26th November 2025

1. Union MoS Jitendra Singh announces a ₹720-crore quantum fabrication and central facilities project at IIT Bombay
2. NCW launches the 24×7 women’s distress helpline ‘14490’
3. Indonesia declared polio-free by WHO
4. IDFC FIRST Bank signs an MoU with FPSB India as ACP
5. Air India reinstates its codeshare agreement with Air Canada to improve connectivity
6. ACC approves the appointment of seven Executive Directors across public sector banks
7. Overview of the ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol held in Cairo, Egypt
8. India wins the second edition of the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup
9. Africa Industrialization Day observed
10. World Philosophy Day observed
11. National Cadet Corps Raising Day observed
12. Andhra Pradesh to add three new districts, taking the total to 29
13. Ind-Ra raises India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 7%
14. India–Nepal joint military exercise SURYAKIRAN-XIX begins in Pithoragarh
15. Rohit Sharma named Tournament Ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
16. Ten-year-old British chess prodigy surprises the field at a women’s event
17. German actor Udo Kier passes away at 81, leaving behind a legacy of over 250 films
18. Andhra Pradesh launches the ‘Rythanna Meekosam’ initiative to support farmers
19. RBI report shows an 8% rise in private company sales in Q2 FY26
20. Constitution Day of India
21. Gavi and UNICEF secure an affordable malaria vaccine agreement
22. RCMS Bank recognised as the best profit-making cooperative bank
23. Assam introduces a Bill banning polygamy, proposing imprisonment for violations
24. Explanation of the IBSA Forum
25. Gramma, the Galápagos tortoise, dies at 141, leaving a legacy of resilience
26. PM Modi unveils a stamp and coin in honour of Guru Tegh Bahadur
27. Jammie Booker crowned World’s Strongest Woman, sparking widespread debate
28. Goa leads in digitisation of SIR forms, while Kerala lags
29. National Milk Day
30. Viola Ford Fletcher, the last known witness of the Tulsa Race Massacre, passes away at 111
31. International Emmy Awards
32. Punjab government declares Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, and the Golden Temple surroundings as holy cities
33. Fifth Khelo India University Games inaugurated at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium
34. Velamala Simmanna selected for the LNF Literary Award
35. Delhi set for major restructuring as revenue districts increase to 13
36. Army to formally honour Operation Pawan martyrs after 38 years
37. Justice Vikram Nath appointed Executive Chairman of NALSA
38. Pralhad Joshi inaugurates a pellet plant and lays the foundation stone for a bio-ethanol facility in Haryana
39. Italy secures its fourth Davis Cup title with a strong win over Spain
40. BEL and Safran establish a joint venture to manufacture HAMMER precision-guided weaponry in India

National News

1. Establishment of Four Quantum Fabrication Facilities under NQM

• What:
  • Dr. Jitendra Singh announced four new quantum fabrication and central facilities worth ₹720 crore at IIT Bombay, IISc Bengaluru, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Delhi. These were launched under the National Quantum Mission (NQM).
• Why:
  • The facilities aim to develop India’s quantum technology, including sensing, computing, and material research. They will help India design and produce indigenous quantum devices.
• Tell me more:
  • These facilities will strengthen quantum sensing at IIT Kanpur and IIT Bombay, quantum computing at IISc Bengaluru and IIT Bombay, and quantum materials at IIT Delhi.
  • They will support research, prototyping, and training of quantum hardware experts. The facilities are expected to boost India’s quantum hardware development.
  • The ₹720 crore investment will create a national pride asset, similar to India’s space achievements like Chandrayaan.
  • IIT Bombay’s Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) has supported 96 projects and over 50 startups, with a valuation of ₹466 crore.

Source: PIB

2. Helpline 14490 Launched by National Commission for Women

• What
  • The National Commission for Women (NCW) launched a new 24X7 short-code helpline number 14490 for quicker help to women facing violence or distress across India.
• Why
  • The helpline aims to provide faster, easier access to support and timely intervention for women in emergencies.
• Tell me more
  • The number 14490 is linked to NCW’s existing helpline 7827170170 to ensure seamless, toll-free assistance without delay or cost.
  • It will serve as the first point of contact to guide callers and coordinate with authorities for emergency help.
  • It is designed for accessibility at any time, any day, functioning 24X7.

Source: CNBC

3. PM Modi Commemorates 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a state-level function in Kurukshetra, Haryana, to mark the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, including releasing a special coin and commemorative stamp.
• Why:
  • The event honors the sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for protecting truth, justice, and faith.
• Tell me more:
  • Haryana Governor Prof. Asim Kumar Ghosh, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, and Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee President Jagdish Singh Jhinda were present.
  • Modi inaugurated the ‘Panchjanya Memorial’ honoring Lord Krishna’s sacred conch in Jyotisar and visited the Experience Centre in Jyotisar, related to the teachings of the Gita.

Source: NOA

State News

1. Andhra Pradesh To Get Three New Districts

• What
  • Andhra Pradesh will increase its number of districts from 26 to 29 with the formation of three new districts: Polavaram, Markapuram, and Madanapalle.
• Why
  • The decision aims to improve governance, enhance accessibility to civic services, and promote regional equity across the state.
• Tell me more
  • Five new revenue divisions will also be created: Nakkapalli (Anakapalli district), Addanki (Prakasam), Pileru (Madanapalle), Banaganapalle (Nandyal), and Madakasira (Sri Sathya Sai district).
  • Andhra Pradesh currently has 26 districts divided across varied cultural regions.

Source: IE

2. Andhra Pradesh Launches State-wide Rythanna Meekosam Initiative

• What:
  • The State government launched the Rythanna Meekosam initiative to strengthen water security, promote demand-based farming, boost agri-technology adoption, enhance food processing, and provide full government support to farmers under the Five-Point Formula.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on farmers and ensure their economic and social development through long-term solutions.
• Tell me more:
  • The government is focusing on modern farming methods, including mechanisation, drone use for precision spraying, pest control, and setting up food processing units.
  • Agriculture and allied sectors support more than 60% of the State’s population and contribute significantly to government revenue.
  • Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Annadata Sukhibhava (PM-KAS) scheme, more than 68 lakh farmers have received Rs 3,200 crore in financial assistance.

Source: IE

3. Assam Tables Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025

• What:
  • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tabled the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025 in the state Assembly to ban the practice of polygamy across the state.
• Why:
  • The bill aims to prohibit polygamy irrespective of religious customs to protect women’s rights and dignity.
• Tell me more:
  • The bill was introduced after receiving approval from Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary.
  • Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], and Raijor Dal legislators walked out earlier during a discussion on the death of singer Zubeen Garg and were absent during the tabling.

Source: NAI

4. Over 47% Forms Digitised in Election SIR Phase 2 Enumeration

• What:
  • Election Commission of India reported that over 47% of enumeration forms in the second round of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) have been digitised across 12 states and Union Territories.
• Why:
  • The digitisation is part of the effort to update and revise electoral rolls before the deadline of December 4, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • Goa leads with about 77% digitisation, Rajasthan 72%, while Kerala and Uttar Pradesh have the lowest at 23% and 26.6%.
  • Booth Level Officers (BLOs) handle distribution, collection, and upload of data using dedicated apps but face immense stress and workload.
  • Some BLOs have protested excessive work pressure; there have been reports of stress-related incidents including suicides.

Source: TH

5. Punjab Declares Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, Galiara as Holy Cities

• What:
  • Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, and the Galiara near the Golden Temple in Amritsar were declared ‘holy cities’ by Punjab in a special Vidhan Sabha session held outside Chandigarh.
• Why:
  • The move aims to honour the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur and promote development, cleanliness, security, and religious tourism in these cities.
• Tell me more:
  • These cities host three of the five Sikh Takhts (Akal Takht in Amritsar, Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo, Takht Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib) and are key symbols of civilizational heritage.
  • This is the first time Punjab held a Vidhan Sabha session outside its assembly building in Chandigarh.

Source: IE

6. Delhi to Get Two New Districts and Six New Sub-Divisions

• What:
  • Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta approved the creation of two new districts and six new sub-divisions, increasing the capital’s revenue districts from 11 to 13 and sub-divisions from 33 to 39.
• Why:
  • The restructuring aims to improve inter-departmental coordination, remove jurisdictional overlaps, and enable faster grievance redressal for citizens.
• Tell me more:
  • Delhi currently has a fragmented administrative setup with 11 revenue districts and 12 Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) zones that overlap, causing coordination and jurisdictional issues.
  • The last addition of districts was in September 2012, when South-East Delhi and Shahdara were created.

Source: TOI

7. Pellet Plant Inaugurated in Haryana to Boost Clean Energy and Rural Livelihoods

• What:
  • Union Minister Pralhad Joshi inaugurated a pellet plant and laid foundation for K2 Bio Ethanol plant in Rewari, Haryana.
• Why:
  • To use crop residue for pellets and ethanol production supporting India’s E20 mission and Net Zero 2070 targets.
• Tell me more:
  • Pellet plant will produce 240 tonnes daily from stubble like paddy, mustard, cotton stalks for biomass co-firing in thermal plants.
  • New government policy mandates biomass and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) co-firing in thermal plants.
  • Crop waste, earlier an environmental burden, now provides income for farmers and jobs in rural areas.
  • The initiative will reduce pollution and carbon emissions.

Source: NOA

International News

1. Polio Outbreak in Indonesia Officially Declared Over

• What
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the end of Indonesia’s poliovirus type-2 outbreak after no cases since June 2024.
• Why
  • The declaration marks a major success in the country’s efforts to stop the polio spread through vaccination campaigns.
• Tell me more
  • The outbreak first appeared in Aceh in October 2022 and spread to several provinces before ending in June 2024.
  • Indonesia increased second-dose inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) coverage from 63% in 2023 to 73% in 2024.
  • A new hexavalent vaccine combining multiple immunisations, including IPV, was introduced in October 2025 in selected regions.
  • Independent assessments confirmed Indonesia’s high-quality response, successfully closing transmission as per Global Polio Eradication Initiative standards.

Source: DD

2. Malaria Vaccine Price Reduced to $2.99 per Dose

• What:
  • The price of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine will fall to $2.99 per dose within a year, saving up to $90 million and allowing countries to secure 30 million extra doses in five years.
• Why:
  • The price reduction aims to make malaria vaccines more affordable to better protect children in Africa, where malaria causes high child mortality.
• Tell me more:
  • Malaria caused about 597,000 deaths in 2023, mostly young children in Africa, with a child dying from malaria every minute.
  • The new pricing was enabled by advance payment through the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm), which turns donor pledges into upfront funds.
  • More than 40 million malaria vaccine doses have been delivered in Gavi-supported programmes, with 24 African countries including the vaccine in routine immunisation.
  • The reduced price supports Gavi’s goal to vaccinate 50 million additional children against malaria by 2030.

Source: UN

3. IBSA Fund Promotes South-South Cooperation

• What:
  • The India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Fund is an initiative of cooperation among three developing countries to implement South-South cooperation projects for the benefit of other Southern nations in partnership with the United Nations system.
• Why:
  • The fund aims to support projects that fight poverty and hunger and can be replicated in other developing countries as examples of good practices.
• Tell me more:
  • The IBSA Fund was established in 2004 and became operational in 2006.
  • It supports projects on a demand-driven basis through collaboration with local governments, national institutions, and implementing partners.
  • The supported projects focus on improving food security, addressing HIV/AIDS, providing safe drinking water, and promoting quality education and gender equality.
  • The fund benefits the most vulnerable and marginalized sections of society.
  • It contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Source: UN

Banking and Economy

1. IDFC FIRST Bank Partners with FPSB India for Financial Planning

• What
  • IDFC FIRST Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FPSB India to become an Approved Corporate Partner (ACP) for enhancing financial planning skills in its management and private banking teams.
• Why
  • The MoU aims to improve financial planning expertise, empower professionals, and promote ethical growth within the private banking sector.
• Tell me more
  • FPSB India will provide specialized training and certification programs to IDFC FIRST Bank’s Wealth Management Regional Managers.
  • The partnership will support hiring CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professionals and create better career paths for them.
  • Joint programs and strategic activities will be conducted to foster financial planning excellence and strengthen India’s financial planning ecosystem.
  • The MoU was signed by Mr. Rahul Singh from IDFC FIRST Bank and top leaders from FPSB India including Interim CEO Mr. Chandrakant Sureka.

Source: ET

2. Air India Reinstates Codeshare with Air Canada

• What
  • Air India has reinstated its codeshare agreement with Air Canada, a fellow Star Alliance member, effective from December 2.
• Why
  • The agreement aims to boost connectivity between India and Canada and offer more flight options to travelers.
• Tell me more
  • Air India can place its code ‘AI’ on Air Canada flights from Vancouver to Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montréal, and Halifax, and from London Heathrow to Vancouver and Calgary.
  • Air Canada customers will get seamless domestic connectivity in India to Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kochi via Delhi, and to Delhi and Mumbai via London Heathrow.
  • Customers with combined Air India and Air Canada flights can enjoy single-ticket travel, unified baggage allowance, and frequent flyer benefits.
  • Elite members of Air India’s Maharaja Club enjoy Star Alliance Gold benefits on Air Canada flights, including priority services and lounge access.

Source: IE

3. RBI Report Shows 8% Rise in Private Company Sales in Q2 FY26

• What:
  • Listed private non-financial companies recorded 8% YoY sales growth in Q2 FY26, improving from 5.5% growth in the previous quarter.
• Why:
  • The growth was driven by increased sales across major sectors, showing sectoral improvement.
• Tell me more:
  • Sales of 1,775 listed private manufacturing companies rose by 8.5% YoY due to growth in automobiles, food products, electrical machinery, and chemicals industries.
  • Information Technology (IT) companies saw a 7.8% sales increase in Q2 FY26 from 6% in the previous quarter.
  • Non-IT services companies recorded 10.6% sales growth, led by wholesale and retail trade sectors.
  • Raw material expenses for manufacturing companies increased by 9% YoY, with raw material to sales ratio rising to 55.9%.
  • Staff costs rose by 9.2% in manufacturing, 6% in IT, and 8.9% in non-IT services, with staff cost to sales ratios stable for manufacturing and non-IT services but moderating for IT companies.

Source: TH

GDP Forecasts

1. India Ratings Raises GDP Growth Forecast to 7 Percent

• What
  • India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) raised India’s GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal year (FY26) to 7 percent from the earlier 6.3 percent forecast.
• Why
  • The revision was due to strong GDP growth in the June quarter and a lower-than-expected impact of the US tariff hike on global growth and trade.
• Tell me more
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) forecasts GDP growth in FY26 at 6.8 percent, up from 6.5 percent in the last fiscal year.
  • India’s real GDP grew 7.8 percent in the April-June quarter of FY26, the fastest in five quarters.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. India-Nepal Begin Joint Military Exercise SURYAKIRAN XIX-2025

• What
  • The Indian Army and Nepalese Army began the 19th edition of the joint military exercise “Exercise SURYAKIRAN XIX-2025” on November 25, 2025, at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
• Why
  • The exercise aims to enhance bilateral cooperation, and operational readiness, and incorporate new technology in counter-terrorism tactics.
• Tell me more
  • The 14-day exercise will run until December 8, 2025.
  • Along with conventional training, simulation of situations using niche and emerging technologies will be conducted.
  • Technologies involved include Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), drone-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), AI-enabled decision support tools, unmanned logistic vehicles, and armored protection platforms.

Source: IE

2. Army Honours Operation Pawan Martyrs After 38 Years

• What:
  • The Indian Army Chief will pay homage at the National War Memorial (NWM) to honor Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran and other soldiers who died during Operation Pawan.
• Why:
  • This tribute aims to officially recognize the sacrifice of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) personnel who died in Operation Pawan, which did not have a memorial at NWM before.
• Tell me more:
  • Operation Pawan was India’s first large-scale overseas military operation starting in October 1987 against Tamil militant groups like LTTE, ending in early 1990 with IPKF withdrawal.
  • About 1,171 Indian soldiers died and 3,500 were wounded in the operation.
  • Major Parameswaran, a Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardee, died on November 25, 1987, during the operation.
  • This is the first official memorial in India of this scale for those who sacrificed in Operation Pawan, while Sri Lanka already has an IPKF memorial in Colombo.

Source: TOI

3. BEL and Safran Sign JV to Make HAMMER Precision Weapon in India

• What:
  • Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and France’s Safran Electronics and Defence (SED) signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA) to manufacture HAMMER precision-guided air-to-ground weapons in India.
• Why:
  • This collaboration aims to boost India’s Make in India initiative by locally producing and supporting HAMMER munitions for the Indian Air Force and Navy.
• Tell me more:
  • The JVCA confirms plans to establish a 50:50 joint venture entity focused on manufacturing, supply, and lifecycle support of HAMMER weapons.
  • Indigenisation will be increased to nearly 60% with production of key electronics, sub-assemblies, and mechanical parts domestically.
  • Production transfer will happen in phases, with BEL handling final assembly, testing, and quality assurance.
  • HAMMER is combat-proven and compatible with Rafale and Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.

Source: TH

Awards

1. RCMS Bank Named Best Profit-Making Bank in Belagavi

• What:
  • Rani Channamma Mahila Sahakari Bank (RCMS Bank), Belgaum, was awarded Best Profit-Making Bank in Belagavi District for 2025.
• Why:
  • The award recognises the bank’s strong financial performance, governance, and efforts to support women entrepreneurs and inclusive banking.
• Tell me more:
  • The award was presented during the 72nd All India Cooperative Week in Haveri by the Karnataka State Urban Cooperative Banks Federation, Bengaluru.
  • The bank’s Chairperson, Preeti Kore Daddwad, accepted the award, highlighting her leadership role.
  • The event included dignitaries like NAFCUB Chairman Emeritus H. K. Patel and other cooperative banking leaders from Karnataka.
  • RCMS Bank’s Professional Director, Beena Achar, shared the bank’s nationally recognised journey during the Coop Kumbh 2025 in New Delhi.
  • RCMS Bank is noted for its profitability, governance standards, and customer-focused banking in Karnataka.

Source: IC

2. Amul Chairman Ashokbhai Choudhary Felicitated at NCUI Headquarters

• What:
  • Ashokbhai Choudhary, Chairman of GCMMF (Amul), was felicitated by NCUI Chairman Dileep Sanghani at the NCUI headquarters.
• Tell me more:
  • The event took place during the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) General Council meeting.
  • NAFSCOB Chairman K. Ravindra Rao and Gujarat Apex Cooperative Agriculture & Rural Development Bank (Kheti Bank) Chairman Dolerbhai Kotecha also congratulated Choudhary and praised his contributions.

Source: IC

3. 2025 World’s Strongest Woman Event in Texas

• Jammie Booker, an American athlete perceived by many as a biological male, won the 2025 World’s Strongest Woman event, causing controversy.

Source: TOI

4. International Emmy Awards 2025

• What:
  • The 53rd International Emmy Awards took place in New York City, recognising the best international television programmes from 16 categories.
• Why:
  • The event aims to honour outstanding TV films and shows from around the world and celebrate global television excellence.
• Tell me more:
  • The awards were hosted by Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos and featured winners from countries including the UK, Spain, and Germany.
  • Indian film “Amar Singh Chamkila” was nominated in two categories but did not win.
  • For the first time, two documentaries on the Gaza conflict won awards in the non-fiction categories.
  • The International Emmy Awards are presented annually by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (IATAS).
  • Diljit Dosanjh, a notable Indian actor, appeared on the red carpet at the 2025 ceremony.

Source: HT

5. Velamala Simmanna Selected for the LNF Literary Award

• What:
  • Velamala Simmanna, former Head of Department of Telugu, Andhra University, was chosen for the Lok Nayak Foundation (LNF) literary award 2025.
• Why:
  • The award recognises eminent contributors to Telugu language and literature.
• Tell me more:
  • The award carries a cash prize of ₹2 lakh and will be presented on January 18, 2026.
  • The awards are given annually on January 18 to honor the death anniversaries of former Chief Minister N. T. Rama Rao and poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan.
  • Four others received Life Time Achievement Awards carrying ₹1 lakh cash, including notable figures like oncologist Nori Dattatreyudu and cultural promoter Thotakura Prasad.

Source: TH

Important Days

1. Africa Industrialization Day – November 20

• This year, Africa Industrialization Week will be held in Kampala, Uganda, from 17–21 November 2025, under the theme “Transforming Africa’s Economy through Sustainable Industrialization, Regional Integration and Innovation.”

Source: UN

2. World Philosophy Day – November 20

• It is observed annually on the third Thursday of November.
• UNESCO celebrates World Philosophy Day on 20 November in Paris.

Source: UN

3. NCC Celebrates 78th Raising Day in 2025

• What
  • The National Cadet Corps (NCC) marked its 78th raising day on November 23, 2025.
• Tell me more
  • NCC started in 1948 with 20,000 cadets and has grown to 20 lakh cadets covering 713 of India’s 780 districts.
  • It is the world’s largest uniformed youth organization with units in both remote villages and top city colleges.
  • The NCC Act was passed on April 16, 1948, and official operations began on July 15, 1948.
  • Brigadier M.L. Rawat is known as the father of NCC, a title given by then Defence Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Source: ET

4. Constitution Day – November 26

• What:
  • November 26 is observed as Constitution Day of India, commemorating the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949.
  • It is also known as National Law Day or Samvidhan Divas.
• Tell me more:
  • The Constituent Assembly took two years, 11 months, and 17 days to draft the Constitution, holding 11 sessions over 165 days with around 7,600 amendments proposed.
  • On November 26, 1949, two resolutions were adopted: passing the Constitution and adjourning the Assembly until a date before January 26, 1950.
  • President Rajendra Prasad praised leaders like Ambedkar, Patel, and Nehru and noted the cost of preparing the Constitution as Rs. 63,96,729.

Source: IE

5. National Milk Day 2025 – November 26

• What:
  • National Milk Day 2025 is observed on 26 November to honour Dr. Verghese Kurien, marking India’s achievements as the world’s largest milk producer and recognizing farmers’ contributions to a strong dairy economy.
• Why:
  • The day aims to celebrate India’s dairy growth, promote inclusive development, and acknowledge efforts that transformed the country from milk-deficient to self-sufficient.
• Tell me more:
  • India contributes nearly one-fourth of global milk production and the dairy sector has grown by 70 percent in the past 11 years, employing over 8 crore farmers.
  • Milk output rose from 146.30 million tonnes in 2014–15 to 239.30 million tonnes in 2023–24, while per-capita availability increased from 124 grams to 471 grams per day.
  • The Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) (launched in 2014) received an additional funding of Rs.1,000 crore in March 2025, increasing its total outlay to Rs.3,400 crore for 2021–26.
  • Under the National Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP), 14.12 crore inseminations have been carried out, benefiting 5.5 crore farmers, with 22 IVF labs set up and 70 lakh doses of sex-sorted semen used.
  • The National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) has established 31,908 cooperative societies, added 17.63 lakh new producers, and built infrastructure such as 61,677 milk testing labs and 6,000 bulk milk coolers.

Source: PIB

Sports

1. India’s Anish Bhanwala Wins Silver at ISSF World Championship 2025

• What
  • Anish Bhanwala won a silver medal in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol event at the ISSF World Championship 2025 in Cairo, Egypt.
• Tell me more
  • Anish shot 28 out of 40 in the final, finishing behind French shooter Clément Bessaguet who won gold with 31.
  • He won the medal after four shoot-offs, eliminating Germany’s Emanuel Mueller and edging out Olympian Maksym Horodynets of Ukraine.
  • This is Anish’s first individual medal at the World Championships and second overall after a mixed team silver in 2022.
  • India’s team placed fifth, with Adarsh Singh and Sameer not qualifying for the medal round.
  • India’s total medal count at the event rose to five, including one gold, two silvers, and two bronzes.

Source: OC

2. India Wins Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025

• What
  • India won the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 by defeating Chinese Taipei 35-28 in the final held in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• Tell me more
  • India played with discipline, aggression, and composure, maintaining control in both halves.
  • The team used strong defense and sharp raids in the first half and switched to attacking tactics in the second half.
  • Captain Ritu Negi and vice-captain Pushpa Rana led the team with tactical maturity and strong raids.
  • Other key players included Champa Thakur, Bhawna Thakur, and Sakshi Sharma who contributed in both attack and defense.
  • The team was coached by Tejaswi and assistant coach Priyanka, who helped prepare a well-coordinated squad.

Source: TOI

3. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Rohit Sharma Named Ambassador

• What
  • Rohit Sharma, captain of the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning Indian team, is named the tournament ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
• Tell me more
  • Rohit’s notable achievements include winning two T20 World Cups (2007, 2024) and scoring 4231 T20 International runs with a strike rate of 140.89.
  • The 2026 tournament will be held from February 7 to March 8 across eight venues in India and Sri Lanka, with the final in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
  • India will open their title defense against the USA at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
  • Pakistan and West Indies will also play their opening matches in Colombo and Kolkata respectively, with venue changes earmarked if Pakistan advances.
  • The tournament format follows the successful 2024 edition, with 20 teams split into four groups, advancing to “Super Eights” stage based on seedings.

Source: ICC ICC

4. Ten-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan Wins UK Open Blitz Women’s Title

• What:
  • Ten-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan from Harrow Primary School won the women’s first prize of £500 at the UK Open Blitz Championships held in Leamington Spa.
• Tell me more:
  • She overcame a strong challenge from defending champion Elmira Mirzoeva, who made a crucial pawn error in the second-to-last round.
  • Daniel Gormally, a 49-year-old grandmaster from Alnwick, won the Open Blitz title and £1,000 prize with 11.5 points, narrowly ahead of 16-year-old Stanley Badacsonyi.
  • Earlier, Sivanandan defeated former World Champion Grandmaster Mariya Muzychuk at the European Club Cup in Greece.

Source: TOI

5. Fifth Khelo India University Games 2025

• What:
  • The fifth Khelo India University Games were inaugurated at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
• Why:
  • The Games aim to identify and nurture new sporting talent in line with PM Narendra Modi’s vision to place India among the top sporting nations globally.
• Tell me more:
  • Around 7,000 participants, including about 5,000 athletes from 230 universities, are competing in 23 sports disciplines, with Kho-Kho showcased as a demonstration event.
  • Competitions are held across multiple cities: Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, and Ajmer.

Source: NOA

6. Italy Wins Third Consecutive Davis Cup Title

• What:
  • Italy won their third straight Davis Cup (tennis) title by defeating Spain 2-0 in Bologna without star player Jannik Sinner.
• Tell me more:
  • Flavio Cobolli secured the title with a comeback win over Jaume Munar in the final match.
  • Matteo Berrettini won the first match against Pablo Carreno Busta, setting the winning tone.

Source: TOI

Appointments

1. Bank Executive Directors Appointed by Government

• What
  • The government appointed Sunil Kumar Chugh and Amresh Prasad as executive directors (EDs) in Canara Bank and Union Bank of India respectively, along with three other executive appointments in various banks, effective from November 24.
• Tell me more
  • Prabhat Kiran, Canara Bank’s chief general manager (CGM), was appointed as ED in Bank of Maharashtra.
  • Mini TM, CGM in Bank of Baroda, was appointed as ED in Indian Bank.
  • Amit Kumar Srivastava, group chief risk officer in Punjab National Bank (PNB), was promoted to ED in PNB.
  • All appointments are for a tenure of three years starting from November 24.

Source: ET

2. Justice Vikram Nath appointed Executive Chairman of NALSA

• What:
  • Justice Vikram Nath has been nominated by the President of India as the new executive chairperson of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) effective from November 24.
• Tell me more:
  • Justice Vikram Nath was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2021 and succeeds Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant as NALSA chairperson by convention as the second senior-most Supreme Court judge.
  • He previously was Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC) and Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court.
  • NALSA functions under Article 39A of the Constitution to ensure access to justice for all citizens without financial or social barriers.
  • Justice Nath is also expected to serve as Chief Justice of India between February 10 and September 24, 2027.

Source: HT

Miscellaneous

1. Veteran German Actor Udo Kier Passes Away at 81

• German actor Udo Kier passed away at the age of 81 in a hospital in Palm Springs, California.

Source: TOI

2. Death of San Diego Zoo’s oldest Galápagos tortoise Gramma at 141 years

• The San Diego Zoo’s oldest Galápagos tortoise named Gramma died on November 20 at about 141 years old.
• Gramma was born in the Galápagos Islands and came to the San Diego Zoo from the Bronx Zoo in either 1928 or 1931.
• There are 15 subspecies of Galápagos tortoises; three are extinct, the rest vulnerable or critically endangered.

Source: CNN

3. Viola Ford Fletcher Passes Away at 111

• What:
  • Viola Fletcher, the oldest survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre in Oklahoma, died at 111, leaving only one surviving witness.
• Tell me more:
  • The Tulsa Race Massacre occurred in the Greenwood neighborhood, known as “Black Wall Street” for its prosperous Black community, which was destroyed in the massacre.

Source: NYT

Start Quiz of 26th November 2025 on Mobile

Start Quiz of 26th November 2025 on Desktop