18th November 2025

1. PM Narendra Modi Addressed Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas; Inaugurated Development Projects Worth Rs 9,700 Crore in Gujarat
2. IOCL, BPCL, HPCL Sign One-Year Contract to Import 2.2 MTPA of LPG from USA
3. IPC Signed MoU with JPSC to Promote Pharmacovigilance in Jharkhand
4. Asia’s Largest Elevated Metro Depot Inaugurated in Mumbai for Line 2B
5. Goa Police Becomes First in India to Achieve 100% Cyber Fraud Response Rate
6. 8th India–France Bilateral Air Exercise ‘Garuda’ Begins in France
7. 3rd International Ayurveda Conference Held in Sao Paulo, Brazil
8. Science City Kolkata’s Climate Change Gallery ‘On the Edge?’ Wins CIMUSET Award
9. National-Award Winning Actress Keerthy Suresh Appointed as UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate
10. India’s First Indigenous High-Precision & Compact Diode Laser launched at ESTIC in New Delhi
11. International Day for the Prevention of and Fight Against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime 2025 – November 15
12. National Press Day 2025 – November 16
13. Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025
14. Centre Targets Awarding 10,000 km of National Highway Projects in FY 2026
15. ISRO to Triple Spacecraft Output and Launch Chandrayaan-4 in 2028
16. Shah Rukh Khan Gets a Landmark in Commercial Tower, Dubai
17. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin October 2025
18. Cervical Cancer Claims Over 3.5 Lakh Lives Annually Globally: WHO
19. Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya and DRDO Ink MoU to Advance Smart Defence Tech
20. Indian Navy Unveils Crest of Mahe-Class Warship
21. India–UK Joint Military Exercise ‘AJEYA WARRIOR-25’ Begins
22. Marco Bezzecchi Clinches MotoGP 2025 Finale in Valencia
23. India Tops Asian Archery Championships 2025
24. National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025 Announced

National News

1. NHAI Invites Bids for 52 Highway Projects

• What:
  • NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) has invited bids for 52 highway projects covering 2188 km with a capital expenditure of Rs 1,15,447 crore till November 14 of the current financial year.
• Why:
  • The project pipeline aims to help the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) quickly meet its targets of awarding and constructing 10,000 km of national highways in 2025-26.
• Tell me more:
  • Out of the 52 projects, 18 have been approved, 15 have been appraised and will be approved shortly, six have been sent to the Cabinet, 10 are with the Standing Finance Committee (SFC), and proposals for three are being prepared.
  • NHAI has set targets of awarding 4500 km in 2025-26 and constructing 5000 km in the current year.
  • So far, it has awarded 43 projects of 504.315 km and completed construction of 2060.986 km.
  • The road secretary stated that MoRTH will achieve the construction target of 10,000 km despite a slow start.
  • National highways construction slowed in the first half due to efforts to streamline processes for better quality and timely completion.

Source: ET

State News

1. Prime Minister Modi Unveils Rs 9,700 Crore Tribal Development Projects in Gujarat

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced new infrastructure and welfare projects worth over ₹9,700 crore for tribal communities at Dediapada, Gujarat during the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas event marking the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.
• Why:
  • The announcement aims to support long-term social and economic empowerment in tribal regions through focused investments and new schemes.
• Tell me more:
  • Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects such as Grih Pravesh of 1,00,000 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-Janman) and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-Jagua).
  • He opened 42 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) worth ₹1,900 crore and launched 748 km of new roads along with 14 Tribal Multi-Marketing Centres.
  • He flagged off 250 buses to improve connectivity across fourteen tribal districts.
  • He inaugurated the Shri Govind Guru Chair for the Tribal Language Promotion Centre at Birsa Munda Tribal University to preserve tribal dialects, stories and songs.
  • Six crore tribal citizens have been screened for sickle cell disease, and Ayushman Bharat provides free treatment up to ₹5 lakh.

Source: BW

2. Asia’s Largest Elevated Metro Depot Inaugurated in Mumbai

• What:
  • The Mandale Depot for Mumbai Metro Line 2B was inaugurated, making it Asia’s largest and first elevated Metro depot.
• Why:
  • The depot aims to increase the speed of Metro Line 2B and make daily travel easier for Mumbai residents by improving operations and connectivity.
• Tell me more:
  • The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) built the depot on 30.45 hectares with future-ready, eco-friendly and advanced technology features.
  • The depot can accommodate 72 eight-coach trains with 36 trains on each of its two levels, supported by 29 km of internal track network.
  • It includes 10 maintenance lines, 6 inspection tracks, 4 bogie turntables, a maintenance workshop, auto and heavy wash plants, and a Pit Wheel Lathe for wheel profiling.
  • A G+3 Depot Control Centre monitors 24×7 operations, safety and train movement, supported by water recycling plants, underground utilities and noise-dust suppression systems.
  • The facility includes India’s longest 965-metre test track and multiple shunting necks to streamline train movement.

Source: N18

3. Goa Police Achieves 100% Cyber Fraud Call Response

• What:
  • Goa Police became the first state police force in India to achieve a 100% response rate in cyber fraud calls through its 1930 cloud-based call centre.
• Why:
  • The system aims to ensure full accessibility for complainants, improve reporting of cyber fraud cases and enable faster police action.
• Tell me more:
  • The cyber fraud call centre received over 5,000 calls, registered 581 complaints and successfully responded to around 1,500 missed calls.
  • The 1930 call centre was launched last month and inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with nine cyber police personnel attending calls round the clock.
  • Cyber crime SP Rahul Gupta said Goa is the only state with a 100% call response rate and follows a corporate-style quality review model.
  • Cyber fraudsters have cheated Goans of around ₹100 crore so far this year, with last year’s figure at ₹101 crore.

Source: TOI

International News

1. 3rd International Ayurveda Conference Held in Brazil

• What:
  • The 3rd International Ayurveda Conference was held in São Paulo, Brazil, to mark 40 years of Ayurveda in the country.
• Why:
  • The conference aimed to strengthen India–Brazil cooperation in traditional healthcare through scientific research, collaboration and cultural exchange.
• Tell me more:
  • The event was jointly organised by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) and Conayur under the aegis of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) from November 14–15, 2025.
  • The conference focused on the theme “Diversity and Inclusion in Ayurveda: Caring for Everybody and Every Being” and was inaugurated by the Ambassador of India to Brazil, Dinesh Bhatia.
  • Speakers highlighted stronger collaboration through institutional partnerships involving the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, and Brazilian universities.
  • Organisers announced that Ayurveda has been included in the Brazilian Classification of Occupations.
  • The programme included thematic lectures, plenary sessions and a roundtable on “The Future of Ayurveda in Brazil: Building the Next 40 Years.”

Source: ANI

Banking and Economy

1. India Signs First Long-Term LPG Import Deal with US

• What:
  • India finalised its first structured one-year agreement to import liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the United States for the contract year 2026.
• Why:
  • The deal aims to diversify India’s energy supply chain and strengthen access to stable and affordable LPG.
• Tell me more:
  • Indian public sector oil companies have secured a contract to source around 2.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LPG from the US Gulf Coast, which is nearly 10% of India’s yearly LPG imports.
  • This is the first long-term structured deal between Indian public sector undertakings (PSUs) and US suppliers.
  • The purchase has been benchmarked to Mount Belvieu, a major global pricing hub.
  • Teams from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) held discussions with American producers before finalising the deal.
  • The government has absorbed over ₹40,000 crore to protect Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana consumers from high global LPG prices.

Source: TOI

2. Labour Indicators Rise in PLFS October 2025 Report

• What:
  • The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for October 2025 reported higher Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), rising Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and stable Unemployment Rate (UR) for persons aged 15 years and above.
• Why:
  • The rise in participation and employment indicators reflects improving labour market conditions driven mainly by increasing rural and female participation.
• Tell me more:
  • Overall LFPR reached a six-month high of 55.4% in October 2025, rising consistently from 54.2% in June 2025, with rural LFPR increasing from 56.1% to 57.8%.
  • Female LFPR rose steadily for four months, reaching 34.2% in October 2025, up from 32.0% in June 2025, driven mainly by rural areas.
  • Overall WPR stood at 52.5% in October 2025, increasing consistently since June 2025, supported by rising female workforce participation in rural areas.
  • Female WPR increased from 30.2% in June 2025 to 32.4% in October 2025, with rural female WPR rising from 33.6% to 36.9% over the same period.
  • Female UR declined from 5.5% in September 2025 to 5.4% in October 2025, mainly due to the drop in rural female UR from 4.3% to 4.0%.
  • The overall UR remained unchanged at 5.2% between September and October 2025, with rural UR falling from 4.6% to 4.4% and urban UR rising from 6.8% to 7.0%.
  • Monthly estimates are based on information collected from 3,74,164 persons in rural areas and 2,14,254 persons in urban areas, totalling 1,59,910 persons surveyed.

Source: PIB

Defence News

1. India and France Begin Exercise Garuda-25

• What:
  • The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF) began Exercise Garuda-25, a bilateral air exercise involving coordinated missions by both forces.
• Why:
  • The exercise aims to improve interoperability, refine tactics and strengthen defence cooperation between the two air forces.
• Tell me more:
  • Exercise Garuda-25 is the 8th edition and is being held at Mont-de-Marsan, France, from November 16 to 27.
  • IAF’s Su-30MKI aircraft are participating alongside French Rafale and other multirole aircraft in complex air combat scenarios, including air-to-air engagements, air defence operations and coordinated strike missions.
  • C-17 Globemaster III aircraft are providing airlift support for induction and de-induction, while IL-78 tankers are being used for air-to-air refuelling to extend the endurance of fighter aircraft.
  • India and France share a deep and enduring Strategic Partnership (SP) launched on January 26, 1998.

Source: HBL

2. Indian Navy Unveils Crest of Mahe-Class ASW Ship

• What:
  • The Indian Navy unveiled the crest of Mahe, the first ship of the indigenously designed and built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), ahead of its commissioning in Mumbai.
• Tell me more:
  • The ship is named after Mahe, a coastal town on India’s western seaboard, reflecting India’s maritime traditions.
  • The crest features an Urumi, a flexible sword linked to Kalarippayattu and Kerala’s martial heritage, rising from the sea.
  • The ship’s motto “Silent Hunters” represents stealth, vigilance, and determination in anti-submarine warfare.

Source: PIB

3. India–UK Ajeya Warrior-25 Joint Exercise Begins

• What:
  • The eighth edition of the India–UK joint military exercise ‘Ajeya Warrior-25’ began at the Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district.
• Tell me more:
  • The Indian Army is represented by troops from the Sikh Regiment.
  • Ajeya Warrior has been held biennially since 2011.
  • The exercise is conducted under a United Nations mandate.

Source: ET

Science and Technology

1. India Launches Indigenous High-Precision Diode Laser

• What:
  • India’s first indigenous high-precision and compact diode laser was launched, developed by Prenishq Pvt Ltd, a startup supported by the National Quantum Mission (NQM).
• Why:
  • The laser aims to strengthen India’s capabilities in emerging quantum technologies, enabling quantum communication, computing and advanced scientific research.
• Tell me more:
  • Prenishq Pvt Ltd is a spin-off from IIT Delhi, and the laser was formally launched on 3rd November 2025 at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025) by Dr. Jitendra Singh.
  • It supports quantum research, higher education and industrial applications through precise wavelength control, temperature-controlled operation and integrated driver electronics.
  • Its small design ensures low power consumption, and it offers free-space and optional fibre-coupled output with a plug-and-play configuration.
  • The laser enables quantum-safe financial transactions and supports photonic quantum computing applications such as drug discovery and chemical process analysis.

Source: DST

2. ISRO Plans Seven More Launches This Financial Year

• What:
  • ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) plans seven additional launches before the end of the current financial year as part of its rapid expansion in science, technology, and space industry.
• Why:
  • The increased activity aims to strengthen India’s space capabilities, boost innovation, enhance international collaborations, and increase domestic industrial participation to stay globally competitive.
• Tell me more:
  • The upcoming launches include a commercial communication satellite and multiple PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) and GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) missions, including the first PSLV fully made by Indian industry.
  • ISRO aims to triple its annual spacecraft production by 2025 to meet the rising demand for missions.
  • Chandrayaan-4, a lunar sample-return mission planned for 2028, will be India’s most complex lunar mission and aims to bring samples from the Moon.
  • ISRO and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) are working together on LUPEX, a mission to explore water ice at the lunar south pole.
  • India’s first space station is planned for completion by 2035, with the first module set to be placed in orbit by 2028.

Source: TOI

Awards

1. Science City Kolkata Wins Global Sustainability Award

• What:
  • The ‘On The Edge?’ climate change gallery at Science City, Kolkata, was declared the best exposition on sustainability in the world at an award function in Dubai.
• Why:
  • The award recognises the gallery’s strong message on climate change and its efforts to promote awareness, inclusivity and scientific understanding.
• Tell me more:
  • The 10,000 sq ft gallery uses interactive exhibits, evidence-based storytelling, augmented and virtual reality and 3D holographic illusions to explain human-induced climate change and the need for mitigation and adaptation.
  • It won the CIMUSET Award, edging out ‘Carbon Footprint, the Exhibition!’ at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris, France.
  • The award was presented by CIMUSET, a body under the International Council of Museums (ICOM) that handles science and technology collections, with committee chair Jacob Thorek Jensen praising its scientific rigour and community engagement.
  • The gallery focuses on young visitors and encourages climate-conscious thinking, aligning with Benjamin Franklin’s educational philosophy.

Source: TOI

2. Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025

• What:
  • The inaugural Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025 were held at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad (Telangana) with the Vice-President of India (Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan) as Chief Guest; awards were given in seven categories to individuals for their contributions in various fields.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to honour individuals and institutions who embody excellence, inspire others, and make a positive difference to society.
• Tell me more:
  • The ceremony coincided with the Foundation Day of Ramoji Group and birth anniversary of Founder Shri Ramoji Rao.
  • Shri Ramoji Rao was praised as a visionary and pioneer in media, journalism, and communication who believed in the power of information and enterprise.

• The Vice-President highlighted the importance of truthful, ethical, and responsible journalism, especially in an era of information overload and advances in artificial intelligence (AI).
  

Source: PIB

3. Dubai Commercial Tower Named After Shah Rukh Khan

• What:
  • A commercial tower in Dubai named “Shahrukhz” has been announced and is set to be completed by 2029.
• Why:
  • The tower has been named to honour Shah Rukh Khan for his influence and long-standing association with Dubai.
• Tell me more:
  • The project is developed by Danube Properties, with which Shah Rukh Khan is associated.
  • Shah Rukh Khan’s next film is “King”, directed by Siddharth Anand, who previously directed him in the 2023 film “Pathaan”.
  • “King” is produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures.

Source: ET

4. National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025

• What:
  • The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying announced the winners of the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2025, one of the highest national honours in the livestock and dairy sector.
• Why:
  • The awards aim to encourage dairy farmers, dairy cooperatives, FPOs/MPCs, and Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs) for their contribution to the livestock and dairy sector.
• Tell me more:
  • The awards will be presented on 26 November 2025 during National Milk Day celebrations by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, with Ministers of State Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian in attendance.
  • A total of 2,081 applications were received, and winners were selected from these entries.
  • Cash prizes for Best Dairy Farmer and Best DCS/FPO/MPCs include ₹5,00,000 for 1st rank, ₹3,00,000 for 2nd rank, ₹2,00,000 for 3rd rank, and ₹2,00,000 as a Special Award for the North Eastern Region/Himalayan States.
  • The Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT) category includes only a certificate of merit and a memento, with no cash prize.

Source: PIB

Important Days

1. International Day for the Prevention of and Fight Against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime 2025 – November 15

Source: UN

2. National Press Day 2025 – November 16

• What:
  • It is observed on 16 November to mark the start of the Press Council of India (PCI).
• Tell me more:
  • The Press Council of India (PCI) was first established under the Indian Press Council Act, 1965, and reconstituted in 1979 under a new Act.
  • The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act (PRP Act), 2023 replaced the colonial PRB Act, 1867 and introduced a fully online registration system.
  • The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), inaugurated in 1965, expanded to offer PG Diplomas in multiple languages and became a Deemed-to-be-University in 2024.

Source: PIB

3. First World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day – November 17

• What:
  • The world observed the first World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day on November 17, 2025, after WHO (World Health Organization) endorsed it in May 2025.
• Why:
  • The day aims to push global efforts to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem through prevention, early detection, and treatment.
• Tell me more:
  • The elimination strategy follows WHO targets of 90% HPV vaccination coverage, 70% screening coverage for women aged 35–45, and 90% treatment coverage for confirmed cases.
  • The global target is to reduce cervical cancer incidence to less than 4 cases per 1,00,000 women-years by 2030.
  • Cervical cancer mainly affects low and middle-income countries, where 90% of global deaths occur due to limited access to vaccination, screening, and treatment.
  • The annual global burden is expected to rise from 570,000 new cases in 2018 to 700,000 by 2030, with deaths increasing from 311,000 to 400,000.
  • India is working across all three levels of prevention through HPV vaccination plans, screening under the National Programme for Non-communicable Diseases, and expansion of oncology and radiotherapy services.

Source: TH

Sports

1. Marco Bezzecchi Wins Final MotoGP Race of the Season

• Italian rider Marco Bezzecchi won the final MotoGP race of the season in Valencia and closed the season with back-to-back wins.
• Bezzecchi, aged 27, had also won the penultimate race in Portugal, becoming the first Aprilia rider to achieve consecutive MotoGP victories.

Source: BBC

2. India Shines at Asian Archery Championships 2025

• What:
  • India finished the overall event with 10 medals: six gold, three silver, and one bronze across recurve and compound categories.
  • India won multiple medals at the Asian Archery Championships 2025 in Dhaka, with Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat winning the individual recurve gold medals.
• Tell me more:
  • India won five medals in recurve events on the final day, including two individual golds, a men’s team gold, a men’s individual silver by Rahul, and a women’s individual bronze by Sangeeta.
  • Ankita Bhakat defeated Paris 2024 silver medallist Nam Su-hyeon 7–3 in the women’s recurve final after beating top seed Jang Minhee and Olympian Deepika Kumari earlier.
  • Dhiraj Bommadevara beat compatriot Rahul 6–2 in the men’s recurve final, while the men’s team of Atanu Das, Rahul, and Yashdeep Bhoge won their final in a shoot-off.
  • Jyothi Surekha Vennam led India’s strong compound performance with gold medals in both individual and team events.

Source: OC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. IPC and JSPC Sign MoU for Medicine Safety

• What:
  • The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) and the Jharkhand State Pharmacy Council (JSPC) signed an MoU to promote safe and rational medicine use and strengthen pharmacovigilance in Jharkhand.
• Why:
  • The MoU aims to build the capacity of pharmacists and improve reporting and monitoring of adverse drug reactions and medicine safety practices.
• Tell me more:
  • IPC and JSPC will train registered pharmacists in adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting, pharmacovigilance, materiovigilance and safe medicine use.
  • The partnership will strengthen the use of the National Formulary of India (NFI) as a standard reference document in healthcare facilities and promote its systematic use by pharmacists.
  • Both organisations will organise awareness programmes for hospital and community pharmacists and support mandatory use of the NFI in institutional pharmacy settings.
  • The MoU includes cooperation for the annual observance of National Pharmacovigilance Week.
  • The MoU was signed by Dr V Kalaiselvan (Secretary-cum-Scientific Director, IPC) and Prasanth Kumar Pandey (Registrar-cum-Secretary, JSPC) in the presence of representatives from both organisations.

Source: BS

2. GSV and DRDO Sign MoU for Defence Research

• What:
  • GSV (Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya) and DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) signed an MoU on November 17, 2025, in New Delhi to develop smart technological solutions for national security.
• Why:
  • The MoU aims to support the development of indigenous defence systems through collaborative research, logistics studies, and advanced technological solutions.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU will support work in logistics management, operational logistics at tactical, operational and strategic levels, chip design, hardware security, and homomorphic/blockchain-based encryption.
  • The signing took place in the presence of Dr. Samir V. Kamat (Chairman, DRDO and Secretary of Defence R&D).

Source: PIB

Appointments

1. Keerthy Suresh Appointed UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate

• What:
  • National Award-winning actor Keerthy Suresh has been appointed as a Celebrity Advocate for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) India.
• Tell me more:
  • Keerthy Suresh is known for her acclaimed work in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films and will now support UNICEF India’s campaigns for children’s rights and well-being.
  • UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey said her strong connection with audiences will help advocate for every child, especially the most vulnerable.
  • Cynthia McCaffrey represents UNICEF India in strengthening national advocacy efforts.

Source: ET

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