04th November 2025

1. WAVES Animation Bazaar and 8th Edition of IndiaJoy Inaugurated in Hyderabad
2. Indian Army hosts Young Leader Forum “Veer Yuva”
3. ISRO Signs MoU with BCCL, CMPDI to map Coal Fires in Jharia Coalfield
4. Gogabeel Lake in Bihar Designated as India’s 94th Ramsar Site
5. Sunil Kant Munjal Conferred France’s Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite
6. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Felicitated Rohit Shetty, Harbhajan Singh, and Saina Nehwal as Fit India Icons
7. New Zealand’s Former Captain Kane Williamson Announced T20I Retirement
8. Indian Oil Mumbai Clinched Indian Oil Surjit Hockey Trophy for 3rd Consecutive Year
9. Renowned Litterateur and Padma Shree Awardee Ramdarash Mishra passed away
10. China Achieves First-Ever Thorium-Uranium Fuel Conversion in TMSR
11. OpenAI, Amazon Sign $38 Billion Deal for AI Expansion AWS
12. SBI Launches ‘SBI-STAR’ Awards to Honour Employee Talents
13. India to Resume Approvals for Chinese Imports After Five-Year Freeze
14. Scindia Confers Bhupen Hazarika Awards Celebrating Northeast Icons
15. World’s Oldest Olympic Gold Medallist Charles Coste Dies at 101
16. Post Payments Bank & EPFO Launch Free Doorstep Service
17. Maldives Enacts World’s First Generational Smoking Ban
18. UPI Transactions Hit Record ₹27.28 Lakh Crore in October 2025
19. SBI Joins India Bullion Exchange as Special Category Client
20. Russia Launches Khabarovsk Submarine, Carrier for Poseidon Drone

National News

1. Indian Army Organises Young Leaders Forum 2025 in New Delhi

• What:
  • The Indian Army and the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) organised the Young Leaders Forum (YLF) on 31 October 2025 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, as a pre-event to the Chanakya Defence Dialogue (CDD) 2025.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to highlight the role of youth in building a secure, self-reliant, and developed India under the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
• Tell me more:
  • The forum was held on National Unity Day, marking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary, and celebrated the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
  • The deliberations from YLF will contribute to the agenda of the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025, themed “Reform to Transform: Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat.”

Source: PIB

State News

1. Hyderabad to Get Regional Centre of Indian Institute of Creative Technologies

• What:
  • The Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Sanjay Jaju, announced that Hyderabad will soon have a regional centre of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) to promote the gaming, animation, and digital entertainment industries.
• Why:
  • The centre aims to strengthen India’s creative economy and establish the country as a global leader in creativity and digital innovation through the WAVES initiative.
• Tell me more:
  • The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies is the first of its kind and will have multiple campuses across India.
  • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IICT and T-Hub to support startup incubation and innovation in the media and entertainment sector.
  • The WAVES Animation Bazaar was launched as a content marketplace connecting animation creators with buyers and OTT platforms.
  • The WAVEX initiative and Create in India Challenge showcased startups and intellectual properties created by young talents.
  • Sanjay Jaju announced Japan as the partner country for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025.

Source: PIB

2. Gogabeel Lake in Bihar Declared as Ramsar Site

• What:
  • Gogabeel Lake in Katihar district of Bihar has been designated as a Ramsar site, making it a wetland of international importance and increasing India’s total to 94 Ramsar sites.
• Why:
  • The recognition aims to promote conservation and wise use of wetlands that support biodiversity, water supply, and flood control.
• Tell me more:
  • With this addition, Bihar now has six Ramsar sites, ranking third in India after Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Gogabeel Lake is an oxbow wetland situated between the Ganga and Mahananda rivers and becomes connected to both during floods.
  • It is Bihar’s first community reserve, conserved and managed by the local community.
  • India added 67 Ramsar sites in the last 11 years, covering an area of 13,60,805 hectares.
  • The announcement was shared by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on National Unity Day.

Source: TOI

International News

1. China Achieves First Thorium to Uranium Fuel Conversion

• What:
  • China has achieved the world’s first thorium to uranium nuclear fuel conversion in a Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR), confirming the technical feasibility of thorium-based nuclear energy systems.
• Why:
  • The achievement aims to promote large-scale utilization of thorium resources and advance the development of safe and efficient nuclear energy systems in China.
• Tell me more:
  • The experiment was carried out by the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics (SINAP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
  • The TMSR is currently the only operational molten-salt reactor in the world using thorium fuel.
  • Molten-salt reactors use high-temperature molten salt as a coolant and work at atmospheric pressure, offering safety and high-temperature output advantages.
  • The technology allows integration with renewable energy and industrial sectors like solar, wind, hydrogen production, and petrochemicals.
  • China plans to build a 100-megawatt demonstration TMSR project and achieve its application by 2035.

Source: GT

2. Maldives Becomes First Country to Impose Generational Tobacco Ban

• What:
  • The Maldives has introduced the world’s first generational ban on tobacco use, prohibiting the sale and use of tobacco products to anyone born after January 1, 2007, including visitors.
• Why:
  • The move aims to create a smoke-free generation, protect public health, and align with the country’s commitment to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
• Tell me more:
  • The ban, effective from November 1, 2025, was enacted through the Second Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu.
  • The WHO FCTC was adopted by the World Health Assembly on 21 May 2003 and entered into force on 27 February 2005.

Source: DTE

3. Russia Launches New Nuclear Submarine ‘Khabarovsk’

• What:
  • Russia launched its newest nuclear submarine ‘Khabarovsk’, designed to carry the underwater nuclear drone ‘Poseidon’, also known as the doomsday missile.
• Tell me more:
  • The submarine was ceremonially launched at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk.
  • The Poseidon drone, carried by Khabarovsk, is capable of intercontinental travel and large-scale destruction.
  • The Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk is Russia’s main submarine production facility.

Source: NOA

Banking and Economy

1. OpenAI Signs $38 Billion Cloud Deal with Amazon

• What:
  • OpenAI has signed a $38 billion deal with Amazon to use Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing for its AI products like ChatGPT over the next seven years.
• Why:
  • The partnership will provide OpenAI with more computing power, giving it flexibility and independence while expanding global access to AI technology.
• Tell me more:
  • OpenAI will access advanced Nvidia GPUs and Amazon’s infrastructure to train and run AI models.
  • The deal marks a shift from OpenAI’s earlier exclusive reliance on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform.
  • The announcement pushed Amazon’s stock to an all-time high, raising its market value by nearly $140 billion.
  • OpenAI also signed partnerships with Oracle, Broadcom, AMD, and Nvidia, valued at over $1 trillion in total.
  • Despite global growth, OpenAI remains unprofitable, with reported losses of $12 billion in the last quarter.

Source: IT

2. SBI Launches Annual Employee Excellence Award ‘SBI STAR’

• What:
  • State Bank of India (SBI) has launched an annual employee excellence award called ‘SBI STAR’ (Staff Talent Acknowledgement & Recognition) to recognise employees’ achievements beyond their professional roles.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to promote holistic employee engagement, well-being, and pride by celebrating exceptional talents in various fields beyond workplace skills.
• Tell me more:
  • SBI STAR will honour employees for excellence in Arts, Literature, Games & Sports, Culture, Social Work, and Environmental Initiatives.
  • The award process includes self-nomination, followed by evaluation and shortlisting by each Circle or Vertical, and final selection by the Corporate Centre in Mumbai.
  • It seeks to build motivation and organisational pride among SBI’s workforce of over 2.45 lakh employees—the largest in India’s BFSI sector.

Source: ET

3. India to Resume Import Approvals for Goods from China

• What:
  • The Indian government plans to clear pending proposals for importing electronics parts, shoes, steel, household items, raw materials, and other goods from China and other countries.
• Why:
  • The move aims to meet rising domestic demand for consumer goods driven by GST cuts and renewed trade engagement with China.
• Tell me more:
  • Import approvals had been paused after border tensions with China in 2020.
  • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) sought details of delayed certifications for foreign manufacturers to speed up approvals.
  • The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification is mandatory for sourcing products under the Quality Control Order (QCO).

Source: ET

4. IPPB to Provide Doorstep Digital Life Certificate Services for EPFO Pensioners

• What:
  • India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to provide doorstep Digital Life Certificate (DLC) services to pensioners under the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to make the life certificate submission process easier and more convenient for EPFO pensioners, especially those in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Tell me more:
  • IPPB will use its network of over 1.65 lakh post offices and 3 lakh postal service providers equipped with doorstep banking devices for digital verification.
  • Pensioners can complete DLC submission through face authentication or fingerprint biometric authentication using Aadhaar.
  • EPFO will bear the full cost of issuing the Digital Life Certificate, making it free for pensioners.
  • The MoU was exchanged between IPPB MD & CEO R. Viswesvaran and EPFO CPFC Ramesh Krishnamurthi during EPFO’s 73rd Foundation Day.
  • Pensioners can contact their postman, Gramin Dak Sevak, or visit the nearest post office to avail the service.

Source: ET

5. UPI Transactions Hit Record Rs 27.28 Lakh Crore in October 2025

• What:
  • Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions reached a record high of Rs 27.28 lakh crore in value and 20.7 billion in volume in October 2025, driven by festive season spending.
• Tell me more:
  • The previous highest transaction value was Rs 25.14 lakh crore in May, and the highest volume was 19.47 billion in July.
  • UPI accounted for 85% of all digital payments in India, showing deep penetration into both urban and rural areas.
  • UPI is operational in seven countries, including the UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, and Mauritius.

Source: BS

6. SBI Executes First Gold Trade as Special Category Client on IIBX

• What:
  • State Bank of India (SBI) executed its first gold trade as a special category client (SCC) on the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX), marking a significant step in reforming India’s bullion import framework.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in bullion trading while supporting government efforts to modernise the bullion ecosystem.
• Tell me more:
  • SBI became the first bank to join the India International Bullion Exchange in 2024 as a Trading-cum-Clearing (TCM) Member.
  • The new status will help facilitate smooth bullion transactions for jewellers, bullion dealers, and other stakeholders, particularly MSMEs.
  • The move is expected to streamline gold imports through IIBX, reducing reliance on traditional import channels and aligning with global standards.

Source: TOI

Awards

1. France Honours Sunil Kant Munjal with National Order of Merit

• What:
  • France has awarded Sunil Kant Munjal, Chairman of Hero Enterprise and founder of Serendipity Arts Foundation, with the Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite (Knight of the National Order of Merit).
• Why:
  • The award recognises his contribution to education, innovation, and cultural democratization in India, along with his efforts to strengthen ties between France and India.
• Tell me more:
  • The French Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, presented the award to Sunil Kant Munjal in New Delhi.
  • His Serendipity Arts Foundation, founded in 2014, aims to make art more accessible through initiatives like the Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa.
  • The foundation collaborates with French institutions, including residencies under Villa Swagatam and photography grants with Les Rencontres d’Arles.
  • Ambassador Mathou praised Munjal’s vision and civic responsibility, noting that his work supports inclusion and growth through culture.
  • Munjal accepted the honour, describing it as a celebration of cultural connections between France and India.

Source: MoC

2. Fit India Icons Felicitated at National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025

• What:
  • Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated newly appointed Fit India Icons Rohit Shetty, Harbhajan Singh, and Saina Nehwal at the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 in Mumbai.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to promote India’s fitness and wellness movement under the Fit India Mission, supporting the goal of building a Fit and Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• Tell me more:
  • The event was attended by Union Minister of State Smt. Raksha Khadse, who honoured Saiyami Kher, Shivoham, and Vrinda Bhatt as Fit India Icons for encouraging health awareness.
  • Fit India Ambassadors Ankur Garg, Karan Tacker, Vishwas Patil, and Krishna Prakash were also felicitated for promoting fitness in society.
  • Dr. Mandaviya highlighted fitness as crucial for India’s growth, economic progress, and youth well-being, noting that 65% of India’s population is below 35 years.

Source: PIB

3. Jyotiraditya Scindia Confers Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Awards

• What:
  • Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia presented the Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Awards at a ceremony in Guwahati organised by Sarhad Pune and later addressed the Nanhi Chhaan 12th National Essay Contest.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to honour Bhupen Hazarika’s legacy, celebrate India’s cultural diversity, and recognise the role of women and youth in building a Viksit Bharat.
• Tell me more:
  • Six personalities were honoured for their contributions to literature, music, film, and culture: Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi (Arunachal Pradesh), Laishram Mema (Manipur), Rajni Basumatary (Assam), L. R. Sailo (Mizoram), Dr. Surjya Kanta Hazarika (Assam), and Prof. David R. Syiemlieh (Meghalaya).
  • He referred to Assam’s freedom heroine Kanaklata Barua as an inspiration for courage and commitment to change.

Source: PIB

Sports

1. Kane Williamson Retires from T20 International Cricket

• What:
  • Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from T20 Internationals after playing 93 matches in the format.
• Why:
  • Williamson is New Zealand’s second-highest T20I run-scorer with 2575 runs at an average of 33, including 18 fifties and a top score of 95.
• Tell me more:
  • He captained the BLACKCAPS in 75 T20Is, leading them to two semi-finals (2016, 2022) and one final (2021).
  • He made his T20I debut in 2011 and will continue to play franchise T20 cricket and domestic tournaments.
  • His next match will be for Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield against Auckland on November 26.
  • He remains open to continuing his career in ODIs and Tests and will play the upcoming three-Test series against the West Indies starting December 2 in Christchurch.

Source: ET

2. Indian Oil Mumbai Wins 42nd Surjit Hockey Trophy

• What:
  • Indian Oil Mumbai won the 42nd Indian Oil Servo Surjit Hockey Trophy by defeating Indian Railways Delhi 2-1 in the final held at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar.
• Why:
  • The tournament was organised to promote competitive hockey and honour the memory of Olympian Surjit Singh.
• Tell me more:
  • This is Indian Oil Mumbai’s third consecutive and seventh overall title win in the Surjit Hockey Trophy.
  • Indian Oil received the winner’s trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 5.51 lakh, and Indian Railways received Rs. 2.50 lakh with the runner-up trophy.
  • Talwinder Singh from Indian Oil was declared the best player of the tournament.
  • Punjab Police captain Olympian Harmanpreet Singh was awarded Rs. 51,000 as the best scorer.

Source: NOA

Memorandum of Understanding

1. ISRO, BCCL, and CMPDI Sign MoU to Monitor Jharia Coalfield

• What:
  • A tripartite MoU was signed among NRSC/ISRO, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), and Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDI) on October 15, 2025, for delineation of surface coal fire and land subsidence in Jharia coalfield, Jharkhand, during 2025–27.
• Why:
  • The MoU aims to use satellite-based remote sensing techniques to monitor coal fires and land subsidence for better implementation of the Jharia Master Plan under the Ministry of Coal.
• Tell me more:
  • The study will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) based methods to detect and map coal fires using Thermal Infrared (TIR) and Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) remote sensing data every quarter.
  • SAR interferometric techniques will identify land subsidence annually using data from NISAR and Sentinel-1 satellites.
  • Results from satellite monitoring will be jointly validated on the ground by all the partner organisations.
  • The data and maps produced will assist BCCL in planning and executing management interventions in the affected areas.

Source: ISRO

Miscellaneous

1. Prime Minister Condoles Death of Litterateur Ramdarash Mishra

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on the passing of renowned litterateur and educationist Ramdarash Mishra.
• Ramdarash Mishra was celebrated for enriching Hindi and Bhojpuri literature through his creative and educational contributions.
• Mishra was known for his wide recognition as both a writer and an educationist.

Source: NOA

2. Oldest Living Olympic Gold Medallist Charles Coste Passes Away

• What:
  • French cyclist Charles Coste, the world’s oldest living Olympic gold medallist, passed away at the age of 101.
• Tell me more:
  • Charles Coste won Olympic gold in track cycling’s team pursuit event along with Pierre Adam, Serge Blusson, and Fernand Decanali.
  • The 2024 Paris Olympics was a symbolic event for France, where Coste was honoured as a torchbearer.
  • Fausto Coppi, whom Coste defeated, was a celebrated Tour de France and Giro d’Italia champion.

Source: TH

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