Daily GK Update- 19th Nov, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Goa Police Becomes India’s First State Force to Achieve 100% Response Rate in Cyber Fraud Calls: Goa Police became the first state police force in India to achieve a 100% response rate to cyber fraud calls, handling over 5,000 calls and responding to 1,500+ missed calls through their new cloud-based 1930 call centre.The 24×7 system, operated by nine cyber police personnel, offers improved voice clarity, automatic call recording, real-time supervision, and detailed caller information, which has strengthened accessibility, accountability, and quality control.The upgraded system has reduced reporting time for cyber fraud, enabling faster police action and saving citizens’ money, while helping build strong trust between the public and the police amid rising cyber fraud losses in Goa.

 

2. India Signs First Long-Term US LPG Import Deal to Boost Energy Security and Diversify Supply Sources: India has finalised its first structured long-term LPG import contract with the United States, securing 2.2 MTPA of LPG from the US Gulf Coast for 2026—about 10% of India’s annual LPG imports.The agreement is benchmarked to Mont Belvieu, marking a major strategic shift as India diversifies away from traditional West Asian suppliers to strengthen energy security and reduce price-volatility risks.Despite LPG prices rising over 60% last year, the government ensured Ujjwala beneficiaries continued paying only ₹500–550 per cylinder, absorbing costs above ₹1,100, with a subsidy burden of ₹40,000+ crore.The deal is expected to boost India–US energy cooperation, enhance supply stability for Indian households, and support long-term energy diversification as LPG demand grows under the Ujjwala Yojana.

 

3. Sixteenth Finance Commission Submits 2026–31 Report to President: The Sixteenth Finance Commission (XVIFC), chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, submitted its report for the award period 2026-27 to 2030-31 to the President of India, followed by presentations to the Prime Minister and Union Finance Minister.Constituted under Article 280(1) of the Constitution, the Commission was mandated to recommend the distribution of net tax proceeds between the Union and States, inter-state allocation, grants-in-aid, and financing arrangements for Disaster Management.During its tenure, the XVIFC conducted wide-ranging consultations with the Union & State Governments, Local Bodies, previous Finance Commission members, academics, multilateral institutions and domain experts, while deeply analysing Union–State finances.The report is presented in two volumes—Volume I containing recommendations as per ToR and Volume II carrying annexures—and will be placed in the public domain once tabled in Parliament under Article 281.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ireland Named Official Country Partner for Hornbill Festival 2025: Ireland has been announced as the Official Country Partner for the Hornbill Festival 2025 in Nagaland, aiming to deepen Ireland–India cultural relations through music, art, literature, theatre, and public discussions.The Irish music ensemble ‘Boinn’, featuring members of the renowned band The Mary Wallopers, will perform at the festival’s opening, alongside multiple Irish cultural programmes including art installations, theatre workshops, and academic dialogues on shared colonial histories.

 

2. UAE Makes History with First-Ever Government Transaction Using Digital Dirham on mBridge Platform: The UAE completed its first-ever government financial transaction using the Digital Dirham, marking a historic step toward building a fully digital economy.The transaction was executed by the Ministry of Finance and Dubai Finance, in collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE, through the mBridge platform enabling instant and secure settlements using central bank digital currencies.As part of the Financial Infrastructure Transformation Programme, the Digital Dirham pilot aims to boost digital payment adoption and strengthen the UAE’s position as a global financial hub.

 

3. 18 – 24 November – World AMR Awareness Week: World AMR Awareness Week (18–24 November) aims to increase global understanding of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and promote best practices to reduce its spread.It encourages the responsible use of antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics in humans, animals, and agriculture.The week brings together governments, health institutions, and communities to promote the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

 

4. 18 November – World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence: World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence is observed annually on 18 November to raise global awareness about protecting children from sexual harm.The day highlights the urgent need for strong laws, safer environments, and preventive measures to safeguard children across the world.It promotes support, rehabilitation, and healing services for survivors to help them recover physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India-UK Joint Exercise ‘Ajeya Warrior-25’ Begins in Rajasthan with Focus on Counter-Terrorism Ops: The eighth edition of India–UK Joint Military Exercise ‘Ajeya Warrior-25’ commenced on 17 November 2025 at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan, and will continue until 30 November 2025.The 14-day bilateral exercise involves 120 troops each from the Indian Army (Sikh Regiment) and the British Army, totaling 240 personnel.Conducted under a United Nations mandate, the exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban environments, featuring joint mission planning, integrated tactical drills, simulation-based scenarios, and company-level field training to enhance interoperability and share best practices.

2. Indian Navy Unveils Crest of Mahe: The Indian Navy has unveiled the crest of Mahe, the first ship of the indigenously designed and built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft.The crest is inspired from the cultural and martial legacy of Kerala, depicting a flexible sword named Urumi which is associated with Kalarippayattu and is a symbol of Kerala’s martial heritage.

The crest symbolizes the confluence of country’s cultural heritage and technological prowess, marking another step in the Navy’s commitment to indigenisation, innovation, and Aatmanirbharta.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India’s First Native-Born Cheetah Mukhi Gives Birth to Five Cubs: India’s cheetah conservation effort has reached a defining moment with the birth of five cubs to Mukhi, the first female cheetah born in the country under the reintroduction initiative. The event at Kuno National Park confirms that a second generation of cheetahs is now successfully adapting to Indian ecological conditions. Mukhi, aged nearly three years, is the offspring of a Namibian female brought to India during the first phase of the cheetah translocation. Her successful breeding marks the first documented case of an India-born cheetah giving birth since the species vanished from the country more than seven decades ago. Officials at Kuno state that both Mukhi and her cubs are in good health and are being closely monitored by specialised wildlife teams. One of the primary aims of the reintroduction programme is the creation of a naturally breeding and genetically robust cheetah population. Mukhi’s litter directly advances this objective by demonstrating that the initial generation of relocated cats can not only survive but also produce healthy offspring capable of continuing the population line.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. EPFO Unveils First-Ever Modernised Digital Pavilion at IITF 2025 to Boost Tech-Driven Social Security Services: Union Labour Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated EPFO’s first-ever modernised digital pavilion at IITF 2025, showcasing the organisation’s shift toward a future-ready, technology-driven social security system.The pavilion highlights EPFO’s major digital upgrades, including a unified portal, simplified claims, real-time grievance redressal, paperless onboarding, Digital Life Certificates and services accessible to gig workers, rural workers and pensioners.Visitors can access on-spot EPF/EPS services, UAN generation, claim submissions, e-service demos, pension facilitation and interactive digital experiences, along with awareness counters on EPF, EPS, EDLI, PM-VBRY and the new Employees Enrolment Scheme 2025.

 

2. Adani Group Announces ₹63,000-Crore Investment in Assam for Major Thermal and Pumped-Storage Power Projects: Adani Group will invest ₹63,000 crore in Assam, including ₹48,000 crore for a 3,200 MW ultra-super-critical thermal power plant and ₹15,000 crore for two pumped-storage projects with a total capacity of 2,700 MW.The projects, set to be commissioned from December 2030, are expected to generate around 30,000 jobs during construction and significantly boost Assam’s energy security, grid stability and industrial growth.This marks the largest private-sector investment in the Northeast, aligning with Gautam Adani’s commitment to developing the region through advanced power infrastructure, renewable integration and long-term capacity expansion.

 

3. SBI to Discontinue mCASH Service from November 30: State Bank of India (SBI) will discontinue its mCASH service from November 30, ending the feature that enabled money transfers without beneficiary registration using just a mobile number or email ID.After the withdrawal, customers cannot send or claim money via mCASH links or the mCASH app, and all features such as quick small-value transfers through SMS/email links will stop.SBI has advised users to switch to secure digital payment methods like UPI, IMPS, NEFT, and RTGS, which provide safer and faster fund transfers.For quick daily payments, customers can use UPI through BHIM SBI Pay, while higher-value or scheduled transfers can continue through IMPS, NEFT, or RTGS on OnlineSBI or YONO.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Ambaji Marble from Gujarat Awarded GI Tag for Its Exceptional White Quality and Ancient Heritage: Ambaji marble from Gujarat’s sacred pilgrimage site has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognising its exceptional white quality, durability, and centuries-old heritage linked to the region’s unique geology.The GI tag, granted to the Ambaji Marbles Quarry and Factory Association, is expected to boost global branding, demand, and export potential, supporting local industries, artisans, and the historic marble sector of Banaskantha.Known for its purity and long-lasting shine, Ambaji marble has been used in ancient and modern temple architecture in India and abroad, with experts noting its remarkable durability compared to other famous stones like those used in the Taj Mahal.