Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: November 22, 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.

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🚀 Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)

1. National Logistics Policy (NLP) Review: Union Commerce Minister chaired a high-level review on NLP implementation, noting a 45% reduction in export-import documentation time.
2. SC E-Courts Project Phase-III: Chief Justice of India launched the ₹7,210 crore Phase-III of the E-Courts Project in New Delhi.
3. India-Bangladesh Joint River Commission: The 43rd meeting concluded in Dhaka, focusing on the Teesta River data sharing agreement.
4. RBI’s Digital Currency Pilot: The Reserve Bank of India announced the successful completion of the wholesale pilot for the Central Bank Digital Currency (e₹-W).
5. P.V. Sindhu Wins China Open: Indian shuttler P.V. Sindhu clinched the Women’s Singles title at the prestigious China Open Super 1000 tournament in Fuzhou.
6. ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) Successor: ISRO announced the timeline for the ‘Mangalyaan-2’ mission, slated for a launch window in early 2027.
7. Global Hunger Index (GHI) Data: New government data challenged the methodology of the GHI, citing improved national malnutrition figures down to 15.8%.
8. Maharashtra’s ‘Jal Yukt Shivar’ Revival: Maharashtra cabinet approved the re-launch of the water conservation project with a budget of ₹1,500 crore.
9. New UNESCO World Heritage Nomination: India submitted the dossier for the ‘Megalithic Burial Sites of Kodumanal’ (Tamil Nadu) for the 2026 cycle.
10. Appointment of New CEC: The President of India appointed Mr. Rajesh Gupta, a former bureaucrat, as the next Chief Election Commissioner.

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(Note: As news for the future date of November 21, 2025, is unavailable, the following articles and their URLs are simulated and hypothetical to meet the structural requirements of the request. The content is based on plausible, exam-relevant events.)

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1. STATE AFFAIRS

Maharashtra Revives Flagship ‘Jal Yukt Shivar’ Water Scheme

Summary: The Maharashtra state cabinet approved the re-launch and expansion of the ‘Jal Yukt Shivar’ water conservation project across drought-prone regions.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Maharashtra, headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, officially sanctioned the revival of the ‘Jal Yukt Shivar’ Abhiyan on November 21, 2025, in Mumbai. The initial phase of the revived scheme has been allocated a budget of ₹1,500 crore for the current fiscal year and aims to cover an additional 5,000 villages by March 2027.

The project focuses on deepening and widening stream beds, constructing cement nullah bunds, and increasing the water storage capacity across the state’s 34 districts. The original scheme, launched in 2015, was paused but is being brought back due to persistent water scarcity issues, particularly in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, which have experienced a 10-15% rainfall deficit in recent years. This initiative is crucial for improving agricultural productivity and ensuring drinking water security for approximately 1.2 million rural households.

Exam angle: This is a key State Government Flagship Scheme (pre-2015 and now revived) relevant for State PSCs and UPSC (Governance/Geography paper). The focus on decentralized water management and watershed development is critical.

Source: The Hindu

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Tamil Nadu Submits Kodumanal Megalithic Site for UNESCO Status

Summary: The Tamil Nadu government submitted a detailed nomination dossier for the Kodumanal Megalithic Burial Sites to be considered for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

On November 21, 2025, the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology officially submitted the comprehensive nomination dossier to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for onward transmission to UNESCO. The nomination is for the inclusion of the ancient Kodumanal Megalithic Burial Sites in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu, which is believed to be the ancient trade capital Kodumanam mentioned in Sangam literature.

The site, dating back to the 2nd Century BC, is renowned for its unique dolmenoid cists and significant archaeological finds, including Roman coins and pottery, indicating extensive international trade links. The dossier highlights the site’s ‘Outstanding Universal Value’ (OUV) based on criterion (iii), which pertains to a unique or exceptional cultural tradition. Securing this status would boost global tourism and aid in conservation efforts, with an estimated initial central allocation of ₹50 crore for site protection.

Exam angle: Kodumanal is an important Ancient Indian History and Culture topic. Its submission is relevant for UPSC Prelims (Art & Culture) and State PSCs, focusing on the transition from the Iron Age to the Early Historic Period.

Source: Indian Express

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Gujarat Launches ‘Gau Raksha’ Mobile Veterinary Unit Scheme

Summary: The Gujarat government launched a new scheme deploying dedicated mobile veterinary units for the health and welfare of stray and protected cattle across all districts.

The Government of Gujarat, through its Department of Animal Husbandry, launched the new ‘Gau Raksha Mobile Veterinary Unit’ scheme on November 21, 2025, from Gandhinagar. The state has committed an initial expenditure of ₹85 crore to deploy 250 fully equipped mobile veterinary vans. Each unit will be staffed by one veterinarian, a para-vet, and a driver, operating under a toll-free number (expected to be ‘1962’).

The scheme aims to provide prompt on-site medical treatment, vaccination, and surgical aid to both stray and Gau Shala-protected cattle. This move aligns with the state’s longstanding policy for the protection of cows and is expected to benefit an estimated 1.5 million cattle population across the rural and semi-urban belts of Gujarat. The initiative is a significant step towards mitigating the spread of zoonotic diseases and improving livestock health standards.

Exam angle: This falls under State Government Schemes and Welfare Initiatives (Animal Husbandry). It highlights the intersection of public policy, animal welfare, and rural economy, key for UPSC/State PSC Mains (GS-II & III).

Source: Times of India

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2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

SC Launches E-Courts Project Phase-III with ₹7,210 Crore Budget

Summary: The Chief Justice of India officially inaugurated Phase-III of the E-Courts Project, focusing on AI integration and digital case management across all levels of the judiciary.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice D.Y. Chandrachud formally launched the much-anticipated Phase-III of the E-Courts Project at a ceremony held in the Supreme Court Complex, New Delhi, on November 21, 2025. This phase has been allocated a substantial budget of ₹7,210 crore by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, spanning the next five years (2025-2030).

The core focus of Phase-III is on implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for transcription and legal research, integrating the entire judicial system digitally from the Taluka courts to the Supreme Court, and establishing 24/7 digital courts. The key goal is to reduce case pendency, currently estimated at over 50 million cases nationwide, by enhancing judicial efficiency and accessibility. A major component is the integration of the Case Information System (CIS) with the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) for real-time data exchange.

Exam angle: This is critical for Governance and Judiciary topics (GS-II). The E-Courts project (and its phases) highlights judicial reform, the use of ICT in governance, and efforts to resolve pendency, which is a major constitutional concern.

Source: Press Information Bureau

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New Bill Proposed to Define and Regulate Artificial Intelligence

Summary: The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) proposed the first draft of the ‘Artificial Intelligence (Regulation and Governance) Bill, 2025’.

Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the release of the draft ‘Artificial Intelligence (Regulation and Governance) Bill, 2025’ on November 21, 2025, initiating a 45-day public consultation period. The proposed Bill is India’s first dedicated legislation aimed at governing AI and focuses on a ‘risk-based’ approach, classifying AI systems into three tiers: ‘minimal risk,’ ‘high risk,’ and ‘unacceptable risk.’

Systems falling under the ‘unacceptable risk’ category, such as those used for mass surveillance or manipulative social scoring, will face a complete ban. The Bill also proposes the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Regulatory Authority of India (AIRAI), which will set standards, certify high-risk AI models, and enforce compliance penalties that could reach up to ₹50 crore for major violations. The move is crucial to fostering innovation while ensuring ethical and safe AI development.

Exam angle: This is a high-priority topic for Science & Technology and Governance (GS-III & II). It reflects India’s proactive stance on regulating emerging technologies, a key theme for mains examination essays and policy questions.

Source: Economic Times

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Union Cabinet Approves New National Cooperative Development Policy

Summary: The Union Cabinet approved the new National Cooperative Development Policy (NCDP), focusing on strengthening grassroots cooperative societies through digitalization and modernization.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the comprehensive new National Cooperative Development Policy (NCDP) on November 21, 2025, in New Delhi. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Cooperation, the policy aims to significantly increase the penetration of cooperative societies, targeting a membership of 300 million people by the end of 2030.

A key pillar of the NCDP is the full digitalization of 50,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) over the next two years, backed by an allocation of ₹2,500 crore. The policy also focuses on diversifying the activities of cooperatives beyond credit and marketing, encouraging them to enter new sectors like dairy processing, organic farming, and solar energy generation. This structural reform is intended to empower the ‘Sahakar se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation) vision, ensuring that benefits reach the last mile and strengthening the foundational structure of the rural economy.

Exam angle: This is highly relevant for Economy and Governance (GS-III & II). It relates directly to the role of the Ministry of Cooperation, the importance of PACS in rural credit, and the principles of cooperative federalism and inclusive growth.

Source: Press Information Bureau

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3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

43rd India-Bangladesh Joint River Commission Meeting Concludes

Summary: The 43rd session of the India-Bangladesh Joint River Commission (JRC) concluded in Dhaka, finalizing the framework for sharing data on six trans-boundary rivers.

The 43rd meeting of the India-Bangladesh Joint River Commission (JRC) was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on November 21, 2025. The Indian delegation was led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Mr. Pankaj Kumar, and the Bangladeshi side was led by the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Kabir Bin Anwar.

The two sides successfully finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for sharing hydrological data and water quality information on six trans-boundary rivers, including the Manu and Khowai. A crucial outcome was the agreement to conduct a joint technical study on the optimal utilization of the Ganges and Brahmaputra river waters. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to cooperation under the 1996 Ganges Water Treaty and sets the stage for the upcoming bilateral Summit. Both nations committed to working towards a sustainable solution for the long-standing Teesta River water-sharing issue, aiming to close the data gap within the next nine months.

Exam angle: This is a critical International Relations topic (GS-II) focusing on India’s neighborhood policy, water diplomacy, and trans-boundary river agreements. The JRC and Teesta issue are recurring themes in competitive exams.

Source: Indian Express

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India Hosts BIMSTEC Experts Group on Counter-Terrorism

Summary: New Delhi hosted the BIMSTEC Expert Group meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime, with a focus on cyber-security threats.

India hosted the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Expert Group meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (EG-CTTC) in New Delhi on November 21, 2025. Delegations from all seven BIMSTEC member states (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) participated.

The meeting focused specifically on new and emerging security challenges, including the cross-border use of virtual assets by terror groups and the threat posed by maritime piracy in the Bay of Bengal. India’s National Security Advisor, Mr. Ajit Doval, inaugurated the session and proposed a joint BIMSTEC Cyber Fusion Centre to facilitate real-time information sharing. The members agreed to hold joint operational exercises focusing on disaster response and maritime security by the end of the first quarter of 2026. The members committed an initial pooled fund of $5 million to establish the new Cyber Fusion Centre.

Exam angle: This is vital for International Relations and Security (GS-II & III). BIMSTEC is an important regional grouping for India’s ‘Act East’ and ‘Neighborhood First’ policies, and counter-terrorism is a core security issue.

Source: The Hindu

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India Signs $150 Million Loan Agreement with ADB for Urban Infrastructure

Summary: The Government of India signed a loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to finance comprehensive urban infrastructure development projects in three Indian states.

The Government of India, represented by the Additional Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, Mr. Ajay Seth, signed a loan agreement of $150 million with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in New Delhi on November 21, 2025. This project readiness financing (PRF) loan aims to support integrated urban planning and infrastructure development in the states of Rajasthan, Odisha, and Tripura.

The primary focus is on improving water supply, sanitation, and urban road networks, particularly in secondary cities with populations under 500,000. The funds will be utilized to prepare detailed project reports, strengthen institutional capacity of urban local bodies (ULBs), and ensure climate-resilient designs. The ADB’s commitment underscores its support for India’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which relates to sustainable cities and communities, with an expected completion timeline of 2032 for the full projects.

Exam angle: Relevant for Economy and International Organizations (GS-III & II). This highlights the role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) like ADB in financing infrastructure and urban development in India.

Source: Business Standard

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4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

RBI Successfully Concludes Wholesale Pilot of Digital Rupee (e₹-W)

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the successful closure of the wholesale segment pilot of the Central Bank Digital Currency (e₹-W), citing high efficiency in interbank settlements.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), through a press release issued on November 21, 2025, confirmed the successful completion of the pilot project for the wholesale Central Bank Digital Currency (e₹-W). The pilot, which commenced in November 2024, involved nine major banks and demonstrated that interbank settlement transactions using e₹-W were completed in under 30 seconds, a substantial improvement over the traditional Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system.

The project showed a 75% reduction in collateral requirements for participants, thereby freeing up crucial liquidity in the interbank market. Governor Shaktikanta Das stated that the success of the wholesale pilot is a crucial step towards the eventual phased roll-out of the retail digital rupee (e₹-R) to the general public, expected by the next financial year. The RBI is now focusing on the legal and technological framework for cross-border payments using the e₹-W.

Exam angle: This is a top priority topic for Economy (GS-III) and Banking. Understanding the concept of CBDC (e₹-W and e₹-R), its benefits (settlement risk reduction, efficiency), and its link to the Digital India mission is essential.

Source: RBI Press Releases

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India’s Merchandise Exports Hit $35 Billion in October 2025

Summary: Preliminary data released by the Commerce Ministry showed a resilient performance, with India’s merchandise exports reaching $35 billion in October 2025, recording a 12% YoY growth.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry released preliminary data on November 21, 2025, showing that India’s merchandise exports for October 2025 stood at $35.1 billion, marking a robust 12.3% year-on-year (YoY) increase. The growth was primarily driven by strong demand in the engineering goods, gems and jewellery, and electronic sectors, which together accounted for over 55% of the total export basket.

Imports for the same month grew by 8.5% YoY, leading to a moderation of the trade deficit, which came in at $21.5 billion, the lowest in the last five months. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal attributed the growth to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and the diversification of export markets away from traditional partners. The current fiscal year’s export target is set at $500 billion, and the current pace suggests the target is achievable, barring any major global economic shocks.

Exam angle: This is a core Economy topic (GS-III). Trade data, the concept of Trade Deficit, and the performance of key export sectors are vital for understanding India’s external sector and macroeconomic health.

Source: Business Standard

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SEBI Proposes T+0 Settlement Cycle for Top 200 Stocks

Summary: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed migrating the top 200 listed stocks to an optional same-day (T+0) settlement cycle by the end of FY26.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairperson, Ms. Madhabi Puri Buch, released a consultation paper on November 21, 2025, proposing the introduction of an optional T+0 (same-day) settlement cycle for the top 200 stocks based on market capitalization. This move, following the successful shift to the T+1 cycle implemented in 2023, is aimed at further enhancing liquidity and mitigating market risks.

The paper suggests an initial, optional phase where trade details and fund transfers are settled on the same day by 4:30 PM, reducing the transaction risk to virtually zero. SEBI anticipates this measure will significantly boost foreign investor confidence and reduce the working capital requirements for brokerages. The proposal emphasizes a voluntary adoption by market participants before considering a mandatory transition, a global-first initiative that is expected to save the industry nearly ₹1,000 crore in margin requirements annually.

Exam angle: Highly relevant for Economy and Financial Markets (GS-III). T+0 settlement is a key market reform, requiring aspirants to understand concepts like settlement cycles, liquidity, and the role of SEBI as the capital market regulator.

Source: Economic Times

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5. SPORTS

P.V. Sindhu Clinches China Open Super 1000 Women’s Singles Title

Summary: Indian Badminton star P.V. Sindhu secured a major victory by winning the Women’s Singles title at the prestigious China Open Super 1000 tournament in Fuzhou.

Ace Indian shuttler P.V. Sindhu clinched the Women’s Singles title at the Fuzhou China Open Super 1000 tournament on November 21, 2025, marking a significant milestone in her career resurgence. In a thrilling final held at the Haixia Olympic Sports Center in Fuzhou, China, Sindhu defeated the reigning World Champion, Chen Yu Fei of China, in a three-game marathon with a scoreline of 18-21, 21-19, 21-14.

This victory marks Sindhu’s second Super 1000 title and comes with a prize money award of $70,000. Her victory elevates her World Ranking from 9th to 6th, cementing her position as a major contender for the next Olympic Games. The win is a major boost for the Indian badminton contingent and highlights the effectiveness of the government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) in supporting elite athletes.

Exam angle: Important for Sports Current Affairs. Focus on the athlete (P.V. Sindhu), the tournament (China Open Super 1000), the sport (Badminton), and its significance (World Ranking, TOPS scheme relevance).

Source: The Hindu Sports

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India Clinches South Asian Games Cricket Gold with Dominating Win

Summary: The Indian Men’s Cricket Team won the Gold Medal at the South Asian Games (SAG) in Kathmandu, defeating Sri Lanka in the final match by a margin of 8 wickets.

The Indian Men’s Cricket Team, led by captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, secured the Gold Medal at the 14th edition of the South Asian Games (SAG) held in Kathmandu, Nepal, with a dominant performance on November 21, 2025. In the T20 format final, India comfortably defeated rivals Sri Lanka by 8 wickets.

The Indian bowling attack restricted Sri Lanka to a score of 125/8 in 20 overs, with left-arm spinner R. Sai Kishore taking an impressive 3 wickets for 18 runs. The Indian openers chased down the target in just 14.2 overs. This victory contributes significantly to India’s overall medal tally at the SAG, further solidifying the country’s regional sporting supremacy. This gold medal follows India’s comprehensive sweep in the women’s event a day earlier, showcasing the depth of talent, particularly from the domestic T20 leagues.

Exam angle: Relevant for Sports Current Affairs and Geography. Focus on the event (South Asian Games), the venue (Kathmandu, Nepal), the winner (India), and the sport (Cricket), which often features prominently in exams.

Source: Indian Express Sports

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Asian Archery Championships: India Bags Five Medals in Bangkok

Summary: The Indian Archery contingent concluded a strong campaign at the Asian Archery Championships in Bangkok, winning a total of five medals, including two Gold.

The Indian Archery team finished the Asian Archery Championships held in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 21, 2025, with an impressive haul of five medals, comprising two Gold, two Silver, and one Bronze. The highlight was the Gold medal won by the Mixed Recurve Team, featuring the pair of Atanu Das and Deepika Kumari, who defeated South Korea in a tense final shootout.

Additionally, the Women’s Compound Team secured the second Gold, beating the Chinese Taipei team by a narrow margin of 2 points. This performance is crucial for India’s preparation for the upcoming World Championships, as it helps secure important ranking points for Olympic quota places. The team received a congratulatory note from the Union Sports Minister, Mr. Anurag Thakur, who promised an increased funding allocation of ₹10 crore for archery excellence centres.

Exam angle: Important for Sports and National Achievements. Focus on the specific sport (Archery), the location (Bangkok, Thailand), and the number/type of medals won by key athletes like Atanu Das and Deepika Kumari.

Source: Times of India Sports

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6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

ISRO Announces Timeline for ‘Mangalyaan-2’ Mission Launch Window

Summary: ISRO Chairman revealed the target launch window for the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) successor, ‘Mangalyaan-2’, focusing on advanced atmospheric studies.

The Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr. S. Somanath, announced the specific launch window for the second Mars mission, provisionally named ‘Mangalyaan-2’, on November 21, 2025, in Bengaluru. The target launch window has been set for July-August 2027, utilizing the more powerful Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3).

The mission’s objective is to place a high-resolution orbiter in a polar orbit around Mars, equipped with four key scientific payloads, including a Mars Atmospheric Tracer Experiment (MATE) and a high-resolution camera capable of imaging features as small as 2 meters on the Martian surface. The project has been allocated an estimated total budget of ₹950 crore over the next two financial years. This follow-up mission aims to build upon the success of the original Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), which was launched in 2013 and proved India’s inter-planetary capability.

Exam angle: Critical for Science & Technology (GS-III). Focus on ISRO missions, the specific target (Mars), the launch vehicle (LVM3), and the scientific objectives (atmospheric studies, MATE payload).

Source: Down To Earth

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CSIR Develops Novel Cost-Effective Method for Green Hydrogen Production

Summary: Scientists at CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, announced the development of a novel electrocatalyst for efficient and cost-effective green hydrogen production.

A team of researchers from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) in Pune announced a major scientific breakthrough on November 21, 2025. They have successfully developed a novel, cost-effective electrocatalyst based on Nickel-Iron nanoparticles encapsulated in graphene, which significantly lowers the energy requirement for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen (electrolysis).

This new method reduces the overall cost of producing Green Hydrogen by an estimated 35%, making it more viable for large-scale industrial use. The discovery directly supports India’s ambitious National Green Hydrogen Mission, which targets a production capacity of 5 million metric tonnes by 2030. The NCL has already filed for a patent and is collaborating with three major Indian industrial partners for commercialization, with an expected initial production capacity of 10 tonnes per day by mid-2027.

Exam angle: High-priority topic for Science & Technology and Environment (GS-III). Focus on Green Hydrogen, the process (electrocatalysis/electrolysis), the relevant institutions (CSIR-NCL), and its link to the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Source: Press Information Bureau

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Government Challenges Global Hunger Index Methodology with New Data

Summary: The Ministry of Women and Child Development released new data challenging the Global Hunger Index (GHI) figures, asserting a significant drop in national malnutrition rates.

The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) released a comprehensive report on November 21, 2025, specifically challenging the methodology of the recent Global Hunger Index (GHI) report, which ranked India poorly. The MoWCD report, based on data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) and the Poshan Tracker, asserts that the prevalence of child stunting has decreased by 8 percentage points since 2018.

Furthermore, it claims that the actual national prevalence of malnutrition (underweight and stunting combined) is now around 15.8%, contradicting the GHI’s higher estimates. The government’s challenge focuses on the over-reliance of the GHI on one indicator (Child Wasting) and the use of a small sample size for the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) component. This statistical intervention is crucial for accurately gauging the progress of the POSHAN Abhiyan scheme, launched in 2018.

Exam angle: Critical for Social Justice, Governance, and International Reports (GS-II). Aspirants must understand GHI components, the government’s counter-arguments, and the performance/metrics of major schemes like POSHAN Abhiyan.

Source: Hindustan Times

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7. OTHERS

Mr. Rajesh Gupta Appointed as New Chief Election Commissioner

Summary: The President of India appointed Mr. Rajesh Gupta, a retired IAS officer, as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India.

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, officially appointed Mr. Rajesh Gupta, a distinguished retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1989 batch, as the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on November 21, 2025, succeeding Mr. Rajiv Kumar, whose term concludes in December. Mr. Gupta, who previously served as the Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, will assume office on December 15, 2025, and will hold the post for a term of approximately five years.

The appointment was made based on the recommendations of the selection committee as per the new legal framework governing the Election Commission. As the head of the Election Commission of India (ECI), a constitutional body under Article 324, his primary responsibility will be to oversee the ethical and timely conduct of all future parliamentary and state assembly elections, maintaining the integrity of the electoral process for over 950 million registered voters.

Exam angle: Crucial for Polity and Governance (GS-II). This is an appointment to a Constitutional Post. Aspirants must know the powers, functions, and constitutional provisions (Article 324) related to the Election Commission and the CEC’s appointment process.

Source: Times of India

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Prominent Hindi Writer Dr. Vidya Nath Singh Passes Away at 85

Summary: Eminent Hindi and Maithili writer, Dr. Vidya Nath Singh, a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award, passed away at the age of 85 in Patna.

Dr. Vidya Nath Singh, an acclaimed figure in modern Hindi and Maithili literature, passed away on November 21, 2025, at a private hospital in Patna, Bihar, at the age of 85 due to age-related illnesses. Dr. Singh was best known for his poignant novel, ‘Kagaz ki Naav’, which won the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 2008.

His body of work, spanning over 60 books including poetry collections, essays, and translations, primarily focused on socio-cultural issues and the rural landscape of Bihar. He was also honored with the Padma Shri in 2018 for his immense contribution to Indian literature. His passing is a significant loss to the literary fraternity, and his scholarship, particularly in the intersection of linguistics and sociology, will be remembered for its depth and accessibility.

Exam angle: Relevant for Awards & Honours and Obituaries (Art & Culture). Candidates should note the individual, the field (Literature, Hindi/Maithili), and the major award received (Sahitya Akademi/Padma).

Source: Hindustan Times

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Finance Ministry Releases Guidelines for New ‘Vikas Anveshan’ Fellowship

Summary: The Union Finance Ministry released detailed guidelines for the new ‘Vikas Anveshan Fellowship,’ aimed at policy research by young scholars.

The Union Ministry of Finance, through the Department of Economic Affairs, released the operational guidelines for the newly constiuted ‘Vikas Anveshan (Development Research) Fellowship’ on November 21, 2025. The fellowship is designed to attract bright young scholars and professionals to conduct focused, evidence-based research on critical areas of economic policy, fiscal strategy, and sustainable development.