.
• Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra has been selected as a torchbearer for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
• World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day (COPD) 2025 is observed on the third Wednesday of November, and this year it falls on 19 November 2025
• International Men’s Day 2025 is observed on 19 November, with the theme “Celebrating Men and Boys”, recognizing the lives, achievements, and contributions of men and boys to the nation, society, community, family, marriage, and childcare
• World Toilet Day 2025 is observed on 19 November to raise awareness and inspire action towards tackling the global sanitation crisis and achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation for All by 2030