Daily GK Update- 11th Nov, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Khangchendzonga National Park Rated ‘Good’ by IUCN — Only Indian World Heritage Site to Earn the Distinction: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) rated Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim as “good” in its latest global review of natural World Heritage Sites — the only Indian site to receive this rating, while regions like the Western Ghats and Sundarbans face serious concerns.Recognised in 2016, the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve is India’s first “mixed” World Heritage Site, known for both its natural beauty and cultural heritage. It spans 1,784 sq km, ranging from subtropical forests to the 8,586-metre Mount Khangchendzonga, the world’s third-highest peak.The park’s success lies in community participation, careful management, and cross-border cooperation with Nepal. It supports rare species like snow leopards, red pandas, and over 550 bird species, while promoting sustainable living among local Lepcha and Buddhist communities who view it as sacred land.

 

2. PM Modi Inaugurates ₹8,260 Crore Development Projects in Uttarakhand on Statehood Silver Jubilee: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth over ₹8,260 crore in Dehradun to mark 25 years of Uttarakhand’s statehood, covering key sectors like drinking water, irrigation, energy, education, sports, and skill development.Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, financial aid of ₹62 crore was transferred to 28,000 farmers, while Modi highlighted that projects worth over ₹2 lakh crore are currently underway in the state.PM Modi emphasised making Uttarakhand the spiritual capital of the world, promoting it as a film and wedding destination, and showcasing its local festivals and GI-tagged products under initiatives like ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘One District – One Festival’ to boost global tourism.

 

3. PM Modi Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Trains to Boost Connectivity Across North and South India: The Prime Minister Modi visited Varanasi to flag off four new Vande Bharat Express trains operating on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes, marking another milestone in India’s railway modernization.These new Vande Bharat trains will further strengthen India’s semi-high-speed rail network across North and South India, enhancing comfort, speed, and connectivity between key cultural, economic, and spiritual hubs.The additions are expected to reduce travel time, promote regional mobility, and boost tourism and trade, improving access to major destinations like Varanasi, Khajuraho, Bengaluru, and Ernakulam, while supporting economic growth across multiple states.

 

4. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to Inaugurate 22nd CPA India Region Zone-3 Conference in Nagaland: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate the 22nd Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-3 in Kohima, Nagaland, with participation from Presiding Officers, MPs, and MLAs of eight Northeastern states.The two-day conference is based on the theme “Policy, Progress and People: Legislatures as Catalysts of Change,” highlighting the crucial role of legislatures in driving governance and development.The CPA India Region Zone-3 has been instrumental in promoting parliamentary best practices, fostering regional cooperation, and addressing key issues such as infrastructure development and the Act East Policy for the Northeast.

 

5. Mumbai Crowned Asia’s Happiest City in Time Out’s City Life Index 2025: According to the Time Out City Life Index 2025, Mumbai has been declared Asia’s happiest city, surpassing Beijing, Shanghai, Chiang Mai, and Hanoi. An impressive 94% of Mumbaikars said the city makes them happy, driven by its vibrant culture, energetic lifestyle, and endless opportunities.The survey revealed that 89% of Mumbaikars feel happier in their city than anywhere else, 88% believe people are generally positive, and 87% feel overall happiness has increased recently — attributing this rise to Mumbai’s entertainment scene, social life, and world-famous street food culture.Beijing ranked second with 93%, and Shanghai third with 92% residents expressing happiness. Both Chinese megacities scored high on safety, convenience, cost, and cultural experiences, remaining attractive destinations for Gen Z professionals seeking modern urban lifestyles.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India and Ecuador Sign MoU on Diplomatic Training Cooperation: Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita met Ecuador’s Foreign and Human Mobility Affairs Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld during his official visit, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation across key sectors including politics, trade, pharmaceuticals, training, and capacity building.The two leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the diplomatic training institutions of India and Ecuador, aimed at promoting knowledge exchange, skill development, and institutional collaboration in foreign affairs.During the visit, both leaders jointly inaugurated India’s resident Embassy in Ecuador’s capital, Quito, marking a major milestone in diplomatic relations.

 

2. India and Saudi Arabia Sign MoU to Boost Cultural Cooperation and Heritage Exchange: In Riyadh, India’s Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Saudi Culture Minister H.H. Prince Badr Bin Abdullah Bin Farhan Al Saud signed a bilateral MoU on Cultural Cooperation to enhance cultural collaboration between the two nations.The agreement focuses on strengthening cultural ties through cooperation in arts, heritage, music, and literature, promoting cultural exchanges, policy sharing, and joint participation in cultural events, while also encouraging knowledge exchange for heritage preservation.Both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepen India–Saudi cultural relations under the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), co-chairing its Ministerial Committee on Tourism and Cultural Cooperation—first established during PM Narendra Modi’s April 2025 visit to Jeddah.

 

3. Denmark Proposes Ban on Social Media Access for Children Below 15 Years: Denmark’s government has proposed banning social media access for children under 15 years to safeguard them from online risks and inappropriate content.The plan, led by the Ministry of Digitalisation, allows parents to grant consent for children aged 13–15 to use social media after an official assessment.The proposal mirrors Australia’s 2024 decision to restrict social media for users under 16, with penalties for platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X, and Instagram if they fail to comply.

 

4. Sweden Becomes the World’s First Cashless Society: Sweden has become the world’s first cashless country, replacing physical money with digital payments through phones and cards.

Travellers can easily pay anywhere — from shops to northern lights tours — using digital transactions. The transformation began with the launch of Swish, a mobile payment app introduced in 2012.Swish enables real-time money transfers between individuals, businesses, and organizations using just a phone number. Its fast adoption made digital payments common across shops, cafés, museums, and even churches.

 

5. 10 November – World Public Transport Day: World Public Transport Day is observed on 10th November to raise awareness about the importance of eco-friendly and efficient public transport systems for reducing carbon emissions.The day emphasises making public transport accessible, affordable, and safe for all citizens, including differently-abled and elderly individuals.Governments, NGOs, and transport authorities organize campaigns, seminars, and events to motivate people to prefer public transport over private vehicles for a cleaner future.

 

6. 10 November – World Immunisation Day: World Immunization Day is observed on 10th November to spread awareness about the importance of vaccines in protecting people from preventable diseases.The day highlights how immunization saves millions of lives each year by preventing deadly infections such as measles, polio, tetanus, and influenza.It supports initiatives by organizations like WHO and UNICEF to ensure that vaccines reach every child and community worldwide.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. INS Sahyadri Participates in Multilateral Exercise Malabar 2025 at Guam: The indigenously built Guided Missile Stealth Frigate INS Sahyadri has arrived at Guam in the Northern Pacific to participate in the multilateral Exercise Malabar 2025, showcasing India’s growing maritime cooperation and strategic engagement with Indo-Pacific partner nations.The exercise, involving harbour and sea phases, aims to strengthen joint coordination, interoperability, and regional security through activities like operational planning, communication alignment, fleet operations, anti-submarine warfare, and gunnery drills among participating navies.Built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai, INS Sahyadri exemplifies India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and has participated in multiple global exercises, reinforcing India’s commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific and its proactive role in regional maritime stability.Exercise Malabar, which began as a bilateral exercise between India and the United States in 1992, has since evolved into a key multilateral naval engagement involving major Indo-Pacific democracies.

 

2. Coimbatore to Host Two-Day Defence Conclave: Coimbatore is set to host a two-day defence conclave at the Codissia Trade Fair Complex on November 13 and 14, bringing together industry leaders, defence stakeholders, and policymakers. Organised by the Codissia Defence Innovation and Atal Incubation Centre (CDIIC), the event aims to boost indigenous defence manufacturing and innovation in alignment with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission. More than 40 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will showcase a range of defence-related products and technologies during the conclave. Coimbatore district, home to over 100 MSMEs catering to the defence sector, has become a growing hub for advanced engineering and precision manufacturing. Exhibits will include ground support equipment, drones, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) developed locally. Codissia president M Karthikeyan stated that the conclave will facilitate discussions on defence procurement, indigenisation, policy frameworks, and quality standards. A series of expert-led panels and sessions will explore strategies to enhance industry readiness and promote greater collaboration between MSMEs, startups, and defence organisations. The event is expected to serve as a catalyst for regional participation in India’s expanding defence ecosystem.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Kalinga Stadium to Host India’s First National Indoor Athletics Championships: Bhubaneswar’s iconic Kalinga Stadium is set to host the inaugural National Indoor Athletics Championships in January 2026, marking a historic development in India’s athletics calendar. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced the introduction of indoor competitions for the first time in the country, focusing on expanding the domestic athletics ecosystem. AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo confirmed that the National Indoor Championships would be part of the 2026 domestic season. The indoor meet will feature key events such as the pole vault and heptathlon, showcasing India’s readiness to embrace international standards in athletics infrastructure. Bhubaneswar’s world-class indoor facility at Kalinga Stadium will serve as the venue for this pioneering edition. The heptathlon for men will span two days and include seven disciplines—60m sprint, long jump, shot put, high jump, 60m hurdles, pole vault, and 1,000m run. AFI’s decision to include multi-event indoor competitions reflects its aim to prepare Indian athletes for global indoor championships, including the 2028 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, for which India has placed a bid.

 

2. Asian Games Medallist Manju Bala Receives Five-Year Doping Ban: India’s hammer thrower and 2014 Asian Games bronze medallist Manju Bala has been handed a five-year suspension for violating anti-doping regulations. The decision, issued by the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP), follows her positive test for banned substances, including anabolic steroids and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMS). Manju Bala tested positive for dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone and SARMS LGD-4033 during a routine test conducted in 2024. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) confirmed her violation in September last year. The suspension will take effect from July 10, 2024, following the panel’s ruling on October 15, 2025. Bala, who brought home a bronze medal from the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, now faces a career setback as her ban rules her out of upcoming major competitions. The latest anti-doping review also penalised several Indian athletes across various disciplines. Mohan Saini received a four-year ban starting October 14, 2025. Three bodybuilders — Gopala Krishnan, Amit Kumar, and Rajvardhan Sanjay Waskar — were each handed six-year suspensions, while Shubham Mahara received a four-year ban. Boxer Sumit faced a two-year penalty, canoeist Nitin Verma was suspended for four years, and basketball player Shivendra Pandey received a six-year ban for similar offences.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. TEC and IIT Bombay Join Hands to Drive Indigenous Innovation in 6G, AI, and Next-Generation Telecom Technologies: The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), DoT, signed an MoU with IIT Bombay to jointly conduct research, technical studies, and standardisation activities in advanced telecom domains like 6G, AI, VoIP, and NGN.The collaboration aims to develop India-specific standards, test frameworks, and boost India’s participation in ITU-T and 3GPP global standardisation efforts, advancing the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision in telecom innovation.The partnership covers multiple key areas including 6G architecture, AI-driven telecom applications, core network development, satellite communication systems, and signalling protocols, strengthening India’s R&D ecosystem and telecom self-reliance.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Union Minister Manohar Lal Releases ₹50 Commemorative Coin to Mark 50 Years of NHPC Limited: Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal released a ₹50 commemorative coin in New Delhi to mark 50 years of NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower company under the Ministry of Power.The minister highlighted that the coin symbolizes NHPC’s resilience, innovation, and service to the nation, recognizing its key role in India’s energy self-reliance and sustainable power development over the past five decades.Along with the coin, a comic book titled “Chhota Bheem aur Bada Bandh” was released to promote awareness about hydropower among children. NHPC currently operates 30 power stations with an installed capacity of 8,333 MW and has 14 projects (9,704 MW) under construction, expanding into solar, wind, and green hydrogen sectors.

Daily GK Update- 10th Nov, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Khasi Community Celebrates Shad Nongkrem Festival in Smit: The Khasi community of Meghalaya celebrated the five-day Shad Nongkrem Festival at Smit, expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest and prosperity. This annual religious and cultural event, one of India’s most distinctive tribal celebrations, attracts both locals and visitors.The festival honours Ka Blei Synshar, the goddess of fertility and prosperity, and is held in Smit, the traditional capital of Hima Khyrim, about 20 km from Shillong. Dr. Balajied Syiem, the Syiem (King) of Hima Khyrim, presided over the Pomblang ceremony, performing rituals and prayers to Lei Shyllong, the deity of Shillong Peak.The highlights include the vibrant Nongkrem dance — women performing ‘Ka Shad Kynthei’ with golden Tiew Lasubon crowns symbolising purity, and men performing ‘Ka Shad Mastieh’ with swords and yak-hair whisks. The festival showcases the Khasi tribe’s matrilineal traditions, spiritual depth, and communal harmony with nature and divinity.

 

2. Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2025 to Celebrate Cultural Unity Between Tamil Nadu and Kashi: Varanasi will host the fourth edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS 4.0) from December 2 to 15, 2025, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, celebrating the deep-rooted cultural bond between Tamil Nadu and Kashi under the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.The theme “Let us Learn Tamil – Karpom Tamil” highlights India’s linguistic unity, with over 1,400 delegates from Tamil Nadu across seven categories including students, teachers, writers, professionals, women, and spiritual scholars participating in cultural exchange and learning sessions.This year’s key highlights include the valedictory ceremony at Rameswaram on December 15, along with the launch of “Tamil Karpom” (students from North India learning Tamil) and the “Agasthya Expedition” (a cultural journey from Tenkasi to Kashi showcasing Tamil Nadu’s heritage).

 

3. Union Minister Manohar Lal Unveils ₹50 Commemorative Coin to Mark 50 Years of NHPC Limited’s Green Energy Journey: Union Minister Manohar Lal released a ₹50 commemorative coin on 6 November 2025 in New Delhi to mark 50 years of NHPC Limited in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Power and NHPC.NHPC Limited, a Navratna hydropower company under the Ministry of Power, celebrates its Golden Jubilee on 7 November 2025, highlighting five decades of contributions to India’s power sector.With an installed capacity of 8,333 MW across 30 power stations and 14 projects (9,704 MW) under construction, NHPC has diversified into solar, wind, and green hydrogen, reaffirming its commitment to 100% green energy and India’s clean power transition.

 

4. PSEB Recommends Deepak Gupta as Next CMD of GAIL India: The Public Enterprise Selection Board (PSEB) has recommended Deepak Gupta, Director (Projects) at GAIL India, as the next Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Maharatna company, succeeding Sandeep Kumar Gupta upon his retirement in February next year.Deepak Gupta brings over 35 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, with expertise in project and construction management and business development across the hydrocarbon value chain.

5. Red Fort Blast Rekindles Memories of Delhi’s Past Terror Strikes: A powerful explosion near Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening has once again plunged Delhi into fear and grief. The blast, which killed eight people and injured 24 others, destroyed several vehicles and sent shockwaves across the city. The explosion occurred during the busy evening rush hour near the iconic Red Fort, a major heritage site and tourist attraction. Emergency teams and local police swiftly cordoned off the area as ambulances ferried the injured to LNJP Hospital. Preliminary reports suggest a high-intensity improvised explosive device was used, though investigations are ongoing. Delhi has endured multiple terror incidents over the past three decades, each leaving deep psychological scars. The 1996 Lajpat Nagar market blast claimed 13 lives, while 2000 saw gunmen open fire inside the Red Fort itself. The 2001 Parliament attack, one of the most shocking in India’s history, targeted the very heart of democracy. Subsequent blasts in 2005 and 2008 struck markets and transport hubs, killing scores and injuring hundreds.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 10 November – World Science Day for Peace and Development: World Science Day for Peace and Development is observed every year on 10 November to emphasize the vital role of science in society and to promote public engagement in scientific discussions.The day supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, stressing the need for strong partnerships between science, policy, and society to achieve global progress.The International Week of Science and Peace was first celebrated in 1986, and the UN General Assembly formally recognized it in 1988 through Resolution 43/61.

 

2. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais Becomes First Woman to Lead UN Tourism: In a landmark achievement for the United Arab Emirates and the global tourism sector, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais has been appointed as the first-ever woman to head UN Tourism. Her appointment was confirmed during the 123rd UN Tourism Executive Council session in Segovia, Spain, following a majority vote. Once formally ratified by the UN General Assembly, she will assume office in January 2026 for a four-year term, marking a major stride toward gender equality in international leadership. Shaikha Al Nowais’s appointment shatters a 50-year precedent since the organisation’s founding in 1975. She will lead the United Nations’ specialised agency responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. The UAE leadership celebrated the milestone, with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan describing it as proof of the nation’s dedication to women’s empowerment and global cooperation. Al Nowais herself dedicated the achievement to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, calling her “the first and enduring supporter of Emirati women.”

 

3. Novo Nordisk Partners With Emcure to Market Wegovy in India: Danish healthcare major Novo Nordisk has entered into a collaboration with Emcure Pharmaceuticals to market its globally recognised weight-loss and diabetes drug, Wegovy, in India. The injectable semaglutide formulation is expected to strengthen India’s fast-growing obesity and metabolic health market, as demand for effective weight management therapies surges nationwide. Wegovy, an injectable version of semaglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes control. The drug has gained global popularity for its proven efficacy in aiding weight reduction and improving glycaemic outcomes. Under the new partnership, Emcure will handle the local marketing and distribution of the product, ensuring broader accessibility in the Indian pharmaceutical landscape. The announcement follows closely on the heels of Eli Lilly’s collaboration with Cipla to distribute tirzepatide in India under the brand name “Yurpeak”. Like Wegovy, tirzepatide targets weight management and diabetes and is available in pre-filled, pen-like devices across multiple strengths. Lilly’s Mounjaro, launched earlier in 2025, has already achieved ₹100 crore in sales by October, underscoring the rapid commercial growth of this therapeutic segment.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. HAL Signs $1 Billion Deal with GE for 113 Engines to Power 97 LCA Mk1A Fighters: HAL signs $1 billion contract with GE Aerospace for the supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines and support packages to power the next batch of 97 LCA Mk1A fighters, boosting India’s indigenous fighter jet programme and self-reliance in defence production.The total F404 engines ordered for the LCA Mk1A programme rises to 212, with deliveries under the latest contract scheduled from 2027 to 2032, aligning with HAL’s production timeline and the Indian Air Force’s requirement for 97 aircraft.The new LCA Mk1A aircraft will feature over 64% indigenous content, including UTTAM AESA Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach electronic warfare suite, and indigenous actuators, reinforcing India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Paradeep Phosphates Appoints Rahul Dravid as Brand Ambassador: Paradeep Phosphates Limited (PPL) has appointed Rahul Dravid as its brand ambassador to represent trust, discipline, reliability, and performance across its product range.The collaboration includes two national campaigns — “Kheti ka Game Changer” for Jai Kisaan Navratna Nano Shakti Nano DAP and “NPK and Organic Fertilizers ki Winning Team” for PPL’s NPK and organic fertiliser range.Using cricket analogies, the campaigns reflect Dravid’s mentor-like approach, encouraging farmers to select the right fertilisers for improved productivity and stronger yields.

 

2. Serena Williams Honoured with 2025 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports: Serena Williams was honoured with the 2025 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Spain, receiving the accolade from King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Princess Leonor, recognising her exceptional contributions to global sport, leadership, and advocacy for equality.The award celebrates Serena’s legendary career as a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, joining a prestigious list of past recipients including Lindsey Vonn and Pau Gasol, highlighting her influence both on and off the court.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. DGT Partners with Autodesk to Integrate AI and Digital Design Tools in Vocational Training under Skill India Mission: The Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has signed an MoU with Autodesk, a global leader in design and make technology, to upskill trainers and educators in NSTIs and ITIs across India.

The collaboration aims to integrate advanced digital design tools and AI-powered learning into vocational training, aligning India’s workforce with industry needs in architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and construction.Autodesk will provide its professional-grade software to educators and students in over 14,500 ITIs and 33 NSTIs, promoting large-scale adoption of digital design and manufacturing technologies.The partnership supports the Skill India Mission through joint curriculum development, faculty training, hands-on learning, and globally recognized certification programs, preparing a future-ready skilled workforce.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ReNew Energy Secures $477 Million ADB Funding for India’s First Round-the-Clock Peak Renewable Energy Project in Andhra Pradesh: ReNew Energy Global has secured a $477 million financing package from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to develop a large-scale wind-solar hybrid clean energy project with battery storage in Andhra Pradesh.The project will integrate 837 MWp of wind and solar capacity with a 415 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), delivering 300 MW of peak power to enhance grid stability and support India’s low-carbon energy transition.This marks ADB’s first financing of a round-the-clock peak renewable energy project, reinforcing ReNew’s partnership with ADB and aligning with the UNFCCC COP28 MoU to accelerate India’s clean energy and grid transformation goals.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Veteran Archaeologist Ravindra Korisettar from Dharwad Honoured with Rajyotsava Award: Veteran archaeologist Ravindra (Ravi) Korisettar from Dharwad has been honoured with the Rajyotsava Award for his outstanding contributions to archaeology and education.He is a UGC Emeritus Fellow in the Department of History and Archaeology at Karnatak University, Dharwad, with a research career spanning over 40 years.Korisettar has published papers in top journals like Science (2007) and PNAS (USA), and led key projects such as the Kashmir Palaeoclimate Project and Geoarchaeology of the Middle Krishna Basin.The 74-year-old scholar has established prehistory museums in Ballari and Dharwad and served on committees related to educational development and university upgradation initiatives in Karnataka.

 

2. Chef Sanjeev Kapoor Named “Top Agri-Food Pioneer” By World Food Prize Foundation: Celebrated chef and Padma Shri awardee Sanjeev Kapoor has been honoured as a Top Agri-Food Pioneer by the World Food Prize Foundation in Des Moines, Iowa.The recognition highlights his contributions to promoting sustainable and healthy eating, supporting Indian agriculture, and using local, nutrient-rich ingredients.The award was presented during the Borlaug Dialogue Week, an annual global event focused on food security, climate resilience, and nutrition.

 

3. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Honoured with 2025 World Leader for Peace and Security Award: Spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, has been honoured with the 2025 World Leader for Peace and Security Award by the Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the AI World Society (AIWS).The award recognises his global humanitarian efforts, including rehabilitating over 8 lakh prisoners, reviving 70+ rivers, and educating 1 lakh children through the Art of Living Foundation.The award was presented by Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-founder and CEO of the Boston Global Forum, with past recipients including Emmanuel Macron, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Ban Ki-m

 

4. Sai Gautam Gopalakrishnan Wins Third Edition of Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award 2025: Sai Gautam Gopalakrishnan, an associate professor of materials engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has been announced as the recipient of the third edition of the Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award 2025, leading research in computational materials science.The award carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, the highest in science and technology awards in India, selected from 50 applications with 10 candidates shortlisted for interviews. Gopalakrishnan was chosen after rigorous evaluation by an expert committee chaired by Anil Kakodkar, and the award will be presented at the Manohar Parrikar Vigyan Mahotsav in December 2025.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 9th Nov, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

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

 

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

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

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

 

Daily GK Update- 8th Nov, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

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

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

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

 

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

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

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

 

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

 

Daily GK Update- 7th Nov, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

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

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

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