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Saturday, Nov 29

Daily Current Affairs: 29 November 2025

Your consolidated report for 29 November 2025

Headline: President of India inaugurates third edition of Indian Army seminar Chanakya Defence Dialogue-2025 in New Delhi

Bullet Points:

  • The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the inaugural session of the third edition of the Indian Army’s Seminar, ‘Chanakya Defence Dialogue-2025’, in New Delhi.
  • The recent success of Operation Sindoor stands as a defining moment in our counter-terror and deterrence strategy.
  • Our diplomacy, economy and armed forces together project an India that seeks peace, but is prepared to protect its borders and its citizens with strength and conviction.
  • The Army is transforming itself through quantifiable deliverables under the Decade of Transformation.
  • The President expressed confidence that these defence reforms will help in making India self-reliant.

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PM Modi inaugurates 16th Combined Commanders Conference at Eastern Command HQ in Kolkata (Mid of September) ▼
  • PM Narendra Modi inaugurates 16th armed forces' conference at Eastern Command HQ in Kolkata.
  • The conference is the 16th Combined Commanders Conference (CCC) 2025.
  • PM Modi instructed the Defence Ministry to swiftly implement concrete steps to achieve greater Jointness, Atmanirbharta and Innovation to meet future challenges and requirements of an evolving battlefield.
  • The high-level conference is being attended by defence minister Rajnath Singh, national security advisor Ajit Doval, chief of defence staff General Anil Chauhan and Defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, chief of three forces –– Army, Navy and Air Force –– Lt Gen RC Tiwari, Eastern Army Commander, among others.
  • Held once in two years, CCC-2025 is the apex-level brainstorming forum of the armed forces.
  • The conference will conduct a holistic review of various structural, administrative and operational matters based on feedback from across the forces and preparedness of the armed forces in the face of increasing global uncertainties.
India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attends ADMM-Plus in Kuala Lumpur, emphasizes open Indo-Pacific (Start of November) ▼
  • The event attended by India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting - Plus (ADMM-Plus).
  • The meeting took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the Indo-Pacific should remain open, inclusive and free from coercion.
  • ADMM-Plus is a platform for ASEAN and its eight dialogue partners: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the US.
  • India has co-chaired Expert Working Groups within ADMM-Plus on Humanitarian Mine Action with Vietnam (2014-2017), Military Medicine with Myanmar (2017-2020), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief with Indonesia (2020-2024), and currently on Counter-Terrorism with Malaysia (2024–2027 cycle).
  • The ASEAN-India partnership was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.
India hosts 60th All India DGP–IGP Conference in Chhattisgarh from November 28 to 30 (End of November) ▼
  • The 60th All India DGP–IGP Conference will be hosted at the IIM campus in Naya Raipur from November 28 to 30.
  • The high-level internal security meet will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
  • The core discussions remain policing modernisation, national security challenges, counter-terror strategies, community policing, forensic strengthening and action-taken reports from all states.
  • Dedicated sessions on security relations with China, Pakistan, radicalisation, and Left-Wing Extremism will also take place.
  • An advance team of the Special Protection Group (SPG) arrived in Raipur to take charge of ground-level security planning.
  • The IIM premises has been brought under 24x7 surveillance by IB and security agencies.
  • The conference belongs to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • This is the first time Chhattisgarh is hosting the national security DGP/ IGP conference.
India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise 'MITRA SHAKTI-2025' Begins in Belagavi (Mid of November) ▼
  • Eleventh edition of Joint Military exercise “Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2025”
  • between India and Sri Lanka
  • commenced on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka.
  • The exercise will be held till November 23.
  • The Indian contingent of 170 personnel is represented mainly by troops from the Rajput Regiment, while the Sri Lankan contingent of 135 personnel comprises troops primarily from the Gajaba Regiment.
  • The aim of the exercise is to jointly rehearse the conduct of sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate, with a focus on enhancing interoperability in counter-terrorist operations.
  • The exercise integrates the employment of drones, counter-unmanned aerial systems and helicopters.

Headline: K Vaikunth honoured with commemorative stamp unveiled by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant

Bullet Points:

  • Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant unveiled a commemorative postage stamp honouring cinematographer K Vaikunth at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 in Panaji.
  • The stamp release event was attended by Vaikunth's son Amit Kunkalekar and officials of the Indian Post department.
  • Vaikunth, a native of Margao, Goa, was credited with shaping the visual language of classical Hindi cinema through films like 'Seeta aur Geeta' and 'Aandhi' with directors Gulzar and Ramesh Sippy.

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IIT Kharagpur Platinum Jubilee Commemorative Postage Stamp Unveiled (End of November) ▼
  • India Post issued a special postage stamp to mark IIT Kharagpur's platinum jubilee celebrations.
  • The stamp release was conducted simultaneously across 1,64,987 post offices nationwide.
  • IIT Kharagpur, established in 1951, is India's first Indian Institute of Technology.
Manohar Lal releases ₹50 commemorative coin to mark NHPC’s 50 years (Start of November) ▼
  • Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, released the ₹50 commemorative coin in New Delhi.
  • The coin release recognises NHPC’s contribution to India’s energy self-reliance.
  • He also released a comic book titled 'Chhota Bheem aur Bada Bandh' to popularise hydropower awareness.
NHPC's Golden Jubilee Marked with ₹50 Commemorative Coin Release (Start of November) ▼
  • NHPC completes 50 years of its establishment on November 7, 2025.
  • Union minister of power, housing and urban affairs Manohar Lal released a ₹50 commemorative coin to mark 50 years of NHPC Limited.
  • The release of the commemorative coin is a recognition of NHPC’s contribution to India’s energy self-reliance.
Bhupen Hazarika birth centenary begins; PM Modi to unveil ₹100 commemorative coin in Guwahati (Start of September) ▼
  • Bhupen Hazarika, Bharat Ratna and music legend, is being honoured through year-long birth centenary celebrations launched across Assam.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil a commemorative ₹100 coin issued by RBI at a special event in Guwahati on September 13.
  • A museum dedicated to Hazarika’s life will be inaugurated at the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra campus in Guwahati.

Headline: CBDT launches 2nd NUDGE initiative on foreign assets

Bullet Points:

  • The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) formally launched the second NUDGE initiative, expanding its data-driven and non-intrusive reporting campaign focused on offshore asset disclosures.
  • The Income Tax Department will target around 25,000 high-risk cases in the first phase of the new drive.
  • Taxpayers will receive SMS and email nudges advising them to revisit and revise returns by December 31, 2025 to avoid penal consequences.

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Miscellaneous Static GK: Pink Tax, Reports, and Regulatory Bodies (Mid of September) ▼
  • Pink tax is neither a real tax, nor is it a government-imposed fee.
  • The term “Pink Tax” is believed to have originated in the U.S. in California in 1994.
  • In 2017, the United Nations urged its member states to put an end to this gender-based price discrimination and to help women gain equal access to economic participation.
  • International Finance Students Association’s (IFSA) research ‘The Gender Tax: Assessing the Economic Toll on Women,’
  • In July 2018, the Union Government exempted sanitary napkins and tampons from the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
  • the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ruled that companies must follow fair pricing policies and avoid gender-based price discrimination.
National Consumer Helpline (INGRAM) Adds Dedicated GST Grievance Category (End of September) ▼
  • The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has activated a dedicated category on the INGRAM portal to handle consumer queries and complaints related to GST.
  • The helpline will share data and insights from consumer complaints with concerned companies, CBIC and other authorities to enable timely action under relevant laws.
  • Consumers can lodge complaints in 17 languages via toll-free number 1915 or through multiple modes including WhatsApp, SMS, email, NCH app, web portal and Umang app.
GST collections rise 4.6% to Rs 1.96 lakh crore in October despite tax cuts (Start of November) ▼
  • GST collection rose 4.6% in October to Rs 1.96 lakh crore compared to Rs 1.97 lakh crore in October 2024.
  • After deducting refunds, the government's net tax collections stood at Rs 1.69 lakh crore, 0.6% more than in October 2024.
  • Out of the total gross collection, CGST amounted to Rs 36,547 crore, SGST to Rs 45,134 crore, IGST to Rs 1,06,443 crore, and cess to Rs 7,812 crore.
  • In the April-October period of FY26, GST collections rose 9.0% to about Rs 13.89 lakh crore versus Rs 12.74 lakh crore in the same period last fiscal.
  • Gross GST revenue rose 12.84% yoy in October amounting to Rs 50,884 crore, while domestic revenue increased by only 2% at Rs 1.45 lakh crore.
  • Net GST revenue from domestic transactions stayed flat at Rs 1.31 lakh crore after refunds, while net customs revenue increased by 2.5% to Rs 37,210 crore.
  • Under GST 2.0 effective from September 22, the Ministry of Finance reduced the multi-layered tax structure to effectively two broad slabs of 5% and 18%, plus a special 40% rate for select items.
India’s Net Direct Tax Collection Rises 7% to ₹12.92 Trillion in Apr-Nov 2025 (Mid of November) ▼
  • Net direct tax collection grew 7% year-on-year to ₹12.92 trillion between April 1 and November 10.
  • Refund issuances declined by 18% to ₹2.42 trillion during the same period.
  • Net corporate tax collections stood at ₹5.37 trillion, up from ₹5.08 trillion in the corresponding period of FY 2024-25.
  • Non-corporate tax receipts, including personal income tax, rose to ₹7.19 trillion from ₹6.62 trillion a year ago.
  • Gross direct tax collections before refunds amounted to ₹15.35 trillion, reflecting a 2.15% increase from the previous year.
  • The government has set a target of ₹25.20 trillion in direct tax collections for FY 2025-26, representing a 12.7% increase over the previous year.

Headline: India and United States sign Rs 7,995 crore agreement for Indian Navy’s MH-60R helicopter fleet sustainment support

Bullet Points:

  • India signed Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) with the United States for sustainment support of Indian Navy’s MH-60R helicopters for five years at an approximate value of Rs 7,995 crore.
  • The LOAs were inked under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme of the United States in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.
  • Sustainment support includes provisioning of spares, support equipment, product support, training, technical support, repair & replenishment of components and setting up of ‘Intermediate’ level component repairs & Periodic Maintenance Inspection facilities in India.
  • Indigenous development of these facilities aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, ensuring long-term capability build-up and reduced dependence on the US Government.
  • The support will enhance operational availability and maintainability of all-weather capable MH-60R helicopters, which also have Anti-Submarine Warfare capability.

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Navy commissions ‘silent hunter’ INS Mahe; Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi says armed forces’ strength lies in synergy (End of November) ▼
  • 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.
Indian Navy Launches Third Diving Support Craft DSC A 22 Under Make in India (Mid of September) ▼
  • The Indian Navy launched ‘DSC A 22’, the third vessel in a series of five Diving Support Craft (DSC).
  • The vessels are being built under contract with M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL), Kolkata, with the contract formalized on 12 February 2021 between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and TRSL.
  • Each ship has a displacement of approximately 380 tons, features a catamaran hull, and is specifically designed to conduct professional diving operations in coastal waters, including underwater inspections, search-and-rescue operations, salvage tasks, and underwater repairs.
  • All five vessels are indigenously designed and constructed, adhering to the stringent Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), aligning with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
  • The hydrodynamic analysis and model testing for the ships were carried out by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam.
SDHI Inks ₹4,250 Crore MoU with Gujarat Maritime Board to Boost Shipbuilding Sector (End of September) ▼
  • Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) to advance the country’s shipbuilding sector.
  • Under the agreement, SDHI will invest ₹4,250 crore across three projects at its Pipavav Port shipyard in Gujarat.
  • Of the total investment, ₹3,500 crore will be used to expand shipyard capacity, including slipways, jetties, additional cranes, block fabrication, and dredging.
  • A ₹200 crore Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Maritime will be established to train over 1,000 youth annually.
  • SDHI will also develop a 200-acre Maritime Cluster at the shipyard with an investment of ₹550 crore.
  • SDHI has also inked another MoU with Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) to explore shipbuilding projects, ship repairs and ancillary maritime infrastructure for support under Maritime focused Equity Fund.
  • The partnership with SMFCL will include feasibility studies, implementation of sustainable shipbuilding technologies, localisation of supply chains, and vendor development, and establish a financing framework covering capital structure, equity, debt, and credit enhancements.
  • The strategic collaborations align with India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and Maritime India Vision 2030, supporting the government’s objectives under PM Gati Shakti.
India and Vietnam Sign Agreements to Expand Defence Cooperation (Mid of November) ▼
  • India and Vietnam inked a pact to set up a framework for submarine search, rescue and support mechanism in case of any eventualities.
  • The two sides also signed a letter of intent LoI to strengthen bilateral defence industry collaboration.
  • The documents were signed after the two sides held the 15th edition of India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue DPD in Hanoi.
  • A Memorandum of Agreement MoA was signed for 'mutual submarine search, rescue support and cooperation'.
  • The letter of intent on strengthening defence industry cooperation aims to promote transfer of technology, prioritise core-technology domains and to undertake joint cooperation in research.

Headline: World Heritage Week observed from November 19 to 25

Bullet Points:

  • World Heritage Week is celebrated each year from November 19 to 25.
  • Alexander Cunningham became the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1871.
  • Sirpur was first discovered in 1882 by Alexander Cunningham.
  • The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Sirpur Special Area Development Authority (SADA) conducted a joint inspection of the Sirpur archaeological site to advance its nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage status.

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GI-tagged Sirarakhong chilli festival returns to Ukhrul from Sept 16 with 500 growers (Mid of September) ▼
  • The 14th Sirarakhong Hathei (Chilli) Festival will be held from September 16 to 18 at Sirarakhong village in Ukhrul district.
  • Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla will be the chief guest of the inaugural function.
  • Around 500 chilli growers will attend the inaugural function under the theme ‘A Heritage of Blessing’.
  • The festival promotes the Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Sirarakhong chilli variety.
  • Sirarakhong Hathei acquired the GI tag in September 2021.
  • The festival was first held in 2010.
  • The festival was postponed from August to September due to extension of the ripening period following continuous rainfall.
Udaipur conferred Ramsar Wetland City accreditation for urban wetland conservation (Mid of September) ▼
  • Udaipur received the Wetland City accreditation under the Ramsar Convention during the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards and Wetland Cities Recognition Ceremony 2025 organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
  • Union minister Bhupender Yadav presented the certificate, acknowledging the city's efforts in protecting and managing urban wetlands.
  • The Ramsar Wetland City accreditation is awarded to urban centres demonstrating exemplary initiatives in safeguarding wetlands, ensuring biodiversity conservation, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
  • Udaipur qualified due to its long-standing conservation measures, community engagement in lake protection, and integration of wetland management into urban planning.
  • Yadav described wetlands as the 'kidneys of the environment', highlighting their role in flood control, pollution absorption, and cultural identity.
Khangchendzonga National Park earns IUCN "Good" rating as India’s only positive-status natural World Heritage site (Start of November) ▼
  • IUCN rated Khangchendzonga National Park as "good" in its latest global review of natural World Heritage sites
  • The park is India’s first "mixed" UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised in 2016 for both natural and cultural value
  • The park covers 1,784 square kilometres and ranges from subtropical forests to Mount Khangchendzonga at 8,586 metres
  • It contains 280 glaciers, more than 70 glacial lakes, and wildlife including snow leopards, red pandas, and over 550 bird species
  • The larger Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve links core protected areas with buffer zones where villagers practice sustainable farming and harvesting
India's Tentative World Heritage List Expands with 7 New Sites (Mid of September) ▼
  • Seven new properties have been added to the Tentative List of UNESCO's World Heritage for India.
  • With these additions, the number of Indian properties on the Tentative List are now 69.
  • The 69 properties on the Tentative List include 49 under Cultural category, three under Mixed category and 17 under Natural category.
  • The seven new properties added are under the natural category.
  • Addition to the Tentative List is a mandatory requirement before the inscription of any property on the World Heritage List.

Headline: Azerbaijan hosts World Telecommunication Development Conference WTDC25 in Baku

Bullet Points:

  • Azerbaijan hosted the World Telecommunication Development Conference WTDC25, bringing together ITU members, ministers and global digital leaders to advance inclusive connectivity.
  • Delegates highlighted cybersecurity, data protection, and the need for ethical deployment of emerging technologies.
  • Discussions focused on bridging rural-urban gaps, reducing connectivity costs, and supporting developing nations.
  • With more than 2,500 participants, the event marked a record for ITU development conferences and positioned Azerbaijan as a key digital collaborator.
  • Leaders agreed that affordability, sustainability and global cooperation are essential to narrowing the digital divide.

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TEC and IIT Bombay sign MoU to advance 6G, AI-driven telecom networks and satellite communications (Start of November) ▼
  • MoU signed between Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) and IIT Bombay for joint studies and technical contributions in telecom technologies and global standardisation.
  • Focus areas include 6G architecture research, AI-driven telecom applications, core network studies, satellite communication systems, and signalling protocols.
  • Partnership aims to develop India-specific standards and test frameworks and enhance India’s participation in ITU-T and 3GPP forums.
  • Collaboration targets indigenous design of low-cost satellite communication terminals for remote sensing and rural connectivity.
  • MoU signed on 7 November 2025 by Shri Amit Kumar Srivastava, DDG (Mobile Technologies), TEC and Prof. Sachin Patwardhan, Dean (R&D), IIT Bombay.
C-DOT and NAM InfoCom Partner for Indigenous Mission Critical Communication System (MCX) Solution Development (Mid of November) ▼
  • The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) signed an Agreement with M/s NAM InfoCom Private Limited for Joint Development of Mission Critical Communication System (MCX) Solution.
  • The partnership aims to strengthen India’s indigenous communication infrastructure for public safety and emergency response and enhance India’s self-reliance in mission-critical communications.
  • The MCX system has been developed in line with 3GPP standards to support Mission Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT), Mission Critical Data (MCData), and Mission Critical Video (MCVideo) services.
  • This solution will provide secure, reliable, high-quality, low latency, real-time audio/video communication tailored to work around existing 4G and 5G mobile networks.
  • The MCX solution will be useful for Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) communications and help disaster management agencies, Law and Order enforcement agencies for efficient operations.
  • M/s NAM InfoCom is developing the MC Video solution and will bring experience in system integration, deployment, and customization, while C-DOT will provide its expertise in telecom R&D and system design.
  • The project is fully funded under C-DOT Collaborative Research Programme (CCRP).
  • The proposed MC Video solution offers multi-stream capabilities, a recording feature, and scalability to support multiple simultaneous group/one-to-one video calls, designed for low latency, low bandwidth, and minimal storage requirements.
India Gets First 8 Official Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies Under TRAI’s New System (Start of September) ▼
  • TRAI approved 8 companies as Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies under the 'Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024'.
  • The registration was granted on August 27, 2025, and is valid for five years, starting from 27 August 2025.
  • All agencies must follow the guidelines mentioned in TRAI’s 'Manual for Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity' released on August 13, 2025.
  • The approved Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies include M/s Ardom Towergen Private Limited, M/s Crest Digitel Private Limited, M/s CTL Infocom Private Limited, M/s ESTEX Telecom Private Limited, M/s Frog Cellsat Limited, M/s Phistream Consulting Private Limited, M/s Shaurrya Teleservices Private Limited, and M/s TUV SUD South Asia Private Limited.
DoP-BSNL MoU for SIM Sales & Recharge via Post Offices (Mid of September) ▼
  • MoU signed between Department of Posts (DoP) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on 17 September 2025.
  • Objective: Expand BSNL mobile connectivity reach across India by leveraging India Post’s 1.65 lakh post offices as Points of Sale for SIM sale and mobile recharge services.
  • Key Feature: Post offices will act as PoS; BSNL provides SIM stock and training, DoP onboards customers and facilitates secure transactions.
  • Implementing Agencies: DoP (Citizen Centric Services & RB) and BSNL (Sales and Marketing-Consumer Mobility).
  • Duration: Agreement effective for one year from 17.09.2025, renewable thereafter.

Headline: Indian Air Force Western Air Command Commanders' Conference Concludes on November 28

Bullet Points:

  • Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan has told a gathering of IAF commanders the need for continuous adaptation, tactical innovation and strategic foresight in the evolving security environment.
  • He said this in his address at the two-day Commanders' Conference of the Western Air Command (WAC) of the Indian Air Force which ended on November 28.
  • The theme of the event was ' Vikashil Saksham Bharatiya Vayu Sena '.
  • IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh in his address called upon all air warriors to uphold the core value of mission, integrity and excellence, as he also reaffirmed the force's commitment to national security.
  • Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the government of India, also spoke at the Western Air Command Commanders' Conference 2025.
  • He emphasised that a self-reliant and technologically advanced Indian Air Force remains essential for protecting India's sovereign interests.
  • K Rajalakshmi Menon, Director General (Aero), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), gave a talk on Future Technologies in Airborne surveillance System, and underscored the rising importance of autonomous aerial systems, long endurance platforms and space-enabled ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance).
  • Discussions and brainstorming were also undertaken towards embracing 'Atmanirbharta' in all aspects of operational thought and furthering the nation's and the IAF's commitment towards becoming a true 'Made in India' and 'Made for India' force.

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PM Modi inaugurates 16th Combined Commanders Conference at Eastern Command HQ in Kolkata (Mid of September) ▼
  • PM Narendra Modi inaugurates 16th armed forces' conference at Eastern Command HQ in Kolkata.
  • The conference is the 16th Combined Commanders Conference (CCC) 2025.
  • PM Modi instructed the Defence Ministry to swiftly implement concrete steps to achieve greater Jointness, Atmanirbharta and Innovation to meet future challenges and requirements of an evolving battlefield.
  • The high-level conference is being attended by defence minister Rajnath Singh, national security advisor Ajit Doval, chief of defence staff General Anil Chauhan and Defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, chief of three forces –– Army, Navy and Air Force –– Lt Gen RC Tiwari, Eastern Army Commander, among others.
  • Held once in two years, CCC-2025 is the apex-level brainstorming forum of the armed forces.
  • The conference will conduct a holistic review of various structural, administrative and operational matters based on feedback from across the forces and preparedness of the armed forces in the face of increasing global uncertainties.
India participates in 4th Coast Guard Global Summit in Rome, eyes 2027 presidency bid (Mid of September) ▼
  • A two-member Indian Coast Guard (ICG) delegation, led by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, is participating in the 4th Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS).
  • The summit is being held in Rome, Italy, from September 11–12.
  • The event is hosted under the co-chairmanship of Italy and Japan.
  • The CGGS focuses on strengthening multilateral efforts in maritime safety, marine environmental protection, and maritime law enforcement.
  • India made a notable contribution with an expert lecture titled ‘Guardians Against the Blaze: ICG’s Tactical Response to Fire Emergencies’.
  • India has announced its intention to bid for the Presidency of the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit in 2027, which it hopes to host.
Details of the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference-2025 (Mid of September) ▼
  • The 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference-2025 was inaugurated at Fort William, the headquarters of the Army’s Eastern Command, in West Bengal.
  • The Conference is a biennial, apex-level forum.
  • It brings together the nation’s top civilian and military leadership.
  • The purpose of the Conference is to discuss and strategise on India’s defense preparedness.
India-US Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 held in Alaska (Start of September) ▼
  • The exercise is named 'India-US Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025'.
  • It is the 21st edition of the joint military exercise.
  • The exercise is set to take place at Fort Wainwright, Alaska 🇺🇸.
  • The drills will be held from September 1-14.
  • The Indian contingent comprises personnel from a battalion of the Madras Regiment.
  • US participants include soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment ‘Bobcats’ of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division.
  • Tactical drills include heliborne operations, employment of surveillance resources and unmanned aerial systems, rock craft, mountain warfare, casualty evacuation, combat medical aid and the integrated use of artillery, aviation and electronic warfare systems.
  • The exercise focuses on improving capabilities for United Nations peacekeeping operations and strengthening preparedness for multi-domain challenges.

Headline: India and Bangladesh participate in International Fleet Review in Colombo on November 30

Bullet Points:

  • India's first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and multi-mission stealth frigate Udaygiri have arrived in Colombo for an international fleet review to mark the 75th anniversary of Sri Lanka Navy.
  • In a display of naval cooperation, three warships representing Bangladesh and India made port calls in Colombo on November 25 and 26, for the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025, scheduled to be held on November 30.
  • This also marks INS Udaygiri 's first foreign visit since its commission on August 26, 2025.
  • India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, arrived in Colombo for her maiden participation in Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) IFR 2025.
  • The state-of-the-art Project 17A multi-mission stealth frigates Udaygiri and Himgiri were commissioned at the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam on August 26 this year.
  • Udaygiri, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in Mumbai, and Himgiri, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata, showcase the nation's growing shipbuilding prowess.

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India commissions INS Ikshak, third indigenous Survey Vessel Large (Start of November) ▼
  • The vessel commissioned is INS Ikshak.
  • Ikshak is the third such indigenously designed and built survey vessel large SVL.
  • It will assist the Indian Navy map the ocean floor for navigation, submarine operations and collecting data for maritime safety and strategy.
  • Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi commissions INS Ikshak.
  • The ship was built by state-owned Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata.
  • The ship is 110 metres long, has a displacement of 3,400 tonnes, and will carry a crew of 231, including 20 officers.
  • Ikshak is equipped with the latest hydrographic and oceanographic systems that can scan to a depth of 11,000 meters.
  • The vessel carries nearly 80 per cent indigenous content.
  • It is the first SVL designed with dedicated accommodation for women on deck.
INS Savitri Strengthens India–Mozambique Naval Ties During Port Call at Beira (Mid of November) ▼
  • Indian Naval Ship (INS) Savitri, an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Indian Navy, arrived at Port Beira, Mozambique, as part of its ongoing deployment in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • The visit of INS Savitri forms part of India’s broader diplomatic initiative, the ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
  • During the four-day port call, naval personnel from both countries will engage in joint training exercises and professional interactions designed to improve coordination in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance operations.
  • The exercises include: VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) drills, focused on counter-piracy and anti-smuggling operations Damage control and firefighting exercises to strengthen onboard emergency response capabilities Navigation and EEZ patrol coordination training, enhancing interoperability in maritime surveillance Professional discussions between officers of both navies on operational best practices.
  • Beyond military cooperation, INS Savitri’s crew will engage in a variety of community outreach programmes to promote goodwill and people-to-people ties between India and Mozambique.
  • Commissioned in 1990, INS Savitri is part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet and serves as a versatile Offshore Patrol Vessel designed for maritime surveillance, anti-smuggling, and HADR operations.
  • Key highlights of India–Mozambique defence cooperation include: Hydrographic surveys conducted by the Indian Navy to assist Mozambique in charting its coastal waters Training of Mozambican naval personnel at Indian naval institutions under defence cooperation programmes Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions, including cyclone and flood relief efforts Counter-piracy and anti-trafficking patrols in the Mozambique Channel.
INS Nistar Makes Maiden Port Call at Singapore to Join Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 (Mid of September) ▼
  • The Indian Navy’s latest indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), INS Nistar, arrived at Changi, Singapore, on 14 September 2025, marking its first overseas port call since commissioning.
  • The vessel will participate in the prestigious multinational Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 (XPR 25), beginning on 15 September 2025, under the operational command of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.
  • Commissioned on 18 July 2025, INS Nistar represents a milestone in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, achieving over 80% indigenisation.
  • INS Nistar is designed to serve as a mothership (MoSHIP) for the Indian Navy’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs), which are critical for submarine rescue operations.
  • Hosted by Singapore, Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 will bring together over 40 nations, either as active participants or observers.
  • The exercise will be conducted in two distinct phases: Harbour Phase (Week-long) and Sea Phase (South China Sea).
India to host International Fleet Review 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and IONS Conclave of Chiefs in Visakhapatnam (Start of November) ▼
  • India will host three major international maritime events in Visakhapatnam from 15 to 25 February 2026: International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs.
  • The events realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi's MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), extending India's SAGAR philosophy.
  • Invitations have been extended to navies from across the globe to participate in the historic gathering at Visakhapatnam, India's eastern maritime gateway and home to the Eastern Naval Command.
  • The Presidential Fleet Review at Sea will showcase indigenous platforms including INS Vikrant (India's first domestically built aircraft carrier), Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, and Arnala-class anti-submarine warfare corvettes.
  • Exercise MILAN's Sea and Harbour Phases will focus on interoperability, maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and search-and-rescue operations.
  • The Indian Navy will assume the Chairmanship of IONS for the second time during 2025-2027, bringing together naval chiefs from 25 member nations, nine observers, and specially invited nations.

Headline: India’s first dry-fermentation municipal solid waste plant nears reality in Nagpur

Bullet Points:

  • India's largest municipal solid waste (MSW)-to-compressed biogas (CBG) plant using dry anaerobic digestion technology is nearing completion at Bhandewadi.
  • The company has constructed a 1,500 MTPD facility, anticipating Nagpur's future waste load.
  • This positions the Bhandewadi plant not only as India's first large-scale dry fermentation MSW facility, but also among the largest of its kind anywhere in the world.
  • A standout feature of this project is its requirement to prove the technology on real, mixed Indian waste before full-scale construction.
  • Dry anaerobic digestion offers clear advantages over conventional CSTR (continuous stirred-tank reactor) biogas systems, which often struggles with unsegregated or semi-dry waste.
  • The technology digests organic matter with minimal energy input, yields higher compressed biogas (CBG) output, reduces landfill dependence, and sharply cuts methane emissions.
  • Once operational, the plant will convert 550–600 TPD of organic waste into CBG through 30 fermentation tunnels, generate 400 TPD of refuse-derived fuel (RDF), and send less than 10% inert waste to a scientific landfill.
  • It will also produce compost and soil conditioners while sharply cutting the city's carbon footprint.
  • The facility is designed to treat all of Nagpur's daily municipal waste.
  • Municipal Solid Waste received at the plant is passed through a semi-automated segregation unit.
  • Organic waste is processed in dry fermentation tunnels, producing raw biogas (RBG).
  • RBG is upgraded into CBG (Compressed Bio Gas), generating CO₂ as a by-product.
  • Digestate is converted into compost, which is then screened and sent for market use to farmers.
  • Process water goes to a fermentation tank, is treated through ETP, and reused internally.

Similar Headlines

New Mangalore Port Authority Golden Jubilee: Rs 1,500-cr Infrastructure & CSR Projects Unveiled (Mid of November) ▼
  • Implementing Agency: New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) under the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
  • Financial Outlay: 16 infrastructure and 113 CSR projects collectively valued at Rs 1,500 crore announced during the golden-jubilee celebration.
  • Strategic Objective: Projects align with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to expand India’s maritime infrastructure.
  • Green Initiative: NMPA currently operates on 100% solar power and is transitioning further toward green energy.
  • Future Cargo Target: Port presently handles over 46 million tonnes annually, with plans to double capacity to 100 million tonnes by 2047.
  • Upcoming Investment: India Maritime Week 2025 is expected to bring additional MoUs worth Rs 52,000 crore for the port sector.
Green Nod Granted for India's Largest Greenfield Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh (Start of November) ▼
  • The project is for India’s largest greenfield steel plant.
  • The plant will be located in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh, at the site in Rajayyapeta.
  • The project proposal by AM/ NS India received environment nod.
  • The initial phase will set up an 8.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) capacity blast furnace facility, with plans to expand up to 24 MTPA.
  • AM/NS is a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel.
  • Iron ore supply will be from the Bailadila mines in Chhattisgarh through a slurry pipeline, which will help in curbing pollution as there will be no movement of trucks and no dust in loading and unloading.
  • The land allotted by the state government is free from all general challenges — there is no wildlife, forest, river or tribal population.
  • The entire process for identification of land, final allotment, public hearings and final environmental clearance has taken 14 months.
ISRO targets December 2026 completion for Kulasekarapattinam second launch complex (Start of September) ▼
  • ISRO Chairman V Narayanan states "All the work will be over by December 2026--that is our target" for the Kulasekarapattinam launch complex
  • The facility, spread over "2300 acres of land", will be India's second launch complex after Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh
  • Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) missions carrying "a payload of 500 kg up to an altitude of 400 km" will be launched from Kulasekarapattinam
  • ISRO anticipates "20-25 satellite launches" annually from the new spaceport once operational
  • Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle Complex (SLC) at Kulasekarapattinam in February 2024
PM Modi, Singapore PM virtually inaugurate 2nd phase of JNPort PSA Terminal (Start of September) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, virtually inaugurated the second phase of the PSA-operated Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT).
  • The inauguration took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port.
  • Following this, the terminal’s total container handling capacity would stand at 4.8 million TEUs from 2.4 million TEUs earlier.
  • The terminal has received USD 1.3 billion FDI, the largest, under a PP model.
  • Over almost three decades, PSA has invested a total of USD 2.3 billion in India, of which more than half is in BMCT.

Headline: Baba Kalyani wins Indian of the Year 2025 in Business category

Bullet Points:

  • Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, received the Indian of the Year 2025 award in the Business category at CNN-News18’s annual ceremony.
  • He was honoured for advancing India’s “Make in India” footprint in the defence sector.
  • Under his leadership, Bharat Forge and its defence subsidiary Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) built a major private-sector defence manufacturing ecosystem.
  • Bharat Forge has become a defence exporter, delivering artillery systems to Europe.

Similar Headlines

Baba Kalyani conferred with ASME Holley Medal (Mid of September) ▼
  • Baba Kalyani, Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Forge, has been conferred with the Holley Medal by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
  • The ASME Holley Award, established in 1924, recognizes outstanding and unique act(s) of an engineering nature, accomplishing a noteworthy and timely public benefit.
  • The recognition underscores Bharat Forge’s engineering-led value creation in the US and globally, localising advanced manufacturing and supporting domestic industry needs.
Venu Srinivasan conferred with CII Quality Ratna Award (Mid of November) ▼
  • Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor Company, received the CII Quality Ratna Award.
  • The award was presented at the 33rd CII Excellence Summit organised by the CII Institute of Quality in Kolkata.
  • The summit gathered over 1,000 quality champions and business leaders to discuss elevating Indian manufacturing.
Nationwide celebration of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika's birth centenary led by Prime Minister Modi (Start of September) ▼
  • Bhupen Hazarika, Bharat Ratna awardee and music maestro, is being commemorated on his birth centenary.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nationwide tribute, stating on X that Hazarika 'brought global recognition to Assam’s folk culture and Indian music.'
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah noted on X that 'by conferring upon him the Bharat Ratna, PM Modi ensured that his legacy remains immortal.'
  • Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge honoured Hazarika as 'a visionary musician, poet, lyricist, and filmmaker deeply rooted in the culture of Assam.'
Jury and Chairperson for Kerala State Film Awards 2025 (Start of November) ▼
  • A seven-member jury, chaired by veteran actor Prakash Raj, selected the winners for the Kerala State Film Awards 2025.
  • The Kerala State Film Awards are presented by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy (KSCA).
  • KSCA is the abbreviation for Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.

Headline: Indo-Thai pair Poonacha-Isaro defeats Nakagawa-Kusuhara to win Asia-Pacific wild card play-off final

Bullet Points:

  • Indo-Thai pair Niki Poonacha and Pruchya Isaro beat Japan’s Shunsuke Nakagawa and Yusuke Kusuhara 6-4, 6-3 in the Asia-Pacific wild card play-off final.
  • The final was held at the Sichuan International Tennis Centre in Chengdu, China.
  • The victory secures the pair a men’s doubles main-draw spot in the Australian Open 2026.

Similar Headlines

Australian Open Badminton 2025 set to feature top global talent (End of November) ▼
  • The Australian Open Badminton 2025 is scheduled to take place from July 1-6, 2025, at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
  • The tournament will include men's and women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles competitions.
  • Athletes such as Kento Momota, PV Sindhu, and Chen Long are anticipated to compete.
Lakshya Sen Clinches First Title Of The Season, Wins USD 475,000 Australian Open Super 500 (End of November) ▼
  • 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.
Janice Tjen wins maiden WTA title at Chennai Open 2025 (Start of November) ▼
  • Janice Tjen defeated Kimberly Birrell 6-4, 6-3 in the Chennai Open 2025 final.
  • The match was played at SDAT Stadium in Chennai.
  • Tjen became the first Indonesian WTA champion since Angelique Widjaja in 2002.
  • Tjen also won the doubles title alongside Aldila Sutjiadi, defeating Storm Hunter and Monica Niculescu 7-5, 6-4.
Satwik-Chirag secure World Championships medal in Paris, defeat Chia-Soh (Start of September) ▼
  • Star Indian shuttlers Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty assured India of a medal at the World Championships in Paris.
  • They defeated Malaysia's two-time Olympic medallists Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in the men's doubles quarterfinals.
  • The world No. 3 duo produced a commanding 21-12, 21-19 win in 43 minutes.
  • This match was a rematch of sorts from the Olympics a year back, where they had lost to the same pair in the same court and arena.
  • It will be Satwik and Chirag's second medal at the prestigious event after their 2022 bronze.
  • The Asian Games champions will next face 11th seeds Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi of China.
  • Only hours earlier, PV Sindhu's exit in the quarterfinals had denied India a medal in women's singles.

Headline: Chef Vijay Kumar wins Global Indian of the Year Award

Bullet Points:

  • Chef Vijay Kumar was named the Global Indian of the Year at CNN-News18’s Indian of the Year Awards 2025.
  • He won the James Beard Foundation title of Best Chef: New York State weeks before this honour.
  • Kumar hails from the farming village of Natham in Tamil Nadu and now leads a cultural shift in Manhattan’s West Village with his Tamil and South Indian cuisine.

Similar Headlines

Lucknow becomes India’s second UNESCO City of Gastronomy after Hyderabad (Start of November) ▼
  • Lucknow was officially recognised by UNESCO as a 'City of Gastronomy' on World Cities Day, October 31.
  • It is the second Indian city, after Hyderabad, to receive the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) City of Gastronomy title.
  • The recognition celebrates Lucknow’s preservation of Awadhi culinary traditions, including the dum pukht slow-cooking technique perfected in Nawabi royal kitchens.
M S Swaminathan conferred Bharat Ratna 2024; biography "M S Swaminathan: The Man Who Fed India" released (Mid of September) ▼
  • M. S. Swaminathan awarded India’s highest civilian honour — the Bharat Ratna in 2024
  • Often hailed as the "Father of the Green Revolution," Swaminathan partnered with Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug to engineer India’s Green Revolution
  • His work transformed India from a famine-threatened nation into one self-sufficient in food production
Smt. N. Bhuvaneswari conferred Distinguished Fellow of Institute of Directors as Heritage Foods bags Golden Peacock Award for Governance Excellence (Start of November) ▼
  • Smt. N. Bhuvaneswari, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director, Heritage Foods Limited, received the Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors for 2025.
  • Heritage Foods Limited was awarded the Golden Peacock for Excellence in Corporate Governance at the IOD India London Global Convention.
  • Heritage Foods was the sole FMCG company among the 11 national winners recognised at the 2025 award ceremony.
Sanjeev Kapoor honoured as Top Agri-Food Pioneer by World Food Prize Foundation (End of October) ▼
  • Sanjeev Kapoor — celebrated chef, author and Padma Shri awardee — recognised for transformative contribution to the global food ecosystem.
  • Award presented during the Borlaug Dialogue Week in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • Kapoor’s programmes have served millions of nutritious meals and engaged thousands of children, educators and farmers across India.

Headline: Assam Fixation of Ceiling on Land Holdings (Amendment) Act 2025 grants ownership of labour-line land to tea garden workers

Bullet Points:

  • The Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Assam Fixation of Ceiling on Land Holdings (Amendment) Act, 2025.
  • The amendment excludes labour lines from land ancillary to special cultivation, allowing government to declare them surplus and acquire them.
  • Government shall "give settlement of such lands to tea garden workers residing and in occupation of such lands".
  • Land allotted per family "shall be such as may be notified by the Government from time to time".
  • Allotted land will be heritable but not transferable for 20 years; thereafter sale/transfer is allowed only to a tea garden worker residing in the same tea estate.

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Assam Satra Preservation and Development Commission Bill to Protect Satra Lands (End of November) ▼
  • The Assam government tabled a bill to create the Assam Satra Preservation and Development Commission, a quasi-judicial body to preserve satras and regulate their lands.
  • The commission will have civil-court powers under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, and exclusive jurisdiction over matters it is empowered to determine.
  • An Assam Satra Preservation and Development Fund is established, with mandatory annual budgeting, audit by the Accountant General (Audit), Assam, and officials deployed on deputation.
Karnataka Planters Association (KPA) gets new leadership (End of November) ▼
  • M Salman Baseer has been elected as the chairman of the Karnataka Planters Association (KPA).
  • M C Kariappa has been elected as the vice-chairman of the KPA.
  • The KPA is the apex body of coffee growers in the state.
  • The KPA is one of the country’s most influential growers’ groups.
  • The KPA will work under the new leadership to address issues facing Karnataka’s coffee sector.
  • Other members elected to the KPA executive committee include Yeshwant R Gurjer, Sameer Gurjer, A P Rajaram, A Namitha Rao, P M Pavan Monnappa, K P Appaiah, A Nanda Belliappa and Krishanth Chowdlu.
UNDP Report Recommends Sunset Clause and Reforms for Forest Rights Act Implementation (Start of September) ▼
  • The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest-Dwellers (Recognition of Rights) Act was enacted in 2006 and is meant to recognise and vest rights to use forests and forest resources in the Scheduled Tribes and other communities that have traditionally been dependent on forests for their livelihoods.
  • A United Nations report has suggested that there may be a need to build consensus for a “sunset clause” that provides an “end date” for the recognition and vesting of rights under the law to Scheduled Tribes and other forest-dwellers.
  • The UNDP report has called for prioritising gender equity in FRA implementation, starting from disaggregating data gender-wise to policy measures that necessitate women’s leadership in post-recognition preparation and design of community forest resource management plans.
  • It has also called for the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) to be linked to the FRA with an “emphasis on addressing gender sensitive livelihood avenues”.
  • The UNDP report noted that the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs had “demonstrated leadership” by conceiving programmes like the PM-JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) and DAJGUA (Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan), both of which are targetted scheme-saturation packages for ST communities.
  • The report spoke of Section 3(1)(k) of the FRA, which provides for recognising rights of “access to biodiversity and community right to intellectual property (IP) and traditional knowledge related to biodiversity and cultural diversity”.
  • It has also suggested that “forest rights holders may be recognised as a category across all social protection and livelihood programmes”.
Setback to India's Efforts for Basmati Rice GI Tag Abroad (End of November) ▼
  • India's efforts to obtain exclusive market rights for basmati rice faced setbacks in New Zealand and Kenya.
  • The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) is the nodal authority for implementing the GI tag.
  • Apeda sought a certification mark from the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) in February 2019.
  • The New Zealand High Court dismissed Apeda’s appeal against the dismissal of its application for a certification trade mark for India’s basmati rice.
  • Kenya’s Court of Appeal dismissed Apeda’s plea against a Kenya High Court ruling against its opposition to the registration of a trade mark with Basmati as a component by Kenya’s Krish Commodities.
  • The New Zealand High Court upheld the decision that the basmati growing area (BGA) comprises India and Pakistan, and granting certification trade mark protection for Indian basmati would unfairly prevent rice grown in the Pakistan part of the BGA from being sold in New Zealand.
  • Kenya’s Court of Appeal stated that basmati has not been registered or formally recognised in Kenya, which meant Apeda lacked the legal footing to object.
  • Basmati received the GI tag in India in 2016.

Headline: Norway film ‘Safe House’ awarded ICFT-Unesco Gandhi Medal on November 29, 2025

Bullet Points:

  • The Norwegian film ‘Safe House’ won the ICFT-Unesco Gandhi Medal.
  • The ICFT-Unesco Gandhi Medal was instituted in collaboration with the International Council for Film, Television, and Audiovisual Communication (ICFT) and Unesco.
  • This award honours films that reflect ideals of tolerance, intercultural dialogue, and culture of peace.
  • Eirik Svensson, a Norwegian filmmaker, is the director of ‘Safe House’.
  • ‘Safe House’ world premiered as the opening feature of the 48th Göteborg Film Festival 2025.
  • At the 48th Göteborg Film Festival 2025, ‘Safe House’ won the Audience Dragon Award for Best Nordic Film.
  • At the 56th Iffi, ‘Safe House’ was commended for its 'outstanding contribution to cinema that promotes peace, non-violence, and intercultural dialogue'.

Similar Headlines

International Emmy Awards 2025: Oriol Pla, Anna Maxwell Martin among winners at 53rd ceremony in New York (End of November) ▼
  • The International Emmy Awards 2025 winners were announced at a star-studded event in New York.
  • India’s Diljit Dosanjh lost to Spanish actor Oriol Pla in the Best Actor category on Monday night at the 53rd International Emmy Awards.
  • Oriol Pla (Spain) won the Best Performance by an Actor award for his role in Yo, adicto [“I, Addict”].
  • Anna Maxwell Martin (United Kingdom) won the Best Performance by an Actress award for Until I Kill You.
  • Ryuichi Sakamoto: Last Days (Japan) was awarded in the Arts Programming category.
  • The Comedy award went to Ludwig (United Kingdom).
  • Dispatches: Kill Zone: Inside Gaza won the Current Affairs category.
  • Hell Jumper (United Kingdom) was awarded in the Documentary category.
  • Rivals (United KIngdom) won the Drama Series award.
  • Bluey (Australia) won the Kids: Animation category.
  • Auf Fritzis Spuren – Wie war das so in der DDR? [“On Fritzi’s Traces – What Was It Like in the GDR?”] (Germany) won the Kids: Factual & Entertainment award.
  • Fallen (United Kingdom) won the Kids: Live-Action category.
  • Gaza, Search for Life (Qatar) (Al Jazeera Arabic Programs Directorate) won the News award.
  • Shaolin Heroes (Denmark) won the Non-Scripted Entertainment award.
  • La médiatrice [“The Mediator”] (Canada) won the Short-Form Series award.
  • It’s All Over: The Kiss That Changed the Spanish Football (Spain) won the Sports Documentary award.
  • Deha [“The Good & The Bad”] (Türkiye) won the Telenovela award.
  • Lost Boys & Fairies (United Kingdom) won the TV Movie/Mini-Series award.
International Jury for IFFI 2025 Announced (End of November) ▼
  • The International Jury for IFFI 2025 will be chaired by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.
  • Graeme Clifford (Australia) is a member of the International Jury.
  • Remi Adefarasin (UK) is a member of the International Jury.
  • Katharina Schüttler (Germany) is a member of the International Jury.
  • Chandran Rutnam (Sri Lanka) is a member of the International Jury.
India's Waves Film Bazaar Attracts International Participation, Aims for Global Content Bridge (End of November) ▼
  • The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) launched the freshly rebranded Waves Film Bazaar.
  • The event is held in Panaji, Goa.
  • International attendees included South Korean MP Jaewon Kim, South Korean actor Kim Jaewon, Australian filmmaker Garth Davis, and Waves Bazaar adviser Jerome Pilloard of France.
  • Waves Film Bazaar is positioned as one of Asia’s most important film markets and aims to help bridge Indian stories with world producers.
  • Dr L. Murugan declared that India is emerging as a global power in production, digital content, gaming, fashion, and music.
Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound selected as India’s official entry for Oscars 2026 (End of September) ▼
  • Neeraj Ghaywan is the director and co-writer of Homebound, India’s official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category.
  • Homebound premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 under the Un Certain Regard section.
  • The film was selected as second runner-up in the International People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Headline: Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company Ltd (AVFCCL) incorporated on July 25, 2025

Bullet Points:

  • Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company Ltd (AVFCCL) was incorporated on July 25, 2025.
  • The Assam government holds a 40% equity stake in AVFCCL.
  • AVFCCL is a strategic joint venture with central public sector undertakings including National Fertilizers Limited (NFL), Oil India Limited (OIL), Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL), and Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL).

Similar Headlines

India Develops First Indigenous Water-Soluble Fertiliser Technology to Reduce Chinese Import Dependence (Start of September) ▼
  • India has successfully developed its first indigenous water-soluble fertiliser technology after seven years of research.
  • The technology was backed by the Ministry of Mines and developed using Indian raw materials and Indian-designed plants.
  • Rajiv Chakraborty, President of the Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA), spearheaded the research initiative.
  • This technology enables production of almost all types of soluble fertilisers through a single process, unlike existing methods that require different technologies for each product.
  • It operates as a zero-effluent project with no emissions, which was a ground for the Ministry of Mines to consider it a project of national importance.
  • The technology is expected to reach farmers' fields within two years when large-scale production capacities come online.
  • The development aims to significantly reduce India's heavy dependence on Chinese specialty fertiliser imports, as the country is 95 per cent dependent on Chinese supplies for specialty fertilisers.
Monsoon Patterns Influence Agricultural Practices and Fertiliser Nutrient Demands (Start of September) ▼
  • The southwest monsoon's cumulative rainfall during June-August was 6.1% above the historical average.
  • The country received 8.9% above the long-period average rainfall in June, 4.8% in July, and 5.5% in August.
  • May, preceding the monsoon season, recorded 106.4% above-normal precipitation.
  • Fertilisers supply nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulphur (S), which are essential for plant growth.
  • Diammonium phosphate (DAP) has 46% P and no S, whereas 20:20:0:13 has 20% P content and 13% S content, and Single Super Phosphate (SSP) has 16% P and 11% S content.
  • Crops need phosphorus (P) for proper root establishment and early plant growth.
  • Rice and maize are high nitrogen-consuming crops, unlike soyabean and pulses, which are naturally nitrogen-fixing.
  • Ammonium sulphate contains 20.5% N and 23% S content.
ACME Group and IHI Corporation Partner for India's Largest Green Ammonia Project in Odisha (Mid of September) ▼
  • ACME Group and Japan's IHI Corporation announced a joint venture to develop India's largest green ammonia project in Gopalpur, Odisha.
  • IHI Corporation acquired a 30% stake in ACME Clean Energy Private Limited as part of the joint venture partnership.
  • The project has secured the necessary land and successfully completed the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED).
  • The facility is planned to produce approximately 0.4 million tonnes of green ammonia annually upon completion.
  • The production of Green Ammonia will be delivered mainly to Japanese end users in the power and chemical sectors.
  • The project will help mitigate over 0.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
  • The plant is targeted for commissioning by 2029-30, with production earmarked for exports mainly to Japan.
Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Rates for Rabi 2025-26: Key Features and Budget (End of October) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet has approved Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Rabi season 2025-26 on Phosphatic and Potassic fertilisers.
  • This decision, effective from October 1, 2025, aims to ensure affordable availability of key fertilisers like DAP and NPKS for farmers.
  • The estimated budgetary requirement for the Rabi 2025-26 season is Rs 37,952.29 crore.
  • Under the approved NBS rates, the subsidy has been fixed at Rs 43.02 per kg for Nitrogen (N), Rs 47.96 per kg for Phosphorous (P), Rs 2.38 per kg for Potash (K), and Rs 2.87 per kg for Sulphur (S) for the current Rabi season.
  • Under the NBS scheme, which has been in effect since April 1, 2010, the government provides subsidies on 28 grades of P&K fertilisers, including DAP, through fertiliser manufacturers and importers.

Headline: Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold 23rd India-Russia annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi

Bullet Points:

  • At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin will pay a State visit to India from December 4 to 5 for the 23rd India-Russia annual summit.
  • India is looking at procuring additional batches of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia as the weapons proved to be very effective during the Operation Sindoor.
  • In October 2018, India signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems.
  • Three squadrons have already been delivered and the remaining two are expected to be sent by the middle of next year.
  • There is a possibility that India may hold talks on buying at least two squadrons of the Su-57 fighter jets.
  • Russia has offered India additional discounts for its procurement of crude oil after the latest wave of US sanctions on two Russian oil producers.

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India inaugurates two new consulates in Russia to boost bilateral ties (Mid of November) ▼
  • India has opened two new consulates in Russia, in Yekaterinburg and Kazan.
  • External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar inaugurated these new offices.
  • The move aims to significantly enhance trade, tourism, and economic, scientific, technological, academic, and cultural connections between India and Russia.
  • Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko and India's Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar were also present at the function held to mark the opening.
  • Yekaterinburg is known for its heavy engineering, gem cutting, defence manufacturing, metallurgy, nuclear fuel, chemicals and medical equipment.
  • Kazan hosted the 2024 BRICS summit and is well known for its oil production and refining, for fertilisers, automobiles, defence manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and electrical equipment.
  • The consulates will contribute to joint efforts in increasing bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030.
  • India and Russia set a target of USD 100 billion in annual trade volume by 2030 and vowed to develop a robust bilateral payment settlement mechanism using national currencies.
  • There is a sizeable and diverse Indian diaspora in Russia, which includes more than 30,000 Indian students today.
Modi-Xi meeting at SCO Tianjin summit: cautious thaw amid unresolved border issues (Start of September) ▼
  • Event: Bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin.
  • Outcome: Leaders welcomed “positive momentum and steady progress in bilateral relations since their last meeting” in Kazan, Russia.
  • Outcome: Leaders reaffirmed that the two countries are “development partners and not rivals, and that their differences should not turn into disputes.”
  • Outcome: Resumption of direct flights announced by PM Modi.
  • Outcome: Leaders noted “with satisfaction the successful disengagement last year and the maintenance of peace and tranquility along the border areas since then.”
India, Canada to resume trade pact talks (End of November) ▼
  • 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.
India and Russia target $100 billion bilateral trade by 2030 (Mid of November) ▼
  • 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: Assam launches ‘Prerona’ scheme to support 4.4 lakh Class 10 students with monthly study aid

Bullet Points:

  • Assam has rolled out the ‘Prerona’ scheme.
  • The scheme supports Class 10 board aspirants with a monthly Rs 300 allowance until exams conclude.
  • It was announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday.
  • The initiative aims to reduce financial stress, curb dropouts, and boost exam readiness for 4.4 lakh students.
  • The assistance is universal and does not depend on income eligibility.
  • It covers High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) students under the Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB) as well as Class 10 students from CBSE-affiliated Adarsha Vidyalayas who are residents of Assam.

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Bihar's CM Self-Help Allowance Scheme: Expansion and Eligibility (End of September) ▼
  • Bihar government announces ₹ 1,000 per month for unemployed graduates
  • The financial assistance of ₹ 1,000 per month will be extended to unemployed graduates for two a maximum period of two years.
  • The scheme is currently operating under the Bihar government's 7 Nischay program.
  • Under the Self-Help Allowance Scheme, which was previously offered to Intermediate-graded youth, will now also extend to unemployed graduates in Arts, Science, and Commerce.
  • The scheme will now provide financial assistance of ₹ 1000 to those who are:
  • Graduate youths who are in the 20-25 age group
  • Not studying and are seeking employment opportunities
  • Not self-employed
  • Not employed in any government, private, or non-government sector
  • The eligible youths can apply for “Mukhyamantri Nischay Swayam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana” through the website- http://7nishchay-yuvaupmission.bihar.gov.in/ and register themselves through their mobile number and e-mail.
Gujarat Government Disburses ₹1,161+ Crore Under Namo Lakshmi Yojana and Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana (End of September) ▼
  • Namo Lakshmi Yojana: launched March 2024; girl students in classes 9-12 receive ₹50,000 over four years; over 10.49 lakh girls assisted, disbursements exceed ₹1,000 crore; managed via 'Namo Lakshmi Portal'.
  • Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana: launched March 2024; science-stream students in classes 11-12 who scored ≥50% in class 10 and study in GSHSEB/CBSE-recognised schools receive ₹25,000 over two years; over 1.5 lakh students benefited, disbursements exceed ₹161 crore; managed via 'Namo Saraswati Portal'.
  • Both schemes aim to support Gujarat’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision by preparing a skilled workforce for sectors like semiconductors, green energy, and digital sciences.
MoU between Ministry of Tribal Affairs and CIL for Upgrading 76 EMRS (Mid of September) ▼
  • MoU signed on 9 September 2025 in New Delhi between Coal India Limited (CIL) and National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) under Ministry of Tribal Affairs
  • Objective: upgrade infrastructure and build capacity in 76 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha
  • Key provisions: 1,200 computers & 1,200 UPS units, 110 tablets, 420 sanitary pad vending machines & 420 incinerators, career counselling for 6,200 Class 10 & 12 students
  • Financial outlay: ₹10 crore sanctioned by CIL through CSR funds; project to be implemented by NSTFDC in a time-bound manner

Headline: Leonardo Unveils AI-Powered Michelangelo Dome

Bullet Points:

  • The ‘Michelangelo Dome’ is designed to protect critical European infrastructure against evolving security threats, including hypersonic missiles and drone swarms.
  • Italian defence company Leonardo has unveiled plans for a shield powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to protect cities and critical infrastructure.
  • The shield was developed to protect critical infrastructure, sensitive urban areas, and assets of national and European strategic importance.
  • The Michelangelo Dome integrates next-generation sensors across land, naval, air, and space domains, as well as cyber defence platforms, command-and-control systems, and AI.
  • This system creates a security umbrella that can detect, track, and neutralise a wide variety of threats, including hypersonic missiles, drone swarms, surface and subsurface maritime attacks, and hostile ground forces.
  • It uses multiple sensors and predictive algorithms to anticipate hostile activity and automatically coordinate which countermeasures will be most effective.
  • Europe announced a Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) aimed at enhancing the continent’s protection from aerial threats.

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India receives first homegrown 3D naval radar, Lanza-N, from TASL and Indra (Mid of September) ▼
  • India’s first homegrown 3D naval radar, the 3D Air Surveillance Radar (3D-ASR), Lanza-N, has been delivered.
  • Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), in collaboration with Spanish defence firm Indra, manufactured and commissioned the advanced naval air surveillance radar aboard an Indian Navy warship.
  • TASL has set up a dedicated radar assembly, integration, and testing facility in Karnataka, and a radar factory in Bengaluru, as part of this collaboration.
  • The Lanza-N radar is a long-range, three-dimensional tactical surveillance system capable of detecting friendly and hostile air and surface targets, effective against drones, supersonic fighters, anti-radiation missiles, and all types of naval platforms.
  • This marks the first time the Lanza-N radar will be operational outside Spain.
TASL-Indra Deliver India’s First Indigenous 3D Naval Radar Aboard Indian Navy Warship (Mid of September) ▼
  • Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and Spanish defence firm Indra have manufactured and commissioned the 3D Air Surveillance Radar (3D-ASR), Lanza-N, aboard an Indian Navy warship.
  • TASL becomes “the first Indian company to demonstrate the ability to build and integrate next-generation naval surveillance radar systems.”
  • The radar has been “seamlessly integrated with all onboard systems and underwent rigorous sea trials to test performance across various naval and aerial platforms.”
  • A dedicated radar assembly, integration, and testing facility has been set up by TASL in Karnataka to support ongoing production.
  • Indra’s Lanza-N radar is described as “a long-range, three-dimensional tactical surveillance system capable of detecting friendly and hostile air and surface targets” and is effective against drones, supersonic fighters, anti-radiation missiles, and all types of naval platforms.
China building world’s first floating artificial island designed to withstand nuclear blasts (End of November) ▼
  • China is constructing what researchers say will be the world’s first mobile, floating artificial island built to survive a nuclear explosion.
  • The platform is a 78,000-tonne semi-submersible, described by Chinese scientists as a “far-sea floating mobile island”.
  • It is designed to support long-term deep-sea research and is expected to enter service in 2028.
  • The structure will accommodate up to 238 people for about four months without needing supplies.
  • The island measures 138 metres long and 85 metres wide, with a twin-hull structure that can operate in rough seas and withstand extremely strong typhoons.
  • Its nuclear-resistant structure uses a “sandwich” panel made from metamaterials, designed to turn a sudden shockwave into a slower, controlled compression.
  • The facility is listed as a national scientific infrastructure project under China’s 14th five-year plan, with specifications referring to a Chinese military standard for nuclear protection.
India’s TPCR-2025 outlines 15-year roadmap for nuclear deterrence and drone warfare tech (Start of September) ▼
  • Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR-2025) is a 15-year blueprint for military preparedness focused on nuclear deterrence and drone warfare capabilities.
  • Army requirement cited for stealth remotely piloted aircraft with ranges up to 1,500 km and operational altitude of 60,000 feet.
  • Loitering munitions with AI-enabled targeting and reusable warhead systems are specified as key future assets.
  • Adaptive jamming systems and electronic denial bubbles of 15 km radius are planned to counter hostile drone swarms.
  • Unmanned ground vehicles for CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) reconnaissance are included to strengthen nuclear fallout protection.

Headline: Riyadh Metro Certified Longest Fully Driverless Train Network

Bullet Points:

  • The Riyadh Metro has been recognized as the world’s longest fully driverless train network, breaking a Guinness World Record.
  • Its network comprises six lines, 85 stations and a total of 176 kilometers (109 miles) and is expected to reduce the city’s traffic.
  • It operates fully driverless on all lines managed through advanced central control rooms equipped to monitor operations.

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Odisha Government's Green Mobility Initiative: E-Bus Fleet Expansion (Start of September) ▼
  • Scheme Name: Green mobility initiative by Odisha government aimed at expanding electric bus fleet.
  • Objective: To enhance the electric bus fleet to over 1,000 in the coming years.
  • Current Status: Odisha currently has 450 e-buses in operation, ranking fifth in India.
  • Implementing Agency: Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) is actively leveraging central government support for the initiative.
  • Key Features: Charging stations being set up at depots and terminals; smart ticketing systems including QR-based payments, National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) cards, and app-enabled booking.
Qatar successfully trials first autonomous eVTOL urban flight (Mid of November) ▼
  • Qatar has successfully trialed its first autonomous eVTOL air taxi, marking a milestone in smart urban mobility.
  • The AI-powered flight operated without human intervention, conducted between the Old Doha Port and Katara Cultural Village.
  • The Ministry of Transport (MoT), under the leadership of HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, demonstrated a safe, AI-enabled flight.
  • The trial flight leveraged a full self-control system powered by artificial intelligence and advanced air navigation technologies.
  • The MoT plans phased development, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure upgrades to integrate safe, efficient, and eco-friendly air transport into Qatar’s future mobility network.
  • The unmanned air taxi project will advance in multiple consecutive phases, carefully considering technical, operational, and regulatory requirements.
  • The initiative supports Qatar’s broader goals under the National Development Strategy 3 (NDS3) and Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), particularly in reducing carbon emissions and improving quality of life.
NHAI to Deploy Network Survey Vehicles for Road Inventory and Pavement Condition Data (End of October) ▼
  • The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will deploy Network Survey Vehicles (NSV) in 23 states covering 20,933 km.
  • The deployment is for "collection, processing and analysing road inventory and pavement condition data of National Highway stretches."
  • NSVs will collect data related to "road inventory and pavement condition including all relevant road defects like surface cracking, potholes and patches etc."
  • The data collected through NSV survey will be uploaded on "NHAI’s ‘AI’ based portal Data Lake" for analysis and preserved in the "Road Asset Management system."
  • Pavement condition surveys will be carried out using "3D laser based NSV system capable of capturing and reporting road defects automatically without any human intervention with the help of high resolution 360-degree cameras, DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System), IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), and DMI (Distance Measuring Indicator)."
  • Data shall be collected for all projects involving two-four-six-eight lanes with NSV "before start of work and thereafter at regular intervals of six months."
  • NHAI has invited bids from qualified companies to implement this initiative.
Namo Bharat Becomes India’s Fastest Train, Achieves 160 Kmph On Delhi–Meerut Route (Mid of September) ▼
  • Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) has achieved the top speed of 160 kmph on the Delhi–Meerut section, making it the fastest train service in the country.
  • The operational stretch covers 55 km between New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and Meerut South in Uttar Pradesh.
  • The service surpasses previous semi-high-speed trains such as Gatimaan Express and Vande Bharat, which generally run at 130 kmph.
  • The planned corridor is 82.15 km long, running from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh, featuring 16 stations.
  • Once fully functional, Namo Bharat is expected to allow commuters to travel between Delhi and Meerut in under an hour, even with intermediate stops.
  • Namo Bharat trainsets are manufactured at Alstom’s Savli factory in Gujarat and feature aerodynamic designs and advanced safety and automation systems.
  • Stations along the route are spaced roughly five to eight kilometres apart, enabling trains to reach top speeds on longer stretches.
  • Services currently run every 15 minutes, catering to daily commuters.
  • Plans are underway to integrate the 23 km Meerut Metro corridor, which has 13 stations, with the RRTS.
  • The National Capital Region Transport Corporation, a joint venture of the Government of India and the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, operates Namo Bharat.
  • Since the launch of the initial 17-km Priority Section in October 2023, more than 1.5 crore passengers have used the service.

Headline: India secures 3rd place in Lowy Institute Asia Power Index 2025

Bullet Points:

  • India has secured the third position in the Asia Power Index 2025, on the back of economic growth and military capability based on its performance in Operation Sindoor, Australia-based think tank Lowy Institute said.
  • The 2025 edition shows India's overall power score crossing 40 points, the threshold for classification as a 'major power'.
  • India ranks third for two measures - economic capability and future resources.
  • Increases in its inward investment have seen India rise to ninth place in economic relationships.

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Commitment to Development Index 2025: Top 10 countries and where does India rank? (End of November) ▼
  • 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.
India, Australia, and Canada Form New Trilateral Technology and Innovation Alliance (End of November) ▼
  • India, Australia and Canada agreed to form a new trilateral technology and innovation alliance called the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership.
  • The three sides agreed to strengthen their ambition in cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, to complement existing bilateral initiatives.
  • The initiative will draw on the natural strengths of the three countries and have an emphasis on green energy innovation and building resilient supply chains, including in critical minerals, said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.
  • It will deepen their respective ambition and strategic collaboration towards net zero and drive further diversification of supply chains towards a secure, sustainable, and resilient future.
  • The Partnership will also examine the development and mass adoption of artificial intelligence to improve the lives of our citizens.
  • They agreed that officials should convene in the first quarter of 2026 to take the initiative forward.
  • Separately, Modi met his British counterpart Keir Starmer and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
  • Addressing the opening session of the G20 Leaders’ Meeting, Modi called for a profound rethink of the global development parameters and proposed setting up of a G20 initiative to counter the drug-terror nexus and a global healthcare response team.
S&P Global: India to Stay Fastest-Growing Major Economy at 6.5% GDP Growth (Mid of September) ▼
  • S&P Global projects India’s GDP to grow 6.5 per cent this fiscal.
  • The report credits economic reforms, infrastructure development and policy reforms for enhancing India’s growth advantage over developed countries.
  • S&P Global expects India to encourage greater participation in global trade to boost growth and generate employment.
S&P Global India Research Reaffirms India's Growth Outlook and Key Sector Expansions (Mid of September) ▼
  • S&P Global India Research projects India to maintain a 6.5% GDP growth in fiscal 2025-26.
  • The report noted that India currently accounts for less than 1% of the global shipbuilding market.
  • India is set to become the second-largest market for datacenter electricity demand in the Asia-Pacific region by 2028.
  • Reforms in India's nuclear value chain are expected in 2026-27.

Headline: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces Amaravati as India's first integrated Financial City

Bullet Points:

  • Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced Amaravati will become India's first integrated Financial City, housing major financial institutions.
  • Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation for construction of nationalized banks and financial institutions in Amaravati.
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently moved to a rented building in Vijayawada.
  • Many banks are handling Andhra Pradesh’s operations from Hyderabad.
  • Institutions that began construction activities in Amaravati include State Bank of India (SBI), Union Bank of India, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank (PNB), IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of India, Indian Bank, Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank, AP Cooperative Bank, NABARD, LIC, and New India Assurance.
  • The financial hub in Amaravati will generate direct employment for more than 6,500 people.
  • Fifteen state-owned banks and insurance companies are setting up their headquarters in Amaravati.
  • 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty nationwide.
  • The Centre is establishing training hubs in districts for Quantum Valley and AI-related projects.

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RBI Governor Discusses India's Economic Growth, Jan Dhan Yojana, and Financial Inclusion Campaign (Start of September) ▼
  • India's GDP grew 7.8% in the April-June quarter of the current fiscal.
  • This GDP growth was the highest in five quarters.
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that India will become the world's third largest economy soon.
  • The Union government and the RBI launched the Jan Dhan Yojana in collaboration with banks 11 years ago.
  • Under the Jan Dhan Yojana, 55 crore accounts have been opened.
  • The Central government and the RBI, in collaboration with banks, launched a nationwide financial inclusion campaign on July 1 which will continue till September 30.
  • State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman C S Setty was also present at the event.
IDFC FIRST Bank partners with FPSB India to upskill Wealth Management Regional Managers (End of November) ▼
  • IDFC FIRST Bank signed an MoU with FPSB India under the Approved Corporate Partner initiative.
  • FPSB India will upskill IDFC FIRST Bank's Wealth Management Regional Managers through specialised training and certification programs.
  • The collaboration supports hiring initiatives and creates enhanced career pathways for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals.
  • FPSB India is the Indian subsidiary of Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. and offers the globally recognised CFP® certification.
  • FPSB India is home to over 3,215 CFP® professionals in India and part of a global network representing more than 230,648 CFP® professionals worldwide.
IFC and GVMC Sign Pact for Madhurawada Sewerage System; Project Cost Rs 553 Crore (Start of September) ▼
  • The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) signed a pact to develop the Madhurawada Sewerage System.
  • The estimated cost for the Madhurawada Sewerage System project is Rs 553 crore.
  • The IFC announced a commitment of up to Rs 498 crore in rupee-denominated non-convertible debentures to the GVMC.
  • This is the first-ever direct municipal financing by the IFC in India.
  • It is also the first instance of a development institution extending investment to an Indian city without a sovereign guarantee.
  • The project funding includes an IFC loan of Rs 498 crore, AMRUT 2.0 assistance of Rs 45.64 crore, and a GVMC contribution of Rs 9.36 crore.
Axis Bank Evolve Series in Kozhikode: MSMEs Driving India’s $10 Trillion Goal (Mid of November) ▼
  • Axis Bank hosted the 10th edition of its multi-city knowledge series Evolve in Kozhikode, themed “MSMEs Powering the $10 Trillion Economy.”
  • The event drew over 103 MSME promoters and founders to discuss pathways for India’s economy to expand from $4.1 trillion to $10 trillion by 2032.
  • Kerala has more than 7 lakh registered MSMEs, with nearly half led by women entrepreneurs.

Headline: New Policy: Aadhaar Card No Longer Accepted as Proof of Birth in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra

Bullet Points:

  • Uttar Pradesh has declared Aadhaar cards invalid as proof of birth date.
  • The Planning Department in Uttar Pradesh issued a directive to all state departments regarding this decision.
  • The Maharashtra government also issued a similar order, stating that Aadhaar cards will not be considered as a document for making a delayed birth certificate.
  • In Maharashtra, all birth certificates made only through the Aadhaar card after the Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Act, 2023, will be cancelled.
  • The Birth and Death Registration Act, 1969, was amended on August 11, 2023.

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UIDAI Launches New Aadhaar Mobile Application with Digital Sharing and Verification Features (Mid of November) ▼
  • The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced a new Aadhaar mobile application for iOS and Android devices.
  • The app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, offering users a digital option to carry their Aadhaar and use it for instant verification.
  • The authority has announced an early access that will allow residents to test the service and share feedback before its final rollout.
  • Users can share their Aadhaar digitally, removing the need for physical copies, with details shareable using a QR code or as verifiable credentials.
  • Shared Aadhaar data is masked, so users do not reveal the full 12-digit number.
  • Up to five Aadhaar profiles can be added on one device if they are linked to the same registered mobile number.
  • The app includes biometric locking and unlocking, ensuring biometric data remains secure until intentionally unlocked or disabled.
Supreme Court Directs Election Commission to Accept Aadhaar as Voter ID Proof (Mid of September) ▼
  • The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to accept Aadhaar cards as a valid proof of identity for voter list inclusion in Bihar, adding it as the 12th accepted document.
  • Aadhaar cards shall be accepted as proof of identity of a person for filing applications for inclusion/exclusion of names from the voter list.
  • It shall be treated as the 12th document (under SIR).
  • Aadhaar will not be considered a proof of citizenship.
UIDAI Aadhaar Update Rules 2025: Online Name/Address/Mobile Changes from Nov 1 (Start of November) ▼
  • Policy Name: UIDAI Aadhaar Update Rules effective from November 1, 2025
  • Objective: "make Aadhaar upgrades faster, simpler, and totally online"
  • Key Feature: "name, address, and mobile number modification can be completed online using the myAadhaar site, removing the requirement for in-person visits"
  • Exclusion: "Biometric upgrades will still require a visit to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra"
  • Process Enhancement: "Document uploads and automated verification will reduce manual processing"
  • Implementing Agency: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
UIDAI's New Behavioural Insights Initiative for Children's Aadhaar Biometric Updates (Mid of November) ▼
  • The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced a new behavioural insights initiative to boost Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU) among children.
  • The move aims to make Aadhaar updation smoother and more accessible for young Aadhaar holders.
  • UIDAI has waived all charges for biometric updates in Aadhaar for children.
  • The free update policy is effective from October 1, 2025, and will remain in force for one year.
  • UIDAI has partnered with Behavioural Insights Limited (BIT) to identify and remove behavioural, logistical, and awareness barriers that prevent children and parents from completing Aadhaar updates on time.
  • Children must update their fingerprints, iris, and photo when they turn 5 years and again at 15 years of age.
  • Parents or guardians can visit any Aadhaar Enrolment Centre with the child’s Aadhaar number to complete the biometric update.
  • The list of authorised centres is available on the Bhuvan Aadhaar portal.

Headline: One Nation One Election Bills: Parliament Can Alter 5-Year Term Through Amendment

Bullet Points:

  • The 23rd Law Commission told the Joint Parliamentary Committee that Parliament can constitutionally amend the five-year term of legislatures to enable simultaneous elections.
  • The Commission stated, 'Parliament can certainly do so by way of a constitutional amendment. This is what is proposed by the bill in question.'
  • It clarified that the proposed amendment does not require state ratification as it is not covered under the proviso to Article 368(2) of the Constitution.

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SC says Governors cannot delay state bills indefinitely, but rejects fixed timelines for assent (End of November) ▼
  • The Supreme Court stated that no timeline can be prescribed by courts for the grant of assent by the Governor or the President.
  • The court clarified that constitutional authorities cannot sit over bills passed by state legislatures indefinitely.
  • The bench held that Governors must decide within a 'reasonable period' while upholding their constitutional discretion.
  • The court upheld that the Governor has discretion under Article 200 and need not act solely on the aid and advice of the Cabinet.
  • The Governor has three constitutional options under Article 200: to assent, to reserve the bill for the President, or to withhold assent and return it with comments.
  • The court emphasized that the Governor is not a mere 'rubber stamp' in the legislative process.
  • The court clarified that judicial review can be invoked only when the bill becomes law, and the discharge of functions by the Governor or the President is not justiciable.
  • In cases of prolonged, unexplained inaction, courts may issue a limited mandamus directing the Governor to act.
  • The court observed that constitutional authorities function like interdependent cogs in a clock, with checks and balances essential to prevent paralysis.
Supreme Court Rules No Timelines for Governors on Bills (End of November) ▼
  • The Supreme Court held that the Court cannot impose any timelines for decisions of the President and the Governor on granting assent to Bills under the Constitution.
  • A Constitutional bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai issued its opinion while answering 13 questions referred to it by the President Droupadi Murmu under Article 143 of the Constitution.
  • The Supreme Court refused to accept the preliminary objections raised by opposition-ruled states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Kerala to maintainability of Presidential Reference.
RBI sets up Regulatory Review Cell and external Advisory Group for periodic review of regulations (Mid of September) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India has constituted a Regulatory Review Cell (RRC) in the Department of Regulation with effect from 1 October 2025.
  • The RRC will ensure every RBI regulation undergoes a comprehensive internal review every five to seven years.
  • An independent Advisory Group on Regulation (AGR) has been formed concurrently, with an initial tenure of three years renewable by a further two years.
  • Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Managing Director of State Bank of India, is appointed Chairman of the AGR.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Key Provisions Of Tribunal Reforms Law (Mid of November) ▼
  • The Supreme Court struck down key provisions of the 2021 Tribunals Reforms law, also known as the Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Act, 2021.
  • The law 'overhauled the functioning, structure and service conditions of tribunals across the country'.
  • The court invalidated Section 3, which 'mandated a minimum age of 50 years for appointment as a chairperson or member of a tribunal'.
  • Section 5 of the Act, which 'fixed the tenure of chairpersons and members of tribunals at four years', was also set aside.
  • The selection procedure for appointments in tribunals under Section 3, which 'required the Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC) to recommend a panel of two names for every vacancy', was set aside.
  • The bench also did not approve Section 7 of the Act, which 'equated the allowances and service conditions of tribunal members with those of civil servants'.
  • The Supreme Court directed the Centre 'to constitute a national tribunals commission within four months'.
  • The creation of such a commission is 'designed to ensure independence, transparency, and uniformity in the appointment, administration, and functioning of tribunals across the country'.
  • The verdict 'reinstated the five-year tenure rule to ensure security of service and institutional independence'.
  • The bench ruled that the SCSC 'should recommend only one name per post to curb excessive executive discretion in appointments'.

Headline: Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) Facility Inaugurated as India's First Global MRO Hub

Bullet Points:

  • The Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility, located at the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park - SEZ, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, was inaugurated.
  • SAESI is Safran’s largest Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion (LEAP) engines, which power the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
  • This MRO centre marks the first time a global engine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has set up an MRO operation in India.
  • Developed with an initial investment of around ₹1,300 crore, the facility spans 45,000 sqm and is designed to service up to 300 LEAP engines annually, featuring advanced process equipment.
  • Safran also announced two defense investments to support the Rafale program in India, including new MRO centers for M88 engines and a new joint venture with BEL.

Similar Headlines

Safran Aircraft Engine Services India facility inaugurated to establish India as global MRO hub (End of November) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Safran Aircraft Engine Services India facility located at the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park - SEZ, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad.
  • The facility is Safran’s largest Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility for LEAP engines which power Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
  • The facility is designed to service up to 300 LEAP engines annually and employ over 1,000 highly skilled Indian technicians and engineers upon achieving full operational capacity by 2035.
  • The Government of India is developing the country as a strong MRO hub under initiatives such as MRO Guidelines 2021 and the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016.
India announces Special Economic Package for Mauritius: Key Projects and MoUs (Mid of September) ▼
  • Special Economic Package announced by PM Modi to support Mauritius’ infrastructure, employment and healthcare - “India will help Mauritius build hospitals, roads and deliver choppers.”
  • Seven MoUs signed between India and Mauritius during PM Modi’s meeting with Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi.
  • India to establish first overseas Jan Aushadhi Kendra and an AYUSH Centre of Excellence in Mauritius.
  • India will support construction of a 500-bed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital and a Veterinary School and Animal Hospital in Mauritius.
  • Projects to be advanced include Chagos Marine Protected Area, ATC Tower at SSR International Airport, and expansion of highways and ring roads in Mauritius.
  • India commits to strengthening security of Mauritius’s Exclusive Economic Zone and enhancing its maritime capacity.
India-Mauritius sign 7 MoUs and renew hydrography pact during Mauritian PM’s state visit (Mid of September) ▼
  • MoU on Science & Tech cooperation between India’s DST and Mauritius Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research
  • MoU between CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (India) and Mauritius Oceanography Institute
  • MoU on Power-sector cooperation
  • Renewal of the MoU in the field of Hydrography
  • Agreement for setting up an Indian TTC Station in Mauritius and cooperation in space research
PM to inaugurate Skyroot’s Infinity Campus and unveil Vikram-I orbital rocket (End of November) ▼
  • Prime Minister will inaugurate Indian space startup Skyroot’s Infinity Campus on 27th November at 11 AM via video conferencing.
  • He will also unveil Skyroot’s first orbital rocket, Vikram-I, with capability to launch satellites to orbit.
  • The state-of-the-art facility will have around 200,000 square feet workspace for designing, developing, integrating and testing multiple launch vehicles, with a capacity to build one orbital rocket every month.
  • Skyroot is India’s leading private space company, founded by Pawan Chandana and Bharath Dhaka, both alumni of Indian Institutes of Technology and former scientists of ISRO turned entrepreneurs.
  • In November 2022, Skyroot launched its sub-orbital rocket, Vikram-S, becoming the first Indian private company to launch a rocket to space.

Headline: 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025: 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' Theme

Bullet Points:

  • The 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) will take place at the Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan, with the theme ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ for 2025.
  • The fair will run from November 14 to November 27.
  • Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, launched the exhibition on Monday.

Similar Headlines

IIT-H and Army’s Simulator Development Division Establish CoE ‘Vigraha’ for Defence R&D (Start of September) ▼
  • The Indian Institute of Technology - Hyderabad (IIT-H) and the Army Training Command, Shimla, represented by Simulator Development Division (SDD) of Secunderabad, signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
  • The MoU is to establish ‘Vigraha’, a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for research and development for the Armed Forces.
  • ‘Vigraha’ is abbreviated from Virtual, intelligent, ground-breaking research in AR/VR and high-tech applications for the Army.
  • The CoE also aims in advancing research in robotics, unmanned systems and other emerging technologies.
  • The collaboration fulfills joint academic programmes, research and development projects, innovation initiatives, and capacity-building exercises.
  • SDD, established in 1991, is the Indian Army’s nodal organisation for design and development of simulators to enhance training.
  • SDD is also the nominated centre of expertise for AR/VR technologies, and develops capabilities in Artificial Intelligence, robotics and drones.
  • According to IIT-H Director B.S. Murty, Vigraha will be a significant step towards realising India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence technology.
NIRF 2025 Rankings: IIT Madras tops overall for 7th year, IISc best university for 10th year (Start of September) ▼
  • NIRF 2025 is the tenth edition of the National Institutional Ranking Framework.
  • A new category focused on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been introduced for the first time.
  • Negative marking for the retraction of research papers has been introduced for the first time in NIRF 2025.
  • IIT Madras has topped the overall category for the seventh consecutive year.
  • IISc has retained the top spot in the universities category for the tenth year in a row.
  • BITS Pilani entered the top 10 in the universities category for the first time since 2016.
  • NIRF evaluates institutions on parameters: teaching, learning and resources (TLR); research and professional practice (RP); graduation outcomes (GO); outreach and inclusivity (OI); and perception (PR).
Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia assumes charge as Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance, IAF (Start of September) ▼
  • Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia, AVSM, VSM took over as Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance (AOM) at IAF Headquarters, New Delhi on 1 September 2025.
  • Commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electrical) stream of the IAF in September 1988, he has 37 years of service.
  • He is an Electrical Engineering graduate from GEC Jabalpur, holds a Doctorate from Bhopal University, and is an alumnus of BITS Pilani and Madras University.
  • He has been awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) in 2016 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2025.
  • As AOM, he will oversee the entire maintenance infrastructure of the IAF and spearhead indigenization under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
DST to launch Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) in November, set to replace Indian Science Congress (Start of September) ▼
  • Event name: Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC); organising agency: Department of Science and Technology (DST)
  • Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi; scheduled dates: 3-4 November
  • Expected inaugural attendee: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
  • Foreign dignitaries confirmed: Nobel Laureate Andre Geim (Physics 2010), Jean-Yves Le Gall (former president, French Space Agency), Professor Masaru Tomita (Keio University, Japan)
  • Event features: 11 thematic technical sessions and 75 exhibition stalls by ‘deep-tech’ startups

Headline: Nokia modernises RailTel’s NLD and metro optical transport networks

Bullet Points:

  • Nokia has upgraded RailTel’s DWDM national long-distance network nationwide.
  • RailTel’s Carrier-Grade NAT and metro optical transport network have been deployed across India.
  • The enhanced network uses Nokia’s 1830 Photonic Service Switch and advanced transponder technology to increase transport capacity while minimising cost per bit.
  • Nokia’s 7750 Service Router with integrated BNG and CG-NAT functionality supports enterprise-grade high-speed traffic and ISP services.

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OpenAI and PhonePe partner to integrate ChatGPT into consumer and business apps (Mid of November) ▼
  • 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
India, Nepal Ink New Rail Transit Deal to Boost Multimodal Trade (Mid of November) ▼
  • India and Nepal signed a Letter of Exchange (LoE) amending the Protocol to the Treaty of Transit.
  • The agreement, exchanged during a bilateral meeting in New Delhi, will facilitate the movement of rail-based freight between Jogbani (India) and Biratnagar (Nepal), including bulk cargo under an expanded definition.
  • This liberalization extends to key transit corridors: Kolkata-Jogbani, Kolkata–Nautanwa (Sunauli), and Visakhapatnam–Nautanwa (Sunauli).
  • The Jogbani–Biratnagar rail link, constructed with grant assistance from the Government of India, was jointly inaugurated by the Prime Ministers of India and Nepal on 1 June 2023.
Namo Bharat Becomes India’s Fastest Train, Achieves 160 Kmph On Delhi–Meerut Route (Mid of September) ▼
  • Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) has achieved the top speed of 160 kmph on the Delhi–Meerut section, making it the fastest train service in the country.
  • The operational stretch covers 55 km between New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and Meerut South in Uttar Pradesh.
  • The service surpasses previous semi-high-speed trains such as Gatimaan Express and Vande Bharat, which generally run at 130 kmph.
  • The planned corridor is 82.15 km long, running from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh, featuring 16 stations.
  • Once fully functional, Namo Bharat is expected to allow commuters to travel between Delhi and Meerut in under an hour, even with intermediate stops.
  • Namo Bharat trainsets are manufactured at Alstom’s Savli factory in Gujarat and feature aerodynamic designs and advanced safety and automation systems.
  • Stations along the route are spaced roughly five to eight kilometres apart, enabling trains to reach top speeds on longer stretches.
  • Services currently run every 15 minutes, catering to daily commuters.
  • Plans are underway to integrate the 23 km Meerut Metro corridor, which has 13 stations, with the RRTS.
  • The National Capital Region Transport Corporation, a joint venture of the Government of India and the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, operates Namo Bharat.
  • Since the launch of the initial 17-km Priority Section in October 2023, more than 1.5 crore passengers have used the service.
India Gets First 8 Official Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies Under TRAI’s New System (Start of September) ▼
  • TRAI approved 8 companies as Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies under the 'Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024'.
  • The registration was granted on August 27, 2025, and is valid for five years, starting from 27 August 2025.
  • All agencies must follow the guidelines mentioned in TRAI’s 'Manual for Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity' released on August 13, 2025.
  • The approved Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies include M/s Ardom Towergen Private Limited, M/s Crest Digitel Private Limited, M/s CTL Infocom Private Limited, M/s ESTEX Telecom Private Limited, M/s Frog Cellsat Limited, M/s Phistream Consulting Private Limited, M/s Shaurrya Teleservices Private Limited, and M/s TUV SUD South Asia Private Limited.

Headline: Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras) deploys India’s first indigenous vessel traffic management system

Bullet Points:

  • Indian Institute of Technology, Madras researchers have developed and deployed India's first indigenous vessel traffic management system for ports.
  • The system has been developed by the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) at IIT Madras based on the requirements outlined by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
  • The system has already been implemented in Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), Kerala.
  • The indigenous system eliminates the risk of a leak of strategic data on the movement of vessels.
  • The system is scalable to accommodate deployment in more ports with enhanced capabilities and is completely secure, with minimal deployment and maintenance costs.

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India’s first port-based green hydrogen pilot project inaugurated at VOC Port (Start of September) ▼
  • Project: 10 Nm³/hr green hydrogen pilot facility costing ₹3.87 crore to power streetlights and an EV charging station in the port colony.
  • Agency: Inaugurated by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.
  • Associated green initiatives: 400 kW rooftop solar plant raising port’s rooftop solar capacity to 1.04 MW; foundation laid for 6 MW wind farm.
  • Future infrastructure: Foundation laid for 750 m³ green methanol bunkering/refuelling facility (₹35.34 crore) under the proposed Kandla–Tuticorin Coastal Green Shipping Corridor.
  • Additional port projects: ₹24.5 crore link conveyor from Coal Jetty-I to stack yard, ₹90 crore multi-cargo berth, 3.37 km four-lane road, and Tamil Nadu Maritime Heritage Museum.
Tam Nadu Signs 33 MoUs Worth Rs 15,516 Crore During CM Stalin's UK-Germany Visit (Mid of September) ▼
  • Tamil Nadu signed 33 MoUs during CM Stalin’s visit to the UK and Germany, securing investment commitments worth Rs 15,516 crore.
  • The agreements are projected to generate employment for over 17,600 people across multiple sectors.
  • In Germany, 26 MoUs worth Rs 7,020 crore were finalised, expected to create more than 15,000 jobs.
  • Knorr-Bremse committed Rs 2,000 crore to establish a facility in Tamil Nadu for railway braking systems and doors, creating 3,500 jobs.
  • Nordex Group pledged Rs 1,000 crore to expand operations, generating 2,500 jobs and reinforcing the State’s green industrialisation.
  • ebm-papst will invest Rs 201 crore over five years to strengthen its Global Capability Centre and manufacturing base, adding 250 jobs.
  • In the UK, Wilson Power committed Rs 300 crore and Britannia RFID will invest Rs 520 crore in Tamil Nadu projects.
India and Singapore Ramp Up Ties, Agree on Roadmap for Deeper Cooperation (Start of September) ▼
  • The Prime Ministers of India and Singapore met at the Hyderabad House in Delhi.
  • They agreed to adopt a forward-looking and substantive roadmap aimed at setting the vision and direction for the next phase of bilateral relations.
  • Cooperation will deepen in eight key areas: economy, skills development, digitalisation, sustainability, connectivity, healthcare and medicine, people-to-people and cultural exchanges; and, defence and security.
  • New focal points of collaboration include advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skilling, civil nuclear and urban water management.
  • The leaders agreed to support the growth of India’s semiconductor industry and ecosystem, including through cooperation under the India-Singapore Semiconductor Policy Dialogue.
  • On defence and security, they will deepen technology cooperation in emerging areas such as Quantum Computing, AI, Automation and Unmanned Vessels.
  • Singapore acknowledges with appreciation India’s interest in the Malacca Straits Patrol.
  • Singapore will assist in establishing a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Chennai in the field of advanced manufacturing.
  • The Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal Phase-2, developed by Singapore’s SPA International, was inaugurated.
New Mangalore Port Authority Golden Jubilee: Rs 1,500-cr Infrastructure & CSR Projects Unveiled (Mid of November) ▼
  • Implementing Agency: New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) under the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
  • Financial Outlay: 16 infrastructure and 113 CSR projects collectively valued at Rs 1,500 crore announced during the golden-jubilee celebration.
  • Strategic Objective: Projects align with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to expand India’s maritime infrastructure.
  • Green Initiative: NMPA currently operates on 100% solar power and is transitioning further toward green energy.
  • Future Cargo Target: Port presently handles over 46 million tonnes annually, with plans to double capacity to 100 million tonnes by 2047.
  • Upcoming Investment: India Maritime Week 2025 is expected to bring additional MoUs worth Rs 52,000 crore for the port sector.

Headline: 1 Bio: First Bioprocess Design Hub to Boost Biologics Innovation

Bullet Points:

  • 1 Bio has been established by the Telangana government through Telangana Lifesciences and Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
  • The public-private partnership project saw the Telangana government facilitate an investment of Rs 150 crore in infrastructure, while Thermo Fisher Scientific contributed Rs 90 crore for the bioprocess design centre and its co-located customer experience centre.
  • The 1 Bio hub is expected to attract another Rs 500 crore in private investment from its tenant companies and generate over 500 highly skilled jobs.
  • These facilities will provide end-to-end process development and pilot scale validation, enabling startups and established companies to cut down on capital investment and accelerate development.

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ICL and BioPrime partner to launch microbial soil and crop health solutions in India (Mid of September) ▼
  • ICL (Israel Chemicals Limited) and BioPrime AgriSolutions are jointly launching advanced soil and crop health solutions powered by BioPrime’s Bionexus platform.
  • Initial products target phosphorus and zinc nutrient-use efficiency, addressing India-specific P-locking with iron/aluminium rather than calcium.
  • Bionexus microbial strains can release P from Fe/Al-bound forms and have shown potential to improve phosphorus-use efficiency by two to three times.
  • The same platform has delivered strains capable of 65–70 per cent solubilization of zinc, helping reduce fertilizer wastage.
  • This collaboration is the first partnership for BioPrime’s Bionexus Library, a proprietary collection of over 18,000 unique microbial strains.
NCBS, ICTS Launch CALIBRE to Advance AI-led Biology Research in India (End of October) ▼
  • The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), both centres under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Bengaluru, have announced the establishment of a new research facility — the Centre for Artificial Learning and Intelligence for Biological Research and Education (CALIBRE).
  • The centre will be supported by a Rs 25 crore contribution from Vishal Gupta, founder of Reed India Consulting LLP, and Deepshikha Gupta.
  • CALIBRE will focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into biological research and education, creating tools, infrastructure, and training programmes tailored to India’s scientific landscape.
  • CALIBRE aims to fill a gap in developing AI tools that address India's unique biodiversity, health, and environmental challenges by building AI platforms suited to Indian data, problems, and research priorities.
  • Described as a national hub where “biological insight meets AI innovation”, the centre will be based at NCBS and will work closely with ICTS to bridge the worlds of data science and life sciences.
  • Beyond research, CALIBRE will provide education and training to help Indian scientists use AI effectively in biological work and will also create Chair Professorships and Research Travel Fellowships to support young researchers.
  • By combining the computational expertise of ICTS with the biological strengths of NCBS, CALIBRE seeks to place India at the forefront of AI-driven biological research, linking fundamental discovery with practical applications across health, agriculture, and environment.
Govt launches Rs 100-crore scheme for green hydrogen startups and highlights National Green Hydrogen Mission progress (Mid of September) ▼
  • Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched a Rs 100-crore scheme for startups to support innovations in green hydrogen production.
  • The scheme will provide up to Rs 5 crore per project for pilot projects in innovative hydrogen production, storage, transport and utilisation technologies.
  • The National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023 with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore.
  • The NGHM rests on four pillars: Policy and Regulatory Framework, Demand Creation, R&D and Innovation, and Enabling Infrastructure.
  • A dedicated R&D scheme under NGHM has already awarded 23 projects covering key areas such as safety and integration, hydrogen production from biomass, hydrogen applications, and non-biomass hydrogen production routes.
  • India's first port-based green hydrogen pilot project has been launched at V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu.
  • The NGHM aims for five million metric tonnes of green hydrogen production annually by 2030, 125 GW of new renewable capacity, investments of Rs 8 lakh crore, creation of six lakh new jobs, and 50 million tonnes of carbon reduction each year.
  • Dedicated hydrogen hubs are being developed at Kandla, Paradip and Tuticorin Ports to strengthen India's export competitiveness.
Sixth International Agronomy Congress (IAC–2025) inaugurated in New Delhi (End of November) ▼
  • Event: Sixth International Agronomy Congress (IAC–2025) organised by Indian Society of Agronomy in collaboration with ICAR, IARI, NAAS and TAAS
  • Theme: ‘Re-envisioning Agronomy for Smart Agro-Food Systems and Environmental Protection’
  • Inaugurated by: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Headline: Nepal Rastra Bank issues new Rs 100 note featuring revised map including Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura

Bullet Points:

  • Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) issued new Rs 100 currency notes featuring a revised map that includes the Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura territories.
  • The map was already in the old Rs 100 bank note, and it has been revised as per the government's decision.
  • India reacted sharply to Nepal’s move, calling the revised map a 'unilateral act' and cautioning Kathmandu that such 'artificial enlargement' of territorial claims will not be acceptable to it.
  • Among various denominations of bank notes, such as Rs 10, Rs 50, Rs 500, and Rs 1,000, only the Rs 100 currency note bears Nepal’s map.

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India–Nepal Joint Exercise SURYAKIRAN XIX Begins in Uttarakhand (End of November) ▼
  • The 19th edition of the annual India–Nepal joint military exercise 'SURYAKIRAN XIX – 2025' began at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
  • The exercise runs from 25 November to 08 December 2025.
  • Each contingent comprises 334 personnel: Indian Army troops primarily from the ASSAM Regiment and Nepalese Army troops mainly from the DEVI DATTA Regiment.
  • The exercise focuses on sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate including peacekeeping, peace enforcement, humanitarian protection, and preventive deployment.
  • Key training domains include jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain, HADR, medical response, environmental conservation, and integrated ground–aviation operations.
  • Emerging technologies featured are unmanned aerial systems, drone-based ISR, AI-enabled decision-support systems, unmanned logistics carriers, and armoured protection platforms.
India-Nepal sign JV agreements for two 400 kV cross-border transmission links (End of October) ▼
  • Agreements signed between POWERGRID (India) and Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for Inaruwa (Nepal)-New Purnea (India) 400 kV and Lamki (Dododhara) (Nepal)-Bareilly (India) 400 kV Double Circuit (Quad Moose) Transmission Links
  • Two joint venture entities—one in India and one in Nepal—will be incorporated to develop these high-capacity power transmission corridors
  • Projects aimed to substantially enhance electricity exchange, strengthen regional energy security, improve grid resilience, and contribute to sustained economic growth in both nations
Ladakh's Proposal to Redraw Karakoram and Changthang Sanctuary Boundaries (End of October) ▼
  • A major proposal to redraw the boundaries and expanse of the strategic Changthang and Karakoram sanctuaries in Ladakh is set to come to the Centre for final clearance.
  • It was proposed by the Ladakh State Wildlife Board at its September 19 meeting that the Karakoram wildlife sanctuary's new revised area should stand at 16,550 sq km while Changthang's at 9,695 sq km.
  • The new boundaries will involve exclusion of 1,742 sq km from the Karakoram (Nubra-Shyok) WLS and another 164 sq km from the high-altitude cold desert WLS in Changthang.
  • The 'rationalisation' of the two sanctuaries has been proposed after a detailed study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and discussions with local stakeholders and the administration, as the 1987 notification did not constitute a properly defined area and had a mismatch in the description of North-South-East-West boundaries.
  • The excluded area, including 67 and 45 villages in the two sanctuaries respectively, is key to 'unlocking economic activity and tourism potential in the Himalayan region' and 'facilitating people living within the sanctuaries'.
  • The continued presence of villagers in border areas would be critical for 'maintaining vigilance and securing our international borders', addressing a worrying 'depopulation of border villages'.
India grants land in Varanasi for Bhutanese monastery and guesthouse (Mid of November) ▼
  • India will grant land in Varanasi for construction of a Bhutanese monastery and guesthouse
  • The monastery will be built near the banks of the Ganga and serve as a centre for spiritual learning, cultural exchange, and pilgrimage
  • India extended a Rs 4,000-crore line of credit to support Bhutan’s development projects
  • The 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project was formally inaugurated
  • India and Bhutan signed three new agreements on renewable energy collaboration, mental-health research, and medical capacity-building

Headline: International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects India’s GDP to grow 6.6% in FY2025/26

Bullet Points:

  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects India’s real GDP to grow at 6.6% in FY2025/26 before moderating to 6.2% in FY2026/27.
  • India’s real GDP expanded by 7.8% in the first quarter of FY2025/26.
  • GST reform and the resulting reduction in the effective rate are expected to help cushion the adverse impact of the prolonged 50% US tariffs.
  • Headline inflation has declined markedly, driven by subdued food prices and the one-off effect of the GST reform.
  • IMF Executive Directors called for continued fiscal consolidation and recommended replenishing fiscal buffers through domestic revenue mobilisation.
  • The IMF noted that India’s financial and corporate sectors remain resilient, supported by adequate capital buffers and multi-year low non-performing assets.

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India Ratings and Research revises India's FY26 GDP growth projection to 7% (End of November) ▼
  • India Ratings and Research raised India's FY26 GDP growth projection to 7% YoY, 70 basis points higher than its July 2025 forecast of 6.3%.
  • The RBI has projected India's GDP growth for FY26 at 6.8%.
  • India's real GDP grew 7.8% YoY in Q1 FY26, the fastest pace in five quarters.
  • Ind-Ra expects private final consumption expenditure (PFCE) to grow 7.4% YoY in FY26, up from 7.2% in FY25.
  • Indian exports to the US fell 11.9% YoY in September 2025 and 8.9% YoY in October 2025.
  • Indian exports to the US averaged USD 7.4 billion per month from April to October 2025, but dropped to USD 5.9 billion in September-October 2025.
S&P retains India growth projection at 6.5 per cent for this fiscal (End of November) ▼
  • 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.
Crisil Retains India FY26 GDP Growth at 6.5%, Flags US Tariff Risks (Start of September) ▼
  • Crisil kept India’s FY26 real GDP growth forecast at 6.5 per cent, same as the 6.5 per cent recorded in FY25.
  • India’s real GDP grew 7.8 per cent in April-June quarter of FY26, while nominal GDP rose 8.8 per cent annually in the same quarter.
  • The US imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India effective 27 August, and S&P Global projects global growth to slow to 2.9 per cent in 2025 from 3.3 per cent in 2024.
  • The RBI has cut the repo rate by 100 bps so far in 2025 and will reduce the cash reserve ratio in four tranches between September and December.
  • The government’s FY26 GDP forecast range is 6.3-6.8 per cent, and Crisil expects private consumption—boosted by a healthy monsoon, agricultural outlook, rate cuts, income-tax relief and expected higher rural-scheme spending—to drive growth.
Fitch Raises India’s FY26 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.9% After Q2 Print of 7.8% (Mid of September) ▼
  • Fitch Ratings raised India’s FY26 real GDP growth forecast to 6.9% from 6.5%.
  • India’s real GDP grew 7.8% in the April–June quarter, up from 7.4% in the previous quarter.
  • Retail inflation hit a low of 1.6% in July, the lowest level since June 2017.
  • Core inflation eased below 4% for the first time in six months.
  • Fitch expects the RBI to cut policy rates by 25 basis points later this year and keep them steady through 2026.

Headline: Mahavatar Narsimha qualifies for Oscars 2026 Best Animated Feature category

Bullet Points:

  • Mahavatar Narsimha has officially qualified for the Oscars 2026 Best Animated Feature race.
  • The film is produced by Kleem Productions in association with Hombale Films.
  • Directed by debut filmmaker Ashwin Kumar, it is India’s first animated feature to reach this stage.
  • The voice cast includes Aditya Raj Sharma, Haripriya Matta, and Priyanka Bhandari in key roles.

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Anuparna Roy becomes first Indian to win Best Director award in Orizzonti section at Venice Film Festival (Start of September) ▼
  • Anuparna Roy becomes first Indian to win Best Director award in Orizzonti section at Venice Film Festival.
  • She won the Best Director award in the film festival’s Orizzonti section for her film Songs of Forgotten Trees.
  • The award was announced by French filmmaker Julia Ducournau, who was the head of the Orizzonti jury.
  • Songs of Forgotten Trees revolves around two migrant women in Mumbai, Thooya (Naaz Shaikh) and Swetha (Sumi Baghel).
  • The film is produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh, with Anurag Kashyap as presenter.
56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 (Mid of November) ▼
  • The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2025.
  • Over 240 films from 81 countries will be screened, including 13 world premieres, 4 international premieres, and 46 Asian premieres.
  • A record 2,314 submissions were received from 127 countries.
  • More than 50 women directors will feature in this year’s edition.
  • OTT awards will continue to honour excellence in streaming and web content.
  • Initiatives include strengthening anti-piracy laws, simplifying film certification, and introducing a new CBFC ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ certificate for multilingual films.
  • IFFIesta, a parallel cultural extravaganza, will offer music, food, art, and interactive experiences to encourage youth and public engagement.
  • Generative AI is viewed as "a creative partner shaping the future of storytelling."
  • The Gala Premieres segment will feature 18 titles, including 13 World Premieres, 2 Asia Premieres, 1 India Premiere, and 2 Special Showcase screenings.
  • The International Programming includes 160 films, 80+ award-winning festival titles, and 21 Oscar-nominated films.
  • Japan is the Country of Focus, Spain is the Partner Country, and Australia is the Spotlight Country.
  • The festival will host 15 competitive and curated segments, including International Competition, Best Debut Feature Film of a Director, ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal, and special showcases like Macabre Dreams, Docu-Montage, Experimental Films, UNICEF Section, and Restored Classics.
10th Film Preservation and Restoration Workshop India 2025 inaugurated by Waheeda Rehman in Odisha (Mid of November) ▼
  • The 10th Film Preservation and Restoration Workshop India 2025 was inaugurated in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
  • Legendary actress Waheeda Rehman praised the Film Heritage Foundation's preservation efforts at the opening ceremony.
  • The Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Robin Baker for his 35-year dedication to archival films.
  • The Champion of Film Heritage Award was conferred upon Surya Deo for documenting Odia cinema.
  • Sanjoy Patnaik received the Champion of Film Heritage Award for preserving stories of Odia cinema pioneers.
  • Rashmiranjan Mohapatra was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for interpreting classic Odia films through Pattachitra.
Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound selected as India’s official entry for Oscars 2026 (End of September) ▼
  • Neeraj Ghaywan is the director and co-writer of Homebound, India’s official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category.
  • Homebound premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 under the Un Certain Regard section.
  • The film was selected as second runner-up in the International People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Headline: Javokhir Sindarov defeats Wei Yi to win 11th FIDE Chess World Cup 2025

Bullet Points:

  • Javokhir Sindarov (Uzbekistan) became the youngest ever Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) World Cup champion, defeating China’s Wei Yi in a rapid tiebreak after two drawn classical games.
  • Wei Yi (China) was the runner-up and received the Silver medal.
  • Andrey Esipenko (Russia) secured third place and received the Bronze medal.
  • The 11th FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 was held at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao, Goa.
  • The tournament marked India hosting the event again after 23 years.
  • The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 trophy was officially renamed the Viswanathan Anand Cup.
  • The top 3 winners, Javokhir Sindarov, Wei Yi, and Andrey Esipenko, qualified for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament.
  • The FIDE World Cup 2025 offered a USD 2 million prize fund.

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Chess World Cup 2025 Trophy Named Viswanathan Anand Cup (Start of November) ▼
  • The World Cup winner's trophy will be called Viswanathan Anand Cup.
  • The trophy features the peacock, the national bird of India in a frozen dance form.
  • The winner’s trophy was unveiled in a glittering opening ceremony in Goa on Friday.
  • The marquee competition starts on November 1 and will go on till November 26.
  • The total prize money fund for the tournament is $2 million.
  • The winner will get $120,000.
  • The World Cup will feature 206 players competing in a head-to-head, two-game knockout format over eight rounds.
  • The FIDE World Cup is the event that offers the top three finishers direct qualification for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, which determines the challenger for the World Chess Championship.
BWF World Championships 2025 to be held in Paris, France (Start of September) ▼
  • The event is the BWF World Championships 2025, also referred to as the TotalEnergies World Championships.
  • The sport discipline is badminton.
  • The championships will take place in Paris, France, from 25–31 August 2025.
  • The venue for the championships is the adidas Arena, the same venue which hosted last year's tournament.
  • Reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand knocked out world No. 1 Shi Yuqi and will face Lee Zii Jia in the last four.
  • With several top players missing, new winners are likely to be crowned.
  • Just one of the five Olympic champions will be in action.
  • The tournament is available to watch live on Olympic Channel via Olympics.com and the official Olympics mobile apps in selected territories.
India launches contingent for WorldSkills Asia Competition 2025 (End of November) ▼
  • Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary flagged off the Indian contingent for the WorldSkills Asia Competition 2025.
  • The team comprises 23 competitors and 21 experts selected through the India Skills Competition 2024.
  • They will compete in 21 skill categories in Chinese Taipei.
Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Champions to Receive Record Prize Money (Start of September) ▼
  • The winners of the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will receive the biggest-ever prize money in the history of the tournament, a massive hike from USD 1.32 million (Rs 11.65 crore) in the previous edition to USD 4.48 million (Rs 39.55 crore).
  • The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced a staggering four-fold increase in prize money for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 to be hosted by India from 30 September to 2 November.
  • Overall, the eight-team event will witness nearly a three-fold increase in prize money, with the ICC announcing a total prize purse of USD 13.88 million (Rs 122.5 crore approx) for the mega event.
  • The runners-up will now receive USD 2.24 million (Rs 19.77 crore approx), an increase of 273 per cent in comparison to the USD 600,000 (Rs 5.30 crore) England received for reaching the final.
  • The total prize pot eclipses the prize money at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, which had total prize money of USD 10 million (Rs 88.26 crore approx).

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

Bullet Points:

  • The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is observed annually on 29 November.
  • The day commemorates the adoption of a resolution by the UN General Assembly in 1947 on partitioning Palestine into two independent States, one Arab and one Jewish.
  • Annalena Baerbock is the president of the UN General Assembly.
  • Rattray, Chef de Cabinet, spoke on behalf of the UN Secretary-General.
  • UNRWA is the UN agency that assists Palestinian refugees.
  • UNCTAD stands for the UN Conference on Trade and Development.

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India votes in favour of UNGA resolution on Palestine endorsing two-state solution (Mid of September) ▼
  • India voted in favor of a UN resolution endorsing the New York Declaration, calling for a peaceful settlement of the Palestine issue and full implementation of the two-state solution.
  • The resolution is titled ‘Endorsement of the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution’.
  • The resolution was introduced by France.
  • It sailed through with 142 votes in support, 10 against and 12 abstentions.
  • Those opposing included Israel, the United States, Argentina and Hungary.
  • The New York Declaration was adopted at a high-level conference in July co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
  • The declaration urges collective action to end the war in Gaza, to achieve a just, peaceful and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the effective implementation of the two-state solution.
  • It presses the Israeli leadership to publicly commit to the two-state framework and “immediately end violence and incitement against Palestinians, immediately halt all settlement, land grabs, and annexation activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem”.
  • The declaration states, “Gaza is an integral part of a Palestinian State and must be unified with the West Bank. There must be no occupation, siege, territorial reduction, or forced displacement.”
  • It further asserts, “The war in Gaza must end now.”
World Children's Day 2025 observed on 20 November: Theme 'Listen to children, amplify their voices' (End of November) ▼
  • World Children's Day is commemorated every 20 November, the date on which the Convention on the Rights of the Child was signed.
  • The Convention on the Rights of the Child is described as 'the most widely ratified treaty in history.'
  • The 2025 observance highlights the call to 'listen to children' and 'amplify their voices as they stand up for their rights.'
International Students’ Day observed on 17 November: History and Significance (Mid of November) ▼
  • International Students’ Day is commemorated on 17 November each year.
  • The day traces its origin to the 1939 Prague crackdown when Nazi forces executed nine student leaders and sent over 1,200 students to concentration camps.
  • In 1941, the International Students’ Council in London officially proclaimed 17 November as International Students’ Day with support from more than 50 nations.
International Day of Peace observed on September 21: Theme 2025 - "Act Now for a Peaceful World" (End of September) ▼
  • The International Day of Peace is observed yearly on the 21st of September.
  • The day was originally established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981.
  • The theme for 2025’s International Day of Peace is “Act Now for a Peaceful World”.

Headline: National Newborn Week observed from November 15–21 with theme “Newborn Safety: Every Touch, Every Time, Every Baby”

Bullet Points:

  • National Newborn Week will be observed across the country from November 15 to 21 with the theme “Newborn Safety: Every Touch, Every Time, Every Baby.”
  • The theme underscores the urgent need to prioritize newborn safety at every stage of care.
  • The week-long initiative aims to reinforce a culture of safety through health workers, parents, and hospital systems.

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World Conjoined Twins Day observed on November 24 (End of November) ▼
  • "World Conjoined Twins Day" is associated with the United Nations.
  • The event "Repeats every year on the 24 of November".
  • The United Nations website lists "World Conjoined Twins Day" in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish.
World Pneumonia Day observed on 12 November: 2025 Theme 'Child Survival' (Mid of November) ▼
  • World Pneumonia Day is observed every year on 12 November.
  • The theme for 2025 is 'Child Survival', highlighting pneumonia as the leading infectious cause of death among children under five.
  • The day was first marked on 12 November 2009, initiated by the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia.
World Patient Safety Day 2025: Safe Care for Every Newborn and Every Child (Mid of September) ▼
  • World Patient Safety Day is observed on September 17.
  • The 2025 theme is “Patient safety from the start,” focusing on protecting every newborn and child from preventable harm.
  • The campaign urges action across five global goals: improving diagnostic accuracy, enhancing medication safety, preventing healthcare-associated infections, reducing risks for small and sick newborns, and engaging families as safety partners.
India’s Birth And Death Rates Halve In 50 Years; Sharp Drop In Infant And Maternal Mortality (Start of September) ▼
  • India’s birth, death, and infant mortality rates have shown a steady decline over the past few decades.
  • The birth rate has fallen from 21.4 in 2013 to 18.4 in 2023, and from 36.9 in 1971 to 18.4 in 2023.
  • Rural birth rate declined from 22.9 to 20.3 between 2013 and 2023, while urban birth rate fell from 17.3 to 14.9.
  • Bihar reported the highest birth rate at 25.8 in 2023, while the Andaman & Nicobar Islands recorded the lowest at 10.1.
  • The death rate decreased from 7.0 in 2013 to 6.4 in 2023.
  • Rural death rate was 6.8 compared to 5.7 in urban areas in 2023.
  • Chhattisgarh recorded the highest death rate at 8.3, while Chandigarh registered the lowest at 4.0.
  • Infant Mortality Rate dropped from 40 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2013 to 25 in 2023.
  • Rural IMR fell from 44 to 28, and urban IMR declined from 27 to 18 between 2013 and 2023.
  • In 2023, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh reported the highest IMR at 37, while Manipur had the lowest at 3.
  • India’s Maternal Mortality Rate declined by 83% between 1990 and 2020, compared to a 42% global decline.
  • Maternal mortality now stands at 97 deaths per 100,000 live births, improved from 556 earlier.

Headline: Aviation Safety Awareness Week 2025 observed from November 24 to 28

Bullet Points:

  • Aviation Safety Awareness Week 2025 was observed from 24th to 28th November 2025.
  • The event is organised annually by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
  • Its purpose is to promote aviation safety awareness across all airports and Air Navigation Services locations managed by AAI.

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World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims observed on November 16, 2025, with the theme "Safe Speeds Save Lives" (Mid of November) ▼
  • November 16, 2025, is World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
  • Over 300 small flags will represent those who have died on our roads since the last World Day of Remembrance in 2024.
  • This year’s theme is Safe Speeds Save Lives, focusing on the need to use more effective – but under-used – tools to discourage dangerously high speeds.”
National Annual Report and Index on Women’s Safety (NARI) 2025: Key Findings and Objectives (Start of September) ▼
  • **Initiative Name:** The National Annual Report and Index on Women’s Safety (NARI) 2025.
  • **Released By:** Released in Delhi by National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar.
  • **Scope:** Surveyed 12,770 women across 31 cities.
  • **National Safety Score:** The index set India’s national safety score at 65 per cent.
  • **City Ratings:** Cities were rated as “much above”, “above”, “below” or “much below” the benchmark.
  • **Safest Cities:** Mumbai, Kohima, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Aizawl, Gangtok and Itanagar emerged as the safest cities.
  • **Least Safe Cities:** Patna, Jaipur, Faridabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Srinagar and Ranchi were rated the least safe.
  • **Objective:** The findings are intended to “guide governments, corporates and communities to take focused steps to improve women’s safety in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.”
  • **Developer:** Pvalue Analytics, led by managing director Prahallad Rout, developed the index.
  • **Dimensions of Safety:** NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar highlighted four dimensions of women’s safety: physical, psychological, financial and digital.
National Aviation Safety Centre: India to Establish First-of-its-Kind Regional Training Hub (End of October) ▼
  • Scheme Name: National Aviation Safety Centre – "the first of its kind institution in the region to train investigators and aviation professionals modelled on global best practices"
  • Objective: "to train aircraft accident investigators and aviation professionals" and "build world-class safety infrastructure and human capital"
  • Implementing Authority: Civil Aviation Ministry (announced by Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha)
  • Key Provision: Government is "doubling" the number of professionals in regulatory and investigation roles
  • Institutional Support: Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will continue to classify occurrences and conduct detailed accident investigations
Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2025: Key Organizations, Classifications, and Reports (Start of November) ▼
  • Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2025 is "the annual push to change that: to educate the public, name myths, promote screening for those at high risk, and push for cleaner air and stronger prevention policies."
  • Outdoor (ambient) air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and traffic-related gases, was classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen for lung cancer.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) guidance highlights household energy as a crucial target for reducing indoor air pollution.
  • The American Lung Association provides "LUNG FORCE / Lung Cancer Awareness Month (campaign information)" for 2024–2025.
  • The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) provides "awareness and screening guidance" for November, which is Lung Cancer Awareness Month (2024–2025).
  • The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI/NIH) published "The role of PM2.5 exposure in lung cancer (mechanisms and evidence review)" in 2024.
  • The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (GBD analysis, 2021 data published 2024) published "Global Burden of Disease 2021 — findings on air pollution and lung cancer."

Headline: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying releases Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025 in New Delhi

Bullet Points:

  • The ‘Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025’ was released by Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, on National Milk Day at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi.
  • The publication provides comprehensive data on livestock and dairy sector trends based on the Integrated Sample Survey conducted from 1st March 2024 to 29th February 2025.
  • India ranks 1st globally in milk production with 247.87 million tonnes in 2024-25, and 2nd in egg production with 149.11 billion eggs.
  • The top five milk-producing states are Uttar Pradesh (15.66%), Rajasthan (14.82%), Madhya Pradesh (9.12%), Gujarat (7.78%), and Maharashtra (6.71%).
  • Andhra Pradesh leads egg production with 18.37% of national output, followed by Tamil Nadu (15.63%) and Telangana (12.98%).

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National Milk Day observed on November 26 (End of November) ▼
  • National Milk Day is celebrated on November 26 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Verghese Kurien who is known as the ‘Father of the White Revolution in India.’
  • The decision to commemorate Dr. Verghese Kurien’s birthday was taken collectively by The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the Indian Dairy Association (IDA), and 22 state-level milk federations.
  • NDDB had launched “Operation Flood" on January 13, 1970, to make India self-sufficient in milk production.
National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025: Objectives, Categories, and Prizes (Mid of November) ▼
  • The National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2025 are announced by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
  • The NGRA is one of the highest national honours in the livestock and dairy sector, aiming to encourage milk-producing farmers, dairy cooperative societies/MPCs/FPOs, and Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs).
  • Awards will be conferred on 26th November 2025 as part of the National Milk Day celebrations.
  • The awards are given in three categories: Best Dairy farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds, Best Dairy Cooperative society/ Milk Producer company/ Dairy Farmer producer organization, and Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT).
  • For the 'Best Dairy Farmer' and 'Best DCS/FPO/MPCs' categories, monetary prizes are ₹5,00,000 for 1st rank, ₹3,00,000 for 2nd rank, ₹2,00,000 for 3rd rank, and ₹2,00,000 for a Special Award for North Eastern Region (NER)/Himalayan States.
  • For the 'Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT)' category, the award consists of a Certificate of merit and a memento only, with no cash prize.
  • The National Gopal Ratna Awards have been conferred annually since 2021 under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), which was launched in December 2014 to focus on the scientific conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds.
National Nutrition Week 2025: “Nutritious Food For All – From Children to the Elderly” (Start of September) ▼
  • Scheme/Initiative Name: National Nutrition Week, observed annually from September 1st to 7th and led by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in collaboration with NGOs, healthcare bodies, and other government departments.
  • Main Objective: “to educate people on proper dietary practices and highlight the role of nutrition in preventing malnutrition and lifestyle-related health issues.”
  • Key Connection: National Nutrition Week “strengthens the vision of Poshan Abhiyan (National Nutrition Mission), a flagship program by the Government of India that works to improve nutritional outcomes among children, adolescents, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.”
  • Theme 2025: “Nutritious Food For All – From Children to the Elderly,” emphasizing that “nutrition is a lifelong requirement.”
Sixth International Agronomy Congress (IAC–2025) inaugurated in New Delhi (End of November) ▼
  • Event: Sixth International Agronomy Congress (IAC–2025) organised by Indian Society of Agronomy in collaboration with ICAR, IARI, NAAS and TAAS
  • Theme: ‘Re-envisioning Agronomy for Smart Agro-Food Systems and Environmental Protection’
  • Inaugurated by: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan