13th November 2025

1. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches ‘Watershed Mahotsav’ in Guntur, AP
2. JSW Energy Commissioned India’s Largest Green Hydrogen Plant in Karnataka
3. NHA renews MoU with DHR and ICMR to strengthen evidence-based health-care decision making
4. Collins Aerospace Inaugurates USD 100 Million Manufacturing Facility in Bengaluru
5. Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurated India’s 1st Modern River Ferry Terminal in Guwahati
6. MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan Inaugurates “Cyber Bharat Setu” Workshop in Tripura
7. IndiGo Signed Codeshare Pact with China Southern Airlines
8. TN’s Kovalam Beach Retained Blue Flag Certification for 5th Consecutive Year
9. Shailesh Chandra Becomes First Indian to head Global Auto Body OICA
10. Egypt’s Khaled El-Enany Elected as 12th Director-General of UNESCO
11. Vivek Singla Appointed as MD & CEO of PXIL
12. ISRO Successfully Conducted Key Parachute Test for Gaganyaan Mission in UP
13. World Quality Week 2025 – November 10-14
14. Punjab Becomes First State to Implement Amended Bharat Net Scheme Statewide
15. Oman Joins UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Council
16. RUDRA Brigade Goes ‘Prachand’: India’s Futuristic Desert Warfare Exercise
17. Andhra Teen Selected for 2029 Space Mission Training
18. Maharashtra Unveils Agriculture Logo and Motto
19. India and Bahrain Revolutionize Cross-Border Payments
20. Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025 Announced
21. India Unveils First Quantum Diamond Microscope
22. Inside Kalachakra: The Buddhist Ceremony Modi Attended in Bhutan
23. Palak Muchhal’s Social Work Earns Guinness World Record Honour
24. World Kindness Day 2025
25. Servier India Launches Free Biomarker Testing for Cancer
26. Bharat–Sri Lanka Sanskrit Mahotsav at University of Colombo
27. Tata Power Plans India’s Largest Solar Wafers & Ingots Plant
28. Sergio Gor Sworn In as US Ambassador to India

National News

1. Watershed Mahotsav Launched in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh

• What:
  • Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the ‘Watershed Mahotsav’ in Guntur as part of the National Watershed Conference held on November 10–11, 2025.
• Why:
  • The event aims to raise public awareness, promote community participation, and guide future plans for watershed development beyond 2026.
• Tell me more:
  • The conference reviewed the progress of the Watershed Development Component under PMKSY 2.0 and discussed the future roadmap.
  • The Mahotsav includes recognising winners of the Watershed Jan Bhagidari Cup 2025, inaugurating completed works, launching new projects, shramdaan, and tree plantation drives.
  • Mission Watershed Revitalisation was launched to repair and maintain assets created under earlier watershed projects.
  • MGNREGA support will be used for carrying out maintenance and repair activities.
  • The inaugural event was attended by senior dignitaries, including Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani and Shri Konidela Pawan Kalyan.

Source: PIB

2. PM Modi Attends Kalachakra Empowerment Ceremony in Bhutan

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Kalachakra Empowerment ceremony at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu during his Bhutan visit.
• Why:
  • The ceremony aims to grant empowerment for specific meditative practices in Tibetan Buddhism and promote spiritual and cultural harmony.
• Tell me more:
  • The Kalachakra festival is a three-day ritual symbolising the union of time, cosmos, and human experience.
  • The ceremony is being presided over by His Holiness Je Khenpo.
  • Alongside the event, a Global Peace Prayer Festival, art exhibition, and scholarly seminars on Kalachakra are being held.
  • PM Modi met the King of Bhutan to discuss bilateral ties, regional issues, and global matters of mutual interest.
  • The leaders inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchuu-II Hydroelectric Project and witnessed the exchange of three MoUs on renewable energy, mental health, and healthcare.

Source: NOA

State News

1. Punjab Implements Amended Bharat Net Scheme Statewide

• What:
  • Punjab became the first state in India to implement the amended Bharat Net Scheme across the entire state.
• Why:
  • The aim is to provide full broadband connectivity and enable live monitoring of the border state from any location in the country.
• Tell me more:
  • Broadband and internet services have been provided in 43 shadow areas, with only one village pending coverage.
  • The initiative ensures improved digital access in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
  • The Bharat Net Scheme aims to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats, households, and institutions.

Source: NOA

2. JSW Energy Begins Operations at India’s Largest Green Hydrogen Plant

• What:
  • JSW Energy started operations at India’s largest green hydrogen plant in Vijayanagar under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• Why:
  • The plant aims to support low-carbon steel production and reduce dependence on fossil fuels through green hydrogen supply.
• Tell me more:
  • The plant is located next to the JSW Steel facility and will supply green hydrogen to its Direct Reduced Iron unit.
  • JSW Energy will supply 3,800 TPA of green hydrogen and 30,000 TPA of green oxygen to JSW Steel under a seven-year agreement.
  • This is part of the company’s 6,800 TPA allocation under the SIGHT programme managed by SECI.
  • A MoU has been signed to increase supply to 85,000–90,000 TPA of green hydrogen and 720,000 TPA of green oxygen by 2030.
  • India aims to produce about 5 million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030.

Source: ET

3. India’s First Modern River Ferry Terminal Inaugurated in Guwahati

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the Guwahati Gateway Terminal and Jetty, India’s first modern river ferry terminal on the Brahmaputra River.
• The terminal aims to improve urban transport and tourism in Assam through modern and eco-friendly facilities.

Source: ET

4. Tripura Hosts National Cybersecurity Exercise ‘Cyber Bharat Setu’

• What:
  • The Directorate of Information Technology, Tripura, along with CERT-In, organised the National Cybersecurity Exercise “Cyber Bharat Setu” on 11–12 November 2025 in Agartala.
• Why:
  • The exercise aims to strengthen the State’s cyber awareness, readiness, and response capabilities through expert-led training and hands-on drills.
• Tell me more:
  • The workshop included scenario-based exercises, interactive sessions, and training by CERT-In experts.
  • Senior dignitaries from MeitY, Tripura Government, CERT-In, and other departments attended the inaugural session.
  • Participants included Secretaries, department heads, police officials, bank officials, IT nodal officers, students, and other stakeholders.
  • The event featured advanced simulation-based activities to improve cybersecurity readiness and incident-handling skills.
  • The Tripura Cyber Security Policy 2025 (TCSP 2.0) was launched to build a resilient and citizen-centric cyber ecosystem.

Source: PIB

5. Kovalam Beach Receives Blue Flag Certification Again

• What:
  • Kovalam beach near Chennai received the International Blue Flag Certification for the fifth consecutive year for 2025–26.
• Why:
  • The certification highlights the continued efforts to maintain high global eco-standards and ensure a clean, safe, and sustainable beach environment.
• Tell me more:
  • The Chengalpattu district administration and the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests were congratulated for their role.
  • Kovalam’s recognition is the result of years of dedicated work to improve cleanliness, safety, and inclusiveness.
  • The state has selected 10 more beaches in Tamil Nadu to pursue global certification.
  • These beaches include four in Chennai, two in Cuddalore, and one each in Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, and Tuticorin.

Source: ET

6. Andhra Pradesh Student Selected for US Astronaut Training

• What:
  • Kunchala Kaivalya Reddy, a 17-year-old from Andhra Pradesh, has been selected for an elite four-year astronaut training programme in the United States.
• Why:
  • The programme aims to train young space aspirants for future space missions through advanced astronaut preparation.
• Tell me more:
  • The training will be conducted by Titans Space Industries in Florida from 2026 to 2029.
  • The programme received thousands of applications from 36 countries, and only 150 candidates were shortlisted.
  • Her selection was confirmed through an email from the organisation’s CEO.
  • After completing the programme, she will qualify for a 2029 mission involving two Earth orbits at nearly 300 km altitude.
  • The mission will include about three hours of zero-gravity experience.

Source: IT

7. Maharashtra Agriculture Department Unveils New Logo and Slogan

• What:
  • The Maharashtra Agriculture Department introduced a new logo and slogan, marking its first visual identity change in 38 years.
• Why:
  • The new identity aims to reflect the government’s focus on modern, technology-driven farming and farmer empowerment.
• Tell me more:
  • Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis released the new emblem in Mumbai.
  • Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne, were present at the event.
  • The new slogan, “Sashwat Sheti, Samruddha Shetkari,” meaning “Sustainable Farming, Prosperous Farmer,” was chosen through an open state-wide competition.
  • The competition received over 1,700 entries from across Maharashtra.

Source: NOA

International News

1. Bharat–Sri Lanka Sanskrit Mahotsav Begins in Colombo

• What:
  • The Bharat–Sri Lanka Sanskrit Mahotsav was inaugurated at the University of Colombo to celebrate Sanskrit and strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
• Why:
  • The festival aims to highlight Sanskrit as a language of wisdom, harmony, and knowledge and to promote collaboration in preserving classical learning.
• Tell me more:
  • The event is jointly organised by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education, the Central Sanskrit University, and the India–Sri Lanka Foundation.
  • It brings together scholars, monks, and students from both nations.
  • The week-long festival will include workshops, lectures, and performances.
  • Sanskrit’s role in cultural bonding between India and Sri Lanka was highlighted by High Commissioner Santosh Jha.

Source: NOA

Banking and Economy

1. Collins Aerospace Opens New Manufacturing Facility in Bengaluru

• What:
  • Collins Aerospace opened a new manufacturing facility in Bengaluru with an investment of USD 100 million.
• Why:
  • The facility aims to enhance the company’s capability to produce advanced aerospace products for global markets.
• Tell me more:
  • The facility is spread across 26 acres at KIADB Aerospace Park and will manufacture seats, lighting, cargo systems, sensors, communication and navigation systems, water solutions, and evacuation slides.
  • It will use advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, and robotics.
  • The centre will employ more than 2,200 people by 2026 and support manufacturing for over 70 Collins products.
  • The investment is part of RTX’s USD 250-million plan for India, which also includes investments in engineering and test development centres.

Source: ET

2. IndiGo Signs Codeshare MoU with China Southern Airlines

• What:
  • IndiGo signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China Southern Airlines for a codeshare partnership to improve air connectivity between India and China.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to expand travel options, offer seamless itineraries, and strengthen aviation links between the two countries.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement allows both airlines to sell seats on each other’s flights and provide integrated travel itineraries.
  • IndiGo recently launched daily flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou and started the Delhi–Guangzhou service.
  • IndiGo now has 12 codeshare partners, including a recent MoU with Aegean Airlines.

Source: BW

3. Tata Power to Build India’s Largest Solar Wafers Plant

• What:
  • Tata Power plans to set up a 10-GW solar wafers and ingots manufacturing plant, completing its presence across the solar manufacturing chain.
• Why:
  • The plan supports India’s push to use locally made wafers and ingots to reduce dependence on imports from China.
• Tell me more:
  • Tata Power already has 4.9 GW of integrated cell and module-making capacity.
  • Tata Power will decide total investment in the next two months and may use federal and state financial support.
  • The company is also exploring entry into nuclear power as India targets 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. Indian Army Conducts Exercise Akhand Prahar in Jaisalmer

• What:
  • The Indian Army carried out Exercise Akhand Prahar in Jaisalmer as part of the Tri-Services Exercise Trishul to test multi-domain operational readiness.
• Why:
  • The exercise aims to validate integrated operations across land, air, and technological domains while strengthening innovation, self-reliance, and coordination with the Indian Air Force.
• Tell me more:
  • Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth reviewed the readiness of the Konark Corps and the newly formed RUDRA Brigade.
  • The RUDRA Brigade was operationally validated as an all-arms formation capable of infantry, armoured, mechanised, and air defence artillery operations.
  • The RUDRA Brigade symbolises strength and is designed for multi-domain combat effectiveness.

Source: ET

Science and Technology

1. ISRO Conducts Key Parachute Test for Gaganyaan Mission

• What:
  • ISRO successfully conducted the Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test for the Gaganyaan mission at the Babina Field Firing Range in Jhansi.
• Why:
  • The test aims to validate the main parachutes that ensure the safe landing of the Gaganyaan crew module.
• Tell me more:
  • The parachute system has 10 parachutes of four types that work in a sequence to stabilise, slow down, and land the crew module.
  • Two apex cover separation parachutes, two drogue parachutes, three pilot parachutes, and three main parachutes operate in order for a safe touchdown.
  • ISRO tested the system by dropping a simulated mass from 2.5 km using an Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft.
  • The test showed stable descent and soft landing even under extreme conditions like delayed opening of two main parachutes.
  • The test was conducted with support from VSSC, ADRDE, DRDO, Indian Air Force, and Indian Army.

Source: BS

2. India Develops First Indigenous Quantum Diamond Microscope

• What:
  • IIT Bombay’s P-Quest Group has developed India’s first indigenous Quantum Diamond Microscope under the National Quantum Mission.
• Why:
  • The microscope aims to advance quantum sensing and enable high-precision magnetic field imaging for research and technology applications.
• Tell me more:
  • The QDM was announced at the Emerging Science Technology and Innovation Conclave 2025.
  • It is useful for neuroscience, materials research, and non-destructive testing of semiconductor chips.
  • The device maps magnetic fields in 3D layers inside encapsulated chips.
  • It is based on nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond, which allow nanoscale magnetic imaging at room temperature.
  • The team led by Professor Kasturi Saha aims to integrate QDM with AI/ML tools for advanced imaging.

Source: PIB

3. Servier India Launches Affordable IDH1 & IDH2 Cancer Testing

• What:
  • Servier India has launched a biomarker testing initiative for IDH1 and IDH2 in partnership with MedGenome and Strand Life Sciences to provide subsidised molecular tests for AML and CCA across India.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to make early molecular testing affordable and accessible so that patients can receive timely and accurate treatment decisions.
• Tell me more:
  • The tests will be offered at 60–75% subsidised rates in private hospitals.
  • Tests are free in the government sector but have limited availability.
  • Current private testing costs range from ₹20,000–₹50,000 for AML and ₹50,000–₹3 lakh for CCA.
  • AML affects 2–3 people per 100,000 annually, with rising cases among adults aged 30–40 years and a 25–40% five-year survival rate.
  • CCA affects about 2 people per 100,000 and is considered a rare cancer.

Source: BS

Awards

1. Palak Muchhal Enters Guinness and Limca Records for Heart Surgeries

• What:
  • Singer Palak Muchhal has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records and Limca Book of Records for funding over 3,800 heart surgeries for underprivileged children through her charitable foundation.
• Why:
  • The recognition highlights her humanitarian work aimed at helping needy children receive life-saving medical treatment.
• Tell me more:
  • Her charitable work is carried out through the Palak Palash Charitable Foundation.
  • Palak Muchhal is originally from Indore.
  • Her musical hits include ‘Meri Aashiqui’, ‘Kaun Tujhe’, and ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’.

Source: IT

Important Days

1. World Quality Week 2025 – November 10-14

2. World Kindness Day 2025 – November 13

Source: IE

Memorandum of Understanding

1. NHA Renews MoU with DHR and ICMR for Health Collaboration

• What:
  • The National Health Authority renewed its MoU with the Department of Health Research and ICMR to strengthen technical cooperation for evidence-based healthcare decisions.
• Why:
  • The aim is to optimise resource allocation and improve the quality of services under AB-PMJAY and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed by the CEO of NHA and the Secretary of DHR and Director General of ICMR in the presence of senior officials.
  • The earlier partnership from 2019 supported NHA in improving Health Benefit Packages using Health Technology Assessment principles.
  • The renewed agreement will now also cover digital health interventions such as EHRs, telemedicine, and AI-based diagnostics.
  • HTAIn will provide data-driven insights to ensure these digital tools are affordable, efficient, and sustainable.
  • Key areas include costing of healthcare services, implementing Standard Treatment Workflows, and operational research to strengthen AB-PMJAY.

Source: PIB

Appointments

1. Shailesh Chandra Elected President of OICA

• What:
  • Shailesh Chandra has been elected president of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA) for a term starting November 1, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • He is the first Indian to head OICA and succeeds John Bozzella from the USA.
  • Chandra is the president of SIAM and the MD & CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility.
  • OICA also elected Hildegard Müller, president of the German automotive industry association VDA, as vice-president.
  • Müller previously served as minister of state to the German chancellor and chaired the German Association of Energy and Water Industries.

Source: BS

3. Khaled El-Enany Elected UNESCO Director-General

• What:
  • Khaled El-Enany of Egypt was elected Director-General of UNESCO with 172 out of 174 votes and will take office on 15 November 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • He succeeds Audrey Azoulay, who has held the position since 2017.
  • El-Enany is an Egyptologist and Professor at Helwan University with over 30 years of teaching experience.
  • He previously headed major museums in Egypt and served as Minister of Antiquities and later Minister of Tourism and Antiquities from 2016 to 2022.
  • He becomes the 12th Director-General of UNESCO and the first from an Arab country, and the second from Africa since Amadou Mahtar Mbow.

Source: UN

3. Vivek Singla Appointed MD & CEO of PXIL

• Power Exchange India Limited appointed Vivek Singla as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

Source: ET

4. Oman Elected to UNESCO MAB Council for 2025–2029

• What:
  • Oman was elected to the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme for the 2025–2029 term.
• Why:
  • The election supports Oman’s goal of balancing development with environmental protection in line with Oman Vision 2040 and global sustainability goals.
• Tell me more:
  • The election took place during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
  • Oman has two sites listed in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves: Al-Sareen Nature Reserve and Al Jabal Al Akhdar Landscape Reserve.

Source: TOI

5. Sergio Gor Sworn In as New US Ambassador to India

• Sergio Gor was sworn in as the United States Ambassador to India at the White House, marking the start of his tenure.

Source: IT

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