05th November 2025
PM Modi Chhattisgarh Visit, Jyotiraditya Scindia Assam Projects, Kerala Extreme Poverty, Campus Tank Launchpad, UNEP AGR 2025, NIPL Razorpay Malaysia, Hinduja Energy Projects, Sanjay Garg BIS, Samia Suluhu Hassan, Biosphere Reserves Day, NaBFID Infrastructure Bank, Amul IFFCO Cooperatives, India Israel MoU, Green Hydrogen Conference, Telangana AI Hub, UK India Dashboard, CBSE Sahodaya Dubai, ICC Events Calendar, David Beckham Knighthood, India Cheetahs Botswana, Indian Hockey Centennial, India Aid Jamaica, Fortified Rice Costa Rica, Tsunami Awareness Day, QS Asia Rankings 2026, Gopichand Hinduja, Jannik Sinner Paris Masters
- Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Chhattisgarh on November 1, 2025
- Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates NEST cluster and Lays Foundation stone for Rs. 635 cr Development Projects in Assam
- Kerala Becomes First Indian State to Eliminate Extreme Poverty
- CU-UP Launches India’s 1st University led Startup Launchpad ‘Campus Tank’ for Young Innovators
- UNEP’s AGR 2025: Developing Nations Face an Annual Adaptation Bill of Up to USD 365 Billion by 2035
- NIPL Partners with Razorpay to Enable UPI Transactions in Malaysia
- Hinduja Group to Invest Rs.20,000 Crores for Energy Projects in AP
- Sanjay Garg Appointed as New DG of Bureau of Indian Standards
- Samia Suluhu Hassan Sworn in for Second Term as Tanzania’s President
- International Day for Biosphere Reserves 2025 – November 3
- NaBFID to become a global infrastructure bank
- Amul and IFFCO lead the global cooperative list
- India and Israel sign MoU to strengthen defence partnership
- MNRE to host international conference on green hydrogen
- Telangana establishes artificial intelligence innovation hub
- India and UK launch joint science and technology partnership dashboard
- CBSE hosts first international Sahodaya conference in Dubai
- ICC announces events calendar for 2025 to 2031 including world cups and test finals
- Sir David Beckham receives knighthood honour
- India to import eight more cheetahs from Botswana
- Centennial celebrations of Indian hockey to begin on November 7
- India sends humanitarian aid to Jamaica and Cuba
- India exports fortified rice to Costa Rica
- World Tsunami Awareness Day 2025 – 5 November
- QS Asia Rankings 2026 show IITs slipping as China and Singapore rise
- Business leader Gopichand Hinduja passes away at 87
- Jannik Sinner reclaims world number one spot with Paris Masters victory
Table of Content
National News
- Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Inaugurates NEST Cluster at IIT Guwahati
- What:
- Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated the North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹635 crore across Assam.
- Why:
- The initiatives aim to promote innovation, connectivity, and inclusive growth in Assam, strengthening its role as the gateway to Southeast Asia and driving the vision of a Viksit Purvottar.
- Tell me more:
- The NEST Cluster, established with ₹22.98 crore, will focus on four verticals: Grassroots Innovation, Semiconductors & Artificial Intelligence, Bamboo-Based Technologies, and Biodegradable Plastics.
- It will support youth-centric programmes such as NE-SPARKS and Ashtalakshmi Darshan, enabling student exchanges between the Northeast and other parts of India.
- The Minister interacted with researchers at IIT Guwahati showcasing innovations in 6G communication, biodegradable polymers, bamboo tissue culture, and low-field MRI systems.
- Thirty rural women from Kamrup District were felicitated for completing training in biodegradable toy manufacturing using Industry 4.0 technologies and will receive support to establish micro-enterprises.
- The ₹635 crore projects include infrastructure for 65 new secondary school buildings, road upgradation, bridge construction, and development of two industrial estates in Kokrajhar and Baksa.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - The NEST Cluster logo was designed by rural women trained in sustainable toy manufacturing, representing inclusive innovation and Nari Shakti. - Under the Modi government, over ₹6.2 lakh crore has been invested in the Northeast through the 10% Gross Budgetary Support policy. - Gross Budgetary Support refers to the government’s financial assistance for the Central plan, aimed at achieving the objectives of the 5-year plans. It is used to fund planned outlays in various sectors such as agriculture, energy, transport, education, health, housing, and social services during a financial year. - Landmark connectivity projects in Assam include the Bogibeel Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Sela Tunnel, and Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park. - The Act East Policy has improved regional connectivity, reducing travel time between Kolkata and Agartala from 31 hours to 10 hours via new links through Bangladesh. - Assam’s development reflects the vision of “Xobhe xokolore loi thoka xomaj” — a society that carries everyone together. |
- India to Host International Conference on Green Hydrogen 2025
- What:
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will host the International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH 2025) on 11–12 November at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- Why:
- The conference aims to promote the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) by encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing, and practical strategies for scaling up green hydrogen production and use.
- Tell me more:
- Key themes include financing, certification, infrastructure, skill development, localisation of technologies, and global cooperation.
- The conference is part of India’s broader National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) led by the MNRE.
- International delegations will include IRENA, Hydrogen Europe, H2 Global Foundation, Korea Hydrogen Alliance, and the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
Source: PIB
- India and UK Launch Pilot Version of Science and Technology Partnership Dashboard
- What:
- India and the United Kingdom unveiled the pilot version of the India-United Kingdom Science and Technology Partnership (IN-UK-STP) Dashboard in New Delhi on 4th November 2025.
- Why:
- The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in science and technology by providing data-driven insights for policy-making, identifying research priorities, and tracking collaborative progress.
- Tell me more:
- The dashboard was jointly developed by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India and the British High Commission in India.
- It covers 143 bilateral projects supported and implemented jointly by India and the UK since 2018.
- The projects are mapped based on funding value, implementing partners, and alignment with India-UK Science and Innovation Council goals, 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and priority technology areas.
- The launch took place during a bilateral meeting at Bharat Mandapam, co-chaired by PSA Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood and UK National Technology Adviser Dr. David Warren Smith.
- The dashboard serves as an evidence-based policy tool to track bilateral progress in science and technology cooperation.
Source: PIB
- CBSE Holds First International Sahodaya School Conference in Dubai
- What:
- The first International and 31st Annual Conference of Sahodaya School Complexes was inaugurated at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, marking the first time CBSE’s annual event is held outside India.
- Why:
- The conference aims to promote collaborative learning, implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and foster global partnerships among CBSE-affiliated schools for holistic and future-ready education.
- Tell me more:
- The two-day conference, themed “Rooted in Wisdom, Rising with Vision: Reimagining Education through NEP 2020,” brought together over 1,000 educators, school leaders, and stakeholders from across the world.
- CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh announced the introduction of standard and advanced subject levels for Class 9 onwards from the 2026-27 academic year.
- He also unveiled the CBSE Global Curriculum 26, aimed at creating an affordable world-class curriculum rooted in Indian values.
- CBSE operates 106 schools in the UAE and 213 schools across the Gulf region, serving about 2.5 lakh students.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
|
- The Sahodaya School Complex initiative promotes collaboration among CBSE schools to improve learning outcomes and innovation. - The conference was organized by CBSE under the guidance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. - Sudha Murthy addressed the gathering, highlighting that education must balance science, technology, empathy, and compassion. |
Source: NOA
- India to Bring Eight More Cheetahs from Botswana
- What:
- India will bring another batch of eight cheetahs from Botswana by the third week of December under the ongoing Project Cheetah.
- Why:
- The move aims to strengthen India’s efforts to restore the cheetah population and revive the grassland ecosystem through reintroduction of the species in its historical range.
- Tell me more:
- After arrival, they will be quarantined for 2–3 months at Kuno-Palpur National Park in Madhya Pradesh before release into the wild.
- Project Cheetah is the world’s first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation project.
- India currently has 27 cheetahs, including 16 born in the country, with 24 at Kuno and three at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
|
- The cheetah went extinct in India in 1952. - Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first batch of eight cheetahs from Namibia into Kuno on September 17, 2022. - In February 2023, 12 more cheetahs arrived from South Africa. |
Source: IE
State News
- PM Inaugurates New Chhattisgarh Assembly Building in Nava Raipur
- What:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new building of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly in Nava Raipur and unveiled the statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- Why:
- The inauguration aimed to showcase India’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while advancing development, reflecting the government’s vision of progress through unity and tradition.
- Tell me more:
- The new Assembly building mirrors the rich cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh and is described as a pillar of democracy guiding the state’s future.
- During his visit, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the Shanti Shikhar of the Brahma Kumaris, a centre for peace, meditation, and spiritual learning.
- He highlighted that the nation’s growth depends on the progress of its states, aligning with the goal of making India a developed nation.
- The Prime Minister visited the Shri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital, interacted with around 2,500 children treated for congenital heart diseases, and presented “Gift of Life” certificates.
- He also inaugurated the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial, the Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museum, and attended Chhattisgarh’s Silver Jubilee celebrations.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
|
- The Prime Minister’s visit included launching and laying the foundation of projects worth over ₹14,000 crore in sectors such as roads, industry, healthcare, and energy. - Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose statue was unveiled, was awarded the Bharat Ratna and served as India’s former Prime Minister. |
Source: NOA
- Kerala Becomes India’s First State to Eradicate Extreme Poverty
- What:
- Kerala has declared itself free from extreme poverty, becoming the first state in India to achieve this milestone under the Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP).
- Why:
- The initiative aimed to uplift families left out of previous welfare programmes and ensure access to income, housing, food, education, and healthcare for all.
- Tell me more:
- The declaration was made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on November 1, 2025, during a special session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly.
- The four-year mission began in 2021, identifying 1,03,099 individuals from 64,006 families living in extreme poverty.
- Local bodies, Kudumbashree volunteers, and gram sabhas ensured transparency through multiple verification levels.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than USD 3 per day, with around 830 million people globally in this category in 2025. - Kerala’s LIFE housing mission and MGNREGS covered thousands of families under the EPEP. - The declaration coincided with Kerala Piravi, marking the state’s formation day. - Thiruvananthapuram’s Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is India’s richest temple, with treasures valued at over INR 1 lakh crore. - The Travancore royal family manages the temple under the supervision of the Supreme Court of India. |
Source: TOI
- Chandigarh University in Lucknow Launches ‘Campus Tank’ for Young Innovators
- What:
- Chandigarh University in Lucknow launched ‘Campus Tank’, India’s first university-led startup launchpad, to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among youth.
- Why:
- The initiative aims to support young innovators with mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities to transform their ideas into successful ventures and strengthen India’s startup ecosystem.
- Tell me more:
- The university has set aside USD 6 million (around ₹50 crore) for the programme, supporting startups from ideation to market launch.
- Chandigarh University’s Technology Business Incubation (TBI) Center has incubated more than 200 startups, with 11 achieving annual turnovers above ₹50 lakh.
- Alongside the launch, the university also unveiled ‘CU AI Space’, a collaborative hub for students and professionals to work on AI-powered innovations.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - India has emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, growing at 12–15% annually. - The ‘Campus Tank’ platform provides startups with access to mentors, incubation, and investors to ensure long-term sustainability. |
- Hinduja Group to Invest ₹20,000 Crore in Andhra Pradesh
- What:
- The Hinduja Group has signed an agreement with the Andhra Pradesh government to invest ₹20,000 crore in phases across the state.
- Why:
- The investment aims to boost renewable energy, electric mobility, and industrial growth in Andhra Pradesh, positioning the state as a hub for sustainable development.
- Tell me more:
- The agreement was finalised during Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s meeting in London with Ashok Hinduja, Prakash Hinduja, and Shom Hinduja.
- The group will enhance the capacity of the Visakhapatnam power plant by 1,600 MW.
Source: ET
- Telangana Launches Artificial Intelligence Innovation Hub (TAIH)
- What:
- Telangana has launched the Telangana Artificial Intelligence Innovation Hub (TAIH) to strengthen AI-driven research, innovation, and collaboration across multiple sectors.
- Why:
- The initiative aims to make Telangana one of the top 20 global hubs for Artificial Intelligence by 2035 and to integrate AI into governance and public service delivery.
- Tell me more:
- The hub will act as a central platform for AI-based research and innovation.
- The Special Chief Secretary (IT), Commissioner of MeeSeva, and Joint Director of Emerging Technologies will be part of TAIH to ensure coordination and strategic direction.
- The government aims to position Telangana as a national leader in AI-based governance and innovation.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
|
- Telangana plans to support Cuban startups through its innovation platforms like T-Hub, T-Works, and WE-Hub. - Cuban Ambassador to India: Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera |
Source: IE
International News
- India Sends Humanitarian Aid to Jamaica and Cuba
- What:
- India has sent humanitarian assistance to Jamaica and Cuba after Hurricane Melissa caused severe damage in both countries.
- Why:
- The aid aims to support the recovery and reconstruction efforts in Jamaica and Cuba as part of India’s commitment to assist its Global South partners during natural disasters.
- Tell me more:
- Around 20 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) supplies were sent to each country from New Delhi.
- The Indian Air Force aircraft carried aid including Aarogya Maitri BHISHM Cube, rehabilitation support items, food, medicines, medical equipment, power generators, and hygiene kits.
- The Aarogya Maitri BHISHM Cube is part of India’s disaster relief medical support system.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba and other countries severely. Hurricane Melissa was an extremely powerful, destructive, and erratic tropical cyclone which became the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record. |
Source: NOA
Banking and Economy
- NIPL Partners with Razorpay Curlec to Enable UPI Payments in Malaysia
- What:
- NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has partnered with Razorpay Curlec to enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in Malaysia for Indian travellers.
- Why:
- The initiative aims to provide Indian visitors with a secure and convenient digital payment option while helping Malaysian businesses access a growing base of Indian consumers through UPI.
- Tell me more:
- The partnership was formalized during the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025.
- Indian travellers can now make instant and secure payments to local merchants in Malaysia using UPI-enabled apps through Razorpay Curlec’s platform.
- The integration allows Malaysian businesses to benefit from local settlement and compliance while expanding their customer base.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - NIPL’s Managing Director & CEO, Ritesh Shukla - Razorpay’s Co-founder, Shashank Kumar - NIPL is the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). - Razorpay Curlec operates as a digital payment platform in Malaysia. |
Source: TOI
- NaBFID to be Renamed as Infrastructure Development Bank (IDB)
- What:
- The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) will soon be renamed as the Infrastructure Development Bank (IDB).
- Why:
- The renaming aims to position NaBFID as an international financial institution similar to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
- Tell me more:
- The change will include a new name and logo for the institution.
- NaBFID was established to finance long-term infrastructure projects in India.
- NaBFID was set up under the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Act, 2021.
- It is fully owned by the Government of India.
Source: ET
Reports and Indices
- UNEP’s Adaptation Gap Report 2025
- What:
- The United Nations Environment Programme released the Adaptation Gap Report 2025: Running on Empty, highlighting a severe shortfall in adaptation finance for developing countries.
- Why:
- The report aims to draw global attention to the urgent need for increased adaptation funding to protect vulnerable nations from worsening climate impacts and achieve climate justice.
- Tell me more:
- Developing countries need over US$310 billion annually for climate adaptation by 2035, based on modelled costs, which rises to US$365 billion when using extrapolated national plans.
- Current international public adaptation finance was only US$26 billion in 2023, down from US$28 billion the previous year, leaving a gap 12–14 times greater than current flows.
- The Glasgow Climate Pact goal of doubling adaptation finance to about US$40 billion by 2025 is unlikely to be met if trends continue.
- Around 172 countries have at least one national adaptation policy, with 1,600 adaptation actions reported, mainly in biodiversity, agriculture, water, and infrastructure.
- Support for new projects under global climate funds reached US$920 million in 2024, an 86% rise over the previous five-year average, though future funding remains uncertain.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - The private sector could potentially provide up to US$50 billion annually for adaptation if supported by policy actions and blended finance mechanisms. - The New Collective Quantified Goal for climate finance targets at least US$300 billion per year by 2035 but covers both mitigation and adaptation. - Inflation-adjusted adaptation finance needs could reach US$440–520 billion per year by 2035. - Grants and concessional, non-debt instruments are crucial to prevent increasing the debt burden of vulnerable nations. - UNEP’s report warns that failure to bridge the adaptation finance gap risks lives, livelihoods, and economies amid rising global temperatures. |
- International Cooperative Alliance’s (ICA) World Cooperative Monitor 2025
- What:
- Amul and the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) have secured the first and second ranks, respectively, among the top ten cooperatives in the world, as per the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) World Cooperative Monitor 2025.
- Tell me more:
- The announcement was made at the ICA CM50 Conference held in Doha, Qatar.
- Amul, marketed by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), was ranked number one globally based on GDP per capita performance.
- The ranking reflects Amul’s role in supporting millions of dairy farmers, promoting rural development, and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Amul’s cooperative structure includes over 18,600 village dairy cooperatives and 36 lakh milk producers, most of whom are women.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), headquartered in Brussels, represents cooperatives worldwide and promotes sustainable business models. - The World Cooperative Monitor is developed annually in collaboration with EURICSE (European Research Institute on Cooperative and Social Enterprises). - IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited) is one of the largest cooperatives in India, contributing significantly to the agriculture and fertilizer sectors. - GCMMF Managing Director: Jayen Mehta - IFFCO Chairman: Dilip Sanghani |
- QS Asia Rankings 2026
- What:
- In the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, nine of India’s top ten institutions, including seven IITs, saw a drop in their rankings despite improved scores, with universities from China, Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia outperforming them.
- Why:
- The decline occurred due to stronger competition from East and Southeast Asian institutions that excelled in research impact, faculty resources, and international engagement.
- Tell me more:
- QS assessed institutions based on factors like academic reputation, employer reputation, research impact, faculty-student ratio, and internationalization.
- Chinese, Singaporean, and South Korean universities dominated the top 10, with the University of Hong Kong ranked first and Peking University second.
| Institutes | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIT Delhi | 59 | 44 | 46 | 46 | 45 | 47 |
| IISc | 64 | 62 | 58 | 52 | 56 | 56 |
| IIT Madras | 70 | 56 | 53 | 53 | 54 | 50 |
| IIT Bombay | 71 | 48 | 40 | 40 | 42 | 37 |
| IIT Kanpur | 77 | 67 | 63 | 66 | 64 | 72 |
| IIT Kharagpur | 77 | 60 | 59 | 61 | 60 | 58 |
| Delhi University | 95 | 81 | 94 | 85 | 77 | 71 |
| Chandigarh University | 109 | 120 | 149 | 185 | 271–280 | - |
| IIT Roorkee | 114 | 108 | 116 | 114 | 109 | 103 |
| IIT Guwahati | 115 | 104 | 111 | 124 | 119 | 117 |
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - The QS Asia Rankings 2026 included 1,529 institutions, with 552 featuring for the first time. - China had the highest number of new entrants (261), while India added 137, bringing its total to 294. - About 67% of Indian institutions saw a fall in rank compared to 2025. - The IITs scored high on academic and employer reputation but lagged in citations per paper, faculty-student ratio, and international student ratio. |
Source: IE
Agriculture and Rural Development
- APEDA Facilitates First Export of Fortified Rice Kernel to Costa Rica
- What:
- The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first export consignment of 12 metric tonnes of Fortified Rice Kernel from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica.
- Why:
- The initiative aligns with the government’s Kuposhan Mukt Bharat (Malnutrition-Free India) programme under the Poshan Abhiyan.
- Tell me more:
- The export was made under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- The Poshan Abhiyan is India’s flagship programme for improving nutritional outcomes.
- Kuposhan Mukt Bharat aims to eliminate malnutrition across India.
Source: NOA
Awards
- David Beckham Knighted for Services to Football and Society
- What:
- Former England captain Sir David Beckham has been formally knighted by King Charles for his services to football and British society.
- Why:
- The honour recognises Beckham’s contribution to football, his role in promoting British values globally, and his humanitarian work through various initiatives.
- Tell me more:
- The ceremony took place at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, where Beckham was joined by his wife Victoria and his parents.
- Beckham, aged 50, had earlier been named on King Charles’ Birthday Honours list.
- He played 115 matches for England, captaining the team between 2000 and 2006, and participated in three World Cups and two European Championships.
- His football career included stints with Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
- Beckham has worked with UNICEF since 2005 and established a fund in 2015 to support child welfare.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - Beckham was previously awarded the OBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003. - He became an ambassador for the King’s Foundation in 2024, supporting education and youth engagement with nature. - Beckham co-owns League Two club Salford City and Major League Soccer team Inter Miami. |
Source: BBC
Important Days
- International Day for Biosphere Reserves 2025 – November 3
- What:
- India has 18 biosphere reserves covering 91,425 sq. km, with 13 recognized by UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
- Tell me more:
- The inclusion of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in 2025 marked India’s growing role in global conservation.
- The biodiversity conservation budget under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme doubled from ₹5 crore in 2024–25 to ₹10 crore in 2025–26.
- The scheme operates with a 60:40 funding pattern between the Centre and states, and 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan states.
- India ranks 9th globally in forest area and 3rd in annual forest gain, according to FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - India’s biosphere reserves are administered by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change under the Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems programme. - The reserves complement national initiatives like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Green India Mission, and the National Biodiversity Action Plan. - The UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme recognizes biosphere reserves globally as “learning places for sustainable development.” - Biosphere Reserves must meet specific criteria before inclusion in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR), which represents major global ecosystems and landscapes. - The WNBR serves as a dynamic global network encouraging collaboration, best practices, and international cooperation among Biosphere Reserves. - The MAB Programme functions under the guidance of UNESCO Member States, with its main governing body being the International Coordinating Council (MAB-ICC), comprising 34 Member States. |
Source: PIB
- World Tsunami Awareness Day 2025 – November 5
- What:
- Theme: Be Tsunami Ready: Invest in Tsunami Preparedness
- Tell me more:
- This year’s campaign aligns with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development under the theme “Financing Our Future.”
- The #GetToHighGround campaign, launched by UNDRR in 2022, encourages citizens to take part in evacuation drills, runs, and walks to strengthen community preparedness.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - The UN General Assembly designated November 5 as World Tsunami Awareness Day in December 2015. - Japan initiated the idea for the observance due to its extensive experience with tsunamis and disaster recovery. - The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami led to the creation of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System. - The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) seeks to significantly reduce disaster-related deaths and losses worldwide. - The 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) was held from June 30 to July 3, 2025, in Sevilla, Spain. - The FFD process began with the Monterrey Consensus (2002), followed by the Doha Declaration (2008) and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (2015). - The event was organized by the United Nations Financing for Sustainable Development Office. |
Sports
- ICC Upcoming Events and Host Countries
- ICC Champions Trophy 2029 – India
- ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – India and Sri Lanka
- ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2031 – India and Bangladesh
- India to Celebrate 100 Years of Indian Hockey
- What:
- The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, announced the centenary celebrations of Indian Hockey (1925–2025), to be held on November 7 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, with parallel events across 550 districts.
- Tell me more:
- A 30-minute exhibition match between the Union Minister’s XI and Hockey India’s Mixed XI (Men & Women) will be held to promote gender equality and teamwork.
- The event will include the felicitation of hockey legends and the release of the book “100 Years of Indian Hockey”.
- Over 1,400 hockey matches will be played across 550 districts, engaging more than 36,000 players to promote inclusivity.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey - India has won 8 Olympic gold medals and 13 podium finishes in hockey. - Hockey is included in the government’s key schemes such as TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) and TAGG (Target Asian Games Group). - The ASMITA hockey league promotes women’s hockey at junior and sub-junior levels. - The government aims to make India one of the top sporting nations by 2036 through investment, infrastructure, and institutional reforms. |
- Jannik Sinner Wins First Paris Masters Title
- What:
- Jannik Sinner defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime to win his first Paris Masters title and reclaimed the world number one ranking from Carlos Alcaraz.
- Tell me more:
- The 24-year-old Italian now stands 250 points above Carlos Alcaraz in the ATP rankings.
- His 65-week reign as world number one had ended after the 2025 US Open but he regained the top spot with this victory.
- Sinner dropped the fewest games en route to the title since the Paris Masters switched to hard courts in 2007.
- In doubles, Henry Patten (UK) and Harri Heliovaara (Finland) won their first ATP Masters 1000 title together.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - Sinner has won five titles in 2025, including the Australian Open and Wimbledon. - The Paris Masters trophy is known for its unique tree-shaped design. - The ATP Finals 2025 will begin on 9 November in Turin. - Alfie Hewett won the inaugural wheelchair men’s singles title in Paris, his sixth singles title of the year. |
Source: BBC
Memorandum of Understanding
- India and Israel Sign MoU to Boost Defence Cooperation
- What:
- India and Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation to strengthen their strategic partnership and enhance collaboration in advanced technologies and co-production of defence systems.
- Why:
- The MoU aims to deepen defence ties between the two countries through joint research, co-development, and sharing of advanced technologies for next-generation defence solutions.
- Tell me more:
- The MoU was signed during the 17th meeting of the India–Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation held in Tel Aviv.
- The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Maj Gen (Res) Amir Baram, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defence.
- The agreement provides a unified policy framework covering areas such as strategic dialogue, training, defence industrial cooperation, and collaboration in Science & Technology, AI, and Cyber Security.
Source: DD
Appointments
- Sanjay Garg Assumes Charge as Director General of BIS
- What:
- Shri Sanjay Garg, IAS officer of the 1994 Kerala cadre, has taken charge as the Director General of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) from 1 November 2025.
- Tell me more:
- Before joining BIS, he served as Additional Secretary in the Department of Agriculture, Research and Education (DARE) and as Secretary of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- He played a key role in expanding the Kisan Sarathi portal, connecting farmers directly with agricultural scientists.
- As Director General of BIS, Shri Garg will also serve as the President of India’s national committee in International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Source: PIB
- Samia Suluhu Hassan Sworn in for Second Term as Tanzania’s President
- Capital: Dodoma
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
- Official Language: Swahili and English
- Geographic Location: East Africa, bordered by Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and the Indian Ocean
Source: ALJ
Miscellaneous
- Hinduja Group Chairman Gopichand P. Hinduja Passes Away
- Gopichand P. Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group, passed away in London at the age of 85.
- The Hinduja Group was founded in 1919 by Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja after moving from Sindh (now in Pakistan) to Iran.
Source: TOI

About Anuj Jindal
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Anuj Jindal, the founder, is an ex-manager from SBI, with an M.Com from Delhi School of Economics. He also has a JRF in Commerce & Management and NET in HRM, along with more than 5 years of experience in the field of Education.
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