National news
Quantum Leap: ₹720 Crore Quantum Fabrication & Central Facilities Announced for IIT Bombay and Other Institutions
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh, representing the Ministry of Science & Technology (MoS&T), announced a significant investment of Rs. 720 crore for the establishment of four Quantum Fabrication & Central Facilities across India. This monumental initiative is being launched under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), aiming to significantly bolster India’s quantum technology infrastructure and research capabilities. The facilities will be set up at four premier institutions: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, IIT Delhi, and IIT Kanpur. During his visit to IIT Bombay, Dr. Singh officially inaugurated India’s first Liquid Helium Facility and was introduced to several indigenous quantum innovations, underscoring the government’s commitment to self-reliance in this futuristic domain.
Key Highlights
- National Quantum Mission Investment: The total investment for these four advanced quantum facilities is Rs. 720 crore, demonstrating a major national commitment to developing a robust quantum ecosystem under the NQM.
- Institutional Coverage: The facilities will establish crucial quantum infrastructure at four major institutions: IIT Bombay, which hosted the announcement, alongside IISc Bengaluru, IIT Delhi, and IIT Kanpur, ensuring broad geographical and institutional reach for advanced research.
- Inauguration of Key Facility: Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first Liquid Helium Facility at IIT Bombay, a critical infrastructure component necessary for operating advanced quantum devices at extremely low temperatures.
- Indigenous Quantum Technology Witnessed: He was introduced to Quantum Magnetometer for Portable Imaging (QMagPI), which is notable as India’s first portable magnetometer, and also witnessed India’s first QDM (Quantum Diamond Microchip), built by the PQuest Group at IIT Bombay.
MeitY Launches Cyber Security Innovation Challenge (CSIC) 1.0 under ISEA Project
In November 2025, S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), officially launched the Cyber Security Innovation Challenge (CSIC) 1.0 as part of the ongoing Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) Project in New Delhi. The core objective of this challenge is to actively engage students and researchers in addressing real-world cybersecurity threats, thereby fostering the development of indigenous, homegrown cybersecurity solutions and significantly strengthening India’s overall cyber resilience. This crucial initiative focuses on finding product-oriented solutions for critical national sectors like Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI), telecom, and healthcare.
Key Highlights
- Challenge Implementers and Collaboration: The CSIC 1.0 is a collaborative effort led by MeitY, in partnership with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Hyderabad, who will implement and manage the challenge.
- Structured Development Process: The challenge is open to students and researchers nationwide and is structured as a five-stage process, designed to meticulously nurture innovative ideas right from their initial conception through to the creation of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
- Mentorship and Domain Focus: Top 20 successful teams will receive dedicated mentorship from industry experts and gain opportunities for hands-on sessions and collaboration. The focus is on ten critical cybersecurity domains, including Network Security, Cryptography, Hardware Security, and Fintech Security.
- Objective of ISEA Project: The umbrella ISEA Project, under which the challenge is launched, is led by MeitY with the aim of developing essential human resources in information security and promoting widespread cyber hygiene through a large network of 50 premier institutions across the country.
MoU Signed Between MSJE and MoRD to Empower De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic (DNT) Communities
A crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in November 2025 between the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJE) through its Development and Welfare Board for De‑Notified, Nomadic and Semi‑Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) and the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) through the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY‑NRLM). The primary purpose of this agreement is to empower the De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic (DNT) communities in India by integrating them into the formal institutional network of rural livelihoods. The agreement was formalized by V. Apparao, CEO of DWBDNC, and T. K. Anil Kumar, Additional Secretary, MoRD.
Key Highlights
- Integration of DNT Self-Help Groups (SHGs): A key provision is the integration of over 5,000 DNT Self-Help Groups (SHGs), initially formed under DWBDNC, into the comprehensive DAY-NRLM institutional network, which includes Village Organizations (VOs) and Cluster Level Federations (CLFs).
- Phased Support Mechanism: In the initial year, DWBDNC will nurture these SHGs through financial literacy and enterprise preparation; subsequently, DAY‑NRLM will provide support for the next 3–5 years, focusing on crucial aspects like credit linkages, asset creation, and sustainable livelihoods.
- Innovation of ‘DNT Sakhi’: A significant innovation introduced by the MoU is the creation of a community-based cadre called “DNT Sakhi”. These women, drawn from DNT groups, will serve as vital facilitators, mentors, and guides for accessing government schemes and credit.
- Convergence and Coordination: The MoU strongly encourages convergence with various national missions and mandates close coordination between DWBDNC and the respective State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) to ensure the long-term inclusion and sustainable development of the DNT communities.
NCW Launches 24×7 Helpline ‘14490’ for Women in Distress Across India
On November 24, 2025, the National Commission for Women (NCW) launched a new, easy-to-remember, 24×7 short-code helpline, ‘14490’, with the aim of providing quicker, more accessible, and seamless assistance to women across India who are facing various forms of distress. This includes instances of violence, harassment, cybercrimes, or any other urgent need for support. The new toll-free short code 14490 is specifically designed to enhance the NCW’s outreach, particularly to women in remote regions, by ensuring free, round-the-clock, nationwide access from any mobile or landline device.
Key Highlights
- Enhanced Accessibility: The launch of the simplified, easy-to-remember, toll-free short code 14490 aims to significantly enhance the NCW’s accessibility and outreach, ensuring women in distress can connect from any mobile or landline at any time.
- Direct Linkage to Existing Service: The new short-code helpline 14490 is directly and seamlessly linked to NCW’s existing national helpline, 7827170170, ensuring uninterrupted and established service delivery and support infrastructure.
- Comprehensive Support Services: The 24×7 helpline is committed to providing immediate support, which includes offering crucial services like guidance, legal aid, and necessary coordination with appropriate authorities for timely intervention in cases of distress.
- Targeted Aim for Remote Areas: The primary goal of this new launch is to ensure that round-the-clock, free, and nationwide support reaches all women, specifically focusing on increasing access for those residing in remote and difficult-to-reach regions of India.
International news
PM Modi Attends 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa Focused on Global South Priorities
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi embarked on a three-day official visit to South Africa from November 21–23, 2025, to participate in the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. This summit was a historic occasion as it was the first G20 summit ever to be hosted on the African continent. Hosted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the 2025 Summit was also the fourth consecutive G20 meeting held in the Global South. PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome upon arrival and, during the opening session titled “Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth-Leaving No One Behind,” he emphasized crucial themes such as reforming development financing, promoting inclusive growth, and significantly enhancing the voice of the Global South by proposing six key ideas to the G20.
Key Highlights
- Summit Theme and Declaration: The 2025 summit was held under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”. G20 leaders subsequently adopted the 122-Point Leaders’ Declaration, which echoed this theme and strongly highlighted the need for multilateral cooperation and addressing the priorities of the Global South.
- ACITI Partnership Launched: During the proceedings, India joined Canada and Australia to launch the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership, establishing a new trilateral alliance focused on technology and innovation.
- IBSA Leaders’ Meeting: PM Modi attended the India Brazil South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ Meeting, which was hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa and included the participation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, further strengthening South-South cooperation.
- Bilateral Engagements: On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Canadian PM Mark Carney, Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi, and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.
Indonesia Declared Free from Type-2 Circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (cVPDV) by WHO
In a significant public health achievement in November 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared that Indonesia is free from type-2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVPDV). This declaration comes after Indonesia successfully maintained a status of non-reporting of any polio virus cases, whether in children or the environment, since June 2024. This clearance follows an outbreak of cVPDV type 2 that began in Aceh Province in 2022, which the Indonesian government successfully combatted with extensive measures.
Key Highlights
- Polio-Free Criteria Met: To achieve and maintain polio-free status, the WHO mandates that a country must have no wild poliovirus cases for at least three years, coupled with robust immunization programs and effective surveillance systems to prevent and quickly respond to outbreaks.
- Successful Response Measures: Following the 2022 outbreak of cVPDV type 2, the government conducted two essential rounds of nationwide vaccination using the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) between 2022 and 2024 to curb the spread of the virus.
- Improved Immunization Coverage: As part of preventive and control measures, Indonesia significantly increased routine immunization coverage for the second dose of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), raising it from 63% to 73% in 2024.
- Historical Polio Status: Indonesia successfully stopped indigenous wild poliovirus transmission in 1995 and was formally certified as wild-polio free by the WHO in 2014, demonstrating a long-term commitment to polio eradication efforts.
- Polio Overview (The Disease): Poliomyelitis (Polio) is a highly contagious disease, mainly affecting children under 5, which attacks the nervous system and can lead to paralysis or death. It is spread through the fecal-oral route and cannot be treated but is effectively preventable through vaccination.
Banking news
RBI Announces UPI–TIPS Interlinkage for Enhanced Cross-Border Payments with the Euro Area
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a major development in cross-border payments by initiating the interlinking of India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) with the TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) system, which is operated by the Eurosystem (the European Central Bank and the national central banks of the Euro Area). This strategic move is being undertaken by the RBI and NPCI International Payment Limited (NIPL), the global arm of NPCI, in close collaboration with the European Central Bank (ECB). The primary purpose of this interlinkage is to significantly enhance cross-border payments between India and the Euro Area by making them cheaper, faster, more efficient, transparent, and accessible. This initiative directly aligns with the Group of 20 (G20) Roadmap for improving global remittance services.
Key Highlights
- Key Partners and Systems: The interlinkage connects India’s successful instant payment system, UPI, with the Eurosystem’s real-time settlement infrastructure, TIPS. The engagement is being led by the RBI and its subsidiary NIPL on the Indian side, in cooperation with the ECB.
- Global Strategic Alignment: The initiative directly supports the G20 Roadmap‘s goal of improving cross-border payments, demonstrating India’s commitment to multilateral cooperation in enhancing global financial efficiency and accessible remittances.
- TIPS System Overview: TIPS is a vital market infrastructure service, launched by the Eurosystem in November 2018. It enables payment service providers to offer their customers real-time and around-the-clock fund transfers, every day of the year, across the Euro Area.
- Expected Benefits: The proposed link is anticipated to substantially benefit users in both jurisdictions by facilitating faster, cheaper, and more transparent cross-border remittances, easing financial transfers between India and the Euro Area.
IDFC FIRST Bank Partners with FPSB India as Approved Corporate Partner (ACP)
In November 2025, IDFC FIRST Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FPSB India, which is the Indian subsidiary of the Financial Planning Standards Board Limited, formally becoming an Approved Corporate Partner (ACP). The core aim of this strategic collaboration is to significantly strengthen financial planning standards within the bank and substantially upskill its management and private banking teams. The MoU was signed by Rahul Singh, Country Head of Private Banking, IDFC FIRST Bank, and Chandrakant Sureka, Interim CEO of FPSB India.
Key Highlights
- Program and Goal: The MoU was signed under FPSB India’s ACP program, which is designed to actively promote financial planning excellence and professional certification across leading financial institutions in India.
- Focus on Upskilling and Certification: A major objective is to upskill IDFC FIRST Bank’s Wealth Management Regional Managers through access to specialized training and certification programs, ensuring a high level of competency and professional standards.
- Support for CFP Professionals: The partnership aims to support hiring initiatives for the bank and create enhanced career pathways specifically for Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professionals, recognizing the value of this certification.
- Promoting Financial Planning Excellence: The collaboration also includes plans to conduct joint programs and strategic engagements designed to foster a culture of financial planning excellence and generally strengthen the overall financial planning ecosystem in the country.
Appointment news
ACC Approves Seven Executive Director Appointments Across Public Sector Banks
In November 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a proposal from the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF). This approval resulted in the elevation of seven Chief General Managers (CGMs) from various Public Sector Banks (PSBs) to the crucial position of Executive Director (ED) in their respective banks. These high-level appointments were made following a rigorous selection process conducted by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB).
Key Appointments and Tenure
The appointments are effective from November 24, 2025, and each carries a three-year tenure or lasts until the official date of superannuation, whichever comes earlier.
| Bank | Appointed Executive Director (ED) | Previous Role/Background | Tenure Notes |
| Punjab National Bank (PNB) | Amit Kumar Srivastava | Group Chief Risk Officer at PNB | Appointed for 3 years. |
| Canara Bank | Sunil Kumar Chugh | Chief General Manager (CGM) at PNB | — |
| Union Bank of India (UBI) | Amresh Prasad | Chief General Manager (CGM) at PNB | Term runs until October 31, 2028. |
| Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) | Prabhat Kiran | Chief General Manager (CGM) at Canara Bank | — |
| Indian Bank | Mini T M | Chief General Manager (CGM) at Bank of Baroda (BoB) | Known for deep experience in branch operations and retail banking. |
| Central Bank of India (CBI) | E. Ratan Kumar | Chief General Manager (CGM) at CBI | Appointed for 3 years or until further notice. |
| Bank of India (BoI) | Pramod Kumar Dwibedi | Chief General Manager (CGM) at BoI | Serves until superannuation on June 30, 2028. |
Selection Process and Authority
- Selection Authority: The selection process for these ED positions was conducted by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB), the body responsible for recommending appointments to top posts in PSBs and financial institutions.
- FSIB Recommendation: The appointments were based on the FSIB’s recommendation of 11 candidates for ED positions on August 4, 2025, following interviews with 80 banking professionals.
- Approving Authority: The final approval for these appointments was given by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by the Prime Minister.
About Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB)
The FSIB, established in 2022, plays a critical role in the governance of PSBs.
- Chairman: Its part-time Chairman is Bhanu Pratap Sharma.
- Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi.
Sports news
ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol 2025: China Tops Medal Tally, India Secures Third Place
The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) hosted the ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol 2025 in Cairo, Egypt, from November 6-18, 2025. The event saw intense competition among 720 shooters representing 70 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) across various individual and team rifle and pistol events. China dominated the competition, topping the final medal tally with an impressive 21 medals, including 12 gold. They were followed by South Korea with 14 medals (7 gold). India secured a commendable third place overall, winning a total of 13 medals.
Key Highlights
- Medal Tally Leaders: China led the championship with 21 medals (12 gold, 7 silver, 2 bronze), establishing a clear lead. South Korea finished second with 14 medals (7 gold, 3 silver, 4 bronze).
- India’s Performance: India finished third with a total of 13 medals, comprising 3 gold, 6 silver, and 4 bronze, marking a significant performance in the global event.
- Key Indian Gold Medalists: India’s gold medals were won by Samrat Rana in the Men’s 10m Air Pistol individual event, Ravinder Singh in the Men’s 50m Standard Pistol, and in the Men’s 10m Air Pistol Team event.
- Anish Bhanwala’s Record: Anish Bhanwala won a silver medal in the Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol, scoring 28 hits in the final. Notably, he became the first Indian individual pistol shooter to medal in an Olympic event at the World Championships.
Max Verstappen Wins Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025 in Drama-Filled Race
Dutch-Belgian driver Max Verstappen, representing Red Bull Racing, secured victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix (GP) 2025 in the United States, marking the 22nd race of the 2025 F1 World Championship. This triumph was Verstappen’s 69th career victory and his eighth consecutive podium finish, extending his record as the driver with the most wins in the USA to eight. The race was marked by post-race drama when two McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, were disqualified after the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) inspection found the skid-plank thickness on their cars was below the minimum limit. Following the disqualifications and penalty adjustments, George Russell (Mercedes) was promoted to second place, and Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) was promoted from fifth to third.
Key Highlights
- Verstappen’s Achievements: The victory was Verstappen’s 69th career win and his second Las Vegas triumph in three years. He also secured an F1-record eighth win on USA soil.
- Podium Finishers: After revised standings, the top three were: 1st: Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing, Netherlands); 2nd: George Russell (Mercedes, United Kingdom); and 3rd: Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes, Italy).
- FIA Disqualifications: McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified after post-race checks revealed their car’s skid-plank thickness was non-compliant with the minimum required limit.
- 2025 Drivers’ Championship Standings: Despite the disqualifications, the Top 3 in the F1 Drivers’ Championship were: 1st: Lando Norris (McLaren, 390 points); 2nd: Oscar Piastri (McLaren, 366 points); and 3rd: Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing, 366 points).
India Clinches Second Consecutive Women’s Kabaddi World Cup Title 2025
The Indian Women’s Kabaddi Team successfully defended their title, clinching the 2nd edition of the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup title on November 24, 2025. In the final, held at the Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh, India defeated Chinese Taipei with a final score of 35–28. This victory secured India’s second consecutive title, following their win in the inaugural championship held in Patna, Bihar, in 2012. The tournament highlighted the global expansion of women’s kabaddi, featuring eleven participating countries.
Key Highlights
- Final Match Result: India defeated Chinese Taipei in the final by a score of 35–28, securing their second Women’s Kabaddi World Cup title.
- Tournament Dominance: India remained unbeaten throughout the entire tournament, winning all their group matches and defeating Iran 33–21 in the semi-final.
- Individual Honors (India): India’s performance was bolstered by Captain Ritu Negi’s exceptional leadership and Vice-Captain Pushpa Rana’s excellent performance in both raiding and defense. Sanju Devi (India) was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.
- Global Participation: The event featured teams from eleven countries, including India, Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, Germany, Iran, Kenya, Nepal, Poland, Thailand, Uganda, and Zanzibar, reflecting the growing international interest in the sport.
Obituary news
Bollywood Loses ‘He-Man’: Legendary Actor and Padma Bhushan Awardee Dharmendra Passes Away
On November 24, 2025, renowned Bollywood actor Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, popularly and simply known as Dharmendra, passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra, at the age of 89. Born on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali, Punjab, he left behind a prolific legacy in Indian cinema, spanning over six decades and more than 300 films. Revered for his versatility in both romantic and action roles, he was popularly titled the “He-Man of Bollywood”. His immense contribution to the arts was formally recognized in 2012 when he was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.
Key Career Highlights and Achievements
- Film Debut and Breakthrough: Dharmendra made his Hindi film debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. He received his first critical acclaim for his role in Bandini (1963), but it was Phool Aur Patthar (1966) that proved to be his breakthrough, establishing him as a major star.
- Most Prominent Role: He is globally recognized for his iconic role as “Veeru” in the monumental 1975 film Sholay, which remains a cornerstone of Indian cinematic history.
- Other Notable Works: His prominent filmography includes hits like Chupke Chupke (1975), Dharam Veer (1977), and later the Yamla Pagla Deewana Series (2011-2013), in which he starred alongside his sons.
- Awards and Honors: Besides the Padma Bhushan (2012), Dharmendra was honored with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1997) for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, and the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) award in 2021.
Beyond Acting: In addition to his acting career, he was also involved in film production and served a term as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2009.
important days
World Philosophy Day 2025: UNESCO Focuses on “The Values of Societies of the Future”
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s World Philosophy Day was observed globally on the 3rd Thursday of November, which fell on November 20, 2025. The annual observation highlights the enduring value of philosophy in the development of human thought, its critical role for every culture, and its significance for the intellectual growth of each individual. The main event was hosted at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, focusing on the crucial theme: “The Values of Societies of the Future.”
Key Details and Theme
- Date and Observation: World Philosophy Day is celebrated annually on the 3rd Thursday of November, a practice established by UNESCO’s General Conference in 2005 via resolution 33C/Resolution 37, following its initial commemoration since 2002.
- 2025 Event and Theme: The event focused on the theme “The Values of Societies of the Future,” specifically exploring the ethics of inequality and the moral principles that should guide future socio-economic systems.
- Keynote Speaker: The keynote lecture was delivered by Belgian-Dutch philosopher, economist, and Professor Ingrid Robeyns, who holds the Chair in Ethics of Institutions at Utrecht University, Netherlands.
- Speaker’s Recognition: Professor Robeyns was recently awarded the prestigious Stevin Prize in 2025, which is recognized as the highest academic distinction in the Netherlands.
- Definition of Philosophy: The term “philosophy” literally means “love of wisdom” and is defined as the study of fundamental questions concerning the nature of reality, knowledge, and value, including subjects like ethics, existence, and meaning.
National Cadet Corps (NCC) Raising Day 2025 Marks 77th Anniversary
The National Cadet Corps (NCC), which holds the distinction of being the world’s largest uniformed youth organization, celebrated its Raising Day on the 4th Sunday of November, which corresponded to November 23, 2025. This annual observation honors the NCC’s vital role in shaping young citizens and acknowledges their significant contributions to national service and youth development. The 2025 celebration marked the 77th anniversary of its establishment.
Key Dates and Commemoration
- Date of Observation: NCC Raising Day is celebrated every year on the 4th Sunday of November to commemorate the establishment of the first NCC units in Delhi in 1947.
- Official Formation: The NCC was officially set up much earlier, on June 15, 1948, through an ordinance issued by the Government of India (GoI), serving as an auxiliary educational body for the Indian Army and Indian Navy.
- Precursor Committee: The formation of the NCC was preceded by the establishment of the Cadet Corps Committee on September 29, 1946, with Pt. H. N. Kunzru serving as its Chairman.
2025 Ceremony: On November 22, 2025, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony was conducted at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. Homage was paid to the fallen heroes by Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), and Lt Gen Virendra Vats, Director General (DG) of the NCC.
