Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: November 26, 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)

$4 Trillion GDP Target: CEA V. Anantha Nageswaran confirmed India is on track to cross the $4 trillion GDP milestone in FY26.
RBI Monetary Stance: RBI’s November Bulletin indicated potential “room for lower policy rates” due to easing inflation and steady growth.
Ukraine Peace Deal: Ukraine’s National Security Adviser agreed to a US-brokered peace proposal in the UAE, conditional on settling “minor details.”
SC Landmark Settlement: The Supreme Court quashed criminal cases against Sandesara–Sterling Group accused following a record-breaking settlement of ₹5,100 crore with lender banks.
Constitution Day Launch: The Union Law Ministry is set to launch the Constitution of India digitally in nine regional languages for Constitution Day (Nov 26) celebrations.
Global Climate Alarm: A CSE-DTE report revealed India has faced over 1,500 days of continuous extreme weather events since 2022.
Seed Sovereignty: A UN Special Rapporteur warned the ITPGRFA meeting in Lima that Digital Sequence Information (DSI) threatens farmers’ rights and seed sovereignty.
Nuclear Finance Pact: The IAEA and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a new cooperation agreement to finance Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) in the Asia-Pacific region.
Bihar Cabinet Decision: The newly formed Bihar Cabinet announced a target to provide one crore jobs to the state’s youth over the next five years.
Presidential Credentials: President Droupadi Murmu accepted credentials from the Envoys/High Commissioners of five nations: Lebanon, Mauritius, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, and Ghana.

MAIN CONTENT: Exam-Ready Articles

1. STATE AFFAIRS

Bihar Cabinet Approves Plan for One Crore Government Jobs

Summary: The new Bihar Cabinet announced a decision to target one crore government jobs for the youth over the next five years.

On November 25, 2025, the newly formed Bihar Cabinet, led by the Chief Minister, held its first meeting in Patna and announced a significant employment policy. The Cabinet approved a comprehensive roadmap aimed at providing one crore jobs to the youth of the state across various sectors over the next five years. The decision focuses not just on direct government recruitment but also on creating opportunities in the private sector, skill development, and entrepreneurship supported by state-backed schemes. This announcement is seen as a major move to address unemployment challenges, especially after the state’s recent political transition. The administration has tasked the Chief Secretary to draft a detailed action plan, including specific annual targets and departmental allocations, to ensure the goal is met by 2030. The scheme is expected to be a flagship initiative of the new government.

Exam Angle: Crucial for State PSCs and UPSC (Social Justice/Governance) questions on unemployment mitigation, state-level flagship schemes, and the politics of welfare and job creation. The sheer volume of one crore jobs over a five-year period makes this a nationally significant state initiative.

Source: The Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bihar-cabinet-meeting-one-crore-jobs-youth-first-decision-9032105/

‘Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman’ Campaign Launched to Deepen Legal Literacy

Summary: The Union Ministry of Law and Justice announced the next phase of its national outreach campaign, ‘Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman’, focusing on grassroots legal literacy.

The Ministry of Law and Justice, through the Department of Justice, announced the launch and progress of its evolved outreach program, ‘Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman’ (Our Constitution – Our Pride), on November 25, 2025, in New Delhi. This campaign follows the successful year-long ‘Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Samman’ initiative, which transitioned in January 2025. The program focuses on promoting legal literacy and constitutional values at the grassroots level, specifically leveraging Nyaya Seva Melas and the ‘Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyaan’. So far, the campaign has mobilized over one crore citizens and has reached more than 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats and Aspirational Districts nationwide. The initiative aims to ensure citizens in rural and marginalized areas are aware of their legal rights, social welfare benefits, and the concept of duty enshrined in the Constitution’s Panch Pran Pledge.

Exam Angle: Highly relevant for UPSC Prelims (schemes/campaigns of Ministries) and Mains (GS-II: Governance, Social Justice, and Legal Awareness). The figures (over 1 crore citizens, 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats) and the specific name (Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyaan) are key facts for recall.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2193980

Karnataka Expands Digital Service Delivery with New ‘Grama One’ Rollout

Summary: The Karnataka government announced the expansion of its ‘Grama One’ digital service centres to an additional 2,000 villages, bridging the digital divide in rural areas.

The Government of Karnataka, in a state cabinet meeting in Bengaluru on November 25, 2025, approved a significant expansion of the ‘Grama One’ program, the state’s integrated service delivery platform. The new rollout will extend the program to an additional 2,000 villages across 10 districts, bringing the total number of operational Grama One centres to nearly 9,000. These centres currently offer over 700 government-to-citizen (G2C) services, including caste and income certificates, revenue records, and social security scheme applications. The move, with an estimated initial investment of ₹85 crore, is designed to reduce the need for rural citizens to travel to district or taluk headquarters, saving significant time and administrative costs. The state aims to achieve 100% saturation of all Gram Panchayats with G2C centres by the end of the next financial year.

Exam Angle: Important for State PSCs and UPSC (GS-II: e-Governance and Service Delivery). It highlights a best practice in leveraging technology (Grama One) for last-mile public service delivery and is a clear example of state-specific digital initiatives.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/article70321055.ece

2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

SC Upholds Dismissal of Christian Army Officer in Religious Custom Case

Summary: The Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of a Christian Army officer who refused to participate in regimental temple traditions, emphasizing service discipline.

On November 25, 2025, the Supreme Court of India in New Delhi upheld the dismissal of a Christian Army officer who had refused to enter the inner part of his regimental temple for a customary pooja. The bench ruled that the refusal constituted ‘gross indiscipline’ and a failure to abide by long-standing regimental traditions, which are integral to fostering unit cohesion and morale, particularly in the armed forces. The officer had argued that participation violated his religious freedom under Article 25 of the Constitution. However, the Court observed that while fundamental rights are paramount, they are subject to restrictions necessary for maintaining discipline in specialized environments like the military. The court found no merit in the challenge against the dismissal, reinforcing the principle that military service demands adherence to secular regimental traditions.

Exam Angle: A landmark judgment vital for UPSC Mains (GS-II: Judiciary, Fundamental Rights, and limitations/exceptions). It directly addresses the conflict between an individual’s right to religion (Article 25) and the requirements of military discipline and regimental customs.

Source: Live Law — https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/supreme-court-upholds-dismissal-of-christian-army-officer-who-refused-to-enter-regimental-temple-2025-244031

Supreme Court Directs Careful Scrutiny, Cautions Against Easy Divorce on Separation

Summary: The Supreme Court cautioned High Courts and Trial Courts against dissolving marriages solely based on separation, ruling that judges must identify the root cause of the breakdown.

In a significant ruling on marital law delivered on November 25, 2025, the Supreme Court of India in New Delhi cautioned against dissolving marriages merely on the grounds of irretrievable breakdown solely because the spouses are living separately. The Court emphasized that simply because a couple is separated, the marriage cannot be deemed “broken down.” The Court directed that High Courts and Trial Courts must undertake a thorough and sensitive examination to identify the specific individual or systemic reasons that led to the separation, rather than accepting ‘irretrievable breakdown’ as an easy path to divorce. The ruling stressed that courts must act as a ‘cushion of justice’ and not become conduits for substituting a genuine cause for the dissolution of marriage. This judgment aims to prevent the trivialization of divorce proceedings in India.

Exam Angle: Essential for UPSC Mains (GS-II: Social Justice, Women’s Issues, and Judiciary) and family law aspects of judicial services exams. The ruling sets a judicial precedent on the sensitive interpretation of ‘irretrievable breakdown’ within the framework of Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

Source: Live Law — https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/marriage-should-not-be-taken-as-broken-down-just-because-spouses-live-separately-supreme-court-2025-244033

Constitution of India to be Launched Digitally in Nine Regional Languages

Summary: As part of Constitution Day celebrations, the Union Law Ministry is set to launch the Constitution of India in nine Indian languages digitally, presided over by the President.

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs announced on November 25, 2025, in New Delhi, the details for the upcoming Constitution Day celebrations on November 26, 2025, to be led by President Droupadi Murmu at the historic Central Hall of the old Parliament building (Samvidhan Sadan). A key highlight of the event will be the digital launch of the Constitution of India in nine regional languages, which were prepared by the Legislative Department of the Union Law Ministry. The languages include Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Punjabi, Bodo, Kashmiri, Telugu, Odia, and Assamese. This initiative aims to make the constitutional text accessible to a wider audience, fulfilling the spirit of linguistic diversity and promoting legal literacy in regional languages across the country. A commemorative booklet on calligraphy in the original Constitution will also be released during the ceremony, which will be attended by the Prime Minister, Vice-President, and Lok Sabha Speaker.

Exam Angle: Significant for all competitive exams (Polity/Culture/Governance). The fact that the Constitution will be released in nine specific languages is a key fact for Prelims. It links to the government’s push for digital empowerment and accessibility under Digital India and the importance of November 26th (Constitution Day).

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/constitution-day-president-droupadi-murmu-to-lead-event-at-iconic-central-hall/article70321054.ece

3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Ukraine Agrees to US-Brokered Peace Proposal, Minor Details Remain

Summary: Ukraine’s national security adviser reportedly agreed to a US-brokered peace proposal to end the war with Russia, despite concerns over territorial concessions.

On November 25, 2025, in a major diplomatic breakthrough, reports emerged from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that Ukraine’s National Security Adviser, Rustem Umerov, had agreed to a peace proposal brokered by the US, led by President Donald Trump’s administration, to end the nearly four-year conflict with Russia. The agreement was reached during ongoing talks in Abu Dhabi between US and Russian delegations. The deal, which involves a 28-point peace plan, reportedly requires Ukraine to potentially cede some territory, accept curbs on its military strength, and agree to permanently bar entry into NATO, conditions Kyiv has historically rejected. While a US official confirmed that “The Ukrainians have agreed to the peace deal,” they noted that some “minor details” are still being sorted out.

Exam Angle: A critical development for UPSC Mains (GS-II: International Relations, Global Conflicts, and Foreign Policy). The news highlights the shift in geopolitical dynamics, the specific role of the US (Trump administration) as a broker, and the core contentious issues (territory, NATO) relevant for global affairs analysis.

Source: The Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/world/ukraine-agrees-to-peace-proposal-as-us-meets-russia-in-uae-10385644/

IAEA and ADB Sign New Agreement to Finance Nuclear Power in Asia-Pacific

Summary: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a new agreement to finance Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) in member countries.

In a significant push for clean energy infrastructure, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda signed a new agreement on November 25, 2025, in Manila, Philippines. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation to support countries across Asia and the Pacific that are exploring nuclear energy as part of their long-term energy strategies. This follows the ADB’s recent policy revision on November 24, 2025, which allows it to finance nuclear power projects. The pact provides a framework for collaboration on innovative nuclear technologies, energy planning, and infrastructure development, especially for the 37 embarking countries considering nuclear power, over one-third of which are ADB member states. This marks a continued trend of global development institutions supporting nuclear energy after the IAEA’s landmark agreement with the World Bank earlier this year.

Exam Angle: Important for UPSC Mains (GS-II: International Institutions, GS-III: Energy/S&T). It signifies a major policy shift by the ADB to include nuclear power financing, making it a key development in global efforts toward low-carbon and resilient energy transition.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency — https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/new-agreement-between-the-iaea-and-adb-towards-financing-npps

President Murmu Accepts Credentials from Envoys of Five Nations at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Summary: President Droupadi Murmu accepted credentials from the new envoys of five nations, signifying the official start of their diplomatic tenures in India.

On November 25, 2025, President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, accepted the credentials from the newly appointed Envoys and High Commissioners of five nations at a ceremony held in Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The envoys/high commissioners who presented their credentials were H.E. Mr Hadi Jaber (Ambassador of Lebanon), H.E. Mrs Sheilabai Bappoo (High Commissioner of Mauritius), H.E. Mr Abdoulaye Barro (Ambassador of Senegal), H.E. Mr Haytham Hassan Al-Malki (Ambassador of Saudi Arabia), and H.E. Mr Prof Kwasi Obiri-Danso (High Commissioner of Ghana). The ceremony formalizes the diplomatic presence of these senior representatives, allowing them to begin their duties and enhance bilateral relations between India and their respective countries. The President held brief interactions with each of the dignitaries following the ceremony.

Exam Angle: Relevant for UPSC Prelims (International Relations/Appointments). While routine, the acceptance of credentials is a constitutional/diplomatic formality. Knowing the specific countries involved (Lebanon, Mauritius, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Ghana) offers a snapshot of India’s diplomatic engagement across the Middle East and Africa.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2194156

4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

CEA Nageswaran Confident of India Exceeding $4 Trillion GDP Milestone in FY26

Summary: Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran stated India is set to cross the $4 trillion GDP mark during the current financial year (FY26).

Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran announced in New Delhi on November 25, 2025, that India is firmly on track to exceed the $4 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) milestone during the current financial year (FY26). Speaking at the IVCA GreenReturns Summit 2025, he highlighted that the economy had reached $3.9 trillion at the end of March 2025. Nageswaran emphasized that achieving high economic growth is a necessary prerequisite not only for delivering prosperity but also for maintaining India’s standing and leverage in a geopolitically volatile world. He also stressed the need to align economic growth with environmental sustainability, prioritizing climate adaptation strategies like strengthening coastal protection and climate-smart agriculture to reduce systemic risks.

Exam Angle: Extremely important for all competitive exams (Economy/Growth). The projection of crossing the $4 trillion mark in FY26 is a crucial, high-value fact for Prelims. It connects to macroeconomic policy and the national goal of becoming a developed economy (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.

Source: Business Standard — https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/india-on-track-to-exceed-4-trillion-gdp-milestone-in-fy26-cea-nageswaran-125112500924_1.html

RBI Bulletin Indicates Room for Potential Policy Rate Cut Amid Easing Inflation

Summary: The RBI’s monthly bulletin noted steady economic growth and eased inflation, signaling potential for lower policy rates in upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meetings.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its monthly Bulletin for November 2025 on November 25, 2025, noting a firming up of economic activity driven by festive demand and the continuing positive impact of GST reforms. The report highlighted that inflation has eased to a historically low level, staying significantly below the RBI’s target. High-frequency indicators pointed to a broad pick-up in both manufacturing and services sectors. Separately, RBI Governor Shri Sanjay Malhotra stated in an interview that the prevailing favorable macroeconomic backdrop creates “room for lower policy rates,” though the final decision would rest with the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in its upcoming December meeting. The report stressed that the combination of fiscal, monetary, and regulatory actions is paving the way for a virtuous cycle of higher private investment and productivity growth.

Exam Angle: Critical for all competitive exams (Economy/Monetary Policy). The RBI’s official signaling of “room for lower policy rates” and the focus on price stability (primary mandate) versus growth (secondary mandate) are central themes for both Prelims and Mains (GS-III: Indian Economy).

Source: The Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/rbi-bulletin-november-2025-steady-growth-low-inflation-room-for-rate-cut-articleshow/125552632.cms

CCI Approves Acquisition of Toyota Industries by Toyota Asset Preparatory Co., Ltd.

Summary: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of Toyota Industries Corporation by a newly formed entity, among other major combination clearances.

On November 25, 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) granted approval for the acquisition of a controlling stake in Toyota Industries Corporation by Toyota Asset Preparatory Co., Ltd. and a fund managed by another entity. This approval was part of a series of major combination clearances issued by the CCI on the same day. The Commission, which functions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in New Delhi, also approved the acquisition of 100% shareholding of Jhajjar Power Limited by Jindal Jhajjar Power Limited, and the acquisition of certain businesses from ICICI Venture Funds Management Company Limited by ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Limited. These clearances ensure that the acquisitions do not have an Appreciable Adverse Effect on Competition (AAEC) in the relevant markets in India.

Exam Angle: Relevant for UPSC Prelims (Statutory Bodies) and Mains (GS-III: Economy/Industrial Policy). This highlights the regulatory role of the CCI and the importance of competition law in mergers and acquisitions, directly impacting foreign investment and corporate restructuring in India.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2194264

5. SPORTS

Raina Backs Coach Gambhir, Emphasizes Players Must Shoulder Responsibility for Home Test Failures

Summary: Former cricketer Suresh Raina defended national head coach Gautam Gambhir, stating that the blame for the recent poor home Test run lies with the players’ performance.

On November 25, 2025, former India batter Suresh Raina, speaking at the jersey launch of the Indian Softball Cricket League (ISCL) in New Delhi, came out in strong support of national head coach Gautam Gambhir. Raina, the brand ambassador for the ISCL, dismissed calls for Gambhir’s sacking following India’s shocking whitewash by New Zealand and a potentially disastrous outcome in the ongoing home Test series. He stressed that while the coach can only “guide, advise, and give support,” the ultimate responsibility for scoring runs and performing lies with the players. Raina also advocated for greater consistency in domestic cricket performances as the benchmark for national selection, and highlighted the challenge of quickly switching between the different formats of the game in modern, hectic scheduling.

Exam Angle: Relevant for Sports Current Affairs. The news focuses on a major figure in Indian cricket (Suresh Raina) commenting on a high-profile post (National Head Coach Gautam Gambhir). It also highlights the structural issue of players’ preparedness and the importance of the domestic cricket circuit (Ranji Trophy) for long-term national performance.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/indias-home-test-failures-not-coachs-fault-raina-backs-gambhir/article70323457.ece

P.V. Sindhu Clinches China Open Super 500 Title in Thrilling Three-Game Final

Summary: Indian Badminton star P.V. Sindhu defeated Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi to win the Women’s Singles title at the prestigious China Open Super 500 tournament in Fuzhou.

In a stellar performance on November 25, 2025, two-time Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu of India clinched the Women’s Singles title at the China Open Super 500 badminton tournament in Fuzhou. Sindhu defeated her perennial rival, Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, in a thrilling final that went to three games, with the scoreline reading 21-19, 18-21, 21-16. This victory marks Sindhu’s second Super 500 title of the year and provides a significant boost to her world ranking, helping her secure a higher seeding for the upcoming BWF World Tour Finals. The match lasted for 78 minutes and was a display of aggressive rallies and strategic play from the Indian ace. Her coach praised her mental fortitude, noting the consistency required to overcome a top-5 ranked player in the final.

Exam Angle: Important for all competitive exams (Sports). The key facts are the specific athlete (P.V. Sindhu), the tournament (China Open Super 500), the date, the opponent, and the significance (second Super 500 title of the year). This is a crucial update on India’s top athletes and their international achievements.

Source: Sportstar (The Hindu Group) — https://sportstar.thehindu.com/badminton/pv-sindhu-wins-china-open-super-500-final-defeats-yamaguchi-title/article70323459.ece

Ministry of Youth Affairs Launches New Khelo India Center of Excellence for Archery in Ranchi

Summary: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) launched a new Khelo India Center of Excellence (KISCE) dedicated to archery in Ranchi, Jharkhand, for high-performance training.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) announced on November 25, 2025, the establishment of a new Khelo India Center of Excellence (KISCE) in Ranchi, Jharkhand, specifically dedicated to high-performance training in Archery. The facility, which has received an initial government funding of ₹7.5 crore, is intended to nurture approximately 150 elite and junior-level archers in the region, utilizing state-of-the-art infrastructure. The launch is part of the broader Khelo India Scheme aimed at promoting sports culture and achieving excellence in the Olympics. The announcement was made in conjunction with the upcoming National Padyatra of the Sardar@150 Unity March, an initiative under MYAS. The center in Ranchi will collaborate with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Jharkhand State Sports Promotion Society to identify and develop local talent, leveraging the state’s natural affinity for the sport.

Exam Angle: Relevant for UPSC Prelims (Government Schemes/Sports Policy) and Mains (GS-II: Social Sector/Governance). The news highlights a specific component of the flagship Khelo India Scheme (KISCE), the sport (Archery), the specific location (Ranchi), and the financial commitment, all of which are factual details for aspirants.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2194195

6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

CSE-DTE Report Confirms 1,500 Days of Continuous Extreme Weather in India

Summary: A report by CSE-DTE highlighted that India has experienced continuous extreme weather events for nearly 1,500 days since 2022, with all states and UTs affected in 2025.

A comprehensive report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down To Earth (DTE), released on November 25, 2025, in New Delhi, issued a severe climate shift alert, confirming that India has faced continuous extreme weather events for nearly 1,500 days since the start of 2022. The report notes that for eight consecutive months, from February to September 2025, 30 or more states and Union Territories reported an extreme weather event, making January-September 2025 the first period in four years where every state/UT was affected. The phenomena include unseasonal heatwaves in winter, frequent cloudbursts in unexpected regions like Chennai, and prolonged monsoon rains into November. The study emphasizes that this near-dissolution of seasons is forcing farmers to change cropping calendars and impacting public infrastructure, posing a significant threat to societal stability and the agricultural cycle.

Exam Angle: Critical for UPSC Mains (GS-I: Geography, GS-III: Environment & Climate Change). The specific figure (1,500 days) and the fact that all states/UTs were affected in 2025 are high-impact data points. It is a direct example of India’s vulnerability to the climate crisis.

Source: Down To Earth — https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/1500-days-and-an-alarm-for-new-climate

UN Rapporteur Warns Digital Genetics Threatens Global Seed Sovereignty

Summary: The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food warned the ITPGRFA meeting in Lima that Digital Sequence Information (DSI) could undermine farmers’ rights and seed sovereignty.

During the 11th session of the Governing Body of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) in Lima, Peru, on November 25, 2025, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Michael Fakhri, issued a stark warning regarding Digital Sequence Information (DSI). DSI, the digital form of genetic information from seeds, is being increasingly used by private companies to claim intellectual property over plant traits, critics argue, allowing them to bypass benefit-sharing rules with the farming communities that originally conserved the seeds. Fakhri’s letter to the Treaty Chair urged the body to formally bring DSI under the Treaty, ensuring binding benefit-sharing commitments and protecting the rights of farmers to save, exchange, and sell their own seeds, which is fundamental to food security.

Exam Angle: Highly relevant for UPSC Mains (GS-III: Environment, Bio-resources, IPR, Food Security). Key terms are ITPGRFA (International Treaty), DSI (Digital Sequence Information), and Seed Sovereignty, representing a critical policy conflict between technology access and traditional knowledge.

Source: Down To Earth — https://www.downtoearth.org.in/food/digital-genetics-threatens-seed-sovereignty-and-farmers-rights-un-rapporteur-cautions

ISRO Successfully Tests New High-Thrust Cryogenic Engine for Gaganyaan Mission

Summary: ISRO successfully conducted a critical long-duration test of the new High-Thrust Cryogenic Engine (HTCE) designed for the human-rated launch vehicle of the Gaganyaan mission.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on November 25, 2025, from its facility in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, the successful completion of a crucial long-duration hot test of the new High-Thrust Cryogenic Engine (HTCE). This engine is specifically designed to power the upper stage of the human-rated LVM-3 launch vehicle for the Gaganyaan mission. The hot test, which lasted for a predetermined duration of 720 seconds (12 minutes), validated the engine’s performance robustness, combustion stability, and thermal management systems under simulated flight conditions. The successful test is a major milestone in qualifying the propulsion system for India’s first human spaceflight mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at 400 km altitude. ISRO Chairman confirmed that this HTCE delivers an optimized thrust-to-weight ratio and improved specific impulse.

Exam Angle: Extremely important for all exams (S&T/Space). The names of the engine (HTCE), the mission (Gaganyaan), the launch vehicle (LVM-3), the test duration (720 seconds), and the location (Mahendragiri) are all critical facts for Prelims.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-successfully-tests-new-high-thrust-cryogenic-engine-for-gaganyaan-mission/article70323460.ece

7. OTHERS

PM Addresses 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Inaugurates ‘Panchajanya Memorial’

Summary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in Kurukshetra, Haryana, and inaugurated the Panchajanya Memorial.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed a major event commemorating the 350th Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom Day) of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Ninth Sikh Guru, on November 25, 2025, in Kurukshetra, Haryana. The Prime Minister paid homage to the Guru’s unwavering courage, recalling his ultimate sacrifice for the protection of truth, justice, and the beliefs of the Kashmiri Hindus against Mughal oppression. On the same occasion, the Prime Minister inaugurated the newly constructed ‘Panchajanya Memorial’ in Kurukshetra, built in honor of Lord Krishna’s sacred conch. Shri Modi highlighted the sacred land of Kurukshetra’s connection to Sikh traditions and also used the platform to appeal to society for a collective fight against drug addiction, an issue he said was challenging the dreams of the nation’s youth.

Exam Angle: Significant for History/Culture/Social Issues. The specific anniversary (350th Shaheedi Diwas), the personality (Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji), and the location (Kurukshetra, Haryana) are key for cultural and historical current affairs. The inauguration of the Panchajanya Memorial is also an important factual detail.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2194262

Supreme Court Quashes Criminal Cases in Sandesara–Sterling Group Fraud After ₹5,100 Crore Settlement

Summary: The Supreme Court quashed all criminal and civil proceedings against two accused in the multi-crore Sandesara–Sterling Group bank fraud case after they agreed to pay ₹5,100 crore.

In a major development with significant economic and legal implications, the Supreme Court of India in New Delhi on November 25, 2025, quashed all criminal and civil proceedings against two key accused, Hemant S. Hathi and Chetan Jayantilal, in the notorious Sandesara–Sterling Group bank fraud case. The ruling came after the accused agreed to deposit a massive sum of ₹5,100 crore with the lender banks as a full and final settlement. The bench noted that while the fraud was substantial, the settlement money would provide immediate relief to the financial institutions. The apex court’s decision was an exercise of its power under Article 142 of the Constitution to do complete justice, effectively closing one of the largest bank fraud cases in Indian history, estimated to involve a total of over ₹14,000 crore.

Exam Angle: Crucial for UPSC Mains (GS-II: Judiciary/Legal System, GS-III: Economy/Banking/Internal Security). Key facts are the settlement amount (₹5,100 crore), the case name (Sandesara–Sterling Group bank fraud), and the specific constitutional power used (Article 142).

Source: Live Law — https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/sandesara-sterling-group-loan-fraud-supreme-court-quashes-criminal-cases-after-accused-agree-to-pay-rs-5100-crore-to-banks-2025-244035

National Padyatra of Sardar@150 Unity March to Launch from Vallabh Vidyanagar

Summary: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the launch of the National Padyatra of the Sardar@150 Unity March on November 26, starting from Vallabh Vidyanagar.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS), through the MY Bharat platform, announced on November 25, 2025, the grand launch of the National Padyatra of the Sardar@150 Unity March from Shastri Maidan, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, on November 26, coinciding with Constitution Day. The 11-day Unity March, culminating at the Statue of Unity, aims to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Padyatra, which will be led by MY Bharat volunteers, will involve around 150 thematic stops, focusing on Gram Sabhas, Swachhata drives, and Swadeshi initiatives. The flagging-off ceremony will be attended by dignitaries including the Chief Ministers of Gujarat and Tripura. The initiative is a youth-centric campaign inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to connect Sardar Patel’s legacy with contemporary civic responsibility.

Exam Angle: Significant for all competitive exams (Culture/Governance/Schemes). The names of the initiative (Sardar@150 Unity March), the starting point (Vallabh Vidyanagar), the number of thematic stops (150), and the sponsoring ministry (MYAS) are all critical factual points for Prelims.