08th-10th November 2025

1. PHDCCI, South Korea’s Busan Chamber Sign MoU to Boost Bilateral Trade & Industrial Collaboration
2. ITA Report: India Ranks 3rd Globally with 65 Clean Energy Industrial Projects
3. Sweden Becomes World’s First Cashless Society
4. Khangchendzonga NP Rated ‘Good’ by IUCN, Only Indian Site to Receive Positive Status
5. India and Ecuador Signed Pact to Boost Diplomatic Cooperation
6. SBI Surpasses Rs.100 trillion in Business, Crosses USD 100 billion Market Cap for the First Time
7. Blackstone entity gets CCI approval to acquire 80% stake in Aadhar Housing Finance
8. Junio Payments Receives RBI Approval for Prepaid Payment Instruments
9. CUB Partnered with EPFO for EPF Remittance Facility
10. AEL’s KCL & Caravel Minerals Signed MoU to Fast-track Major Australian Copper Project
11. Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025: HCL Tech Founder Shiv Nadar tops the list with Rs.2,708 cr donation
12. Heritage Foods Wins Golden Peacock Award; Vice Chairperson N. Bhuvaneswari Named Distinguished Fellow
13. Bahrain’s Interior Minister ‘Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa’ Received INTERPOL Medal of the Highest Order
14. M&M Sold Entire 3.45% Stake in RBL Bank Via Rs 682 Crore Block Deal
15. India Successfully Demonstrates 500-km Quantum-Based Network for Digitally Secure Communications
16. International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict 2025 – November 6
17. National Cancer Awareness Day 2025 – November 7
18. 137th Birth Anniversary of CV Raman – 7th November 2025
19. ICAI Signs MoU with Indian Army for Real Time UDIN Verification
20. TEC & IIT Bombay Sign MoU to Collaborate on 6G, AI, and Telecom Standardization
21. HAL Signs USD 1 b with GE for 113 Engines to Power 97 Tejas Mk1A Jets
22. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Led Indian Delegation at WSSD-2 Held in Doha, Qatar
23. ReNew Energy Secured USD 331 Million Financial Package from ADB
24. CIL and DVC Form Rs 21,000 Crore JV for 1,600 MW Power Project in Jharkhand
25. Digit Insurance Won Two Major Awards at AIIA 2025
26. Justice Ashok Bhushan Re-appointed as NCLAT Chairman till July 2026
27. USA’s AFGSC Conducts ‘LGM-30G Minuteman III ICBM’ Test Launch in California
28. Six New Butterfly Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang Valley
29. Tamil Nadu’s Raahul VS Becomes India’s 91st Chess GM
30. Nobel Prize Winning DNA Pioneer James Watson Passed Away
31. International Day of Radiology 2025- November 8
32. World Urbanism Day 2025 – November 8
33. India Enters Global Forest Fund
34. Inside India’s First Tribal-Focused Genome Project
35. Mumbai Tops Asia’s Happiest Cities in 2025
36. India’s Forex Reserves Drop by $5.6 Billion in October
37. World Science Day 2025 – November 10
38. Uttarakhand Turns 25: ₹8,000 Cr Boost from PM Modi
39. National Legal Services Day – November 9
40. PM Modi Launches NexCAR19: India’s First Homegrown CAR T-Cell Therapy
41. James D. Watson, Co-Discoverer of DNA Structure, Dies at 97
42. Karnataka Becomes India’s First State with Paid Menstrual Leave
43. India Celebrates Sheetal Devi, the Nation’s First Para Archer in Mainstream Team
44. US Conducts Strategic Minuteman III ICBM Test — What It Means
45. India Gears Up for 2026 Tiger Census: World’s Largest Wildlife Survey
46. HAL & GE Ink $1 Billion Deal to Power LCA Tejas Mk 1A Jets
47. China Launches Third Aircraft Carrier ‘Fujian’ with Cutting-Edge Tech
48. World Radiography Day 2025
49. PM Modi Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Trains to This Route
50. UNESCO Creative Cities Network 2025 New Members List

National News

1. Khangchendzonga National Park Rated ‘Good’ by IUCN

• What:
  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has rated Khangchendzonga National Park as “good” in its global review of natural World Heritage Sites, making it the only Indian park to receive this rating.
• Why:
  • The rating highlights the park’s strong conservation efforts, community participation, and successful balance between cultural heritage and environmental protection.
• Tell me more:
  • Khangchendzonga National Park, also known as Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, became India’s first “mixed” UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.
  • The park covers 1,784 square kilometres and includes diverse landscapes—from subtropical forests to Mount Khangchendzonga’s icy summit at 8,586 metres, the world’s third-highest peak.
  • It is home to 280 glaciers, over 70 glacial lakes, and rich wildlife such as snow leopards, red pandas, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and more than 550 bird species.
  • Cross-border cooperation with Nepal’s Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and community-based conservation have strengthened protection against poaching and natural disasters.

Source: NOA

2. MoS Pabitra Margherita to Visit Ecuador, Bolivia and Cuba

• What:
  • Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, will visit Ecuador, Bolivia, and Cuba from November 4 to 10, 2025, to strengthen India’s bilateral relations with these countries.
• Why:
  • The visit aims to promote trade, technology, tourism, development cooperation, and capacity building, while reinforcing India’s commitment to South-South cooperation and development.
• Tell me more:
  • In Ecuador, the Minister will review preparations for establishing a resident Indian Mission in Quito.
  • In Bolivia, he will represent India at the inauguration of the newly-elected President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia on November 8, 2025, in La Paz.
  • In Cuba, discussions will focus on cooperation in health, medicine, digital public infrastructure, and capacity building.

Source: ANI

3. India Demonstrates First 500 km Quantum Key Distribution Network

• What:
  • QNu Labs Pvt. Ltd., a Bengaluru-based startup supported under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), has successfully demonstrated India’s first extensive Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network spanning over 500 kilometers.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to strengthen India’s position in quantum-secure communication and contribute to the development of a secure digital infrastructure.
• Tell me more:
  • The QKD network was deployed over existing optical fiber infrastructure and announced at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025).
  • The project was funded by the I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NMICPS) hosted at IISER Pune.
  • The Indian Army’s Southern Command contributed by engineering the test-bed optical fiber network and enabling access to their fiber network in the Rajasthan sector.
  • The network included multiple trusted nodes to ensure end-to-end quantum key exchange across a distance of more than 500 kilometers.

Source: PIB

4. India Joins Brazil’s Global Tropical Forests Fund as Observer

• What:
  • India has joined Brazil’s newly launched Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF) as an observer at the COP30 Leaders’ Summit in Belem, Brazil.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to reward tropical countries for conserving forests and promote global cooperation in forest preservation and climate action.
• Tell me more:
  • The TFFF is a Brazil-led global fund seeking to mobilise around USD 125 billion through public and private investment.
  • India’s Ambassador to Brazil, Dinesh Bhatia, reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and multilateralism.
  • India called for developed nations to accelerate emission cuts, deliver on promised climate finance, and achieve net zero sooner.
  • India highlighted its achievements such as reducing emission intensity of GDP by 36% (2005–2020) and achieving over 50% non-fossil fuel-based power capacity.
  • India’s forest and tree cover now stands at 25.17% of its geographical area, creating a carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO₂ from 2005 to 2021.

Source: IE

State News

1. Gujarat Launches India’s First Tribal Genome Sequencing Project

• What:
  • Gujarat has become the first state in India to launch a tribal-focused genome sequencing project to support genetic health screening of tribal communities.
• Why:
  • The project aims to identify hereditary health issues and develop affordable genetic testing solutions for the tribal population.
• Tell me more:
  • The project will collect DNA samples from 31 tribal communities across 11 districts of Gujarat.
  • It will create a reference genome database for tribal populations to help trace genetic mutations.
  • Low-cost genetic testing panels have been developed, costing Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500, compared to Rs 1 lakh for full genome sequencing.
  • These panels will assist in diagnostic, prenatal, and embryo-level testing during IVF procedures.

Source: TOI

2. PM Modi Inaugurates ₹8,140 Crore Projects in Uttarakhand

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹8,140 crore during the Silver Jubilee celebration of Uttarakhand in Dehradun.
• Why:
  • The projects aim to strengthen Uttarakhand’s infrastructure, promote tourism, and support its vision of becoming a “Spiritual Capital” in the coming years.
• Tell me more:
  • The inaugurated projects are worth over ₹930 crore, while foundation stones were laid for projects worth ₹7,210 crore.
  • The initiatives cover sectors such as drinking water, irrigation, technical education, energy, urban development, sports, and skill development.
  • Projects inaugurated include Dehradun water supply under AMRUT, solar power plants in government buildings, an electrical substation in Pithoragarh, and an AstroTurf Hockey Ground in Nainital.
  • Key hydro-sector projects include the Song Dam Drinking Water Project (150 MLD for Dehradun) and the Jamarani Dam Multipurpose Project in Nainital.
  • The Prime Minister also released ₹62 crore to over 28,000 farmers under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana.

Source: TOI

3. Karnataka Becomes First State to Approve Paid Menstrual Leave

• What:
  • Karnataka government has approved one day of paid menstrual leave per month for all women employees in government and private sectors, becoming the first Indian state to make menstrual leave a legal right.
• Why:
  • The move aims to recognise menstrual health as a workplace issue and promote dignity, equality, and empathy for women employees.
• Tell me more:
  • Concerns have been raised that the policy may influence hiring decisions if not implemented sensitively.
  • Spain became the first European country to legalise paid menstrual leave in 2023.
  • Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia also have versions of menstrual leave laws.
  • In India, Bihar had introduced menstrual leave for government employees in 1992, and a 2017 parliamentary bill proposing national implementation did not pass.

Source: TW

4. Telangana Prepares for All-India Tiger Estimation 2026

• What:
  • Telangana has begun preparations for the All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE-2026), the world’s largest wildlife census, covering tiger reserves, national parks, and protected areas.
• Why:
  • The survey aims to assess tiger numbers, prey density, habitat quality, and human impact to guide future wildlife management and conservation strategies.
• Tell me more:
  • Telangana has about 3,000 forest beats, each requiring 2–3 personnel, involving nearly 6,000–8,000 participants, including forest staff, volunteers, and outsourced workers.
  • The exercise will use the M-STrIPES app for real-time geo-tagging and data collection, ensuring transparency.
  • Camera-trapping will begin in November, followed by the main census in December–January, depending on weather conditions.
  • NGOs like Friends of Snake Society, Hyderabad Tiger Conservation Society (HyTiCoS), and others are providing volunteers and training support.
  • The census will also document leopards, wild dogs, jackals, herbivores, vultures, and birds.

Source: TOI

5. PM Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Express Trains

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains on key Indian Railways routes — Varanasi-Khajuraho, Bengaluru-Ernakulam, Lucknow Junction-Saharanpur, and Firozpur Cantt-Delhi.
• Why:
  • The new trains aim to offer faster, premium, and comfortable rail travel for passengers over short to medium distances.
• Tell me more:
  • The Vande Bharat Express is an all air-conditioned, self-propelled train that can reach a speed of 180 kmph, with an operational speed of 160 kmph.
  • Bengaluru-Ernakulam train will reduce travel time by around 2 hours, while the Varanasi-Khajuraho train will save 2 hours and 40 minutes.
  • Each train will operate six days a week, with one weekly maintenance day.

Source: TOI

International News

1. Sweden Becomes the World’s First Cashless Country

• What:
  • Sweden has become the world’s first country to completely shift from cash to digital payments, replacing currency notes and coins with phone-based and card transactions.
• Why:
  • The move aims to make financial transactions faster, safer, and more convenient while promoting digital innovation across the economy.
• Tell me more:
  • The change was largely driven by Swish, a mobile payment app launched in 2012 that enables real-time money transfers using just a phone number.
  • The central bank is exploring a government-backed digital currency called e-krona, with research and pilot projects underway.

Source: TOI

2. Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD-2) in Doha, Qatar

• What:
  • Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, will lead the Indian delegation to the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD-2) in Doha, Qatar, from November 4 to 6.
• Tell me more:
  • Dr. Mandaviya will represent India at the ILO Ministerial Dialogue on the Global Coalition for Social Justice.
  • The Minister will hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from Qatar, Romania, Mauritius, and the European Union, as well as senior UN and ILO officials.
  • He will also participate in an event on the National Career Service (NCS) Portal, organised by the Ministry of Labour & Employment and the Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC).

Source: NOA

3. US Conducts Test Launch of Minuteman III ICBM

• What:
  • The United States Air Force launched an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Minuteman III, from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California to test its reliability, combat readiness, and accuracy.
• Why:
  • The test aimed to verify and validate the ICBM system’s performance and ensure the continued reliability of America’s nuclear deterrent under its modernization program.
• Tell me more:
  • The missile, designated GT 254, travelled over 6,700 kilometers and landed near the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands.
  • The Minuteman III is the only active ICBM operated by the US Air Force, deployed since 1970 and upgraded multiple times to remain operational into the 2030s.
  • It is a silo-based, nuclear-capable missile that forms part of the US nuclear triad and can reach speeds of around 15,000 mph.
  • The LGM-30G Minuteman III will be replaced by the under-development LGM-35A Sentinel missile in the coming years.

Source: EUAT

4. China Commissions Its Third Aircraft Carrier ‘Fujian’

• What:
  • China’s third aircraft carrier, Fujian, has officially entered service after a handover ceremony attended by President Xi Jinping in Hainan province.
• Why:
  • The commissioning marks a major step in China’s efforts to modernise its military and strengthen its maritime power amid regional tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan.
• Tell me more:
  • The ceremony took place at a naval port in Hainan, where Xi inspected the carrier and reviewed its combat systems and electromagnetic catapult technology.
  • Fujian joins Liaoning and Shandong as China’s third active aircraft carrier.
  • The new carrier has advanced take-off systems that allow aircraft to carry heavier payloads and more fuel.
  • China’s navy expansion aims to enhance its reach in the Pacific and challenge the US-led alliances in the region.
  • Fujian is China’s most advanced aircraft carrier, featuring an electromagnetic catapult system.

Source: TOI

5. UNESCO Adds 58 Cities to Creative Cities Network 2025

• What:
  • UNESCO designated 58 new cities as members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) on World Cities Day 2025 for promoting creativity as a driver of sustainable urban development.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to strengthen creativity-led urban growth, attract investment, and enhance social cohesion through culture and innovation.
• Tell me more:
  • With the new additions, the Network now includes 408 cities across more than 100 countries.
  • For the first time, “Architecture” has been introduced as a new creative field alongside the existing seven: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.
  • Newly added cities include Lucknow (Gastronomy), Lalitpur (Music), Riyadh (Design), Kyiv (Music), and São Paulo (Film).
  • Abuja, designated in Literature, was recognized for its literary infrastructure and programmes like the Creative Writers Empowerment Workshop and Literacy by Radio.
  • The cities will contribute to UNESCO’s call to establish culture as a global public good following the MONDIACULT 2025 Conference.

Source: UN UN

Banking and Economy

1. SBI Aims to Enter World’s Top 10 Banks by 2030

• What:
  • State Bank of India (SBI) has set a target to become one of the world’s top 10 most valued banks by 2030, after crossing the ₹100 lakh crore business mark.
• Why:
  • The goal aims to enhance SBI’s global valuation, strengthen its capital position, and sustain long-term growth.
• Tell me more:
  • SBI Chairman C.S. Setty announced that the bank’s internal target is to achieve a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 15% and a Core Equity Tier (CET-1) ratio of 12%.
  • As of September 2025, SBI’s CAR stood at 14.62% and CET-1 at 11.47%, showing it is close to achieving these goals.
  • Over the last four to five years, SBI has maintained capital of ₹6–7 trillion through profit augmentation to support growth.
  • The ₹100 lakh crore milestone includes both advances and deposit liabilities, showcasing SBI’s position as India’s largest bank by branch network and lending share.

Source: TOI

2. CCI Approves Blackstone’s 80.15% Stake Acquisition in Aadhar Housing Finance

• What:
  • The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Blackstone’s proposal, through its arm BCP Asia II Holdco VII Pte Ltd, to acquire up to 80.15% stake in Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd (AHFL).
• Why:
  • The acquisition aims to strengthen Blackstone’s investment presence in India’s housing finance sector through secondary acquisition and an open offer to public shareholders.
• Tell me more:
  • The deal involves acquiring up to 80.15% shareholding in Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd by BCP Asia II Holdco VII Pte Ltd.
  • The acquisition will be executed through a combination of secondary acquisition and an open offer to public shareholders.
  • Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd provides home loans, housing finance, and loans against property in India.
  • It is also registered as a corporate agent with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to distribute life and general insurance products.

Source: ET

3. RBI Grants In-Principle Approval to Junio Payments for PPIs

• What:
  • Junio Payments Private Limited (JPPL), a subsidiary of FirstPay Technologies, has received in-principle authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs).
• Why:
  • The approval aims to expand access to secure and youth-oriented financial services while promoting financial literacy among teenagers and young adults.
• Tell me more:
  • The authorisation allows Junio to launch a digital wallet linked to UPI, enabling users to scan UPI QR codes and make payments without a bank account.
  • The initiative supports NPCI’s UPI Circle programme, which lets youngsters make payments using their parents’ linked UPI accounts.
  • Junio, founded by Ankit Gera and Shankar Nath, focuses on teaching financial literacy through its app and RuPay co-branded prepaid cards.
  • The platform offers parental controls, spending limits, task assignments, and real-time transaction monitoring to promote responsible financial behaviour.

Source: BW

4. City Union Bank Partners with EPFO for EPF Payments

• What:
  • City Union Bank (CUB) has partnered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Office (EPFO) to facilitate seamless remittance of EPF payments through net banking.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to simplify and streamline EPF remittance for employers holding accounts with City Union Bank, especially MSMEs and SMEs.
• Tell me more:
  • The EPF payment facility was launched in Chennai by R. Vijay Anandh, Executive Director of CUB, and Maneesh Agnihotri, Regional PF Commissioner, Tamil Nadu.
  • The facility will allow employers to make direct EPF payments online through CUB’s net banking platform.

Source: TH

5. Mahindra & Mahindra Exits RBL Bank with ₹682 Crore Block Deal

• What:
  • Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has sold its entire 3.45% stake in RBL Bank through a block deal valued at ₹682 crore, marking its complete exit from the private lender.
• Why:
  • The sale reflects M&M’s strategic decision to conclude its short-term investment in RBL Bank after achieving its objective of understanding the banking sector better.
• Tell me more:
  • The block deal was priced at ₹317 per share, about 2.1% lower than RBL Bank’s current market price.
  • M&M had invested ₹417 crore in July 2023 to acquire shares at ₹197 each, earning a 64% return on the investment.

Source: BS

6. ICAI Partners with Indian Army for Real-Time UDIN Verification

• What:
  • The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has signed an MoU with the Army Purchase Organisation (APO) to enable real-time verification of Unique Document Identification Numbers (UDINs) through an application programming interface (API).
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to ensure document authenticity, reduce manual errors, and prevent fraud during the vendor registration process of the Army Purchase Organisation.
• Tell me more:
  • The UDIN system was developed by ICAI to help members verify and certify documents efficiently.
  • The API integration will automate the verification of Chartered Accountant (CA)-certified documents submitted by vendors.
  • The collaboration is with the Directorate General of Supply and Transport (DGST), Indian Army.
  • The system is designed to strengthen transparency and trust in the Army’s procurement process.
  • The UDIN system is a unique initiative by ICAI to prevent misuse of CA certification.

Source: ET

7. ReNew Energy Secures $331 Million ADB Funding for Hybrid Project

• What:
  • ReNew Energy has received USD 331 million (about ₹2,935 crore) in debt financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to develop a large-scale hybrid renewable energy project in Andhra Pradesh.
• Why:
  • The funding aims to support the development of a renewable-plus-storage project that delivers clean energy and meets peak power demand efficiently.
• Tell me more:
  • The total financial package is USD 477 million, with the remaining USD 146 million to be mobilised by ADB through co-financing from other lenders.
  • The project will combine 837 MWp of wind and solar capacity with a 415 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) to deliver 300 MW of peak power.
  • It is expected to generate 1,641 GWh of clean energy annually once operational.
  • The ADB package includes USD 291 million in local-currency financing from ADB’s ordinary capital resources and USD 40 million from the ADB-administered Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund 2 (LEAP 2).

Source: BW

8. Coal India and DVC to Set Up ₹21,000-Crore Power Plant

• What:
  • Coal India Ltd (CIL) and Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) have signed a joint venture agreement to establish a ₹21,000-crore, 1,600 MW coal-fired power plant at DVC’s Chandrapura Thermal Power Station in Jharkhand.
• Why:
  • The project aims to boost power generation capacity through ultra-supercritical technology and ensure cost-efficient electricity supply by utilising locally sourced coal.
• Tell me more:
  • The plant will include two ultra-supercritical units of 800 MW each.
  • Coal for the project will be supplied by CIL’s Jharkhand-based subsidiary, Central Coalfields Ltd. CIL and DVC will hold equal stakes in the joint venture.
  • Commercial operations are expected to begin by FY 2031–32.
  • Being a brownfield expansion, land and infrastructure are already available, ensuring faster execution.

Source: BS

9. India’s Forex Reserves Fall by $5.6 Billion to $689.73 Billion

• What:
  • India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $5.6 billion to $689.73 billion in the week ended October 31, 2025, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India.
• Why:
  • The fall in reserves was mainly due to a decline in foreign currency assets and gold reserves during the reported week.
• Tell me more:
  • Foreign currency assets, the largest component of reserves, dropped by $1.9 billion to $564.59 billion.
  • Gold reserves decreased by $3.8 billion to $101.72 billion, after recently crossing the $100 billion mark in October.
  • Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) declined by $19 million to $18.64 billion.
  • India’s reserve position with the IMF rose by $16.4 million to $4.77 billion.
  • RBI regularly monitors and intervenes in the forex market to prevent excessive volatility in the rupee’s exchange rate.
  • The forex data is released weekly by the RBI.

Source: ET

Reports and Indices

1. India Becomes World’s Third-Largest Hub for Clean Energy Projects

• What:
  • India has become the world’s third-largest destination for clean energy industrial projects after China and the United States, according to a report by the Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA).
• Why:
  • The growth is driven by India’s low-cost renewable energy, supportive government policies, and increasing corporate and industrial initiatives to decarbonise key sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • India has 65 clean industry initiatives across sectors like chemicals, steel, cement, aluminium, and aviation.
  • These projects are concentrated in states such as Odisha, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan.
  • The projects could attract investments worth over USD 150 billion, create more than 200,000 jobs, and cut 160–170 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
  • Only six projects have progressed beyond planning — four are operational, and two have reached the Final Investment Decision (FID), including one green ammonia and one sustainable aviation fuel project.

Source: BW

2. EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025

• What:
  • The EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025 revealed that India’s top 191 philanthropists donated a total of ₹10,380 crore in FY25, showing an 85% rise in giving over the past three years.
• Why:
  • The report highlights the growing culture of large-scale philanthropy among India’s wealthiest families, focusing on education, social development, and innovation.
• Tell me more:
  • The top 25 donors contributed ₹50,000 crore over three years, averaging ₹46 crore per day.
  • Shiv Nadar and his family topped the list for the fourth time in five years, donating ₹2,708 crore, mainly towards education and social development.
  • Mukesh Ambani ranked second with family donations worth ₹626 crore and CSR spending of ₹1,309 crore, which exceeded the required CSR amount by ₹261 crore.
  • Rohini Nilekani ranked eighth and was named India’s most generous woman philanthropist with donations of ₹204 crore through Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.
  • Sudhir Mehta and Samir Mehta of the UNM Foundation ranked ninth with ₹189 crore in donations, marking a 69% rise from last year.
  • Nikhil and Nithin Kamath of Zerodha were the youngest on the list, donating ₹147 crore.

Source: IE

3. The Time Out City Life Index 2025

• What:
  • Mumbai has been ranked as Asia’s happiest city in Time Out’s City Life Index 2025, surpassing cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chiang Mai, and Hanoi.
• Why:
  • The ranking highlights Mumbai’s vibrant culture, lively social life, career opportunities, and reputation for great street food, all contributing to residents’ happiness.
• Tell me more:
  • Beijing and Shanghai ranked second and third in Asia, followed by Chiang Mai and Hanoi.
  • Mumbai also appeared in the global top 10 happiest cities list, alongside Abu Dhabi, Medellín, Cape Town, and Mexico City.

Source: BS

Defence News

1. India Signs $1 Billion Deal with GE for Jet Engines

• What:
  • India has signed an over $1 billion (₹8,900 crore) deal with US-based General Electric (GE) to procure 113 jet engines for the indigenous Tejas Mark-1A fighter aircraft.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to accelerate the production and delivery of Tejas Mark-1A jets to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fighter fleet.
• Tell me more:
  • The 113 GE-F404 engines will be delivered to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) between 2027 and 2032.
  • The deal follows an earlier ₹5,375 crore contract signed in August 2021 for 99 similar engines, whose delayed supply had affected Tejas production.
  • HAL plans to deliver the first 10 Tejas Mark-1A jets to the IAF by March next year, with 11 aircraft already ready.
  • GE has committed to supplying 20 engines annually once production stabilises, while HAL will scale up jet production to 24–30 per year.

Source: TOI

Science and Technology

1. Six New Butterfly Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

• What:
  • Six butterfly species never recorded in India have been discovered in the Siang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh during a biodiversity study.
• Why:
  • The discovery aims to highlight the ecological link between Tibet’s Yarlung Tsangpo River and India’s Brahmaputra basin, emphasizing the need for conservation in the Siang Valley.
• Tell me more:
  • The discovery was made during a camera-trapping project in the Litin Community Conserved Area (CCA) near Simong village, Upper Siang district.
  • The study was published in Entomon Journal and led by researchers from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE).

Source: DTE

2. NexCAR19: India’s First Indigenous CAR T-Cell Therapy

• What:
  • NexCAR19, India’s first indigenous CAR T-Cell therapy, was developed for treating B-cell blood cancers by ImmunoACT, a company incubated under IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Hospital.
• Why:
  • The therapy aims to provide an effective and affordable treatment option for patients whose cancer has relapsed or not responded to first-line treatments.
• Tell me more:
  • NexCAR19 received market authorization from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in 2023.
  • The therapy modifies immune cells, specifically T-cells, to create CAR-T cells that can fight cancer.
  • Supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
  • It offers shorter treatment duration and faster recovery compared to chemotherapy or stem cell transplants.
  • The cost of NexCAR19 is lower than imported CAR-T therapies, making it more accessible.

Source: IP

Awards

1. Heritage Foods Wins Golden Peacock Award for Corporate Governance 2025

• What:
  • Heritage Foods Limited received the Golden Peacock Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance 2025 at the IOD India London Global Convention on Corporate Governance & Sustainability.
• Why:
  • The award recognises Heritage Foods’ outstanding governance standards, ethical business practices, and long-standing commitment to transparency and stakeholder value creation.
• Tell me more:
  • Heritage Foods was among only 11 national winners and the sole FMCG company to receive this distinction after a rigorous three-tier assessment process.
  • Smt. N. Bhuvaneswari, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director, was also honoured as the Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors (IOD) for 2025.
  • The jury, chaired by Justice Uday U. Lalit, former Chief Justice of India, recognised the company’s and her leadership’s contribution to governance excellence.
  • Heritage Foods has built its reputation over 33 years on transparency, ethical governance, and its “Farmer First” mission focused on farmer empowerment and consumer nutrition.

Source: TP

2. Bahrain Interior Minister Receives INTERPOL’s Highest Order Medal

• What:
  • Bahrain’s Interior Minister, General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, received the INTERPOL Medal of the Highest Order from the President of INTERPOL for his contributions to enhancing international cooperation in global security and peace.
• Why:
  • The medal was awarded in recognition of the minister’s role in advancing cooperation, coordination, and integration among nations to strengthen global and regional security.
• Tell me more:
  • The medal was presented by Major General Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, President of INTERPOL and Inspector General at the UAE Ministry of Interior.
  • The honour was conferred during the first Middle East International Border Management and Technology Conference, organised by Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior.
  • The Bahrain Interior Minister highlighted strong ties between Bahrain and the UAE and their shared efforts to enhance security collaboration.

Source: ANI

3. Digit Insurance Wins Two Awards at Asia Insurance Industry Awards 2025

• What:
  • Go Digit General Insurance Limited won two awards at the 29th Asia Insurance Industry Awards (AIIA) 2025 held in Singapore — “Digital Insurer of the Year” and “Woman Leader of the Year.”
• Why:
  • The recognition highlights Digit Insurance’s excellence in digital transformation and acknowledges the leadership of Jasleen Kohli for driving innovation and growth in the Indian insurance sector.
• Tell me more:
  • Jasleen Kohli, Managing Director and CEO of Digit Insurance, became the first Indian woman leader to receive the “Woman Leader of the Year” award.
  • Digit Insurance was the only private Indian insurer to win at AIIA 2025.
  • The company has won the “Digital Insurer of the Year” award three times (2025, 2023, 2021) and “General Insurance Company of the Year” three times (2024, 2020, 2019).
  • The awards recognized the company’s use of AI and automation to transform India’s paper-heavy non-life insurance sector.

Source: SME

Important Days

1. National Cancer Awareness Day 2025 – November 7

• India’s theme aligns with the global campaign of World Cancer Day, which is “United by Unique”, which runs for 2025-2027.
• Cancer is included in the WHO’s Global Action Plan for Noncommunicable Diseases 2013–2030, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• WHO has launched major initiatives such as the Global Initiative for Cancer Registry Development (2011), Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (2018), and Global Strategy to Eliminate Cervical Cancer (2020).
• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) launched the Rays of Hope initiative in 2022 to boost radiation medicine services.

Source: TOI WHO

2. 137th Birth Anniversary of CV Raman – November 7

• Sir CV Raman, celebrated for his scientific discoveries, won the Nobel Prize in 1930 for his discovery of the “Raman Effect,” which is the phenomenon of light scattering that causes a change in the wavelength of the light that traverses a transparent material.

Source: IT

3. International Day of Radiology / World Radiography Day 2025 – November 8

4. World Urbanism Day 2025 – November 8

• What:
  • Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, inaugurated the National Urban Conclave 2025 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The conclave aims to promote sustainable urban development and governance through collaboration among policymakers, experts, and city leaders.
• Tell me more:
  • The two-day event brings together over 2,500 participants to deliberate on the theme “Sustainable Urban Development and Governance.”
  • The ‘Viksit Bharat City’ exhibition was inaugurated to showcase innovative urban planning, smart technologies, and citizen-centric infrastructure.
  • Several initiatives were launched — including the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP), Swachh Bharat Mission – Knowledge Management Unit (KMU), Urban Invest Window (UiWIN), and AMRUT anthem ‘Jal Hi Janani.’
  • DRAP aims to fast-track remediation of 1,428 dumpsites and achieve “Lakshya Zero Dumpsites” by September 2026.
  • UiWIN, launched under HUDCO, will attract private and multilateral investments to finance sustainable urban projects.

Source: PIB

5. World Science Day for Peace and Development 2025 – November 10

• Theme: Trust, transformation, and tomorrow: The science we need for 2050

Source: UN

6. National Legal Services Day – November 9

• It commemorates the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which led to the establishment of organisations providing free legal aid to the needy.

Source: PIB

Sports

1. Raahul VS Becomes India’s 91st Chess Grandmaster

• What:
  • Raahul VS became India’s 91st Grandmaster after winning the 6th ASEAN Individual Championship with a round to spare.
• Tell me more:
  • The 21-year-old Raahul, also an Asian junior champion, earned his International Master title in 2021 after crossing the 2400 rating mark and securing his final IM norms.
  • The All India Chess Federation (AICF) congratulated him, with its President Nitin Narang highlighting his contribution to Indian chess.
  • Raahul is the 35th Grandmaster from Tamil Nadu, following Illamparthi AR, who became India’s 90th GM just a week earlier.
  • Before them, S Rohith Krishna became India’s 89th Grandmaster in August 2025 after surpassing the 2500 Elo rating mark.

Source: IE

2. Sheetal Devi Becomes First Armless Archer to Qualify for Asia Cup

• What:
  • Indian archer Sheetal Devi, born without arms, has made history by qualifying for the Asia Cup in the able-bodied category after securing Rank 3 in the trials.
• Tell me more:
  • Sheetal Devi hails from Jammu and Kashmir and learned archery using her feet through consistent practice and determination.
  • She will compete alongside able-bodied athletes for the first time, marking a milestone for Indian sports.
  • Before this, she won a bronze at the Paris Paralympics, two golds and a silver at the 2022 Asian Para Games, and a silver at the 2023 World Archery Para Championships.

Source: TOI

Memorandum of Understanding

1. PHDCCI and BCCI Sign MoU to Boost India–South Korea Trade

• What:
  • The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) and the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), South Korea, signed an MoU in New Delhi to strengthen bilateral trade and industrial collaboration between India and South Korea.
• Why:
  • The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in manufacturing, clean energy, digital technology, maritime logistics, and emerging industries to promote trade, investment, and knowledge sharing.
• Tell me more:
  • Mr. Yang Jae Saeng, President of BCCI, said that Busan is emerging as a global hub for smart logistics, EVs, and digital technology.
  • Bilateral trade between India and South Korea stood at USD 25.1 billion in 2024.
  • The partnership builds on the two chambers’ collaboration since 2016, which has facilitated business delegations and exchange programs.

Source: PHDCCI

2. Caravel Minerals Signs MoU with Adani’s Kutch Copper

• What:
  • Caravel Minerals Ltd has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kutch Copper Ltd, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd, for strategic collaboration on the Caravel Copper Project in Western Australia.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to explore investment and offtake opportunities to accelerate project development and support sustainable copper production for the global energy transition.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU provides Kutch Copper exclusive rights to negotiate a life-of-mine offtake agreement for up to 100% of Caravel’s copper concentrate output, expected at 62,000–71,000 tonnes per year.
  • The concentrate will supply Kutch Copper’s USD 1.2 billion smelter in Gujarat, India — the world’s largest single-location copper facility.
  • The Caravel Copper Project, located 150 km northeast of Perth, has an estimated mine life of over 25 years and 1.3 million tonnes of payable copper.
  • The project’s all-in sustaining cost (AISC) is estimated at USD 2.07 per pound, positioning it among the lowest-cost copper producers globally.

Source: AD

3. TEC and IIT Bombay Sign MoU to Advance Telecom Technologies

• What:
  • The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay) to collaborate on advanced telecom technologies and global standardisation.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to develop India-specific telecom standards, enhance indigenous R&D, and strengthen India’s participation in global standardisation bodies like ITU and 3GPP.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed on 7th November 2025 by Shri Amit Kumar Srivastava, DDG (Mobile Technologies), TEC, and Prof. Sachin Patwardhan, Dean (R&D), IIT Bombay.
  • The collaboration will focus on 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), next-generation networks (NGN), VoIP, and core network studies.
  • It also includes developing low-cost indigenous satellite communication terminals for remote sensing and rural connectivity.
  • Joint work will be undertaken to design signalling protocols for telecom systems, including IMT-2020/2030 architecture.

Source: PIB

Appointments

1. Justice Ashok Bhushan Reappointed as NCLAT Chairperson

• What:
  • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the re-appointment of Justice Ashok Bhushan, former Judge of the Supreme Court, as the Chairperson of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).
• Tell me more:
  • Justice Bhushan will serve as NCLAT Chairperson till July 4, 2026.
  • He was first appointed to this position in November 2021.
  • He served as Chief Justice of Kerala High Court in 2015 and was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2016.

Source: IE

Miscellaneous

1. DNA Pioneer James Watson Passes Away at 97

• What:
  • Nobel Prize-winning American scientist James Watson, co-discoverer of the DNA double-helix structure, has passed away at the age of 97.
• Why:
  • His discovery of the DNA’s double-helix structure in 1953 revolutionised molecular biology and laid the foundation for genetic research.
• Tell me more:
  • Watson shared the 1962 Nobel Prize with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins for discovering DNA’s structure using Rosalind Franklin’s X-ray diffraction images.
  • He served as chancellor of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
  • In 2014, he became the first living Nobel laureate to auction his medal, which was bought and returned by a Russian billionaire.

Source: BBC

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