NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India Post Unveils First Gen Z-Themed
Revamped Post Office at IIT Delh: India
Post inaugurated the first Gen Z-themed revamped Post Office at IIT
Delhi, marking a major step in its modernisation and youth-centric
transformation vision led by Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.The
Campus Post Office has been redesigned with student collaboration, featuring
modern aesthetics, Wi-Fi zones, creative graffiti, and artwork by the IIT Fine
Arts Society, along with smart services like QR-based parcel booking and Speed
Post student discounts.This initiative is part of a nationwide project to
revamp 46 Post Offices in educational campuses by 15 December, aiming to
enhance postal engagement for students and young citizens.
2. ISAM to Host 64th Annual Aerospace Medicine Conference
at IAM Bengaluru: The Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine
(ISAM) hosted its 64th annual conference at the Institute of Aerospace
Medicine (IAM), Bengaluru, inaugurated by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.Around 300
delegates, including DRDO and ISRO scientists, will participate, with major
orations like the Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee Memorial Oration and Air Vice
Marshal M. M. Srinagesh Memorial Oration.With the theme ‘Innovations in
Aerospace Medicine: Infinite Possibilities’, the conference will present
100+ scientific papers, focusing on advancements in aerospace medicine,
research, safety, and human factors in aviation and spaceflight.
3. PM Modi Releases 21st PM-Kisan Instalment: Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 21st instalment of PM
Kisan Samman Nidhi, disbursing ₹18,000 crore to over 9 crore farmers in
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.Under the scheme, eligible farmers receive ₹2,000 every
four months (₹6,000 annually) through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT); PM Modi
also inaugurated the South India Natural Farming Summit during the event.The
previous 20th instalment (released in August) benefited 9.8 crore farmers,
including 2.4 crore women, and so far over ₹3.9 lakh crore has been disbursed
across the first 20 instalments.
4. Government Expands PMFBY to Cover Wild Animal Attacks
and Paddy Inundation from Kharif 2026:
The Agriculture Ministry has expanded the Pradhan Mantri Fasal
Bima Yojana (PMFBY) coverage by officially recognising Wild Animal Attacks
and Paddy Inundation as eligible causes of crop loss, addressing long-standing
demands of several states.Wild Animal Attack is now included as the 5th Add-on
Cover under Localised Risk, with states required to list damaging species and
identify vulnerable districts based on past data; farmers must report losses
within 72 hours using the Crop Insurance App with geotagged photos.The updated
framework, aligned with PMFBY Operational Guidelines, will be implemented
nationwide from Kharif 2026, ensuring scientific, transparent and tech-enabled
claim settlements for sudden, severe, localised crop damage.The move will
significantly benefit farmers in wildlife-conflict-prone regions and
flood/coastal states, including Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Assam, Tamil
Nadu and Uttarakhand, making PMFBY more inclusive, farmer-friendly, and resilient.
5. JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar will take oath as CM of Bihar
for the 10th time: Nitish Kumar was sworn in
as Chief Minister of Bihar for a record 10th time on 20
November 2025, following the National Democratic Alliance’s landslide
victory in the state assembly elections.The swearing‑in ceremony was held at
the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna, attended by key national leaders,
including Narendra Modi and other senior Cabinet ministers of the NDA.The NDA’s
ally parties, BJP, JD(U), LJP(RV), HAM and RLM collectively achieved a massive
victory by securing 202 seats in the 243-member assembly, crossing the majority
mark.Nitish’s party won 85 seats, while the saffron party emerged as the
largest party with 89 seats. Among the other parties, LJP(RV) won 19 seats, HAM
won 5, and RLM won 4 seats.Since 1946, 23 individuals have served as Chief
Minister of Bihar. Nitish Kumar first served from 24 November 2005 – 20 May
2014, a total of 8 years, 177 days.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India Secures Fresh Term on Codex Executive Committee:
India was
unanimously re-elected to the
Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC) for the Asia
region until 2027, reinforcing its leadership in shaping global food
standards.Led by Rajit Punhani (CEO, FSSAI), India pushed for modernising Codex
processes, improved global databases, and the use of AI for translation and
documentation, while emphasising Asia-specific data in global standards.
India
contributed to major advancements, including adoption of standards for fresh
dates, progress on curry leaves, improved guidelines on pesticide residue
reference materials, and updates to reduce aflatoxin contamination.
2. Austria and Malta to Join Nagaland as Country Partners
for Hornbill Festival 2025: Austria and Malta will join Nagaland as new Country Partners for the Hornbill Festival 2025, alongside existing partners like
the UK, Ireland, and Switzerland.The partnerships were confirmed after Chief
Minister Neiphiu Rio met officials from both nations in New Delhi, including
Malta’s High Commissioner Reuben Gauci and Austria’s Deputy Head of Mission Dr.
Gisela Kristoferitsch.Malta expressed that the collaboration will enhance
people-to-people ties and future partnerships, while Austria plans to send
trade delegations to explore multi-sector opportunities.
3. 20 November 2025 – World Philosophy Day: World Philosophy Day is
observed every year on the third
Thursday of November, and in 2025, it falls on 20 November, highlighting the importance of philosophical
thinking in promoting peace and global understanding.The day was established by
UNESCO in 2002 to encourage critical thinking, reason-based dialogue, and
reflection on universal values such as justice, ethics, and human dignity.The
observance promotes the use of philosophy to address modern challenges, including
AI ethics, environmental responsibility, human rights, and fostering tolerance
in diverse societies.
4. 20 November – Africa Industrialisation Day: Africa Industrialisation Day is
observed annually on 20 November to
promote industrial development and economic diversification across African
nations.The day was established by the United Nations in 1989 to highlight the
importance of industrialization in Africa for poverty reduction, job creation,
and sustainable development.It encourages governments, private sectors, and
international partners to invest in manufacturing, technology, and innovation
to strengthen Africa’s industrial base.
5. 20 November – World Children’s Day: World Children’s Day is
celebrated annually on 20 November to
promote international togetherness, awareness of children’s rights, and
improving the welfare of children worldwide.Theme 2025 – My day, my rights and For every child, every right.The
day commemorates the adoption of the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child
in 1959 and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.It encourages
governments, organizations, and communities to focus on issues such as
education, health, protection, and overall well-being of children.
6. 21 November – World Television Day: World Television Day is
observed annually on 21st November,
as proclaimed by the United Nations to highlight the impact of television on
communication and global awareness.The day recognizes television as a powerful
tool for informing, educating, and shaping public opinion, especially during
global events and crises.It celebrates the medium’s role in promoting cultural
exchange, fostering dialogue, and supporting democratic participation across
societies.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Tejas Aircraft Crashes at Dubai Air Show: An Indian Air Force Tejas Light Combat Aircraft crashed during an aerial
display at the Dubai Air Show, resulting in the death of the pilot and marking
only the second recorded accident in the fighter’s 24-year history. The
incident, witnessed by thousands at one of the world’s largest aviation
exhibitions, has renewed focus on the aircraft’s capabilities, safety record
and development journey. The crash occurred at around 2.15 pm local time as the
LCA was performing aerobatic manoeuvres at low altitude. Eyewitness footage
showed the aircraft suddenly pitching downward before exploding on impact.
Emergency teams responded swiftly, but the pilot succumbed to injuries. The IAF
has ordered a court of inquiry to determine the cause. Initial accounts suggest
the jet failed to recover from a negative G-force turn. Such manoeuvres, part
of the aircraft’s certified aerobatic profile, can induce disorientation or
impair pilot control if recovery is delayed. Negative G creates a weightless
state as the aircraft accelerates downward, shifting blood flow and affecting
response time. Experts note that Tejas is capable of such manoeuvres, but
precision is critical during display routines.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Oscars 2026: Animation, Documentary and
International Films Announced: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has
released the full list of films eligible for the 98th Oscars across Best
Animated Feature, Best Documentary Feature and Best International Feature
categories. This year’s lineup features a diverse global mix, including major
streaming hits, animated blockbusters and acclaimed international titles.
Netflix’s global success “KPop Demon Hunters” headlines the list of 35 eligible
animated features. Its qualifying theatrical run in key US cities ensured
compliance with Academy rules. Other major entries include Disney’s “Elio” and
“Zootopia 2,” Neon’s “Arco,” GKids’ “Little Amelie or the Character of
Rain,” Japan’s “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle,” and
India’s high-grossing “Mahavatar Narsimha.” Notably, China’s “Ne Zha 2” is absent from the list.
2. India Records 0.9°C Temperature Rise in
Past Decade: A new
multi-institutional climate study reports that India’s average temperature rose
by nearly 0.9°C between 2015 and 2024. The findings highlight a sharp increase
in warm days and a surge in regionally varied extreme weather events,
underscoring the urgency for climate adaptation strategies nationwide. The
study notes that the hottest day of the year has warmed by 1.5–2°C in western
and northeast India since the 1950s. Researchers observe clear escalation in
heatwaves, with warm days increasing by 5–10 days per decade. Mountain regions,
coastal belts and plains each show distinct climate stress patterns, driven by
rising temperatures and altered rainfall behaviour. The Hindukush Himalayas are
experiencing accelerated warming and glacier retreat, while the Indo-Gangetic
plains report heightened heat stress and declining monsoon-season rainfall.
Northwest and western India show an increase in warm days, warm nights and
extreme rainfall. Coastal zones, particularly the western coast, face rising
sea levels and more severe tropical cyclones.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. HDFC Bank Becomes India’s Most Valuable Brand Again,
Overtaking TCS in 2025: HDFC Bank reclaimed the title of
India’s most valuable brand in the 2025 Kantar BrandZ Report, with
a brand value of $44.9 billion, surpassing TCS.The bank’s brand value has
surged 377% since 2014, driven by strong financial performance and innovative
brand assets like “Vigil Aunty” and the 30-minute digital auto loan post its merger
with HDFC Ltd.India’s top 100 brands are together valued at $523.5 billion (13%
of GDP), with 34 brands growing and 18 newcomers, including UltraTech Cement
debuting at 7th place with $14.5 billion valuation.Tata Group’s Westside and
Zudio also made their first entry, while Zomato emerged as the
fastest-rising brand, nearly doubling its value to $6 billion Major
climbers in the “experience economy” include Taj Hotels, IndiGo, MakeMyTrip,
and Mahindra & Mahindra, showing rising consumer demand for travel, experiences,
and lifestyle services.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Michelle Bachelet Honoured with Indira Gandhi Peace
Prize by Sonia Gandhi: Former Chilean President Michelle
Bachelet received the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament
and Development, presented by Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi.Senior leaders,
including Mallikarjun Kharge and jury chairman Shiv Shankar Menon, attended the
event.Bachelet was praised for her lifelong contributions to human rights,
gender equality, and inclusive development, along with her global roles as
first Executive Director of UN Women and UN Human Rights Chief.
2. TVS Motor Chairman Emeritus Venu Srinivasan Honoured with Prestigious CII Quality Ratna Award: Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor Company, has been honoured with the CII Quality Ratna Award, one of India’s highest industrial recognitions for leadership in quality excellence.The award was presented at the 33rd CII Excellence Summit in Kolkata, which brought together 1,000+ industry leaders focused on boosting India’s manufacturing share from 3% to 25% globally and generating 100 million jobs.The CII Quality Ratna Award, jointly presented by CII and EXIM Bank, recognises exceptional contributions to India’s quality movement; in 2024, it was awarded to B. Muthuraman, Padma Bhushan and former Vice Chairman of Tata Steel.
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