14th November 2025

1. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Chairs National Conference on Labour & Employment in New Delhi, Delhi
2. BSF Commissions First All-Women Drone Operations Unit “Durga Drone Squadron” in MP
3. CSIR and NICDC Signed MoU to Drive Innovation Across India’s Industrial Corridors
4. Adani Ports Joins TNFD network, Pledges Nature Reporting from FY26
5. WHO’s Global TB Report 2025: India Logged Highest Number of TB Cases in 2024 Despite Lower Incidence
6. Federal Bank Launched Cultural Initiative ‘Bharat Surotsav’ in Chennai, TN
7. PhonePe Collaborates with OpenAI to Integrate ChatGPT Features Across its Ecosystem in India
8. Moody’s Projected India’s GDP to Grow at 6.5% through 2027
9. Swan Defence Signs USD 220 Million LoI with Redereit Stenersen to Build Advanced Chemical Tankers
10. NITI Aayog policy Chair Pushpinder S. Puniha Joins Blue Ocean Corporation Advisory Board
11. 2025 Khelo India University Games: Official Logo and Mascots Unveiled
12. Public Service Broadcasting Day 2025 – November 12
13. World Diabetes Day 2025
14. Children’s Day 2025
15. India and Nepal Sign Letter of Exchange to Boost Rail-Based Trade Connectivity
16. World Cup champion chosen as the brand ambassador for the Haryana State Women’s Commission
17. Bhopal selected as the venue for the 22nd All India TDS Conference
18. South Korea’s Samhyun to establish an EV parts manufacturing unit in Sriperumbudur
19. Government announces ₹1,500 crore initiatives to modernize the New Mangalore Port
20. Saalumarada Thimmakka, known for nurturing 385 banyan trees, passes away
21. Belgium and the Netherlands to co-host the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup
22. Defence Ministry inks a ₹2,095 crore agreement with BDL
23. United States ends its longest government shutdown after 42 days
24. Godrej hands over a human-rated Vikas engine for an upcoming ISRO mission
25. UAE completes its first-ever Digital Dirham transaction in record time
26. RBI imposes penalties on three cooperative banks for violating regulations
27. IAF Chief inaugurates the Nyoma Airbase in Ladakh
28. Banas Dairy and BBSSL collaborate to strengthen the potato value chain

National News

1. National Conference on Labour & Employment Begins in New Delhi

• What:
  • Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will chair a two-day national conference in New Delhi on 11–12 November 2025 to strengthen collaboration with all States and UTs on labour and employment matters.
• Why:
  • The conference aims to speed up progress in labour and employment reforms by aligning State efforts with national initiatives and creating a stronger cooperative framework.
• Tell me more:
  • States and UTs will present their key reforms and best practices to encourage cooperative federalism.
  • A major focus will be on supporting the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana (PMVBRY) through stronger State-led outreach.
  • The conference will work on expanding social security by improving data sharing and linking State schemes with central platforms like the e-Shram portal.
  • Digital tools for Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW), including the Digital Labour Chowk app and software for online cess collection, will be launched.
  • Sessions will also highlight State-level efforts to boost employability through the National Career Service (NCS) portal.

Source: PIB

2. India and Nepal Amend Treaty of Transit for Rail Freight

• What:
  • India and Nepal amended the Treaty of Transit to allow rail-based freight movement, including bulk cargo, between Jogbani in India and Biratnagar in Nepal.
• Why:
  • The amendment aims to improve trade connectivity and make the movement of goods between the two countries faster and more efficient.
• Tell me more:
  • The liberalisation extends to major transit corridors such as Kolkata–Jogbani, Kolkata–Nautanwa (Sunauli) and Visakhapatnam–Nautanwa (Sunauli).
  • The move strengthens multimodal trade connectivity between the two countries and supports Nepal’s trade with third countries.
  • Both Ministers welcomed ongoing bilateral efforts to enhance cross-border connectivity and trade.
  • India accounts for a major share of Nepal’s external trade as its largest trade and investment partner.

Source: TH

State News

1. 22nd All India Annual TDS Conference Held in Bhopal

• What:
  • The 22nd All India Annual TDS Conference and Principal Chief Commissioners’ Conclave was held at Hotel Taj Lakefront in Bhopal.
• Why:
  • The event aims to strengthen TDS compliance, promote transparency and support digital transformation in tax administration.
• Tell me more:
  • The conference was organised by the Income Tax Department of Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh with the Principal Director General of Income Tax (Administration & TPS), CBDT.
  • CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal inaugurated the event in the presence of senior CBDT members including Pankaj Mishra, G. Aparna Rao, Sanjay Bahadur and Prasenjit Singh.
  • Principal Chief Commissioners from 18 zones, along with Chief Commissioners, Directors General, Commissioners and senior TDS officers, participated.
  • Technical sessions covered amendments to the Income Tax Act 2025, TDS changes, enhanced thresholds, compounding guidelines and digital compliance tools.

Source: TOI

2. Samhyun to Set Up EV Motor Component Factory in Tamil Nadu

• South Korea’s Samhyun will set up an electric vehicle motor component factory in Sriperumbudur near Chennai after buying industrial land from Tata Chemicals.
• The factory aims to manufacture EV motor components and support the growing electric vehicle sector.

Source: HBL

3. Golden Jubilee of New Mangalore Port Authority Celebrated

• What:
  • The New Mangalore Port Authority celebrated its Golden Jubilee with the inauguration, dedication and foundation stone laying of 16 infrastructure projects and 113 CSR initiatives worth ₹1,500 crore.
• Why:
  • The celebration aims to highlight NMPA’s progress, strengthen India’s maritime growth and support future development of port-led infrastructure and logistics.
• Tell me more:
  • Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal led the event, praising NMPA’s transformation into a competitive maritime hub under national maritime visions.
  • At India Maritime Week 2025, MoUs worth over ₹12 lakh crore were signed, including ₹52,000 crore by NMPA.
  • NMPA has grown from 4 berths and 90,000 tonnes of cargo in 1975 to 16 berths, a Single Point Mooring facility and over 46 million tonnes of cargo annually.
  • The port has become India’s largest exporter of coffee, second-largest importer of LPG and operates with 92% mechanisation.
  • A 150-bed multi-specialty hospital was inaugurated under the PPP model to serve port employees and nearby communities.

Source: PIB

International News

1. US Government Shutdown Ends After 43 Days

• What:
  • The longest US government shutdown ended after President Donald Trump signed the temporary funding legislation passed by Congress.
• Why:
  • The legislation was approved to restart federal operations until a full budget is passed.
• Tell me more:
  • The shutdown lasted 43 days due to a standoff between Republicans and Democrats.
  • The bill was initially stuck in the Senate because Republicans lacked the required 60 votes to move it forward.

Source: NOA

2. UAE Executes First Government Transaction Using Digital Dirham

• What:
  • The UAE government completed its first transaction using the Central Bank–issued Digital Dirham through the mBridge payment platform.
• Why:
  • The transaction was conducted to support the UAE’s goal of modernising its financial system and expanding the use of digital payments across sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • The Ministry of Finance and the Dubai Department of Finance jointly carried out the transaction as part of the pilot phase.
  • The payment was completed in under two minutes, showing the speed and readiness of the digital system.
  • Digital Dirham is part of the Central Bank’s Financial Infrastructure Transformation Programme.

Source: TOI

Banking and Economy

1. APSEZ Joins TNFD for Nature-Related Reporting

• What:
  • Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited has joined the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures as an Adopter and will begin nature-related reporting from FY26.
• Why:
  • The step aims to align business practices with global sustainability standards by identifying and disclosing how operations depend on and impact nature.
• Tell me more:
  • APSEZ is the first integrated transport utility in India to adopt the TNFD framework.
  • APSEZ joins a select group of global port operators working to promote biodiversity and protect marine ecosystems.
  • The company plans to enhance its corporate reporting from FY26 as part of its long-term focus on responsible growth.
  • APSEZ stated that adopting TNFD supports nature-related corporate reporting for COP30.

Source: ET

2. Federal Bank Launches Bharat Surotsav Cultural Festival

• What:
  • Federal Bank unveiled the poster of its new cultural property, Bharat Surotsav, in Chennai as an immersive dance and music fusion festival.
• Why:
  • The festival aims to celebrate India’s artistic heritage by bringing together iconic performers and contemporary musical styles.
• Tell me more:
  • Bharat Surotsav is a signature cultural IP exclusively conceptualized for Federal Bank.
  • The inaugural edition will be held on November 22 at the Madras Music Academy with performances by Padma Shri Shobana, Agam Band, Charumathi Raghuraman and Ravi Chari.
  • Federal Bank customers can get a 15% discount on tickets using Federal Bank cards, with a limit of Rs 200 per booking, valid once per card.
  • Bharat Surotsav blends finance with culture to create an emotional connection with audiences.

Source: BS

3. PhonePe Collaborates with OpenAI to Boost ChatGPT Use in India

• What:
  • PhonePe announced a strategic collaboration with OpenAI to help users access and adopt ChatGPT through the PhonePe platform.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to increase consumer use of advanced AI in India and enhance user experience by offering smarter and more relevant information for daily needs.
• Tell me more:
  • PhonePe users will be able to explore ChatGPT’s features across the PhonePe consumer app and the PhonePe for Business app.
  • The collaboration will use the strengths of PhonePe’s ecosystem, including the Indus Appstore.
  • It is expected to open new use cases as generative AI adoption grows in India.
  • PhonePe stated that the partnership helps bring cutting-edge digital services to a large population.

Source: PhonePe

4. RBI Penalises Three Cooperative Banks for Regulatory Violations

• What:
  • RBI imposed monetary penalties on three cooperative banks for not following regulatory norms.
• Why:
  • The penalties were issued to ensure compliance with the Banking Regulation Act and RBI guidelines.
• Tell me more:
  • The Mumbai District Central Co-operative Bank Ltd. was fined ₹2 lakh for violating Section 20, which restricts loans to directors or related entities.
  • The Karaikudi Co-operative Town Bank Ltd. was fined ₹1.5 lakh for not following capital adequacy norms and KYC guidelines.
  • The District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Eluru, was fined ₹50,000 for KYC-related violations.
  • The penalties were imposed through orders dated November 6, 2025.
  • The actions were taken during the time the “Co-op Kumbh 2025” conference was underway in New Delhi.

Source: IC

Reports and Indices

1. WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2025

• What:
  • India accounted for a quarter of the world’s TB cases in 2024 and recorded a TB incidence rate of 187 per 100,000 people, as reported in the WHO Global TB Report 2025.
• Why:
  • The report highlights India’s TB situation to measure progress toward national and global TB elimination targets and to guide future TB control actions.
• Tell me more:
  • Eight countries contributed 67% of global TB cases: India (25%), followed by Indonesia (10%), the Philippines (6.8%), China (6.5%), Pakistan (6.3%), Nigeria (4.8%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (3.9%), and Bangladesh (3.6%).
  • India’s TB incidence has fallen from 195 per 100,000 in 2023 to 187 per 100,000 in 2024, but remains far from the 2025 target of 44 per 100,000, by 2025, an 80 per cent reduction from 2015 levels.
  • India accounted for 32% of global multidrug-resistant TB cases, though MDR TB incidence has been slowly declining and represented 3.2% of the country’s TB burden in 2024.
  • India’s TB mortality rate reduced to 21 per 100,000 in 2024, down from 28 per 100,000 in 2015, but still much higher than the national target of 3 per 100,000.
  • Over 2.61 million TB patients were diagnosed in 2024 out of 2.7 million estimated cases, reducing “missing cases.”

Source: BS NOA DC

GDP Forecasts

1. Moody’s Projects India to Remain Fastest-Growing G-20 Economy

• What:
  • Moody’s Ratings said India will stay the fastest-growing G-20 economy with growth projected at 6.5% through 2027 despite tariff pressures from the U.S.
• Why:
  • The projection highlights India’s ability to handle global challenges and tariff disruptions while sustaining growth through strong domestic and external economic drivers.
• Tell me more:
  • India is expected to weather high U.S. tariffs due to diversified exports, with overall exports rising 6.75% in September even as exports to the U.S. fell 11.9%.
  • India’s growth will be supported by infrastructure investment, strong consumer demand and export diversification, even though private sector investment remains cautious.
  • Moody’s said India’s stability is aided by low inflation and a neutral-to-easy monetary policy, with the RBI keeping the repo rate unchanged in October.
  • Moody’s projected global GDP growth at 2.5%-2.6% in 2026–27, with emerging markets led by India expected to grow close to 4%.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. BSF Launches First All-Women Durga Drone Squadron

• What:
  • The Border Security Force has created its first all-female drone unit called the “Durga Drone Squadron” at its academy in Gwalior to strengthen women’s role in frontline technology and improve surveillance.
• Why:
  • The squadron aims to boost gender inclusion and enhance India’s border security by using drones for faster and safer monitoring.
• Tell me more:
  • The BSF Academy’s School of Drone Warfare trains personnel in unmanned aerial systems, counter-drone work and related AI applications.
  • The school was set up to deal with changing threats like infiltration, smuggling and drone-based surveillance while supporting the “Make in India” and modernization goals.
  • The squadron is expected to become a model for other Central Armed Police Forces to form women-led technology teams.

Source: IM

2. SDHI Signs LoI to Build Chemical Tankers for Norway

• What:
  • Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited signed a Letter of Intent with Norwegian ship owner Rederiet Stenersen AS to build six IMO Type II chemical tankers of 18,000 DWT each, with an option for six more.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to support the construction of advanced, low-emission vessels and marks a major export opportunity for Indian shipbuilding.
• Tell me more:
  • The vessels, worth about USD 220 million, will be built at SDHI’s facility in Pipavav, Gujarat.
  • The ships will be designed by Marinform AS and StoGda of Norway and classed by DNV.
  • Each ship will have Ice Class 1A standards and hybrid propulsion for multiple operational modes with lower emissions.
  • The tankers are designed for future conversion to methanol or LNG fuel and can upgrade battery capacity up to 5,000 kWh.
  • The LoI was signed in the presence of SDHI leadership and representatives from Rederiet Stenersen AS, with delivery schedules to be finalised in the shipbuilding contract.

Source: ET

3. Defence Ministry Signs Contract for INVAR Missiles

• What:
  • The Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with Bharat Dynamics Limited to procure INVAR Anti-Tank Missiles worth over ₹2,095 crore for T-90 tanks.
• Why:
  • The procurement aims to strengthen the Indian Army’s operational capability while promoting domestic defence technologies under the vision of Aatmanirbharta.
• Tell me more:
  • The contract was signed under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category in New Delhi.
  • Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and BDL participated in the signing in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
  • INVAR is a laser-guided anti-tank missile with a very high hit probability.
  • The weapon system will enhance the lethality of T-90 tanks.

Source: NOA

4. Mudh-Nyoma Airbase Inaugurated in Ladakh

• What:
  • The Chief of the Air Staff inaugurated the Mudh-Nyoma airbase in Ladakh by landing a C-130J aircraft, marking the launch of a new full-fledged airbase near the LAC.
• Why:
  • The airbase has been developed to strengthen India’s border infrastructure, improve military mobility, and support operations near the LAC with China.
• Tell me more:
  • The airbase has a 2.7-km runway and can operate fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters.
  • It is located at 13,700 feet and 23 km from the LAC with China.
  • The ₹218-crore project was executed by women officers of the BRO, and allied facilities include hangars, ATC building, and hard standing.
  • The upgrade was carried out following the LAC standoff that began in 2020 and was resolved last year.
  • The Indian Army resumed patrolling in Demchok and Depsang in 2024 after more than four years.

Source: HT

Science and Technology

1. Godrej Delivers Human-Rated Vikas Engine for Gaganyaan

• What:
  • Godrej Enterprises Group’s aerospace business delivered the first human-rated L110 Vikas engine to ISRO for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
• Why:
  • The engine has been provided to support India’s mission of sending astronauts into space and bringing them back safely.
• Tell me more:
  • The human-rated Vikas engine will be used in the LVM-3 launch vehicle’s human-rated version (HRLV).
  • Gaganyaan is India’s first human spaceflight programme.
  • The L110 Vikas engine is part of the liquid propulsion systems of ISRO.

Source: TOI

Important Days

1. Public Service Broadcasting Day 2025 – November 12

• What:
  • Public Service Broadcasting Day is observed on 12 November every year to mark Mahatma Gandhi’s historic radio address delivered during his visit to the Broadcasting House in 1947.
• Tell me more:
  • Gandhi’s visit to the Broadcasting House was his first and only visit, where he addressed Indians displaced from Pakistan during Deepawali.
  • In 2000, Sushma Swaraj announced that 12 November would be observed as Public Service Broadcasting Day.
  • The studio from where Gandhi spoke was dedicated as the ‘Bapu Studio’ during the 100th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ in March 2023.

Source: NOA

2. World Diabetes Day 2025 – November 14

• Theme: Diabetes across life stages

Source: WHO

3. (India’s) Children’s Day 2025 – November 14

• What:
  • World Children’s Day is celebrated on November 20.
  • Theme for WCD 2025: my day, my rights
• Tell me more:
  • World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day.
  • November 20th is an important date as it is the date in 1959 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child.
  • It is also the date in 1989 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
  • Since 1990, World Children’s Day also marks the anniversary of the date that the UN General Assembly adopted both the Declaration and the Convention on children’s rights.

Source: UN UN

Sports

1. Khelo India University Games 2025 Launches Logo and Mascots

• What:
  • The Sports Authority of India, along with the Government of Rajasthan and the Rajasthan State Sports Council, launched the official logo, mascots, torch, jerseys and anthem for the Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025 at Amer Fort.
• Why:
  • The launch aims to prepare for the Khelo India University Games and promote sports participation by showcasing Rajasthan’s cultural identity and welcoming athletes from across India.
• Tell me more:
  • The mascots, Khamma and Ghani, inspired by the camel and the greeting “Khamma Ghani,” represent Rajasthan’s warmth, resilience and hospitality.
  • The Games will be held from November 24 to December 5, 2025, across Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Ajmer, Bharatpur and Bikaner.
  • This is the first time Rajasthan will host the Khelo India University Games, a flagship event showcasing university athletes.
  • Over 7,000 athletes from around 200 universities will compete in 24 disciplines, with new additions including canoeing, kayaking, cycling and beach volleyball.
  • Senior officials and sports dignitaries including Dr Neeraj K. Pawan, Mayank Srivastava, Neetu Barupal, Mamta Agarwal and Rajat Chauhan attended the launch.

Source: TOI

2. Belgium and Netherlands to Host 2026 Hockey World Cups

• What:
  • Belgium and the Netherlands will jointly host the men’s and women’s FIH Hockey World Cups in 2026.
• Why:
  • The joint hosting aims to ensure better turnout and smooth organisation by having host teams play each day during the group stages.
• Tell me more:
  • The tournaments will be held together in July or August 2026 in Amsterdam/Amstelveen (Netherlands) and Wavre (Belgium).
  • Both men’s and women’s matches will take place at both venues.
  • Winners of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-24 and 2024-25 will get direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, with the runner-up qualifying if the winner is already qualified.
  • The Netherlands are the defending champions of the Women’s World Cup, having beaten Argentina in the 2022 final.
  • The 2022 Women’s World Cup was jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Spain.

Source: OC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. CSIR and NICDC Sign MoU for Technology Collaboration

• What:
  • The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation have signed an MoU to use CSIR’s research and technologies in upcoming industrial corridors.
• Why:
  • The MoU aims to build innovation-led and self-reliant industrial ecosystems aligned with national initiatives like Make in India, Startup India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. N. Kalaiselvi and Shri Rajat Kumar Saini and executed by senior officials from both CSIR and NICDC at CSIR Headquarters in New Delhi.
  • The partnership will help set up R&D hubs, industrial incubators and innovation centres in smart cities to strengthen industry–academia–research linkages.
  • The collaboration will focus on using advanced technologies to improve productivity, efficiency and environmental sustainability.
  • Priority sectors include biotechnology, renewable energy, robotics, aerospace, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing and digital manufacturing.

Source: PIB

2. Banas Dairy and BBSSL Sign MoU for Seed Potato Production

• What:
  • Banas Dairy and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited signed an MoU to produce and distribute high-quality seed potatoes.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to build a complete seed-to-market value chain to improve productivity, reduce losses, and increase the income of potato-growing farmers.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed at Atal Akshay Urja Bhavan, New Delhi.
  • BBSSL will use Banas Dairy’s tissue culture and aeroponic facilities, and Banas Dairy will offer technical and market support.
  • The initiative promotes certified, disease-free seed potatoes and scientific farming methods.
  • Banas Dairy is part of Amul and is Asia’s largest cooperative dairy.
  • The partnership supports the vision of “Sahakar se Samriddhi” under the Ministry of Cooperation.

Source: PIB

Appointments

1. Blue Ocean Appoints Pushpinder S. Puniha to Advisory Board

• What:
  • Blue Ocean Corporation appointed Pushpinder S. Puniha, Chairperson of the Consultative Group on Tax Policy at NITI Aayog, to its Advisory Board.
• Why:
  • Blue Ocean aims to connect policy formulation with professional practice by onboarding a senior policy leader from NITI Aayog.
• Tell me more:
  • Blue Ocean is headquartered in London and is recognised as the world No.1 in supply chain consulting and training.
  • The organisation is expanding its presence in India to strengthen the supply chain ecosystem and build skilled talent supporting India’s growth vision.
  • Sourav Ganguly, Member of the Board, said Mr. Puniha’s expertise will support future growth and impact.
  • Mr. Puniha earlier represented Blue Ocean at its International Procurement and Supply Chain Conference held in New Delhi.
  • Dr. Sathya Menon, Group CEO, said his expertise will strengthen Blue Ocean’s India strategy

Source: BS

2. Shafali Verma Appointed as Brand Ambassador of Haryana State Women’s Commission

• What:
  • Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini felicitated Shafali Verma for being part of India’s Women’s World Cup-winning team.
• Tell me more:
  • Shafali was appointed as the brand ambassador of the Haryana State Women’s Commission.
  • She was honoured with a shawl, a cheque of ₹1.50 crore and a Grade ‘A’ sports gradation certificate.
  • She was named Player of the Final for scoring 87 runs and taking 2/36 in the 52-run win against South Africa.

Source: TH

Miscellaneous

1. Padma Shri Environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka Passes Away

• What:
  • Padma Shri awardee and environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru at the age of 114.
• Tell me more:
  • She was born on June 30, 1911, and became known as Saalumarada for planting 385 banyan trees along a 4.5-km stretch between Hulikal and Kudur in Ramanagara.
  • She received major honours including the Padma Shri (2019), Nadoja Award (2010), National Citizen Award (1995) and Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award (1997).

Source: ET

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