NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. NBA Releases ₹5.34 Crore to 85 Biodiversity Committees
in Maharashtra Under Access and Benefit Sharing Framework: The National
Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released ₹34 crore to around 85
Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in Maharashtra under the Access
and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework, benefiting communities in Wada Tehsil,
Palghar District, and BMC Mumbai.Approximately 15% of ABS applications involve
accessing microorganisms, highlighting how small biological resources can
generate significant benefits for farmers, local communities, and other
stakeholders.With this release, India’s total ABS disbursements have crossed
₹116 crore, adding to previous allocations including ₹2.56 crore already
disbursed to 108 BMCs and 7 institutions in Maharashtra.
2. Chhattisgarh Housing Board Launches ₹2,060 Crore
Projects to Build 12,000 Affordable Homes: The Chhattisgarh Housing Board (CGHB) has
launched 55 housing projects worth ₹2,060 crore across 26 districts,
aiming to provide affordable homes for 12,000 families, inaugurated by CM
Vishnu Deo Sai in Raipur.The state has cleared loans worth ₹790 crore, and CGHB
plans to fund these projects using money from home bookings, with construction
starting in about three months and completion expected within 24 months.CGHB’s
recent revenue recovery, from ₹278 crore (2019–2023) to ₹860 crore, has been
aided by one-time settlement schemes and discounts, enabling expansion to
premier homes and future projects in seven more districts.
3. Ramprasad Sridharan Appointed Managing Director of
PUMA India: Ramprasad
Sridharan has been appointed as the Managing Director of PUMA
India from December, succeeding Karthik Balagopalan who chose to pursue
new interests.Sridharan will report directly to Matthias Bäumer, PUMA’s Chief
Commercial Officer, and brings over 25 years of experience in brand building,
digital growth, and commercial strategy across the Asia-Pacific region.Prior to
PUMA, he was CEO and Managing Director at United Colors of Benetton India and
has held senior leadership roles at Clarks and Reebok India.
4. India
to Establish First National Coral Reef Research Centre in Andaman: India will soon
inaugurate the National Coral Reef Research Institute (NCRRI) in the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands, marking a major step in
advancing marine conservation and climate resilience. The centre aims to
strengthen scientific understanding of coral ecosystems and enhance national
capacity to protect vulnerable coastal zones. The proposed ₹120-crore institute
at Chidiyatapu in South Andaman will function as the country’s primary hub for
coral reef research and monitoring. It will coordinate scientific studies,
develop conservation frameworks, and support long-term ecosystem management
across Indian coastal regions. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change will oversee its establishment and operations. NCRRI is expected to
offer state-of-the-art facilities for marine biodiversity assessments, reef
restoration, and climate impact studies. Scientists highlight that coral reefs
act as natural barriers, absorbing wave energy and reducing the impact of
storms on coastal communities. Strengthening reef systems is seen as critical
to mitigating risks associated with rising sea levels and warming oceans.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. CEC Gyanesh Kumar to Become Chairperson of
International IDEA for 2026: CEC Gyanesh Kumar will assume the role of
Chairperson of the 35-nation International Institute for Democracy and
Electoral Assistance (IDEA) for 2026, taking over on 3 December 2025 during the
Council of Member States meeting in Stockholm, Sweden.As Chairperson, he will
preside over all council meetings in 2026, reflecting the Election Commission
of India’s global credibility and innovative election management
practices.International IDEA, established in 1995, is an inter-governmental
organisation with 35 member countries (with the US and Japan as observers),
committed to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting inclusive,
accountable, and resilient democracies worldwide.
2. 29th November – International Jaguar Day: International Jaguar
Day is observed on 29th November each year to raise awareness
about the conservation of jaguars, one of the largest and most iconic wild cats
of the Americas.The day aims to highlight the threats faced by jaguars,
including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts, and to promote
global conservation efforts.Wildlife organizations and enthusiasts use this day
to educate the public, support research programs, and advocate for protected
areas and corridors to ensure the survival of jaguars in the wild.
3. 29th November – International Day of Solidarity with
the Palestinian People: International
Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is observed on 29th
November every year to express support for the Palestinian people and
their rights.The day marks the anniversary of the UN General Assembly
Resolution 181 (1947), which called for the partition of Palestine and laid the
groundwork for highlighting Palestinian issues globally.It aims to raise
awareness about the struggles of Palestinians, promote international
cooperation, and encourage efforts toward a peaceful resolution of the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
4. 28th November – Red Planet Day: Red Planet Day is
observed on 28th November every year to celebrate and raise awareness
about Mars, also known as the Red Planet, highlighting its significance in
space exploration.The day aims to educate people about Mars’ unique features,
including its red color caused by iron oxide, its atmosphere, and the potential
for future human exploration.Space agencies and astronomy enthusiasts use this
day to promote research, discoveries, and missions related to Mars, inspiring
interest in science, astronomy, and interplanetary studies.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Operation
Sagar Bandhu: India Sends Emergency Aid To Sri Lanka: India has launched a major humanitarian effort to
support Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah unleashed
severe floods and landslides across multiple provinces. Under Operation Sagar
Bandhu, relief consignments have been dispatched by both air and sea as Sri Lanka struggles with rising casualties, mass displacement and extensive
damage to infrastructure. A C-130J aircraft of the Indian Air Force landed at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport
early Saturday, transporting nearly 12 tonnes of relief material. The cargo
comprised tents, blankets, tarpaulins, hygiene kits and ready-to-eat meals for
families forced to evacuate flood-affected areas. Officials from the Indian
High Commission and Sri Lanka Air Force facilitated the immediate handover of
supplies for distribution. The operation began on Friday when INS Vikrant and
INS Udaigiri delivered the first tranche of assistance to Colombo. These naval
assets transported essential goods as part of India’s established Humanitarian
Assistance and Disaster Relief framework for the region, enabling swift
deployment of support to neighbouring nations in distress.
2. India
Signs ₹7,995 Crore Support Deal for Navy’s Seahawk Fleet: India has concluded a
₹7,995 crore agreement with the United States for a comprehensive follow-on support package for the Navy’s
MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. The pact, signed under the US Foreign Military
Sales framework, ensures long-term sustainment of the 24 multirole maritime
helicopters inducted by India. The agreement provides spares, support
equipment, product support, training modules and technical assistance. It also
includes repair and replenishment systems for critical components. The MH-60R,
built by Lockheed Martin, is an all-weather platform equipped for
anti-submarine warfare, surveillance and maritime operations. A key feature of
the deal is the establishment of in-country repair and maintenance facilities.
These will enable intermediate-level component servicing and periodic
inspections within India. The defence ministry noted that this capability will
reduce external dependence and reinforce national goals under Aatmanirbhar
Bharat.
3. In
a global first, a Turkish Kızılelma UAV uses a BVR missile to down an aircraft: Turkey has announced a major breakthrough
in unmanned military aviation after its Bayraktar Kızılelma uncrewed fighter
jet successfully shot down a jet-powered target aircraft using a
beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile. The demonstration marks a global first for
UAV-led air-to-air combat and highlights rapid advancements in Türkiye’s
defence technology ecosystem. During the test, Kızılelma detected, tracked, and
engaged a high-speed aerial target using the MURAD active electronically
scanned array (AESA) radar. It then launched the indigenous GÖKDOĞAN air-to-air
missile from an under-wing hardpoint, scoring a direct hit. Defence firm Baykar
said the trial established the platform as the world’s first uncrewed system
with verified long-range air-to-air combat capability. The UAV integrates
several domestically developed technologies, including the MURAD AESA radar and
the TOYGUN targeting system. Its low radar cross-section and advanced sensors
enable early detection of adversary aircraft while maintaining high
survivability. Earlier tests demonstrated accurate deployment of TOLUN and
TEBER-82 precision munitions, strengthening the platform’s multirole
credentials.
SPORTS
1. Javokhir Sindarov Becomes Youngest Ever FIDE World Cup
Champion: Javokhir Sindarov Becomes Youngest Ever FIDE
World Cup Champion, Wins $120,00019-year-old Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov
became the youngest ever FIDE World Cup winner by defeating GM Wei Yi 1.5-0.5
in tiebreaks, earning the $120,000 top prize.The 2025 FIDE World Cup in Goa,
India featured 206 players in a single-elimination knockout format from
November 1–26, determining three spots for the 2026 FIDE Candidates
Tournament.GM Andrey Esipenko won the third-place match and a Candidates spot,
earning $60,000, while Wei Yi secured second place and $85,000, with the total
prize fund of the tournament being $2 million.
2. Ayush
Mhatre Surpasses Rohit Sharma to become youngest to score centuries in all
formats: Young Mumbai
batter Ayush Mhatre has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the
youngest player to register centuries in first-class, List A, and T20 formats.
His latest achievement came through a blistering unbeaten ton in the Syed
Mushtaq Ali Trophy, prompting praise from former India captain Sachin
Tendulkar. Mhatre produced a commanding performance against Vidarbha at
Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, scoring 110 not out from 53 balls. His knock,
featuring eight fours and seven sixes, powered Mumbai to a seven-wicket victory
while chasing 193. The innings showcased his clean striking and composure under
pressure. At 18 years and 135 days, Mhatre surpassed Rohit Sharma’s record as
the youngest cricketer to score centuries across all major formats. Rohit had
completed the feat at 19 years and 339 days. Sachin Tendulkar congratulated the
teenager publicly, highlighting the significance of the achievement. Unmukt
Chand remains the third youngest to reach this landmark.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. C-DOT and IIT Roorkee Join Hands to Establish Centre
of Excellence for Advanced Communication Technologies: C-DOT signed
an MoU with IIT Roorkee to collaborate on advancing research and
innovation in cutting-edge communication technologies.Under this MoU, C-DOT
will establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) at IIT Roorkee to accelerate
indigenous R&D and capacity building.The CoE will focus on joint research
and prototype development in areas such as 5G/6G, RF-Sub-THz ICs, sensors,
millimeter-wave beamforming antennas, V2X communication, and energy-efficient
wireless technologies.
2. NISAR
Satellite Deploys Antenna and Begins Science Operations: The NASA–ISRO Synthetic
Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission has achieved a major milestone
with the successful deployment of its 12-metre antenna reflector, marking the
formal commencement of its science phase. Launched aboard GSLV-F16 in July
2025, the satellite is now delivering high-resolution radar data crucial for
Earth observation. The antenna, developed by NASA and launched in a stowed
configuration on a nine-metre boom, underwent a multi-stage unfolding sequence.
Joint deployments began on 9 August 2025 and continued over five days covering
wrist, shoulder, elbow and root mechanisms. The reflector assembly was fully
deployed by 15 August, with all systems performing satisfactorily. NISAR’s S-Band SAR captured its first image on 19 August 2025, showcasing the
fertile Godavari River Delta. Distinct vegetation types, including mangroves,
agricultural fields and aquaculture zones, were mapped with clarity. The image
demonstrated the satellite’s capacity to analyse deltas, croplands and
landscape patterns with high precision.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. CBDT Launches Second NUDGE Campaign to Ensure Accurate
Reporting of Foreign Assets and Income: The Central Board of
Direct Taxes (CBDT)’s Analysis of the Automatic Exchange of
Information (AEOI) data for FY 2024-25 identified high-risk cases where
taxpayers failed to report foreign assets, prompting the launch of the
second NUDGE campaign from 28 November 2025, advising taxpayers to revise
their ITRs by 31 December 2025 to avoid penalties.The campaign focuses on
ensuring accurate disclosure in Schedule FA (Foreign Assets) and Schedule FSI
(Foreign Source Income) as mandated under the Income-tax Act, 1961 and the
Black Money Act, 2015.Using the PRUDENT approach, CBDT applies advanced data
analytics to promote transparent, technology-driven, taxpayer-friendly
administration and support the vision of Viksit Bharat through voluntary
compliance.The first NUDGE campaign (November 2024) led to 24,678 taxpayers
revising returns, disclosing ₹29,208 crore worth of foreign assets and
₹1,089.88 crore foreign income, showcasing the effectiveness of data-driven and
non-intrusive compliance measures.
2. SEBI Eases Educational Criteria for Investment
Advisers and Research Analysts: Markets regulator SEBI relaxes educational
criteria for Investment Advisers (IAs) and Research Analysts
(RAs), allowing graduates from any discipline, including law and
engineering, to apply for registration.Despite the relaxation, passing the NISM
certification exam remains mandatory to ensure domain knowledge and
professional preparedness.Previously, applicants needed a graduate or
postgraduate degree in finance-related fields such as Finance, Commerce,
Economics, Business Management, or Capital Markets.Eligible applicants must
have a recognized graduate degree or equivalent, including a CFA Charter, and
the relevant NISM or accredited certification for registration.
3. NPCI’s Banking Connect Launched to Enable Real-Time
RBI Monitoring and Boost Bill Payments: Banking Connect, a newly launched net banking
platform by NPCI Bharat BillPay (NBBL), will allow the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) to monitor fund transfers in real time, improving oversight over
sectors like cryptocurrency and gaming.NBBL aims to quadruple monthly bill
payments from 260 million to 1 billion in four years, expanding accessibility
to over 135 million households, or about half of India’s households.The
platform will minimise fraud by flagging suspicious transactions, although
social engineering frauds, where customers are tricked into revealing sensitive
information, remain a challenge.Banking Connect offers features like
interoperability and a mobile-first approach, with participation from six banks
and multiple payment aggregators, and efforts underway to onboard the top five
banks by net banking volumes within a month.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Ministry of Mines Wins Silver Award for Excellence in Display at IITF 2025: The Ministry of Mines received the Silver Medal (Second Prize) for excellence in display under the Central Ministries & Government Departments category at IITF 2025, with the award presented to Joint Secretary Smt. Farida M. Naik and senior officials.CPSEs under the Ministry showcased India’s industrial and strategic strengths, with NALCO highlighting its leadership in aluminium production and its applications in clean energy, transportation, and strategic sectors.Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) displayed its copper products and emphasized copper’s significance across power, construction, railways, electronics, and its cultural contribution to the Ram Mandir, where it supplied around 70,000 pure copper strips and blocks.
