Daily GK Update- 27th Nov, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Hoists Saffron Flag Marking Completion of Ayodhya Ram Temple: PM Narendra Modi hoisted the saffron Suryavanshi flag atop the Ayodhya Ram Temple, marking the formal completion of the temple’s construction and symbolising the fulfilment of a 500-year-old resolve.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said that those who sacrificed their lives for the Ram Temple must be at peace today, mentioning leaders like Ashok Singhal ji and Mahant Ramchandra Das ji, whose long-standing efforts finally saw completion.The Ram Temple’s journey—from the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict to foundation laying in August 2020 and Pran Pratishtha in January 2024—culminated in the final flag-hoisting ceremony, with all major works inside the complex now completed.

 

2. Justice Vikram Nath Appointed Executive Chairman of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA): Justice Vikram Nath has been appointed as the new Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), strengthening India’s efforts to provide accessible and affordable justice to vulnerable and economically weaker sections.He succeeds CJI Surya Kant in this administrative role.NALSA, created under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, plays a crucial role in offering free legal aid, conducting Lok Adalats, and promoting legal literacy, ensuring justice is not limited by financial constraints.With the Chief Justice of India as its Patron-in-Chief, NALSA operates through a wide network of state, district, and local bodies, and Justice Vikram Nath’s leadership is expected to further streamline operations to enhance nationwide legal outreach.

 

3. Sunil Paliwal Appointed New Chairman of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI): Sunil Paliwal, currently Chairperson of Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Ltd, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), with his post upgraded to the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.He takes over from Vijay Kumar, who was recently promoted as Shipping Secretary after the retirement of T.K. Ramachandran.A seasoned IAS officer, Paliwal has held key roles in Tamil Nadu, including MD of Chennai Metro Water, Tamil Nadu Road Development Company, and TIDCO—experience that is expected to boost IWAI’s efforts to modernise India’s inland water transport network.

 

4. Ravish Kumar Singh Appointed Deputy Chairman of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA): The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has appointed Ravish Kumar Singh, a 2009-batch IRTS officer, as the Deputy Chairman of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) for a five-year term, with his joining date scheduled on or after December 6.His appointment comes during a leadership transition at JNPA, where IAS officer Gaurav Dayal recently became Chairman, filling the gap left after former Chairman Sanjay Sethi completed his tenure in January 2024.The leadership change aligns with JNPA’s major responsibility of developing the ₹76,220-crore Vadhvan mega greenfield port in Maharashtra, which includes constructing India’s longest-ever port breakwater (10.14 km), crucial for safeguarding the upcoming port’s harbour.

5. 26th November – Constitution Day of India: 26 November is celebrated as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) to commemorate the day when the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution in 1949.The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, but 26 November was chosen to honour Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the drafting committee’s historic contribution.The day promotes constitutional values, citizen duties, and awareness about rights, justice, equality, and liberty enshrined in the Constitution.Government institutions, schools, and organizations observe the day through Preamble reading, seminars, quizzes, and awareness activities across the country.

 

6. 26 November – National Milk Day: National Milk Day is celebrated every year on 26 November in India to honor Dr. Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution.The day commemorates Dr. Kurien’s birth anniversary, recognizing his role in making India the world’s largest milk producer.Theme 2025 – Let’s Celebrate the Power of DairyIt highlights the success of Operation Flood, the world’s largest dairy development program, which transformed India into a self-sufficient milk nation.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Malaysia to Ban Social Media Use for Children Under 16 Starting 2026: Malaysia will ban social media use for anyone under the age of 16 starting in 2026, aiming to protect children from online harms such as cyberbullying, financial scams, and child sexual abuse.Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed the policy and expects technology firms to comply, while the government is reviewing age restriction methods used in countries like Australia.The move aligns Malaysia with global trends on child online safety, following actions by Australia and several European nations, amid rising concerns over social media’s impact on youth mental health and harmful content.

 

2. Oldest San Diego Zoo Resident, 141-Year-Old Galápagos Tortoise Gramma, Dies: Gramma, the oldest resident of the San Diego Zoo, has passed away at an estimated age of 141 years, having been born in her native Galápagos habitat.Galápagos tortoises are known for their exceptional longevity, often living 100+ years in the wild and nearly double in captivity, thanks to better care and protection.The oldest recorded Galápagos tortoise, Harriet, lived to 175 years at the Australia Zoo, having been collected from the islands in 1835 and passing away in 2006.

 

3. Bangladesh Court Sentences Sheikh Hasina To 21 Years In Corruption Cases: A special court in Dhaka has sentenced former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina to a total of 21 years in prison after convicting her in three corruption cases linked to irregularities in land allocation under a major government housing scheme. The verdict marks a significant escalation in the country’s political and legal turmoil following her ouster last year. The Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 sentenced the 78-year-old former premier to seven years in each of the three cases related to the Rajuk New Town Project in Purbachal. The sentences will run consecutively, raising her total jail term to 21 years. The court also imposed fines of Taka one lakh in each case, with additional imprisonment in the event of non-payment. The judgment noted that land was allotted to her without proper procedure and beyond authorised jurisdiction. Hasina’s son Sajib Wajed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul were also convicted, receiving prison terms of five years each alongside monetary fines. Among the 20 additional accused, most received varying sentences, while one junior official was acquitted. Only one defendant appeared in person and was handed a three-year term. The cases stemmed from chargesheets filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission earlier this year, supported by testimony from 29 witnesses.

 

4. Jakarta Becomes World’s Most Populous City In 2025: Jakarta has overtaken Tokyo to become the world’s most populous urban agglomeration, marking a major shift in global demographic patterns. A new UN-backed assessment places the Indonesian capital and its surrounding metropolitan region at 42 million residents, illustrating the accelerating scale of Asian urbanisation. The latest rankings show that nine of the world’s ten most populated cities are now in Asia. Following Jakarta are Dhaka at 37 million and Tokyo at 33 million. Other major Asian centres in the top tier include New Delhi, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Cairo, Manila, Kolkata and Seoul. This concentration reflects rapid economic growth, high-density settlements and long-term demographic momentum across South and Southeast Asia. Urban specialists attribute the rise of these megacities to sustained rural-to-urban migration, expanding employment opportunities, and natural population increase. South Asia and Southeast Asia, in particular, are witnessing record urbanisation rates. Indian cities such as New Delhi and Kolkata continue to absorb millions seeking jobs, services and social mobility, putting their infrastructure under persistent strain.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. 19th Edition of Exercise Suryakiran XIX-2025 Begins in Uttarakhand: The 19th edition of Exercise Suryakiran (XIX) 2025 commenced in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, involving 334 personnel each from India (Assam Regiment) and Nepal (Devi Datta Regiment).The exercise focuses on sub-conventional operations under UN Chapter VII, including jungle warfare, counter-terrorism in mountainous terrain, HADR, medical response, environmental conservation, and integrated ground-aviation operations.This edition emphasizes emerging technologies like drones, AI-enabled decision tools, unmanned logistic vehicles, and armoured platforms, aiming to enhance interoperability, refine tactics, and strengthen India-Nepal defence cooperation.

 

2. France Introduces 10-Month Voluntary Military Scheme: France’s decision to introduce a 10-month voluntary military service from next summer has renewed attention on how European nations manage military conscription. With rising security concerns linked to Russia, several countries have retained, reinstated, or adapted military service systems to strengthen defence readiness. A number of European states continue to enforce compulsory service. Denmark recently extended service duration and made it mandatory for women. Finland requires six to 12 months of service for men, and Norway enforces 12 months for both genders. Estonia mandates eight to 11 months for men, while Greece obliges nine to 12 months for men. Cyprus, Austria, and Switzerland also maintain compulsory service for men, with voluntary options for women. Security pressures have prompted some countries to revive conscription. Lithuania reinstated it in 2015 with a lottery-based system. Sweden restored conscription in 2017 for both men and women, with nine to 15 months of service. Latvia reintroduced 11 months of compulsory service in 2023, and Croatia has voted to bring back male conscription from next year.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rohit Sharma Appointed Ambassador for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Rohit Sharma has been appointed the Tournament Ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.A two-time T20 World Cup winner (2007 & 2024), Rohit played a pivotal role in both campaigns, including unbeaten knocks in the 2007 Super Eights & final, and leading India to the 2024 title as captain.Rohit’s stellar T20I career includes 4231 runs with a strike-rate of 140.89, and standout performances such as 92 off 41 vs Australia and 57 off 39 vs England in the 2024 edition.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Hub71 and UAE–India CEPA Council Sign Pact to Boost Cross-Border Startup Expansion: Hub71 and the UAE–India CEPA Council have signed a strategic partnership to boost cross‑border startup expansion between India and Abu Dhabi, creating a structured pathway for Indian startups to enter, validate and scale up in the UAE.Under the deal, five winning startups from the CEPA Council’s Start‑Up Series will be onboarded into Hub71’s Immersion Programme, giving them tailored market‑entry support, mentorship, and access to Abu Dhabi’s tech ecosystem.From those five, one startup will further be selected for Hub71’s “Access” programme, enabling a soft‑landing in Abu Dhabi with deeper support — regulatory facilitation, investor connections and long‑term growth opportunities.

 

2. Oman Launches OmanSat-1, Its First Communications Satellite, Boosting Digital Independence: Oman launched OmanSat-1, its first communications satellite, marking a national milestone that strengthens digital independence, high-speed secure connectivity, and aligns with Oman Vision 2040 to build a technology-driven economy.The satellite, developed in collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space, operates on the adaptable OneSat platform in the Ka-band, covering Oman, its economic waters, and neighbouring regions in the Middle East, East Africa, and Asia, enhancing regional communication capabilities.The programme, managed by Space Communications Technologies, focuses on digital sovereignty and local expertise, improving internet coverage in remote areas, integrating local SMEs into the supply chain, and collaborating with universities for research and specialised training.

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. CCI Approves ICICI Prudential AMC’s Acquisition of Key ICICI Venture Fund Businesses: CCI has approved ICICI Prudential AMC’s proposal to acquire key business units of ICICI Venture Fund, including management of five SEBI-registered AIFs and the advisory business for an offshore investment fund.ICICI Prudential AMC, a joint venture between ICICI Bank and Prudential Corporation Holdings (UK), is engaged in mutual fund management, PMS, AIF management, and offshore advisory services.CCI also cleared two other major deals: Toyota Asset Preparatory Co. acquiring Toyota Industries Corporation, and Jindal Jhajjar Power Ltd acquiring 100% of Jhajjar Power Ltd, strengthening consolidation in the power and manufacturing sectors.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Rabih Alameddine Wins 2025 National Book Award for Fiction at 76th Annual Ceremony: Rabih Alameddine’s novel, “The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother),” won the 2025 National Book Award for Fiction, blending family comedy with wartime tragedy.Other winners included Omar El Akkad for nonfiction, Patricia Smith for poetry, Daniel Nayeri for young people’s literature, and Gabriela Cabezón Cámara for translated literature, highlighting a diverse range of literary achievements.The 76th National Book Awards ceremony was held at Cipriani Wall Street, Manhattan, attended by hundreds of writers, publishers, editors, and industry professionals, featuring honorary awards for George Saunders and Roxane Gay. The event, often called the “Oscars of book publishing,” included musical performances and a humorous hosting by Jeff Heller, celebrating literary excellence and the contributions of the broader book community.

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.