NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Khasi Community Celebrates Shad Nongkrem Festival in Smit: The Khasi community of Meghalaya celebrated the five-day Shad Nongkrem Festival at Smit, expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest and prosperity. This annual religious and cultural event, one of India’s most distinctive tribal celebrations, attracts both locals and visitors.The festival honours Ka Blei Synshar, the goddess of fertility and prosperity, and is held in Smit, the traditional capital of Hima Khyrim, about 20 km from Shillong. Dr. Balajied Syiem, the Syiem (King) of Hima Khyrim, presided over the Pomblang ceremony, performing rituals and prayers to Lei Shyllong, the deity of Shillong Peak.The highlights include the vibrant Nongkrem dance — women performing ‘Ka Shad Kynthei’ with golden Tiew Lasubon crowns symbolising purity, and men performing ‘Ka Shad Mastieh’ with swords and yak-hair whisks. The festival showcases the Khasi tribe’s matrilineal traditions, spiritual depth, and communal harmony with nature and divinity.
2. Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2025 to Celebrate Cultural Unity Between Tamil Nadu and Kashi: Varanasi will host the fourth edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS 4.0) from December 2 to 15, 2025, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, celebrating the deep-rooted cultural bond between Tamil Nadu and Kashi under the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.The theme “Let us Learn Tamil – Karpom Tamil” highlights India’s linguistic unity, with over 1,400 delegates from Tamil Nadu across seven categories including students, teachers, writers, professionals, women, and spiritual scholars participating in cultural exchange and learning sessions.This year’s key highlights include the valedictory ceremony at Rameswaram on December 15, along with the launch of “Tamil Karpom” (students from North India learning Tamil) and the “Agasthya Expedition” (a cultural journey from Tenkasi to Kashi showcasing Tamil Nadu’s heritage).
3. Union Minister Manohar Lal Unveils ₹50 Commemorative Coin to Mark 50 Years of NHPC Limited’s Green Energy Journey: Union Minister Manohar Lal released a ₹50 commemorative coin on 6 November 2025 in New Delhi to mark 50 years of NHPC Limited in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Power and NHPC.NHPC Limited, a Navratna hydropower company under the Ministry of Power, celebrates its Golden Jubilee on 7 November 2025, highlighting five decades of contributions to India’s power sector.With an installed capacity of 8,333 MW across 30 power stations and 14 projects (9,704 MW) under construction, NHPC has diversified into solar, wind, and green hydrogen, reaffirming its commitment to 100% green energy and India’s clean power transition.
4. PSEB Recommends Deepak Gupta as Next CMD of GAIL India: The Public Enterprise Selection Board (PSEB) has recommended Deepak Gupta, Director (Projects) at GAIL India, as the next Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Maharatna company, succeeding Sandeep Kumar Gupta upon his retirement in February next year.Deepak Gupta brings over 35 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, with expertise in project and construction management and business development across the hydrocarbon value chain.
5. Red Fort Blast Rekindles Memories of Delhi’s Past Terror Strikes: A powerful explosion near Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening has once again plunged Delhi into fear and grief. The blast, which killed eight people and injured 24 others, destroyed several vehicles and sent shockwaves across the city. The explosion occurred during the busy evening rush hour near the iconic Red Fort, a major heritage site and tourist attraction. Emergency teams and local police swiftly cordoned off the area as ambulances ferried the injured to LNJP Hospital. Preliminary reports suggest a high-intensity improvised explosive device was used, though investigations are ongoing. Delhi has endured multiple terror incidents over the past three decades, each leaving deep psychological scars. The 1996 Lajpat Nagar market blast claimed 13 lives, while 2000 saw gunmen open fire inside the Red Fort itself. The 2001 Parliament attack, one of the most shocking in India’s history, targeted the very heart of democracy. Subsequent blasts in 2005 and 2008 struck markets and transport hubs, killing scores and injuring hundreds.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 10 November – World Science Day for Peace and Development: World Science Day for Peace and Development is observed every year on 10 November to emphasize the vital role of science in society and to promote public engagement in scientific discussions.The day supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, stressing the need for strong partnerships between science, policy, and society to achieve global progress.The International Week of Science and Peace was first celebrated in 1986, and the UN General Assembly formally recognized it in 1988 through Resolution 43/61.
2. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais Becomes First Woman to Lead UN Tourism: In a landmark achievement for the United Arab Emirates and the global tourism sector, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais has been appointed as the first-ever woman to head UN Tourism. Her appointment was confirmed during the 123rd UN Tourism Executive Council session in Segovia, Spain, following a majority vote. Once formally ratified by the UN General Assembly, she will assume office in January 2026 for a four-year term, marking a major stride toward gender equality in international leadership. Shaikha Al Nowais’s appointment shatters a 50-year precedent since the organisation’s founding in 1975. She will lead the United Nations’ specialised agency responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. The UAE leadership celebrated the milestone, with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan describing it as proof of the nation’s dedication to women’s empowerment and global cooperation. Al Nowais herself dedicated the achievement to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, calling her “the first and enduring supporter of Emirati women.”
3. Novo Nordisk Partners With Emcure to Market Wegovy in India: Danish healthcare major Novo Nordisk has entered into a collaboration with Emcure Pharmaceuticals to market its globally recognised weight-loss and diabetes drug, Wegovy, in India. The injectable semaglutide formulation is expected to strengthen India’s fast-growing obesity and metabolic health market, as demand for effective weight management therapies surges nationwide. Wegovy, an injectable version of semaglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes control. The drug has gained global popularity for its proven efficacy in aiding weight reduction and improving glycaemic outcomes. Under the new partnership, Emcure will handle the local marketing and distribution of the product, ensuring broader accessibility in the Indian pharmaceutical landscape. The announcement follows closely on the heels of Eli Lilly’s collaboration with Cipla to distribute tirzepatide in India under the brand name “Yurpeak”. Like Wegovy, tirzepatide targets weight management and diabetes and is available in pre-filled, pen-like devices across multiple strengths. Lilly’s Mounjaro, launched earlier in 2025, has already achieved ₹100 crore in sales by October, underscoring the rapid commercial growth of this therapeutic segment.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. HAL Signs $1 Billion Deal with GE for 113 Engines to Power 97 LCA Mk1A Fighters: HAL signs $1 billion contract with GE Aerospace for the supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines and support packages to power the next batch of 97 LCA Mk1A fighters, boosting India’s indigenous fighter jet programme and self-reliance in defence production.The total F404 engines ordered for the LCA Mk1A programme rises to 212, with deliveries under the latest contract scheduled from 2027 to 2032, aligning with HAL’s production timeline and the Indian Air Force’s requirement for 97 aircraft.The new LCA Mk1A aircraft will feature over 64% indigenous content, including UTTAM AESA Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach electronic warfare suite, and indigenous actuators, reinforcing India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
SPORTS
1. Paradeep Phosphates Appoints Rahul Dravid as Brand Ambassador: Paradeep Phosphates Limited (PPL) has appointed Rahul Dravid as its brand ambassador to represent trust, discipline, reliability, and performance across its product range.The collaboration includes two national campaigns — “Kheti ka Game Changer” for Jai Kisaan Navratna Nano Shakti Nano DAP and “NPK and Organic Fertilizers ki Winning Team” for PPL’s NPK and organic fertiliser range.Using cricket analogies, the campaigns reflect Dravid’s mentor-like approach, encouraging farmers to select the right fertilisers for improved productivity and stronger yields.
2. Serena Williams Honoured with 2025 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports: Serena Williams was honoured with the 2025 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Spain, receiving the accolade from King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Princess Leonor, recognising her exceptional contributions to global sport, leadership, and advocacy for equality.The award celebrates Serena’s legendary career as a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, joining a prestigious list of past recipients including Lindsey Vonn and Pau Gasol, highlighting her influence both on and off the court.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. DGT Partners with Autodesk to Integrate AI and Digital Design Tools in Vocational Training under Skill India Mission: The Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has signed an MoU with Autodesk, a global leader in design and make technology, to upskill trainers and educators in NSTIs and ITIs across India.
The collaboration aims to integrate advanced digital design tools and AI-powered learning into vocational training, aligning India’s workforce with industry needs in architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and construction.Autodesk will provide its professional-grade software to educators and students in over 14,500 ITIs and 33 NSTIs, promoting large-scale adoption of digital design and manufacturing technologies.The partnership supports the Skill India Mission through joint curriculum development, faculty training, hands-on learning, and globally recognized certification programs, preparing a future-ready skilled workforce.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. ReNew Energy Secures $477 Million ADB Funding for India’s First Round-the-Clock Peak Renewable Energy Project in Andhra Pradesh: ReNew Energy Global has secured a $477 million financing package from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to develop a large-scale wind-solar hybrid clean energy project with battery storage in Andhra Pradesh.The project will integrate 837 MWp of wind and solar capacity with a 415 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), delivering 300 MW of peak power to enhance grid stability and support India’s low-carbon energy transition.This marks ADB’s first financing of a round-the-clock peak renewable energy project, reinforcing ReNew’s partnership with ADB and aligning with the UNFCCC COP28 MoU to accelerate India’s clean energy and grid transformation goals.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Veteran Archaeologist Ravindra Korisettar from Dharwad Honoured with Rajyotsava Award: Veteran archaeologist Ravindra (Ravi) Korisettar from Dharwad has been honoured with the Rajyotsava Award for his outstanding contributions to archaeology and education.He is a UGC Emeritus Fellow in the Department of History and Archaeology at Karnatak University, Dharwad, with a research career spanning over 40 years.Korisettar has published papers in top journals like Science (2007) and PNAS (USA), and led key projects such as the Kashmir Palaeoclimate Project and Geoarchaeology of the Middle Krishna Basin.The 74-year-old scholar has established prehistory museums in Ballari and Dharwad and served on committees related to educational development and university upgradation initiatives in Karnataka.
2. Chef Sanjeev Kapoor Named “Top Agri-Food Pioneer” By World Food Prize Foundation: Celebrated chef and Padma Shri awardee Sanjeev Kapoor has been honoured as a Top Agri-Food Pioneer by the World Food Prize Foundation in Des Moines, Iowa.The recognition highlights his contributions to promoting sustainable and healthy eating, supporting Indian agriculture, and using local, nutrient-rich ingredients.The award was presented during the Borlaug Dialogue Week, an annual global event focused on food security, climate resilience, and nutrition.
3. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Honoured with 2025 World Leader for Peace and Security Award: Spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, has been honoured with the 2025 World Leader for Peace and Security Award by the Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the AI World Society (AIWS).The award recognises his global humanitarian efforts, including rehabilitating over 8 lakh prisoners, reviving 70+ rivers, and educating 1 lakh children through the Art of Living Foundation.The award was presented by Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-founder and CEO of the Boston Global Forum, with past recipients including Emmanuel Macron, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Ban Ki-m
4. Sai Gautam Gopalakrishnan Wins Third Edition of Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award 2025: Sai Gautam Gopalakrishnan, an associate professor of materials engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has been announced as the recipient of the third edition of the Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award 2025, leading research in computational materials science.The award carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, the highest in science and technology awards in India, selected from 50 applications with 10 candidates shortlisted for interviews. Gopalakrishnan was chosen after rigorous evaluation by an expert committee chaired by Anil Kakodkar, and the award will be presented at the Manohar Parrikar Vigyan Mahotsav in December 2025.
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