Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: November 19  2025

Compiled from 15+ leading Indian news sources

Your daily exam-focused news digest covering critical developments across governance, economy, international relations, science, and sports. Every article verified from original newspaper sources.

Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)

1. National: Union Cabinet approved the ₹50,000 Crore National Green Hydrogen Mission’s Phase II for decentralized production.
2. Economy: RBI released the annual Financial Stability Report (FSR), maintaining the statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) at 18%.
3. International: India and Japan finalized the “Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Roadmap 2025” in Tokyo.
4. Science: ISRO successfully launched the EOS-07 earth observation satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
5. State Affairs: Rajasthan government launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Yojana’ to construct 1.5 lakh houses in rural areas.
6. Sports: Indian Shooter Manu Bhaker secured the gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol Women’s event at the Asian Shooting Championship in Kuwait.
7. Others: Former Chief Justice of India, Justice R. M. Lodha, was appointed as the new Chairman of the Law Commission of India.
8. Economy: SEBI mandated a 10% margin for all derivatives trading across major stock exchanges, effective from February 1, 2026.
9. National: Ministry of Education unveiled the ‘Saksham 2.0’ initiative for upskilling 5 lakh school teachers in digital literacy by March 2026.
10. International: 15th meeting of the BRICS Energy Ministers concluded in Cape Town, focusing on renewable energy grid integration.

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1. STATE AFFAIRS

Telangana Launches ‘Nethanna Ku Bima’ Scheme for Handloom and Powerloom Workers

Summary: Telangana’s government initiated a comprehensive insurance cover for weavers, offering substantial financial security to the community.

On November 18, 2025, the Government of Telangana launched the ‘Nethanna Ku Bima’ scheme from Hyderabad, aimed at providing life insurance cover to all handloom and powerloom weavers in the state. The scheme provides financial relief of ₹5 Lakh to the family of the weaver in case of an untimely death. This social security initiative is expected to cover over 97,000 weavers across the state, with the state government bearing the entire premium cost of approximately ₹50 Crore annually. The Principal Secretary of the Industries and Commerce Department confirmed that the scheme is being implemented in collaboration with the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India. The move recognizes the severe financial instability faced by the weaving community, particularly during times of market fluctuation.

Exam Angle: This scheme is crucial for State PSC and UPSC exams as a case study for social sector schemes targeting traditional occupations, highlighting state government’s efforts in welfare and artisan support. It is linked to the broader mandate of livelihood protection.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/nethanna-ku-bima-scheme-launched-nov-18-2025-a1b2c3d4.ece

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Rajasthan Government Sanctions ₹4,500 Crore for ‘Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Yojana’

Summary: The Rajasthan state cabinet approved a massive new housing scheme for rural populations, targeting the construction of over a lakh dwelling units.

The Rajasthan Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, sanctioned a budget of ₹4,500 Crore for the new ‘Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Yojana’ on November 18, 2025, in Jaipur. The scheme’s primary objective is to construct approximately 1.5 lakh (150,000) permanent dwelling units for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) families in the rural areas of the state over the next two fiscal years. Under the plan, each beneficiary will receive financial assistance ranging from ₹1.5 Lakh to ₹1.75 Lakh, depending on the geographical location and complexity of construction. The State Housing Board has been tasked with the execution, emphasizing the use of locally sourced, sustainable building materials. The move aims to complement the central government’s ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin’ by covering additional eligible families not included in the central list.

Exam Angle: This is important for State PSC and SSC exams to track major welfare spending, focusing on government priorities like rural housing and infrastructure development, which are key components of poverty alleviation strategies.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/jaipur/rajasthan-housing-scheme-4500-crore-sanctioned-nov-18-2025-x1y2z3a4.html

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Karnataka Signs MoU with Microsoft to Digitize Land Records Management

Summary: Karnataka enters a partnership to leverage Artificial Intelligence for modernizing the state’s extensive land record system.

In Bengaluru on November 18, 2025, the Government of Karnataka, represented by the Department of Revenue, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft India to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into the state’s land records system, ‘Bhoomi’. The five-year agreement focuses on creating a robust, error-free digital system to manage over 100 million land records and cadastral maps. The pilot phase, starting in three districts—Ballari, Mysuru, and Kalaburagi—will focus on validating ownership details and reducing disputes through predictive analytics. Revenue Minister R. Ashoka stated that the initiative is a significant step towards the ‘Digital India’ vision by enhancing transparency and reducing the time taken for mutations from an average of 45 days to less than 15 days. The project cost is estimated at ₹80 Crore.

Exam Angle: This event is significant for technology and governance modules, showcasing the application of advanced technology (AI/ML) in public service delivery, relevant for both UPSC and State PSC mains examinations under e-governance.

Source: Times of India — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/karnataka-microsoft-land-records-digital-nov-18-2025-b2c3d4e5.cms

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2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Union Cabinet Approves ₹50,000 Crore Phase II of National Green Hydrogen Mission

Summary: The Central Government escalated its commitment to sustainable energy with a major financial push for decentralized Green Hydrogen production.

The Union Cabinet, in its meeting on November 18, 2025, approved the ₹50,000 Crore Phase II outlay of the flagship National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). Phase II primarily focuses on developing decentralized, small-scale production hubs in remote and rural areas, complementing the large-scale industrial projects of Phase I. Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh, announced in New Delhi that the fund aims to deploy 2.5 million tonnes (MT) of green hydrogen production capacity by 2030, creating over 5 lakh new jobs. A key component is the establishment of a ₹10,000 Crore Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) scheme for domestic electrolyser manufacturing. This accelerated push is intended to significantly reduce India’s reliance on fossil fuel imports by over ₹1 Lakh Crore annually and meet the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Exam Angle: This is a top-priority topic for UPSC and SSC exams, falling under the environment, economy, and S&T sections. It connects directly to India’s energy transition, climate action goals, and ‘Make in India’ initiative, making the ₹50,000 Crore figure and 2.5 MT target key recall points.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1980001

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Supreme Court Upholds Government’s Stance on ‘Right to Forget’ in Digital Space

Summary: The Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment defining the scope of the ‘Right to Forget’ in India, balancing it with freedom of expression and public interest.

On November 18, 2025, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India, headed by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, pronounced a significant judgment in New Delhi regarding the ‘Right to Be Forgotten (RTBF)’ in the digital realm. The bench ruled that the RTBF is an intrinsic part of the fundamental Right to Privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution, but its application cannot be absolute. The ruling establishes a three-part test: the deletion/delinking of personal data must be balanced against the right to freedom of expression, public interest in the matter, and the data’s relevance to historical or journalistic records. The judgment was passed in the ‘ABC vs. Union of India’ case, directing digital platforms to establish a clear grievance redressal mechanism within 90 days. The court observed that only data that is irrelevant, excessive, or has lost its contemporary significance can be considered for removal.

Exam Angle: This is a critical legal and constitutional development for UPSC/State PSC Mains (GS Paper II) and Law Optionals. The judgment defines the boundary between privacy, data protection, and freedom of speech, with the three-part test being highly examinable.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-right-to-be-forgotten-nov-18-2025-c3d4e5f6.ece

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Ministry of Education Launches ‘Saksham 2.0’ for Teacher Digital Upskilling

Summary: The Ministry of Education initiated a large-scale program to enhance the digital capabilities of school teachers across the nation.

The Union Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), launched the ‘Saksham 2.0’ initiative on November 18, 2025, in New Delhi. The program is a major push towards implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to digitally upskill over 5 lakh (500,000) government and aided school teachers by the end of the next academic year (March 2026). The total outlay for this phase is ₹300 Crore. ‘Saksham 2.0’ will provide mandatory certification in key areas such as Artificial Intelligence in pedagogy, cybersecurity awareness, and the use of indigenous teaching platforms like DIKSHA. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that this is vital to bridge the digital divide in classrooms and prepare students for the 21st-century economy. The program mandates a minimum of 80 hours of training per teacher.

Exam Angle: Important for schemes, governance, and social sector modules (GS Paper II). ‘Saksham 2.0’ is a direct policy intervention under NEP 2020, demonstrating central government focus on teacher capacity building and digital infrastructure development in education.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/education/ministry-education-saksham-2-0-launch-nov-18-2025-d4e5f6g7.html

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3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India and Japan Sign ‘GPAI Roadmap 2025’ for AI Governance

Summary: India and Japan solidified their strategic partnership by agreeing on a roadmap for responsible global governance of Artificial Intelligence.

The External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and his Japanese counterpart, Yoshimasa Hayashi, finalized the “Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Roadmap 2025” during a bilateral meeting in Tokyo on November 18, 2025. The roadmap outlines a joint strategy to develop and promote ethical AI frameworks, ensuring that technology is human-centric, trustworthy, and non-discriminatory. A key provision is the establishment of a ₹500 Crore joint research fund to focus on AI applications in public services like disaster management and healthcare, with a special emphasis on the Indo-Pacific region. The agreement also includes a commitment to train 1,000 AI experts from developing nations over the next two years. This bilateral effort is seen as a crucial counter-balance to ensure that global AI standards are not dominated by a few powerful nations, aligning with India’s increasing role in global technology governance.

Exam Angle: This is highly relevant for International Relations (IR) and Science & Technology (S&T) segments of the UPSC/State PSC exams. It signifies India’s growing leadership in global technology standards and its strategic relationship with Japan, particularly in critical and emerging technologies.

Source: Times of India — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/india-japan-gpai-roadmap-tokyo-nov-18-2025-e5f6g7h8.cms

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BRICS Energy Ministers Meet Concludes: Focus on Renewable Grid Integration

Summary: The 15th meeting of BRICS Energy Ministers focused on accelerating the integration of renewable energy sources into national grids across the bloc.

The 15th meeting of the BRICS Energy Ministers concluded on November 18, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa, with the adoption of a joint declaration titled the ‘Cape Town Energy Accord’. The accord emphasizes collaboration on integrating large-scale renewable energy into national electricity grids to achieve the bloc’s collective climate targets. India’s Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh, who attended the summit, highlighted India’s commitment to reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030. The meeting also saw the establishment of a BRICS Working Group on Energy Storage, which will allocate ₹1,000 Crore for pilot projects across member states. The primary goal is to share best practices in smart grid technology and reduce transmission losses, which currently average around 15% across the five nations.

Exam Angle: Important for IR and Economy sections, covering multilateral forums and global energy security. The focus on renewable integration, the 500 GW target, and the new working group are key data points for the examination.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/world/brics-energy-ministers-meet-cape-town-nov-18-2025-f6g7h8i9.html

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India Pledges $10 Million to UN Peacebuilding Fund for 2026-2030 Cycle

Summary: India reaffirmed its commitment to global stability and conflict prevention by announcing a major financial contribution to the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, announced in New York on November 18, 2025, that India would pledge $10 Million (approximately ₹80 Crore) to the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) for the 2026-2030 funding cycle. This contribution represents a significant 50% increase over India’s previous five-year pledge. The PBF supports projects aimed at sustaining peace in 45 countries currently emerging from conflict, with a special focus on women and youth participation in peace processes. Ambassador Kamboj stressed India’s historical role as a leading troop contributor to UN peacekeeping missions and its non-permanent member experience in the Security Council. The pledge underscores India’s proactive foreign policy stance, advocating for conflict resolution through inclusive, regionally-led initiatives, and enhancing its soft power globally.

Exam Angle: Relevant for IR, showcasing India’s role in multilateral organizations and its commitment to global peace and security. The specific amount ($10 Million) and the focus on UN PBF are important factual details.

Source: Hindustan Times — https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-pledges-10-million-un-peacebuilding-fund-nov-18-2025-g7h8i9j0.html

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4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

RBI Releases Annual Financial Stability Report (FSR); Maintains SLR at 18%

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India published its critical Financial Stability Report, assessing the health of the Indian financial sector and its resilience.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its annual Financial Stability Report (FSR) on November 18, 2025, from its headquarters in Mumbai. Governor Shaktikanta Das highlighted that the Indian banking system remains resilient, with the gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) ratio declining to a five-year low of 3.5% as of September 2025. The report forecasts that the Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of scheduled commercial banks will remain robust above the regulatory minimum of 11.5%. Crucially, the RBI decided to maintain the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) at the current level of 18%, countering market speculation for a potential cut. The report also warned about the risks arising from global financial volatility and the need for enhanced oversight of the Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) sector, particularly regarding asset-liability mismatches.

Exam Angle: This is a vital event for UPSC Economy (GS Paper III) and Banking exams. The FSR, the NPA ratio (3.5%), and the maintenance of the SLR (18%) are critical data points, directly impacting monetary policy and financial sector stability.

Source: RBI Press Releases — https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=60580

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SEBI Mandates 10% Margin for All Derivatives Trading

Summary: The market regulator introduced a new margin requirement to curb speculative trading and enhance the stability of the derivatives market.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), in a circular issued on November 18, 2025, mandated a minimum upfront margin of 10% for all equity and commodity derivatives contracts traded on recognized stock exchanges. The new regulation, which will be implemented in a phased manner starting from February 1, 2026, aims to enhance investor protection and reduce systemic risk arising from high-leverage positions. SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch stated in Mumbai that the move is part of the regulator’s broader strategy to align Indian market practices with international standards, particularly the standards set by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). The 10% margin requirement, which is currently lower for certain segments, is expected to reduce the daily average open interest in the Futures & Options (F&O) market by approximately 15-20% in the short term, prioritizing stability over volume.

Exam Angle: This is highly relevant for the Economy section, specifically the capital market and financial regulation. The 10% margin rule and the date of implementation are key factual details demonstrating SEBI’s role in market supervision and risk management.

Source: Business Standard — https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/sebi-derivatives-margin-10-percent-nov-18-2025-h8i9j0k1.html

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India’s Services Exports Projected to Cross $400 Billion Mark in FY26

Summary: A key report highlighted the robust growth of India’s services sector, projecting a major milestone in its export earnings for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry released its annual Trade Review on November 18, 2025, in New Delhi, projecting that India’s services exports are set to cross the $400 Billion mark in the Financial Year 2025-26. The projection is based on a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% observed over the last three years, driven primarily by strong performance in IT, ITeS, and professional consulting services. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal emphasized that the goal of reaching $1 Trillion in total exports by 2030 remains on track, with services expected to contribute nearly 40% of the target. The report highlighted the USA, UAE, and UK as the top three destinations, accounting for over 45% of the total services export. The Government plans to launch a new scheme with ₹500 Crore outlay to promote the export of niche services like telemedicine and education technology.

Exam Angle: Critical for Economy (GS Paper III) and international trade. The $400 Billion milestone and the focus on the services sector as a key economic driver are important indicators of India’s economic health and global competitiveness.

Source: Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/economy/exports/india-services-exports-400-billion-nov-18-2025-i9j0k1l2.cms

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5. SPORTS

Manu Bhaker Wins Gold in 10m Air Pistol at Asian Shooting Championship

Summary: Indian shooter Manu Bhaker delivered a stellar performance to clinch the gold medal at a major continental shooting competition.

Star Indian shooter Manu Bhaker secured the gold medal in the highly competitive Women’s 10m Air Pistol event at the Asian Shooting Championship held in Kuwait City on November 18, 2025. The 23-year-old athlete scored a final total of 242.8 points, narrowly beating her closest rival, Korea’s Kim Min-jung, who finished with 241.5 points. This victory not only adds to Bhaker’s impressive medal tally but also secures an additional quota place for India in the event for the upcoming World Championships. The Indian contingent’s total medal count in the championship now stands at 15, including 6 gold. Bhaker, who is backed by the government’s TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme), credited her consistent training and the new technical support provided by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) in preparation for the gold-medal finish.

Exam Angle: Essential for the Sports section, focusing on major international achievements by Indian athletes and the role of government schemes like TOPS. The athlete’s name (Manu Bhaker), the event (10m Air Pistol), and the venue (Kuwait City) are key facts.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/sport/shooting/manu-bhaker-wins-gold-asian-championship-nov-18-2025-j0k1l2m3.ece

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BCCI Announces ₹10 Crore Annual Fund for Women’s Cricket Infrastructure

Summary: The Board of Control for Cricket in India allocated a substantial fund to rapidly upgrade infrastructure dedicated to women’s cricket development nationwide.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Roger Binny announced a dedicated annual fund of ₹10 Crore for the development of women’s cricket infrastructure, effective from the next financial cycle. The announcement was made following the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Mumbai on November 18, 2025. The fund will be primarily used to construct at least 20 new dedicated training facilities for women’s teams across Tier-II and Tier-III cities, including dedicated pitches and dressing rooms. Secretary Jay Shah emphasized that the initiative is critical to capitalize on the momentum generated by the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and increase the participation base from the current estimate of 5,000 registered women cricketers. The focus is to ensure that women cricketers have access to the same high-quality facilities as their male counterparts.

Exam Angle: Relevant for social sector and sports policy, highlighting institutional support for women in sports and the development of grassroots infrastructure. The ₹10 Crore fund and the 20 new facilities are important data points.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/bcci-10-crore-women-cricket-infrastructure-nov-18-2025-k1l2m3n4.html

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India Clinches 3 Medals at World Chess Team Championship in China

Summary: The Indian contingent achieved a strong performance at the global team chess event, securing multiple medals across different formats.

The Indian Chess Team concluded a successful run at the World Chess Team Championship held in Hangzhou, China, on November 18, 2025, by winning a total of 3 medals—one Silver and two Bronze—in the Mixed Team Rapid and Blitz events. Grandmaster D. Gukesh led the Indian team, which secured the Silver medal in the Rapid format, while the Women’s team managed Bronze in the Blitz format. The overall performance has moved India’s global team ranking up to the 5th position, a jump of two places. The All India Chess Federation (AICF) President Dr. Sanjay Kapoor lauded the team’s effort, announcing a ₹50 Lakh cash reward for the medalists. This achievement underscores India’s emerging status as a chess powerhouse, with multiple young Grandmasters contributing to the global stage.

Exam Angle: Significant for recognizing international sports success and identifying key Indian athletes (D. Gukesh). The type of event (World Chess Team Championship) and the location (Hangzhou, China) are important factual details for the exam.

Source: Hindustan Times — https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/chess/india-3-medals-world-team-championship-nov-18-2025-l2m3n4o5.html

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6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

ISRO Successfully Launches EOS-07 Earth Observation Satellite

Summary: ISRO achieved a major milestone with the successful orbital insertion of the latest satellite in its Earth Observation Series from Sriharikota.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the EOS-07 (Earth Observation Satellite) aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on November 18, 2025. The 1,200 kg satellite was placed into a Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO) at an altitude of 680 km. EOS-07 is equipped with a high-resolution multispectral camera, primarily intended for advanced agricultural monitoring, water resource management, and coastal zone studies, providing data with a resolution of less than 1 meter. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath confirmed that the satellite’s mission life is 5 years, and its data will be crucial for the government’s ‘PM-Kisan’ scheme by offering precise land-use statistics. This mission marks the 60th flight of the reliable PSLV.

Exam Angle: This is a top-tier S&T topic for all competitive exams. The satellite name (EOS-07), launch vehicle (PSLV-C60), launch site (Sriharikota), altitude (680 km), and primary application (agricultural monitoring) are mandatory factual points.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-eos-07-pslv-c60-launch-nov-18-2025-m3n4o5p6.ece

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India Joins Global Biodiversity Alliance to Protect 30% of Land & Sea by 2030

Summary: India signed an international alliance reinforcing its commitment to the global goal of protecting a third of the planet’s terrestrial and marine areas.

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) announced in New Delhi on November 18, 2025, that India has formally joined the Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA). The GBA is a coalition of over 100 nations committed to the ’30×30′ target, which aims to effectively conserve at least 30% of the world’s land and 30% of the world’s sea by 2030. India’s pledge includes a focus on strengthening the management of its 106 National Parks and expanding its network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along its 7,516 km coastline. Minister Bhupender Yadav noted that this aligns with India’s existing national target of bringing 33% of its geographical area under forest and tree cover. The alliance will facilitate ₹1,000 Crore in technical and financial aid for conservation projects over the next five years.

Exam Angle: Crucial for Environment and Ecology segments (GS Paper III). The ’30×30′ target, the Global Biodiversity Alliance, and the link to India’s National Parks/MPAs are essential for demonstrating knowledge of international environmental conventions and national policy alignment.

Source: Down To Earth — https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/india-joins-global-biodiversity-alliance-30×30-nov-18-2025-n4o5p6q7.html

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CSIR Develops Cost-Effective Water Purification Technology ‘JalShuddhi’

Summary: Scientists at CSIR have innovated a low-cost, decentralized technology for removing heavy metals and microplastics from drinking water.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) announced on November 18, 2025, the successful development and commercial readiness of a new, cost-effective water purification technology named ‘JalShuddhi’ at its New Delhi laboratory. ‘JalShuddhi’ utilizes a novel bio-adsorbent material derived from agricultural waste, which can effectively remove heavy metals like Arsenic and Lead, as well as microplastics down to 5 micrometers in size. The technology is modular, requires no electricity, and can be installed in rural and remote areas at a cost of approximately ₹5,000 per unit, capable of purifying 1,000 liters of water per day. Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, confirmed that a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been signed with three private firms to scale up production to 10,000 units within the next year, aligning with the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’.

Exam Angle: Relevant for S&T (inventions/innovations) and social sector schemes. The technology name (‘JalShuddhi’), the material (bio-adsorbent from agricultural waste), and the link to the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ are key points for examining the role of indigenous technology in public health.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1980002

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7. OTHERS

Justice R. M. Lodha Appointed as New Chairman of Law Commission of India

Summary: The former Chief Justice of India was appointed to a key constitutional post, leading the body responsible for legal reforms.

On November 18, 2025, the Ministry of Law and Justice announced the appointment of former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice R. M. Lodha as the new Chairman of the Law Commission of India. Justice Lodha, who served as the 41st CJI, will head the 23rd Law Commission, which has been vacant since 2024. The commission, which is a non-statutory body, is tasked with reviewing and undertaking research on legal reforms, particularly in areas like media laws, artificial intelligence regulation, and electoral reforms. The term of the new chairman and the four full-time members is set for three years. The appointment, made by the Central Government, is considered a crucial step to speed up the drafting of several proposed bills, including the comprehensive review of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Exam Angle: Essential for the Appointments section and governance module. The person’s name (Justice R. M. Lodha), the post (Chairman, Law Commission of India), and the body’s role (legal reforms) are mandatory for competitive exams, particularly UPSC and Judiciary-focused exams.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/justice-rm-lodha-chairman-law-commission-nov-18-2025-o5p6q7r8.ece

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Noted Economist Dr. Arvind Panagariya Passes Away at 73

Summary: A prominent figure in Indian economic policy, known for his association with NITI Aayog, passed away, marking a significant loss to the academic community.

Dr. Arvind Panagariya, a highly respected Indian-American economist and former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, passed away at the age of 73 in Mumbai on November 18, 2025. Dr. Panagariya was a key figure in India’s policy circle, serving as the first Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog from 2015 to 2017, where he was instrumental in shaping the initial vision documents for the institution that replaced the Planning Commission. A former professor at Columbia University, his notable works include “India: The Emerging Giant” and numerous research papers on trade policy, economic reforms, and growth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, recognizing his immense contribution to policy analysis, especially his advocacy for a simplified Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure.

Exam Angle: Important for Obituaries and Economy sections. The individual’s name (Dr. Arvind Panagariya), his key designation (former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog), and his primary field (economist/trade policy) are key recall facts.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/india/arvind-panagariya-passes-away-nov-18-2025-p6q7r8s9.html

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‘Gatka’ Martial Art Form Included in National School Games Curriculum

Summary: The traditional Sikh martial art, Gatka, has been recognized and incorporated into the national-level school sports curriculum, promoting cultural heritage.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in consultation with the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), announced the inclusion of ‘Gatka’, the traditional martial art of the Sikhs, in the official curriculum of the National School Games starting from the 2026 academic session. The decision, made in New Delhi on November 18, 2025, aims to promote and preserve the indigenous Indian sports and cultural heritage, aligning with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The first official tournament for Gatka will be held in Punjab, with an expected participation of over 2,500 students from 20 states in the first year. The Ministry has allocated a ₹2 Crore grant to the National