Daily GK Update- 26th Nov, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UP Retains Top Spot in GI-Tagged Goods with Mathura Zari Poshak and Meerut Bugle: Uttar Pradesh added Mathura zari poshak and Meerut bugle to its list of Geographical Indication (GI) tagged goods, maintaining its lead in India with 79 GI-tagged products, ahead of Tamil Nadu (69).

The zari attire of Mathura, associated with Lord Shri Krishna, represents centuries of traditional craftsmanship. Thousands of artisans, including women, continue this embroidery tradition.The bugle of Meerut, a historical symbol of India’s independence struggle, played a key role in the 1857 revolution and continues to be used in the army, police, and schools. Meerut is globally known for manufacturing bugles, trumpets, and drums.

 

2. Karnataka Minister N S Boseraju unveiled the concept of “Quantum City” at Hesaraghatta: Under the Karnataka Quantum Mission, the state has announced a Rs 1,000 crore investment to build a strong quantum ecosystem, including Quantum Hardware Park, cryogenic testing, quantum cloud clusters, and deep-tech startup zones.The state approved Rs 1,136 crore for establishing the Quantum Supremacy Centre in Bengaluru, supporting quantum chip fabrication and enabling the export of quantum hardware, cloud services, and skilled human resources worldwide.Quantum City will provide end-to-end services from research to commercialisation and has attracted international interest, including plans for the Swiss-Karnataka Quantum Collaboration Centre.

 

3. Pralhad Joshi Inaugurates Pellet Plant, Lays Foundation for K2 Bio Ethanol Project in Haryana’s Rewari: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi inaugurated a pellet plant and laid the foundation of the K2 Bio Ethanol plant in Rewari, Haryana, aiming to boost clean energy production from agricultural residue.The pellet plant will produce 240 tonnes of biomass pellets per day from stubble, supporting India’s E20 Mission and Net Zero 2070 goals, while converting crop waste into ethanol, pellets, and rural employment opportunities.Under the government’s new policy, biomass and MSW co-firing is mandatory for all thermal plants, helping reduce pollution, generate farmer income, and promote the use of agricultural residues like paddy straw, mustard straw, and cotton stalks for clean energy.

 

4. Chitra Talwar to Become Part-Time Chairperson of Jana Small Finance Bank: Mr Ramaseshan, the current Part-Time Chairperson of Jana Small Finance Bank, will retire on 07 February 2026 after completing the maximum permissible tenure of eight years. Mrs. Chitra Talwar will take over as the new Part-Time Chairperson from 08 February 2026 to 30 January 2028.Chitra Talwar, associated with the bank since January 2020 as an Independent Director, brings over 30 years of corporate experience from companies like Britannia and PepsiCo, having worked extensively in India and global markets including New York.

 

5. PM to Unveil Asia’s Tallest Lord Ram Statue in Goa: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Canacona, Goa, to unveil a 77-feet bronze statue of Lord Ram, recognised as the tallest such statue in Asia. The event will take place at the historic Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Mutt as part of its 550-year celebrations, alongside the release of a commemorative postal stamp and coin. The Partagali Mutt is among India’s oldest monastic institutions, known for its spiritual, cultural, and social contributions. It holds a prominent place in the Saraswat and wider Hindu community. The new bronze statue, crafted by renowned sculptor Ram Sutar, aims to highlight the legacy of Lord Ram and strengthen the site’s identity as a pilgrimage destination. The Sardha Panchashatamahotsava will run for 11 days, from November 27 to December 7. The celebrations include religious discourses, cultural programmes, community outreach events, and visits by leaders of several prominent maths. A formal Sneha Patra has been extended to key spiritual heads to mark the historic occasion.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CBSE’s First International Sahodaya Conference in Dubai: The first International and 31st Annual Conference of Sahodaya School Complexes began at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, marking CBSE’s first major global expansion and bringing together over 1,000 school leaders and educators from worldwide CBSE-affiliated institutions.The two-day event, themed “Rooted in Wisdom, Rising with Vision: Reimagining Education through NEP 2020”, focuses on collaborative learning, holistic education, innovation in teaching, and implementation of NEP 2020 across diverse educational contexts.CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh announced the introduction of standard and advanced level subjects from Class 9 onwards starting 2026-27 and unveiled the CBSE Global Curriculum 26, aiming to blend international standards with Indian values.

 

2. Shivraj Singh Chouhan Opens 6th International Agronomy Congress in New Delhi: Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the promotion of integrated farming, especially for marginal farmers, and urged agro scientists to prepare a five-year integrated farming plan at the Sixth International Agronomy Congress in New Delhi.He highlighted that 46% of India’s population still depends on agriculture, stressing the need for strong research, data-driven approaches, and crop diversification to strengthen the farming sector.The three-day International Agronomy Congress will include plenary sessions, thematic symposia, keynote lectures, poster presentations, and a Young Scientists’ Conference under the theme “Re-envisioning Agronomy for Smart Agro-Food Systems and Environmental Protection.”

 

3. Oman Unveils Official Rial Symbol to Strengthen Global Financial Identity: The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) unveiled an official symbol for the Omani Rial, aiming to standardise its representation across financial, commercial, and digital platforms while enhancing its global recognition.The symbol reflects Oman’s cultural heritage and economic maturity, linking the nation’s historic trade legacy with modern financial ambitions and signaling stability to international investors.The move aligns with Oman Vision 2040, promoting innovation, modernization, and global financial competitiveness while ensuring clarity and consistency in the Rial’s use across banking systems and economic communications.

 

4. Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi Volcano Erupts After 12,000 Years: Ethiopia’s long-dormant Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted after nearly 12,000 years, sending massive ash plumes across the Red Sea toward Yemen, Oman, India, and Pakistan, and covering nearby Afdera village in ash.Scientists called the eruption highly unusual and understudied, noting magma movement, ground uplift, satellite indicators, and earlier activity from nearby Erta Ale as warning signs, with ash clouds rising up to 14 km into the atmosphere.

 

5. 25 November – International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: The day is observed annually on 25 November to raise global awareness about the violence faced by women and girls.It marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a worldwide campaign ending on 10 December (Human Rights Day).The United Nations urges governments, organizations, and citizens to work together to prevent, report, and end violence in all forms.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sarayu Velpula Becomes India’s 26th Woman Grandmaster: Sarayu Velpula from Warangal, Telangana, became India’s 26th Woman Grandmaster (WGM) after earning her final norm at the First League of Central Serbia 2025, completing a remarkable rise in international chess.She achieved a historic breakthrough at the 2023 Pontevedra Masters, earning WIM, WGM, and IM norms in a single tournament, followed by her second WGM norm at the Paris IdF Masters 2025 before securing the final one in Serbia.

 

2. India Wins Second Consecutive Women’s Kabaddi World Cup After Defeating Chinese Taipei: India clinched its second consecutive Women’s Kabaddi World Cup, defeating Chinese Taipei 35–28 in the final in Dhaka after an unbeaten run through the group stage and a strong 33–21 semifinal win over Iran.Chinese Taipei also entered the final unbeaten, topping Group B and defeating hosts Bangladesh 25–18 in the semifinals, while 11 countries participated in the tournament.

 

3. South Africa Set World Record With 408-Run Win Over India in Guwahati: South Africa registered a historic 408-run victory against India in the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, becoming the first team ever to defeat India by a margin exceeding 400 runs. The emphatic result sealed a 2–0 series sweep and marked one of the most decisive outcomes in Test cricket in recent years. Chasing a formidable 549-run target, India collapsed for 140 on the final day. The result handed India their largest defeat by runs in Test history, surpassing Australia’s previous 342-run record win in Nagpur. The result also marked India’s second consecutive home series whitewash within a year, underlining a period of steep decline in their otherwise dominant home record. Before this downturn, India had suffered only two home series defeats between 2000 and their loss to New Zealand last year. Their back-to-back defeats now mirror setbacks last seen in 1883 and 1984–85. The latest sweep adds to earlier 0–2 and 0–3 home losses against South Africa in 2000 and New Zealand last year.

 

4. Rohit Sharma Reclaims No.1 Spot in ICC ODI Batting Rankings: Rohit Sharma has regained the top position in the ICC ODI batting rankings ahead of India’s ODI series against South Africa. His rise back to No.1 marks a strong return to form and places him above New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, who had briefly overtaken him. The latest rankings also see Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill secure prominent positions as India prepares for a crucial international assignment. Rohit’s resurgence reinforces India’s depth in the 50-over format. Kohli has retained fifth place, maintaining his consistent standing among the world’s leading ODI batters, while Shubman Gill remains at fourth, continuing his reputation as one of the most reliable young performers in the format. Their combined presence strengthens India’s prospects in the upcoming series. Significant updates have emerged across other formats as well. Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza has reached the No.1 T20I all-rounder position for the first time, powered by steady performances in the ongoing tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Pakistan. His recent contribution with both bat and ball has elevated him above Pakistan’s Saim Ayub.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Indian Scientists Develop AI Framework for Personalised Cancer Therapy: Indian researchers have unveiled a new artificial intelligence framework capable of transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment by analysing the disease at its molecular level. Developed at the S N Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences in collaboration with Ashoka University, the tool offers a pathway to highly personalised cancer therapies. The framework, named OncoMark, shifts focus from traditional cancer staging to the underlying biological programmes that drive tumour growth. These programmes, known as the hallmarks of cancer, determine how cells become malignant, spread through the body, evade immune responses and resist treatment. By decoding these mechanisms, the system provides deeper insight into why patients with similar stages may experience vastly different outcomes. Researchers examined 3.1 million single cells spanning 14 cancer types. They generated synthetic “pseudo-biopsies” to map hallmark-driven tumour states, allowing the AI model to understand how processes such as metastasis, immune escape and genomic instability interact. This dataset formed the foundation for training OncoMark to recognise distinct molecular patterns across cancers.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Easebuzz Gets RBI Nod to Operate as Full-Service Payment Aggregator: Fintech firm Easebuzz has been authorised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a full-service payment aggregator (PA), enabling services across online, offline, and cross-border payments.With the approval, Easebuzz can now offer merchants online payment acceptance, in-person payments via PoS and UPI soundbox, and cross-border inward/outward transactions, supporting over 2.5 lakh merchants and processing 3 million transactions daily.The company reported revenue of Rs 656 crore and net profit of Rs 19 crore in FY2024-25, with an annualised Gross Transaction Value (GTV) exceeding $50 billion, reflecting RBI’s support in promoting secure, scalable, and innovative payment solutions in India.

 

2. Government Appoints New Executive Directors at Union Bank, Central Bank of India, and Bank of India: The government appointed new Executive Directors (EDs) at Union Bank of India, Central Bank of India, and Bank of India for a three-year term, as per a notification dated 24 November 2025.Amresh Prasad, former Chief General Manager at PNB, is now ED of Union Bank of India, bringing 32+ years of experience in corporate credit, review & monitoring, and branch/zonal/head office operations.Ratan Kumar has been appointed ED of Central Bank of India, and Pramod Kumar Dwibedi has taken charge as ED of Bank of India, both with over 30–35 years of diverse banking experience across core operations, IT, and administrative roles.

Daily GK Update- 25th Nov, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Justice Surya Kant to Take Oath as 53rd Chief Justice of India: Justice Surya Kant assumed office as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice Bhushan R. Gavai, with President Droupadi Murmu administering the oath for his 14-month tenure.Born in Haryana in 1962, he began his legal career in 1984, became Haryana’s youngest Advocate General in 2000, served as Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court, and was elevated to the Supreme Court in May 2019.As CJI, his priorities include reducing pendency in Supreme Court and lower courts, promoting alternative dispute resolution, encouraging community mediation, and constituting Constitution Benches of 5, 7, and 9 judges for long-pending matters.India’s courts face a backlog of 5.29 crore pending cases, with 4.65 crore in district/subordinate courts, 63.3 lakh in High Courts, and 86,742 in the Supreme Court, emphasizing the need for judicial efficiency.

 

2. Sandip Pradhan Appointed as Whole-Time Member of SEBI: The government has appointed Sandip Pradhan, Director General of Income Tax (Investigation), Pune, as a Whole-Time Member of SEBI for a three-year terWith this appointment, SEBI’s Whole-Time Members include Amarjeet Singh, Kamlesh Chandra Varshney, and now Sandip Pradhan, as per the Ministry of Finance notification.The appointment was made under the provisions of the SEBI Act, 1992, and relevant service rules, and will be effective from the date he assumes charge or until further orders.

 

3. Centre Announces Major Secretary-Level Reshuffle Across Key Ministries: The Centre executed a major secretary-level reshuffle, appointing Neeraj Mittal (IAS, 1992 batch) as the new Petroleum & Natural Gas Secretary, replacing Pankaj Jain, who has moved to the Eighth Central Pay Commission.Amit Agrawal, Pharmaceuticals Secretary, has been shifted as the new Telecommunications Secretary, while Manoj Joshi (Land Resources Secretary) will now serve as Pharmaceuticals Secretary.Tourism Secretary Vidyavathi has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and senior IAS officer Srivatsa Krishna will take charge as the new Tourism Secretary.Atish Chandra has been appointed OSD in Agriculture, set to take over as Agriculture Secretary in 2026, while Anju Rathi Rana becomes Member Secretary of the 23rd Law Commission, and Rajiv Mani’s tenure as Legislative Secretary has been extended till July 31, 2028 with additional charge of Legal Affairs.

 

4. 24 November – Lachit Divas: Lachit Divas, celebrated on November 24, honours the birth anniversary of Lachit Borphukan, a revered Assamese military leader.Lachit Borphukan is celebrated for his fearless leadership in the Battle of Saraighat (1671), where the Assamese army achieved a historic victory over the Mughals.The day serves as a reminder of Assamese pride, valor, and the importance of regional heritage, inspiring current and future generations with his legacy.

 

5. Dharmendra Dies at 89: Veteran actor and Padma Bhushan (2012) awardee Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 in Mumbai, leaving behind a six-decade-long legacy with over 300 films, including classics like Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar, and Chupke Chupke.Fondly known as Bollywood’s He-Man, he was praised by filmmakers and political leaders alike for his charismatic presence, versatile performances, and kind-hearted nature.Born in 1935 in Ludhiana, Dharmendra also served as a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from 2004–2009.Dharmendra’s notable awards include the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1997) and the National Film Award for Best Popular Film for Ghayal (1990). He has also received lifetime achievement awards from the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) (2007) and Zee Cine Awards (2005).

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Samsung and UN GCNI Launch ‘DigiArivu’ to Boost Digital and STEM Education in Tamil Nadu: Samsung and United Nations Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI) launched ‘DigiArivu’, an education programme to strengthen digital and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education in Tamil Nadu.The initiative will upgrade school infrastructure, enable STEM and digital learning, train teachers, and support student development in 10 government schools across Kancheepuram and Ranipet districts.The programme is designed using UN GCNI research, inputs from Samsung employees in Sriperumbudur, and feedback from local community members and state government schools.

 

2. MeitY Launches CSIC 1.0 to Boost Indigenous Cybersecurity Innovation and Student Participation: MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan launched the Cyber Security Innovation Challenge (CSIC) 1.0 in New Delhi to expose students to real-world cybersecurity threats and boost India’s cyber resilience.CSIC 1.0 aims to promote indigenous, research-driven cybersecurity solutions by encouraging participation and innovation from India’s academic ecosystem under the Information Security Education and Awareness Project.

 

3. China Builds World’s First Nuclear-Blast-Resistant Floating Island: China is building the world’s first artificial floating island — a 78,000-tonne semi-submersible, twin-hull platform capable of surviving nuclear blasts and sustaining 238 people for four months without resupply.The structure, comparable in size to the Fujian aircraft carrier, is officially named the Deep-Sea All-Weather Resident Floating Research Facility and is expected to become operational by 2028.The island, developed after a decade of research, measures 138m × 85m, with its main deck 45m above the waterline, serving as China’s advanced “far-sea floating Mobile Island.”

 

4. India Becomes World’s 3rd-Largest and Fastest-Growing Quick Commerce Market: India has become the world’s 3rd-largest quick commerce (qcom) market, behind only China and the US, and is projected to be the fastest-growing among the top three with a 15.5% CAGR (2025–2030).

India received $6.8 billion in qcom funding over the past decade — higher than Germany, the UK, and Türkiye — and its revenues are expected to double from $5.38 billion (2025) to $11.08 billion (2030).India’s user base is projected to reach 65 million qcom consumers, giving it a 7% global share, while China and the US together continue to dominate with over 78% of global revenues.

Major Indian players like Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart, Flipkart Minutes, and BigBasket have expanded to 70–100+ cities, operating 4,600+ dark stores and serving around 20 million active shoppers.

 

5. 24 November – World Conjoined Twins Day: World Conjoined Twins Day is observed on 24 November to raise global awareness about conjoined twins and the medical, social, and emotional challenges they face.The day highlights the importance of advanced surgical care, early diagnosis, and improved support systems for families of conjoined twins.The observance aims to promote compassion, inclusion, and understanding, ensuring conjoined twins receive equal opportunities and dignified healthcare.

 

6. Larry Page Becomes World’s Second-Richest Person: Google co-founder Larry Page has climbed to the position of the world’s second-richest individual, driven by a powerful surge in Alphabet’s market value amid a global rally in artificial intelligence. His net worth now stands at $255 billion, according to the Forbes Real Time Billionaires List. Shares of Alphabet have risen more than 83 per cent in six months and nearly 88 per cent over the past year, closing recently at $318.5 apiece. The company’s valuation has reached approximately $3.82 trillion, placing it within reach of the $4 trillion benchmark. Analysts attribute this momentum to strong quarterly performance and positive reception of Google’s Gemini 3 AI model. Page’s wealth has expanded dramatically over the past two years. From $114 billion in 2024, his fortune jumped to $144 billion earlier this year and has now surged to $255 billion. A single-day rise of nearly 6 per cent contributed to this milestone, reflecting investor enthusiasm for Alphabet’s accelerating AI strategy.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. BEL & Safran Sign JV to manufacture HAMMER Precision Weapon in India: Bharat Electronics Limited and Safran Electronics and Defence of France signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement in New Delhi, for the production of Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) Smart Precision Guided Air-to-Ground Weapon.The partnership will localise manufacturing, supply, and maintenance for the Indian Air Force and Navy, with indigenisation progressively increasing to 60%. Production transfer will occur in phases, with BEL handling final assembly, testing, and quality assurance of the combat-proven HAMMER system used on platforms like Rafale and LCA Tejas.

 

2. China Launches Shenzhou 22 in Emergency Rescue Mission: China has carried out an emergency spaceflight by launching the unmanned Shenzhou 22 spacecraft to ensure a safe return route for astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. The mission was activated after a damaged re-entry vehicle left the current crew temporarily without a way back to Earth. A Long March 2F rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Gansu province at 12:11 p.m. on 25 November. The China Manned Space Agency confirmed that Shenzhou 22 successfully entered its planned orbit. The spacecraft is now docked with Tiangong, securing an evacuation route for the crew stationed there since 1 November. The emergency deployment followed an earlier setback when the Shenzhou 20 return capsule suffered a cracked window, believed to have been caused by space debris. That damage forced a nine-day delay in the astronauts’ return to Earth. They were ultimately brought home aboard Shenzhou 21, which had arrived to deliver the replacement crew, leaving the new occupants without an immediate escape vehicle.

 

3. India-France Defence Deal to Produce HAMMER Smart Weapons in India: India and France have advanced their defence partnership with a new agreement to co-produce the HAMMER air-to-ground precision weapon system in India. The move strengthens New Delhi’s strategy of boosting domestic capability in high-technology armaments while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. Bharat Electronics Limited and Safran Electronics & Defence have signed a pact to manufacture the HAMMER weapon system in India. The collaboration focuses on localisation of production, supply chains and long-term maintenance support. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the system will be adapted for different mission profiles and operated from multiple fighter platforms. The HAMMER system will be integrated with India’s Rafale fighters as well as the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft. Designed to provide stand-off capability, the weapon allows precision strike on fortified targets while keeping the aircraft outside hostile air-defence envelopes. Its modular design enables flexible deployment, making it suitable for varied combat scenarios.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Jammie Booker Wins World’s Strongest Woman Competition 2025: The 2025 World’s Strongest Woman competition in Texas triggered a major debate after American athlete Jammie Booker won the title. Many athletes and spectators claimed the winner was a biological male, sparking concerns about fairness in women’s strength sports. Runner-up Andrea Thompson’s reaction on the podium intensified the discussion and pushed the issue into global headlines. Andrea Thompson’s visible displeasure, captured as she stepped down from the podium, became the defining moment of the event. Her three-word muttered remark signalled frustration, and within hours strongwoman athletes and coaches publicly questioned the fairness of the competition. Many stated that women’s divisions must be reserved for individuals born female. Three-time champion Rebecca Roberts said she and several others were not aware of Jammie Booker’s background. She emphasised that strength events rely on transparent rules and insisted that changes should not be made without notifying athletes. Thompson liked Roberts’ post, which quickly gained support from fans who named her the “true” champion.

 

2. Rohit Sharma Named Brand Ambassador for ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma has been appointed the brand ambassador for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The announcement was made by ICC chairman Jay Shah during the tournament’s schedule reveal, marking a historic moment as Rohit becomes the first active cricketer to hold this ambassadorial role. Jay Shah highlighted Rohit’s long-standing influence in T20 cricket, noting his presence in all nine editions of the tournament and his leadership during India’s title-winning campaign in 2024. The decision underscores Rohit’s stature as one of the sport’s most accomplished and recognisable figures. Rohit expressed deep gratitude, calling the role a major privilege and honour. He emphasised the uniqueness of being named an ICC ambassador while still an active player, recognising the trust placed in him by global cricketing authorities.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. MeitY Launches CSIC 1.0 to Boost Indigenous Cybersecurity Innovation and Student Participation: MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan launched the Cyber Security Innovation Challenge (CSIC) 1.0 in New Delhi to expose students to real-world cybersecurity threats and boost India’s cyber resilience.CSIC 1.0 aims to promote indigenous, research-driven cybersecurity solutions by encouraging participation and innovation from India’s academic ecosystem under the Information Security Education and Awareness Project.

 

2. PM Modi to Launch Skyroot’s Multi-Launch Vehicle Facility: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate Skyroot Aerospace’s new Infinity Campus in Hyderabad on November 27, marking a major boost for India’s private space sector. The facility is designed to accelerate the country’s capability to build, test and deploy multiple launch vehicles. The newly developed 2-lakh square feet campus will support end-to-end processes for orbital-class rockets, including design, integration and testing. With an intended capacity to produce one orbital rocket every month, the centre is expected to strengthen India’s growing commercial launch ecosystem and enhance competitiveness in global space markets. During the ceremony, the Prime Minister will also unveil Vikram-I, Skyroot’s first orbital rocket capable of launching satellites into space. The company earlier made history by launching Vikram-S, India’s first privately built sub-orbital rocket. Founded by Pawan Chandana and Bharath Dhaka, both IIT alumni and former ISRO professionals, Skyroot has become a key player in India’s emerging private space industry.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Greenex Environmental Partners With Norway’s EPD Global: Pune-based Greenex Environmental has entered a strategic collaboration with Norway’s EPD Global to expand Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) services for Indian manufacturers. The partnership aims to strengthen sustainability reporting, improve market readiness and enhance global competitiveness, especially for export-oriented industries and MSMEs. Under the memorandum of understanding, Greenex Environmental will assess the environmental impact of products manufactured in India, while EPD Global will publish the final Environmental Product Declarations. This arrangement combines Norwegian certification expertise with strong Indian technical capabilities, ensuring internationally compliant, transparent product-impact reporting for manufacturers. The initiative supports India’s broader transition towards low-carbon, sustainable manufacturing. As countries tighten environmental norms, EPDs are becoming integral to demonstrating responsible production and meeting emerging global standards. The partnership is also expected to create skilled employment in environmental assessment and accelerate the shift towards cleaner industrial practices.

Daily GK Update- 24th Nov, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Rajnath Singh to Inaugurate Haryana Pavilion at International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has inaugurated the Haryana Pavilion at the International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra, set up by Kurukshetra University in the Draupadi Koop area, featuring Haryana’s folk art, culture, and ancient heritage.A three-day International Gita Symposium will also begin at the Srimad Bhagavad Gita Sadan, with participation from scholars from India and abroad.Along with the main Mahotsav in Kurukshetra, Gita Jayanti celebrations are being held in 50 countries, supported by the Ministry of External Affairs, with Madhya Pradesh as the partner state this year.

 

2. Centre Proposes Constitutional Amendment to Bring Chandigarh Under Article 240 Governance Framework: The Government plans to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the upcoming Winter Session to include Chandigarh under Article 240, similar to other Union Territories without legislatures like Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.Inclusion under Article 240 will allow the President to make regulations for Chandigarh’s peace, progress, and effective governance, paving the way for an independent Administrator, instead of the current arrangement where the Punjab Governor serves as Chandigarh’s Administrator.The Winter Session of Parliament will begin on 1st December and continue till 19th December, during which the proposed amendment is expected to be introduced.

 

3. Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 to Celebrate Deep Cultural & Civilizational Bonds Between Tamil Nadu and Kashi: Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0, organised by the Ministry of Education from 2nd December, celebrates the ancient civilizational, cultural, and linguistic bonds between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, coordinated by IIT Madras and BHU Varanasi, with support from multiple Union Ministries.The 2025 edition is themed “Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam”, aiming to promote Tamil learning across India, with more than 1,400 delegates from Tamil Nadu including students, teachers, writers, media professionals, and spiritual scholars participating in an 8-day experiential tour.Delegates will visit key heritage sites such as Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Mata Annapurna Temple, Kedar Ghat, and Subramanya Bharatiyar’s ancestral house, and engage in cultural programs, seminars, interactions, and academic sessions at BHU’s Tamil Department.

 

4. 23rd November – National Espresso Day: National Espresso Day is observed every year on 23rd November to celebrate the rich, bold, and concentrated coffee beverage known as espresso.The day highlights the importance of espresso as the foundation of many popular coffee drinks like cappuccino, latte, and macchiato.It commemorates the invention of the espresso machine, which revolutionized coffee brewing with quick, pressure-based extraction.

 

5. 23rd November – National Cashew Day: National Cashew Day is observed every year on 23rd November to celebrate the nutritious and versatile cashew nut.The day highlights the health benefits of cashews, including their rich content of healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

It also promotes awareness about the global cashew industry and the farmers who cultivate and process cashews.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Unveils Six Global Development Initiatives at G20 Summit in Johannesburg: At the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed six global initiatives, including a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, Africa Skills Multiplier Program, Global Healthcare Response Team, Countering Drug-Terror Nexus initiative, Open Satellite Data Partnership, and a Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative.These initiatives reflect India’s vision of inclusive growth, sustainable development, and global well-being, highlighting the importance of traditional knowledge, skilled manpower, healthcare readiness, and secure global supply chains.

The Africa Skills Multiplier aims to create one million certified trainers, while the Healthcare Response Team would include experts from all G20 nations; he also stressed the need for global cooperation against the drug-terror nexus and the importance of open satellite data for developing nations.In the session on building a resilient world, PM Modi emphasized clean energy, climate action, food security, disaster resilience, and India’s leadership in promoting millets, urging G20 countries to support CDRI and work together for sustainable, human-centric development.

 

2. India, Australia & Canada Launch ACITI Partnership to Boost Tech, Innovation and Green Energy Cooperation: India, Australia, and Canada launched the ACITI (Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation) Partnership on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg to boost trilateral cooperation.The partnership focuses on critical and emerging technologies, with special emphasis on green energy innovation and resilient supply chains, especially in critical minerals.ACITI aims to promote a secure, sustainable, and resilient tech ecosystem, support net-zero goals, diversify global supply chains, and accelerate the development & adoption of AI.Officials from all three countries will meet in the first quarter of 2026 to advance and operationalize the initiative.

 

3. Malawi Becomes First Country to Adopt TRST01’s AI-Blockchain PAIP Platform at COP30: Climatetech startup TRST01 launched the Paris Agreement Integrated Platform (PAIP) at, introducing an AI- and blockchain-powered system to modernise global emissions governance through real-time tracking, verification, and management of emissions data.Malawi became the first country to adopt PAIP, integrating it into its new Environmental Treasury, which is expected to enhance transparency, boost investor confidence, and strengthen climate action reporting through immutable digital records.The platform uses AI, machine learning, smart contracts, satellite analytics, and blockchain to enable predictive analytics, transparent workflows, on-ground verification support, and tamper-proof audit trails—facilitating real-time compliance under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.PAIP creates an end-to-end digital ecosystem for emissions management, improving accountability, carbon credit trading, governance quality, and trust in climate finance—marking a major milestone at COP30 during the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy Commissioned First Mahe-Class ASW Shallow Water Craft in Mumbai: The Indian Navy commissioned Mahe, the first Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, with General Upendra Dwivedi presiding over the ceremony.Mahe represents a new generation of indigenous shallow-water combatants, built with over 80% indigenous content, highlighting India’s advancements in warship design and construction.Designed as a Silent Hunter for the Western Seaboard, Mahe strengthens India’s maritime security with enhanced capabilities and strong self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

 

SPORTS

 

1. ICC Unveils Schedule for U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 Co-Hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia: The ICC has released the match schedule for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from 15 January to 6 February 2026.A total of 16 teams will compete in 41 matches, with the final scheduled at the Harare Sports Club on 6 February 2026.On the opening day, India vs USA, Zimbabwe vs Scotland, and Tanzania vs West Indies (Tanzania’s historic debut) will be played across five venues in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

 

2. Lakshya Sen Clinches Australian Open 2025 Title With Dominant Win Over Japan’s Yushi Tanaka: Lakshya Sen won the Australian Open 2025 (Super 500) men’s singles title in Sydney, defeating Japan’s Yushi Tanaka 21-15, 21-11 in a dominant 38-minute final, earning USD 475,000 and his first title of the 2025 BWF World Tour.This victory adds to Sen’s achievements, including the Syed Modi International Super 300 (2024) and the Canada Open 2024 titles, following a challenging year where he finished runner-up at the Hong Kong Super 500 (2025).With this triumph, Lakshya becomes only the second Indian shuttler to win a title on the 2025 BWF World Tour, after Ayush Shetty claimed his maiden Super 300 title at the US Open 2025.

 

3. India Wins Historic First-Ever Women’s T20 Blind Cricket World Cup, Defeating Nepal in Colombo Final: The Indian Women’s Blind Cricket Team created history by winning the first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind in Colombo, defeating Nepal by seven wickets in the final.

India restricted Nepal to 114/5 and comfortably chased the target in 12.1 overs, with Khula Sharir playing a match-winning knock of 44 off 27 balls*.India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, defeating Sri Lanka, the US, Pakistan, and Australia, while Nepal reached the final after edging past Pakistan.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India Launches Trade Intelligence & Analytics Portal to Boost Transparent and Data-Driven Export Ecosystem: The Trade Intelligence and Analytics Portal has been launched by the Union Commerce & Industry Minister to provide a single digital platform for all trade-related data, improving transparency and efficiency for exporters, policymakers, and businesses.The portal strengthens FTA (Free Trade Agreement) utilization by offering product-wise and country-wise tariff guidance, helping exporters understand benefits under India’s 13 operational FTAs.It integrates previously scattered trade information into a unified, modern digital system, supporting the Digital India initiative and offering real-time market and commodity intelligence for export strategy.The platform empowers small and remote-region exporters with easy dashboards and reliable data, while enabling the government to design evidence-based trade policies through real-time analytics.

 

2. Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi Volcano Erupts After 12,000 Years: The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted on November 23, marking its first known activity in nearly 12,000 years. The long-dormant volcano sent thick ash plumes up to 14 kilometres into the atmosphere, prompting regional monitoring centres and aviation authorities to issue alerts. Located about 800 kilometres northeast of Addis Ababa near the Eritrean border, the volcano sits within the seismically active Rift Valley. Experts confirmed that Hayli Gubbi had no record of eruptive activity throughout the Holocene period, making this event exceptionally rare. The eruption lasted several hours and produced visible ash clouds that spread widely. Volcanologists, including Simon Carn of Michigan Technological University, verified that the volcano had been inactive for millennia. The Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program also reaffirmed the absence of any known Holocene eruptions. These assessments highlight the significance of renewed volcanic activity in the Afar region.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Canada and India Resume High-Level Trade Talks: Canada and India have agreed to revive negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming to double bilateral trade by 2030. The decision comes after a two-year diplomatic freeze and reflects both nations’ interest in expanding economic engagement amid shifting global trade priorities. The announcement followed a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg. Both leaders expressed commitment to concluding a high-ambition trade pact designed to push two-way trade to USD 50 billion by 2030. Carney said the renewed dialogue would open substantial opportunities for businesses in both countries. Trade talks were suspended in 2023 after tensions escalated over allegations relating to the killing of a Canadian Sikh separatist. Despite the diplomatic rift, bilateral trade grew modestly, although it remained small relative to India’s economic size. Recent high-level interactions, including Modi’s meeting with Carney at the G7 summit earlier this year, helped revive political momentum.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch Crowned Miss Universe 2025: Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch won the Miss Universe 2025 crown in Thailand, drawing global praise for turning her struggles with dyslexia and ADHD into a lifelong commitment to serving migrants and vulnerable communities.

Miss Venezuela secured the second runner-up position, while Miss Philippines and Miss Côte d’Ivoire were named third and fourth runners-up respectively. India’s Manika Vishwakarma could not enter the Top 12, continuing India’s wait for another Miss Universe title since Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu’s 2021 victory.