Important Weekly Current Affairs PDF Download (Nov 22nd to 30th Nov 2025)

Dear Readers, Here we have given the list of Important Weekly Current Affairs of Nov 22nd to 30th Nov 2025. Candidates those who are preparing for Upcoming SBIClerk 2025 and other competitive exams can make use of it.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

National Philosophy Day 2025 Observed on 20 November

• National Philosophy Day, also known globally as World Philosophy Day, is observed every year on the third Thursday of November; in 2025, it falls on 20 November.
• The day promotes the pursuit of wisdom, critical thinking, dialogue, and open-minded discussion to address modern social and global challenges.
• Initiated by UNESCO in 2002.

Constitution Day 2025 (Law Day 2025) is observed on 26 November

• Constitution Day 2025, also known as Law Day, is observed on 26 November to mark the day the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India on 26 November 1949.
• The year 2025 also commemorates the 132nd birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.

National Milk Day observed on 26 November 2025

• National Milk Day was observed on 26 November 2025 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Verghese Kurien, known as the Father of the White Revolution in India.
• The day recognizes India’s transformation from a milk-deficient nation to the world’s largest milk producer, contributing nearly 25% of global milk production.

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People observed on 29 November 2025

• International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was observed on 29 November 2025 to commemorate the United Nations General Assembly resolution of 1947, which proposed the partition of Palestine into two independent states — a Jewish state and an Arab state — along with a Special International Regime for Jerusalem.
• The day aims to raise global awareness about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and highlight the struggles and challenges faced by the Palestinian people.

World AIDS Day 2025 Observed on 1st December

• World AIDS Day 2025 is observed on 1st December with the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.”
• The day aims to raise awareness about AIDS, a sexually transmitted disease caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – 25 November 2025

• The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed annually on 25 November to raise global awareness about violence faced by women, including rape, domestic abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence.
• The day also aims to highlight the true scale and reality of violence that often remains hidden or under-reported.
• In December 1999, the UN General Assembly officially designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, calling for global action to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.

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.

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.

Reserve Bank of India Begins Realisation Phase to Link India’s UPI with Eurosystem’s TIPS for Seamless Cross-Border Payments

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated the realisation phase to interlink India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) operated by the Eurosystem to enable seamless cross-border payments.
• UPI is India’s instant payment system developed by NPCI, enabling person-to-person and person-to-merchant transactions across banks via smartphones.
• TIPS is the European Central Bank’s real-time settlement system, facilitating instant euro transactions across the Eurozone 24/7 in under 10 seconds.
• The UPI–TIPS integration aims to enable faster, cheaper, and transparent remittances between India and the Euro Area, reducing reliance on SWIFT and intermediary banks.
• TIPS launched: November 2018 by European Central Bank

Reserve Bank of India Imposes ₹4 Lakh Penalty on Odisha-Based Glowmore Finance for Regulatory Non-Compliance

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a total penalty of ₹7 lakh on three cooperative banks and a non-banking financial company (NBFC) for non-compliance with regulatory directions.
• The highest penalty of ₹4 lakh was levied on Glowmore Finance Pvt Ltd, an Odisha-based NBFC.
• The non-compliance was noticed during RBI correspondence regarding the appointment of a director in the company.

India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves Decline by $2.7 Billion to $687.73 Billion

• According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s foreign exchange reserves declined by $2.70 billion to $687.03 billion for the week ended November 7,2025.
• The decline was due to a stronger US dollar and valuation changes, extending the fall after a $5.62 billion drop in the previous week.
• Despite the fall, India continues to hold one of the largest FX reserves globally, providing strong protection against global volatility and geopolitical risks.

Moody’s forecasts India’s Gross domestic product to grow at 7% in 2025, slowing to 6.4% in 2026

• Moody’s projected India’s real Gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 7% in 2025, making India one of the fastest-growing major economies
• Growth is forecast to moderate to 6.4% in 2026 due to global and domestic economic factors.
• Growth momentum is supported by robust domestic consumption, driven by rising incomes, expanding middle class, and urban demand across sectors such as retail, housing, services, and transport.

Securities and Exchange Board of India Rolls Out New Threshold Criteria to Assess Materiality in Related Party Deals

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced a threshold-based framework to determine materiality of Related Party Transactions (RPTs) based on annual consolidated turnover of listed companies.
• A Related Party Transaction refers to dealings with subsidiaries, promoters, directors, or significant influencing entities, which may pose conflict-of-interest risks.
• The new norms aim to remove ambiguities, address practical challenges, and balance investor protection with ease of doing business under Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) norms.

About SEBI :

• Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Chairman : Tuhin Kanta Pandey
• SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.

Oman’s Central Bank Launches Unified Currency Symbol for the Omani Rial

• The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) launched a new unified symbol for the Omani Rial, marking a significant milestone in the Sultanate’s financial system.
• The initiative aims to strengthen the global presence, visibility, and credibility of the Omani Rial in international banking, commerce, and digital services.
• CBO Governor Ahmed Ja’afar Al Musalmi highlighted that the new symbol enhances the Rial’s identity and recognition worldwide.

S&P forecasts India’s GDP to expand 6.5% in FY26 and 6.7% in FY27, signaling sustained economic growth

• S&P Global Ratings retained India’s GDP forecast at 6.5% for FY26, as per its report titled “Economic Outlook Asia-Pacific Q1 2026: Signs of Relief” released in November 2025.
• S&P projected India’s GDP growth at 6.7% in FY27, showing continued strong economic momentum.
• India’s real GDP grew 7.8% in Q1 FY26 (April–June 2025), recording the fastest expansion in five quarters.

About S&P Global Ratings:

• Headquarters : New York, USA
• Founded : 1860
• President : Yann Le Pallec

RBI November 2025 Bulletin States Indian Economy Gains Momentum in October on Strong Festive Demand, Rural Consumption, and GST Cuts

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) November 2025 Bulletin reported that the Indian economy gained momentum in October 2025, supported by strong festive-season demand, sustained rural consumption, and recent GST rate cuts.
• Domestic demand strengthened, driven by both urban revival and continued rural demand, with favourable monsoon, active agriculture, and GST spill-over benefits aiding overall consumption.
• Manufacturing and services sectors showed resilience, with high-frequency indicators signaling robust expansion, although sectoral variations were observed.

UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Council Signs Partnerships with FAB and Hub71 to Boost Indian Start-Up Growth

• First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Hub71 signed strategic partnerships with the UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Council (UICC) to boost cross-border entrepreneurship and support Indian start-ups.
• The agreements were signed by Nimesh Karwanyun (CEO-India, FAB) and Ahmed Aljneibi (Director, UAE–India CEPA Council).

Ind-Ra Revises India’s FY26 GDP Growth Forecast Upward to 7% from 6.3%

• India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) raised India’s FY26 GDP growth projection to 7%, up from 6.3% projected in July 2025.
• The upward revision was due to high GDP growth in Q1 FY26 (April–June) at 7.8%, the fastest pace in five quarters.
• RBI has projected FY26 GDP growth at 8%, higher than 6.5% in FY25.

About India Ratings and Research:

• India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) is a prominent, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) registered credit rating agency in India.
• It is a wholly-owned (100%) subsidiary of the Fitch Group
• Founded: 1995
• Headquarters: Mumbai, India

IDFC FIRST Bank Signs Memorandum of Understanding with FPSB India to Boost Financial Planning Standards and Skill Development

• IDFC FIRST Bank signed an Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with FPSB India, the Indian subsidiary of Financial Planning Standards Board Limited., as an Approved Corporate Partner (ACP) to strengthen financial planning standards and upskill banking teams.
• Rahul Singh, Country Head – Private Banking, IDFC FIRST Bank, and Chandrakant Sureka, Interim CEO, FPSB India, signed the MoU.

Asian Development Bank sanctions USD 400 million RBL programme to upgrade roads under Maharashtra’s Connectivity for Inclusive Growth initiative

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a USD 400 million Results-Based Lending (RBL) programme to upgrade roads under the Maharashtra Roads Connectivity for Inclusive Growth Program.
• The programme aims to provide improved connectivity by linking rural communities with markets, logistics hubs, healthcare, education, and post-harvest centres, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
• The loan will support the upgradation of 350 km of state highways and 2,577 km of rural roads across 34 districts of Maharashtra.

About Asian Development Bank (ADB):

• Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
• Founded: 1966
• President: Masato Kandaassa
• Members: 69

Central Board of Direct Taxes rolls out second NUDGE campaign to boost accurate reporting of foreign assets

• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) analysed Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) data for FY 2024-25 and found high-risk cases where foreign assets were not reported in ITRs for AY 2025-26.
• The second Non-intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable (NUDGE) campaign will send SMSs and emails from 28 November 2025, advising taxpayers to revise returns by 31 December 2025 to avoid penalties.
• CBDT is adopting a PRUDENT approach (Professionalism, Responsible & Responsive, Understanding, Dedication & Due Diligence/Data-based decisions, Effective Enforcement, Non-intrusive Administration, Technology) to promote accurate reporting and voluntary compliance.

About Ministry of Finance:

• Cabinet Minister: Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
• Minister of State (MoS): Shri Pankaj Chaudhary

Nepal Releases New ₹100 Note Featuring Revised Map Claiming Three Indian Territories

• Nepal issued new ₹100 currency notes featuring a revised map that includes Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura, territories India claims as its own.
• The new note was released by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and bears the signature of former Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari with the issue date 2081 BS (2024).
• The map was already present on the old ₹100 note and has now been revised as per the government’s decision.

National Payments Corporation of India’s BHIM App Introduces Full Delegation Feature Under UPI Circle to Boost User Adoption

• Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), launched a new Full Delegation feature under the UPI Circle to attract new users.
• The feature allows a primary account holder to authorize up to five trusted individuals (family, dependents, staff) to make UPI payments directly from the primary user’s bank account.
• It includes Primary Users (account holders) and Secondary Users (trusted individuals) designated by the primary user.
• NPCI BHIM Services Ltd. (NBSL) was incorporated in 2024 as a wholly owned subsidiary of NPCI.

Reserve Bank of India Grants Certificate of Authorisation to Paytm Payments Services Limited to Operate as a Payment Aggregator under PSSA 2007

• Paytm Payments Services Limited (PPSL), a subsidiary of One97 Communications, received the Certificate of Authorisation (COA) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA) under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act (PSSA), 2007.
• Certificate of Authorisation (COA) is a standard regulatory approval granted to most major fintech companies for operating as PAs.
• The RBI had imposed restrictions in November 2022 on PPSL due to FDI compliance issues. PPSL later fulfilled the requirements and received in-principle approval in August 2025, leading to the final licence.

World Bank Sanctions USD 776 Million for Education Reform in Punjab and Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Maharashtra

• The World Bank approved USD 776 million (around ₹6,467 crore) for two India projects—one to improve education in Punjab and another to support climate-resilient agriculture in Maharashtra.
• The Punjab project, POISE (Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration in School Education Operation), received a USD 286 million loan with 19-year maturity and a 5-year grace period.
• POCRA (Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjivani) was originally launched in 2018–2024 as a ₹4,000 crore joint initiative of Maharashtra government and World Bank, with Phase I covering 5,220 villages across 16 districts.

About World Bank:

• The World Bank consists of 5 institutions: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), The International Development Association (IDA), The International Finance Corporation (IFC), The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
• Founded Year: 1944
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
• President: Ajay Banga
• Members:189 countries

Punjab National Bank Unveils Digital Solution for PM SVANidhi Scheme Alongside New Product Launches

• Punjab National Bank (PNB) launched a digital solution for the PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar NIDHI (PM SVANidhi) scheme, along with several other new products.
• PM SVANidhi, implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, provides affordable working capital loans to street vendors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• PNB also introduced end-to-end digitisation of its staff accountability portal and rolled out a conduct risk framework for employees.

About Punjab National Bank (PNB):

• Founded: 1894
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Ashok Chandra
• Tagline: “The Name You Can Bank Upon”

State Bank of India and SBI Payments Set to Modernise Core Banking Infrastructure Within Two Years

• State Bank of India (SBI) and its subsidiary SBI Payments Services plan to complete the modernisation of their core banking infrastructure within two years.
• SBI is upgrading hardware, shifting from Unix to Linux, externalising functions such as vendor and government payments, and adopting microservices for processes like inquiries and accounting.

Mahindra & Manulife Form 50:50 Joint Venture to Enter India’s Life Insurance Sector

• Mahindra & Mahindra and Manulife announced a 50:50 joint venture (JV) to enter the Indian life insurance market, subject to regulatory approval.
• The JV builds on their existing partnership in Mahindra Manulife Investment Management (started in 2020), with both partners committing up to ₹3,600 crore and investing ₹1,250 crore each in the first five years.
• Both companies will jointly apply for an insurance licence, with Kotak Investment Banking advising Mahindra and AZB & Partners along with Debevoise & Plimpton LLP serving as legal counsels.

Reserve Bank of India fines HDFC Bank ₹91 lakh for breaches in lending norms, outsourcing rules, and KYC compliance

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a penalty of ₹91 lakh on HDFC Bank for violating the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and RBI directions related to interest rates on advances, outsourcing of financial services, and KYC norms.
• The penalty was due to use of multiple benchmarks for the same loan category, subsidiary conducting non-permitted business, and outsourcing KYC compliance to external agents.

About HDFC Bank:

• Founded: 1994
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan
• Tagline: “We understand your world”

India’s Gross Domestic Product Records Strong 8.2% Growth in Q2, Boosted by Manufacturing and Services Sectors

• The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 8.2% in Q2 FY 2025–26, driven by strong performance in the manufacturing, secondary, and tertiary sectors.
• The Q2 GDP growth of 8.2% was higher than the 7.8% recorded in Q1 and the 5.6% growth in the same quarter last year.

India’s forex reserves fall by $4.4 billion to $688.1 billion

• India’s forex reserves declined by USD 4.472 billion to USD 688.104 billion during the week ended 21 November,2025 mainly due to a sharp fall in gold reserves.
• The overall reserves had earlier increased by USD 5.543 billion to USD 692.576 billion in the previous reporting week.
• Foreign Currency Assets (FCA), the largest component of reserves, fell by USD 1.69 billion to USD 560.6 billion, impacted by movements in euro, pound, and yen.
• Gold reserves recorded a steep decline of USD 2.675 billion to USD 104.182 billion for the week.

Moody’s projects India’s GDP to grow 7% in 2025, leading emerging market expansion

• Moody’s Ratings stated on November 28, 2025 that India will lead growth among emerging markets and the Asia-Pacific (APAC)
• India’s GDP is projected to grow 7% in 2025 and 6.4% in 2026, according to Moody’s.
• Moody’s said India’s domestic growth drivers continue to underpin economic resilience despite global uncertainty.

Utkarsh Small Finance Bank and Axis Securities Launch Integrated 3-in-1 Banking and Investment Account

• Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Limited (Utkarsh SFBL) partnered with Axis Securities to launch a unified 3-in-1 account combining banking and investment services.
• The 3-in-1 account links a Utkarsh SFBL savings account with Axis Securities’ demat and trading account.
• The partnership aims to enhance financial inclusion by making investing simpler, intuitive, and more accessible for customers.

International Monetary Fund Forecasts India’s GDP to Grow 6.6% in FY26 in Its 2025 Article IV Report

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released the India: 2025 Article IV Consultation report projecting India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 6.6% in Financial Year 2025-26(FY26).
• The report stated that GST 2.0 reforms are expected to reduce the impact of the USA’s 50% tariffs on India.
• The IMF projected India’s real GDP to moderate to 6.2% in FY27, compared to 6.5% in FY25 and 7.8% in Q1 FY26.

India’s April–October fiscal deficit rises to 52.6% of the FY26 budget estimate

• India’s fiscal deficit stood at Rs 8.25 lakh crore (USD 92.26 billion) during April–October 2025, reaching 52.6% of the FY 2025-26 target.
• The fiscal deficit in the same period of the previous year was 46.5% of Budget Estimates (BE).
• The government’s full-year fiscal deficit target for 2025-26 is 4.4% of GDP, amounting to Rs 15.69 trillion.

Securities and Exchange Board of India panel proposes public asset and liability disclosure for top officials, including Chairperson, WTMs and CGM-level officers

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) High-Level Committee (HLC) proposed a multi-tier disclosure regime requiring the SEBI Chairperson, Whole-Time Members (WTMs), and CGM-level officers to publicly disclose their assets and liabilities.
• The reforms gained urgency after conflict-of-interest allegations involving former SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch, prompting SEBI to review its internal ethics and disclosure framework.

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.
• 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

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.

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.
• 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 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.

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

Punjab SC Commission Opens India’s First Dedicated Courtroom for SC-Related Cases

• The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has inaugurated India’s first dedicated courtroom for handling cases related to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, marking a major step toward improving access to justice.
• Commission Chairperson Jasvir Singh Garhi stated that the new courtroom, equipped with modern infrastructure, will ensure faster hearings, quicker case disposal, and greater efficiency in protecting SC rights.

About Punjab:

• Chief Minister: Bhagwant Mann ​
• Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria
• Capital: Chandigarh ​
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary, Aishvan Wildlife Sanctuary, Bir Bhadson Wildlife Sanctuary, Bir Bunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary, Bir Dosanjh Wildlife Sanctuary ​

Switzerland & Ireland Named Country Partners for Hornbill Festival 2025

• The Government of Nagaland has officially announced Switzerland and Ireland as country partners for the Hornbill Festival 2025, following meetings between CM Neiphiu Rio and the ambassadors of both nations in New Delhi.
• Switzerland’s participation was confirmed after discussions between CM Rio and Swiss Ambassador Maya Tissafi, focusing on deeper cooperation in culture, tourism, and other sectors.

About Nagaland:

• Chief Minister: Neiphiu Rio
• Governor: La. Ganesan
• Capital: Kohima
• National Parks: Intanki National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Puliebadze Wildlife Sanctuary, Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary

Supreme Court of India Says No Fixed Timelines for Governor/President to Grant Assent to Bills

• The Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark advisory opinion, ruling that no fixed timelines can be imposed on the President or state Governors for granting assent to Bills under Article 200 and Article 201 of the Constitution of India.
• The judgment followed a reference made by the President under Article 143, after the earlier State of Tamil Nadu vs Governor of Tamil Nadu (8 April 2025) ruling had suggested indicative timelines—one month for Governors and three months for the President.
• A five-judge Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai.

India Expands Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) Facility for UAE Nationals

• India has expanded the Visa-on-Arrival facility for UAE nationals from six to nine international airports, adding Cochin, Calicut, and Ahmedabad to the existing airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
• The facility is available from November 2025 for UAE citizens who have previously held an Indian e-visa or regular visa.
• Stay permitted: Up to 60 days, with double entry allowed within the period.
• Purpose: Tourism, business, medical treatment, and participation in conferences.

Government Implements All Four Labour Codes from 21 November 2025

• The Government of India has implemented all four Labour Codes — Code on Wages (2019), Industrial Relations Code (2020), Code on Social Security (2020), and OSHWC Code (2020) — from 21 November 2025, replacing 29 existing labour laws.
• The reform modernises decades-old labour regulations, enhances worker welfare, simplifies industry compliance, and strengthens India’s push towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• The Codes shift India from fragmented colonial-era laws to a modern, unified, and future-ready labour framework, ensuring protection for workers and flexibility for industry.
• Key Before–After Changes:
  • Formalisation: Mandatory appointment letters for all workers.
  • Social Security: PF, ESIC, insurance and benefits extended to all workers, including gig/platform workers.
  • Minimum Wages: Statutory right to minimum wages for every worker.
  • Healthcare: Free annual health check-up for workers above 40.
  • Timely Wages: Mandatory timely wage payment.
  • Women Workers: Allowed in night shifts and all job roles, with safety measures.
  • ESIC: Coverage expanded PAN-India, mandatory even for hazardous-process units with 1 worker.
  • Compliance: Single registration, single licence, single return

India Resumes Tourist Visas for Chinese Nationals from July 24, 2025

• India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals from 24 July 2025, ending a five-year suspension that began in 2020 due to border tensions in eastern Ladakh and the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The visa freeze, along with suspension of direct flights, had halted almost all tourism and significantly reduced people-to-people exchanges between India and China.

India to Host Sixth International Agronomy Congress (IAC-2025) in New Delhi

• India will host the Sixth International Agronomy Congress (IAC-2025) from 24–26 November 2025 in New Delhi, bringing together over 1,000 global delegates, including experts, researchers, policymakers, agri-leaders, and innovators.
• The event will be inaugurated by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, highlighting India’s leadership in sustainable agronomy.
• The theme of IAC-2025 is “Re-envisioning Agronomy for Smart Agro-Food Systems and Environmental Protection”, focusing on climate-resilient, sustainable, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

India Proposes Six New Global Initiatives at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa

• During the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced six major global initiatives aimed at strengthening sustainable development, global resilience, innovation, and humanitarian cooperation.
• India proposed creating a digital platform to preserve and share ancestral knowledge in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and sustainability, ensuring that traditional practices remain accessible for global benefit.

India’s Key Interventions at COP30, Belém, Brazil (10–21 November 2025)

• India delivered a strong statement at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UNFCCC in Belém, Brazil, reaffirming its commitment to climate justice, financial equity, and sovereignty-based cooperation.
• India highlighted that despite 33 years since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, developed nations have not fulfilled core commitments, especially on climate finance for developing countries.

Government to Introduce Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 to Bring Chandigarh Under Article 240

• The Government of India is set to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposing to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution, signalling a major shift in its governance structure.
• Currently, the Governor of Punjab serves as the Administrator of Chandigarh, a system inherited from Chandigarh’s status as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana. The amendment aims to pave the way for a separate and independent administrative setup for the UT.
• Article 240 allows the President of India to issue regulations for the peace, progress, and good governance of specific Union Territories.

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

Indian Railways Crosses 1 Billion Tonne Freight Loading Mark in FY 2025-26

• Indian Railways has achieved a major milestone by crossing 1 billion tonnes of cumulative freight loading for FY 2025-26, reaching around 1,020 million tonnes (MT) as of 19 November 2025.
• The performance highlights the Railways’ growing role in supporting industrial output, infrastructure expansion, logistics optimisation, and sustainability goals.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 to be Held from 2–10 December 2025

• The Ministry of Education, along with multiple ministries and institutions, will organise the 4th edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS 4.0) from 2 to 10 December 2025, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of strengthening national integration through cultural exchange.
• The event, held under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, is themed “Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam”, promoting Tamil language learning and deeper cultural understanding between Tamil Nadu and Kashi (Varanasi).
• Key sites in Kashi to be visited include Kedar Ghat, Kasi Matham and “Little Tamil Nadu”, Mahakavi Subramanya Bharatiyar’s ancestral home, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Mata Annapurna Temple, and the Tamil Department at BHU.

Jammu & Kashmir to Conduct First-Ever Auction of Limestone Blocks

• Jammu & Kashmir will host its first-ever limestone block auction at the Convention Centre, Canal Road, Jammu, marking a major reform in the mining sector of the Union Territory.
• The event will be attended by Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary.
• The auction is part of wider mining sector reforms aimed at ensuring transparent and competitive mineral allocation and attracting private investment into the mineral-rich yet underexplored region.

About Jammu & Kashmir:

• Chief Minister: Omar Abdullah
• Lieutenant Governor: Manoj Sinha
• Capital: Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter)
• National Parks: Dachigam National Park, Hemis National Park, Kishtwar National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary, Surinsar-Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary

Delhi to Increase Revenue Districts from 11 to 13 for Better Governance

• The Delhi Government has approved in principle the plan to increase revenue districts from 11 to 13, aiming to decentralise governance and make public services more accessible.
• The number of subdivisions (Sub-Divisional Magistrate offices) will increase from 33 to 39, reducing travel distance for services like certificates, mutations, registrations and other essential documentation.

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

Punjab Assembly Declares Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo and Golden Temple Galiara as Holy Cities

• In a historic step, the Punjab Legislative Assembly passed a resolution declaring Anandpur Sahib (Rupnagar district), Talwandi Sabo (Bathinda district) and the Galiara surrounding the Golden Temple (Amritsar) as holy cities of Punjab.
• The decision aims to preserve the spiritual sanctity and cultural heritage of key Sikh religious places.

Vice-President Reviews Initiatives of Ministry of Tribal Affairs for Strengthening Tribal Welfare

• The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, was briefed by Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram and senior officials at Parliament House on the Ministry’s major programmes for empowering tribal communities.
• The Ministry has recorded a three-fold increase in budget allocation over the past eleven years, rising from around ₹4,500 crore in 2014–15 to nearly ₹15,000 crore in 2025–26, reflecting the government’s commitment to expanding tribal development, education, infrastructure, and welfare for vulnerable groups.

About Ministry of Tribal Affairs:

• Minister of State: Shri Durgadas Uikey
• Union Minister: Shri Jual Oram

National Commission for Women Launches New 24×7 Short Helpline Number 14490 for Women’s Safety

• The National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched a new 24×7 national short-code helpline number: 14490, offering women across India quick and easy access to support during emergencies involving violence, harassment, or threats.
• The toll-free number connects directly to NCW’s existing helpline system, enabling women to seek help instantly, receive guidance, counselling, and legal aid, and get connected to law enforcement agencies when required.

National Commission for Women:

• Set up: 1992
• Established under: National Commission for Women Act, 1990
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body of the Government of India.

India Inaugurates Biomass Pellet Plant & Lays Foundation for Bio-Ethanol Plant in Haryana

• Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi inaugurated a biomass pellet plant and laid the foundation stone for a bio-ethanol plant in Rewari, Haryana, advancing India’s goals under Net Zero 2070 and the E20 Mission.
• The pellet plant will produce 240 tonnes of biomass pellets per day using crop residue such as paddy straw, mustard straw, and cotton stalks. These pellets will be used for co-firing in thermal power plants, replacing coal and reducing emissions.

Andhra Pradesh approves creation of 3 new districts

• The Government of Andhra Pradesh has approved the formation of three new districts, increasing the total number of districts in the state from 26 to 29.
• The decision has also approved the creation of five new revenue divisions and one new mandal to strengthen local administration and public service delivery.
• The newly approved districts are:
  • Polavaram
  • Markapuram
  • Madanapalle

Election Commission Conducts Second Round of Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls

• The Election Commission of India is conducting the second round of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 States and Union Territories to verify and update voter details as part of electoral modernisation efforts.
• The exercise relies heavily on the digitisation of enumeration forms collected by Booth Level Officers (BLOs). The enumeration deadline is 4 December 2025, and there are visible differences in progress among states.

India Marks 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur

• On the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national tribute by unveiling a commemorative postage stamp, a special coin, and a coffee-table book dedicated to the Ninth Sikh Guru.
• The event was held at Jyotisar, Kurukshetra, Haryana, organised by the Haryana Government under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, where thousands of devotees participated.
• The Prime Minister also performed maha aarti at Brahmasarovar during the International Gita Mahotsav 2025 and interacted with scholars while visiting Mahabharata-themed galleries.

Assam Introduces Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025

• The Assam Government introduced the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025 in the State Legislative Assembly.
• The bill was tabled by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, fulfilling the 2023 promise to legally eliminate polygamy in the state.
• The bill follows a 2023 statewide survey on polygamy, which indicated the need for legal intervention to protect women’s rights and prevent misuse of personal laws.

National Cadet Corps Celebrates 78th Raising Day (23 November 2025)

• The National Cadet Corps celebrated its 78th Raising Day on 23 November 2025 across India with patriotic events, social service drives, and youth participation.
• A day earlier, on 22 November 2025, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the National War Memorial in New Delhi to honour fallen soldiers.
• Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and National Cadet Corps Director General Lieutenant General Virendra Vats laid wreaths at the memorial.

‘Rythanna Meekosam’ Programme Launched by Andhra Pradesh Government

• The Andhra Pradesh government launched a large-scale farmer-centric initiative titled ‘Rythanna Meekosam’ to provide long-term support under a Five-Point Formula.
• The programme was inaugurated by Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu in Krishna district and will run from 24 to 29 November 2025, with workshops scheduled on 3 December 2025 at Farmer Service Centres.
• Under the Pradhan Mantri-Kisan Annadata Sukhibhava scheme, the state has disbursed over ₹3,200 crore to more than 68 lakh farmers, supporting rural livelihoods.

Union Cabinet Approves Pune Metro Rail Project Phase-2

• The Union Cabinet has approved Phase-2 of the Pune Metro Rail Project, covering Line 4 (Kharadi–Hadapsar–Swargate–Khadakwasla) and Line 4A (Nal Stop–Warje–Manik Baug).
• The total length of Phase-2 will be 31.636 km, fully elevated, with 28 metro stations.
• The project cost is ₹9,857.85 crore, and it will be implemented by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) with joint funding from the Government of India, Government of Maharashtra, and international financial agencies.
• The project is expected to be completed within five years.

India Showcases Tribal Art at 44th India International Trade Fair

• The 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) was held in New Delhi with the theme ‘Ek Bharat: Shreshtha Bharat’, highlighting the cultural identity and craftsmanship of India’s tribal communities.
• More than 705 tribal communities participated, showcasing paintings, textiles, handicrafts, and traditional metalwork.
• The fair aimed to strengthen market access for tribal artisans and ensure the preservation of traditional art forms.

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation Constitutes Panel for Cadre Restructuring

• Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has formed a four-member committee to restructure its internal workforce and improve public service delivery.
• The initiative aims to strengthen operational efficiency and enhance customer support for over 27 crore EPF members across India.
• The committee will be headed by B. P. Sharma, a former senior bureaucrat known for administrative reform experience in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
• Timeline:
  • The committee is required to submit its final report by 31 March 2026.
  • The report is expected to guide decisions on recruitment, promotions, digital capacity building, and internal functional roles.

Prime Minister Inaugurates India’s First Global Aircraft Engine MRO Facility in Hyderabad

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first global-level aircraft engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Hyderabad, developed by Safran Aircraft Engines, France.
• The facility, named Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI), has been set up with an investment of ₹1,300 crore at the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park – Special Economic Zone (SEZ) near Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

Union Cabinet Approves ₹7,280 Crore Scheme for Domestic Manufacturing of Rare Earth Permanent Magnets

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, has approved a ₹7,280 crore scheme to promote domestic manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs).
• This is India’s first-ever initiative to establish an integrated REPM manufacturing ecosystem, aimed at reducing import dependence, strengthening high-tech sectors, and supporting India’s Net Zero 2070 commitment.

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Approves ₹2,781 Crore Railway Multitracking Projects

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has approved two railway multitracking projects worth ₹2,781 crore in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
• The projects will expand the railway network by approximately 224 kilometres, benefiting more than 32 lakh people across 4 districts and 585 villages, and will enhance both passenger services and freight movement capacity.
• The first project approved is the Devbhumi Dwarka (Okha) – Kanalus Doubling Project in Gujarat, covering 141 kilometres.

India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) 2025 to be Held in New Delhi

• The India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) 2025, the fifth edition of India’s national multi-stakeholder internet policy platform, will be held in New Delhi.
• The theme for 2025 is “Advancing Internet Governance for an Inclusive and Sustainable Viksit Bharat.”
• The event will bring together policy-makers, technology industry leaders, academia, civil society, and global digital bodies to discuss India’s future digital governance roadmap.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates 77-ft Statue of Lord Rama & Ramayana Theme Park in Goa

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a 77-foot bronze statue of Lord Rama and the newly developed Ramayana Theme Park at Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math in Canacona, South Goa.
• The event marked the beginning of the 550th-year celebrations of the Math, known as Sardha Panchashatamanotsava, recognised as one of India’s oldest spiritual institutions.

Institute of Chartered Accountants of India Sets Guinness World Record for India’s Largest Career Guidance Session

• The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) created a Guinness World Record for organising the largest single-day career advice session in Mumbai.
• The event recorded participation from over 7,400 students, teachers, and principals, with 6,166 students officially counted as per Guinness World Records criteria.

India Sends 73-Tonne Medical Aid to Afghanistan

• India delivered 73 tonnes of medical aid to Kabul, Afghanistan, including life-saving medicines, vaccines and essential nutritional supplements, to support Afghanistan’s affected healthcare system.
• The assistance was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and is part of India’s continued humanitarian outreach to the Afghan population facing severe shortages of essential medical supplies.

Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025 Released

• The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, along with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, released the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) 2025, presenting updated data on milk, egg, meat and wool production, including per-capita availability and state-wise performance.
• India continued as the world’s largest milk producer, recording 247.87 million tonnes in 2024–25, showing a 3.58% increase from the previous year.
• Per capita milk availability increased to 485 grams/day, up from 468 grams/day (2023–24).
• The top milk-producing states were Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra, contributing 54.09% of total output.

GIFT City to Emerge as an Intellectual Property Hub in India

• GIFT City in Gujarat is expanding its role beyond finance and fintech and is now being developed as a major centre for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
• The model draws inspiration from global jurisdictions like Guernsey, which is known for hosting international IP-holding companies.
• The objective is to attract Indian and foreign businesses to register and hold IP within India, reducing the outflow of Indian-owned IP to foreign countries.
• GIFT City is India’s first operational smart city and home to the country’s only International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) known as GIFT International Financial Services Centre (GIFT IFSC).

About Gujarat:

• Chief Minister: Bhupendra Patel
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat
• Capital: Gandhinagar
• National Parks: Gir National Park, Blackbuck National Park, Vansda National Park, Marine National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary

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.
• 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.

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.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Attends G20 Summit Held in Johannesburg

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa, marking his 12th G20 Summit appearance since 2014.
• This was the first-ever G20 Summit held in Africa, reflecting the growing importance of the Global South in global decision-making.
• The PM addressed the session on “Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth Leaving No One Behind”, appreciating work under South Africa’s G20 Presidency in skilled migration, tourism, food security, AI, digital economy, innovation and women empowerment.

Six Major Proposals by India at G20

1. G20 Global Traditional Knowledge Repository to preserve and utilize traditional knowledge for future generations.
2. G20 Africa Skills Multiplier to train 1 million certified trainers for African youth, fostering long-term development.
3. G20 Global Healthcare Response Team comprising experts from all G20 nations for deployment in global health emergencies.
4. G20 Open Satellite Data Partnership to make satellite data available to developing countries for agriculture, fisheries, and disaster management.
5. G20 Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative promoting recycling, urban mining, innovation and securing critical minerals supply chains.
6. G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug-Terror Nexus to combat drug trafficking and the financing of terrorism.

About G20 :

• G20 is an informal grouping of 19 countries and 2 regional bodies – the European Union (EU) and African Union (AU).
• The group was formed on 26 September 1999.
• Member countries include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Russia, Türkiye, United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (USA).
• The G20 represents around 85% of the world’s GDP, over 75% of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world’s population.
• Present Chair : South Africa
• Immediate Past Chair : Brazil
• Next Chair (2026) : United States

India and Israel Agree to Start Negotiations on Free Trade Agreement

• India and Israel signed the Terms of Reference to begin negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a major step toward expanding bilateral economic cooperation.
• Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the proposed FTA and Bilateral Investment Treaty will improve market access, capital flows, trade in goods and services, and overall ease of doing business between the two nations.
• The agreement aims to boost collaboration in fintech, agritech, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, quantum computing, pharmaceuticals, space, defence, and infrastructure.

United States of America Names Saudi Arabia as Its 20th Major Non-NATO Ally Under President Trump

• United States of America (USA) President Donald Trump designated Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization Ally (MNNA), strengthening defence ties.
• With this status, Saudi Arabia became the 20th country to receive Major Non-NATO Ally recognition.
• A Strategic Defence Agreement was signed to enhance military coordination, strengthen Middle East deterrence, and give priority access to U.S. defence equipment.

About Saudi Arabia :

• Crown Prince and Prime Minister : Mohammed bin Salman
• Capital : Riyadh
• Currency : Saudi riyal

Malaysia to ban social media access for users below 16 from next year to enhance online safety

• Malaysia will enforce a nationwide restriction banning users under 16 from accessing social media starting next year to improve digital safety.
• The move aims to reduce cyberbullying, scams, and online exploitation affecting minors.
• The government expects social media platforms to comply with the new age limits by next year.
• Several countries globally are increasing child online regulation, including Australia, France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece through age verification systems.

India, Denmark Launch Indo-Danish Business Council to Boost Bilateral Ties Through Innovation and Sustainability

• India and Denmark have launched the Indo-Danish Business Council (IDBC) in Copenhagen to strengthen bilateral ties through innovation, investment, and sustainable development.
• The launch was led by Manish Prabhat, Ambassador of India to Denmark, commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

About Denmark :

• Prime Minister : Mette Frederiksen
• Capital : Copenhagen,
• Currency : Danish Krone (DKK).

Ukraine Launches Europe’s First Starlink Direct-to-Cell Service with Kyivstar and Veon

• Ukraine became the first European country to activate Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite service in partnership with Kyivstar and Veon.
• The rollout begins with SMS services, expanding to voice and data in 2026, ensuring broader digital connectivity.
• Kyivstar, Ukraine’s largest mobile operator, serves around 22.5 million users, supporting communication during power outages and wartime disruptions.
• The Direct-to-Cell technology enables standard 4G smartphones to connect directly with low-Earth orbit satellites, without needing ground towers.

About Ukraine :

• President : Volodymyr Zelenskyy
• Prime Minister : Yulia Svyrydenko
• Capital : Kyiv
• Currency : Ukrainian hryvnia

30th United Nations Climate Change Conference under the UNFCCC was held in Belem, Brazil

• The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) under the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held in Belem, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, 2025.
• André Aranha Corrêa do Lago, Brazilian diplomat, served as the President of COP30.
• The conference saw participation from over 195 countries, including leaders, scientists, NGOs, civil groups, and youth representatives.
• COP30 became the second-largest COP ever, with 56,118 registered delegates, behind COP28 Dubai.
• The Indian delegation was led by Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC).

About UNFCCC :

• Established : 1994
• Headquarters : Bonn, Germany
• Executive Secretary : Simon Stiell.

Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted on 23 November 2025 after nearly 12,000 years of dormancy

• Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted on 23 November 2025, marking its first activity in nearly 12,000 years in Ethiopia’s Afar region.
• The volcano is located in the tectonically active Rift Valley, about 800 km from Addis Ababa near the Eritrean border.
• The eruption produced ash plumes up to 14 km high, triggering alerts from aviation and monitoring agencies.

India–Slovenia Joint Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation Reviews and Strengthens Bilateral Trade Relations

• The 10th Session of the India–Slovenia Joint Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (JCTEC) was held in New Delhi, co-chaired by Shri Saket Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India, and Peter Japelj, Director General for Economic, Cultural and Scientific Diplomacy, Slovenia.
• The session reviewed the current state of bilateral economic engagement and aimed to strengthen cooperation across key sectors, while charting a forward-looking roadmap for trade and investment between India and Slovenia.

About Slovenia :

• President : Nataša Pirc Musar
• Prime Minister : Robert Golob
• Capital : Ljubljana
• Currency : Euro

Food and Agriculture Organisation’s SOFA 2025 Report Warns That 1.7 Billion People Face Falling Crop Yields from Human-Driven Land Degradation

• The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO),UN specialised agency released the report ‘State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) 2025’ in Rome, highlighting that 7 billion people live in regions with declining crop yields due to human-induced land degradation.
• India is identified among the countries with major crop-yield losses in Eastern and Southern Asia, the most affected regions.
• SOFA 2025, published annually by FAO, evaluates how soil organic carbon, soil erosion, and soil water have deteriorated due to human activity using a debt-based approach.

About FAO :

• Founded : 1945
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy.
• Director-General: Qu Dongyu

India–UAE Co-Chair Third Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Joint Committee Meeting in New Delhi

• India and UAE held the 3rd Joint Committee meeting under India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in New Delhi, co-chaired by Ajay Bhadoo (India) and Juma Al Kait (UAE).
• Both sides noted that bilateral trade crossed USD 100.06 billion in FY 2024–25, marking a 19.6% growth, reaffirming the UAE as a key trading partner of India.
• The India-UAE Joint Commission continues as the main mechanism to review CEPA implementation, progress and challenges.

Bangladesh’s ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death by ICT for 2024 student protest atrocities

• Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for crimes against humanity during the 2024 student-led protests.
• Hasina, living in India since her government collapsed in August 2024, was convicted for ordering the killing of 12 unarmed protesters in Dhaka and Ashulia on 5 August 2024.

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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

76th National Book Awards 2025 Announced

• The 76th National Book Awards were held in Manhattan, showcasing global literary excellence, cultural resistance, and strong political expression.
• Rabih Alameddine won the Fiction award for The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother), a novel blending satire, family, war, and absurdity set in Lebanon.
• Patricia Smith won the Poetry prize for The Intentions of Thunder, focusing on racial identity, memory, resilience, and generational wounds.

Fátima Bosch of Mexico Wins Miss Universe 2025

• The 74th Miss Universe pageant was held in Thailand, showcasing global culture and talent, where Fátima Bosch of Mexico won the Miss Universe 2025
• She was crowned by Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, the outgoing Miss Universe 2024.
• The next edition, Miss Universe 2026, will be hosted by Puerto Rico, marking the prestigious 75th (silver jubilee) edition of the pageant.

WAVES Film Bazaar 2025 Inaugurated at 56th IFFI in Goa

• L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, inaugurated the WAVES Film Bazaar 2025 during the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panaji, Goa.
• WAVES Film Bazaar is the official film market of IFFI, acting as a major platform for filmmakers, producers, distributors, festival programmers, and financiers to collaborate.

India Ranks 36th in Commitment to Development Index (CDI) 2025

• The Commitment to Development Index (CDI) 2025, released by the Centre for Global Development, assesses how major global economies contribute to international development across eight policy components.
• India ranks 36th overall, reflecting a mixed performance, with one major strength but several policy weaknesses affecting its composite position.
• India’s best performance is in the Environment component, where it ranks 8th, supported by very low per-capita emissions and favourable scoring on climate-related indicators.
• India ranks last (38th) in Trade and Development Finance, indicating significant challenges in import openness, tariff structures, subsidies, and the quality/quantity of development aid.
• Global Top 5 performers in CDI 2025 are:
  • Sweden (1st),
  • Germany (2nd),
  • Norway (3rd),
  • Finland (4th), and
  • the United Kingdom (5th).

Velamala Simmanna Selected for Lok Nayak Foundation Literary Award 2025

• Velamala Simmanna, noted Telugu writer and Former Head of the Department of Telugu, Andhra University, has been selected for the Lok Nayak Foundation (LNF) Literary Award 2025.
• He will receive a cash prize of ₹2 lakh at the award ceremony scheduled on January 18, 2026, in Visakhapatnam.
• The announcement was made by LNF Chairman Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad.

International Emmy Awards 2025: India’s Amar Singh Chamkila Receives Two Major Nominations

• At the International Emmy Awards 2025 held in New York City, the Indian film Amar Singh Chamkila, directed by Imtiaz Ali and featuring Diljit Dosanjh, received nominations in two major categories—Best Television Movie/Mini-Series and Best Performance by an Actor.
• The film, released on Netflix India, marked a significant moment for Indian storytelling on the global platform despite not winning any awards.

44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 Concludes in New Delhi

• The 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 concluded with an award presentation ceremony at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• The fair was organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) under the theme “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”
• More than 18 lakh visitors attended the two-week event, which featured participation from Indian states, ministries, PSUs, private organisations, and international exhibitors.

Jay Shah Awarded “Indian of the Year 2025” in Outstanding Achievement Category

• Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), received the Indian of the Year 2025 award under the Outstanding Achievement category for his significant contributions to modernising cricket administration.
• The award recognises his leadership in implementing major reforms such as pay parity between men’s and women’s teams and launching the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
• Jay Shah served as Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from 2019 to 2024, and currently serves as the ICC Chairman (2024–present).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Government e-Marketplace & UN Women Sign MoU to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Public Procurement

• Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and UN Women signed an MoU to strengthen empowerment and integration of women entrepreneurs, especially from the informal sector, into India’s public procurement ecosystem.
• The MoU focuses on gender-responsive procurement, promoting increased sourcing from women-led businesses under GeM’s Womaniya initiative.
• The MoU was signed by Kanta Singh (Country Representative, UN Women India) and Shri Ajit B. Chavan (Additional CEO, GeM). Shri Mihir Kumar, CEO GeM, presided over the ceremony.

India–Germany Hold 3rd Joint Working Group Meeting on Alternative Medicine in Berlin

• The 3rd Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on Alternative Medicine between the Ministry of Ayush (India) and the Federal Ministry of Health (Germany) was held from in Berlin, strengthening bilateral cooperation in traditional and integrative healthcare.
• The Indian delegation was led by Monalisha Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, along with Prof. (Dr.) Rabinarayan Acharya (DG, CCRAS), Dr. Subhash Kaushik (DG, CCRH), Dr. Koustabha Upadhyay (Adviser, Ayush) and Dr. Kashinath Samagandi (Director, MDNY).
• The mission aligns with India’s strategy to globalise Ayush systems, promote evidence-based integration, and reinforce high-value international collaborations in traditional medicine.

Inland Waterways Authority of India Signs Multiple MoUs to Boost Inland Water Transport & Connectivity in Northeast India

• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) signed two majors MoUs to strengthen Assam’s inland water transport network, one with Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd. (APL) and another with the Government of Assam, aiming to enhance cargo and passenger movement through the state’s river systems.
• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a comprehensive review of ongoing and upcoming inland waterway projects across Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, and Meghalaya, including Central Sector Scheme (CSS) projects.

Tata Consultancy Services –TPG Launch ₹18,000-Crore HyperVault AI Data Centre Venture

• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced a landmark joint venture with private equity firm TPG to develop AI-focused and sovereign data centres in India, with a total equity infusion of around ₹18,000 crore.
• A new subsidiary, HyperVault AI Data Centre Ltd., has been incorporated as a wholly owned TCS entity to build and manage state-of-the-art, high-density, liquid-cooled, energy-efficient data centres capable of handling AI and non-AI workloads.
• The equity structure is 51:49, with TPG investing up to ₹8,820 crore. TPG’s stake in HyperVault is expected to be between 27.5% and 49% depending on final agreements.

India–Israel Begin Negotiations for Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

• India and Israel signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) in Tel Aviv, formally launching negotiations for a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• The ToR was signed by Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry (India), and Nir Barkat, Minister of Economy & Industry (Israel).
• Key priority areas in upcoming negotiations include tariff reduction, customs cooperation, services trade, start-up collaboration, regulatory harmonization, investor protection, e-commerce and digital trade, fintech, and joint research in agriculture and clean energy.

India, Australia & Canada Launch ACITI Partnership for Technology and Innovation

• India, Australia, and Canada jointly announced the launch of the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership marking a major step toward trilateral cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.
• The initiative aims to combine the strategic strengths and innovation ecosystems of the three nations to build a secure, sustainable, and net-zero future.

Bharat Electronics Limited –Safran Electronics and Defence Joint Venture to Produce HAMMER Weapon System in India

• Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics and Defence (SED), France, have signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA) in New Delhi to locally manufacture the HAMMER – Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range precision-guided air-to-ground weapon.
• The agreement supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and strengthens defence indigenisation under the Make-in-India
• The HAMMER system, developed by Safran, is a combat-proven, modular, and highly accurate air-to-ground precision-guided munition.
• It is compatible with fighter aircraft such as the Rafale and Tejas LCA – Light Combat Aircraft.

Gavi and United Nations Children’s Fund Announce Breakthrough Pricing Agreement for R21/Matrix-M™ Malaria Vaccine

• Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced a new pricing agreement for the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine to improve global affordability and access.
• The agreement is supported by advance financing from the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm), enabling conversion of long-term donor pledges into immediate operational funding.

Digital Connexion Announces $11 Billion AI Data Centre Campus in Visakhapatnam

• Digital Connexion (a joint venture of Brookfield, Reliance Industries, and Digital Realty) announced a $11 billion investment to set up a 1-gigawatt (GW) AI-native data centre campus in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• The project will be spread across 400 acres and is expected to be completed by 2030, making it one of India’s largest digital infrastructure developments.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND REPORTS

Larry Page Becomes World’s 3rd Richest Person After Alphabet’s Gemini 3 AI Boost

• Larry Page, Google cofounder and major Alphabet shareholder, has overtaken Jeff Bezos to become the 3rd-richest person globally after Alphabet’s strong Q3 results and the launch of Gemini 3 AI.
• Alphabet’s stock surged nearly 6% intraday (later stabilising at 3.3%), resulting in a $7.6 billion increase in Larry Page’s net worth.
• Page holds a 3.2% stake in Alphabet; his real-time net worth reached $246.11 billion (21 November 2025).
• Sergey Brin, holding a 2.9% stake, also gained $7 billion, raising his wealth to $228.20 billion.
• Top five billionaires (21 November 2025):
  1. Elon Musk – $466.2 billion
  2. Larry Ellison – $276.5 billion
  3. Larry Page – $246.1 billion
  4. Jeff Bezos – $233.6 billion
  5. Sergey Brin – $228.2 billion

IIM Ranchi Secures AMBA Accreditation and 4 Palmes of Excellence in Eduniversal Rankings 2025

• The Indian Institute of Management Ranchi (IIM Ranchi) has achieved two major global recognitions — international accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the 4 Palmes of Excellence in the Eduniversal Best Business Schools Ranking 2025, placing it among globally influential management institutions.
• The AMBA (Association of MBAs) accreditation, one of the most prestigious global benchmarks for postgraduate management education, places IIM Ranchi in the top 2% of business schools worldwide.

About AMBA (Association of MBAs):

• Established in 1967 in the United Kingdom, AMBA accredits top global business schools and focuses on postgraduate programmes like Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master in Business Management (MBM), and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).

About Eduniversal Rankings:

• A global ranking system covering 154 countries and 1,000+ business schools, Eduniversal awards 1–5 Palmes of Excellence based on international influence, academic reputation, and peer endorsement from Deans and directors of business schools worldwide.

India Records Severe Winter Air Pollution; Delhi Remains the World’s Most Polluted Capital (November 2025)

• New Delhi continues to be the world’s most polluted capital city, according to the Central Pollution Control Board and IQAir Live Air Quality Index Plus Rankings.
• Air Quality Index Categories (0–500):
  Good (0–50), Satisfactory (51–100), Moderately Polluted (101–200), Poor (201–300), Very Poor (301–400), Severe (401–500).
• Top Ten Most Polluted Cities in India (November 2025):
  1. Hapur, Uttar Pradesh – Air Quality Index 416 (Severe) – Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
  2. Noida, Uttar Pradesh – Air Quality Index 397 (Very Poor) – Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5)
  3. Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh – Air Quality Index 396 (Very Poor) – Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5)
  4. Delhi (National Capital Territory of Delhi) – Air Quality Index 382 (Very Poor) – Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
  5. Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh – Air Quality Index 382 (Very Poor) – Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
  6. Charkhi Dadri, Haryana – Air Quality Index 366 (Very Poor) – Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
  7. Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh – Air Quality Index 356 (Very Poor) – Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
  8. Meerut, Uttar Pradesh – Air Quality Index 350 (Very Poor) – Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5)
  9. Manesar, Haryana – Air Quality Index 342 (Very Poor) – Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
  10. Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh – Air Quality Index 330 (Very Poor) – Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)

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.

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).

India’s defence manufacturing hits record ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY24, rising 174% since 2014 under Atmanirbhar Bharat

• India’s indigenous defence production reached ₹1,27,434 crore in FY 2023–24, marking a 174% growth from FY 2014–15, driven by major reforms under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• India recorded its highest-ever defence production of ₹1.54 lakh crore in FY 2024–25, reflecting strong growth across DPSUs, private sector firms, and MSMEs.

Indian Air Force’s Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes at Dubai Airshow, Pilot Killed

• The Indian Air Force’s Tejas fighter jet crashed during a high-profile aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow, resulting in the death of the pilot.
• The crash occurred while performing a complex aerial manoeuvre intended to showcase the jet’s agility and combat-readiness.
• Eyewitnesses reported the aircraft suddenly losing stability and nosediving, producing a large plume of black smoke at the crash site.

INS Mahe, India’s First Mahe-Class ASW Shallow Water Craft, Inducted into Western Naval Command

• INS Mahe was commissioned on 24 November 2025 at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, marking the induction of the first Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC).
• The ceremony was presided over by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, and hosted by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan of Western Naval Command.
• INS Mahe is designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd., Kochi, and is the lead ship of eight vessels in its class.
• The ship is named after the historic coastal town Mahe on the Malabar Coast, symbolizing rich maritime heritage.
• INS Mahe features over 80% indigenous content, reinforcing India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in naval capability.

Bharat Electronics Limited and Safran sign Joint Venture agreement to manufacture HAMMER precision air-to-ground weapons in India under Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative

• Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defence (SED), France signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA) for producing HAMMER precision-guided air-to-ground weapons in India.
• The agreement supports Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
• The JVCA was signed on 24 November 2025 in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar and Safran CEO Olivier Andries.
• The JV formalises the intent of the MoU signed on 11 February 2025 during Aero India.
• The Joint Venture Company (JVC) will be a 50:50 partnership between BEL and SED.

New Delhi hosts the 13th Joint Military Cooperation Committee meeting between India and Oman

• 13th Joint Military Cooperation Committee meeting between India and Oman was held in New Delhi on 24 November 2025.
• The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and Oman’s Secretary General of Defence, Dr. Mohammed Bin Naseer Bin Ali Al Zaabi.
• Both sides reviewed defence cooperation and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral engagements across multiple domains.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Signs USD 1 Billion Deal with GE to Supply 113 F404 Engines for 97 Tejas Mk-1A Fighters of the IAF

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a USD 1 billion (approx. 8,800 crore) agreement with General Electric (GE), United States of America (USA), for 113 F404-GE-IN20 (General Electric F404 Turbofan Engine, Indian Variant 20) jet engines to power 97 LCA Tejas Mk-1A aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• The agreement covers engines for 68 single-seater and 29 twin-seater Tejas Mk-1A variants, with deliveries scheduled between 2027–2032 as per HAL’s production plan.
• With this deal, total Tejas Mk-1A programme orders rise to 180 aircraft, including the earlier 2021 order for 83 jets.

About HAL :

• Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) : Dr. D.K. Sunil
• Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• HAL, a CPSE under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, was originally established as Hindustan Aircraft in 1940 and became Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in 1964.

India and Nepal launch 19th edition of joint military exercise ‘Surya Kiran 2025’ in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand

• The Indian Army (IA) and Nepal Army (NA) commenced the 19th edition of the India–Nepal joint military exercise ‘Surya Kiran 2025’ in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
• The exercise will continue until 8 December 2025 and aims to enhance counter-terrorism capabilities, jungle and mountain warfare skills, and operational interoperability between the two forces.
• ‘Surya Kiran’ is an annual military exercise conducted alternately in India and Nepal, with the 18th edition held in January 2025 at Saljhandi, Nepal.

About Nepal:

• President : Ram Chandra Poudel
• Prime Minister : Sushila Karki
• Capital : Kathmandu
• Currency : Nepalese Rupee (NPR).

INS Sahyadri Holds Joint Naval Exercise with Philippine Navy Ahead of Manila Port Visit

• INS Sahyadri, an indigenously designed and built stealth frigate, conducted a naval exercise with the Philippine Navy before its port call at Manila, Philippines.
• The ship is on operational deployment in the Indo-Pacific, participating in multilateral and bilateral exercises including MALABAR-2025, AUSINDEX-2025, JAIMEX-25, and a maiden bilateral exercise with the Republic of Korea Navy.

India and Indonesia Hold 3rd Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi, Resolve to Strengthen Strategic Defence Cooperation

• The third India–Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue was co-chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in New Delhi on 27 November 2025, reaffirming the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• The Ministers recalled the 2025 Republic Day visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, noting that it strengthened the India–Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including participation of 352 Indonesian Armed Forces personnel.

Indian Naval Landing Craft Utility 51, 54 & 57 Make Port Call to Colombo, Sri Lanka

• Three Indian Naval Ships – Landing Craft Utility (LCU 51, LCU 54 and LCU 57) visited Colombo, Sri Lanka from 22–25 November 2025 as part of a port call.
• The ships received a ceremonial welcome from the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) on arrival at Colombo.
• During the Operational Turnaround (OTR), Commanding Officers met the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka and the Commander Western Naval Area (CWNA).

Ministry of Defence Signs Letters of Offer and Acceptance With the United States for ₹7,995 Crore Sustainment Support of Indian Navy’s MH-60R Helicopters

• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) with the United States for sustainment support of the Indian Navy’s MH-60R helicopters.
• The LOAs were signed under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme in New Delhi on 28 November 2025, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
• The agreement provides Follow-on Support and Follow-on Supply Support for five years, valued at approximately ₹7,995 crore.

Paras Defence inks Defence Research and Development Organization Technology Transfer pact to manufacture Driver Night Sight system for T-90 tanks

• Paras Defence & Space Technologies signed a Technology Transfer (ToT) agreement with Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Ministry of Defence (MoD), for manufacturing the Driver Night Sight (DNS) system for T-90 tanks.
• The DNS system is an electro-optical night-vision system developed by DRDO, enabling tank drivers to operate in night, low-light, or low-visibility conditions without external lights.
• Key features of the DNS include thermal imaging, a day camera, fused imaging capability, and a wide field of view, all designed to fit existing T-90 tanks without major modifications.

India Deploys INS Vikrant & INS Udaygiri for Sri Lanka’s International Fleet Review 2025 in Colombo

• India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the indigenously built frigate INS Udaygiri are representing the Indian Navy at the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 27–29 November 2025.
• The IFR 2025 is part of the Sri Lanka Navy’s 75th anniversary and includes naval ships, delegations, and observers from multiple countries.

Indian Navy Receives ‘Taragiri’, the Fourth Indigenous Nilgiri-Class (Project 17A) Advanced Stealth Frigate

• Taragiri (Yard 12653), the fourth ship of the Nilgiri Class (Project 17A) and the third built by MDL, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 28 Nov 2025, marking progress in Aatmanirbharta in warship construction.
• Taragiri is the modern reincarnation of the former INS Taragiri, a Leander-class frigate that served from 1980 to 2013 for 33 years.
• Project 17A frigates are versatile multi-mission platforms featuring advanced stealth, firepower, automation, and survivability
• The ship was designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and supervised by the Warship Overseeing Team (Mumbai), using the Integrated Construction philosophy to meet timelines.

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.

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.

Centre Clears Major Secretary-Level Reshuffle Across Multiple Key Ministries

• The Centre approved a major secretary-level bureaucratic reshuffle across key ministries including Petroleum, Telecom, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture, Tourism, and Law & Justice.
• The changes were cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by the Prime Minister.
• Neeraj Mittal (IAS, 1992 batch) appointed Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, moving from the Department of Telecommunications.
• Amit Agrawal (IAS, 1993 batch) appointed as Telecom Secretary, taking charge of digital governance, spectrum management, policy implementation, and telecom manufacturing expansion.
• Manoj Joshi (IAS, 1989 batch) appointed as Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, bringing experience in land management and regulatory coordination.
• Atish Chandra (IAS, 1994 batch) appointed as Agriculture Secretary, taking charge from 1 February, replacing Devesh Chaturvedi on superannuation.

Justice Surya Kant Takes Charge as India’s 53rd Chief Justice After Swearing-In by President Murmu

• Justice Surya Kant officially assumed office as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on November 24, 2025, after being administered the oath by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• Justice Surya Kant took the oath in Hindi, making it a notable ceremonial highlight.
• His tenure as CJI will last until February 9, 2027, giving him nearly 15 months in office.
• As CJI, his priorities include reducing case pendency, reviving Constitution Benches, promoting ADR and mediation, and enhancing technological and AI-based judicial systems.

Chitra Talwar Named Part-Time Chairperson of Jana Small Finance Bank from February 2026

• Chitra Talwar was appointed as the Part-Time Chairperson of Jana Small Finance Bank (Jana SFB), effective from 8 February 2026.
• She will replace R. Ramaseshan, who completed his maximum tenure of eight years on 7 February 2026.
• Chitra Talwar has over 30 years of experience in leading consumer companies like Britannia and PepsiCo.

Samia Suluhu Hassan Takes Oath for Second Term as Tanzania’s President in Dodoma

• Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in for her second term as President of Tanzania at a ceremony in Dodoma, Tanzania.
• She is Tanzania’s 6th President and the first woman to hold the nation’s top office.
• The Tanzanian General Election was held on 29 October 2025 to elect the President, National Assembly, and Local Councils.
• Samia Suluhu Hassan, representing the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, won with 97.66% votes, securing a landslide victory.

About Tanzania :

• Prime Minister : Kassim Majaliwa
• Capital : Dodoma
• Currency : Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).

Sankarasubramaniam, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Coromandel International, Elected as New Chairman of Fertilizer Association of India

• Sankarasubramaniam, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Coromandel International Limited (part of Murugappa Group), has been elected as the new Chairman of the Fertilizer Association of India (FAI) during the FAI Board meeting in New Delhi.
• He was previously the Co-Chairman of the FAI Board and Chairman of FAI’s Southern Region, taking over from Sailesh C. Mehta.
• Siba Prasad Mohanty, MD of Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd (HURL), will now serve as the sole Co-Chairman of FAI.

Justice Vikram Nath Named New Executive Chairman of National Legal Services Authority

• Justice Vikram Nath, senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, has been nominated as the Executive Chairman of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
• He succeeds Justice Surya Kant, who has been sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India.
• NALSA, constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, provides free legal services to weaker sections of society.
• As per the Act, the CJI is the Patron-in-Chief of NALSA, and the President appoints a Supreme Court judge (serving or retired) as Executive Chairman.

Centre Approves Fresh Executive Director Appointments Across Several Banks

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved a new round of top-level appointments in Public Sector Banks (PSBs).
• Seven officials have been promoted to Executive Director (ED) positions across major banks.
• Amit Kumar Srivastava, CGM at Punjab National Bank, was appointed ED at PNB for three years.
• Ratan Kumar, CGM at Central Bank of India, appointed ED at Central Bank of India for three years or until further orders.
• Amresh Prasad, CGM at Punjab National Bank, appointed ED at Union Bank of India for three years or until superannuation (31 Oct 2028).
• Pramod Kumar Dwibedi appointed ED at Bank of India until superannuation (30 June 2028).
• Sunil Kumar Chugh, CGM at PNB, was appointed ED at Canara Bank for three years.
• Mini T M, CGM at Bank of Baroda, appointed ED at Indian Bank for three years.
• Prabhat Kiran, CGM at Canara Bank, was appointed ED at Bank of Maharashtra for three years.

Appointments Committee of the Cabinet Reappoints Justice Ashok Bhushan as National Company Law Appellate Tribunal Chairman

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister (PM( Narendra Modi approved the re-appointment of Justice Ashok Bhushan as Chairman of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).
• As per the order of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPP&P), he will continue in office till 4 July 2026, when he attains the age of 70 years.
• Justice Ashok Bhushan became a permanent Judge of the Allahabad High Court in April 2001, served as Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court in 2015, and was elevated to the Supreme Court of India in May 2016, serving till July 2021.

About NCLAT :

• The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) is a tribunal formed by the Central Government of India.
• It was established under Section 410 of the Companies Act, 2013.
• The NCLAT was officially formed on 1 June 2016.
• It consists of a Chairperson, and not more than eleven members in total.
• The tribunal is currently structured to include a Chairperson, 3 judicial members, and 2 technical members.
• The formation of the NCLAT was carried out under the powers granted to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) in India.

Canara Bank names Sunil Kumar Chugh as Executive Director for three-year term from 24 November 2025

• Canara Bank appointed Sunil Kumar Chugh as Executive Director with effect from 24 November 2025 for a 3-year tenure.
• Prior to this, Chugh served as Chief General Manager at Punjab National Bank (PNB).
• He has 30 years of experience in the banking sector.

About Canara Bank:

• Founded: 1906
• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
• Managing Director & CEO: K. Satyanarayana Raju
• Tagline: “Together We Can”

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to take charge as Chair of International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance on December 3, 2025

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), will assume the Chairship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA) on 3 December 2025.
• He will preside over all Council meetings during 2026 as the Chair of IIDEA.
• The Chairship will be taken over during the Council of Member States meeting in Stockholm, Sweden.

About IIDEA :

• IIDEA was Established in 1995 as an Inter-governmental organization with the Objective of strengthening democratic institutions, promoting inclusive, resilient, and accountable
• IIDEA has 35 member countries and its Observers are the United States and Japan.
• The 35 Member Countries include: Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Uruguay.

Piyush Gupta, former DBS CEO, named Chairman of Temasek India

• Piyush Gupta, former DBS CEO, has been appointed Chairman of Temasek India effective December 1, 2025.
• He retired as DBS CEO in March 2025 before taking up this new role at Temasek.
• As Chairman, he will work closely with Ravi Lambah, Head of the Temasek India team and Head of Strategic Initiatives, on investment strategies in India.

Paschal Donohoe named Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank Group

• The World Bank Group (WBG) appointed Paschal Donohoe as its Managing Director (MD) and Chief Knowledge Officer (CKO).
• Paschal Donohoe is the former Minister for Finance of Ireland, bringing extensive public- and private-sector experience to the role.
• He succeeds Axel van Trotsenburg, who is retiring at the end of November 2025 after a 37-year career.

Sipan Kumar Garg takes over as Chairman and Managing Director of THDC India while continuing as Director (Finance)

• Sipan Kumar Garg has assumed charge as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of THDC India in addition to serving as Director (Finance).
• The CMD post became vacant following the demise of R. K. Vishnoi on 15 November 2025.
• R.K. Vishnoi, aged 58, had been serving as CMD of THDC India since 2021.

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.

Reserve Bank of India Approves 1729 Capital’s Post-Facto Acquisition of 7.14% Stake in Suryoday Small Finance Bank

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted post-facto approval to 1729 Capital, a SEBI-registered Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI), for acquiring a 7.14% stake in Suryoday Small Finance Bank (SSFB), increased from its 3.81% holding as of 30 September 2025.
• The approval is subject to compliance with the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, and all applicable SEBI regulations

Competition Commission of India Clears Toyota Asset Preparatory Co.’s 100% Acquisition of Toyota Industries Corporation

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of 100% shareholding of Toyota Industries Corporation (TIC) by Toyota Asset Preparatory Co., Ltd. as part of a corporate restructuring and consolidation within the Toyota Group.
• The Acquirer, Toyota Asset Preparatory Co., Ltd., is an investment vehicle created solely for this restructuring and has no business operations in India or globally.

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

CCI Clears Jindal Jhajjar Power’s 100% Acquisition of Jhajjar Power Limited

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of 100% shareholding of Jhajjar Power Limited by Jindal Jhajjar Power Limited.
• The Proposed Combination involves the complete takeover of the Target (Jhajjar Power Limited) by the Acquirer (Jindal Jhajjar Power Limited).
• The Acquirer is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jindal Power Limited (JPL), which is engaged in power production, including thermal power.

Competition Commission of India clears ICICI Prudential AMC’s acquisition of select businesses of ICICI Venture Funds Management Company

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of select businesses of ICICI Venture Funds Management Company Ltd (Seller) by ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (AMC) Ltd (Acquirer).
• The move follows a May 2025 board decision to transfer ICICI Venture’s private equity, real-estate & fund-management operations to ICICI Prudential AMC for consolidation under one entity.

Punjab National Bank approves ₹711-crore bid, enabling NARCL to take over Noida Entertainment City’s debt

• The National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL) has acquired the debt of Noida’s Entertainment City after Punjab National Bank (PNB) accepted its ₹711-crore offer.
• The stressed asset had ₹1,000 crore outstanding debt, and the deal ensures full principal recovery for lenders.

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.
• 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.
• 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).

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.
• 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.

About ISRO :

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

China Begins Construction of First Nuclear-Proof Floating Artificial Island

• China is constructing a 78,000-tonne artificial island designed to withstand nuclear blasts, marking a major advancement in strategic maritime infrastructure.
• The project features a mobile, semi-submersible, twin-hull platform capable of supporting 238 personnel for four months without resupply.
• The structure is similar in size to China’s Fujian aircraft carrier and aims to be operational by 2028, as confirmed by project leader Lin Zhongqin.

Google Introduces On-Device Real-Time Scam Detection for Pixel Users in India to Curb Phone-Based Financial Fraud

• Google has launched a real-time, on-device scam detection system for Pixel users in India to reduce phone-based financial fraud using privacy-preserving AI.
• The system employs Gemini Nano AI to analyse live phone calls on-device, flagging suspicious language and alerting users without storing call recordings or transcripts.

Indian Space Research Organization Tests CE-20 Cryogenic Engine in Boot-Strap Mode to Enhance Multiple Restart Capability

• The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully demonstrated the boot-strap mode start of the CE-20 cryogenic engine, improving restart capability for future missions.
• The 10-second vacuum test was conducted on 7 November 2025 at the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility of the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
• ISRO ignited the CE-20 thrust chamber and gas generator using a multi-element igniter, allowing turbopumps to start without auxiliary systems and ensuring a self-sustained boot-strap operation.

India Unveils ₹720-Crore Quantum Fabrication Facilities at IIT Bombay Under National Quantum Mission

• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the establishment of four Quantum Fabrication and Central Facilities worth ₹720 crore under the National Quantum Mission (NQM).
• The new facilities will be set up at IIT Bombay, IISc Bengaluru, IIT Kanpur and IIT Delhi.
• The initiative aims to strengthen India’s technological sovereignty and make India a global leader in next-generation quantum technologies.

Airbus to Build and Launch Oman’s First Communications Satellite under Agreement with Space Communication Technologies

• Space Communication Technologies (SCT), Oman signed a cooperation agreement with Airbus Defence and Space for the development and launch of “OmanSat-1,” the first communications satellite of Oman.
• The agreement was signed by Saeed bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications & Information Technology, and Alain Faure, CEO of Airbus Space Systems.
• OmanSat-1 is a high-tech, fully reconfigurable satellite, providing high-capacity Ka-band coverage over Oman, its economic waters, and parts of the Middle East, East Africa, and Asia.
• OmanSat-1 is the 10th satellite developed under Airbus’ OneSat series.

World Health Organization Declares Indonesia Free of Type-2 cVDPV After Zero Cases Since June 2024

• The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Indonesia free from Type-2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) after no polio cases reported since June 2024 in children or the environment.
• To achieve polio-free status, a country must have no wild poliovirus cases for at least three years as per WHO criteria.
• The criteria also require robust immunization, effective surveillance, and rapid response systems for suspected cases.
• The outbreak of cVDPV-2 began in Aceh Province in 2022, prompting emergency vaccination measures.

About Indonesia :

• President: Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo
• Capital: Jakarta
• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

About WHO :

• Formation : 7 April 1948
• Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland
• Director General : Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
• Member states: 194

Technology Development Board -Department of Science & Technology  Approves Funding for Indigenous EV Charger Commercialisation to Boost Clean Mobility and Atmanirbhar Bharat Goals

• The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST) has approved financial support to Electrowaves Electronics Private. Limited., Parwanoo (Himachal Pradesh) for commercialising Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured EV Chargers.
• The initiative promotes clean mobility, self-reliance, and aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat by reducing dependence on imported EV charging solutions.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration releases new images of Comet 3I/Atlas, a billions-year-old interstellar object

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) released new images of Comet 3I/Atlas,an interstellar object believed to be billions of years old.
• The images were captured by multiple missions, including Perseverance rover, MAVEN, Psyche, Lucy, and the PUNCH spacecraft.
• 3I/Atlas was first detected on 1 July 2025 by the ATLAS survey telescope in Río Hurtado, Chile.

Indian Space Research Organisation to Launch US Communication Satellite Using LVM3 on Commercial Basis in December 2025

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch a US communication satellite in December 2025 using the LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-III) on a commercial basis.
• The mission is a purely commercial launch involving an American satellite, with no bilateral collaboration between the two countries.
• India currently has 57 satellites in orbit, and this number is expected to triple in the next three years to strengthen national services.

Google and Accel team up to launch the 2026 AI Cohort under the Atoms programme

• Accel and Google have partnered to launch the 2026 AI Cohort under Accel’s Atoms programme.
• Both organisations plan to co-invest up to $2 million in early-stage Indian AI startups.
• The partnership is supported through the Google AI Futures Fund, which will also assist diaspora founders building products for India and global markets.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENVIRONMENT

Six Butterfly Species Newly Recorded in India Discovered by ATREE Team in Arunachal Pradesh

• Researchers from Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bengaluru (Karnataka) and the LitinCommunity Conservation Society documented six butterfly species previously unrecorded in India from the Simong Community Forest in Upper Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh.
• The study was published in the “Entomon Journal” and highlighted the biogeographic link between the Yarlung Tsangpo River (Tibet) and the Brahmaputra basin (India).

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.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

India Wins 9 Gold Medals at World Boxing Cup Finals 2025 – Best-Ever Performance

• India concluded its debut campaign at the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025 in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, with an outstanding 9 gold medals, marking one of India’s strongest international boxing achievements.
• Indian women boxers dominated, winning 7 gold medals:
  • Jaismine Lamboria (57 kg) defeated Wu Shih Yi (Chinese Taipei) 4–1
  • Nikhat Zareen (51 kg) beat Xuan Yi Guo (Chinese Taipei) 5–0
  • Parveen Hooda (60 kg) overcame Ayaka Taguchi (Japan) 3–2
  • Arundhati Choudhary (70 kg) beat Aziza Zokirova (Uzbekistan) 5–0
  • Preeti Pawar (54 kg) defeated Sirine Charaabi (Italy) 5–0
  • Minakshi Hooda (48 kg) beat Fozilova Farzona (Uzbekistan) 5–0
  • Nupur Sheoran (80+ kg) defeated Oltinoy Sotimboeva (Uzbekistan)
• This 7-gold sweep by Indian women is a historic first, highlighting India’s fast-rising dominance in global women’s boxing.

Roger Federer Elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame – Class of 2026

• Roger Federer, one of the most iconic tennis players in history, has been elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame (Class of 2026).
• The announcement was made on 19 November 2025, and the formal induction will take place in Newport, Rhode Island, from August 27–29, 2026.

Max Verstappen Wins 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix

• Max Verstappen clinched the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, strengthening his title challenge with only 2 races left in the season.
• Starting P2, he overtook Lando Norris after the McLaren driver made an early mistake at Turn 1, allowing Verstappen to take the lead and dominate the race.
• The Red Bull driver finished nearly 20 seconds ahead of Norris, securing his 8th consecutive podium and second Las Vegas GP win (after 2023).
• Podium:
  1st – Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
  • 2nd – Lando Norris (McLaren)
  • 3rd – George Russell (Mercedes)

India Wins the First-Ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 in Colombo

• India created history by winning the inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 after defeating Nepal by seven wickets in the final held at the P Sara Oval, Colombo (Sri Lanka).
• Nepal scored 114/5 in 20 overs after India opted to bowl. Indian bowlers maintained disciplined lines, applied constant pressure, and restricted Nepal from increasing the run rate.
• India successfully chased the target of 115 runs, finishing at 117/3 in 12 overs, with eight overs remaining. Indian batters displayed confident stroke play, effective rotation of strike, and timely boundaries.

Lakshya Sen Wins 2025 Australian Open Super 500 Title

• India’s Lakshya Sen (World No. 14) clinched the 2025 Australian Open Super 500 title in Sydney after defeating Yushi Tanaka of Japan in straight games 21-15, 21-11, securing his first title of 2025 and the third Super 500 title of his career.
• The final lasted 38 minutes, with Sen leading throughout. Tanaka briefly reduced the margin to 15-13 in the first game, but a series of unforced errors and inaccurate drop shots allowed Sen to close out the match comfortably.

5th Khelo India University Games Inaugurated in Jaipur, Rajasthan

• The 5th Khelo India University Games (KIUG) were inaugurated at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, showcasing a grand blend of India’s youth sporting talent and Rajasthan’s cultural heritage.
• The ceremony was led by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, who lit the ceremonial lamp to formally commence the Games.
• The Games will be held from 24 November to 5 December 2025, with Rajasthan hosting the event across Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, and Bharatpur.

Italy Wins Its 4th Davis Cup Title, Achieves Historic Third Consecutive Victory

• Italy clinched its fourth Davis Cup title by defeating Spain 2–0 in the final, marking a historic hat-trick of championships with consecutive wins in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
• This makes Italy only the second nation after the United States to secure three consecutive Davis Cup titles, solidifying its status as a major force in world tennis.
• With this victory, Italy now holds four Davis Cup titles (1976, 2023, 2024, 2025), reflecting the team’s depth, balance, and consistent dominance throughout the tournament.

India Joins WorldSkills Asia Competition for the First Time

• India has officially joined the WorldSkills Asia Competition for the first time, with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship flagging off a 23-member Indian contingent to compete in Chinese Taipei from 27 November 2025.
• The Indian delegation includes 23 competitors across 21 skill categories and 21 domain experts who trained and mentored them through a national selection process led by industry specialists and Sector Skill Councils.
• The participation is coordinated by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), with WorldSkills India acting as the implementation and knowledge partner.

Rohit Sharma Becomes World No. 1 ODI Batsman in ICC Rankings (October 2025)

• The International Cricket Council updated the latest International Cricket Council Men’s One Day International rankings (October 2025), reflecting performances across formats.
• Rohit Sharma has become the World No. 1 One Day International batsman for the first time with 781 rating points.

India Wins Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025

• The Indian women’s kabaddi team won the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 by defeating Chinese Taipei 35–28 in the final held in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• With this win, India successfully defended its title and reinforced its position as a global kabaddi leader.
• In the final match, India maintained a strong defensive structure and executed strategic raids, leading at halftime and later increasing momentum to secure a confident 35–28 win.
• The team was led by Captain Ritu Negi and Vice-Captain Pushpa Rana.

International Shooting Sport Federation World Championship Rifle/Pistol 2025 Held in Cairo, Egypt

• The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Championship Rifle/Pistol 2025 was held from 6 to 18 November 2025 in Cairo, Egypt.
• The event featured 720 shooters from 70 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) competing in individual and team rifle and pistol events.
• India finished third in the overall medal tally with 13 medals (3 gold, 6 silver, 4 bronze).

Ten-Year-Old Bodhana Sivanandan Shines at UK Women’s Blitz Championship

• Bodhana Sivanandan, aged ten, from Harrow, north-west London, won eight consecutive games at the UK Women’s Blitz Championship held in Royal Leamington Spa, defeating experienced adult players.
• Her performance has earned her a spot among the top 50 women in the world for blitz chess.
• Earlier in 2025, she became the youngest person ever to earn the Woman International Master (WIM) title, the second-highest rank in women’s chess.

Rohit Sharma Named Tournament Ambassador for ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup 2026

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially appointed Rohit Sharma as the Tournament Ambassador for the ICC Men’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup 2026.
• The tournament will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March 2026.

Ahmedabad to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

• Ahmedabad, Gujarat has been officially selected to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, announced during the Commonwealth Sport’s General Assembly held in Glasgow.
• Ahmedabad’s bid won against Abuja, Nigeria, marking India’s return as a Commonwealth Games host after Delhi 2010.
• The 2030 edition is significant as it will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Commonwealth Games Movement.

Javokhir Sindarov Becomes Youngest Champion at 2025 FIDE World Cup

• The 2025 FIDE World Cup concluded with Uzbek player Javokhir Sindarov winning the title after defeating China’s No.1 Wei Yi in a tiebreak battle.
• The event featured 206 players and spanned one month, showcasing major upsets, competitive matches, and historic moments.
• With this win, Sindarov became the youngest-ever FIDE World Cup Champion.

India’s Giovanna de Sequeira Wins Bronze at World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2025

• Giovanna de Sequeira, a 10-year-old Indian athlete, won a bronze medal at the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2025 held in Abu Dhabi.
• She competed in the Under-28 kg Infant/Girls Gi category.
• Her achievement is notable as she made a comeback after undergoing knee surgery five months earlier.

Deepti Sharma Becomes Costliest Player in WPL 2026 Auction

• The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 auction held in New Delhi recorded a major milestone as Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma became the costliest player, securing a bid of ₹3.2 crore.
• UP Warriorz used the Right-to-Match (RTM) option to match Delhi Capitals’ bid, successfully retaining her.
• With this, Deepti became the second-highest paid player in WPL history, just behind Smriti Mandhana’s ₹3.4 crore contract (2023).

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Iconic Star Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol Passed Away in Mumbai at Age 89

• Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, popularly known as Dharmendra, passed away on 24 November 2025 at the age of 89 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Dharmendra was born on 8 December 1935 in Nasrali, Punjab.
• He was widely known as the “He-Man of Bollywood”.
• He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan (2012), India’s third-highest civilian award, for his contribution to Art and Indian cinema.

Renowned Bharatanatyam legend Kumari Kamala passed away at 91 in California, USA

• Renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Kumari Kamala (Kamala Laxmi Narayanan) passed away at age 91 in California, USA.
• Kumari Kamala was born on 16 June 1934 in Mayuram (Mayiladuthurai), Tamil Nadu.
• She received the Padma Bhushan (1970), the third-highest civilian award of India.