Daily GK Update- 9th Nov, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India and UK Unveil IN-UK-STP Dashboard to Deepen Bilateral Science & Technology Cooperation: Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Dr David Warren Smith, National Technology Adviser to the UK, jointly unveiled the pilot version of the India–United Kingdom Science and Technology Partnership (IN-UK-STP) Dashboard at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.The dashboard has been jointly developed by the Office of the PSA (India) and the British High Commission in India, reflecting the deepening science and technology collaboration between the two nations.It currently maps 143 bilateral projects jointly supported by Indian and UK stakeholders since 2018, highlighting details like funding value, implementing partners, and funding agencies.

 

2. Telangana Launches Artificial Intelligence Innovation Hub (TAIH) to Become a Global AI Leader by 2035: The Telangana government has launched the Telangana Artificial Intelligence Innovation Hub (TAIH) in Hyderabad, aimed at positioning the State among the top 20 global AI hubs by 2035 and serving as a center for AI-driven innovation, research, and collaboration across sectors.The State has established strategic partnerships with leading institutions like IIIT Hyderabad, BITS Pilani, ISB, NALSAR, IIT Hyderabad, and C-DAC, as well as global tech giants including Google, Microsoft, Infosys, and Amazon to strengthen AI innovation.

 

3. GRAP-3 and the Red Zone: Decoding Delhi’s Air Emergency: Delhi’s air quality slid into the ‘red zone’, with several neighbourhoods touching ‘severe’ levels even as the city’s 24-hour average AQI stood at 361 (‘very poor’). GRAP Stage 3 has not been invoked yet, citing comparatively better November air this year versus 2024 and ongoing coordinated controls. Central Pollution Control Board data placed Delhi as the second most polluted Indian city on the day, with hotspots including Wazirpur (420), Burari (418) and Vivek Vihar (411) logging ‘severe’ readings. Across NCR, Noida (354), Greater Noida (336) and Ghaziabad (339) remained ‘very poor’. Since Diwali, the capital’s AQI has oscillated between ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’, periodically spiking to ‘severe’. The early warning system expects air to stay ‘very poor’ for the next few days. Prolonged exposure at these levels aggravates respiratory and cardiac conditions, especially among children, the elderly and outdoor workers. Authorities advise limiting outdoor activity, masking in peak hours, and using indoor air purification where feasible.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UAE to Establish India House in Abu Dhabi: UAE plans to establish an India House in the capital in the next few years to promote cultural ties, art, student exchanges, and shared history.UAE aims to declare yoga as a competitive sport, reflecting its popularity among the four-million-strong Indian community.The second Joint Steering Committee Meeting of the India-UAE Cultural Council (October 8-9) focused on youth engagement, sports, education, tourism, archival collaboration, and arts/academic exchanges.

 

2. Maldives Becomes World’s First Country to Enforce Generational Tobacco Ban for Those Born After 2007: The Maldives has become the world’s first country to implement a generational tobacco ban, prohibiting the purchase, sale, or use of tobacco products for anyone born on or after January 1, 2007.Under the new law, individuals from the 2007 generation onward will never be legally allowed to buy or use tobacco in the country, marking a permanent generational restriction.This move follows the Maldives’ earlier ban in late 2024 on the import, manufacture, sale, and use of all vaping products, applicable to all age groups.The ban, which came into effect on November 1, 2025, has been hailed by the Ministry of Health as a historic step toward a tobacco-free generation and a major victory for public health protection.

 

3. Indian-Origin Ghazala Hashmi Becomes First Muslim and South Asian American Elected as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor: Ghazala Hashmi, an Indian-origin American politician, has been elected as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, becoming the first Muslim and South Asian American to hold this top political office in the state.The 61-year-old Democrat won with 1,465,634 votes (54.2%), defeating Republican John Reid, who received 1,232,242 votes, with 79% votes counted.

Elected on November 4, 2025, Hashmi was among 30+ Indian-American and South Asian candidates contesting in the 2025 U.S. elections, and she earlier served as the first Muslim and South Asian in the Virginia Senate.

 

4. Zohran Mamdani Makes History as New York City’s First Muslim and South Asian Mayor: Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic Socialist and former New York State Assembly member from Queens, created history by becoming New York City’s first Muslim and South Asian Mayor, and its youngest since 1917, after winning the election on November 4, 2025.His grassroots campaign, centered on affordability and equality, successfully challenged New York’s wealthy political elite, marking a shift toward people-powered politics.In his victory speech in Brooklyn, Mamdani quoted Jawaharlal Nehru’s “Tryst with Destiny” speech, symbolizing a new political era; he secured over 50% of votes, defeating Andrew Cuomo (40%) and Republican Curtis Sliwa (7%).

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. HAL Signs Deal with GE for Light Combat Aircrafts Mk1A Engines: In a major milestone for India’s aerospace sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a $1-billion (₹8,868 crore) contract with General Electric (GE), USA, for the supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines to power the next batch of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A. The agreement marks a decisive step toward enhancing India’s indigenous fighter production capacity under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The latest contract brings the total number of F404 engines ordered from GE to 212, including 99 engines previously contracted in 2021 for 83 aircraft. The new batch of 113 engines will support production for 97 aircraft, while 32 additional units will cater to testing and operational needs. HAL confirmed that deliveries under this deal will commence in 2027 and continue through 2032, matching the production cycle of the LCA Mk1A fleet.

 

2. US Test-Fires “Minuteman III” Intercontinental Ballistic Missile: The United States has successfully conducted a test launch of its Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, just days after President Donald Trump called for the resumption of America’s nuclear testing programme. The missile, unarmed during the trial, travelled approximately 7,500 kilometres before striking its designated target near the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands. The US Air Force clarified that the test, code-named GT 254, was planned months in advance as part of routine reliability assessments. According to Lt. Col. Karrie Wray, commander of the 576th Flight Test Squadron, the exercise was designed to “verify and validate the ICBM system’s ability to perform its critical mission.” Data collected from such launches ensure the continued accuracy and reliability of the US strategic deterrent. However, the timing of the test — following President Trump’s renewed call for nuclear readiness — has drawn global attention.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. OpenAI Launches ‘IndQA’ Benchmark to Test AI Models on Indian Languages and Cultural Understanding: OpenAI has launched IndQA, a benchmark evaluation designed to test AI models’ linguistic abilities and cultural understanding across 12 Indian languages and 10 domains, developed with inputs from 261 Indian experts, including journalists, linguists, artists, and scholars.The IndQA benchmark contains 2,278 culturally grounded questions spanning topics like architecture, arts, cuisine, history, religion, and sports, written in languages such as Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, Telugu, Punjabi, and Hinglish, each paired with English translations and expert-reviewed ideal answers.The initiative aims to bridge the gap in local benchmarks for Indic language models, promoting fairness and inclusivity in AI evaluation.

 

2. Ironwood: The AI Chip That Could Redefine Google’s Future: Google has officially unveiled “Ironwood”, its seventh-generation Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), now available to AI developers worldwide. Designed for training and running massive machine-learning models, Ironwood marks Google’s boldest move yet in the battle for AI infrastructure dominance—directly taking aim at Nvidia’s long-standing GPU supremacy. Initially previewed in April 2025, Ironwood represents a leap in Google’s custom silicon innovation. The chip delivers more than four times the performance of its predecessor and can interconnect up to “9,216 TPUs” in a single pod. This architecture allows for seamless parallel processing, virtually eliminating data bottlenecks and enabling developers to train and scale the world’s largest AI models with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

 

3. NASA’s ESCAPADE Twins to Probe How Mars Lost Its Air: NASA’s ESCAPADE mission is sending two identical small satellites—nicknamed Blue and Gold—to unravel how the solar wind stripped Mars of its once-thicker atmosphere. Launched aboard Blue Origin’s New Glenn, the low-cost, tandem spacecraft will build a dynamic 3D picture of the Red Planet’s magnetised environment and upper atmosphere, illuminating climate history and future human mission risks. ESCAPADE focuses on the interface where Mars’ patchy, crustal magnetic fields meet the solar wind. By tracking how charged particles erode atmospheric gases, the mission will quantify present-day atmospheric loss and help reconstruct how Mars moved from a wetter past to a cold desert. Continuous, simultaneous measurements from two craft will capture rapid changes that single probes often miss.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Scapia and Federal Bank Launch Add-on Credit Card Feature: Scapia and Federal Bank introduced an add-on credit card feature, enabling primary cardholders to share credit limits and travel benefits with up to 3 family members (18+), each having independent app access, OTPs, and transaction visibility.Both primary and add-on users can earn/redeem Scapia Coins, enjoy unlimited domestic lounge visits, and no forex fees after meeting spend criteria. The digital onboarding provides instant virtual cards and physical delivery within 5–7 days.The fintech also launched Scapia Store, India’s first travel-focused shopping platform, offering products from brands like Columbia, Daily Objects, Tripole, and Nasher Miles, with 20% back in Scapia Coins and plans to expand to 10,000+ products across 50 subcategories.

 

Daily GK Update- 8th Nov, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Inaugurates 150th Anniversary Celebrations of National Song “Vande Mataram” in New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the year-long commemoration of 150 years of India’s national song, “Vande Mataram,” in New Delhi and released a commemorative stamp and coin to mark the historic occasion.The celebrations will include mass singing of the full version of “Vande Mataram” across the country with public participation, honoring the song written by Bankimchandra Chatterji in 1875 as part of his novel Anandamath.

 

2. 7 November – Infant Protection Day: Infant Protection Day is observed every year on 7th November to raise awareness about the importance of protecting infants from preventable diseases, malnutrition, and early childhood mortality.The day emphasises the need for proper healthcare, immunisation, nutrition, and hygiene to ensure a healthy start for every newborn.In India, various government initiatives such as Mission Indradhanush, POSHAN Abhiyaan, and Janani Suraksha Yojana contribute significantly to improving infant health and protection.

 

3. 7 November – National Cancer Awareness Day: National Cancer Awareness Day is observed every year on 7th November in India to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.The day was first announced by the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in 2014, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Marie Curie, whose research on radioactivity led to significant advancements in cancer treatment.The main objective of this observance is to encourage people to undergo regular screenings and self-examinations for early diagnosis, as early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Ranks 3rd Globally with 65 Clean Energy Industrial Projects: India ranks 3rd globally with 65 clean energy industrial projects, following China and the US, covering sectors like chemicals, steel, cement, aluminium, and aviation.These projects are mainly concentrated in Odisha, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan, reflecting regional industrial participation in green transition.The data comes from a COP28-linked Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA) report, co-chaired by Sultan Al Jaber, Simon Stiell, and Michael R. Bloomberg, aimed at driving decarbonisation in heavy industries and transport, which account for one-third of global emissions.

 

2. India and UK Unveil IN-UK-STP Dashboard to Deepen Bilateral Science & Technology Cooperation: Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Dr David Warren Smith, National Technology Adviser to the UK, jointly unveiled the pilot version of the India–United Kingdom Science and Technology Partnership (IN-UK-STP) Dashboard at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.The dashboard has been jointly developed by the Office of the PSA (India) and the British High Commission in India, reflecting the deepening science and technology collaboration between the two nations.It currently maps 143 bilateral projects jointly supported by Indian and UK stakeholders since 2018, highlighting details like funding value, implementing partners, and funding agencies.

 

3. India to Host International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH 2025) at Bharat Mandapam: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will host the International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH 2025) on November 11–12, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, to promote collaboration and innovation under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).The conference will feature participation from key Union Ministers — Pralhad Joshi, Hardeep Singh Puri, and Jitendra Singh — along with global organisations like IRENA, Hydrogen Europe, and H2 Global Foundation to discuss infrastructure, financing, and technology localisation.MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi highlighted that ICGH 2025 aims to align efforts of government, industry, and research to accelerate India’s transition to clean, affordable, and domestically produced green hydrogen energy.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy to Commission ‘Ikshak’ — Indigenous Survey Vessel Strengthening Hydrographic Excellence and Maritime Safety: The Indian Navy is set to commission ‘Ikshak’, the third vessel of the Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class and the first to be based at the Southern Naval Command, in a ceremony at Naval Base, Kochi, in the presence of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata, Ikshak reflects India’s growing shipbuilding self-reliance, featuring over 80% indigenous content under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with contributions from Indian MSMEs.The name ‘Ikshak’, meaning ‘Guide’ in Sanskrit, symbolizes the ship’s mission of conducting coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys to enhance maritime safety and navigation accuracy across India’s waters.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Telangana Launches Artificial Intelligence Innovation Hub (TAIH) to Become a Global AI Leader by 2035: The Telangana government has launched the Telangana Artificial Intelligence Innovation Hub (TAIH) in Hyderabad, aimed at positioning the State among the top 20 global AI hubs by 2035 and serving as a center for AI-driven innovation, research, and collaboration across sectors.The State has established strategic partnerships with leading institutions like IIIT Hyderabad, BITS Pilani, ISB, NALSAR, IIT Hyderabad, and C-DAC, as well as global tech giants including Google, Microsoft, Infosys, and Amazon to strengthen AI innovation.

 

2. Google Launches ‘Project Suncatcher’ to Build Solar-Powered AI Data Centres in Space by 2027: Google has unveiled Project Suncatcher, a futuristic research initiative to launch AI chips into space using solar-powered satellites, aiming to scale AI data processing beyond Earth.The project addresses the environmental challenges posed by AI data centers on Earth, such as high water and electricity consumption, making space a sustainable alternative for AI computation.In collaboration with Planet, Google plans to launch prototype satellites by 2027, marking a major step toward space-based AI infrastructure.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI to Divest 6.3% Stake in SBI Funds Management via IPO: The State Bank of India (SBI) will divest 3.20 crore shares (6.30%) of its stake in SBI Funds Management Ltd (SBIFML) via an Initial Public Offering (IPO), alongside Amundi India Holding, which will sell 1.88 crore shares (3.70%), jointly offering 10.0013% equity to the public, expected to be completed in 2026.This IPO marks SBI’s third subsidiary to go public after SBI Cards and SBI Life Insurance.Established in 1987, SBIFML is India’s largest asset management company with a 15.55% market share, managing ₹11.99 trillion in QAAUM (Q2 FY2025-26) and ₹16.32 trillion in alternate assets as of September 30, 2025.

 

2. Scapia and Federal Bank Launch Add-on Credit Card Feature: Scapia and Federal Bank introduced an add-on credit card feature, enabling primary cardholders to share credit limits and travel benefits with up to 3 family members (18+), each having independent app access, OTPs, and transaction visibility.Both primary and add-on users can earn/redeem Scapia Coins, enjoy unlimited domestic lounge visits, and no forex fees after meeting spend criteria. The digital onboarding provides instant virtual cards and physical delivery within 5–7 days.The fintech also launched Scapia Store, India’s first travel-focused shopping platform, offering products from brands like Columbia, Daily Objects, Tripole, and Nasher Miles, with 20% back in Scapia Coins and plans to expand to 10,000+ products across 50 subcategories.

 

Daily GK Update- 7th Nov, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NITI Aayog Launches ‘Reimagining Agriculture’ Roadmap to Drive Frontier Tech-Led Transformation in Farming: NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub launched a roadmap titled “Reimagining Agriculture: A Roadmap for Frontier Technology Led Transformation” in Gandhinagar, outlining a vision to leverage advanced technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.The roadmap emphasizes frontier technologies such as climate-resilient seeds, digital twins, precision agriculture, and Agentic AI, offering tailored solutions by classifying farmers into Aspiring, Transitioning, and Advanced categories.Developed with partners like BCG, Google, and CII, the roadmap aims to boost agricultural resilience, inclusive rural prosperity, and strengthen India’s global competitiveness in agri-tech innovation, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

 

2. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy Launches Third Round (PLI 1.2) of Specialty Steel Incentive Scheme: Union Minister D. Kumaraswamy launched the third round (PLI 1.2) of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel, aiming to boost investment, employment, and production in India’s advanced steel sector.The scheme has already attracted ₹43,874 crore in committed investments, created 30,760 jobs, and is expected to produce 14.3 million tonnes of specialty steel across key categories.The third round focuses on new-age and high-end products like super alloys, CRGO, stainless steel long and flat products, titanium alloys, and coated steels, to make India a global hub for specialty steel under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.Incentives ranging from 4% to 15% of incremental sales will be provided for up to five years (FY 2025–26 to FY 2029–30), with revised base year 2024–25, covering 22 sub-categories across five target segments.

 

3. National Biodiversity Authority disburses Rs 3 crore to Red Sanders farmers in Andhra Pradesh: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) released Rs 3 crore to 198 farmers cultivating Red Sanders in Andhra Pradesh, along with an academic beneficiary from Andhra University, under the Access and Benefit-Sharing mechanism of the Biological Diversity Act.The disbursement was facilitated through the Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Board as part of NBA’s efforts to promote equitable benefit-sharing and sustainable use of India’s biological resources.The payment covers farmers from 48 villages across Chittoor, Nellore, Tirupati, and Cuddapah districts, who are cultivating and conserving Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus), a rare and endemic tree species of southern India.

 

4. Asirvad Microfinance Appoints Gerard Pasangha as Co-CEO: Asirvad Microfinance Ltd, a subsidiary of Manappuram Finance Limited, has appointed Gerard David Manoj Pasangha as its Co-Chief Executive Officer (Co-CEO) to lead the company’s growth and innovation strategies.Based in Valapad, Kerala, Pasangha will focus on expansion, operational excellence, and innovation in Asirvad’s financial products and services.With over 30 years of experience in financial services, he has previously held senior roles at IIFL Samasta, ING Life India, and Bharat Financial Inclusion Ltd, where he contributed significantly to digital transformation and inclusive finance.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Exports First Fortified Rice Kernel from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica: India exported its first Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) consignment from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica, marking a significant step in linking the country’s nutrition programme with global markets.This initiative aligns with the ‘Kuposhan Mukt Bharat’ programme under Poshan Abhiyan, connecting domestic nutrition improvement efforts with international trade and creating new opportunities for Chhattisgarh’s farmers and exporters.Fortified Rice Kernel is enriched with essential micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, highlighting India’s technical capabilities in food fortification and its contribution to global food security.

 

2. Amul bags ICA top cooperative ranking globally: Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF), marketing dairy products under the Amul brand, has been ranked as the world’s top cooperative based on GDP per capita performance by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) World Cooperative Monitor 2025.The recognition highlights Amul’s cooperative model that empowers millions of dairy farmers, promoting inclusive growth, social equity, and sustainable rural development across India.Along with Amul, India’s IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited) also ranks among the top cooperatives globally, demonstrating India’s resilience and leadership in the cooperative sector through sustainable practices, farmer empowerment, and technological innovation.The World Cooperative Monitor 2025 underscores that cooperatives like Amul and IFFCO drive equitable growth and resilience, showing that collective effort is a powerful tool for socio-economic transformation from local villages to the global stage.

 

3. India Withdraws from Ayni Airbase in Tajikistan, Ending Its Only Overseas Military Presence: India has fully withdrawn from the Ayni airbase in Tajikistan, ending its only overseas military presence after the lapse of a bilateral agreement for joint operation with Tajikistan around four years ago.The Congress termed the withdrawal a “setback” to India’s strategic diplomacy, with Jairam Ramesh noting that Ayni, established in the early 2000s, was crucial to New Delhi’s regional influence and strategic outreach in Central Asia.The Ayni base, located 10 km from Dushanbe, had been upgraded by India with enhanced runways, fuel depots, and air traffic control systems, and was last used in 2021 to evacuate Indians from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover.

 

4. COP30 Unveils ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap’ to Mobilize $1.3 Trillion Annually for Climate Action by 2035: The COP30 Presidency released the ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap to 1.3 Trillion’, a global plan to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to support developing nations in tackling climate change and transitioning to cleaner economies.The roadmap builds on the COP29 Baku agreement, urging all stakeholders — governments, banks, and businesses — to work together in directing large-scale, low-cost finance toward renewable energy, adaptation, and post-disaster rebuilding.The plan emphasizes affordable and accessible climate finance, calling for tripling of UN climate fund disbursements by 2030, lowering borrowing costs, and aligning multilateral banks, private investors, and concessional funds to achieve equitable and effective climate action.

 

5. 6 November – International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict: The United Nations observes November 6 every year as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict.The day highlights the impact of wars and armed conflicts on the environment, such as deforestation, pollution, and destruction of ecosystems.It was established by the UN General Assembly in 2001, acknowledging that environmental damage during conflicts can last for decades.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. 17th India-Israel Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation Held in Tel Aviv: The 17th India-Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation was held in Tel Aviv, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and Israeli DG Maj Gen (Res) Amir Baram.During the meeting, an MoU on Defence Cooperation was signed to provide a unified vision and strengthen defence collaboration between India and Israel.The MoU identifies key areas of cooperation including strategic dialogues, training, defence industrial collaboration, R&D, technological innovation, AI, and cybersecurity, enabling technology sharing, co-development, and co-production.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

2. Chandigarh Tops India’s Services-Driven Economy with 88.8% GVA Share;: Chandigarh recorded the highest share of services in Gross Value Added (GVA) at 88.8% in 2023–24, followed by Delhi (84.1%), according to NITI Aayog’s report “India’s Services Sector: Insights from GVA trends”.At the national level, the services sector contributed 54.5% to India’s GVA, showing a strong correlation between high per capita income and services orientation among states/UTs.Karnataka (62.3%), Kerala (61.5%), and Telangana (60.3%) lead among states, with real estate and professional services being major contributors; Bihar (58%) also shows a surprisingly high services share despite low income.Chhattisgarh (33.9%), Odisha (38.2%), and Madhya Pradesh (38.8%) have the lowest services share due to mining and industrial dominance, while NITI Aayog urges investment in digital infrastructure, skills, and e-governance to boost service-led growth.

 

3. DGCA Proposes 48-Hour Free Cancellation Window and Stricter Refund Rules to Protect Air Passengers’ Rights: The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has proposed allowing passengers to cancel or amend flight tickets within 48 hours of booking without extra charges, under new draft rules aimed at improving refund norms.Airlines will be responsible for ensuring refunds within 21 working days, even if tickets are booked through travel agents or online portals, as agents act as their official representatives.Under the proposal, airlines must also allow name corrections within 24 hours of booking (for direct bookings on airline websites) without additional fees, and provide a ‘Look-in option’ for 48 hours to modify or cancel tickets without penalties.The new draft rules also suggest refunds or credit shells for cancellations due to medical emergencies, and the DGCA has invited public feedback on the draft CAR till November 30, 2025.

 

4. Top IITs rank slip as universities from China, Singapore surge ahead: QS Asia Rankings 2026: Nine of the top 10 Indian institutions, including seven IITs, saw a decline in their ranks in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, as universities from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia outperformed them.IIT Delhi remained India’s top-ranked institution but fell to 59th place from 44th last year, marking its lowest rank in the past few years.IIT Bombay witnessed the sharpest drop, slipping 23 positions to rank 71 in 2026, after consistently being among India’s best-ranked institutes from 2021 to 2024.Chandigarh University was the only Indian university among the top 10 to improve its rank, rising to 109th from 120 last year.Indian institutions performed well in academic and employer reputation but lagged behind peers in citations per paper, faculty-student ratio, and internationalisation metrics like student and faculty diversity.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Sunil Kant Munjal Conferred France’s Knight of the National Order of Merit: Mr Sunil Kant Munjal, Chairman of Hero Enterprise and Founder of Serendipity Arts Foundation, was awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite (Knight of the National Order of Merit) by the Ambassador of France, recognising his contributions to civil society, education, innovation, and arts accessibility.Over the past decade, Mr. Munjal has fostered cross-cultural artistic dialogues through the Serendipity Arts Festival, transforming art into a participatory public experience and positioning the Foundation as a major cultural force in South Asia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily GK Update- 6th Nov, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Government Launches EPFO Employee Enrolment Scheme 2025 to Boost Social Security and Formalise Workforce: The EPFO Employee Enrolment Scheme 2025 was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, effective November 1, 2025, to encourage employers to voluntarily enrol employees previously left out of the EPF, boosting formal employment and social security coverage.Employees who joined between July 1, 2017, and October 31, 2025, and were not registered under EPF, can now enrol to gain provident fund savings, pension benefits under EPS, and insurance via EDLI, ensuring long-term financial security.Employers can rectify past non-compliance by paying only their EPF share plus a nominal penalty of ₹100, without being liable for employees who have already left, simplifying compliance and encouraging voluntary participation.The scheme formalises India’s workforce, enhances financial inclusion, supports retirement security, and aligns with potential EPFO wage ceiling expansion, strengthening trust, transparency, and social protection in the employment ecosystem.

 

2. Hyderabad to Get Regional IICT Campus; WAVES Animation Bazaar and IndiaJoy 2025 Showcase India’s Growing Creative Economy: The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) will establish a regional campus in Hyderabad to strengthen India’s gaming, animation, and digital entertainment industries, announced by Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.An MoU between IICT and T-Hub promotes startup incubation and innovation in the media and entertainment sector. The event also showcased WAVEX incubated startups and IPs from the Create in India Challenge Season 1, providing market access and exposure to young creators.The WAVES Animation Bazaar, a content marketplace linking creators with buyers and OTT platforms, was launched to monetize creative work and accelerate industry growth.The event also featured IFFI roundtables, multilingual film certification reforms, and collaboration with industry leaders to strengthen Indian cinema and digital entertainment.

 

3. Delhi Govt Launches ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’ for Free Bus Travel of Women and Transgender Individuals to Promote Safety and Inclusivity: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has launched the ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’, allowing free travel for women and transgender individuals (12 years & above) on all Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses.The scheme aims to promote public transport usage, enhance safety, and make daily commuting more affordable for women and transgender people, while also helping to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.Eligible passengers can register online through the Delhi Transport Department’s official portal or at designated DTC counters, after which they receive the Pink Saheli Smart Card for unlimited free rides.The initiative marks a progressive step toward gender equality, recognizing both women and transgender individuals in public policy and emphasizing women’s empowerment and inclusivity in Delhi’s transport system.

 

4. Nauradehi Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh to Become Third Home for Cheetahs: Nauradehi Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh will become the third home for cheetahs in the state after Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. Cheetahs will be brought from Namibia, Africa, and released here.Due to hunting and loss of habitat, the Asiatic cheetah became extinct in India in 1952.The Government of India launched Project Cheetah on September 17, 2022, under which African cheetahs from Namibia were reintroduced in Kuno National Park (2022) and later in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary (2024).Kuno now has 25 cheetahs, including nine adults (six females and one male) and 16 cubs born in the park. Nauradehi will now serve as the third site and will be the 25th wildlife sanctuary of Madhya Pradesh.

 

5. Gogabeel Lake in Bihar Declared India’s 94th Ramsar Site: Gogabeel Lake in Katihar district, Bihar, has been designated as a Ramsar site of international importance, becoming India’s 94th Ramsar site and Bihar’s 6th, after Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel.The oxbow-shaped wetland, located between the Ganga and Mahananda rivers, is Bihar’s first community reserve, managed and conserved by the local community, playing a vital role in flood control, water balance, and biodiversity conservation.With this addition, India ranks 1st in Asia and 3rd globally (after the UK – 176 and Mexico – 144 Ramsar sites), highlighting its growing commitment to wetland conservation under the 1971 Ramsar Convention.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Hurricane Melissa Becomes First-Ever Category 5 Storm to Strike Jamaica: Hurricane Melissa was a catastrophic Category 5 tropical cyclone that hit Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas in late October 2025, rapidly intensifying from a tropical storm to a major hurricane within just 39 hours.Making landfall in southern Jamaica on October 28 with winds of 185 mph (298 km/h), it became the first-ever Category 5 hurricane to strike Jamaica in the nation’s history, causing over $8 billion in damages and 50 confirmed deaths by October 31.The storm originated from an atmospheric disturbance near western Africa in mid-October 2025, and after being named “Melissa” by NOAA and the World Meteorological Organization, it slowly moved across the Caribbean, gaining power from warm ocean waters.

 

2. Sanjay Garg Assumes Charge as DG of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): Shri Sanjay Garg, IAS (1994 batch, Kerala cadre) has assumed charge as the Director General of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India.Prior to this, he served as Additional Secretary, DARE, and Secretary, ICAR, where he led major digital transformation initiatives in research management and scaled up the Kisan Sarathi portal to connect farmers directly with agricultural scientists.With extensive experience in World Bank projects, defence industry deregulation, and industrial promotion, Shri Garg will also serve as the President of India’s National Committee in IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Operation Chhatru: Kishtwar Encounter Underway: Security forces have launched a major anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district after receiving credible intelligence inputs about the presence of militants in the region. The encounter, taking place in the Chhatru area, is being jointly conducted by the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps and the Jammu and Kashmir Police. According to the Army’s White Knight Corps, the operation began in the early hours of Wednesday when troops established contact with suspected terrorists. A brief exchange of fire followed, confirming militant presence in the area. The Army said the operation is progressing cautiously to prevent collateral damage while ensuring that the terrorists are neutralised. Additional reinforcements have been deployed to seal possible escape routes in the mountainous terrain.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Tennis Legend Rohan Bopanna Retires After 20-Year Career: Rohan Bopanna, a two-time Grand Slam champion and one of India’s most celebrated tennis players, announced his retirement from professional tennis, ending a career spanning over two decades.The 45-year-old doubles specialist reached the world number one ranking in doubles in 2024, becoming the fourth Indian after Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza to achieve this milestone.

Bopanna won the 2024 Australian Open men’s doubles title with Matthew Ebden, becoming the oldest first-time world number one and the oldest Grand Slam men’s doubles champion in tennis history.

 

2. Avani Lekhara Shines with Gold at 2025 Para Shooting World Cup in Dubai: Avani Lekhara won the gold medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the 2025 Para Shooting World Cup held in Al Ain, Dubai, defeating Anna Besnon of Sweden to secure the top position.Thailand’s Wannipa Leungvilai claimed the bronze medal in the same event, while India also excelled in the Mixed 50m Pistol SH1 category, earning multiple medals.In the Mixed 50m Pistol SH1 Individual final, Akash won the gold medal with a score of 223.1, followed by Sandeep Kumar with silver, and along with Rudransh Khandelwal, the trio also secured team silver, finishing just behind Iran.

 

3. Kane Williamson Retires from T20 Internationals, to Continue in Tests and ODIs: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from T20 Internationals with immediate effect after a remarkable career spanning 93 matches and over 2,500 runs.Williamson, who made his T20I debut in 2011, led the Black Caps in 75 matches, guiding them to two semi-finals (2016, 2022) and a final appearance in 2021.While stepping away from T20Is, the New Zealand legend will continue to represent his country in Test and ODI cricket.

 

1. Indian Oil Mumbai Clinches 42nd Indian Oil Servo Surjit Hockey Trophy for Third Consecutive Year: Indian Oil Mumbai won the 42nd Indian Oil Servo Surjit Hockey Trophy for the third consecutive year and seventh time overall, defeating Indian Railways Delhi 2–1 in the final at Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar.The champions received a winner’s trophy and ₹5.51 lakh cash prize, while Indian Railways bagged the runner-up trophy with ₹2.50 lakh. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced ₹25 lakh for the Surjit Hockey Society.Talwinder Singh (Indian Oil) was named Best Player, and Olympian Harmanpreet Singh (Punjab Police) was awarded Best Scorer with a ₹51,000 cash prize.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. NISAR Satellite to Become Operational on November 7: ISRO: India and the United States are set to mark a historic milestone in space collaboration as the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite becomes operational on November 7. Announcing the development, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed that the joint Earth observation mission has completed all calibration processes and will officially begin operations following a conclave this week. NISAR represents the first major Earth observation mission jointly developed by NASA and ISRO. Weighing 2,400 kilograms, it was launched on July 30 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre aboard the GSLV rocket. The mission aims to enhance global climate monitoring and environmental mapping capabilities by providing detailed, repeatable, and accurate data on land and ice surface movements.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Centre Releases ₹444 Crore to Odisha’s Rural Local Bodies under 15th Finance Commission Grants: The Union Government has released over ₹444 crore to Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Odisha under the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants for the financial year 2025–26.

The release includes a second installment of ₹342.59 crore as Untied Grants for 20 Zilla Parishads, 296 Panchayat Samitis, and 6,734 Gram Panchayats across the state.Additionally, ₹101.78 crore, representing the withheld portion of the first installment, has been released for 20 Zilla Parishads, 233 Panchayat Samitis, and 649 Gram Panchayats.The Untied Grants can be used by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and RLBs for local developmental needs under the Eleventh Schedule, while Tied Grants are meant for sanitation, waste management, ODF maintenance, drinking water, and rainwater harvesting projects.

 

2. India Post Payments Bank & EPFO Join Hands to Offer Free Doorstep Digital Life Certificate Services for Pensioners: India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), a 100% Government-owned entity under the Department of Posts, signed an MoU with Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to provide doorstep Digital Life Certificate (DLC) services for pensioners under the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 (EPS-95).IPPB will use its network of 1.65 lakh Post Offices and 3 lakh+ postal service providers (Postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks), equipped with Doorstep Banking devices using Face Authentication and Fingerprint Biometric technology, to help pensioners submit DLCs from home. The entire cost of issuing the Digital Life Certificate will be borne by EPFO, ensuring that the service remains completely free for all EPFO pensioners.

 

Daily GK Update- 5th Nov, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s National Beekeeping & Honey Mission Drives ‘Sweet Revolution’: The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) is a Central Sector Scheme launched to promote scientific beekeeping and achieve the vision of a “Sweet Revolution” in India, ensuring the holistic growth of the beekeeping sector.The mission has a budget outlay of ₹500 crore and is being implemented by the National Bee Board (NBB) for the period FY 2020-21 to FY 2025-26, covering all major aspects of honey production and marketing.NBHM operates through three Mini Missions focused on productivity enhancement, post-harvest management, and research & technology development, promoting innovation and value addition in beekeeping.In FY 2023-24, India produced around 1.4 lakh MT of natural honey and exported 1.07 lakh MT worth USD 177.55 million, becoming the second-largest exporter of honey globally, aided by digital initiatives like the Madhukranti Portal for online registration and traceability.

 

2. PM Modi to Attend International Gita Festival and 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur in Kurukshetra on November 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the International Gita Festival and the state-level commemorative event for the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur on November 25 in Kurukshetra, Haryana.The 10th International Gita Mahotsav will feature spiritual seminars, global participation, cultural programmes, and a Maha Aarti at Brahma Sarovar. The main events will take place from November 24 to December 1, with Madhya Pradesh as the partner state.Since 2016, the festival has gained international recognition, with editions held in Mauritius, Britain, Canada, Sri Lanka, Australia, Indonesia, and Japan, aiming to connect the world with the eternal message of the Bhagavad Gita and India’s spiritual heritage.

 

3. Union Minister George Kurian Launches Fully Digital Marine Fisheries Census 2025 with VyAS Apps: Union Minister George Kurian launched the fully digital Marine Fisheries Census (MFC) 2025 in Kochi, marking a shift from traditional paper-based methods to a completely digital and geo-referenced enumeration process.Slogan – “Smart Census, Smarter Fisheries”The census will cover 1.2 million fisher households across 5,000 coastal villages in 13 States and UTs, including the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, over a 45-day period (3 Nov–18 Dec 2025).Custom Android apps—VyAS–NAV, VyAS–BHARAT, and VyAS–SUTRA—developed by ICAR–CMFRI, will power real-time data collection, supervision, and validation through a multi-tier dashboard and drone-assisted monitoring.The MFC–2025 aims to generate granular, evidence-based socio-economic data for precise government welfare planning, supporting schemes like PMMSY and PM-MKSSY, and promoting inclusive, climate-resilient coastal growth.

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Hands Over Multi-Ethnic Trilingual School in Polonnaruwa: A Multi-ethnic Trilingual School built with Indian grant assistance was inaugurated in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, jointly by Sri Lankan PM Dr Harini Amarasuriya and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha.Constructed under India’s High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) initiative, the school aims to promote inclusive and quality education in a multi-ethnic and multicultural environment.With a grant of over 320 million Sri Lankan rupees, the school will offer education in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, reflecting India–Sri Lanka’s deepening cooperation in education and development.

 

2. 4 November 2025 – Melbourne Cup Day: The Melbourne Cup Day is celebrated on the first Tuesday of November every year at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne — this year it is being celebrated on 4th November 2025.Started in 1861, the race covers a distance of 3,200 metres and is considered one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world.The Melbourne Cup is not only about racing but also about fashion, entertainment, and tradition, showcasing Australia’s rich sporting and cultural spirit.

 

3. 5 November – World Tsunami Awareness Day: World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed every year on 5th November to promote awareness about tsunami preparedness, early warning systems, and disaster risk reduction across the world.The United Nations established this day in December 2015, inspired by Japan’s “Inamura-no-hi” (Burning of the Rice Sheaves) story — a historical act of saving lives through early warning in 1854.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Vishvajit Sahay Assumes Charge as Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA): Vishvajit Sahay, a 1990-batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), assumed charge as the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA), bringing over three decades of experience in defence finance and public administration.An alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, he has served in several senior roles, including Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser in the Department of Science and Technology, and Joint Secretary in the Department of Heavy Industry.He has also represented India at international training forums, including Cambridge University (UK) and the George C. Marshall Center (Germany), reflecting his expertise in global defence finance and administration.

 

2. Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar Assumes Charge as 40th Chief of Materiel, Indian Navy: Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar, AVSM, VSM, has taken charge as the 40th Chief of Materiel of the Indian Navy, succeeding Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh.An alumnus of the 70th Course of the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned as an Electrical Officer in the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987, and has served in key roles across Naval Headquarters, Dockyards, and warships like INS Ranjit, Kirpan, and Akshay.Over a distinguished 38-year career, he has commanded the premier Electrical Training Base INS Valsura and made significant contributions to the Navy’s operational and technical capabilities.

 

3. Indian Navy to Lead Tri-Services Exercise “Trishul-2025” with Army and Air Force to Enhance Joint Operational Readiness: The Indian Navy will lead the Tri-Services Exercise (TSE-2025) “Trishul”, jointly conducted with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, starting in early November 2025, focusing on large-scale operations across the Rajasthan-Gujarat sectors and the North Arabian Sea.The exercise involves major formations including the Army Southern Command, Western Naval Command, and South Western Air Command, with participation from the Indian Coast Guard, Border Security Force (BSF), and other central agencies to enhance inter-agency coordination and joint operations.Exercise Trishul aims to validate joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Electronic Warfare (EW), and Cyber Warfare capabilities, strengthening multi-domain operational synergy and demonstrating India’s integrated defence preparedness.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. PM Modi Inaugurates Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, bringing together over 3,000 participants including Nobel Laureates, scientists, and innovators to discuss 11 key areas of emerging technologies.The Prime Minister launched the ₹1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund, aimed at promoting a private sector-driven R&D ecosystem. The scheme offers long-term, low or zero-interest loans and equity investments, with ₹20,000 crore allocated for FY 2025–26 from the Consolidated Fund of India.

 

2. ISRO Launches India’s Heaviest Naval Communication Satellite GSAT-7R Aboard LVM3 Rocket: ISRO successfully launched GSAT-7R, the Indian Navy’s most advanced communication satellite, using its most powerful launch vehicle LVM3 (M5 mission) from Sriharikota.GSAT-7R, weighing about 4,400 kg, is the heaviest indigenously built communication satellite launched from Indian soil and will enhance naval communication and maritime domain awareness.The mission showcased LVM3’s capability to launch 4-tonne-plus satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), marking a major step toward self-reliance in heavy satellite launches and supporting ISRO’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight program.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IEPFA and SEBI Organise ‘Niveshak Shivir’ in Amritsar to Empower Investors and Resolve Unclaimed Dividend Issues: The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, in collaboration with SEBI, organised a “Niveshak Shivir” in Amritsar to empower investors and address issues related to unclaimed dividends and shares.The one-day investor camp served as a single-window facilitation platform, enabling participants to resolve long-pending dividend and share claims, update KYC and nominations, and directly interact with officials without intermediaries.After successful events in Pune and Hyderabad, the Amritsar edition marked the third city to host the initiative, reinforcing IEPFA’s vision of creating a transparent and investor-centric financial ecosystem across India.During the event, IEPFA and SEBI also launched an explainer video by CDSL IPF titled “Understanding the Process of Claiming Unpaid Dividends through IEPFA”, benefitting hundreds of investors through on-the-spot guidance and resolution services.

 

2. SBI Launches ‘SBI STAR’ Awards to Honour Employee Excellence Beyond Professional Achievements: State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a new annual employee excellence award named ‘SBI STAR’ (Staff Talent Acknowledgement & Recognition) to honour employees’ achievements beyond professional roles, focusing on their talents in diverse fields.

The initiative aims to encourage holistic employee engagement and recognise exceptional contributions in Arts, Literature, Sports, Culture, Social Work, and Environmental initiatives, promoting organisational pride and well-being.The SBI STAR framework follows a fair and transparent selection process, allowing self-nomination by employees, evaluation at Circle or Vertical levels, and final selection by the Corporate Centre in Mumbai.

 

3. SBI Executes First Gold Trade as Special Category Client on India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX): SBI executed its first-ever gold trade as a Special Category Client (SCC) on the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX), marking a milestone in transforming India’s bullion import ecosystem with greater efficiency and transparency.The move strengthens MSME jewellers’ access to gold imports, promoting transparency, accessibility, and smoother transactions through IIBX’s advanced digital infrastructure.State Bank of India, which became the first Trading-cum-Clearing Member (TCM) at IIBX in 2024, aims to streamline bullion imports and reduce dependency on traditional methods, aligning with its focus on innovation and financial inclusion.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. CEC Gyanesh Kumar Honoured with Distinguished Alumni Award by IIT Kanpur on Its 66th Foundation Day: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Shri Gyanesh Kumar was honoured with the Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) by IIT Kanpur during the institute’s 66th Foundation Day celebration for his exceptional contributions to public service.The DAA, instituted in 1989, is IIT Kanpur’s highest recognition bestowed upon alumni for their outstanding professional achievements, service to the institute, and contributions to society and nation-building.Shri Gyanesh Kumar, who completed his B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Kanpur in 1985, joins the list of illustrious alumni recognized for excellence in academics, entrepreneurship, and national service.