Daily Current Affairs: 14 November 2025

Headline: Oman elected to UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Council for 2025–2029

Bullet Points:

• Oman was elected to the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme for the term 2025–2029.
• The Environment Authority represented Oman during the election held at the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan.
• Oman already has two reserves listed in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves: Al-Sareen Nature Reserve and Al Jabal Al Akhdar Landscape Reserve.
• The MAB Programme’s objectives include expanding protected areas, conserving biodiversity, supporting climate-change research, and granting research support to youth and researchers.

Headline: India conducts tri-service 'Trishul' exercise & Army's 'Astra Shakti' in Ladakh; Rudra Brigades, Bhairav Battalions being raised

Bullet Points:

• Exercise Trishul: tri-service 12-day drill in Rajasthan & Gujarat involving ~40,000 troops, warships, missile batteries, special forces, Rafale & Su-30 aircraft to test post-Sindoor readiness against Pakistan
• Exercise Astra Shakti: Northern Command drill in Ladakh validating precision artillery, swarm drones, counter-UAS systems and ITBP synergy against China & Pakistan
• New force structures: two Rudra all-arms brigades and five Bhairav light commando battalions already raised; 380 Ashni drone platoons (strike & surveillance) being created for infantry battalions

Headline: Andhra teen Kunchala Kaivalya Reddy selected for advanced astronaut training by Titans Space Industries

Bullet Points:

• Discovered two asteroids—2020 CM24 in Class VIII and 2021 CM37 two years later—through the International Astronomical Collaboration’s Asteroid Search Campaign
• Represented India at the 2021 Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition in Germany and won a Silver Honour
• Underwent 10-day basic astronaut training at the International Air and Space Program, becoming the youngest Indian to do so
• Chosen by Titans Space Industries (Florida) for 2026-2029 advanced astronaut training among 150 candidates from 36 countries; programme includes zero-gravity, scuba diving, and hiking modules ahead of a planned 300 km Earth orbit mission
• Plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in astrophysics in Germany

Headline: Children's Day (Bal Diwas) in India: Date, History, and Significance

Bullet Points:

• Children’s Day, or Bal Diwas, is observed in India every year on November 14.
• The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, who was fondly known as Chacha Nehru.
• Nehru believed that the progress of a nation depends on the proper nurturing and education of its young citizens and viewed children as the pillars of the nation’s future.
• Initially, India followed the global observance of Universal Children’s Day on November 20, as recommended by the United Nations, but the Indian government decided in 1957 to celebrate it on November 14.
• Children’s Day underscores the importance of protecting children’s rights, promoting their welfare, and recognizing their role as the foundation of the country’s future.
• The day emphasizes the need to nurture young minds, protect their rights, and invest in their education and well-being, serving as a reminder that every child deserves love, care, and equal opportunities.
• Schools and community groups across India celebrate Children’s Day with activities such as dance performances, skits, speeches, and art or writing competitions, often educating children about their rights and duties.

Headline: Maharashtra Agriculture Department Updates Emblem and Tagline

Bullet Points:

• The Maharashtra government has replaced its four-decade-old agriculture department emblem.
• The old emblem, in use since 1987, featured a farmer carrying a plough.
• The new design features a mechanised plough, reflecting the state's transition to modern and sustainable farming.
• The new tagline is ‘Shashwat Sheti, Samruddha Shetkari' (Sustainable Farming, Prosperous Farmer).
• The concept for the updated emblem and tagline was originally proposed by minister of state for agriculture Ashish Jaiswal.
• The new emblem mirrors the department's role in promoting technology-driven, climate-resilient agriculture.

Headline: India's GDP Projected to Grow 7.2% in Q2 FY26 by Ind-Ra; Consumption Key Driver

Bullet Points:

• India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra) has projected India’s GDP to expand by 7.2% in the second quarter (July–September) of FY26.
• The Indian economy recorded a 5.6% growth in Q2 of FY25 and 7.8% growth in the April–June quarter of the current fiscal.
• The National Statistical Office (NSO) is scheduled to release the official GDP numbers for Q2 FY26 on November 28.
• Ind-Ra identified private consumption as a leading growth driver from the demand side and the resilient services sector along with favourable base-led goods exports growth in manufacturing as supply-side drivers for Q2 FY26.
• Retail inflation has eased faster than anticipated by both Ind-Ra and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Ind-Ra estimates private consumption to have grown 8% year-on-year in Q2 FY26, compared to 7% in Q1 and 6.4% in Q2 FY25.
• The agency stated that investment demand grew 7.5% year-on-year during Q2 FY26.
• Ind-Ra cautioned that nominal GDP growth may have dipped below 8% year-on-year in Q2 FY26.

Headline: All About Kalachakra Ceremony: Buddhist Ritual PM Modi Attended In Bhutan

Bullet Points:

• PM Narendra Modi attended the Kalachakra ceremony in Bhutan on the second day of his visit.
• He inaugurated the sacred Kalachakra 'Wheel of Time' Empowerment alongside Bhutan's King and the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
• The ceremony was presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo.
• The Kalachakra Ceremony is one of the most sacred rituals in Tibetan Buddhism, rooted in the Kalachakra Tantra.
• It represents the cycles of time and existence, both cosmic and personal, and the path to liberation.
• The ceremony includes the construction of an intricate sand mandala, sacred dances, prayers, and empowerment rites.
• PM Modi and Bhutan's King jointly inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project.
• PM Modi and the Bhutanese King offered prayers before the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha at Thimphu's Tashichhodzong.

Headline: Singer Palak Muchhal enters Guinness & Limca Book of Records for funding over 3,800 heart surgeries

Bullet Points:

• Palak Muchhal earned Guinness and Limca Book of Records recognition for humanitarian work, not music.
• Through her Palak-Palash Charitable Foundation, she has funded over 3,800 heart surgeries for underprivileged children across India.
• A large part of her concert earnings goes directly toward these surgeries.

Headline: World Kindness Day 2025 observed on November 13: History and Significance

Bullet Points:

• World Kindness Day is celebrated annually on November 13 as part of the Global Kindness Movement.
• World Kindness Day 2025 falls on a Thursday, November 13, 2025.
• The observance was established in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, a global alliance of organisations that promotes goodwill and mutual respect.

Headline: US Government Shutdown Ends After 43 Days: $15bn Weekly GDP Loss, Federal Workers to Receive Back-Pay

Bullet Points:

• Analysts estimated the shutdown would knock roughly 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points off economic growth for each week it continued, equivalent to about $15 billion a week.
• The 328-page funding bill guarantees that all federal workers will receive back-pay and reverses the shutdown-related layoffs of thousands of federal workers.
• The bill extends money for most federal agencies until 30 January and provides funding for SNAP food aid, the Department of Agriculture, Congress, and veterans affairs until September next year.
• More than 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP food aid benefits received only partial payments during the shutdown, but these funds will now return to normal as the government reopens.
• Unlike federal employees, government contractors do not receive back pay once a shutdown ends, impacting many small businesses without other major clients.

Headline: Proposed New Seeds Act: Union Government to Introduce Legislation for Quality Seed Access

Bullet Points:

• Policy Name: New Seeds Act (proposed) – Union Agriculture Ministry
• Objective: "ensure that farmers receive high quality seeds"
• Key Feature: Legislation will include "stringent" provisions to "protect farmers" and curb counterfeit seeds

Headline: Samhyun Co., Ltd. Specializes in Smart Actuators and Electric Propulsion Systems for Diverse Industries

Bullet Points:

• Samhyun Co., Ltd. engages in the manufacture and sale of parts and accessories for motor vehicles.
• It offers smart actuators for the electrification of electric vehicles (EV) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV).
• The company provides high voltage e-compressors and cooling fan modules for FCEV.
• It manufactures EPT for xEV, DCT CA motors, shift-by-wire actuators, and CVVD actuators.
• Samhyun Co., Ltd. supplies electric propulsion systems, and main components of electric vessels for the shipbuilding industry.
• The company also provides main components of joint modules for the robot industry.
• It offers smart actuators and electric propulsion systems for the defense industry.
• Components for UAM and hybrid drones for the aviation industry are also provided by the company.

Headline: India secures two medals at Asian Archery Championships 2025

Bullet Points:

• India’s men’s recurve team beat Kazakhstan 5-3 to reach the final against South Korea.
• India’s women’s compound team beat Bangladesh 227-234 to reach the final against South Korea.
• The women’s compound team comprises Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Prithika Pradeep and Deepshikha.
• Deepshikha tops the individual compound rankings with 705 points.
• The compound final is scheduled for November 13 and the recurve final for November 14.

Headline: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launches 'My Stamp' for Rezang La War Memorial

Bullet Points:

• The makers of '120 Bahadur' launched a customised 'My Stamp' based on the Rezang La War Memorial.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the stamp in New Delhi.
• The initiative celebrates the valour and spirit of the soldiers who laid down their lives at Rezang La, ahead of the 63rd anniversary of the historic battle.
• The revered Rezang La War Memorial is situated in Chushul, Ladakh.
• The memorial honours the soldiers who laid down their lives during the Battle of Rezang La in the 1962 India-China war.

Headline: PMVBRY Scheme: Union Minister Urges States to Align Employment Programmes for Synergy

Bullet Points:

• Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) launched in August this year with an outlay of nearly Rs 1 lakh crore to create 3.5 crore formal jobs.
• Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya urged states to align their employment programmes with PMVBRY for maximum synergy and impact.
• Labour Chowk Facilitation Centres (LCFCs) model being developed to convert unsafe roadside gathering points into structured hubs offering shelter, drinking water, sanitation, and direct access to welfare services.
• Digital Labour Chowk mobile application launched as a multilingual platform to connect workers with employers digitally for transparent job matching.
• Online Building and Construction Worker (BOCW) cess collection portal introduced for automatic cess calculation, online payment, and real-time monitoring.

Headline: Export Promotion Mission (EPM) and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE): Key Features and Objectives

Bullet Points:

• Scheme Name: Export Promotion Mission (EPM) with two sub-schemes—Niryat Protsahan (finance) and Niryat Disha (non-finance enablers); implementing agency: Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
• Objective: Strengthen India’s export competitiveness, sustain export orders, protect jobs, and support diversification into new geographies, especially for MSMEs, first-time exporters, and labour-intensive sectors like textiles, leather, gems & jewellery, engineering goods, and marine products.
• Financial Outlay: Total approval of Rs 45,060 crore—Rs 25,060 crore for EPM (FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31) and Rs 20,000 crore for expanding the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE).
• CGSE Feature: 100% credit guarantee coverage by NCGTC to Member Lending Institutions for extending additional collateral-free credit up to Rs 20,000 crore to eligible exporters including MSMEs.

Headline: Cabinet Approves New Royalty Rates for Critical Minerals: Graphite, Caesium, Rubidium, Zirconium

Bullet Points:

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the rationalisation of royalty rates for four critical minerals — graphite, caesium, rubidium and zirconium.
• The move is aimed at promoting the auction and domestic production of these minerals, which are used in high-tech and green energy applications.
• Caesium and rubidium will each attract a 2% royalty based on the average sale price (ASP) of the respective metal contained in the ore produced.
• Zirconium will have a royalty rate of 1% of ASP.
• Graphite will be charged 2% of ASP on an ad valorem basis for ore with 80% or more fixed carbon and 4% for ore with less than 80% fixed carbon.
• The new royalty structure is expected to encourage the auction of mineral blocks, boost domestic production, reduce import dependence, and create employment opportunities.
• The decision comes as the government advances the Sixth Tranche of auctions for critical mineral blocks, notified on September 16, 2025.

Headline: Amended Bharat Net Scheme: Punjab First State to Achieve Statewide Implementation

Bullet Points:

• Scheme Name: Amended Bharat Net Scheme; Implementing State: Punjab (first state to implement statewide)
• Objective: "provide broadband connectivity to all of the country’s Gram Panchayats besides the households and the institutions" and "envisions e – health & e – governance services in rural sectors"
• Key Feature: "internet and broadband services have been provided in the 43 shadow areas in the State with only one village remaining" and "By the end of November month, each and every village would be brought under the ambit of the scheme"

Headline: Breaking Barriers: BSF Initiates All-Women Drone Squadron

Bullet Points:

• The Border Security Force BSF is taking a significant step towards empowering women in its ranks with the creation of the Durga Drone Squadron, an all-women unit specializing in drone operations.
• Under the guidance of ADG Shamsher Singh, the squadron will bolster border security by engaging female personnel in advanced drone training at the BSF Academy's School of Drone Warfare in Gwalior.
• This initiative is part of a wider effort to harness the unique strengths of women, such as patience and precision, while providing them with modern technological skills crucial for effective border management.

Headline: CSIR and NICDC sign MoU to embed R&D hubs and innovation centres in India’s industrial corridors

Bullet Points:

• CSIR–NICDC MoU signed by Dr. Vibha Malhotra Sawhney, Head, Technology Management Directorate, CSIR, and Mr. Vikas Goel, General Manager (CS & Marketing), NICDC, in New Delhi.
• Joint plan to develop R&D hubs, industrial incubators, and innovation centres across NICDC’s smart industrial cities and corridors.
• Priority technology domains: industrial automation and robotics, renewable energy and clean technologies, advanced materials, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, digital manufacturing, agro-processing and green chemicals.
• Framework aligns with national initiatives Make in India, Startup India, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat to commercialise indigenous technologies and foster tech-driven startups.

Headline: Adani Ports becomes first Indian integrated transport utility to adopt TNFD nature-reporting framework

Bullet Points:

• Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) has joined the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) as an Adopter
• APSEZ pledges to begin nature-related reporting from the financial year 2026
• TNFD is a science-based global initiative founded by UNEP FI, UNDP, WWF and Global Canopy that guides companies to integrate nature-related considerations into financial and business decision-making
• APSEZ has already afforested more than 4,200 hectares of mangroves and actively conserves another 3,000 hectares, making it the largest private sector contributor to mangrove ecosystem restoration in India
• The company states this adoption strengthens its commitment to transparent and science-based environmental disclosures and builds on its ongoing ESG strategy

Headline: DFS Launches Startup Common Application Journey on Jan Sammarth Portal for Credit Access

Bullet Points:

• The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance launched the Startup Common Application Journey on the Jan Sammarth Portal.
• The initiative aims to "simplify and streamline access to credit for startups across India."
• The Startup Common Application Journey was "developed jointly by the IBA and PSB Alliance."
• The Jan Sammarth Portal will now serve as "a single digital platform where startups can apply for loans, compare offers from various Public Sector Banks, and track their applications through one unified digital system."
• The initiative allows startups to secure "loans of up to Rs 20 crore under the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)."
• The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) is "operated by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) under the aegis of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)."
• The platform "integrates key data sources such as PAN, GST, Udyam registration, Income Tax Returns, and credit bureau information to ensure quick verification and processing."
• The scheme "includes special interest concessions for women entrepreneurs."

Headline: Federal Bank Launches Bharat Surotsav: A Cultural Extravaganza

Bullet Points:

• Federal Bank has introduced its new cultural initiative, Bharat Surotsav, aimed at celebrating India's rich artistic heritage through an immersive dance and music festival.
• The launch was graced by several dignitaries from the bank's regional headquarters.
• The inaugural event is set for November 22 at the Madras Music Academy, featuring acclaimed artists like Padma Shri Shobana and the Carnatic-rock group Agam Band.
• Federal Bank is offering a special 15% discount on tickets for its debit and credit cardholders.
• MVS Murthy, Chief Marketing Officer at Federal Bank, emphasized the festival's role in blending finance with culture, fostering unity and pride among diverse audiences.
• Each city in the Bharat Surotsav series will spotlight local cultural talents, enriching the community's connections with their unique heritage.

Headline: Moody's Global Macro Outlook: India GDP to grow 6.5% in 2027, among fastest in G-20

Bullet Points:

• Moody's Ratings projects India's GDP growth at 7% for 2025, 6.4% for 2026 and 6.5% for 2027.
• India's economy expanded 7.8% in the April-June period and 6.5% in FY25.
• Inflation in India is expected to average around 3.5% in 2026 and 4% in 2027, after averaging 2.5% between January and October this year.
• Global economic growth is forecast by Moody's to range between 2.5% and 2.6% in 2026 and 2027, compared with 2.6% in 2025 and 2.9% in 2024.
• The US is forecast to grow 1.8% in 2026 and 1.9% in 2027, while China's GDP will expand by 4.5% and 4.2% over the same period.
• Indian merchandise exports rose 6.8% in September, while exports to the US fell 11.9%.

Headline: Swan Defence and Heavy Industries signs $220 mn LoI to build 6 chemical tankers for Norway’s Rederiet Stenersen

Bullet Points:

• The Letter of Intent covers six IMO Type II chemical tankers, each of 18,000 DWT capacity, valued at approximately $220 million.
• The vessels will be built at SDHI’s facility in Pipavav, Gujarat.
• Each ship will be built to Ice Class 1A standards and feature an advanced hybrid propulsion system.

Headline: Pushpinder S. Puniha appointed to Blue Ocean Corporation Advisory Board

Bullet Points:

• Pushpinder S. Puniha is Chairperson of the Consultative Group on Tax Policy at NITI Aayog
• Blue Ocean Corporation is headquartered in London and recognized as world No.1 in supply chain consulting and training
• Sourav Ganguly stated: "Having worked with Mr. Puniha earlier at the BCCI, I know the value he brings through his expertise and professionalism"

Headline: IIT Bombay develops India’s first indigenous Quantum Diamond Microscope for 3D magnetic imaging

Bullet Points:

• India’s first indigenous Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM) developed by IIT Bombay’s P-Quest Group under the National Quantum Mission (DST)
• Built on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres in diamond that maintain quantum coherence at room temperature and enable spin-dependent fluorescence readout via optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR)
• Enables non-destructive 3D mapping of buried current paths and multilayer charge flow in complex electronic circuits
• Potential applications span neuroscience, materials science, semiconductor diagnostics, chip testing, battery analysis and quantum device development
• Earned India its first patent in quantum sensing and was unveiled at ESTIC 2025 in the presence of Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, PSA Prof Ajay K Sood and DST Secretary Prof Abhay Karandikar

Headline: Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025 Launched; Logo, Mascots, Torch, Jerseys and Anthem Unveiled

Bullet Points:

• In a grand event at the historical Amer Fort here on Wednesday, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), in association with the Government of Rajasthan and the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC), launched the official logo, mascots, torch, jerseys and anthem for the Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025 (KIUG Rajasthan 2025).
• The Games' mascots, Khamma and Ghani, were unveiled by the Rajasthan sports minister Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.
• The Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025, scheduled to take place from November 24 to December 5, 2025, will be held across seven cities -- Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Ajmer, Bharatpur and Bikaner.
• This marks the first time Rajasthan will host the Khelo India University Games, a flagship event of the ministry of youth affairs and sports that showcases India's finest university athletes.
• Over 7,000 athletes from nearly 200 universities will compete in 24 disciplines, including 23 medal sports and one demonstration event.
• New inclusions this year are canoeing, kayaking, cycling, and beach volleyball -- reflecting the growing diversity and ambition of Indian university sport.

Headline: Public Service Broadcasting Day observed on 12 November: Mahatma Gandhi’s sole radio address from AIR Delhi

Bullet Points:

• Public Service Broadcasting Day is observed on the 12th of November every year to mark Mahatma Gandhi’s historic radio address.
• On this day in 1947, Mahatma Gandhi made his first and only visit to the Broadcasting House in New Delhi and addressed displaced Indians in Kurukshetra via a special Deepawali broadcast.
• The studio in Broadcasting House was arranged in the style of Gandhi’s daily prayer meetings for the occasion.

Headline: India and Russia target $100 billion bilateral trade by 2030

Bullet Points:

• India and Russia aim to raise bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.
• India urged Russia to expedite the approval of domestic establishments and registration of marine and pharmaceutical products.
• Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal attended the 26th Meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation in Moscow.
• A comprehensive protocol for trade and economic collaboration across various sectors was finalised and signed.
• Potential areas for trade expansion identified include engineering goods, chemicals and plastics, electronics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, leather, and textiles.
• India showcased its Global Capability Centre (GCC) ecosystem as a platform for Russian firms.

Headline: Tidco to set up space propellant park near Isro launch centre in Kulasekarapattinam

Bullet Points:

• The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (Tidco) has earmarked around 3,000 acres of land in Kulasekarapattinam and surrounding areas in Tuticorin district for the development of aerospace-related industries.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is developing a launchpad in Kulasekarapattinam.
• Tidco is going to set up a space propellant park at least 25 km away from Isro's launch centre.
• The new site in Kulasekarapattinam is uniquely strategic for Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) launches, as it allows for a direct southward trajectory over the sea, reducing the fuel-intensive 'dogleg' manoeuvre required for launches from the existing Sriharikota site.
• Launches from Kulasekarapattinam are expected to be 30% cheaper than those from Sriharikota.
• Adjacent to the Isro facility, the state is developing two specialised industrial parks -- one for propellant manufacturing and another for general space industries -- including a common facility centre with a sanctioned Rs 100crore budget.
• 2,000 acres of land have been earmarked for the propellant park and 1,000 acres for the common facility centre at Allikulam in Tuticorin district.

Headline: New species of giant stick insect, Acrophylla alta, discovered in North Queensland

Bullet Points:

• Researchers have discovered a new species of giant stick insect, Acrophylla alta.
• The discovery was made in North Queensland's rainforests, specifically in the Tablelands region, at heights between 1,600 and 3,900 feet (500 to 1,200 metres) above sea level.
• This large insect measures up to 16 inches (40 centimetres) long.
• It might be the heaviest insect yet in Australia, with one studied insect weighing about 1.6 ounces (44 grams).
• The discovery was shared in a study published in the journal Zootaxa.
• Its size is thought to be an adaptation to the cool, high-altitude environment, following Bergmann’s rule.
• Study co-author Angus Emmott from James Cook University in Australia was involved in the research.

Headline: Sixth International Conference on Bacteriophage Research and Antimicrobial Resistance Concludes at Banaras Hindu University

Bullet Points:

• The Sixth International Conference on Bacteriophage Research and Antimicrobial Resistance concluded at Banaras Hindu University.
• The two-day event, ICBRAR-2025, brought together over 250 delegates.
• The event was organised by the Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, under the auspices of the Society for Bacteriophage Research and Therapy.
• Experts discussed bacteriophage biology and therapeutic applications.
• The conference highlighted sustainable approaches to combat antimicrobial resistance.
• It explored natural alternatives to conventional antibiotics.

Headline: Godrej delivers human-rated Vikas engine for Gaganyaan mission

Bullet Points:

• Godrej Enterprises Group’s aerospace business has delivered the first human-rated L110 Vikas engine.
• The engine was delivered to Isro’s liquid propulsion systems centre.
• The L110 Vikas engine is for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
• The engine is a core component of the LVM-3 launch vehicle.
• A human-rated version of the LVM-3 (HRLV) will be used for Gaganyaan.
• The Gaganyaan mission will carry Indian astronauts into space and bring them back safely.

Headline: 22nd All India Annual TDS Conference to be held in Bhopal

Bullet Points:

• The 22nd All India Annual TDS Conference is being organised by the Income Tax Department, Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh Region, in collaboration with the Principal Director General of Income Tax (Administration & TPS), CBDT.
• CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal will inaugurate the conference at Hotel Taj Lakefront in Bhopal.
• The conference will focus on recent amendments to the Income Tax Act, 2025, including TDS changes and new compounding guidelines issued on October 17, 2024.

Headline: OpenAI and PhonePe partner to integrate ChatGPT into consumer and business apps

Bullet Points:

• OpenAI and PhonePe announced a strategic collaboration to integrate ChatGPT features into PhonePe’s consumer app and For Business app
• Users will be able to access ChatGPT for activities such as planning travel or shopping
• India is one of OpenAI’s top markets and the company plans to open an office in Delhi
• OpenAI previously offered an annual subscription to ChatGPT Go for free in India
• ChatGPT powered by new GPT-5.1 will be “smarter, more conversational,” according to OpenAI