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Daily Current Affairs 22nd November 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

National Urban Co-operative Financial and Development Corporation Seeks Reserve Bank of India Nod for Small Urban Cooperative Banks to Provide Digital Banking Services

  • The National Urban Co-operative Financial and Development Corporation Limited (NUCFDC) plans to request the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to allow smaller urban cooperative banks (UCBs) with net worth below ₹50 crore to offer digital banking services such as internet banking, mobile banking, and UPI.
  • Under current RBI rules, only UCBs with net worth above ₹50 crore can provide digital banking, leaving over half of the 1,462 UCBs—holding ₹5.5 trillion in deposits—unable to offer such services.
  • NUCFDC CEO Prabhat Chaturvedi stated that if smaller UCBs operate within a centralized, cyber-secured infrastructure, they should be allowed to provide full digital services.
  • NUCFDC, which became a mid-layer NBFC in February 2024, is building a central digital stack for UCBs, including IT infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, manpower, and maintenance.
  • NUCFDC has already launched Sahakar Digipay and Sahakar Digiloan to improve payments and automate lending, but smaller UCBs cannot currently use them due to regulatory restrictions.
  • The initiative aims to expand digital financial inclusion for smaller UCBs and strengthen their technological and operational capabilities.

Association of Mutual Funds in India to Begin Publishing Separate Data on ₹250 Choti SIPs from January

  • The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) will start publishing separate data on Choti SIPs (₹250 SIPs) from January, after RTAs complete system modifications.
  • SEBI reduced the minimum SIP amount to ₹250 to increase retail participation, but this is not permitted in debt, high-risk sectoral/thematic, small-cap, and mid-cap schemes.
  • Due to high transaction costs, Choti SIP payments are allowed only through NACH or UPI AutoPay modes.
  • RTAs must track only the first three Choti SIPs per investor (via PAN) that qualify for subsidised transaction costs, while additional SIPs will not receive subsidies.
  • RTA monitoring systems will be functional by month-end, and data for December will be released in January, with over 150 Choti SIPs already identified since March.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Comptroller and Auditor General Establishes Centre of Excellence for Financial Audit in Hyderabad

  • The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is establishing a Centre of Excellence for Financial Audit in Hyderabad, marking a major institutional step toward transforming India’s audit systems and aligning them with global standards.
  • The centre aims to function as a national hub for strengthening audit capability by:
    • Acting as an incubator of global best practices, adapting international audit techniques for Indian requirements.
    • Focusing on research and professional development to build advanced skills among auditors.
    • Driving the standardisation of modern financial audit methodologies, going beyond traditional approaches.
    • Integrating data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to shift from sample-based audits to full-dataset analysis.
    • Incorporating Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) criteria into audit processes, aligning with global accountability frameworks.
  • The initiative represents a significant shift in India’s audit ecosystem, signalling:
    • A move toward bridging the audit–accounts divide, recognising accounts offices as rich sources of financial data such as vouchers, sanctions, and challans.
    • Use of AI-driven analytics for more accurate and evidence-based audit findings.
    • Greater emphasis on sustainability and ESG-based assessments, reflecting international trends in public financial oversight.
  • Overall, the new centre is expected to modernise audit practices, strengthen fiscal oversight, and enhance the professional capacity of India’s auditing institutions.

About Telangana:

  • Capital: Hyderabad
  • Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
  • Chief Minister: Anumula Revanth Reddy
  • National Parks: Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park, Mrugavani National Park, Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

  • In a landmark step for Indian biotechnology and veterinary science, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the country’s first-of-its-kind State-of-the-Art Animal Stem Cell BioBank and Laboratory at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad.

Earth Summit 2025-26 to Begin in Hyderabad

  • Hyderabad will host the inaugural Earth Summit 2025-26, jointly organised by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
  • Theme: Empowering Rural Innovation for Global Change.
  • The Summit will be held in Hyderabad (20–21 November 2025), Gandhinagar (5–6 December 2025), and New Delhi (February 2026).
  • The Summit aims to create a dynamic platform to accelerate rural transformation through technology, financial inclusion, and climate action.

Key Highlights

  • The initiative aligns with India’s vision of inclusive growth and expanding Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to reduce the rural-urban divide.
  • Major participants include Central and State ministries, regulatory bodies, public sector agencies, AgriTech startups, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), financial institutions, venture capitalists, international development agencies, and NGOs.
  • The Summit will feature keynotes, policy discussions, startup exhibitions, investor interactions, and workshops on digital finance, agri-logistics, and clean energy.
  • The Earth Summit 2025-26 will focus on Rural Finance and Credit Access, including credit expansion for small farmers, women entrepreneurs, and cooperatives through data-driven lending and fintech partnerships.
  • It will emphasise AgriTech and Digital Infrastructure such as smart farming tools, satellite-based advisories, and connectivity for rural productivity.
  • It will promote Climate-Smart Agriculture and Green Financing, including low-carbon practices, resilient cropping systems, green bonds, and climate-finance mechanisms.
  • It will highlight Renewable Energy and Circular Economy solutions like solar microgrids and bioenergy to support self-reliant rural communities.
  • It will strengthen Women-Led Enterprises and Inclusive Innovation through capacity-building, market linkages, and policy support for Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

New Zealand and Kenya Reject India’s Plea for Exclusive Basmati Marketing Rights Under WTO–TRIPS

  • New Zealand and Kenya have rejected India’s request to secure exclusive marketing rights for Basmati rice under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), marking a major diplomatic and trade setback for India .
  • Courts in both countries ruled that TRIPS provisions cannot override domestic legal requirements, resulting in the dismissal of India’s attempt to register “Basmati” as a trademark abroad.

Key Highlights

  • The case was filed by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda), which argued that Basmati rice, grown mainly in India’s Indo-Gangetic plains, already enjoys Geographical Indication (GI) protection under Indian law.
  • India invoked Article 22 of TRIPS, stating that WTO members must prevent misuse of GIs and misleading labels. Apeda opposed the use of “Basmati” by foreign brands blending or misrepresenting rice varieties.
  • Both countries dismissed Apeda’s appeals, stating that TRIPS is not a self-executing treaty, and GI enforcement must follow local legal procedures.
  • New Zealand High Court (Justice John Boldt) ruled that New Zealand is not obliged to recognize foreign GIs unless they meet domestic legal criteria, and stated that the Fair Trading Act 1986 already protects consumers against false origin claims.
  • Kenya’s Court of Appeal (Justices Wanjiru Karanja, Aggrey Otsyula Muchelule, J. Mumbi Ngugi) ruled that TRIPS requires implementation through national laws and noted that Kenya’s Trade Marks Act allows GI registration as collective or certification marks — a route Apeda did not fully pursue.
  • The Kenyan court also highlighted that TRIPS does not prescribe a single enforcement model, as seen in differing systems followed by India, the European Union (EU), and the United States (US).
  • The rulings have key implications for India:
    • Loss of market exclusivity, as India cannot prevent local businesses in New Zealand or Kenya from selling rice labelled as “Basmati”.
    • Risk of brand dilution, as the premium identity of India’s aromatic long-grain Basmati rice may weaken without protection.
    • Pakistan’s parallel claim to Basmati was acknowledged by courts, as India’s application did not seek to block Pakistan from using the name — a factor that weakens India’s exclusivity argument and may lead to future joint GI recognition models.
  • TRIPS is a WTO agreement setting minimum standards for intellectual property rights, including Geographical Indications. While Article 22 requires members to prevent misleading GI use, it leaves enforcement and procedures to national legislation, which both New Zealand and Kenya adhered to in their rulings.

RECENT NEWS

  • Marking a strategic leap for sports science and innovation in India, the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Sports Science Research (SAI-NCSSR) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.

India to Launch its First-Ever Tesla Centre in Gurugram

  • India will launch its first-ever Tesla Centre at Orchid Business Park, Gurugram, marking a major milestone in the country’s electric mobility growth.
  • With this launch, India becomes Tesla’s 50th global market, following the company’s mid-2025 entry with Model Y variants.
  • Tesla introduced two fully imported (Shanghai Gigafactory) Model Y versions:
    • Standard Range – ₹59.89 lakh
    • Long Range – ₹67.89 lakh
  • Both variants attract a 70% import duty, making them 30% more expensive than their U.S. counterparts.
  • Despite premium pricing, Tesla recorded 104 retail sales in September–October 2025 (as per FADA and Vahan).
  • The Gurugram Tesla Centre will be the company’s first full-service flagship facility in India and will handle:
    • Sales consultations,
    • Vehicle deliveries,
    • Service & repair,
    • And possibly, Supercharging infrastructure.
  • This centre differs from the Mumbai and Delhi experience centres, which only focus on brand display and customer education.
  • Sharad Agarwal took charge of Tesla India operations in November 2025. He previously led Lamborghini India, and has held senior positions at Mahindra Classic Legends and Audi India.
  • Tesla’s India strategy under Agarwal focuses on:
    • Urban market penetration,
    • Customer-centric retail experience,
    • Premium EV positioning.
  • The Gurugram launch aligns with:
    • Delhi-NCR’s EV-friendly policies,
    • High density of HNI buyers,
    • And opportunities to expand charging and service networks.
  • Tesla may expand further in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune based on demand trends.

About Haryana:

  • Chief Minister: Nayab Singh Saini
  • Governor: Ashim Kumar Ghosh
  • Capital: Chandigarh
  • National Parks: Sultanpur National Park, Kalesar National Park
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

  • In a landmark initiative to empower urban governance and local leadership, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the first-ever National Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) from States and Union Territories at the International Centre for Automotive Technology, Manesar, Gurugram, on July 3, 2025.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Seychelles Becomes Full Member of Colombo Security Conclave at 7th NSA-Level Meeting in New Delhi

  • Seychelles officially joined the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) as a full member during the 7th National Security Adviser (NSA)-level meeting held in New Delhi on 20 November 2025, chaired by India’s NSA Ajit Doval.

Key Highlights :

  • The CSC is a multilateral regional security grouping in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), aimed at enhancing cooperation among member states on shared security challenges.
  • Other full members of the CSC include India, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, while Malaysia participated as a Guest country and Seychelles joined as an Observer State before becoming a full member.
  • The first Secretary General, appointed by India, presented a review of decisions taken at the 6th NSA-level meeting in Mauritius on 7–8 December 2023 and highlighted activities under the five pillars of cooperation.
  • The five pillars of CSC cooperation are:
  1. Maritime Safety and Security
  2. Countering Terrorism and Radicalisation
  3. Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organised Crime
  4. Cyber Security and Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology
  5. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
  • The CSC focuses on regional trust-building, joint exercises, information-sharing, training, and capacity building among member states.
  • Seychelles’ membership strengthens regional security cooperation and reflects the Conclave’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Turkey to Host COP31 in 2026 After Reaching Diplomatic Settlement with Australia at COP30

  • Turkey has been confirmed as the host of COP31 (2026 UN Climate Change Conference) after a diplomatic compromise with Australia reached during discussions at COP30 in Brazil.
  • The hosting decision resolves a long-standing dispute, as both Turkey and Australia had submitted bids to host COP31 in 2022, creating a prolonged stalemate.
  • COP (Conference of the Parties) is the annual global climate summit under the UNFCCC, making the hosting decision critical for maintaining international climate negotiation momentum.
  • The agreement specifies that Turkey will officially host COP31 and hold the COP Presidency, overseeing logistics, diplomacy, and conference management.
  • Australia will not host COP31 but will lead intergovernmental climate negotiations, giving it a key role in policy formulation and implementation strategy.
  • A pre-COP event is expected to take place in the Pacific region, highlighting the climate vulnerability of small island developing states (SIDS) and enhancing regional participation in global climate dialogue.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Michelle Bachelet Receives Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2024

  • Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, received the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2024 in New Delhi.
  • The award was presented by Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, recognising Bachelet’s lifelong work on human rights, gender equality, and global justice.
  • Bachelet, the first and only woman President of Chile, served two terms (2006–2010, 2014–2018) and implemented major reforms including:
    • Establishment of the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality
    • Education and tax reforms
    • Creation of the National Institute for Human Rights and Museum of Memory and Human Rights
    • Advancement of LGBT rights and introduction of political gender quotas
  • Internationally, she served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (2018–2022) and was the first Director of UN Women (2010), reinforcing her global profile as a champion of equality and justice.
  • Bachelet has been vocal on global rights violations, including raising concerns on issues in India such as:
    • The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) during the 2019–20 protests
    • Use of UAPA against activists
    • The FCRA being used to restrict NGOs working on rights and advocacy
  • Despite these criticisms, her selection for the prize highlights a larger commitment to freedom of expression, civic participation, and democratic values.
  • Her personal journey includes surviving political persecution: her father, Brigadier General Alberto Bachelet, died in prison after opposing the 1973 Pinochet coup, and she herself was detained and later exiled.
  • During the ceremony, Sonia Gandhi compared Bachelet’s resilience to Indira Gandhi, noting their common experience of political adversity shaping their leadership.
  • In her acceptance speech, Bachelet praised Indira Gandhi’s belief in harmony as the foundation of prosperity and called her visit to India a privilege, acknowledging India’s cultural richness and democratic ethos.
  • The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development, instituted in 1985, honours contributions to international peace, development cooperation, democratic governance, and scientific advancements for human progress.

International Film Festival of India –UNICEF Collaboration at the 56th IFFI: “Five Films, One Universal Story”

  • The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has launched its fourth collaboration with UNICEF, presenting a special showcase titled “Five Films, One Universal Story.”
  • The collaboration, begun in 2022, highlights cinema focused on childhood, showcasing resilience, creativity, imagination, and the challenges faced by children worldwide.
  • IFFI and UNICEF together aim to spotlight child rights, well-being, and children’s voices, reflecting a global shift toward placing children at the centre of storytelling.
  • The showcase includes five films from Egypt, India, South Korea, and Kosovo, each centred on universal childhood experiences:
    • Happy Birthday (Egypt) – Directed by Sarah Goher; Oscar-submitted debut portraying Toha, a young maid trying to organise a birthday party, highlighting social inequality and dignity for every child.
    • Kadal Kanni (India – Tamil) – Directed by Dinesh Selvaraj; blends fantasy and realism as orphaned children search for belonging, affirming imagination as survival and every child’s right to be seen and cared for.
    • Putul (India – Hindi) – Directed by Radheshyam Pipalwa; follows a seven-year-old dealing with her parents’ divorce, stressing child mental health and the need for safe family support.
    • The Beetle Project (South Korea) – Directed by Jin Kwang-kyo; a beetle crossing the North–South Korea border becomes a symbol of connection, echoing empathy, curiosity, and friendship.
    • The Odyssey of Joy (Kosovo, France) – Directed by Zgjim Terziqi; set in post-war Kosovo, it shows Lis, an 11-year-old finding hope through a clown troupe, reflecting healing, joy, and protection for children.
  • The collaboration showcases cinema as a tool for advocacy, promoting awareness about equity, mental health, resilience, and global solidarity through children’s stories.
  • The 56th IFFI, held from 20–28 November 2025 in Goa, is organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, NFDC, and ESG, featuring world cinema, masterclasses, industry sessions, and the WAVES Film Bazaar.

Leonardo DiCaprio to Receive Desert Palm Achievement Award at Palm Springs International Film Festival 2026

  • Leonardo DiCaprio will receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award (Actor) at the Palm Springs International Film Festival scheduled for 3 January 2026.
  • He is being honoured for his performance in One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.
  • Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi described DiCaprio’s performance as “gripping and emotionally intense,” noting the film’s deep portrayal of personal and emotional conflict.
  • The collaboration between Leonardo DiCaprio and director Paul Thomas Anderson—known for films like There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread—has generated strong awards-season buzz for 2026.
  • DiCaprio is renowned for transformative roles in major films such as:
    • The Revenant (Academy Award-winning performance),
    • The Wolf of Wall Street,
    • Inception,
    • Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
  • His acting legacy is marked by depth, realism, and emotional intensity, making him a consistent awards contender.
  • The Desert Palm Achievement Award is considered a strong indicator of Academy Awards (Oscars) success, with past honourees including Daniel Day-Lewis, Gary Oldman, and Riz Ahmed.
  • Other honourees at the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival include:
    • Michael B. Jordan – Icon Award,
    • Adam Sandler – Chairman’s Award.
  • This recognition further boosts DiCaprio’s prospects in the 2026 Academy Awards season, as past recipients of this award have frequently gone on to win Best Actor Oscars.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND REPORTS

HDFC Bank Tops Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Indian Brands Report 2025

  • HDFC Bank has regained its position as India’s most valuable brand in the 2025 Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Indian Brands Report, overtaking Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) with a brand value of USD 44.9 billion.
  • HDFC Bank last topped this ranking in 2021 but was overtaken by TCS in 2022. Its comeback in 2025 is attributed to:
    • Post-merger consolidation with Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited (HDFC Ltd),
    • Digital-first innovations such as the 30-minute auto loan model,
    • Introduction of unique brand mascots like “Vigil Aunty” promoting cybersecurity,
    • A high brand contribution score, showing strong impact on demand and price premium.
  • HDFC Bank’s brand value has grown by 377% since the first BrandZ India report in 2014, reflecting long-term brand investment and consumer trust.
  • Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) remains a global Information Technology leader but its brand value growth has slowed in 2025.
  • Overall brand value growth across India’s top companies has declined to 6% in 2025, compared to 19% in 2024, due to weaker consumer differentiation and reduced brand investment.
  • Kantar highlighted a fall in consumer perception of uniqueness and relevance, warning that long-term leadership requires more than financial scale.
  • Zomato has been named the fastest-rising brand for the second consecutive year, nearly doubling its value to USD 6 billion in 2025, rising 10 places to rank 21st.
  • Zomato’s growth is driven by:
    • Expansion beyond food delivery into lifestyle services,
    • Strong brand recall and youth-centric positioning,
    • Reinforced identity as a daily digital utility for consumers.
  • The 2025 list expanded to 100 brands, with 34 brands increasing in value and 18 debutants entering the rankings.
  • Major new entrants include:
    • UltraTech Cement at 7th rank with a brand value of USD 14.5 billion, now seen as a consumer-focused brand,
    • Westside at 38th rank (USD 3.3 billion) and Zudio at 52nd rank (USD 2.5 billion), reflecting Tata Group’s rising influence in affordable fashion and retail.
  • Total value of India’s Top 100 brands stands at USD 523.5 billion, accounting for around 13% of India’s GDP.
  • Brand value growth rate (YoY): 6%, with major sectors represented by financial services, technology, retail, cement, and fashion.
  • Consumer trends in 2025 indicate a shift towards value-driven, innovative, and purpose-led brands.
  • Kantar’s Soumya Mohanty stated that brands rooted in consumer insight and innovation not only withstand market challenges but also achieve long-term success.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Defence Research & Development Organisation and France’s Directorate General of Armaments sign pact to strengthen joint defence research and development collaboration

  • A Technical Agreement was signed between Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), France to enhance cooperation in defence research & development.
  • The agreement was signed by Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, and Lt Gen Gael Diaz de Tuesta, National Armaments Director, DGA France, on 20 November 2025 in New Delhi.
  • The partnership aims to leverage combined expertise and resources of both nations to address future defence challenges.
  • The agreement provides a formal framework for joint research, training programs, testing activities, information exchange, and organisation of workshops/seminars to strengthen defence R&D capability.
  • It enables transfer of equipment, technologies, and know-how between both countries.
  • Key cooperation areas include Aeronautical Platforms, Unmanned Vehicles, Advanced Materials, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Space, Navigation, Advanced Propulsion, Advanced Sensors, Quantum Technologies, and Underwater Technologies.

United States approves $93 Million Defence Missile Deal with India

  • The United States approved defence sales worth $92.8 million (approx. $93 million) to India, as confirmed by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in a notification to US Congress.
  • The sale supports US foreign policy and national security goals by strengthening the US–India strategic partnership.
  • The first package worth $45.7 million includes FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile systems and 25 Command Launch Units (LwCLU/CLU).
  • The Javelin package also includes basic skills trainers, missile simulation rounds, battery coolant units, electronic manuals, lifecycle support, spare parts, physical security inspection, training, and technical assistance.
  • The second package worth $47.1 million includes up to 216 M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery projectiles requested by India.
  • The Excalibur package also provides Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems (PEFCS), primers, propellant charges, repair and return services, technical data, and logistics support.
  • The Javelin missile is a fire-and-forget infrared-guided anti-tank weapon effective in urban and open-field warfare.
  • The Excalibur projectile is a GPS-guided precision artillery shell designed for first-strike accuracy, extended range, and low collateral damage.
  • The sale enhances India’s capability for both mobile anti-armour warfare (Javelin) and precision artillery strikes (Excalibur).

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Sandhip Pradhan Appointed as SEBI Whole-Time Member for a Three-Year Term

  • The Government of India (GoI) appointed Indian Revenue Service(IRS) officer Sandhip Pradhan as Whole-Time Member (WTM) of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for a three-year term from the date of assuming charge.
  • He replaces Ashwani Bhatia, who left office in May 2025.
  • With this appointment, SEBI now has three Whole-Time Members – Sandhip Pradhan, Amarjeet Singh, and Kamlesh Chandra Varshney.
  • He is currently serving as Director General (DG) of Income Tax (Investigation), Pune, Maharashtra.

Bajaj Finserv Appoints Jitendra Gohil as Chief Investment Officer of Investment Arm

  • Bajaj Finserv’s investment arm has appointed Jitendra Gohil as its new Chief Investment Officer (CIO) to lead the firm’s asset management strategy.
  • Gohil joins from Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited., signaling a strategic push by Bajaj into India’s alternative investment industry, currently valued at ₹15 trillion (approx. $169 billion).
  • His primary responsibility will be to build and oversee a new alternative investment fund (AIF) targeting high-net-worth individuals.
  • Jitendra Gohil has over two decades of experience in financial markets, including roles at Kotak and Credit Suisse India, where he served as Chief Investment Strategist.
  • Gohil’s experience and strategic acumen are expected to help Bajaj quickly establish credibility in the $169 billion alternative investment market.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

NCDEX to Acquire 20% Stake in Sri Lanka’s New Commodity and Derivatives Exchange CSEDEX

  • NCDEX is preparing to enter the Sri Lankan market by acquiring a 20% stake in CSEDEX, a new commodity and financial derivatives exchange being set up by the Colombo Stock Exchange.
  • This is a rare instance of an Indian commodity exchange seeking direct ownership in an overseas platform, reflecting NCDEX’s regional expansion ambitions.
  • NCDEX CEO Arun Raste confirmed that the board approved an investment of 70 million Sri Lankan rupees (approx. ₹24 crore), which will also provide NCDEX board representation in CSEDEX, subject to regulatory approvals.
  • NCDEX will assist Sri Lanka in technical architecture, product design, rule-setting, and training, as the country currently does not have a commodity or financial derivatives exchange.
  • The investment highlights India’s growing role in regional financial and commodity markets and the strategic collaboration between NCDEX and Sri Lanka.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India Post opens its second Gen Z–focused revamped Post Office at Delhi University

  • India Post inaugurated the revamped Delhi University Post Office, the second campus Post Office modernized under a national initiative to engage Generation Z.
  • The initiative aligns with the vision of Union Minister of Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, to create student-centric and technology-enabled Post Offices.
  • The Delhi University Post Office redesign involved student artists from Miranda House Adversity Fine Arts Society, contributing to graffiti, interior design, and promotional material.
  • Modern features include Free Wi-Fi, dedicated student service counters, parcel packing services, and Discounted Speed Post document services.
  • The transformation is part of a nationwide plan to revamp 46 Post Offices located in educational institutions by January 2026.
  • The launch follows the recent modernization of the IIT Hauz Khas Post Office in Delhi, reflecting India Post’s aim to strengthen engagement with young citizens across the country.
  • Cabinet Minister for Communications : Jyotiraditya Scindia
  • Chairman of Telecom Commission and Telecom Secretary : Neeraj Mittal

SpaceX Falcon-9 launches Copernicus Sentinel-6B Earth observation satellite from California

  • Copernicus Sentinel-6B, an earth observation satellite, was successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket.
  • It is the second satellite in the Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-Continuity of Service (CS) mission, following Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich launched in November 2020.

Key Highlights :

  • The satellite is a joint mission developed by NASA,European Space Agency (ESA) of the European Union (EU), European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)., with funding from the European Commission and technical support from French space agency CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales).
  • Sentinel-6B and Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich will collect data covering 90% of Earth’s oceans, measuring global sea levels, atmospheric temperature, and humidity.
  • After reaching orbit, Sentinel-6B will follow Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich by 30 seconds for cross-calibration, after which Sentinel-6B becomes the official reference satellite.
  • The satellite will orbit Earth 13 times per day at 830 miles (1,336 km) and complete one revolution every 112 minutes.
  • Sentinel-6B will orbit at a speed of 7.2 km/s, continuing long-term satellite-based ocean monitoring.
  • The satellite carries 6 major science instruments for ocean and atmospheric observation.
  • Poseidon-4 SAR Altimeter measures seawater height, wave height, and wind speed.
  • Advanced Microwave Radiometer for Climate (AMR-C) corrects altimeter data for atmospheric water vapor.
  • GNSS-RO (Global Navigation Satellite System – Radio Occultation) measures atmospheric temperature, pressure, and humidity.
  • Precise Orbit Determination (POD) package includes GNSS receiver, DORIS, and Laser Retroreflector Array for accurate satellite positioning.
  • Radiation Environment Monitor (REM) detects space radiation affecting satellite instruments.
  • High-Resolution Microwave Radiometer (HRMR) helps in atmospheric correction for sea-level measurements.
  • The mission will enhance 30 years of oceanographic data and improve predictions of extreme weather events.

About NASA :

  • Established : 1958
  • Headquarters : Washington DC, USA
  • Administrator : Sean Duffy

Google Launches Largest AI Hardware Engineering Centre Outside US in Taipei, Strengthening US-Taiwan Tech Ties

  • Google has opened its largest AI infrastructure hardware engineering centre outside the US in Taipei, Taiwan, reinforcing the strategic tech partnership between the United States (US) and Taiwan.
  • The Taiwan facility will focus on integrating AI-specific chips, including Google’s proprietary TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) processors, into server hardware infrastructure for cloud computing and machine learning workloads.
  • The centre will employ several hundred engineers, tripling Google’s hardware engineering team in Taiwan since its establishment in 2020.
  • The new facility complements Google’s existing operations in Taiwan, which include a data centre operational since 2013, two hardware centres developing consumer electronics, and investments in international subsea cable infrastructure.
  • Taiwan hosts TSMC, the world’s leading contract chipmaker, which manufactures semiconductors used by Nvidia, Apple, and Google.
  • The investment strengthens Taiwan’s tech sovereignty, particularly in AI, by providing a secure alternative to Chinese AI platforms.
  • Google’s project contributes to building a full AI innovation ecosystem in Taiwan, supporting job creation, advanced R&D, and global supply chain resilience.
  • Taiwan President : Lai Ching-te

Indian Space Research Organization to launch Oceansat in 2026 aboard first industry-built PSLV-PSLV N1 rocket

  • Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan announced the launch of the Oceansat Satellite in 2026 using the first commercially built Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-PSLV N1 rocket.
  • The announcement was made at the 7th India Manufacturing Show (IMS) 2025 in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
  • ISRO plans to transfer 50% of PSLV development to an Indian industry consortium led by HAL and L&T.
  • Under the 2022 commercialisation initiative, NSIL signed a contract with HAL-L&T for end-to-end production of five PSLV-XL rockets.
  • This marks the first fully industry-led manufacturing of PSLV, allowing ISRO to focus more on advanced missions and R&D.
  • Earlier, PSLV rockets were entirely manufactured by ISRO.
  • Under the agreement, the industry consortium handles manufacturing, full rocket integration, avionics, testing, and launch support.
  • ISRO provides technology, design, mission approval, and launch infrastructure.
  • The move supports the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision in the space sector.

About ISRO :

  • Established : 1969
  • Headquarters ; Bengaluru, Karnataka
  • Chairman : Dr. V. Narayanan.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

Central Board of Film Certification Rolls Out Multilingual Module on E-Cinepramaan Portal for Public Use

  • The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has launched a Multilingual Module on the E-Cinepramaan portal, now fully open for public use.
  • The initiative supports CBFC’s goal of digitizing and simplifying the film certification process in India.
  • CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi stated that the Multilingual feature is optional and intended to streamline certification for multi-language film releases.
  • Filmmakers can submit all language versions of a film through a single unified application, eliminating repetitive submissions.
  • Each film certified through this module will receive a Multilingual Certificate that lists all approved languages.

Daily CA One- Liner: November 22

  • The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is establishing a Centre of Excellence for Financial Audit in Hyderabad, marking a major institutional step toward transforming India’s audit systems and aligning them with global standards
  • Hyderabad will host the inaugural Earth Summit 2025-26, jointly organised by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Internet and Mobile Association of India
  • New Zealand and Kenya have rejected India’s request to secure exclusive marketing rights for Basmati rice under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), marking a major diplomatic and trade setback for India
  • India will launch its first-ever Tesla Centre at Orchid Business Park, Gurugram, marking a major milestone in the country’s electric mobility growth
  • Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, received the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2024 in New Delhi
  • The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has launched its fourth collaboration with UNICEF, presenting a special showcase titled “Five Films, One Universal Story.”
  • Leonardo DiCaprio will receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award (Actor) at the Palm Springs International Film Festival scheduled for 3 January 2026
  • HDFC Bank has regained its position as India’s most valuable brand in the 2025 Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Indian Brands Report, overtaking Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) with a brand value of USD 44.9 billion.
  • The National Urban Co-operative Financial and Development Corporation Limited (NUCFDC) plans to request the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to allow smaller urban cooperative banks (UCBs) with net worth below ₹50 crore to offer digital banking services such as internet banking, mobile banking, and UPI.
  • The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) will start publishing separate data on Choti SIPs (₹250 SIPs) from January, after RTAs complete system modifications.
  • Seychelles officially joined the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) as a full member during the 7th National Security Adviser (NSA)-level meeting held in New Delhi on 20 November 2025, chaired by India’s NSA Ajit Doval.
  • Turkey has been confirmed as the host of COP31 (2026 UN Climate Change Conference) after a diplomatic compromise with Australia reached during discussions at COP30 in Brazil.
  • A Technical Agreement was signed between Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), France to enhance cooperation in defence research & development.
  • The United States approved defence sales worth $92.8 million (approx. $93 million) to India, as confirmed by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in a notification to US Congress.
  • The Government of India (GoI) appointed Indian Revenue Service(IRS) officer Sandhip Pradhan as Whole-Time Member (WTM) of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for a three-year term from the date of assuming charge.
  • Bajaj Finserv’s investment arm has appointed Jitendra Gohil as its new Chief Investment Officer (CIO) to lead the firm’s asset management strategy.
  • NCDEX is preparing to enter the Sri Lankan market by acquiring a 20% stake in CSEDEX, a new commodity and financial derivatives exchange being set up by the Colombo Stock Exchange.
  • India Post inaugurated the revamped Delhi University Post Office, the second campus Post Office modernized under a national initiative to engage Generation Z.
  • Copernicus Sentinel-6B, an earth observation satellite, was successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket.
  • Google has opened its largest AI infrastructure hardware engineering centre outside the US in Taipei, Taiwan, reinforcing the strategic tech partnership between the United States (US) and Taiwan.
  • Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan announced the launch of the Oceansat Satellite in 2026 using the first commercially built Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-PSLV N1 rocket.
  • The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has launched a Multilingual Module on the E-Cinepramaan portal, now fully open for public use.

This post was last modified on November 22, 2025 11:36 am

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