12th November 2025

1. IN-SPACe signs contribution agreement with SVCL to boost India’s space startup ecosystem
2. India hosts first biennial BIMReN Conference in Kochi, Kerala
3. Indian Army conducts ‘Exercise Brahmashira’ in Gujarat
4. AVPL International, CSC e-Governance Services signs MoU to help rural enterprises
5. 15th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue held in Hanoi, Vietnam; MoU signed
6. UNESCO adopts world’s first global ethical framework for neurotechnology
7. NIPL partnered with BENEFIT for faster remittances between India and Bahrain
8. Axis Max Life Insurance partners with IFC to expand life insurance services to underserved communities
9. EIL signed MoU with NMDC Energy to explore onshore oil and gas projects in Saudi Arabia
10. Hungarian–British author David Szalay wins 2025 Booker Prize for novel ‘Flesh’
11. Catherine Martina Ann Connolly sworn in as 10th President of Ireland
12. Eminent Telugu poet and lyricist Ande Sri Laxminarayana passed away
13. World Immunization Day 2025 – November 10
14. Tata Trusts appoints Neville Tata and Bhaskar Bhat as trustees of Tata Trust
15. 6th India-Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX begins in Hanoi
16. UIDAI partners with research firm to boost Aadhaar biometric updates for children
17. India unveils first MWh-scale vanadium flow battery at NTPC NETRA
18. INS Savitri arrives in Mozambique for India–Mozambique maritime cooperation
19. 6th National Water Awards winners for 2024 announced
20. Prime Minister’s visit to Bhutan: Key outcomes and agreements announced
21. Net direct tax collection rises in April–November 2025
22. World Pneumonia Day 2025: A global call to protect every breath
23. Rakshit Hargave named CEO and executive director of Britannia Industries
24. David Szalay wins the 2025 Booker Prize for Flesh: A landmark for Hungarian-British literature
25. Assam passes bill to ban polygamy
26. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais becomes first woman to lead UN Tourism
27. India’s ranking in climate risk index (CRI)

National News

1. 15th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue Held in Hanoi

• What:
  • The 15th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue (DPD) was held in Hanoi on November 10, 2025, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence Sr Lt Gen Hoang Xuan Chien.
• Why:
  • The dialogue aimed to review the progress of bilateral defence cooperation and explore new areas for collaboration under the India-Vietnam Joint Vision Statement 2030.
• Tell me more:
  • Both sides expressed satisfaction over cooperation in hydrography, capacity building, training, UN Peacekeeping, AI, and shipyard upgradation.
  • A Memorandum of Agreement was signed for Mutual Submarine Search, Rescue Support and Cooperation to establish a framework for joint submarine rescue operations.
  • A Letter of Intent was also signed to strengthen defence industry cooperation through technology transfer, joint ventures, and equipment production.
  • The next meeting under the ongoing defence industry cooperation arrangement will be held in December 2025.
  • The 16th edition of the DPD will be hosted by India in 2026.

Source: PIB

2. UIDAI Partners with Behavioural Insights Limited to Boost Aadhaar MBU

• What:
  • The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) signed an agreement with Behavioural Insights Limited to enhance the adoption of Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU) among children aged 5 and 15 years.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to address behavioural, logistical, and awareness barriers to ensure timely biometric updates, enabling smooth access to Aadhaar-linked services and benefits.
• Tell me more:
  • The collaboration will design, test, and implement behavioural interventions to encourage Aadhaar MBU updates.
  • Once enrolled, children must update their biometrics, including fingerprints, iris, and photo, at ages 5 and 15.
  • MBU charges for these age groups have been waived from 1 October 2025 for one year.
  • UIDAI’s CEO, Bhuvnesh Kumar, highlighted that aligning technology with human behaviour can make digital identity more seamless and trustworthy.
  • Behavioural Insights Limited’s CEO, Rachel Coyle, stated that evidence-based behavioural understanding will improve Aadhaar update rates.

Source: NOA

3. PM Modi’s Two-Day State Visit to Bhutan Strengthens Bilateral Ties

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a two-day State Visit to Bhutan from 11–12 November 2025 at the invitation of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
• Why:
  • The visit aimed to deepen cooperation, support Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan, and advance partnerships in energy, connectivity, and development.
• Tell me more:
  • PM joined Bhutan’s 70th Birth Anniversary events of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu, where the Holy Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha were on public veneration.
  • India and Bhutan jointly inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project and welcomed the start of electricity exports to India.
  • India announced an INR 40 billion Line of Credit, full support for Gelephu Mindfulness City including an Immigration Check Post at Hatisar, and support for constructing Gyalsung academies.
  • Three MoUs were signed: Renewable Energy (MENR–MNRE), Health and Medicine (MoH–MoHFW), and institutional linkages (PEMA Secretariat–NIMHANS).

Source: PIB PMI

State News

1. India Inaugurates First MWh-Scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery System in Noida

• What:
  • India inaugurated its first megawatt-hour-scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) system at NTPC NETRA, Greater Noida, marking a major step toward energy independence.
• Why:
  • The project aims to enhance long-duration energy storage (LDES) capacity, support renewable energy integration, and reduce dependence on imported lithium-based batteries.
• Tell me more:
  • The 3 MWh VRFB system was inaugurated by Shri Manohar Lal, Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs.
  • Developed by NTPC’s R&D centre, the system serves as an innovative alternative to lithium-ion batteries, offering longer lifespan, safety, and scalability.
  • The battery uses a liquid vanadium electrolyte instead of scarce materials, promoting sustainable energy solutions.
  • The project supports indigenous battery manufacturing and diversification of India’s energy storage ecosystem.
  • The Minister also reviewed NTPC’s other R&D initiatives in areas such as green hydrogen, waste-to-energy, and advanced storage systems.

Source: BW

2. Assam Cabinet Approves Bill to Ban Polygamy

• What:
  • The Assam Cabinet has approved The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, which seeks to ban the practice of polygamy in the state.
• Tell me more:
  • Convicted offenders under the proposed law may face rigorous imprisonment of up to seven years.
  • Certain exceptions may be provided for areas under the Sixth Schedule.
  • The state government will create a special fund to compensate women victims of polygamy.
  • The compensation fund will help women continue their lives without financial hardship.
  • The Sixth Schedule areas refer to tribal regions with autonomous governance in Assam.

Source: TH

International News

1. India Hosts First BIMReN Biennial Conference in Kochi

• What:
  • India hosted the first Biennial Conference of BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) in Kochi from November 4–6 to strengthen Blue Economy cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to advance regional cooperation in marine research and promote sustainable Blue Economy initiatives among BIMSTEC countries.
• Tell me more:
  • BIMReN is an initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), launched in 2024.
  • The initiative enables collaborations through twinning research grants and split-site PhD fellowships between Indian and BIMSTEC research institutions.
  • The pilot phase has connected 25 institutions and over 50 researchers from BIMSTEC countries.
  • The conference brought together BIMReN partners to review outcomes and exchange views on activities since its launch.
  • Discussions focused on marine challenges, ecosystem health, research innovations, and effective marine resource management.

Source: TI

2. UNESCO Adopts First Global Framework on Ethics of Neurotechnology

• What:
  • UNESCO Member States adopted the first global normative framework on the ethics of neurotechnology, which will come into force on November 12, 2025.
• Why:
  • The framework aims to ensure that neurotechnology improves lives while protecting human rights, dignity, and mental privacy.
• Tell me more:
  • The framework establishes safeguards to keep neurotechnology inclusive, affordable, and respectful of human dignity.
  • It warns against misuse in non-therapeutic areas, especially involving children, workplace surveillance, and data profiling.
  • The Recommendation highlights the need for explicit consent, transparency, and consumer awareness.
  • The initiative began in 2019 under UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and was developed through consultations involving over 8,000 global contributions.
  • It will help governments regulate neurotechnology products that can influence behavior or cause addiction.

Source: UN

Banking and Economy

1. IN-SPACe and SIDBI Launch Rs 1,000 Crore Space Venture Fund

• What:
  • IN-SPACe and SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd (SVCL) signed a contribution agreement in Ahmedabad to operationalise a Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund for the Indian space sector.
• Why:
  • The fund aims to provide early-stage and growth capital to startups developing technologies and services in the space sector to strengthen national space capabilities.
• Tell me more:
  • The fund received approval from SEBI on October 31.
  • The Union Cabinet approved the venture capital fund for the space sector in October 2024.
  • SIDBI was appointed as the fund manager in March 2025.
  • The fund will support startups working in areas such as launch technologies, satellites, payload systems, in-space services, earth observation, communication platforms, and downstream applications.

Source: TOI

2. NPCI International Partners with BENEFIT to Link UPI and Fawri+

• What:
  • NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) has partnered with BENEFIT, Bahrain’s fintech company, to enable real-time cross-border remittances between India and Bahrain.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to enhance digital financial inclusion, modernize cross-border transaction systems, and provide a faster and more secure remittance experience between the two countries.
• Tell me more:
  • The linkage will connect India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Bahrain’s Electronic Fund Transfer System (EFTS), specifically its Fawri+ service.
  • The partnership was established under the guidance of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB).
  • It will enable instant and secure fund transfers for users in both countries.
  • The initiative will benefit the large Indian community in Bahrain, which makes up nearly 30% of the country’s population.
  • The project will promote transparent, efficient, and real-time financial connectivity between India and Bahrain.

Source: TH

3. Axis Max Life Partners with IFC to Expand Life Insurance Access

• What:
  • Axis Max Life Insurance Limited has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to expand access to life insurance and promote financial inclusion in India.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to make life insurance more accessible to underserved communities, especially women, and strengthen Axis Max Life’s long-term growth and sustainability.
• Tell me more:
  • IFC has invested ₹285 crore ($33 million) through long-dated subordinated instruments to support Axis Max Life’s solvency margin and expansion.
  • This is IFC’s first investment in a licensed life insurance company in India.

Source: HT

4. India’s Net Direct Tax Collection Rises 7% to ₹12.92 Trillion

• What:
  • India’s net direct tax collection increased by 7% year-on-year to ₹12.92 trillion between April 1 and November 10, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • The government’s direct tax collection target for FY 2025–26 is ₹25.20 trillion, representing a 12.7% rise over the previous year.
  • The projected revenue from Securities Transaction Tax (STT) for FY 2025–26 is ₹78,000 crore.

Source: BS

Reports and Indices

1. Global Climate Risk Index 2025

• What:
  • India ranked 9th in the long-term and 15th in the year-wise Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) for 2025, showing improvement compared to last year’s assessment.
• Why:
  • The ranking highlights India’s reduced vulnerability to extreme weather events due to better preparedness and disaster management.
• Tell me more:
  • India was ranked 8th in the 1994–2023 period and 10th in 2023, showing an improvement this year as a lower rank indicates lesser risk.
  • The CRI report analysed six indicators, including fatalities and economic losses caused by extreme weather events during 1995–2024.
  • India reported over 80,000 deaths and nearly $170 billion in losses from 430 extreme weather events in the past three decades.
  • Globally, more than 8,32,000 people died and economic losses exceeded $4.5 trillion from over 9,700 such events during the same period.
  • The report was released by Germanwatch during the UN Climate Summit (COP30) in Belem, Brazil.

Source: TOI

Defence News

1. Indian Army Conducts Exercise Brahmashira under Tri-Service Exercise Trishul

• What:
  • The Indian Army conducted Exercise Brahmashira in the Rann and Creek Sector as part of the Tri-Service Exercise Trishul to test integrated capabilities of land, sea, and air forces.
• Why:
  • The exercise aimed to validate multi-domain operational readiness and demonstrate joint coordination among the armed forces, Coast Guard, BSF, and civil administration.
• Tell me more:
  • Exercise Brahmashira brought together the Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and BSF for coordinated operations.
  • It integrated Joint Task Forces, a Joint Control Centre, and modern operational infrastructure to sustain multi-domain operations.
  • Southern Command formations also carried out Exercises MaruJwala and Akhand Prahaar in the Thar Desert for integrated manoeuvres and joint fire validation.
  • The exercises under Trishul covered electronic warfare, cyber and drone operations, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR), and Air Defence Control.

Source: ET

2. India and Vietnam Begin 6th Edition of Army Exercise VINBAX

• What:
  • The 6th edition of the India-Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX began in Hanoi, co-presided over by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnam’s Deputy Chief of General Staff, Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan.
• Why:
  • The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and share best practices between the two armies in United Nations peacekeeping operations to strengthen defence cooperation.
• Tell me more:
  • VINBAX is a bilateral military exercise between India and Vietnam.
  • The exercise is held alternately in India and Vietnam.
  • It aligns with both nations’ commitment to global peacekeeping under the UN framework.

Source: NOA

3. INS Savitri Arrives at Mozambique for Naval Cooperation Visit

• What:
  • Indian Naval Ship INS Savitri arrived at Port Beira, Mozambique, as part of its ongoing deployment in the Indian Ocean Region to strengthen maritime cooperation between the two nations.
• Why:
  • The visit aims to enhance mutual cooperation, interoperability, and professional exchanges between the Indian Navy and the Mozambique Navy.
• Tell me more:
  • INS Savitri received a ceremonial welcome from Mozambique Navy personnel, showcasing strong bilateral ties.
  • The two navies will conduct joint training, including discussions on navigation, EEZ surveillance, and hands-on VBSS, damage control, and firefighting drills.
  • The ship will organize community outreach programs, including an onboard visit for locals and a medical camp for the community.
  • Friendly futsal matches and joint Yoga sessions will also be held to foster camaraderie among naval personnel.
  • The port call reaffirms India’s role as a reliable and preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region.

Source: PIB

Awards

1. David Szalay Wins Booker Prize 2025 for ‘Flesh’

• What:
  • Hungarian-British author David Szalay won the Booker Prize 2025 for his novel Flesh at a ceremony held in London.
• Tell me more:
  • The Booker Prize carries a reward of £50,000.
  • The ceremony took place at Old Billingsgate in London.
  • Flesh is Szalay’s sixth work of fiction and follows an emotionally detached man whose life unravels through unforeseen events.
  • The novel moves across settings, from a Hungarian housing estate to the luxurious homes of London’s wealthy elite.
  • Szalay was previously shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2016 for his novel All That Man Is.

Source: NOA

2. Jal Shakti Ministry Announces Awards under Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 1.0

• What:
  • The Ministry of Jal Shakti announced the awards for outstanding performers under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 1.0 (JSJB) initiative, a key component of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain campaign.
• Why:
  • The awards aim to recognise and encourage community-driven efforts in sustainable water conservation, artificial groundwater recharge, and participatory water management.
• Tell me more:
  • The awards for 2025 will be presented by the President of India along with the 6th National Water Awards on 18th November 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
  • JSJB was launched on 6th September 2024 at Surat, Gujarat, inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision of “Jan Shakti for Jal Shakti.”
  • The initiative follows the 3Cs approach — Community, CSR, and Cost — to promote long-term water security and resilience.
  • Under the programme, districts were encouraged to build 10,000 artificial recharge structures (3,000 for hilly and northeastern districts) and 10,000 for municipal corporations.
  • Maharashtra has been selected as the best-performing state in the ‘Best State’ category of the 6th National Water Awards for 2024, followed by Gujarat and Haryana in the second and third positions respectively.
  • A total of 46 awards will be conferred across these categories.
  • Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan were recognized as top performers under the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 1.0’ initiative for constructing 5.2 lakh, 4.05 lakh, and 3.64 lakh water conservation structures respectively.
  • This year, 100 awards have been announced for states, districts, municipal bodies, ministries, industries, NGOs, philanthropists, and nodal officers.
  • Winners:

Source: PIB TOI

Important Days

1. World Immunization Day 2025 – November 10

• World Immunization Week 2025 took place from April 24 to April 30, 2025. Celebrated annually, it is a global campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to highlight the importance of vaccines in protecting people of all ages.
• 2025 Theme of the Week: Immunization for All is Humanly Possible

Source: WHO ETV

2. World Pneumonia Day 2025 – November 12

• Theme: Child Survival

Source: SPO

Memorandum of Understanding

1. AVPL International and CSC Partner to Promote Drone Entrepreneurship in Rural India

• What:
  • AVPL International (AITMC Ventures Ltd) signed an MoU with CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd (CSC SPV) to integrate drone technology into rural enterprises and empower rural entrepreneurs across India.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities by promoting drone-based services and modern agricultural practices in rural areas.
• Tell me more:
  • AVPL International will provide its ‘Viraj UAS’ agri drones, spare parts, and training programmes through CSC’s network of over five lakh village-level entrepreneurs.
  • The collaboration enables the sale and distribution of AVPL’s drone solutions through the CSC digital platform.
  • AVPL will train CSC entrepreneurs and rural youth in drone operation, maintenance, and data-driven agriculture.
  • The drones will be used for spraying, crop monitoring, and yield optimisation, introducing precision farming methods to farmers.
  • AVPL will also offer after-sales support, maintenance, and warranty services for all drones sold through CSC.

Source: HBL

2. EIL Signs MoU with NMDC Energy for Onshore Projects in Saudi Arabia

• What:
  • Engineers India Limited (EIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NMDC Energy to collaborate on executing onshore projects in Saudi Arabia across multiple industrial sectors.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to combine EIL’s engineering expertise with NMDC Energy’s project execution capabilities to promote innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU covers sectors such as Oil and Gas Processing, Refineries, Petrochemicals, Pipelines, Storage Terminals, and Energy Transition.
  • It was signed during the ADIPEC 2025 International Oil & Gas Conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
  • The agreement was signed in the presence of EIL’s Chairperson and Managing Director, Ms. Vartika Shukla, and NMDC Energy’s CEO, Eng. Ahmed Al Dhaheri.
  • The partnership highlights EIL’s focus on strategic global collaborations and sustainable growth in the Middle East region.

Source: EIL

Appointments

1. Catherine Martina Ann Connolly Sworn in as 10th President of Ireland

Source: BBC

2. Neville Tata and Bhaskar Bhat Join Sir Dorabji Tata Trust Board

• What:
  • Tata Trusts has inducted Neville Tata and Bhaskar Bhat to the board of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) for a three-year term.
• Tell me more:
  • Neville Tata, son of chairman Noel Tata, has previously served on boards of the JRD Tata Trust, Tata Social Welfare Trust, and RD Tata Trust.
  • Bhaskar Bhat, former Managing Director of Titan, was appointed for his experience and long association with the Tata Group.
  • The board revised trustee Venu Srinivasan’s tenure from life term to three years following new state rules.
  • The executive committee of the Trust has been disbanded, and the CEO will now report directly to chairman Noel Tata.

Source: ET

3. Rakshit Hargave Appointed as CEO and Executive Director of Britannia Industries

• Britannia Industries has appointed Rakshit Hargave as the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director for a period of five years.

Source: BS

4. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais Appointed First Woman Head of UN Tourism

• What:
  • Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais from the UAE has been nominated as the first-ever woman to lead UN Tourism in its 50-year history.
• Why:
  • The appointment aims to promote global tourism leadership that focuses on inclusivity, sustainability, and empowerment, aligning with the UAE’s Vision 2040 goals.
• Tell me more:
  • Her nomination was confirmed during the 123rd UN Tourism Executive Council session in Segovia, Spain, where she secured a majority vote.
  • The appointment was ratified by 160 Member States at the 26th UN General Assembly, and her four-year term will begin in January 2026.
  • She has outlined a Five-Pillar Vision for her tenure focusing on Responsible Tourism, Capacity Building, Technology for Good, Innovative Financing, and Smart Governance.
  • UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan praised the appointment as a reflection of the nation’s commitment to empowering Emirati women in leadership.

Source: TOI

Miscellaneous

1. Eminent Telugu Poet and Lyricist Ande Sri Laxminarayana Passed Away

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