Daily GK Update- 20th Nov, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Supreme Court Orders Jharkhand to Declare 31,468 Hectares of Saranda Forest as Wildlife Sanctuary: The Supreme Court has ordered the Jharkhand government to declare 31,468.25 hectares of Saranda forest as a wildlife sanctuary within three months, upholding the 1968 Bihar notification.Saranda is one of the world’s most pristine sal forests, home to critically endangered species like the sal forest tortoise, four-horned antelope, Asian palm civet, and wild elephants, and inhabited by indigenous Adivasi communities.Despite the region holding 26% of India’s iron ore reserves, the court ruled that the designated 126 compartments do not host mining, ensuring biodiversity protection without halting ongoing mining activities.The court instructed the State to widely publicise that tribal and forest dwellers’ individual and community rights will not be affected, reiterating that mining is prohibited inside and within 1 km of wildlife sanctuaries.

 

2. Government Proposes ₹30,000 Crore Outlay to Expand UDAN Regional Air Connectivity Scheme Beyond 2027: The government has proposed a ₹30,000 crore outlay for the modified UDAN scheme to extend it beyond April 2027, with ₹18,000 crore for new airports and ₹12,000 crore for viability gap funding (VGF).The revised scheme aims to boost regional air connectivity, address earlier challenges, attract private participation, and expand access to remote and underserved areas.The new version targets 120 additional destinations and plans to facilitate travel for 4 crore passengers over the next decade, including support for heliports and airports in hilly and North-Eastern regions.Since its launch in 2016, UDAN has operationalised 649 routes, connecting 93 underserved airports, and has received over ₹4,300 crore in VGF and ₹4,638 crore for airport development.

 

3. Cyclone Alert Issued as Andaman Islands Prepare for Intense Rainfall : The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are on heightened alert following a weather advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department. A developing cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring intense rainfall, thunderstorms and rough sea conditions, prompting authorities to caution residents, tourists and fishermen. Meteorologists report that the cyclonic system is likely to strengthen from November 21. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across Nicobar Island, while Andaman Island may experience significant showers. Thunderstorms with gusty winds and lightning are forecast for several locations on November 24 and 25. Fishermen have been advised to avoid the sea until November 23 due to squally conditions and the possibility of surging waves. Authorities have alerted boat operators and tourists to exercise extreme vigilance. Inter-island and mainland ferry services are expected to face delays, rescheduling or cancellations depending on weather developments.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Parasocial Chosen as Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2025: Cambridge Dictionary selected “Parasocial” as the Word of the Year 2025 due to a sharp rise in online searches and its shift from an academic term to a widely used word on social media.The term reflects the 2025 zeitgeist, as public fascination with celebrities, influencers, and even AI has made one-sided relationships a major topic of discussion. Parasocial means a one-sided connection someone feels with a celebrity, fictional character, or AI personality, despite having no real-life interaction with them.

 

2. India Secures 4th Spot Globally in QS Sustainability Rankings 2026 with 103 Universities Featured: India ranks 4th globally with 103 universities featured in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2026, behind the S., China, and the U.K., in a list covering nearly 2,000 institutions worldwide.IIT Delhi emerged as the best-performing Indian institution, placed at rank 205, with India having 12 universities in the global top 500, matching countries like China and the Netherlands.Environmental education showed the strongest improvement among Indian institutions, with nine universities—including IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, JNU, BHU, and IISc—scoring above 84 in this category.At the indicator level, IIT Delhi (93rd) and IIT Kharagpur (96th) were in the global top 100 for Employability & Outcomes, while University of Delhi (94th) made the top 100 in Knowledge Exchange, and IIT Bombay ranked 100th for Environmental Impact.

 

3. Keerthy Suresh Appointed as UNICEF India’s New Celebrity Advocate for Child Rights: Keerthy Suresh has been appointed UNICEF India’s new Celebrity Advocate, where she will support the promotion and protection of child rights across the country.The National Award-winning actor, known for strong women-centric roles, will work to raise awareness on children’s mental health, well-being, gender equality, and other key child rights priorities.UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey stated that Keerthy’s strong connection with audiences will help create a powerful platform for inspiring action and awareness for every child.

 

4. 19th November – International Men’s Day: International Men’s Day is observed every year on 19th November to celebrate the positive contributions of men to society, family, nation, and communities.Theme 2025 – Celebrating men and boysThe day highlights key issues affecting men and boys, including mental health, suicide prevention, toxic masculinity pressures, gender equality, and fatherhood roles.International Men’s Day aims to promote positive male role models, improve gender relations, and create a world where men and boys can lead healthy, responsible, and fulfilling lives.

 

5. 19 November 2025 – World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day: World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day is observed every year on the 3rd Wednesday of November, and in 2025 it falls on 19th November.The day aims to raise global awareness about COPD, a chronic lung disease that affects breathing and is often caused by smoking, air pollution, and occupational exposure.World COPD Day is organised by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) to promote early diagnosis, prevention, and better management of COPD worldwide.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army Sets Up Three New Garrisons Near Bangladesh Border to Strengthen Eastern Frontier Security: Indian Army Sets Up Three New Garrisons Near Bangladesh Border to Strengthen Eastern Frontier SecurityThe Indian Army has established three new garrisons — Lachit Borphukan Military Station in Assam (Dhubri) and forward bases in Kishanganj (Bihar) and Chopra (West Bengal) — to enhance security amid regional shifts in Bangladesh and rising Chinese activity near the Siliguri Corridor.The new bases will boost surveillance and operational readiness in the sensitive corridor, improve coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF), and support the Tri-Shakti Corps, which already fields key assets like Rafale jets, BrahMos missiles, and advanced air-defence systems.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Curaçao Becomes Smallest Nation Ever to Qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026: Curaçao created history by becoming the smallest nation by population (1.58 lakh) to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, securing a spot in the 2026 tournament after a tense 0–0 draw against Jamaica, surpassing Iceland’s 2018 record.The Caribbean island, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, completed an unbeaten qualifying campaign with 12 points, finishing at the top of Group B under veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat.Their qualification run featured a massive 7–0 win over Bermuda, the biggest victory by any team in the round—crucial in helping them edge Jamaica by just one point to secure their historic World Cup berth.

 

2. Oscar Piastri Wins Australia’s Prestigious Don Award, the Nation’s Highest Sporting Honour: Oscar Piastri, a nine-time Grand Prix winner, has received Australia’s highest sporting honour — the Don Award, recognising the athlete who most inspired the nation in the past year.The 24-year-old Formula One driver has rapidly risen to elite status, boosting national pride as he competes to become Australia’s third F1 world champion after Jack Brabham and Alan Jones, though he currently trails teammate Lando Norris by 24 points.Piastri was honoured at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame ceremony in Melbourne, joining past Don Award recipients such as Ian Thorpe, Cathy Freeman, Adam Scott, Ashleigh Barty, and the Matildas, with the award named after cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman.

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Intellipaat Partners with IndiaAI Mission to Launch Nationwide ‘YUVAi for ALL’ Free AI Literacy Program: Intellipaat has partnered with the IndiaAI Mission (MeitY) to launch the ‘YUVAi for ALL’ program, aiming to democratize AI education and make India future-ready.Under this collaboration, students, teachers, and working professionals will receive free training in Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI, supporting the government’s goal of empowering 10 million citizens by January 2026.Participants will get Government-recognised certification, while Intellipaat will conduct AI awareness workshops, GenAI tool demos, community learning drives, and offer foundation-level AI e-learning videos.

 

2. Education Minister Launches First-of-its-Kind AI Innovation and Incubation Centre at DPS RK Puram: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated a first-of-its-kind AI innovation and incubation centre at DPS RK Puram, designed to integrate AI, cloud computing and applied research into school education.Developed with VVDN Technologies and Google Cloud, the centre will support neighbouring and government schools by providing access to Vertex AI, Gemini Enterprise, mentorship, and hands-on AI tools for inclusive learning.Students will get practical experience in robotics, AR/VR, IoT kits, Raspberry Pi systems, aligning with the new national four-level AI curriculum for Classes 6 onwards, covering foundational to advanced generative AI concepts.

 

3. Godrej Delivers First Human-Rated Vikas Engine to ISRO for Gaganyaan Mission: Godrej Aerospace has delivered the first human-rated L110 stage Vikas engine to ISRO, a crucial component for India’s first human spaceflight mission under Gaganyaan, whose first uncrewed test flight is scheduled for early next year.Godrej, which has been supporting India’s space programme for over 40 years, has supplied precision engines and components for major missions like Chandrayaan and NISAR, reaffirming its strong collaboration with ISRO and LPSC.The human-rated LVM-3 rocket will use this Vikas engine to safely carry Indian astronauts into Earth’s orbit by 2027, marking a significant step in India’s ambition to achieve human spaceflight capability.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. BoB inks pact with SIDBI for small biz credit: Bank of Baroda and SIDBI have partnered to enhance credit flow to small businesses and startups, enabling joint financing support for MSMEs.

Under the MoU, both institutions will operationalise BoB’s working capital platform for SIDBI-sanctioned borrowers and collaborate on export promotion initiatives.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Aravind Yashavant Patil and Meenangadi Cooperative Win National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025: Aravind Yashavant Patil (Kolhapur, Maharashtra) won the best dairy farmer award for rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds, while Meenangadi Ksheerolpadaka Sahakarana Sangham Ltd (Wayanad, Kerala) was awarded best dairy cooperative society.For the North Eastern and Himalayan regions, Vijay Lata (Himachal Pradesh) and Kulha Duud Udpadhak Sahkari Samiti (Uttarakhand) were recognized.Second and third prizes were awarded to multiple farmers and cooperatives across India, including Kankanala Krishna Reddy (Hyderabad), Harshit Jhuria (Rajasthan), Shraddha Satyawan Dhavan (Maharashtra), and Pradeep Pangariya (Uttarakhand), along with various cooperatives from Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttarakhand.Winners will receive certificates, mementos, and cash prizes ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh, while awardees from North Eastern/Himalayan regions get ₹2 lakh. Best Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs) were also recognized, though no cash prize is provided for this category.

 

2. Ace Art Director Thota Tharrani to Receive France’s Prestigious Chevalier Honour: Renowned art director Thota Tharrani has been selected to receive France’s prestigious Chevalier de Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) for his contributions to cinema and visual arts in India.The honour will be conferred by France’s Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, recognizing Tharrani as a legendary figure in Indian cinema.Alliance Française Madras, an Indo-French cultural and teaching centre, announced the award, highlighting its role in promoting cultural ties between India and France in Tamil Nadu.The Chevalier award is given to individuals who have excelled in art, culture, or literature or have significantly influenced the global arts scene; past recipients include Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Bharti Kher, and Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.

Daily GK Update- 19th Nov, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

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

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

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

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

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

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

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

Daily GK Update- 18th Nov, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CSIR Signs Pact with Industrial Corridor Corporation to Boost Innovation and High-Tech R&D Ecosystems: CSIR and the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation signed an agreement to strengthen CSIR’s research and development capabilities, supporting national initiatives like Make in India, Startup India, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.The partnership aims to establish R&D hubs, industrial incubators, and innovation centres in smart cities to boost collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions, accelerating the growth of high-tech enterprises.The collaboration will focus on identifying and deploying advanced technologies to improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability across key sectors such as biotechnology, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and aerospace.

 

2. Adani Ports Joins TNFD, to Begin Nature-Related Reporting from FY 2026: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has joined the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) as an official Adopter, strengthening its commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices.As part of this membership, APSEZ will begin nature-related reporting from the financial year 2026, aligning its operations with global standards on biodiversity, ecosystem impact, and environmental risk management.The move reinforces APSEZ’s position as India’s largest integrated transport utility contributing to transparent, nature-positive strategies within the infrastructure and logistics sector.

 

3. India Achieves Record Decline in TB Cases & Mortality, Strengthening Its March Toward a TB-Mukt Bharat: India achieved a remarkable 21% reduction in TB incidence (from 237 to 187 cases per lakh between 2015–2024), nearly double the global decline of 12%, making it one of the fastest-improving high-burden countries; TB mortality also fell from 28 to 21 per lakh during the same period.Innovative case-finding, decentralised services, and adoption of modern diagnostics boosted India’s TB treatment coverage from 53% in 2015 to over 92% in 2024, reducing “missing cases” from 15 lakh to less than 1 lakh, while maintaining a high 90% treatment success rate, above the global average of 88%.The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan has massively expanded screening and support, covering 19 crore vulnerable people, detecting 24.5 lakh patients (including 8.61 lakh asymptomatic cases), strengthening lab networks with 9,391 molecular testing labs and AI-enabled X-rays, and enhancing nutrition support through Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, now offering ₹1,000 per month per patient.

 

4. GI Tag Granted to Sikkim’s Traditional Lepcha Instruments Tungbuk and Pumtong Pulit: The Government of India has granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags to two traditional Lepcha musical instruments of Sikkim — the Tungbuk (a three-string instrument) and Pumtong Pulit (a bamboo flute) — officially registered.The GI certificates were presented during the 1st Tribal Business Conclave in New Delhi, recognizing their cultural significance and supporting the preservation and revival of Lepcha folk traditions.NABARD Gangtok supported the two-year GI filing process, and the Lepcha community expressed gratitude as the recognition will help engage younger generations and boost artisan livelihoods.

 

5. 17th November – National Epilepsy Day: National Epilepsy Day is observed on 17th November every year in India to create awareness about epilepsy, a neurological disorder affecting millions.

The day aims to educate people about symptoms, early diagnosis, and treatment options, reducing stigma associated with epilepsy.It is spearheaded by institutions like the Epilepsy Foundation of India, which conducts awareness campaigns, workshops, and medical camps.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Odisha to Host First-Ever Global Energy Leaders’ Summit (GELS) 2025 in Puri: Odisha will host the first-ever Global Energy Leaders’ Summit (GELS) 2025 in Puri from December 5–7, jointly organised by the Odisha Government, Central Government, and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.Union Ministers Shripad Yesso Naik and Pralhad Joshi will attend the summit, which aims to advance national and global dialogue on energy transition, climate leadership, renewable energy growth, and technology-driven transformation.

 

2. GELS 2025 aligns with India’s Net-Zero 2070 goals, highlighting Odisha’s pioneering power sector reforms and reflecting the summit theme “Powering India: Sufficiency, Balance, Innovation,” based on the pillars of energy access, efficiency, sustainability, and security.17-Year-Old Andhra Girl Selected for Prestigious US Astronaut Training Programme: 17-year-old Kunchala Kaivalya Reddy from East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, has been selected for a prestigious four-year astronaut training programme in Florida (2026–2029), conducted by Titans Space Industries, with only 150 candidates chosen from thousands across 36 countries.A passionate student of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, Kaivalya’s dedication to space science since childhood helped her secure this rare opportunity, officially confirmed by the organisation’s CEO, Neil S. Lachman.After completing the programme, she will qualify for a 2029 space mission involving two Earth orbits at 300 km altitude and three hours of zero-gravity experience, while she aims to pursue Astrophysics and Astronomy at LMU, Germany, to build a career as an astrophysicist.

 

3. 17th November – International Students’ Day: International Students’ Day is observed every year on 17th November to honour student activism, courage, and the role of youth in shaping societies.The day commemorates the 1939 Nazi attack on the University of Prague, where student demonstrations were brutally suppressed, and many students were imprisoned or killed.

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Defence Ministry Signs ₹2,095-Crore Deal with BDL for INVAR Anti-Tank Missiles to Boost T-90 Tank Power: The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth over ₹2,095 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the procurement of INVAR Anti-Tank Missiles to enhance the lethality of T-90 tanks.The deal supports the government’s commitment to meeting the Indian Army’s operational needs by leveraging Defence Public Sector Undertakings and promoting indigenous defence technologies under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category.The INVAR missile is a sophisticated laser-guided anti-tank weapon with high hit probability, expected to significantly strengthen mechanised operations and provide a strategic edge against adversaries.

 

2. DRDO Unveils Next-Generation Autonomous Underwater Vehicles for Advanced Mine Countermeasure Operations: DRDO’s Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) has developed next-generation Man-portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs) equipped with Side Scan Sonar, underwater cameras, and deep learning-based target recognition for real-time mine detection and classification.The system features autonomous communication between AUVs through an advanced underwater acoustic communication network, enabling coordinated mission execution and reducing operator workload and mission time.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Punjab Becomes India’s First State to Fully Implement the Amended Bharat Net Scheme: Punjab has become the first state in India to fully implement the amended Bharat Net Scheme, enabling live monitoring of the border state from anywhere in the country.The State has successfully extended high-speed internet and broadband services to 43 shadow areas, with only one village left to be connected before November-end.Bharat Net aims to connect all Gram Panchayats, rural households, and institutions with broadband, and its three-phase implementation focuses on expanding fibre coverage, using advanced technologies, and future-proofing the network with 5G under the Amended BharatNet Program (2023).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Federal Bank Unveils ‘Bharat Surotsav’ Cultural Festival Celebrating India’s Artistic Heritage: Federal Bank launched its new cultural IP ‘Bharat Surotsav’ in Chennai, an immersive dance–music fusion festival celebrating India’s artistic heritage, with the inaugural edition set for November 22 at Madras Music Academy featuring renowned artists like Padma Shri Shobana, Agam Band, Charumathi Raghuraman, and Ravi Chari.The festival offers exclusive benefits for Federal Bank customers, including a 15% discount (up to ₹200) on ticket bookings made via BookMyShow using Federal Bank debit or credit cards, applicable once per card.Bharat Surotsav aims to blend culture with brand identity, with each city edition showcasing local art forms to strengthen emotional connection, regional pride, and community engagement, as highlighted by Federal Bank CMO MVS Murthy.

 

2. PhonePe Becomes First UPI App to Integrate ChatGPT Through Partnership with OpenAI: PhonePe and OpenAI have partnered to integrate ChatGPT directly into the PhonePe app, making it the first fintech–UPI platform to embed AI-driven assistance for smarter and more informed payments and daily transactions.With over 500 million users, PhonePe will roll out ChatGPT-powered features across its consumer and business apps, enabling real-time help for trip planning, product suggestions, and purchase decisions — though not the full ChatGPT interface.

OpenAI’s Head of International, Oliver Jay, said the collaboration marks a major step in making AI accessible across India, highlighting PhonePe’s strong reach and understanding of Indian users as key to bringing AI benefits to millions.

Daily GK Update- 17th Nov, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. JSW Energy Commissions India’s Largest Green Hydrogen Plant in Karnataka: JSW Energy has commissioned India’s largest green hydrogen plant in Vijayanagar, Karnataka, under the PLI Scheme Tranche I, marking a major boost to India’s clean energy transition.The plant will supply 3,800 TPA green hydrogen and 30,000 TPA green oxygen to JSW Steel under a 7-year offtake agreement, forming part of its allocation under the SIGHT programme (SECI).JSW Energy and JSW Steel signed an MoU for scaling supply to 85,000–90,000 TPA green hydrogen and 720,000 TPA green oxygen by 2030, supporting India’s target of 5 MTPA green hydrogen production by 2030.

 

2. 12th Samvad Conclave Opens in Jamshedpur with Tribal Rituals : The 12th edition of Samvad has opened in Jamshedpur with vibrant traditional rituals, marking a renewed celebration of India’s tribal wisdom and cultural diversity. Supported by the Tata Steel Foundation, the conclave brings together communities, artists and knowledge-keepers from across the country. The inauguration featured prayers by Ho, Munda, Santhal and Oraon tribes, accompanied by traditional instruments such as Bhner, Sakua and Nagada. The ceremonial cleansing of the Akhra, performed according to Ho customs, symbolised purity and communal unity. Elders were presented with Jawa saplings, reinforcing the event’s cultural and ecological significance. This year’s edition features 34 tribal art forms representing 18 states and 30 tribes. The event hosts 51 outlets at Gopal Maidan, offering a platform for diverse expressions including craftwork, performance traditions, healing practices and community knowledge. The conclave highlights the depth and variety of India’s tribal heritage through live demonstrations and interactive spaces.

 

3. Eastern Naval Command Hosts NES Conference 2025: The Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam has successfully concluded the Navy Education Society (NES) Conference 2025, held from 10 to 13 November. The annual gathering focused on strengthening policy frameworks and operational systems of Naval Schools as they transition through reforms under the National Education Policy 2020. The conference hosted sessions of the Executive Committee, Management Advisory Committee and Academic Advisory Committee. Senior officers from Naval Headquarters joined academic and administrative leaders from Naval Schools across India. Discussions centred on institutional challenges, case studies and practical strategies for improving educational outcomes within the naval education network. The Executive Committee meeting was chaired by Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair, while the MAC and AAC were led by Commodore SM Urooj Athar. In his keynote address, Vice Admiral Nair stressed the need for uniform practices across all Naval Schools to create equitable and inclusive learning environments. He reviewed ongoing reforms aligned with NEP 2020 and highlighted improvements in infrastructure, faculty development and policy standardization.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

 

2. India Imposes Five-Year Anti-Dumping Duty on Vietnamese Steel: India has imposed a five-year anti-dumping duty on hot-rolled flat steel imported from Vietnam, stepping up efforts to protect domestic producers and curb the entry of underpriced foreign steel. The measure follows a detailed investigation into pricing patterns and their impact on Indian manufacturers. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies imposed a levy of USD 121.55 per tonne on Vietnamese hot-rolled flat steel, covering both alloy and non-alloy variants up to 25 mm in thickness and 2,100 mm in width. The duty excludes stainless, coated, plated, and clad products. Most exporters from Vietnam face the full duty, while Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel JSC has been exempted due to a low dumping margin. Industry experts noted that Vietnamese shipments often serve as a route for Chinese-origin steel entering India at low prices. With India importing 9.5 million tonnes of steel in FY25, including 2.4 million tonnes from China, the duty is viewed as an attempt to block these indirect inflows. Early FY26 data shows a sharp decline in finished steel imports, including a significant drop in shipments from China.

 

3. Ancient RNA Recovered from a 39,000-Year-Old Woolly Mammoth: Scientists have sequenced ancient RNA from a 39,000-year-old woolly mammoth preserved in Siberian permafrost, offering a rare, molecular-level glimpse into the life and cellular activity of this extinct giant. The work shows that fragile biomolecules can survive for tens of thousands of years in frozen ground, turning permafrost into a natural archive of Ice Age biology. The mammoth, commonly known as Yuka, was recovered from frozen sediments near the Laptev Sea coast in Siberia. Exceptional preservation of soft tissues such as skin and muscle allowed researchers to obtain tiny fragments of RNA from the remains. Permanently frozen conditions, stable low temperatures and rapid burial limited microbial activity and chemical degradation, creating an environment where cellular material could persist far beyond normal expectations.

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India Set to Commission New ASW Craft ‘Mahe’ on November 24: India will commission the indigenous shallow-water anti-submarine warfare craft ‘Mahe’ on November 24, marking a major addition to the Navy’s coastal defence capability. The platform strengthens India’s focus on securing littoral waters with modern, compact, and highly responsive assets. Mahe is the first of eight anti-submarine shallow-water craft built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. The vessel is fitted with lightweight torpedoes, multifunctional anti-submarine rocket systems, and advanced radar and sonar suites. These systems enable rapid detection and engagement of hostile submarines operating close to the coastline. Named after the historic coastal town of Mahe in Puducherry, the ship reflects India’s maritime traditions. Its crest carries an ‘Urumi’, the flexible sword from the Kalarippayattu martial art, symbolising agility and precision—qualities the Navy aligns with the new class of shallow-water combatants.

 

2. US–Trinidad Military Drills Begin Amid Venezuela Tensions: The United States is set to begin a five-day military exercise in Trinidad and Tobago, signalling a sharper security focus in the Caribbean as tensions with Venezuela escalate. The drills, announced by the island nation, follow a recent increase in US naval deployments near Venezuelan waters. The exercise comes shortly after the USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer, arrived in Port of Spain. The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier is also moving closer to the region. Washington’s growing military activity has drawn criticism from Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, who accused the US of attempting to provoke long-term conflict. In response, Venezuela suspended its energy cooperation with Trinidad and Tobago. Officials in Trinidad and Tobago emphasised that the upcoming drills should not be interpreted as preparations for a military operation against Venezuela. The attorney general confirmed that the US intends to deepen security collaboration, while Foreign Minister Sean Sobers dismissed claims of any imminent regional conflict.

 

SPORTS

 

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

 

2. Samrat Rana Becomes First Indian to Win Men’s 10m Air Pistol World Title at ISSF Championship: Samrat Rana created history by winning the men’s 10m air pistol gold at the ISSF World Championship in Cairo with a score of 243.7, becoming the first Indian to clinch an individual air pistol world title; Varun Tomar secured bronze as India achieved a double podium.

Rana, along with Varun Tomar and Sharvan Kumar, also secured the men’s 10m air pistol team gold, while Manu Bhaker, despite missing an individual medal, contributed to India’s success with a women’s team silver alongside Esha Singh and Suruchi Singh.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. New Flying Reptile Species Found Inside Fossilised Dinosaur Vomit: Scientists have identified a new species of flying reptile preserved within fossilised dinosaur vomit, offering rare insights into predator–prey behaviour during the Cretaceous period. The unusual specimen, long stored in a Brazilian museum, has revealed remarkable details about tropical pterosaur diversity. The discovery comes from a fossil known as regurgitalite, preserved in the Museu Camara Cascudo in Brazil. The specimen contained bones from two individuals of a newly described filter-feeding pterosaur species, “Bakiribu waridza”, along with four fossil fish. The absence of soft tissue and the fragmentation of bones indicate they were broken and digested before being expelled by a predator. Researchers reported that “Bakiribu waridza” possessed long jaws lined with dense, brush-like teeth suited for filter feeding. While comparable to “Pterodaustro”, another filter-feeding pterosaur, it differs in tooth size and spacing. This species belongs to the Ctenochasmatidae family, noted for slender, needle-like dental structures adapted for specialised feeding.

 

2. Rediscovery of Moema claudiae in Bolivia After Two Decades: The reappearance of Moema claudiae, a rare seasonal killifish long considered lost, has brought renewed optimism to conservationists working in Bolivia’s threatened lowland ecosystems. Found after more than two decades, the species offers a timely reminder of nature’s resilience and the urgent need to safeguard vulnerable wetland habitats. Moema claudiae was last documented over 20 years ago at its original collection site, which has since been cleared for agriculture. Repeated surveys failed to locate surviving fish, leading to concerns that the species had vanished. Its rediscovery overturns those fears, demonstrating that small and isolated habitats can still harbour rare species despite widespread environmental degradation. Researchers identified a surviving population in a temporary pond surrounded by farmland, confirming the species’ presence through live photographs and ecological observations. The discovery also revealed six additional seasonal killifish species sharing the same confined habitat. This exceptional diversity underscores the ecological value of the transition zone where the Amazon rainforest meets the Llanos de Moxos savannas.

 

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

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

 

2. Government Approves ₹25,060 Crore Export Promotion Mission to Shield Indian Exporters from U.S. Tariff Shock: Government launches ₹25,060 crore Export Promotion Mission (2025–2031) with two sub-schemes — Niryat Protsahan (₹10,401 crore) for affordable MSME trade finance and Niryat Disha (₹14,659 crore) for export quality, branding, logistics and market readiness.The mission aims to support sectors hit by global tariff hikes, especially after the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, with focus on textiles, leather, gems & jewellery, engineering goods and marine products to boost export competitiveness. Implemented by DGFT through a digital platform, the mission seeks to address structural challenges like costly trade finance, compliance burdens, weak branding, and logistics gaps — thereby improving India’s export readiness amid rising trade deficit.