Daily Current Affairs: 25 November 2025

Headline: GeM–UN Women MoU: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Public Procurement

Bullet Points:

• MoU signed between Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under Ministry of Commerce & Industry and UN Women to integrate women entrepreneurs from informal sector into India’s public procurement ecosystem.
• Aims to advance GeM’s Womaniya initiative to increase procurement from women-led enterprises and expand government market access for women entrepreneurs and SHGs.
• UN Women will design training tools, recommend global gender-responsive procurement models, support validation criteria for women-led businesses, and mobilise women trainers.
• GeM will conduct capacity-building training, sensitisation workshops for buyers, onboarding events, and connect women-owned enterprises with Government Labs & R&D for product development and quality enhancement.

Headline: Commitment to Development Index 2025: Top 10 countries and where does India rank?

Bullet Points:

• Sweden retains the top position in CDI 2025, ranking first in environment, second in development finance, and fourth in health.
• Germany and Norway follow Sweden in second and third place respectively.
• Finland and the United Kingdom round out the top five.
• Luxembourg improved the most, jumping four ranks to tenth overall.
• The Netherlands dropped out of the top 10, falling five ranks to eleventh.
• The United States and China rank 28th and 34th respectively.
• India ranks 36th overall, with its strongest performance in environment where it ranks 8th.
• India ranks last in trade and development finance, and among the worst six in investment, migration, and security.

Headline: Verstappen wins in Las Vegas; McLaren handed double disqualification

Bullet Points:

• Max Verstappen claimed his second Las Vegas Grand Prix win ahead of championship leader Lando Norris.
• Norris and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri were later disqualified by stewards for illegal plank wear.
• The disqualification puts pressure on McLaren's drivers as Verstappen goes level with Piastri on points and Norris' lead is cut to 24 points.
• There are a maximum of 58 points available with two grands prix remaining, including one sprint race at next week's Qatar Grand Prix.
• Verstappen won the Las Vegas race by almost 21 seconds as Norris had late car trouble.
• Norris denied Mercedes driver George Russell second place before the line, but the disqualification result means both Mercedes drivers have now been elevated to the podium.
• Piastri finished a distant fourth as his run of failing to finish ahead of teammate Norris continued.
• Verstappen has now won four of the seven races since the summer break.
• Norris started from the pole position and moved across the track aggressively to keep Verstappen behind but then ran deep at Turn 1.
• Piastri, starting fifth, was lucky to escape a race ender when he was hit by Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson at Turn 1.
• Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc finished sixth (now fourth) behind Antonelli.
• Lewis Hamilton charged from the back of the grid to 10th (now eighth).
• Williams driver Carlos Sainz finished seventh (now fifth).

Headline: IIM Ranchi receives AMBA Accreditation and Eduniversal 4 Palmes

Bullet Points:

• IIM Ranchi has received an international accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA).
• AMBA accreditation is internationally regarded as one of the most respected and selective global benchmarks in postgraduate management education.
• The Institute received recognition with the 4 Palmes of Excellence in the Eduniversal Best Business Schools Ranking 2025.
• The Eduniversal ranking system spans 154 countries and evaluates over 1,000 business schools.
• The 4 Palmes of Excellence identify institutions with a strong and growing international impact.

Headline: Lakshya Sen Clinches First Title Of The Season, Wins USD 475,000 Australian Open Super 500

Bullet Points:

• Lakshya Sen defeated Japan’s Yushi Tanaka 21-15, 21-11 in 38 minutes to win the Australian Open Super 500.
• The tournament carried a prize purse of USD 475,000.
• Tanaka, ranked world No. 26, had already won two Super 300 titles this season at the Orléans Masters and the US Open.
• Sen’s last Super 300 title came at the Syed Modi International in Lucknow in 2024; his previous top-tier crown was the Canada Open the same year.
• With this victory, Sen becomes only the second Indian to secure a BWF World Tour title this season after Ayush Shetty’s US Open win.

Headline: Sebi Introduces Threshold-Based Framework for Materiality of Related Party Transactions

Bullet Points:

• Sebi has introduced a threshold-based framework to determine the materiality of related party transactions (RPTs), based on the annual consolidated turnover of the listed entity.
• The new norms are aimed at addressing practical challenges, removing ambiguities, and striking a balance between investor protection and ease of doing business under the Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) norms.
• For entities with turnover up to Rs 20,000 crore, a transaction will be considered material if it exceeds 10 per cent of the annual consolidated turnover.
• In the case of entities with turnover between Rs 20,001 crore and Rs 40,000 crore, the threshold would be Rs 2,000 crore plus 5 per cent of the turnover exceeding Rs 20,000 crore.
• For entities with turnover exceeding Rs 40,000 crore, the threshold will be Rs 3,000 crore plus 2.5 per cent of the turnover exceeding Rs 40,000 crore, or Rs 5,000 crore, whichever is lower.
• An absolute threshold of Rs 5,000 crore as an upper ceiling has been notified for listed entities having a turnover above Rs 40,000 crore to protect the interests of minority shareholders.
• Earlier, a listed entity was required to consider an RPT as material if the transaction exceeded Rs 1,000 crore or 10 per cent of the entity's annual consolidated turnover, whichever is lower.
• The new norms came after stakeholders pointed out that the absolute materiality threshold of Rs 1,000 crore promotes a 'one-size-fits-all' approach.
• Sebi has relaxed the minimum information required to be furnished to the audit committee and shareholders for RPT approvals for smaller transactions.
• If the total value of RPTs with a related party in a financial year does not exceed 1 per cent of the listed entity's annual consolidated turnover or Rs 10 crore, whichever is lower, then a simplified set of disclosures would be submitted for approval.
• Omnibus approval granted by the shareholders for material related party transactions in an annual general meeting shall be valid till the date of the next annual general meeting (AGM).
• In case of omnibus approvals for material related party transactions, granted by shareholders in general meetings other than AGM, the validity of such omnibus approvals shall not exceed one year from the date of such approval.

Headline: J&K to kick off first-ever limestone block auction on November 24

Bullet Points:

• Jammu & Kashmir will conduct its maiden auction of seven limestone blocks under the MMDR Act's post-2015 reforms.
• The Centre intervened to speed up the process and open new mineral blocks.
• The initiative is expected to generate jobs, boost state revenues, support industrial expansion, and create new economic opportunities for local communities.
• The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir will host its first-ever auction of limestone mineral blocks on November 24 in Jammu.
• The launch event will be led by Union Coal & Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, alongside the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir.
• Seven limestone blocks spanning roughly 314 hectares have been identified across Anantnag, Rajouri, and Poonch districts.
• These deposits fall under United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) G3 Prospecting and G4 Reconnaissance exploration categories.
• These deposits hold considerable potential for high-quality limestone, a raw material critical for cement, construction, and several industrial applications.
• The auction is being carried out under subsections 4 and 5 of Section 11 of the MMDR Act.
• This provision allows the Central Government to step in when states or UTs face procedural constraints in conducting auctions.
• This mechanism highlights the principle of “cooperative federalism” in speeding up mineral sector reforms.
• The Ministry of Mines has emphasised that the auction will follow a transparent, technology-enabled, and competitive process, aligned with national environmental safeguards to promote sustainable mining practices.

Headline: Education Ministry To Conduct Fourth Kashi Tamil Sangamam From December 2

Bullet Points:

• The Ministry of Education will host the fourth edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 4.0 starting December 2.
• This event will be celebrating the profound civilisational links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.
• This initiative honours the cultural, linguistic, and people-to-people connections between the two regions, embodying the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat.
• The theme for 2025 is “Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam", aiming to promote Tamil learning across India and foster appreciation for India’s classical linguistic and literary heritage.
• In KTS 4.0, more than 1,400 delegates from Tamil Nadu will participate under seven categories.
• Delegates will undertake an 8-day experiential tour, including visits to Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya, with interactions, seminars, cultural performances, and exposure to local cuisine, handicrafts, and heritage.
• They will visit significant Tamil heritage locations in Varanasi, such as the ancestral house of Mahakavi Subramanya Bharatiyar, Kedar Ghat, the Kasi Madam in the “Little Tamil Nadu" area, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Mata Annapurna Temple.
• Additionally, they will visit the Tamil Department at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) for academic and literary interactions.
• The programme is organised by IIT Madras and BHU Varanasi, with support from the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, and the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
• Major Initiatives under KTS 4.0 include Sage Agasthya vehicle expedition from Tenkasi to Kashi; teaching Tamil in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh schools; and Tamil learning study tours for students of Uttar Pradesh.
• Interested candidates can apply at kashitamil.iitm.ac.in.
• The registration window will close at 8 PM on November 21, 2025, and a selection quiz will be conducted on November 23, 2025 from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Headline: Ministry of Railways crosses 1 billion tonne freight loading in FY25-26

Bullet Points:

• Indian Railways cumulative freight loading reached 1020 Million Tonnes as of 19 November.
• Coal led commodity-wise loading at 505 MT, followed by iron ore 115 MT, cement 92 MT, container traffic 59 MT, pig iron & finished steel 47 MT, fertilisers 42 MT, mineral oil 32 MT, foodgrains 30 MT, raw materials for steel plants approx. 20 MT, and balance-other-goods 74 MT.
• Daily freight loading averaged 4.4 MT, up from 4.2 MT last year.
• Freight loading for April-October touched 935.1 MT in 2025 against 906.9 MT in the same period last year.
• Ministry of Railways rolled out Policy for Bulk Cement Terminals and rationalised rates for bulk cement movement in containers to cut transit time and logistics costs.

Headline: India Moves Toward Major Power Sector Reforms With Proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2025 — What You Need to Know

Bullet Points:

• The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aims to overhaul India’s electricity distribution sector, reduce systemic inefficiencies, and ensure affordable, reliable power.
• The Bill transitions away from a monopoly model to regulated competition, allowing multiple distribution licensees to operate in the same area using shared infrastructure.
• A Universal Service Obligation (USO) will be mandatory for all licensees, though SERCs may exempt licensees from USO for large open-access users consuming more than 1 MW of power.
• The reforms address high AT&C losses, poor billing efficiency, and financial stress on discoms by rationalizing charges and promoting cost-reflective tariffs.
• Subsidies for farmers and low-income households will be explicitly protected and provided through direct, budgeted support under Section 65.
• The Bill aims to reduce cross-subsidy for Manufacturing, Railways, and Metro Rail within five years.
• State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) will determine uniform, cost-reflective wheeling charges for all network users, drawing inspiration from the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) model.
• The reforms are structured around six pillars: Structural Reforms, Tariff and Cross-Subsidy Rationalisation, Infrastructure and Network Efficiency, Governance and Regulatory Strengthening, Sustainability and Market Development, and Legal and Operational Clarity.
• A new Electricity Council will be created as a Centre–State coordination platform for policy consensus and harmonisation.
• SERCs will receive greater regulatory powers, including the authority to penalise non-compliance and determine tariffs suo moto.
• The Bill introduces provisions for Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and reinforces obligations for non-fossil energy procurement with penalties for failure.
• Outdated definitions are updated, references are aligned with the Companies Act, 2013, and the powers of the Electric Line Authority are codified to match those of the Telegraph Authority under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
• The Bill supports the national vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047” by ensuring competitively priced power for industries and subsidised electricity for vulnerable households.

Headline: India welcomes key outcomes at UNFCCC CoP30; reaffirms commitment to equity, climate justice and global solidarity

Bullet Points:

• India expressed 'strong support' to Brazil for the inclusive leadership at CoP30.
• India welcomed progress under the Global Goal on Adaptation, noting it reflects recognition of the overwhelming need for adaptation in developing countries.
• India emphasized the long-standing obligations of developed countries to provide climate finance and appreciated the Presidency's efforts in supporting India in beginning the journey towards a long-overdue focus on Article 9.1.
• India expressed satisfaction with the establishment of the Just Transition Mechanism, calling it a significant milestone.
• India thanked the Presidency for providing space to discuss unilateral trade-restrictive climate measures, which it said are increasingly affecting developing countries and violate the principles of equity and CBDR-RC.
• India stressed that the burden of climate change mitigation must not be shifted onto those least responsible for causing the problem.
• India reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to science-based and equitable climate action and to a rules-based global order that is equitable and respectful of national sovereignty.
• India called on all Parties to ensure that the road from Belem leads to a future defined by fairness, solidarity, and shared prosperity for all.

Headline: G20 summit in South Africa adopts early leaders' declaration despite U.S. boycott and dissent

Bullet Points:

• World leaders from the Group of 20 broke with tradition and adopted a declaration at the start of their summit in South Africa on Saturday.
• Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, said the declaration was adopted unanimously by the other members.
• Argentina stated it did not endorse the declaration; President Javier Milei did not attend in solidarity with U.S. President Trump.
• The 122-point declaration urged more global action on climate-related disasters and sovereign debt levels affecting poor countries.
• The U.S. boycotted the summit over claims that South Africa pursues racist anti-white policies and opposes the summit’s focus on climate change and inequality.
• South Africa accused the U.S. of pressuring it not to adopt a leaders’ declaration in the absence of an American delegation.
• South Africa will not hand over the rotating G20 presidency to a junior U.S. embassy official, calling such a handover an insult.

Headline: PM Modi unveils six G20 initiatives blending ancient wisdom with AI for a resilient, inclusive world

Bullet Points:

• PM Modi proposed six initiatives: G20 Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, G20-Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative, G20 Global Healthcare Response Team, G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug-Terror Nexus, G20 Open Satellite Data Partnership, and G20 Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative.
• "First among them is the creation of a G20 Global Traditional Knowledge Repository. India has a rich history in this regard. This will help us pass on our collective wisdom to further good health and well-being."
• "The proposed Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative aims to train one million certified trainers across Africa in the next decade."
• "We are stronger when we work together in the face of health emergencies and natural disasters. Our effort should be to create teams of trained medical experts from fellow G20 nations who are ready for rapid deployment in case of any emergencies."
• "Let us weaken the wretched drug-terror economy!"
• "Proposed the setting up of a G20 Open Satellite Data Partnership whereby satellite data and analysis from G20 space agencies can be made more accessible for countries of the Global South."
• "India is fully committed to sustainability and clean energy, which is why we propose a G20 Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative to promote recycling, urban mining, second-life batteries and related innovations."
• "India's approach to AI is based on the three pillars of: Equitable access, Population-scale skilling, Responsible deployment."
• "India will host the AI Impact Summit in February 2026, guided by the theme Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya."

Headline: Guru Tegh Bahadur 350th Shaheedi Purab: Delhi declares public holiday on November 25

Bullet Points:

• Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th Martyrdom Day is observed as a public holiday in Delhi, honouring his sacrifice and teachings on human dignity and religious freedom.
• He became the ninth Sikh Guru in 1664 and led the community through political upheaval and rising religious intolerance under Mughal rule.
• Guru Tegh Bahadur is honoured for defending the rights of Kashmiri Pandits who faced forced conversions and stood up to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
• He willingly embraced martyrdom in 1675 in Delhi, making him the second Sikh Guru to be executed by the Mughal regime.
• His sacrifice earned him the title 'Hind Di Chadar,' reflecting his role as a guardian of religious freedom and interfaith dignity.
• He contributed 116 verses to the Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib), focusing on humility, detachment, and inner peace.
• The Delhi Government announced a public holiday on Tuesday (November 25) for the 350th Shaheedi Purab, upgrading it from a restricted holiday.
• The day offers citizens an opportunity to remember and pay homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur’s supreme sacrifice, divine wisdom, and contribution to safeguarding dharam, human dignity, and freedom of conscience.

Headline: Brahmaputra's Warrior: How Lachit Borphukan turned Assam's rivers into a fortress against Mughals

Bullet Points:

• Lachit Divas is observed annually on November 24th, honoring the legendary Ahom commander Lachit Borphukan.
• Lachit Borphukan successfully halted the Mughal Empire's advance into the Northeast.
• He is renowned for his extraordinary courage and naval brilliance.
• Lachit Divas commemorates his pivotal role in the 1671 Battle of Saraighat, where he led the Ahom army to a decisive victory against a much larger Mughal force.
• Lachit Borphukan, the son of Momai Tamuli Borbarua, revolutionized defensive strategy by transforming the Brahmaputra river into a battlefield advantage.
• He deployed swift Ahom war boats, camouflaged river outposts, floating fortifications, and utilized local boatmen and clans skilled in hydrology.
• Modern military scholars consider him one of the earliest practitioners of integrated riverine defence.
• During the night fortification of the Brahmaputra, Lachit executed his maternal uncle for dereliction of duty, delaying construction of barricades and embankments.
• At Saraighat, despite being weakened by illness, Lachit Borphukan rose from his sickbed to lead his troops when some Ahom commanders hesitated.
• The Ahom navy surged forward, outmanoeuvring the Mughals with speed and intimate knowledge of the river’s changing currents.
• Assam remained unconquered, being the only major region of India the Mughals could never annex.
• Lachit Borphukan passed away shortly after the victory.
• He is remembered as a beacon of leadership grounded in ethics, a strategist ahead of his time, and a patriot.
• The Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal is awarded annually at the National Defence Academy.

Headline: Long-dormant Hayli Gubbi volcano erupts in northern Ethiopia

Bullet Points:

• A satellite image shows ash rising from the eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia.
• The Hayli Gubbi volcano in the Afar region of Ethiopia erupted for several hours on Sunday morning.
• The eruption sent thick plumes of smoke up to 14km into the sky.
• Ash clouds reached Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan according to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre.
• The nearby village of Afdera was covered in ash.
• There were no casualties from the eruption.
• The volcano erupted for the first time in 12,000 years.
• The volcano sits within the Rift Valley, a zone of intense geological activity.

Headline: Delhi to have two more revenue districts, SDM count to go up

Bullet Points:

• The Delhi government is preparing for a major administrative overhaul to streamline governance.
• Under the proposed changes, the number of revenue districts in the capital will be increased to 13.
• The number of SDM offices will be expanded to 39 from 33.
• Officials believe the new structure will significantly reduce delays and minimise the need for the public to visit multiple government offices for routine work.
• At present, the capital has 11 revenue districts, each headed by a district magistrate.
• The districts operate separately from the MCD, which is divided into 12 zones led by deputy commissioners.
• The new district boundaries are being planned on the basis of Delhi’s 11 municipal zones.
• The Delhi Cabinet has given an in-principal approval to the proposal that currently awaits the L-G’s approval.
• The government has been planning to establish a mini-secretariat in every district to bring all departmental services except law and order under one roof.
• The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) area functions as a separate entity within the New Delhi district that usually witnesses confusion over its jurisdiction.
• The government has planned to merge NDMC and Delhi Cantonment areas into the New Delhi district and align MCD zones with revenue districts.
• In September 2012, new districts were created when South-East Delhi and Shahdara were carved out.
• The current restructuring will require a major redraw of Delhi’s administrative map, leading to the addition or exclusion of villages and localities.

Headline: India women’s team secures second consecutive Kabaddi World Cup title

Bullet Points:

• India defeated Chinese Taipei 35-28 in the final to win its second consecutive World Cup title.
• India went undefeated throughout the tournament.
• The Indian women’s kabaddi team won the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup in Dhaka.
• India won all its group matches to reach the semifinals, where it defeated Iran 33–21 to enter the final.
• Chinese Taipei also had an unbeaten run in its group and beat host Bangladesh 25–18 in the semifinal.
• The 2025 edition of the tournament is only the second time it has been held.
• The last iteration of it was held in Patna in 2012, with India coming out on top against Iran in the final in a tournament with 16 teams.
• Former India captain Ajay Thakur said, “It is a very proud moment for India as the women’s team retained the World Cup trophy in Dhaka.”
• Former India international and Haryana Steelers head coach Manpreet Singh said, “The women’s team has delivered a performance the whole nation can be proud of.”

Headline: 10-year-old Indian-origin British prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan shocks chess world, wins UK Women’s Blitz Championship

Bullet Points:

• Young chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan, just ten years old, triumphed at the UK Open Blitz Championships, clinching the women's title and a £500 prize.
• Her remarkable performance saw her score 13.5/15 points.
• She nearly faced a challenge from defending champion Elmira Mirzoeva, but Mirzoeva lost after making a crucial pawn error.
• Veteran Grandmaster Daniel Gormally secured the Open Blitz championship, earning £1,000 with 11.5/15 points.
• Gormally narrowly edged out promising 16-year-old Stanley Badacsonyi.
• Last month, Sivanandan defeated former World Champion Grandmaster Mariya Muzychuk at the European Club Cup in Greece.
• Born in London in 2015 to parents from Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Sivanandan represented the 12th-seeded team She Plays to Win Lionesses.
• Earlier this year, Sivanandan became the youngest female chess player to defeat a grandmaster by beating 60-year-old Grandmaster Peter Wells at the 2025 British Chess Championships in Liverpool.
• Her victory at 10 years, five months and three days surpassed the 2019 record held by American Carissa Yip, and she also became the youngest player to secure a WGM norm.
• The Harrow schoolgirl, who started playing chess during lockdown, made history in 2024 as the youngest person to represent England internationally in any sport at the Chess Olympiad in Hungary.
• Sivanandan is now part of a new generation of English chess talent making their mark in international competitions.

Headline: Justice Vikram Nath named NALSA executive chairman

Bullet Points:

• Justice Vikram Nath has been nominated as the new executive chairperson of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
• The appointment takes effect from November 24.
• The nomination was made by the President of India and notified by the ministry of law and justice.
• As per convention, the post of executive chairperson of NALSA goes to the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court.
• Justice Nath is currently next in line after Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant.
• NALSA is tasked with ensuring free and competent legal services for marginalised and economically weaker citizens.
• Justice Nath is also in line to serve as the CJI for seven months.
• NALSA's constitutional mandate under Article 39A is to ensure that no individual is denied justice due to financial or social constraints.
• Before this appointment, Justice Nath served as Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC).
• Justice Vikram Nath was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2021.
• He previously served as chief justice of the Gujarat High Court.
• Justice Nath was part of the five-judge Constitution bench that delivered an opinion on the President’s Article 143 reference concerning delays in granting assent to state bills.
• This bench held that neither the Governors nor the President could be bound by judicially imposed timelines for granting assent.
• Justice Nath led the three-judge bench that modified directions concerning mass capture and non-release of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR.
• The larger bench directed all states and Union territories to remove stray dogs from schools, hospitals, sports complexes, bus depots, and railway stations, and said they cannot be released back after sterilization.
• Justice Nath’s bench sought the Union government’s response on whether individuals acquitted after years on death row are entitled to compensation for wrongful incarceration.
• He authored the judgment for the three-judge bench that acquitted Surendra Koli in the sole surviving Nithari killing case.
• The bench held that Koli's conviction could not be sustained when he had already been acquitted in other connected cases arising from the same set of facts and evidentiary material.
• Justice Nath, along with Justice Sandeep Mehta, issued comprehensive guidelines to address the mental health crisis among students, particularly in coaching hubs.

Headline: Hezbollah Commander Killed in Israeli Strike on Beirut

Bullet Points:

• Hezbollah has confirmed the death of its military commander Haytham Ali Tabatabai in an Israeli strike.
• The strike, which Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health says killed five people and wounded 28, targeted the Haret Hreik area in the southern suburbs of Lebanon’s capital, Beirut.
• Haytham Ali Tabatabai, also known as Sayyid Abu Ali, was Hezbollah’s chief of staff and was among those targeted and killed.
• Sunday’s attack was the first on Beirut’s southern suburbs in several months and the first without warning since last year’s ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was announced.
• Israeli media reported this was the third attempt on Tabatabai's life, with the two prior attempts occurring during last year’s war with Israel.
• United Nations experts have accused Israel of violating the United States-brokered ceasefire on a near-daily basis.
• Tabatabai was born in 1968 in Bashoura, Beirut, and reportedly joined Hezbollah in the 1980s, being part of the group since its founding in 1982.
• He held senior military positions, including leading Hezbollah’s Nabatieh axis from 1996 until 2000, the Khiam axis from 2000 until 2008, and was in command during the July 2006 war.
• Tabatabai participated in establishing Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force and was appointed as Hezbollah’s chief of staff after last year’s war.
• Hezbollah also confirmed the deaths of four other members: Qassem Hussein Berjawi, Rifaat Ahmad Hussein, Mostafa Asaad Berro and Ibrahim Ali Hussein.
• Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on the international community to intervene to stop Israeli attacks on his country after the strike.
• Israel stated it “remains committed to the understandings agreed upon between the State of Israel and Lebanon” and justified the strike by accusing Tabatabai of posing a threat to Israeli security.
• According to Axios, US officials were aware that an “escalation” was expected but were not informed of the details of this particular strike beforehand.
• Mahmoud Qmati, vice president of Hezbollah’s Political Council, said Israel’s strike had crossed a “red line” and the group’s leadership would now consider whether a response was warranted.

Headline: German actor Udo Kier dies aged 81

Bullet Points:

• German actor Udo Kier has died at the age of 81.
• His partner, artist Delbert McBride, announced that Kier died in hospital in Palm Springs, California, on Sunday morning.
• No cause of death was given.
• Kier starred in more than 250 films.
• His breakout role was in the 1970 horror film 'Mark of the Devil'.
• He played Baron von Frankenstein in 1973’s 'Flesh for Frankenstein' and Count Dracula in 1974’s 'Blood For Dracula'.
• He collaborated with directors including Paul Morrissey, Andy Warhol, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Lars Von Trier, Gus Van Sant, and Dario Argento.
• Notable films include 'Suspiria', 'My Own Private Idaho', 'Blade', 'Armageddon', and 'Melancholia'.
• His final film was 'The Secret Agent', which premiered at Cannes.
• Kier was born in Cologne, Germany, in 1944 in a hospital that was bombed shortly after his birth.

Headline: IMD Issues Orange, Yellow Alerts as Heavy Rain Batters TN, Puducherry

Bullet Points:

• Heavy rainfall is expected on Monday in several southern and delta districts in Tamil Nadu due to a low-pressure system that may intensify over the Bay of Bengal.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Monday.
• An orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.
• Southern and coastal districts like Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and nearby areas are under alerts.
• Some of these districts are seeing waterlogging, travel disruption, and deployment of State Disaster Response Force teams, especially in Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli.
• Chennai is likely to have cloudy skies with light to moderate rain and occasional thunderstorms and is under a lower-level (yellow) alert.
• Schools and in some cases colleges are closed on Monday in several southern and coastal districts due to heavy rains.
• Normal life was affected in Puducherry and Karaikal regions on Monday due to heavy rains and schools and colleges were declared holiday.

Headline: Dharmendra dies at 89: The ‘macho’ hero who broke boundaries, gave India both Sholay and Satyakam

Bullet Points:

• Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away in Mumbai from age-related ailments.
• The actor's last rites took place in the afternoon at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai’s Vile Parle.
• Dharmendra had worked in over 300 films over his storied career.
• He was hospitalised in October for a health check-up after complaining of breathlessness.
• Earlier this year, he underwent an eye graft surgery (corneal transplantation).
• Born Dharmendra Deol, he was born to a school teacher in the Sahnewal village of Ludhiana district, Punjab.
• He made his debut in Hindi films in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.
• Phool Aur Patthar marked his first action role and earned him the title of the ‘He-Man of Bollywood’.
• His role of Veeru in Sholay became his most famous.
• He balanced Sholay with Satyakam and is also remembered for his comic turn in Chupke Chupke.
• He was married to Prakash Kaur and later to Hema Malini, with whom he has two daughters, Esha and Ahana.
• He is survived by sons Sunny, Bobby, daughters Ajeeta, Vijayta, Esha and Ahana, along with his first wife Prakash Kaur and second wife Hema Malini.
• He set up his production house Vijayta Films in 1983 and launched his son Sunny Deol with Betaab.
• He won a National Award for the film Ghayal under the category Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
• In 2012, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan.
• He contested from Bikaner in Rajasthan during the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and served the constituency till 2009.

Headline: Bangladesh again asks India to extradite death-sentenced ex-PM Sheikh Hasina

Bullet Points:

• Bangladesh has again asked India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was recently sentenced to death in absentia over last year’s deadly crackdown against a student-led uprising.
• Touhid Hossain, who holds the foreign affairs portfolio in Bangladesh’s interim administration, said Dhaka had sent a letter two days ago urging New Delhi to hand over the fugitive ex-leader.
• A special International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka convicted Hasina of crimes against humanity and sentenced her to death.
• Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry stated that India has an 'obligatory responsibility' under a 2013 bilateral extradition treaty to facilitate Hasina’s return.
• India’s Foreign Ministry responded by saying it had 'noted' the Hasina verdict but has not commented on the prospects of her extradition.
• Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Alo reports Dhaka has made at least three extradition requests so far.
• Hasina, 78, has been in hiding in India since her autocratic rule was overthrown in a mass uprising in August 2024.
• Bangladesh will hold its first general elections since the protests in February, and Hasina’s party, the Awami League, is barred from any political activity.

Headline: India, Canada to resume trade pact talks

Bullet Points:

• India and Canada have agreed to formally resume talks on an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
• India aims to increase bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030, while Canada sets a target of $70 billion by the same year.
• In 2024, the India-Canada bilateral trade in goods and services was around $22.6 billion.
• The difference in trade targets reflects a bullish estimate of the Indian market’s potential by Canadian businesses.
• Canada and India launched talks 15 years ago for such a trade deal, but it was downgraded to a sectoral deal.
• India and Canada have been taking steady steps to mend a relationship that was in tatters for around two years.
• In late 2023, Ottawa suspended trade talks after allegations regarding the killing of a Canada-based Khalistan separatist, a charge India rejected.
• Both countries began rebuilding their relationship after the change of guard in Ottawa in March.
• Canadian Prime Minister Carney accepted Prime Minister Modi’s invitation to visit India in early 2026.
• Indian envoy Dinesh Patnaik stated that both countries need a relationship where they discuss how people can be safe on the streets.
• Patnaik also said India would take actions if evidence is presented in court that substantiates Canada’s allegations, adding India does not have evidence at this time.
• The leaders agreed to enhance diplomatic staffing levels following the return of high commissioners in August 2025.
• Prime Minister Carney welcomed the progress being made in the law enforcement dialogue between the two countries.
• Both sides reaffirmed their longstanding civil nuclear cooperation and noted ongoing discussions on expanding collaboration, including through long-term uranium supply arrangements.
• The two-way engagement assumes significance at a time when India-US ties have dipped over tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration, and Canada has also faced US tariffs.

Headline: Paul Costelloe, Irish-American fashion designer for Princess Diana, dies at 80

Bullet Points:

• Paul Costelloe has died at the age of 80 following a short illness, surrounded by his wife and seven children in London.
• He was appointed personal designer to Princess Diana in 1983, an association that continued until her death in 1997.
• Costelloe was born in Dublin in 1945, the son of a tailor who made raincoats in the city’s Rathmines district.
• He studied at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture fashion school in Paris and began his career as an assistant to designer Jacques Esterel.
• Costelloe later worked for Marks & Spencer in Milan, then for the luxury department store La Rinascente, and subsequently designed for the Anne Fogarty label in the United States.
• His fashion house, based in central London with a family-owned manufacturing site in Italy’s Ancona region, produces womenswear, menswear, bags and accessories.

Headline: Operation Crystal Fortress: Rs 262 crore meth empire busted in south Delhi mansion; sales manager, handler held

Bullet Points:

• The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Delhi Police’s special cell seized 329 kg of methamphetamine worth Rs 262 crore.
• The seizure occurred from a house in south Delhi’s Chattarpur on Nov 20.
• Two people were arrested in the joint exercise, codenamed Operation Crystal Fortress.
• The operation targeted a transnational drug network linked to a foreign-based kingpin.
• The kingpin is also wanted in last year’s seizure of 83 kg cocaine in Delhi.
• Union home minister Amit Shah called the operation “a brilliant example of seamless multi-agency coordination to achieve PM Modi’s vision for a drug-free India”.
• The breakthrough followed months of surveillance and technical intercepts, exposing a cartel using multiple couriers, safe houses and layered handlers, with Delhi as a key hub.
• One arrested suspect, Shane Waris (25) from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, was picked up from Noida’s Sector 5 on Nov 20.
• Waris, employed as a sales manager, allegedly operated under instructions from his handler, using fake SIM cards and encrypted apps.
• Waris admitted his role and provided leads, identifying Esther Kinimi from Nagaland.
• Esther Kinimi recently managed one narcotic consignment transported through a rider of a logistics platform.
• NCB personnel raided Kinimi’s Chattarpur Enclave Phase 2 residence the same day, recovering the consignment and arresting her with assistance from Nagaland Police.
• Preliminary findings suggest the syndicate was part of a larger cartel, functioning under foreign operators.
• Authorities are working with international enforcement agencies to trace and secure the deportation of the kingpin.
• This seizure is among the largest of methamphetamine in Delhi, with efforts underway to dismantle the entire network.

Headline: Malaysia plans social media ban for users under 16 starting next year

Bullet Points:

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for users under the age of 16 starting next year.
• Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated the government is reviewing mechanisms used to impose age restrictions for social media use in Australia and other nations.
• The government hopes social media platforms will comply with the decision to bar those under the age of 16 from opening user accounts by next year.
• The ban aims to protect young people from online harms such as cyberbullying, financial scams, and child sexual abuse.
• The effects of social media on children’s health and safety have become a growing global concern.
• Companies including TikTok, Snapchat, Google, and Meta Platforms are facing lawsuits in the United States over their role in fueling a mental health crisis.
• In Australia, social media platforms are poised to deactivate accounts registered to users under 16 next month.
• France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece are jointly testing a template for an age verification app.
• Indonesia initially planned to set a minimum age for social media users but later required tech platforms to filter negative content and impose stronger age verification measures.
• Malaysia has put social media companies under greater scrutiny due to a claimed rise in harmful content, including online gambling and posts related to race, religion, and royalty.
• Platforms and messaging services with more than 8 million users in Malaysia are now required to obtain a license under a new regulation that came into effect in January.

Headline: Justice Surya Kant, who gave landmark rulings on Article 370 and corruption, takes oath as Chief Justice of India

Bullet Points:

• Justice Surya Kant took oath as India's 53rd Chief Justice at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, succeeding Justice B R Gavai.
• He is known for landmark rulings on issues such as Article 370, gender equality, free speech, and corruption.
• Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Kant began his journey in law as a small-town lawyer.
• His tenure as Chief Justice of India is expected to last nearly 15 months until his retirement on February 9, 2027.
• Justice Kant studied law in Haryana and secured the first rank in his Master’s program at Kurukshetra University.
• His career included arguing cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, elevation as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, and later to the Supreme Court in 2019.
• His name was officially recommended by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai.
• Justice Kant has a reputation for balancing legal principles with real-world concerns and has shown interest in issues affecting people directly.
• In the landmark Pegasus spyware case, he noted that citing national security cannot prevent legitimate questions from being asked in court.
• He has stated that “freedom of speech is not a licence to flout societal norms.”
• Justice Kant is seen as a judge who combines firmness with empathy and has repeatedly underlined that corruption is a “serious societal threat.”
• He ordered a CBI investigation into 28 cases involving alleged fraud that impacted homebuyers.
• He granted bail to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case, stressing the need for investigative agencies to shed the image of being a “caged parrot.”
• His judgments have tried to strike a balance between national interest and citizens’ rights, as seen in the Char Dham highway case.
• He was part of the seven-judge bench that reopened the Aligarh Muslim University minority status issue.
• Since joining the Supreme Court, Justice Kant has contributed to over 300 benches.
• He faces the challenge of guiding the judiciary amid nearly 90,000 pending cases.
• Landmark judgments include upholding the Centre’s decision to remove Jammu and Kashmir’s special status (Article 370) and putting the colonial-era sedition law in abeyance.
• He was part of the bench that examined allegations of unlawful surveillance through Pegasus and ordered the formation of an independent committee of cyber experts.
• He nudged the Election Commission to disclose details of 65 lakh voters excluded from the draft list in the Bihar Electoral Roll Review.
• He was part of the presidential reference examining the powers of Governors and the President in clearing or withholding state bills.
• He reinstated a woman sarpanch who had been unlawfully removed, calling out gender bias.
• Justice Kant directed that one-third of seats in bar associations, including the Supreme Court Bar Association, must be reserved for women.
• He was part of the bench that appointed a five-member committee to investigate the security lapse during the Prime Minister’s Punjab visit.
• He upheld the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme for the defence forces, calling it constitutionally valid.
• He continues to hear petitions by women officers seeking parity in permanent commission.

Headline: Labour codes: What changes for workers and employers

Bullet Points:

• Effective November 21, the four labour codes replace 29 central labour laws.
• The codes aim to ease regulations and compliance norms for employers and ensure uniformity in wage structure and social security protection for workers.
• They are seen as beneficial for domestic manufacturing with easier compliances, decriminalisation of offences, and incentives for economies of scale.
• Trade unions have flagged changes related to hire and fire, retrenchment, fixed-term employment, and curtailment of the right to strike.
• The Code on Wages amalgamates four wages and payment related labour laws, defining wage, employee, and minimum wage to cover all employees irrespective of industry, sector, wage or gender.
• A National Floor Wage will now be the baseline wage, to be followed by all states.
• Wage includes basic pay, dearness allowance, and retaining allowance, forming the basis for calculation of benefits and social security contributions, with deductions not exceeding 50 per cent of total pay.
• Overtime wage is fixed at at least twice the normal wage for any work beyond normal working hours.
• Working hours will be between 8-12 hours/day, not exceeding 48 hours a week, with flexibility for less than six working days where hours shall not exceed 12 hours in a day including rest.
• Time limits are set for wage payments, including within 7 days of the next month for monthly payments and within 2 days for resignation or termination.
• Employers must issue electronic or physical wage slips to employees on or before payment of wages.
• The Code on Social Security merges nine existing social security laws to cover both organised and unorganised sectors, legally defining gig and platform workers for the first time.
• National registration and a social security fund for unorganised and gig workers is stipulated.
• Aggregators for gig workers are to contribute 1-2 per cent of annual turnover for social security, capped at 5 per cent of the amount payable by the aggregator to gig workers.
• Fixed-term employees will be at par with permanent workers and eligible for gratuity after 1 year of continuous service.
• EPFO coverage extends to all establishments having 20 or more employees, and ESIC coverage is pan-India, mandatory even if a single person is engaged in hazardous occupation.
• The Industrial Relations Code merges three industrial laws and defines a worker to include sales promotion employees, working journalists, and those employed in supervisory capacity drawing wages less than Rs 18,000.
• It introduces fixed-term employment to facilitate hiring for shorter tenures, which trade unions have objected to.
• The threshold for seeking prior government approval for layoff, retrenchment and closure in factories, mines and plantations is hiked to 300 workers from 100.
• Conditions for a legal strike are extended to all industrial establishments, requiring notice within 60 days before striking or within 14 days of giving such notice.
• The definition of strike has been amended to include mass casual leave by more than 50 per cent of the workers on a given day.
• It introduces a ‘negotiating union or council’, where a trade union with 51 per cent membership of workers will be the ‘sole negotiating union’.
• The OSH Code merges 13 central labour laws, aiming to streamline compliances via single registration, common licences and electronic filings.
• The threshold for obtaining a factory licence is increased from 10 workers to 20 for manufacturing aided with power; from 20 to 40 for units without power.
• Contract labour norms apply on contractors employing 50 workers, versus 20 workers earlier, and employers are given flexibility to employ contract labour even in core activities, subject to conditions.
• It permits women to work in night shifts, before 6 am and beyond 7 pm, subject to their consent and provisions for safety.
• Mandatory appointment letters are to be issued by employers to every employee.
• Every employer is required to provide annual health examinations or tests free of cost to employees.
• Safety committees will need to be constituted in factories employing 500 or more workers, employers employing 250 or more construction workers, and employers employing 100 or more mine workers.

Headline: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announces major digital upgrades to strengthen food storage, logistics

Bullet Points:

• Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, launched digital initiatives aimed at modernizing warehousing operations, improving supply chain efficiency and enhancing transparency across the Public Distribution System (PDS).
• The initiatives support the government's mission of reducing logistics costs and minimizing turnover time, a key national priority outlined by the Prime Minister.
• The PM Gati Shakti programme has synchronized different modes of transportation and laid the foundation for an integrated logistics ecosystem.
• Digital platforms like Bhandaran 360 will further strengthen supply chain efficiency nationwide and technology would enhance transparency in service delivery.
• Improved coordination between stakeholders under the Department of Food and Public Distribution, supported by AI-enabled systems, will ensure that subsidized food grains reach the poorest households with greater accuracy, speed and dignity.
• Central Warehousing Corporation's new ERP platform, 'Bhandaran 360', built on SAP S/4HANA, integrates 41 modules covering HR, finance, marketing, warehouse management, contract management, project monitoring and other core functions.
• The system is linked with 35 external systems, including ICEGATE, port systems, FCI, NAFED, NCCF and WDRA, enabling seamless digital connectivity across the food storage and movement ecosystem.

Headline: India hosts 7th CSC NSA meeting, strengthens regional security ties

Bullet Points:

• India hosted the Seventh National Security Adviser-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC).
• Top security officials attended from Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, with Seychelles as Observer and Malaysia as first-time Guest.
• NSA Ajit Doval chaired the Conclave in the National capital.
• The meeting reviewed regional security cooperation and agreed to deepen collaboration across five core pillars.
• Seychelles' decision to accede as a full member was welcomed.
• The CSC formally adopted its founding documents in Sri Lanka in August 2024.
• India’s appointed first Secretary General presented a detailed review of progress since the 6th NSA-level meeting held in Mauritius in December 2023.
• Activities were reported under the five pillars: Maritime Safety and Security; Countering Terrorism and Radicalisation; Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organised Crime; Cyber Security and Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology; and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
• Countries discussed expanding training, capacity building and joint initiatives under each pillar.
• Delegations were led by Maldives' NSA Ibrahim Latheef, Mauritius' NSA Rahul Rasgotra, Sri Lanka's Defence Ministry Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha, and Bangladesh's NSA Dr Khalil-ur-Rehman.
• Seychelles was represented by Major General Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces.
• Malaysia was represented by Badrul Shah Mohd Idris, Deputy Director General of its National Security Council.

Headline: COP30 UN Climate Conference – Key Take-aways from Belém, Brazil

Bullet Points:

• COP30 took place in Belém, Brazil, from 10–21 November 2025.
• Countries agreed on a sweeping package to scale up climate finance and accelerate implementation of the Paris Agreement.
• The final text did not include a clear commitment to move away from fossil fuels.
• Talks were suspended on Thursday after a fire broke out in the venue, triggering evacuations.
• UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva both stressed that ‘the world is watching’ and urged compromise.
• Guterres told youth participants that phasing out fossil fuels is a ‘decisive battle’ and called for youth power to achieve it.
• Negotiators face tense divisions over fossil fuels and climate finance as the summit heads past its scheduled close.
• Barcarena’s Maria Naura Gouvêa Municipal School, fitted with flood-resistant walls and solar power, is highlighted as a model of local climate adaptation.
• Women’s groups at COP30 emphasized that ‘there is no climate justice without gender equality.’
• Indigenous peoples marched in Belém with the message ‘The Answer is Us’ demanding greater recognition.

Headline: Hub71, UAE-India CEPA Council sign pact to boost cross-border startup expansion

Bullet Points:

• Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, has entered into a strategic partnership with the UAE-India CEPA Council.
• The agreement was signed on November 21 on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Mumbai.
• Hub71 will onboard the five winning startups selected through the Series into the Hub71 Immersion Programme.
• From the five winning startups, Hub71 will select one startup to be onboarded into the Access programme.
• The UAE-India Startup Series has already received more than 10,000 applications from across India.

Headline: S&P retains India growth projection at 6.5 per cent for this fiscal

Bullet Points:

• S&P Global Ratings kept its projection for India’s economic expansion at 6.5 per cent in the current fiscal year.
• S&P Global Ratings forecast India’s GDP will grow by 6.7 per cent in fiscal 2027.
• Recent tax cuts and monetary policy easing are set to support consumption-led growth in India.
• India’s real gross domestic product grew 7.8 per cent in the April to June quarter of the current fiscal year.
• A poll by ET of 12 economists shows expectations that India’s economic growth likely quickened to 7.3 per cent in the second quarter.
• The RBI has pegged growth for the September quarter at 7 per cent.
• The Reserve Bank of India has projected growth of 6.8 per cent in the current fiscal.
• If India can secure a trade agreement with the United States, it would reduce uncertainty and lift confidence.
• Lowered goods and service tax (GST) rates will support middle-class consumption and complement income tax cuts and interest rate reductions.
• The Government in the Budget for 2025-26 raised the income tax rebate threshold to ₹12 lakh from ₹7 lakh.
• The RBI in June cut its key policy rate by 50 basis points to 5.5 per cent.
• GST rates on about 375 items were reduced from September 22.
• The higher effective US tariff on India is weighing on export-oriented manufacturing.
• The US’s new approach to trade policy is causing governments and firms to spend time and money on negotiating for exemptions.

Headline: LG, Amazon ink Wi-Fi patent licensing agreement

Bullet Points:

• LG Electronics said it signed a patent licensing deal with Amazon for the use of its Wi-Fi standard-essential patents.
• The agreement gives Amazon permission to use LG's Wi-Fi technologies in several of its connected products, including Alexa speakers, Fire TV Stick devices and Fire tablets.
• The report says the deal shows LG's continued influence in the field of Wi-Fi standards.
• LG is also holding talks with other global companies that use Wi-Fi technologies.
• The company plans to expand its patent strength in future areas such as 6G communication, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and vehicle-to-everything connectivity.
• Cho Hwi-jae, executive vice president and head of LG Electronics' intellectual property center, said: "This agreement proves the global recognition of LG's Wi-Fi standard-essential patent capabilities."

Headline: Chennai Port Authority chairperson Sunil Paliwal made IWAI Chairman

Bullet Points:

• Sunil Paliwal, Chairperson of Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Ltd, has been appointed as chairman of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
• He will hold the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India.
• The post of IWAI chairman has been temporarily upgraded to Secretary level for this appointment.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Personnel and Training issued the notification for his appointment.
• Paliwal succeeds Vijay Kumar at IWAI.
• Vijay Kumar was recently made Shipping Secretary.
• Vijay Kumar replaced TK Ramachandran, who retired, as Shipping Secretary.
• Paliwal previously held crucial portfolios in the Tamil Nadu government, including Managing Director of Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board; Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Road Development Company Limited; and Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation.

Headline: Navy commissions ‘silent hunter’ INS Mahe; Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi says armed forces’ strength lies in synergy

Bullet Points:

• The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahe, its first indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC).
• INS Mahe was commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai with over 80 per cent indigenous parts after two years of rigorous sea trials.
• Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi was the chief guest, marking the first time an Army Chief attended a naval commissioning ceremony.
• General Dwivedi stated that the induction of INS Mahe reflects the nation’s growing ability to design, construct, and deploy complex warships using indigenous technology.
• General Dwivedi emphasized that the strength of armed forces lies in synergy, quoting Helen Keller: "Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much."
• He highlighted that the sea, land, and the skies form a single continuum of national security, and together, the Army-Navy and Air Force form the trinity of India’s strategic strength.
• INS Mahe is the first of the Mahe-class ASW-SWCs, described as sleek, swift, and resolutely Indian.
• INS Mahe will operate as a “silent hunter” on the western seaboard, dedicated to safeguarding India’s maritime frontiers.
• The ship’s construction began at the Cochin Shipyard, with the steel-cutting ceremony held in December 2020, keel laying on August 30, 2022, launch in November 2023, first sea sortie in May this year, and handover to the Navy on October 23.
• The ship is named after Mahe, a serene coastal enclave on the Malabar coast that forms part of the Union Territory of Puducherry.
• An earlier Soviet-built coastal minesweeper, also named INS Mahe, entered service in 1983 and was decommissioned in 2006 after 23 years of service.