22nd-24th November 2025

1. PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu on November 19, 2025 highlighted key developments.
2. DRDO and France’s DGA signed an agreement to co-develop defence technologies.
3. Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled India’s first homegrown CRISPR gene therapy, ‘BIRSA 101’, for treating sickle cell disease.
4. GeM and UN Women entered an MoU to enhance women entrepreneurs’ participation in public procurement.
5. The Central Bank of Oman introduced a new currency symbol for the Omani Rial.
6. Easebuzz, a fintech company, received RBI approval to operate as a full-service payment aggregator.
7. Mathura Poshak and Meerut Bugle were granted GI tag status in Uttar Pradesh.
8. Chitra Talwar was selected as the new part-time Chairperson of Jana Small Finance Bank.
9. ISRO successfully tested the boot-strap mode start of the CE20 cryogenic engine.
10. National Integration Day 2025 was observed on November 19.
11. World Heritage Week 2025 was marked from November 19 to 25.
12. Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day 2025 was commemorated nationwide.
13. Lachit Divas 2025 celebrated the legacy of Assam’s iconic warrior.
14. National Cashew Day 2025 recognised the cultural and economic value of cashews.
15. India resumed tourist visa services for Chinese nationals after a five-year suspension.
16. India and Israel agreed on Terms of Reference to begin negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement.
17. The Sixth International Agronomy Congress is set to commence in New Delhi on November 24.
18. Sandip Pradhan was appointed as a Whole-Time Member of SEBI.
19. Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
20. India achieved a remarkable tally of nine gold medals at the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025.
21. China announced plans to construct the world’s first nuclear-resistant artificial floating island.
22. Larry Page moved ahead of Jeff Bezos to become the world’s third-richest individual.
23. The UAE emerged as the world’s third-largest humanitarian donor in 2025.
24. India’s foreign exchange reserves touched a record high.
25. Moody’s projected India’s growth at 7% for 2025, moderating to 6.4% in 2026.
26. Turkey will host the COP31 Climate Summit following an agreement with Australia.
27. Switzerland and Ireland were announced as partner countries for the Hornbill Festival 2025.
28. The Punjab Scheduled Castes Commission established a dedicated courtroom for quicker case hearings.
29. Authors Rabih Alameddine and Patricia Smith received honours at the National Book Awards 2025.
30. Google launched a major AI hardware engineering centre in Taiwan.
31. Bajaj appointed Jitendra Gohil as CIO to lead its new Alternative Investment Fund.
32. TCS and TPG announced a collaboration aimed at driving India’s next wave of AI and data centre growth.
33. India expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility for UAE nationals to include Cochin, Calicut, and Ahmedabad.
34. Seychelles joined the Colombo Security Conclave as a new member.
35. Shai Hope set a historic record by scoring centuries against every Test-playing nation.
36. Dr. L. Murugan inaugurated the WAVES Film Bazaar 2025 at IFFI Goa.
37. The Supreme Court clarified that governors are not bound by fixed timelines on pending bills.
38. India achieved its highest-ever defence production output.

National News

1. India Expands Visa-on-Arrival Facility for UAE Nationals

• What:
  • India has expanded its Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) service to include Kochi, Calicut, and Ahmedabad airports for UAE nationals, in addition to six other airports.
• Why:
  • To make travel easier for UAE citizens and strengthen people-to-people ties between India and the UAE.
• Tell me more:
  • The VoA facility is available only to UAE nationals who have previously held an Indian e-visa or regular visa.
  • UAE citizens can stay for up to 60 days and enter for tourism, business, conferences, or medical purposes with double entry allowed.
  • Passports must be valid for at least six months, and applicants may need to provide proof of funds, accommodation, and return or onward travel.
  • The VoA fee is 2,000 INR (or currency equivalent) per passenger, including children, with no limit on annual usage.

Source: NOA

2. Supreme Court Rules on Governor’s Assent Powers over State Bills

• What:
  • The Supreme Court’s five-judge Constitution Bench delivered an opinion on the Governor’s assent to Bills under Article 200, clarifying that Governors cannot delay assent indefinitely but that judiciary cannot impose strict deadlines.
• Why:
  • To settle legal questions about the relationship and powers of Governors and state governments concerning Bills and ensure constitutional balance without rigid judicial interference.
• Tell me more:
  • Governors have three options under Article 200: grant assent, reserve the Bill for the President’s consideration, or withhold assent by returning the Bill with comments. They cannot simply withhold assent without returning the Bill.
  • The Presidential Reference answered 14 legal questions, including that the President’s discretion on Bills (Article 201) is also not justiciable, and judicially imposed timelines on Governors or President are not permissible.
  • Article 361 grants personal immunity to Governors and the President but does not shield the office from judicial review of inaction.
  • Article 142 cannot be used to override substantive constitutional provisions related to legislative processes.

Source: IE

State News

1. Prime Minister Interacts With Farmers At South India Natural Farming Summit 2025

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with farmers at the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 held in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, where he discussed natural farming practices, market opportunities, and value-added products made from agricultural produce.
• Why:
  • The interaction aimed to encourage natural farming, highlight the role of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and promote export-oriented agri-products from Tamil Nadu.
• Tell me more:
  • Farmers showcased banana-based value-added products made from banana waste, which are sold online, in local markets, and also exported.
  • Around 1,000 individuals are involved in each FPO (Farmer Producer Organization), representing Tamil Nadu farmers through collective and individual efforts.
  • The display included Geographical Indication (GI) products from Tamil Nadu such as Kumbakonam’s betel leaves and Madurai’s jasmine, along with 25 showcased items.
  • Moringa (drumstick) leaves are processed into powder and exported to the United States of America, African countries, Japan, and parts of Southeast Asia.
  • Nearly 1,000 traditional paddy varieties with nutritional value comparable to millets were displayed, along with value-added rice products.

Source: PIB

2. UP Strengthens Lead in Geographical Indication Goods with Mathura Zari and Meerut Bugle

• What:
  • Two new Geographical Indication (GI) tagged goods, Mathura zari poshak and Meerut bugle, have been added to Uttar Pradesh’s (UP) GI products, helping UP maintain its top position in India for most GI-tagged goods.
• Why:
  • The GI tag aims to increase income for local artisans and boost recognition and demand for these traditional products domestically and globally.
• Tell me more:
  • UP leads India with 79 GI-tagged products, surpassing Tamil Nadu which has 69 GI goods.
  • The Kashi region in UP alone boasts 32 GI-tagged handicraft products due to sustained promotional efforts.
  • Mathura zari poshak is linked with Lord Shri Krishna and has been a tradition maintained by multiple generations of artisans including thousands of women embroiderers.
  • The Meerut bugle, a traditional musical instrument, played a key role in India’s 1857 freedom struggle and continues to be used in army, police, and schools.

Source: TOI

3. UP Declares Public Holiday for Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom

• What:
  • Uttar Pradesh government declared November 25 a public holiday to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
• Why:
  • To honour Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice for defending religious freedom and to enable wider participation in remembrance activities.
• Tell me more:
  • The holiday applies to all state government offices, schools, and educational institutions in UP.
  • Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed in 1675 for refusing forced religious conversion by the Mughal regime.
  • Known as “Hind di Chadar,” he is remembered for protecting civil liberties and freedom of belief.
  • This 350th anniversary is a milestone aimed at deepening public understanding of his role in defending human dignity and religious harmony.

Source: ET

4. Assam Observes Lachit Divas to Honour Ahom General

• What:
  • Assam observes Lachit Divas every year on November 24 to remember Lachit Borphukan, the Ahom general who stopped the Mughal army in 1671.
• Why:
  • To honour Lachit Borphukan’s role in preserving the sovereignty of the Brahmaputra valley and celebrate indigenous resistance.
• Tell me more:
  • Lachit Divas is a symbol of Assam’s distinct cultural, historical, and political identity.
  • The Ahom kingdom, founded in 1228 by Sukaphaa from present-day Myanmar, ruled the Brahmaputra valley for over six centuries.
  • By Aurangzeb’s reign starting in 1658, the Ahoms had already repelled numerous Mughal invasions before the major 1669 campaign led by Raja Ram Singh.

Source: ME

5. Nagaland Names Switzerland and Ireland as Partners for Hornbill Festival 2025

• What:
  • Nagaland has officially named Switzerland and Ireland as country partners for the Hornbill Festival 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • Switzerland’s partnership was confirmed after a meeting between Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Swiss Ambassador Maya Tissafi in New Delhi.
  • Ireland’s involvement will include a rich cultural program with folk music, theatre, literary events, public art installations, and dialogue sessions.
  • Chief Minister Rio also met Irish Ambassador Kevin Kelly to announce Ireland’s partnership.
  • Switzerland and Ireland join the United Kingdom as country partners for the festival, highlighting its international recognition.

Source: NOA

6. Punjab Commission Opens Modern Courtroom for Scheduled Castes

• What:
  • Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has opened a separate courtroom to ensure faster hearings and timely disposal of cases.
• Why:
  • To improve the efficiency of the Commission and protect the rights and dignity of the Scheduled Caste community.
• Tell me more:
  • The initiative is the first of its kind among State Scheduled Castes Commissions in India.
  • The courtroom is equipped with modern facilities and will soon introduce an Online Court System for virtual hearings.
  • The online system will help complainants save time, travel, and expenses by allowing virtual appearances.
  • Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi highlighted the courtroom’s role in delivering timely justice.

Source: NOA

International News

1. Central Bank of Oman Unveils Official Symbol for Omani Rial

• What:
  • The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) unveiled an official symbol to unify the representation of the Omani Rial across different platforms.
• Why:
  • The symbol aims to strengthen the Rial’s identity, facilitate international recognition, and enhance Oman’s stature as a growing financial hub.
• Tell me more:
  • The symbol standardizes the Rial’s display on financial, commercial, and digital platforms worldwide.
  • It reflects Oman’s cultural heritage and economic maturity, linking historical trade legacy with modern financial goals.
  • The initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040, emphasizing innovation and modernization in finance.
  • Ahmed Ja’afar Al Musalmi is the Governor of the Central Bank of Oman.

Source: TOI

2. China Builds Mobile Floating Island to Withstand Nuclear Explosion

• What:
  • China is building the world’s first mobile, floating artificial island designed to survive a nuclear explosion, expected to be operational by 2028.
• Why:
  • To support long-term deep-sea research with a platform that can endure nuclear blasts and operate in all weather conditions.
• Tell me more:
  • The island is a 78,000-tonne semi-submersible platform that can host up to 238 people for about four months without resupply.
  • It has a twin-hull structure measuring 138 meters long and 85 meters wide, allowing operation in rough seas and typhoons.
  • A rare nuclear-blast-resistant system is integrated, using metamaterial “sandwich” panels that absorb shockwaves to protect critical areas like power, communication, and navigation.
  • The project is part of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, classified as a national scientific infrastructure project, with potential dual military and research uses.

Source: IE

3. UAE Ranked Third Largest Humanitarian Donor in 2025

• What:
  • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was named the third-biggest humanitarian donor in the world for 2025, according to UN data.
• Tell me more:
  • The UAE contributed $1.46 billion in humanitarian aid in 2025, making up 7.2% of total UN-recorded global aid of $20.28 billion.
  • Major recipients of UAE aid in 2025 included Palestine (14.9% of funds), Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan.
  • The ranking was confirmed by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) Financial Tracking Service (FTS).
  • UAE ranks behind only the United States and the European Union as humanitarian donors.

Source: TOI

4. Turkey and Australia Reach Deal on Hosting UN Climate Summit

• What:
  • Turkey and Australia agreed that Turkey will host the U.N. COP31 climate summit in 2026, while Australia will lead the negotiation process.
• Why:
  • The compromise ended a long standoff and reflects a meaningful achievement for multilateralism.
• Tell me more:
  • Both countries had bid to host the summit in 2022 and initially refused to stand down.
  • Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated Australia will have exclusive authority over the summit negotiations.
  • The Pacific region will host a pre-COP meeting focusing on climate threats to the region.
  • A bloc of 18 Pacific Island nations supported Australia’s bid due to risks from rising sea levels.

Source: TP

5. Colombo Security Conclave Welcomes Seychelles as Sixth Member

• What:
  • Seychelles joined the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) as the sixth member state at the 7th NSA-level meeting held in Colombo.
• Why:
  • To strengthen regional cooperation for ensuring the safety, security, and stability of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Tell me more:
  • The meeting was hosted by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and attended by counterparts from Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
  • Seychelles participated previously as an observer and joined as a full member following the election of a new president aiming to deepen ties with India.
  • Malaysia participated as a guest for the first time, represented by its Deputy Director General of the Malaysian National Security Council.
  • Ajit Doval emphasized the collective responsibility of member countries to protect their maritime heritage and regional security.

Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. Easebuzz Gets RBI Nod To Operate As Full-Service Payment Aggregator

• What:
  • Fintech firm Easebuzz was authorised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a full-service payment aggregator (PA), covering online, offline, and cross-border payments.
• Why:
  • The approval allows Easebuzz to offer comprehensive payment solutions to merchants including online payments, PoS and UPI soundbox payments, and cross-border transactions.
• Tell me more:
  • RBI has earlier authorised firms like Infibeam Avenues and PayU as payment aggregators – physical (PA-P) for offline digital transactions.
  • Payment aggregators facilitate transactions where both the payment device and instrument are physically present.
  • Rohit Prasad, Managing Director and CEO, highlighted RBI’s progressive approach in lowering entry barriers and promoting an integrated payments ecosystem.

Source: BS

2. India and Israel Sign Terms of Reference for Free Trade Agreement

• What:
  • India and Israel have signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to start negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• Why:
  • To deepen bilateral economic cooperation by creating a framework for structured talks towards a balanced, mutually beneficial FTA.
• Tell me more:
  • The ToR was signed in Tel Aviv by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Israel’s Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat.
  • The FTA aims to diversify and enhance bilateral trade, opening larger markets and addressing sectoral sensitivities.
  • The agreement will enable greater market access, investment flows, and trade in goods and services while removing business obstacles.
  • India’s strengths in innovation, intellectual property, and emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and digital infrastructure will complement Israel’s economy.

Source: DD

3. India’s Forex Reserves Rise to $703 Billion in September

• What:
  • India’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $4.7 billion to reach $703 billion for the week ended 12 September.
• Why:
  • The rise was due to higher foreign currency assets and gold reserves during the week.
• Tell me more:
  • This is the first time since July that reserves crossed $700 billion, marking the second week of consecutive reserve growth.
  • India’s forex reserves had previously peaked at an all-time high of $705 billion in September 2024.
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) releases weekly data on foreign exchange reserves.
  • Forex reserves include foreign currency assets, gold reserves, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), and the reserve position in the IMF.

Source: BS

4. Google Opens Largest AI Hardware Centre Outside USA in Taiwan

• What:
  • Google inaugurated its biggest artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure hardware engineering centre outside the US, located in Taipei, Taiwan.
• Why:
  • To develop and test AI infrastructure hardware, which will support Google’s global data centres and accelerate AI innovation worldwide.
• Tell me more:
  • Taiwan is an important tech hub with semiconductor expertise, home to TSMC, a key chipmaker for AI companies like Nvidia.
  • The centre adds to Google’s existing investments in Taiwan, including data centres and subsea cable projects.
  • Taiwan’s government supports tech partnerships amid geopolitical tensions with China, emphasizing secure and trusted AI technology.

Source: TOI

5. TCS and TPG to Launch Multi-Billion Dollar AI Data Centres

• What:
  • Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is launching a multi-billion dollar joint venture with private equity firm TPG to create AI and sovereign data centres through HyperVault AI Data Centre Ltd.
• Why:
  • To strategically shift from capex-light growth to become the world’s largest AI-led technology services firm and expand data centre capacity.
• Tell me more:
  • TCS will own a 51% stake in the joint venture, raising $4.5-$5 billion through debt over time.
  • The data centres will provide co-location services to hyperscalers, Indian enterprises, government bodies, and Tata group companies.
  • Planned capacity is 1.2 gigawatts (GW), with a target of 1 GW built in phases over 5-7 years, costing approximately $1 billion per 150 MW.
  • Revenues from the data centre business are expected to start within 18-24 months.
  • TCS recently laid off about 1% of its workforce and aims to reduce headcount by 2% this fiscal year.

Source: TOI

GDP Forecasts

1. India Leads APAC Emerging Markets with Strong GDP Growth

• What:
  • Moody’s Ratings projected India’s GDP growth at 7% in 2025 and 6.4% in 2026, leading Asia-Pacific emerging markets excluding Greater China.
• Why:
  • Strong domestic demand amid global uncertainty supports India’s economic growth prospects.
• Tell me more:
  • Moody’s maintained a stable economic outlook for the APAC region in 2026 with an average GDP growth of 3.4%.
  • Emerging markets in APAC are expected to grow by an average of 5.6%, while advanced markets will grow by 1.3%.
  • Australia is projected to grow by 2.3% in 2026 and 2027.
  • Indian sectors like oil & gas, airlines, and telecom face higher dollar-linked costs due to rupee depreciation but firms have strong financials and risk management.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. DRDO and France Sign Bilateral Defence R&D Agreement

• What:
  • Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and France’s Directorate General of Armaments (Direction générale de l’armement – DGA) signed a technical agreement for joint research and development cooperation.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to enable joint R&D, sharing of know-how, and collaborative research to address future defence challenges.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement was signed by DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat and France’s National Armaments Director Lt Gen Gael Diaz de Tuesta.
  • It provides a formal framework for joint research, training, testing, information exchange, and organizing workshops and seminars.
  • Both countries will share intellectual property rights and have access to transfer of equipment, know-how, and technology.
  • Main areas of focus include aeronautical platforms, unmanned vehicles, advanced materials, cybersecurity, AI, space, navigation, advanced propulsion, sensors, quantum and underwater technologies.
  • Upcoming plans include declaring 2026 as the ‘India-France Year of Innovation’ extending beyond defence.

Source: TP

2. Record Growth in India’s Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

• What:
  • India’s indigenous defence manufacturing reached Rs 1,27,434 crore in FY 2023-24, marking the highest growth in a decade.
• Why:
  • This growth reflects policy reforms, increased budget allocations, and government efforts to promote self-reliance in defence production.
• Tell me more:
  • Defence allocations rose from Rs 2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26.
  • Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) accounted for 77% of production in FY 2024-25, while the private sector’s share increased to 23%.
  • Major reforms include Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 and Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 to streamline procurement and promote the “Indian First” policy.
  • Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have attracted over Rs 9,145 crore in investments and signed MoUs worth Rs 66,000 crore.
  • Defence exports grew to Rs 23,622 crore in FY 2024-25, with products sent to nearly 80 countries, enhancing strategic partnerships.

Source: BW

Science and Technology

1. Country’s First Indigenous CRISPR Gene Therapy Launched

• What:
  • Science and Technology Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh, launched India’s first indigenous CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease, named BIRSA 101, dedicated to Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
• Why:
  • The launch marks the start of India’s journey towards becoming a Sickle Cell Disease-free nation and aims to help the tribal population most affected by this disease.
• Tell me more:
  • BIRSA 101 gene therapy was launched on the 150th anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
  • The therapy is developed at a fraction of global treatment costs, which are typically ₹20-25 crore overseas.
  • Sickle Cell Disease is primarily prevalent among tribal communities in central and eastern India.
  • There is growing collaboration between government scientific institutions and Indian industry, especially the Serum Institute of India, for such innovations.

Source: NOA

2. ISRO Successfully Tests Cryogenic Engine Boot-strap Mode Start

• What:
  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested the boot-strap mode start of its CE-20 cryogenic engine without any auxiliary start-up system.
• Why:
  • The test is crucial to enable multi-orbital and multi-restart operations needed for India’s Gaganyaan mission and Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
• Tell me more:
  • The 10-second test was done at ISRO’s Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
  • The CE-20 engine powers the upper stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), a three-stage rocket with a total lift-off capacity of 4,000 tonnes.
  • The boot-strap mode enables engine start-up without extra start-up gas bottles, thus increasing the payload capacity by reducing weight and complexity.
  • A multi-element igniter was used for both thrust chamber and gas generator, starting turbo pumps without using a separate start-up system.

Source: IE

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Sixth International Agronomy Congress to Begin in New Delhi

• What:
  • The Sixth International Agronomy Congress (IAC-2025) will start in New Delhi on November 24, inaugurated by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
• Why:
  • The congress aims to discuss and promote future-ready, climate-resilient, and sustainable agro-food systems to protect the environment.
• Tell me more:
  • The event is three days long with sessions, lectures, poster presentations, and a Young Scientists and Students’ Conference.
  • Over 1,000 global delegates including experts, university vice chancellors, ICAR Deputy Directors General, and industry leaders will participate.
  • The theme is “Re-envisioning Agronomy for Smart Agro-Food Systems and Environmental Protection,” emphasizing biodiversity conservation and innovation.
  • ICAR Director General M L Jat stressed conserving soil, water, and biodiversity as key priorities and highlighted India’s achievement in reducing crop residue burning by nearly 90% since 2020.

Source: ET NOA

Awards

1. Larry Page Becomes Third-Richest Person after Alphabet Surge

• What:
  • Larry Page, co-founder of Google, became the world’s third-richest person after Alphabet’s shares surged following the Gemini 3 AI model launch.
• Tell me more:
  • Page’s net worth rose by nearly $7.6 billion, reaching $238.5 billion due to his 3.2% stake in Alphabet.
  • Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s net worth fell to $230.4 billion, placing him fourth on the Forbes list.
  • Sergey Brin, the other Google co-founder, also gained $7 billion, becoming the fifth-richest person with a net worth of $221.1 billion.
  • Tesla CEO Elon Musk remains the richest person with $462.8 billion, followed by Oracle chairman Larry Ellison at $261.5 billion.

Source: TOI

2. National Book Awards 2025

• What:
  • National Book Awards honoured authors worldwide for outstanding works in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, young people’s literature, and translated literature.
• Why:
  • To celebrate literature’s power and recognize voices reflecting diverse social and political realities around the world.
• Tell me more:

Source: TN

3. Masterclass Series Inaugurated at 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025)

• What:
  • Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting (I&B) and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan inaugurated the Masterclass Series at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025) held at Kala Academy, Goa.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to enhance accessibility, encourage global participation, and promote cinematic learning and collaboration.
• Tell me more:
  • The inauguration was attended by senior officials including Secretary of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju; Joint Secretary, Dr. Ajay Naghbhushan; Managing Director of National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Shri Prakash Magdum; filmmaker Shri Muzaffar Ali; and film personality Shri Ravi Kottarakara.
  • For the first time, the Masterclass inauguration was conducted in the presence of the general public.
  • Participants from Australia, Japan, Germany, and Canada joined the Masterclass Series, strengthening its global reach.
  • Over 200 films will be screened at IFFI 2025, including 50 directed by women filmmakers, highlighting the government’s commitment to Nari Shakti and women empowerment.
  • The Masterclass sessions include workshops, panel discussions, interviews, fireside chats, and technical sessions on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Sustainability, cinematography, VFX, SFX, and theatre acting.

Source: PIB

Important Days

1. World National Integration Day 2025 – November 19

• Theme: Embracing Unity In Diversity

Source: MB

2. World Heritage Week 2025 – November 19 to 25

• World Heritage Day was observed each year on April 18 on the theme of “Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts: Preparedness and Learning from 60 Years of ICOMOS Actions”.

Source: MoC

3. National Cashew Day 2025 – November 23

Sports

1. India Shines with Nine Gold Medals at World Boxing Cup Finals

• What:
  • India clinched nine gold medals at the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025, dominating across multiple weight categories in both men’s and women’s divisions.
• Why:
  • To showcase India’s rising stature in world boxing and capitalize on the home advantage in the global tournament held in Greater Noida.
• Tell me more:
  • India won medals in all 20 weight categories entered, finishing with nine gold, six silver, and five bronze medals.

Source: TOI

2. Shai Hope Becomes First Player with Centuries Against All 12 Test Nations

• What:
  • West Indies captain Shai Hope became the first cricketer to score international centuries against all 12 Test-playing nations across formats during the second One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand in Napier.
• Why:
  • The achievement highlighted Hope’s consistent batting ability and marked a new record in international cricket history.
• Tell me more:
  • Hope scored an unbeaten 109 runs off 69 balls with 13 fours and four sixes in a rain-affected second ODI.
  • This century helped him equal Brian Lara’s record of 19 ODI centuries, making him joint second among West Indies players.
  • Chris Gayle remains ahead with 25 ODI centuries for West Indies.
  • Hope also crossed the 6000-run mark in ODIs, becoming the second-fastest West Indies batter to achieve this, reaching it in his 142nd innings after Sir Viv Richards, who achieved it in 141 innings.
  • Despite his efforts, New Zealand won the match by five wickets, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Source: BS

Memorandum of Understanding

1. GeM And UN Women Sign Pact To Empower Women Entrepreneurs

• What:
  • Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) signed an agreement to promote women entrepreneurs from the informal sector in public procurement.
• Why:
  • The agreement seeks to promote gender-responsive procurement and increase sourcing from women-led businesses under GeM’s “Womaniya” initiative.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement was signed by Ms. Kanta Singh (UN Women India) and Mr. Ajit B. Chavan (Additional CEO of GeM), chaired by Mr. Mihir Kumar (CEO of GeM).
  • GeM enables women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to supply products directly to government buyers and created product categories like handicrafts, organic foods, and home décor to support onboarding.
  • UN Women will design training materials, share best practices, highlight success stories, and assist in criteria development for women-led businesses.
  • GeM will conduct training programs, develop materials in local languages, and connect women entrepreneurs with mentors and government R&D institutions.
  • The collaboration aims to promote gender equality and empowerment (Sustainable Development Goal 5) by strengthening market linkages and entrepreneurship.

Source: PIB

Appointments

1. Change in Jana Small Finance Bank Chairperson from February 2026

• Mr. R Ramaseshan will retire as Part-Time Chairperson of Jana Small Finance Bank Limited on 07th February 2026 and Mrs. Chitra Talwar will take over from 08th February 2026 until 30th January 2028.

Source: PSU

2. Bajaj Finserv Appoints Jitendra Gohil as Chief Investment Officer

• Bajaj Finserv’s investment arm appointed Jitendra Gohil as its new Chief Investment Officer to lead asset management and build a new alternative investment fund.

Source: BW

Miscellaneous

1. IAF Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes at Dubai Air Show 2025

• What:
  • An Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed during the Dubai Air Show 2025, killing Wing Commander Naman Syal.
• Why:
  • The crash may have been caused by a pilot blackout due to high gravitational force or loss of control during a low-altitude manoeuvre.
• Tell me more:
  • Defence experts suggested the pilot might have experienced a “G-force blackout” despite wearing G-suits designed to prevent this.
  • Wing Commander Naman Syal was from Patiyalkar village in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.

Source: TOI

2. India Resumes Tourist Visas for Chinese Citizens After Five Years

• What:
  • India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens worldwide, ending a five-year suspension following the 2020 Galwan clash.
• Why:
  • This move aims to normalise bilateral ties between India and China following agreements to resume direct passenger flights and revive pilgrimages.
• Tell me more:
  • The decision follows a July 2025 order to resume tourist visas for Chinese nationals and the revival of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage in June 2025.
  • Direct passenger flights between India and China restarted after an agreement in January 2025.
  • Diplomatic engagement intensified in 2025 with visits between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and PM Modi’s visit to China for the SCO Summit.
  • The first batch of passengers from New Delhi arrived in Shanghai on November 10, marking the official resumption of direct commercial flights.

Source: NDTV

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