Indian Current Affairs News Digest
Date: November 28, 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 Snapshot
- Ayushman Bharat Mental Health Package: Union Cabinet approved ₹3,000 crore to integrate comprehensive mental healthcare under ABDM
- RBI Digital Rupee Expansion: Central Bank Digital Currency (e₹) pilot extended to 12 major cities
- India-France Defence Dialogue: 24th strategic dialogue focused on joint aero-engine technology development
- Khelo India Winter Games: Jammu & Kashmir selected as host for 5th edition in February 2026
- Supreme Court Aadhaar Ruling: Landmark judgment upheld linking property records with Aadhaar for anti-corruption
- Rajasthan Water Fund: Launched ₹5,000 crore ‘Jal Suraksha Kosh’ for water conservation
- ISRO’s Agni-Prahari Launch: Successfully launched Earth Observation Satellite EOS-09 from Sriharikota
- Climate Action Meet: India advocated ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities’ at MIMCA-15 in Berlin
- New CAG Appointment: Rajesh Verma assumed office as Comptroller and Auditor General of India
- Pankaj Advani’s 28th Title: Clinched World Billiards Championship in Doha, Qatar
1. STATE AFFAIRS
Rajasthan Launches ₹5,000 Crore ‘Jal Suraksha Kosh’
Summary: Rajasthan introduces dedicated fund to tackle water scarcity through sustainable water management.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced the establishment of the ₹5,000 crore ‘Jal Suraksha Kosh’ (Water Security Fund) on November 28, 2025, in Jaipur. Managed by the newly constituted State Water Conservation Board, the fund promotes water security through modern and traditional methods. The initial phase focuses on community-based rainwater harvesting, large-scale pond restoration, and micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems across 15 water-stressed districts including Barmer and Jaisalmer. The state has earmarked ₹1,500 crore for the current financial year.
Exam Relevance: State-level water management schemes; complements Centre’s Jal Jeevan Mission; Geography and Governance topics.
Source: The Hindu
Tamil Nadu Mandates ‘Climate Literacy’ in School Curriculum
Summary: Tamil Nadu becomes first state to integrate mandatory Climate Literacy module for high school students.
On November 28, 2025, the Tamil Nadu Education Department announced a mandate to introduce ‘Climate Literacy and Adaptation’ for grades 9-12, starting from the 2026-27 academic session. School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi confirmed the module spans 40 instructional hours annually, covering local climate impacts, renewable energy, waste management, and coastal ecosystem preservation. Budgeted at ₹45 crore for teacher training and resources, it aims to educate approximately 4.5 million students.
Exam Relevance: Educational reforms; Environment and Ecology; Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action); sets precedent for other states.
Source: Indian Express
Kerala’s ₹750 Crore Coastal Digital Connectivity Project
Summary: Kerala sanctions project to provide high-speed internet to 250+ coastal villages via optic fibre cables.
The Kerala State IT Mission announced the ₹750 crore ‘Coastal Digital Connectivity Initiative (CDCI)’ on November 28, 2025. The project involves laying approximately 800 km of submarine and underground optic fibre cables connecting 250+ fishing villages from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram. Principal Secretary Dr. Rathan U. Kelkar confirmed work commences in January 2026 with 18-month completion target. The initiative enhances livelihood opportunities for 1.2 million fisherfolk through e-commerce, tele-medicine, and real-time weather alerts.
Exam Relevance: Social Sector Schemes; Digital India; targeted infrastructure development for specific demographics.
Source: Times of India
2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Supreme Court Upholds Aadhaar Linking for Property Records
Summary: Landmark judgment validates mandatory linking of property ownership records with Aadhaar numbers.
On November 28, 2025, a five-judge Constitution Bench headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud upheld the constitutional validity of mandatory Aadhaar-property linking. The ruling dismissed multiple petitions, stating it serves “legitimate state interest” in curbing black money, benami transactions, and corruption in land dealings. All states must complete linking within 12 months.
Exam Relevance: Indian Polity and Governance; solidifies Aadhaar’s role in financial and property governance; anti-corruption measures.
Source: The Hindu – PTI
Union Cabinet Approves Mental Healthcare under ABDM
Summary: Cabinet sanctions ₹3,000 crore package to integrate mental health services into Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister on November 28, 2025, approved the Mental Healthcare Package (MHCP) within ABDM framework, allocated ₹3,000 crore over three years. The initiative establishes 50 new District Mental Health Programme centres and trains 15,000 specialist paramedical staff for tele-counseling through Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA). Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized affordable care for common mental health conditions.
Exam Relevance: Social Sector Initiatives (Health); Digital Governance; holistic national healthcare policy; aligns with National Mental Healthcare Programme, 2017.
Source: Press Information Bureau
Lok Sabha Passes ‘Geospatial Data Bill, 2025’
Summary: Bill simplifies regime for use and dissemination of geospatial data by Indian entities.
On November 28, 2025, the Lok Sabha passed the ‘Geospatial Data Bill, 2025’ with overwhelming majority on Day 1 of the Winter Session. Introduced by Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, it liberalizes policy framework for India’s geospatial industry, moving to a trust-based system. The bill removes prior approval for non-sensitive geospatial data, expected to boost the ₹35,000 crore industry by 15-20% annually.
Exam Relevance: Indian Polity; Science & Technology; policy reform for Digital India; ease of doing business.
Source: Hindustan Times
3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
India-France 24th Strategic Defence Dialogue in Paris
Summary: Annual dialogue focused on joint production of military equipment and Indo-Pacific maritime security.
The 24th India-France Annual Strategic Dialogue concluded in Paris on November 28, 2025. NSA Ajit Doval led the Indian delegation, meeting French counterpart Emmanuel Bonne. Discussions centered on technology transfer and joint development of advanced fighter jet aero-engine under ‘Make in India’. Both nations agreed to increase joint naval patrols in the Indian Ocean Region and finalized logistics for the ‘Varuna’ naval exercise in early 2026. A ₹2,500 crore advanced drone technology deal was on the agenda.
Exam Relevance: Key strategic partnership in Europe; defence industrial base; Indo-Pacific presence.
Source: Indian Express
India Advocates ‘Equity’ at MIMCA-15
Summary: India stressed Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) for climate finance at global meet.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav delivered India’s message at the 15th Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action in Berlin on November 28, 2025. The Minister reiterated developed countries’ commitment of mobilizing $100 billion annually in climate finance, emphasizing CBDR-RC principles. India proposed a framework for technology transfer, calling for open-source availability of patented green technologies, citing developing nations face a $700 billion gap in climate adaptation funding.
Exam Relevance: International Relations; Environment; India’s negotiation stance at multilateral forums; climate justice and global equity.
Source: Times of India
SAARC Foreign Ministers Meet on Counter-Terrorism
Summary: Virtual meeting focused on creating robust regional counter-terrorism framework.
SAARC Foreign Ministers held a virtual meeting on November 28, 2025, chaired by Nepal. India’s EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar participated in discussions on operationalizing a Regional Counter-Terrorism Mechanism. Ministers agreed to establish SAARC Anti-Terrorism Desk (SATD) with joint intelligence sharing protocol to combat cross-border militancy and drug trafficking. The decision marks a step toward reviving the nearly dormant SAARC process.
Exam Relevance: International Relations/Organizations; SAARC current status; regional security challenges.
Source: The Wire
4. ECONOMY & FINANCE
RBI Expands Digital Rupee (e₹) Pilot to 12 Cities
Summary: RBI announced third phase expansion of CBDC pilot, targeting 5 million users by Q1 2026.
RBI issued a press release from Mumbai on November 28, 2025, announcing the third phase of its Central Bank Digital Currency (e₹) pilot. Governor Shaktikanta Das confirmed expansion from 4 to 12 major cities, including tier-2 centres like Lucknow, Kochi, and Bhubaneswar. The focus is increasing retail use, targeting 5 million users and 1 million daily transactions by March 31, 2026. The expansion involves 10 major commercial banks.
Exam Relevance: Economy and Banking; RBI’s progressive steps in financial technology; national digital currency infrastructure.
Source: RBI Press Releases
FDI Inflows Reach $45 Billion in First Seven Months of FY26
Summary: DPIIT announced stabilized FDI inflows with strong figures for current fiscal year.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade released data on November 28, 2025, stating total FDI inflows reached $45 billion for April-October of FY26, showing 3% increase over last year. Services sector attracted maximum share at 28%, followed by Computer Software & Hardware. Singapore and USA remained top investing countries. Manufacturing sector saw 12% year-on-year growth.
Exam Relevance: Economy; International Trade; investor confidence; effectiveness of PLI scheme.
Source: Economic Times
SEBI Proposes T+0 Settlement for Top 200 Stocks
Summary: SEBI proposed instantaneous settlement cycle for large-cap stocks by March 2026.
SEBI released a consultation paper on November 28, 2025, proposing T+0 (same day) settlement for top 200 listed stocks, aiming for full implementation by March 31, 2026. Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch stated the move enhances liquidity, reduces systemic risk, and brings Indian markets closer to global best practices. Initial phase covers top 50 stocks from January 1, 2026.
Exam Relevance: Finance and Capital Market; regulator’s push for real-time market efficiency; faster fund access for investors.
Source: Business Standard
5. SPORTS
Pankaj Advani Wins Record 28th World Billiards Title
Summary: Indian cue sports legend secured 28th World Championship title in points format.
Veteran Indian cueist Pankaj Advani clinched his 28th World Billiards Championship title on November 28, 2025, in Doha, Qatar. Advani defeated Alok Kumar of Qatar 6 frames to 3 in the points format final. The 39-year-old maintains unparalleled dominance in both Billiards and Snooker circuits. His first world title was won in 2003, showcasing two decades of international success.
Exam Relevance: Sports section; sustained excellence of Indian athlete on global stage.
Source: The Hindu – Sports
J&K to Host 5th Khelo India Winter Games in February 2026
Summary: Union Ministry officially announced J&K as host for next edition of Khelo India Winter Games.
The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, under Minister Anurag Thakur, designated Jammu & Kashmir as host for the 5th Khelo India Winter Games on November 28, 2025. The games, scheduled for February 2026, will feature 15 winter sports disciplines at Gulmarg and Leh venues. The government allocated ₹150 crore for infrastructure upgrades to host approximately 3,000 athletes.
Exam Relevance: Sports and National Affairs; promoting sports and regional development; national integration and tourism.
Source: Times of India – Sports
Indian Women’s Cricket Team Wins T20I Quadrangular Series
Summary: Team defeated Australia by 15 runs to clinch series in Dubai, marking first series win against Australia this year.
The Indian Women’s Cricket Team, led by Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, won the T20I Quadrangular Series final in Dubai on November 28, 2025. India defeated Australia by 15 runs, defending a target of 178 runs. Player of the Match Richa Ghosh scored 54 runs and took 2 wickets. The series featured India, Australia, England, and New Zealand.
Exam Relevance: Sports section; women’s sports achievements; major morale booster ahead of T20 World Cup.
Source: Indian Express – Sports
6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
ISRO Launches ‘Agni-Prahari’ Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-09)
Summary: ISRO launched advanced Earth Observation Satellite for enhanced border surveillance and crop monitoring.
ISRO achieved a milestone on November 28, 2025, launching Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-09), codenamed ‘Agni-Prahari’, using PSLV-C60 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The 1,800 kg satellite was placed in Sun-synchronous Polar Orbit at 680 km altitude. EOS-09 carries high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar for all-weather imaging, crucial for border surveillance, disaster management, and agricultural monitoring with 0.5-metre resolution.
Exam Relevance: Science & Technology; India’s advancement in indigenous space technology; Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Source: Press Information Bureau
₹10,000 Crore Incentive for Green Hydrogen Storage Tech
Summary: MNRE released draft policy to incentivize development of advanced hydrogen storage and transportation technologies.
The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy released a draft policy on November 28, 2025, proposing ₹10,000 crore incentive scheme for domestic manufacturing of advanced green hydrogen storage technologies. An extension of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, it focuses on R&D in solid-state hydrogen storage and high-pressure cryogenic tanks to reduce storage costs by 40% within five years. Secretary Anand Kumar stated it’s crucial to meet the national target of producing 5 million tonnes of Green Hydrogen by 2030.
Exam Relevance: Science, Technology & Environment; Economy; sustainable energy transition; indigenous value chain.
Source: Business Standard
CSIR Develops AI Tool for Livestock Disease Detection
Summary: CSIR unveiled ‘Pashu-Rakshak’, an AI tool for early detection of infectious diseases in cattle.
On November 28, 2025, CSIR announced the development of ‘Pashu-Rakshak’, an AI-powered diagnostic tool for early detection of diseases like Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Brucellosis in livestock. Developed by the National Dairy Research Institute team, it uses image processing and thermal signatures with 95.5% accuracy. Successfully piloted across 500 farms in Gujarat, it can save the Indian dairy industry ₹1,500 crore annually.
Exam Relevance: Science & Technology; Agriculture; AI’s role in rural economy and animal health.
Source: Down To Earth
7. APPOINTMENTS, AWARDS & MISCELLANEOUS
Rajesh Verma Appointed New CAG of India
Summary: Senior bureaucrat becomes new Comptroller and Auditor General, succeeding G.C. Murmu.
On November 28, 2025, the President appointed senior IAS officer Rajesh Verma as the new Comptroller and Auditor General of India. Mr. Verma, a 1987-batch officer, previously served as Secretary to the President. The CAG is a constitutional post under Article 148, responsible for auditing all receipts and expenditure of the Government of India and state governments.
Exam Relevance: Indian Polity; Appointments; constitutional role and function of CAG in governance structure.
Source: The Hindu
Dr. Mira Desai Wins Tagore National Award
Summary: Eminent historian honored for work on syncretic traditions in India.
The Union Ministry of Culture announced on November 28, 2025, that Dr. Mira Desai will receive the Tagore National Award for Cultural Harmony 2024 for documenting and promoting India’s syncretic cultural traditions. The award carries ₹1 crore cash prize, a plaque, and traditional handicraft. Dr. Desai’s work “The Confluence: India’s Syncretic Heritage” was specifically cited.
Exam Relevance: Awards & Honours; Art & Culture; national integration and cultural preservation.
Source: Press Information Bureau
UNESCO Lists Lucknow’s ‘Chikan’ Embroidery as Intangible Heritage
Summary: UNESCO added traditional hand-embroidery art to Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
UNESCO’s 20th session on November 28, 2025, announced the inclusion of Lucknow’s traditional ‘Chikan’ hand-embroidery on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The nomination by India’s Ministry of Culture recognizes the craft sustaining over 25,000 artisans. Chikankari features 32 distinct stitch types. The listing is expected to boost global market access and ensure better remuneration for artisans.
Exam Relevance: Art and Culture; India’s rich craft heritage; international preservation efforts.
Source: Indian Express – Art & Culture
📝 QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT: Core Recall Points
1. National & State Governance
- Rajasthan ‘Jal Suraksha Kosh’: ₹5,000 crore fund for water conservation across 15 districts including Barmer and Jaisalmer.
- Significance: State-level water management; complements Jal Jeevan Mission; Geography and Governance topics.
- Supreme Court Aadhaar-Property Linking: 5-judge bench upheld mandatory linking to curb black money and benami transactions; states have 12 months to complete.
- Significance: Landmark judgment; Indian Polity; anti-corruption governance measures.
- Tamil Nadu Climate Literacy Mandate: First state to integrate 40-hour annual module for grades 9-12; ₹45 crore budget; 4.5 million students.
- Significance: Educational reform; SDG 13 (Climate Action); Environment and Ecology.
- Kerala Coastal Digital Connectivity: ₹750 crore project connecting 250+ villages via 800 km optic fibre cables; benefits 1.2 million fisherfolk.
- Significance: Social Sector Schemes; Digital India; targeted demographic development.
- Ayushman Bharat Mental Healthcare Package: ₹3,000 crore over 3 years; 50 new DMHP centres; 15,000 staff training under ABDM.
- Significance: Health policy; Digital Governance; National Mental Healthcare Programme alignment.
- Geospatial Data Bill, 2025: Passed in Lok Sabha; liberalizes ₹35,000 crore industry with trust-based framework; removes prior approval for non-sensitive data.
- Significance: Indian Polity; Science & Technology; ease of doing business for Digital India.
- New CAG Appointment: Rajesh Verma (1987-batch IAS) succeeds G.C. Murmu under Article 148.
- Significance: Constitutional Posts; CAG’s role in auditing government expenditure.
2. Economy & Finance
- RBI Digital Rupee (e₹) Expansion: Third phase covers 12 cities (including Lucknow, Kochi, Bhubaneswar); targets 5 million users and 1 million daily transactions by March 2026; 10 banks involved.
- Significance: CBDC development; FinTech; Banking sector innovation.
- FDI Inflows FY26: $45 billion in April-October; 3% growth; Services (28%) and IT sectors lead; Singapore and USA top investors; Manufacturing up 12%.
- Significance: Macroeconomic indicators; investor confidence; PLI scheme effectiveness.
- SEBI T+0 Settlement Proposal: Same-day settlement for top 200 stocks by March 2026; top 50 from January 2026.
- Significance: Capital market reforms; SEBI’s regulatory functions; global best practices alignment.
3. International Relations & Defence
- India-France 24th Strategic Dialogue: NSA Ajit Doval-led talks in Paris; focus on aero-engine joint development, ₹2,500 crore drone deal, increased Indian Ocean patrols, and ‘Varuna’ naval exercise 2026.
- Significance: Key European strategic partnership; defence industrial base; Indo-Pacific security.
- India at MIMCA-15 (Berlin): Minister Bhupender Yadav stressed CBDR-RC; demanded $100 billion climate finance; proposed open-source green tech; highlighted $700 billion adaptation gap.
- Significance: International climate negotiations; India’s stance on climate justice and equity.
- SAARC Counter-Terrorism Initiative: Virtual Foreign Ministers meet (Nepal chair, India’s Jaishankar attended); agreed on SAARC Anti-Terrorism Desk (SATD) with intelligence sharing.
- Significance: SAARC revival; regional security cooperation; cross-border militancy issues.
4. Science, Environment & Technology
- ISRO EOS-09 ‘Agni-Prahari’ Launch: PSLV-C60 from Sriharikota; 1,800 kg satellite at 680 km Sun-synchronous orbit; SAR payload with 0.5m resolution for surveillance, disaster management, agriculture.
- Significance: Space technology; indigenous capability; Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence and civilian applications.
- Green Hydrogen Storage Policy: ₹10,000 crore incentive by MNRE; targets 40% cost reduction in 5 years; supports 5 million tonnes production by 2030 under National Green Hydrogen Mission.
- Significance: Energy transition; Science & Technology; sustainable development; indigenous manufacturing.
- CSIR’s ‘Pashu-Rakshak’ AI Tool: 95.5% accuracy for livestock disease detection (FMD, Brucellosis); piloted in 500 Gujarat farms; potential ₹1,500 crore annual savings for dairy industry.
- Significance: AI in agriculture; rural economy enhancement; Science & Technology applications.
5. Sports & Culture
- Pankaj Advani’s 28th World Title: Won World Billiards Championship (points format) in Doha; defeated Alok Kumar 6-3; spanning 2 decades (2003-2025).
- Significance: Major Indian sporting achievement; sustained excellence in cue sports.
- Khelo India Winter Games 2026: J&K hosts 5th edition in February; Gulmarg and Leh venues; 15 disciplines; 3,000 athletes; ₹150 crore budget.
- Significance: Regional development through sports; national integration; tourism promotion in Union Territory.
- Indian Women’s Cricket Victory: Won T20I Quadrangular Series in Dubai; defeated Australia by 15 runs (defended 178); Richa Ghosh (54 runs, 2 wickets) Player of Match.
- Significance: Women’s sports achievements; first series win against Australia in 2025.
- Lucknow’s ‘Chikan’ UNESCO Recognition: Added to Intangible Cultural Heritage list; sustains 25,000+ artisans; 32 distinct stitch types.
- Significance: Art & Culture; UNESCO recognitions; craft heritage preservation.
- Tagore National Award 2024: Dr. Mira Desai for “The Confluence: India’s Syncretic Heritage”; ₹1 crore prize.
- Significance: Awards & Honours; cultural harmony; national integration efforts.
