01st-03rd November 2025

1. DRDO Hands Over 12 LAToTs to Industry Partners During SAMANVAY 2025
2. India-Sri Lanka 1st JWG Meeting on Agriculture Held in New Delhi
3. Toshiba Delivered India’s First 220kV Mobile GIS System to POWERGRID
4. India Installed Power Capacity Surpasses 500 GW, RE Exceeds 50% of Demand
5. Dictionary.com Chooses “67” as Word of the Year 2025
6. Reliance Collaborated with Google to Build India’s AI Infrastructure and Widen Access
7. JGBS, GIM Received AACSB International Accreditation
8. Pravaig Unveils India’s First Defense EV ‘VEER’ for Defense Operations
9. Tamil Nadu’s 16-Year-Old Ilamparthi AR Becomes India’s 90th Chess GM
10. Former Indian Hockey Goalkeeper Manuel Frederick Passed Away
11. India to Host MILAN 2026, IFR, and IONS Conclave of Chiefs in Visakhapatnam, AP in February 2026
12. India-funded Multi-ethnic Trilingual School Inaugurated in Sri Lanka
13. AXISCADES Technologies and France’s Cilas S.A. Signs MoU to Develop C-UAS Drone System
14. City Union Bank Secured USD 50 Million from IFC to Promote Green MSME Financing
15. L&T Partners with GA-ASI to Manufacture MALE drones in India
16. Zen Technologies Secures Anti-Drone System orders worth Rs 289 Crores from MoD
17. Dabang Delhi K.C. Clinched Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 Title Over Puneri Paltan
18. World Vegan Day 2025 – November 1
19. International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists 2025 – November 2
20. IBM, AICTE Join Hands to Launch AI Lab in India
21. India Shines at 2025 Asian Youth Games with Record 48 Medals
22. 150 Years of Arya Samaj: Legacy of Reform and Vedic Revival
23. Vishvajit Sahay Appointed as Controller General of Defence Accounts
24. Vice Admiral B Sivakumar Takes Charge as Chief of Materiel
25. PM Modi Inaugurates Chhattisgarh Assembly on State Foundation Day
26. World Jellyfish Day 2025
27. Indian Tennis Star Rohan Bopanna Announces Retirement
28. India’s GST Revenue Grows 4.6% to ₹1.96 Lakh Crore in October Amid Recent Tax Reductions
29. Lucknow Recognised as UNESCO ‘City of Gastronomy’ for Its Rich Awadhi Culinary Heritage
30. China’s Shenzhou-21 Mission Sends Youngest Astronaut and Lab Mice to Tiangong Space Station
31. RBI Returns Jana Small Finance Bank’s Application for Universal Bank Licence
32. Sahitya Akademi Launches Hindi Edition of Lithuanian Novel “The Last Day” as “Antim Din”
33. Reliance and Google Join Forces to Strengthen India’s AI Infrastructure and Expand Access
34. Raj Kumar Arora Takes Charge as Financial Advisor (Defence Services)
35. FIDE Chess World Cup Trophy Renamed After Viswanathan Anand
36. Foundation Day of Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh
37. Overview of 8th ISA Assembly Held from October 27 to 30, 2025, in New Delhi
38. Top 10 Records Broken in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final

National News

1. India Crosses 500 GW Installed Power Capacity Milestone

• What:
  • India’s total installed electricity capacity crossed 500 GW, reaching 500.89 GW as of 30 September 2025, marking a major milestone in the power sector.
• Why:
  • The achievement reflects India’s progress toward a clean, secure, and self-reliant energy future through sustained policy support and investments.
• Tell me more:
  • Non-fossil fuel sources, including renewable, hydro, and nuclear, account for 256.09 GW or over 51% of total capacity, while fossil-fuel-based sources contribute 244.80 GW or about 49%.
  • Within renewables, solar power contributes 127.33 GW and wind power contributes 53.12 GW.
  • During FY 2025–26 (April–September 2025), 28 GW of non-fossil capacity and 5.1 GW of fossil-fuel capacity were added.
  • On 29 July 2025, India achieved its highest-ever renewable energy share, meeting 51.5% of the total electricity demand of 203 GW.
  • Solar, wind, and hydro together contributed 44.50 GW, 29.89 GW, and 30.29 GW respectively on that day.

Source: PIB

2. IBM and AICTE Partner to Set Up National AI Lab in New Delhi

• What:
  • IBM has collaborated with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to establish a National AI Lab at the AICTE Headquarters in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to promote AI research, innovation, and skill development, empowering India’s youth with future-ready skills to support the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
• Tell me more:
  • The announcement was made at IBM’s annual CSR event, a pre-summit event for the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
  • The lab will serve as a national hub for AI research and will be equipped with advanced computing infrastructure and AI software platforms accessible to all AICTE institutions.
  • It will offer online and in-person training through IBM SkillsBuild, which provides over 1,000 courses in AI, cloud, and sustainability skills.
  • The collaboration supports IBM’s global goal to skill 30 million people by 2030, including 2 million in AI by 2026.

Source: ET

State News

1. Prime Minister Addresses International Arya Mahasammelan 2025 in New Delhi

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the International Arya Mahasammelan 2025 held at Rohini, New Delhi, marking the 150th foundation year of Arya Samaj and the 200th birth anniversary celebrations of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Ji.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to honour the legacy of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Ji and celebrate Arya Samaj’s 150 years of contribution to education, social reform, and spiritual upliftment in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
• Tell me more:
  • The Prime Minister released a commemorative coin and postal stamp to mark the occasion and paid homage to Swami Dayanand Saraswati Ji.
  • The International Arya Summit 2025 forms part of the Jyāna Jyoti Festival, showcasing Arya Samaj’s 150 years of reform and service in India and abroad.
  • The event featured an exhibition titled “150 Golden Years of Service,” illustrating Arya Samaj’s role in nation-building and global Vedic awareness.

Source: PIB

2. PM Modi Inaugurates Development Projects on Chhattisgarh Foundation Day

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated multiple development projects worth ₹14,260 crore during the 25th Chhattisgarh Foundation Day (1 November 2000) celebrations and unveiled a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the new Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha building.
• Why:
  • The visit aimed to mark Chhattisgarh’s Silver Jubilee and promote holistic state development as a part of India’s model of progress through state-led growth.
• Tell me more:
  • PM Modi participated in the ‘Dil Ki Baat’ programme and interacted with 2,500 children treated for congenital heart disease under the ‘Gift of Life’ initiative at Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital, Nava Raipur.
  • He inaugurated the ‘Shanti Shikhar’ Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centre and attended the Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav event.
  • The Prime Minister also launched projects including the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial and Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum in Atal Nagar, Nava Raipur.
  • The President of India gave his consent to the Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000 on 25 August 2000 with the Government of India setting 1 November 2000 as the day Chhattisgarh would be carved out of Madhya Pradesh.

Source: TOI

3. Lucknow Declared UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy

• What:
  • On World Cities Day (October 31), Lucknow was officially declared a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
• Why:
  • The recognition celebrates Lucknow’s centuries-old Awadhi cuisine, its inclusive food heritage, and strengthens Uttar Pradesh’s position as a global hub for culinary tourism and cultural diplomacy.
• Tell me more:
  • The dossier, researched by heritage architect Abha Narain Lambah’s team, documented recipes, food traditions, and cultural stories of Lucknow’s cuisine.
  • The city’s iconic dishes such as Galouti Kebab, Awadhi Biryani, tokri chaat, and Makhan Malai were showcased as symbols of its Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb and culinary unity.
  • Lucknow joined 70 Creative Cities of Gastronomy worldwide, including Hyderabad, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Kelowna, Quanzhou, and Zaragoza.

Source: IT

4. November 1 Marks Formation Day of Several Indian States and UTs

• What:
  • Several Indian states and union territories celebrate their formation day on November 1, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and five UTs: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry.
• Tell me more:
  • Andhra Pradesh was the first state formed on a linguistic basis in 1956 by merging Telugu-speaking areas.
  • Karnataka (formerly Mysore), Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu were reorganised on linguistic and administrative bases in 1956.
  • Punjab and Haryana were formed in 1966 based on language, with celebrations highlighting their unique traditions and achievements.

Source: N18

International News

1. India Builds Multi-Ethnic Trilingual School in Sri Lanka

• What:
  • A Multi-ethnic Trilingual School built with Indian grant assistance was inaugurated and handed over to the Government of Sri Lanka in Polonnaruwa.
• Why:
  • The project aims to promote inclusive and quality education in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural environment under India’s High Impact Community Development Projects initiative.
• Tell me more:
  • The inauguration ceremony was jointly presided over by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha.
  • The school construction was finalised in February 2017 when a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two governments.
  • It was funded through an Indian grant of over 320 million Sri Lankan rupees.
  • The school will provide education in three languages—Sinhala, Tamil, and English—to students from diverse communities.

Source: NOA

2. China Launches Shenzhou-21 Crewed Mission to Tiangong Station

• What:
  • China launched the Shenzhou-21 crewed mission to the Tiangong space station, sending three astronauts aboard a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.
• Why:
  • The mission aims to carry out crew rotation at the Tiangong space station and conduct scientific experiments, marking continued progress in China’s permanent space program.
• Tell me more:
  • The crew includes Commander Zhang Lu, 48, and first-time astronauts Zhang Hongzhang, 39, and Wu Fei, 32, the youngest Chinese astronaut to enter space.
  • This is the seventh crewed flight to Tiangong since its completion in 2022.

Source: TOI

Banking and Economy

1. Reliance Jio Partners with Google to Offer Free Gemini AI Plan

• What:
  • Reliance Jio announced a partnership with Google to offer a one-year free subscription of Google’s AI Pro plan with the latest Gemini version to its 505 million users across India.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to expand AI access in India, enhance user engagement, and drive growth in telecom services through digital innovation.
• Tell me more:
  • The offer, worth Rs 35,100 ($399), will first roll out to 18–25-year-old users on Jio’s Unlimited 5G plan before nationwide expansion.
  • This partnership positions India as a key market for AI adoption, building on Jio’s earlier success with affordable 4G and 5G access.
  • Several AI companies like OpenAI, Perplexity, and Google have tied up with Indian telecom firms and institutions to attract users.
  • OpenAI introduced a free year-long ChatGPT Go subscription for Indian users and partnered with the Ministry of Education and AICTE to provide 5 lakh ChatGPT licenses to students and teachers.
  • Airtel also partnered with AI startup Perplexity to give 360 million users free 18-month subscriptions to its Pro plan.

Source: ET

2. City Union Bank Secures $50 Million from IFC for Green Financing

• What:
  • City Union Bank (CUB) has received a $50 million commitment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to support MSMEs in adopting energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions.
• Why:
  • The funding aims to promote sustainable growth, low-carbon emission, and strengthen India’s energy transition by helping MSMEs shift to renewable and efficient power alternatives.
• Tell me more:
  • MSMEs contribute about 30% of India’s GDP but face challenges from high energy expenses.
  • City Union Bank’s Managing Director and CEO is Kamakodi N.
  • IFC Regional Division Director for South Asia is Imad N. Fakhoury.

Source: TH

3. GST Collections Near Rs 2 Lakh Crore in October 2025

• Gross GST collections in October 2025 stood at Rs 1.96 lakh crore, reflecting a 4.6% rise from Rs 1.87 lakh crore in October 2024, despite the impact of lower tax rates and a sales pause before the GST revamp.
• The collection shows stability in tax revenue post-GST rate cuts announced in September 2025, indicating that domestic demand remains strong even after rate rationalisation.

Source: TOI

4. RBI Returns Jana Small Finance Bank’s Universal Bank Application

• What:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has returned Jana Small Finance Bank’s application to become a universal bank due to non-fulfilment of criteria mentioned in the RBI circular.
• Tell me more:
  • Jana Small Finance Bank had submitted its application in June 2025 to voluntarily transition into a universal bank.
  • Jana Small Finance Bank, led by MD and CEO Ajay Kanwal, currently operates under some restrictions, such as the inability to engage in co-lending.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. DRDO Hands Over 12 LATOTs to Industry Partners at Samanvay 2025

• What:
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over 12 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOTs) for eight products to industry partners during the inaugural session of Samanvay 2025 in Bengaluru.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between DRDO and industry for self-reliant defence manufacturing and promote the “Make in India, Make for the World” vision.
• Tell me more:
  • The event was organised by the Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS) cluster of DRDO.
  • The two-day Samanvay 2025 industry synergy meet was virtually inaugurated by DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Samir V Kamat.
  • DRDO has set up “Industry Interaction Groups” in all its laboratories, centres, establishments, and headquarters to enhance engagement with industry.

Source: ET

2. Pravaig Dynamics Develops Next-Gen Electric Tactical Vehicle VEER

• What:
  • Bengaluru-based Indian start-up Pravaig Dynamics has developed VEER, a next-generation all-terrain tactical electric vehicle for defence use.
• Why:
  • VEER aims to provide the Indian armed forces with stealthy, highly mobile, and rapidly repairable electric vehicles suited for rugged terrains, supporting “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in defence.
• Tell me more:
  • VEER features class-leading stealth capabilities, low observability, and can operate covertly in deserts, mountains, and forests.
  • It underwent military trials and won the iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) award for its defence potential.
  • The vehicle’s electric propulsion cuts operational costs by reducing fuel needs and maintenance while enabling quieter operation.
  • VEER is fully field-repairable for quick turnaround in operational zones.
  • Pravaig Dynamics’ innovation supports India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and strategic self-reliance goals.

Source: IM

3. India to Host Major Maritime Events in February 2026

• What:
  • India will host three major international maritime events—International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs—at Visakhapatnam from 15 to 25 February 2026.
• Why:
  • The convergence aims to realise the MAHASAGAR vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on mutual advancement, holistic security, and growth across regions.
• Tell me more:
  • The 2026 edition marks the first time India is hosting all three major maritime events simultaneously.
  • The events reflect India’s role as a Preferred Security Partner, promoting free, open, and inclusive seas under frameworks such as MAHASAGAR, Act East Policy, IONS, and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
  • A Presidential Fleet Review will display indigenous naval platforms such as INS Vikrant, Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class frigates, and Arnala-class corvettes.
  • Exercise MILAN will include sea and harbour phases focusing on interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and search-and-rescue operations.
  • The IONS Conclave of Chiefs will see India assume Chairmanship (2025–2027), involving 25 members, 9 observers, and invited nations.

Source: PIB

4. L&T and GA-ASI Partner to Manufacture Advanced UAVs in India

• What:
  • Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) have formed a strategic partnership to produce advanced Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the Indian Armed Forces.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to boost India’s self-reliance in aerospace technology and strengthen defence capabilities through indigenous manufacturing of state-of-the-art UAVs.
• Tell me more:
  • GA-ASI, the maker of the MQ-9 Reaper, will transfer critical technology to L&T to meet India’s indigenous content requirements.
  • L&T will be the prime bidder in the Ministry of Defence’s programme for 87 MALE UAVs, with GA-ASI as its technology partner.
  • The MQ-9 Reaper can operate above 30,000 feet and has more than 24 hours of endurance, offering advanced surveillance and strike capabilities.
  • The collaboration follows a $3.5 billion India-US deal signed last year to acquire 31 MQ-9B UAVs—15 SeaGuardians for the Navy and eight SkyGuardians each for the Army and Air Force.

Source: BS

5. Zen Technologies Wins Rs 289 Crore Defence Contracts for Anti-Drone Upgrades

• What:
  • Zen Technologies has received two major contracts worth Rs 289 crore from the Ministry of Defence for upgrading its Anti-Drone Systems (ADS).
• Why:
  • The upgrades aim to address operational feedback from Operation Sindoor and other missions, ensuring faster adaptation to emerging drone threats at both hardware and software levels.
• Tell me more:
  • Zen Technologies designs and manufactures combat training and counter-drone systems for defence and security forces.

Source: ET

Science and Technology

1. POWERGRID and Toshiba Launch India’s First 220kV Mobile GIS System

• What:
  • Power Grid Corporation of India (POWERGRID) and Toshiba launched the country’s first indigenously manufactured 220kV Mobile Gas-Insulated Switchgear (m-GIS) system.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to enhance grid flexibility, resilience, disaster-readiness, and enable rapid deployment of power systems in emergency situations.
• Tell me more:
  • The system was delivered to POWERGRID by Toshiba Transmission & Distribution Systems (India) Private Limited (TTDI).
  • The 220kV m-GIS system is designed and built fully in line with POWERGRID’s operational requirements.
  • Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) is a compact and reliable system used for safe and efficient high-voltage power distribution, particularly in space-limited environments.
  • TTDI will next manufacture the country’s first 400kV m-GIS system for POWERGRID, expected to be delivered in August next year.

Source: HBL

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. India and Sri Lanka Hold First Joint Working Group Meeting on Agriculture

• What:
  • India and Sri Lanka held the first Joint Working Group Meeting on agriculture in New Delhi, co-chaired by Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi and D. P. Wickramasinghe.
• Why:
  • The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two countries to promote sustainable agricultural growth and ensure food and nutritional security.
• Tell me more:
  • The meeting was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • The Sri Lankan delegation visited the Indian Agricultural Research Institute to learn about India’s agricultural research and innovation ecosystem.
  • The meeting marks the first-ever Joint Working Group on agriculture between India and Sri Lanka.

Source: NOA

Awards

1. Two Indian Business Schools Receive Prestigious AACSB Accreditation

• What:
  • Jindal Global Business School (JGBS) and Goa Institute of Management (GIM) have been accredited by AACSB International, joining the top six percent of business schools worldwide.
• Why:
  • The accreditation recognizes the schools’ high standards in teaching, research, societal contribution, and student learning outcomes.
• Tell me more:
  • AACSB accreditation involves a multi-year peer-reviewed process evaluating quality across multiple parameters.
  • Only a few Indian business schools have achieved this globally recognized accreditation so far.

Source: TOI

Important Days

1. World Vegan Day 2025 – November 1

2. International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists 2025 – November 2

• Theme: Chat GBV: Raising Awareness on AI-facilitated Gender-Based Violence against Women Journalists

Source: UN

3. World Jellyfish Day 2025 – November 3

Sports

1. India’s 90th Chess Grandmaster: Ilamparthi AR from Chennai

• What:
  • 16-year-old Ilamparthi AR from Chennai became India’s 90th chess Grandmaster after securing his final GM norm at the Bijeljina Open in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Tell me more:
  • Ilamparthi secured his first GM norm in Hanoi (December 2023) and second in Singapore (2024).
  • He crossed the 2500 Elo rating mark during the 2024–25 Rilton Cup.
  • He trains under Shyam Sundar M and studies at Velammal School, which also produced stars like D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa.
  • Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri supported Ilamparthi’s training by donating prize money in 2022.
  • Chess legend Viswanathan Anand, under whose academy Ilamparthi trains, praised his potential and determination.

Source: TOI

2. Dabang Delhi K.C. Wins Second Pro Kabaddi League Title

• What:
  • Dabang Delhi K.C. clinched their second Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) title after defeating Puneri Paltan 31-28 in the Season 12 final at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.
• Tell me more:
  • Dabang Delhi last won the PKL title in Season 8 under then-captain and current head coach Joginder Narwal.
  • They became the first home team since U Mumba in Season 2 to win the PKL trophy.
  • Current team captain: Ashu Malik

Source: PKL

3. India Records Best-Ever Medal Tally at Asian Youth Games 2025

• What:
  • Indian athletes delivered a record-breaking performance at the Asian Youth Games 2025 in Manama, Bahrain, winning 48 medals, including 13 gold, 18 silver, and 17 bronze.
• Why:
  • The strong performance highlighted India’s growing sporting strength and provided athletes with valuable qualification opportunities for the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal.
• Tell me more:
  • It was India’s best-ever show at the Asian Youth Games, surpassing its 2013 tally of 14 medals and 2009 total of 11 medals.
  • The event marked the third edition of the Games, returning after a 12-year gap.
  • Khushi won India’s first medal, a bronze, in the girls’ 70kg kurash event.
  • Ranjana Yadav secured silver in the girls’ 5000m race walk, while the Indian girls’ kabaddi team clinched the first gold after defeating Iran.
  • Priteesmita Bhoi set a world youth record by winning gold in the girls’ 44kg weightlifting event.

Source: OC

4. Indian Tennis Star Rohan Bopanna Announces Retirement

• What:
  • Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna announced his retirement from professional tennis after a 22-year-long career, with his final match played at the Paris Masters 1000 alongside Alexander Bublik.
• Tell me more:
  • Bopanna, aged 45, made history in 2024 by becoming the oldest Grand Slam winner and the oldest doubles World No. 1.
  • He won two Grand Slam titles—2024 Australian Open men’s doubles with Matthew Ebden and 2017 French Open mixed doubles with Gabriela Dabrowski.
  • He was a finalist in four other Grand Slam events and twice reached the ATP Finals finals in 2012 and 2015.
  • Bopanna represented India in Davis Cup matches and finished fourth at the 2016 Rio Olympics with Sania Mirza.

Source: TOI

5. Viswanathan Anand Trophy Unveiled at FIDE World Chess Cup in India

• What:
  • The new FIDE World Chess Cup trophy was named the Viswanathan Anand Trophy in honour of India’s first Grandmaster and five-time world chess champion.
• Tell me more:
  • The unveiling took place at a ceremony in Panjim, Goa, attended by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich.
  • The trophy design features a majestic peacock, India’s national bird, in a frozen dancing pose symbolising chess’s timeless charm.
  • The USD 2 million tournament features 206 players from 80 countries competing in eight knockout rounds.
  • The World Cup will award three qualifying spots for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, which determines participants for the next World Championship.

Source: IT

6. India Wins ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, Breaks Multiple Records

• What:
  • India won the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 by defeating South Africa Women by 52 runs in the final, setting a target of 299 runs—the second-highest total in Women’s World Cup final history.
• Tell me more:
  • Top 10 records made during the match:
    • India won their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title by defeating South Africa by 52 runs.
    • India’s total of 298 runs was the second-highest score ever in a Women’s World Cup final.
    • Smriti Mandhana set a new record for most runs by an Indian in a single World Cup (434 runs), surpassing Mithali Raj’s 409 (2017).
    • Shafali Verma recorded the highest score by an Indian opener in a World Cup final, surpassing Punam Raut (86 in 2017).
    • Captain Harmanpreet Kaur became the highest run-scorer in Women’s World Cup knockout stages (331 runs).
    • Deepti Sharma became the first cricketer ever (male or female) to score 200+ runs and take 15+ wickets in a single World Cup edition.
    • Richa Ghosh equalled the record for most sixes in a Women’s World Cup edition (12), matching Deandra Dottin.
    • Mandhana and Shafali registered the highest partnership by an Indian pair in a World Cup final.
    • Shafali Verma hit the fastest fifty by an Indian in a World Cup final (in 35 balls).
    • India became the first team to have four batters score 40+ runs in a World Cup final.
    • India achieved their highest-ever team batting average in a Women’s World Cup edition.
    • India ended Australia’s 15-match World Cup winning streak in the semifinal.
    • Jemimah Rodrigues became the second batter ever to score a century in a World Cup knockout chase, after Nat Sciver-Brunt.
    • India became the only team to defeat Australia twice in Women’s World Cup semifinals (2017, 2025).
    • India reached their third Women’s ODI World Cup final (after 2005 and 2017).
    • India achieved their first-ever 200+ successful chase in Women’s World Cup history (339/5 vs Australia).
    • The semifinal marked the first-ever 300+ successful chase in any World Cup knockout (men’s or women’s).

Source: N18 CC TOI

Memorandum of Understanding

1. AXISCADES and Cilas Sign MoU to Develop Laser C-UAS System

• What:
  • AXISCADES Technologies and French company Cilas S.A. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly promote advanced Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) technologies for Indian Forces.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to strengthen India’s defense capabilities and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative through co-development and local integration of advanced C-UAS systems.
• Tell me more:
  • The collaboration will introduce Cilas’ high-energy laser weapon system, Helma-P, in India through close cooperation between both partners.
  • AXISCADES will design the overall system architecture suited to Indian Army requirements.
  • Both firms will co-develop and integrate a vehicle-mounted C-UAS solution combining Helma-P’s laser with AXISCADES’ command and control system.
  • AXISCADES will localize maintenance tools and participate in Helma-P’s manufacturing to ensure its sustainability within India.

Source: BS

Appointments

1. Vishvajit Sahay Assumes Charge as Controller General of Defence Accounts

• What:
  • Shri Vishvajit Sahay, a 1990-batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), has taken charge as the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) on November 1, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • He has also worked as Finance Manager (Acquisition Wing) in the Ministry of Defence.
  • Within the Defence Accounts Department, he has served as Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions), Prayagraj; Joint CGDA; and Special CGDA.
  • Shri Sahay is an alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi.

Source: PIB

2. Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar Assumes Charge as Chief of Materiel

• What:
  • Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar, AVSM, VSM, took charge as the 40th Chief of Materiel of the Indian Navy on November 1, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • Vice Admiral Sivakumar was commissioned as an Electrical Officer in the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987.
  • He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy’s 70th Course and holds a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from IIT Chennai, along with degrees from Osmania and Madras Universities.
  • During his 38-year career, he has held key roles including Commander of INS Valsura, Programme Director HQ ATVP, and Director General of Naval Projects at Visakhapatnam.
  • He has also led the Electrical Directorates of Weapons Equipment and Electrical Engineering at Naval Headquarters.

Source: ET

3. Raj Kumar Arora Assumes Charge as Financial Advisor (Defence Services)

• Shri Raj Kumar Arora, a 1990-batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), assumed the position of Financial Advisor (Defence Services) [FADS] on November 1, 2025.

Source: PIB

Miscellaneous

1. Dictionary.com Selects “67” as 2025 Word of the Year

• What:
  • Dictionary.com has chosen “67” — pronounced “six seven” — as its 2025 Word of the Year, marking the first time a number has received this recognition.
• Tell me more:
  • “67” became popular on social media, especially among Gen Alpha, after it appeared in the song “Doot Doot (6 7)” by Philadelphia-based rapper Skrilla.
  • Its viral spread began with basketball clips of LaMelo Ball, an NBA player who is 6 feet 7 inches tall, and later spread to other sports and schools.
  • On TikTok, the hashtag #67 has appeared in millions of posts and inspired memes, chants, mashups, and even Halloween costumes.
  • The term “67” has no fixed meaning and functions more as cultural shorthand or an inside joke.

Source: ET

2. Manuel Frederick, Olympic Hockey Medalist, Passes Away at 78

• What:
  • Former Indian hockey goalkeeper Manuel Frederick, who won a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics, passed away at the age of 78.
• Tell me more:
  • He hailed from Kannur, Kerala, and was the first athlete from the state to win an Olympic medal, later matched by PR Sreejesh in 2021.
  • Represented India from 1971 to 1978 and played in two World Cups — Amstelveen 1973 (silver) and Buenos Aires 1978.
  • Played for teams like Army Service Corps (ASC), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Services, Uttar Pradesh, and Mohun Bagan.
  • He was awarded the Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.

Source: NOA

3. Sahitya Akademi Releases Hindi Translation of Lithuanian Novel

• What:
  • Sahitya Akademi released the Hindi translation of the acclaimed novel Antim Din, originally titled The Last Day, by Lithuanian-Ukrainian author Jaroslavas Melnikas.
• Tell me more:
  • The book launch took place at Rabindra Bhawan in New Delhi in collaboration with the Embassy of Lithuania.
  • Sahitya Akademi President Madhav Kaushik highlighted that this is the first translation of a Lithuanian fiction book into Hindi.

Source: NOA

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