Daily GK Update- 15th Nov, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Ranked 9th Among Countries Worst Hit by Climate Disasters: Climate Risk Index 2025: India ranked 9th among countries worst affected by climate-related disasters over the last 30 years in the Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025 by Germanwatch; it was ranked 8th in the previous 2023 edition.India’s rank for climate impacts in the previous year improved from 10 (2023) to 15, indicating fewer disasters and improved climate resilience.The report, released at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, highlights that India lost 80,000 lives (9.6% of global fatalities) due to extreme weather events between1995–2024 and faced 430 major events, causing USD 170 billion losses.

India witnessed severe impacts from cyclones (Amphan, Hudhud, Odisha 1999), floods (Uttarakhand 2013, 2019 floods), and extreme heatwaves, underscoring the country’s high vulnerability to diverse climate risks.

 

2. Logo and Website of Global Energy Leaders’ Summit (GELS) 2025 Launched in New Delhi: The Minister of State for Power, Shripad Naik, launched the logo and website of the Global Energy Leaders’ Summit (GELS) 2025, which will be held in Puri, Odisha, from 5–7 December 2025, hosted by the Odisha Government with the Tony Blair Institute.The Minister highlighted Odisha’s leadership in power sector reforms, noting its strong focus on efficiency, resilience, sustainability, and clean energy-driven industrial growth.The GELS 2025 theme, “Powering India: Sufficiency, Balance, Innovation,” reflects the Prime Minister’s vision based on four pillars—Energy Access, Efficiency, Sustainability, and Security.

 

3. Cabinet Approves Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters with 100% Coverage to Boost MSME and Export Growth: The Union Cabinet approved the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) to provide 100% credit guarantee coverage through NCGTC, enabling MLIs to extend up to ₹20,000 crore in additional credit to eligible exporters, including MSMEs.The scheme will be implemented by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) through NCGTC, with a Management Committee chaired by the Secretary, DFS, to monitor progress and oversee execution.CGSE aims to strengthen liquidity and provide collateral-free credit, helping Indian exporters expand into new global markets, boost competitiveness, and support India’s target of achieving USD 1 trillion in exports, aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.With exports contributing 21% of India’s GDP and MSMEs accounting for 45% of total exports, the scheme will ensure enhanced financial support, enabling exporters to diversify markets and maintain sustainable business growth.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 14 November – World Diabetes Day: World Diabetes Day (WDD) is observed every year on 14 November to raise global awareness about diabetes, its prevention, early detection, and management.Theme 2025 – Diabetes across life stagesIt was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in response to the growing health threat posed by diabetes worldwide. In 2006, it became an official United Nations Day.The date marks the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting, who, along with Charles Best, discovered insulin in 1921 — a breakthrough that transformed diabetes treatment and saved millions of lives.

 

2. Japanese Cinema Icon Tatsuya Nakadai Dies at 92: Japanese cinema legend Tatsuya Nakadai, renowned for his intense screen presence and emotional depth, passed away at 92, leaving behind a seven-decade career that shaped post-war Japanese filmmaking.Nakadai collaborated with iconic directors like Akira Kurosawa, Masaki Kobayashi, Mikio Naruse, and Hiroshi Teshigahara, earning a reputation as a versatile artist who preferred creative freedom over studio contracts.His breakout came through Masaki Kobayashi’s films, including The Thick-Walled Room (1953), The Human Condition trilogy, and the acclaimed Harakiri, which won him his first Blue Ribbon Award and cemented his status as one of Japan’s greatest actors.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Kepang La Day Commemorates the Legacy of the 1962 Defenders : Kepang La Day, observed annually on 17 November, honours the courage of soldiers and local villagers who defended the strategic mountain pass during the 1962 conflict. This year’s commemorations in Tuting, Arunachal Pradesh, showcased renewed efforts to celebrate the historic battle while engaging the younger generation through community events. Kepang La, a vital frontier pass in Upper Siang, witnessed fierce resistance when Indian defenders faced advancing troops during the 1962 war. Kepang La Day serves as a tribute to these gallant soldiers whose determination safeguarded the region despite overwhelming odds. The observance helps preserve the story of their bravery and keeps the memory alive for future generations. In the run-up to the main ceremony, the Indian Army’s Spear Corps organised an inaugural inter-school meet in Tuting. Students participated in activities aimed at deepening awareness of the pass’s historical importance. The initiative sought to build a sense of pride among local youth while promoting closer interaction between the Army and civilians.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Bhubaneswar to Host India’s First National Indoor Athletics Championships at Kalinga Stadium in January 2026: Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium will host India’s first-ever National Indoor Athletics Championships in January 2026, marking a new milestone in the country’s athletics history.The indoor meet will include events like the pole vault and heptathlon, aligning India’s athletics infrastructure with global indoor standards and preparing athletes for future international competitions.The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has planned nearly 40 events in its 2026 domestic season, aiming to enhance participation, exposure, and readiness for major tournaments such as the Commonwealth and Asian Games.

 

2. NADA Imposes Five-Year Ban on Hammer Thrower Manju Bala for Doping Violation: Incheon Asian Games bronze medallist Manju Bala has been banned for five years by the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) after testing positive for dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone and SARMS LGD-4033, both performance-enhancing substances.Her suspension period starts from July 10, 2024, and she will be barred from all AFI-sanctioned events, rankings, and national team selections during this time.The ADDP also announced several other bans, including Mohan Saini (4 years), Gopala Krishnan, Amit Kumar, Rajvardhan Sanjay Waskar (6 years each), and Sumit, Nitin Verma, Shivendra Pandey, and Himani Chandel, reinforcing NADA’s strict anti-doping stance in Indian sports.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. ISRO Successfully Conducts Main Parachute Qualification Test for Gaganyaan Mission at Jhansi: ISRO successfully completed the main parachute qualification test for the Gaganyaan mission at the Babina Field Firing Range (BFFR), Jhansi, as part of the ongoing Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Tests (IMAT).The test examined the step-by-step parachute deployment system, including reefing (partial opening) and disreefing (full opening), triggered through a pyro device to ensure reliable performance during crew module descent.Using an IAF IL-76 aircraft, ISRO dropped a 2.5 km altitude simulated crew-module mass, achieving a stable descent and soft landing — confirming the robustness and readiness of the parachute design for the Gaganyaan mission.

 

2. Goa Becomes India’s First State with 100% Cyber Fraud Response System: Goa has emerged as the first Indian state to deliver a complete response rate to cyber fraud calls, marking a major advancement in citizen-centric policing. The state’s cloud-based 1930 cyber fraud call centre has transformed accessibility, responsiveness, and service quality for complainants reporting online financial crimes. The cyber fraud call centre has received over 5,000 calls since launch, with 581 complaints officially registered. Officers also returned around 1,500 missed calls, ensuring that every attempted contact received attention. Officials describe this as an unprecedented achievement in India’s cyber security framework. Launched recently and operated round the clock by nine trained personnel, the new system automatically records caller details such as name, number, and call timing. The upgraded voice clarity and automatic voice recording mechanism allow for seamless communication and consistent documentation.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s GDP Likely to Grow 7.2% in Q2 FY26, Driven by Strong Private Consumption: Ind-Ra: India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra) has estimated India’s GDP to grow 7.2% in Q2 FY26, supported mainly by strong private consumption and robust performance in the services sector, compared to 5.6% growth in Q2 FY25.Private consumption is projected to rise 8% year-on-year, driven by low inflation, favourable base effects, and improving rural wages, marking a steady improvement from previous quarters.Investment demand is expected to grow 7.5% in Q2 FY26, with consistent government capital expenditure helping maintain economic momentum despite global uncertainties.