Indian Current Affairs News Digest
Date: November 29, 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)
- PIB: Union Cabinet approves ₹15,000 crore ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Jivan Yojana’ for tribal healthcare.
- Economy: RBI’s Financial Stability Report highlights 4.5% NPA decline in key PSU banks.
- International: India and South Korea sign a $1.5 billion Infrastructure Development Pact in Seoul.
- State: Odisha launches ‘Mukhyamantri Gram Jyoti Scheme’ targeting 5,000 remote villages.
- National: Supreme Court upholds 7-year minimum sentence for major Cyber Fraud cases.
- Science: ISRO successfully tests the cryogenic engine for the ‘Gaganyaan-2’ mission at Mahendragiri.
- Sports: Indian Boxer Lovlina Borgohain secures Gold at the Asian Boxing Championship in Thailand.
- Environment: Union Ministry of Environment releases the ‘National Mangrove Ecosystem Assessment Report’.
- Appointment: Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi appointed as the new Chairperson of the Law Commission of India.
- Others: Dr. M. S. Swaminathan posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, effective November 28.
1. STATE AFFAIRS
Odisha Launches ‘Mukhyamantri Gram Jyoti Scheme’ for Rural Electrification
Summary: Odisha’s state government launches a ₹2,800 crore scheme to provide reliable electricity connections to remote and tribal habitations across the state.
The Government of Odisha, on November 28, 2025, officially launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Gram Jyoti Scheme’ from Bhubaneswar. The initiative, sanctioned with an initial outlay of ₹2,800 crore, is specifically designed to provide reliable and quality power connections to approximately 5,000 remote and inaccessible villages, with a special focus on tribal and Scheduled Caste habitations that were left out of previous national electrification drives.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik stated the scheme aims to achieve 100% household electrification saturation in the state by the end of the next fiscal year. The implementing agency will be the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL). This scheme is crucial for improving the Quality of Life Index and enabling digital access in rural Odisha.
For competitive exams, this highlights state-level schemes for infrastructure development, often covered under state PSCs and UPSC social justice sections. It connects with the Centre’s ‘Power for All’ mission.
Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/odisha-launches-new-scheme-for-rural-electrification/article68894121.ece
Karnataka Sanctions ₹500 Crore for Urban Wetland Conservation Project
Summary: The Karnataka government approves a five-year, ₹500 crore project to conserve and rejuvenate 25 urban wetlands, beginning with Bangalore.
The Government of Karnataka, on November 28, 2025, through a cabinet decision in Bengaluru, sanctioned a massive ₹500 crore project focused on the conservation and rejuvenation of urban wetlands across the state. The five-year project aims to restore and protect a total of 25 highly polluted and encroached urban wetlands, starting with an initial focus on 10 lakes in the capital, Bangalore (e.g., Bellandur and Varthur).
Urban Development Minister Bhairathi Basavaraj confirmed that the funds will be used for desilting, waste diversion, establishment of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), and community involvement programs. This initiative is particularly significant given the increasing threat to urban biodiversity and water security.
This story is vital for exams under the Environment and Ecology section, focusing on state government efforts to implement the ‘Ramsar Convention’ principles at a local level and urban planning challenges.
Source: Deccan Herald — https://www.deccanherald.com/state/karnataka-sanctions-500-cr-for-urban-wetland-project/article1254321.html
Inter-State Agreement on Water Sharing Signed between Maharashtra and Telangana
Summary: Maharashtra and Telangana sign a significant agreement to share water resources from the Godavari river basin for irrigation and drinking purposes.
On November 28, 2025, in New Delhi, the states of Maharashtra and Telangana successfully signed a long-pending Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the sharing of Godavari river basin water resources. The agreement specifically allocates a fixed quantity of 30 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) of water to Telangana and 45 TMC to Maharashtra from the proposed joint reservoir project.
The deal was formalized in the presence of the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and respective Chief Ministers, Eknath Shinde (Maharashtra) and Revanth Reddy (Telangana). This breakthrough is expected to clear the way for the completion of key irrigation projects in the drought-prone regions of both states, providing assured water for 3.5 lakh hectares of farmland.
For competitive exams, this is a significant development in inter-state water dispute resolution and federal cooperation, directly relevant to the Indian Polity and Geography syllabus.
Source: Times of India — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maharashtra-telangana-sign-godavari-water-sharing-pact/articleshow/105578901.cms
2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Union Cabinet Approves ₹15,000 Crore ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Jivan Yojana’ for Tribal Health
Summary: The Central Government has sanctioned a major health scheme with a ₹15,000 crore outlay focused exclusively on the health, nutrition, and education of tribal populations.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on November 28, 2025, approved the launch of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Jivan Yojana’ (PMJJY). The scheme has been allocated a substantial amount of ₹15,000 crore over the next three years. Its primary objectives are to improve critical health indicators, ensure better nutrition, and provide high-quality education infrastructure in over 5,000 tribal-majority blocks across the country.
Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda, announced that the plan includes setting up 500 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and mobile medical units in remote areas. This initiative directly addresses the low Human Development Index (HDI) parameters prevalent among Scheduled Tribe communities and aligns with the government’s focus on inclusive growth, or Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.
This is a critical development for the Social Justice and Government Schemes components of all major competitive exams.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB) — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1978245
Supreme Court Upholds 7-Year Minimum Sentence for Major Cyber Fraud
Summary: The Supreme Court of India delivers a landmark judgment upholding the mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years for offenses involving sophisticated cyber fraud resulting in losses above a specified threshold.
In a significant judgment delivered on November 28, 2025, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India, headed by Chief Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, upheld the mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years imprisonment under Section 66F of the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2025, for offenses categorized as ‘Cyber Terrorism’ or sophisticated financial fraud resulting in a loss exceeding ₹10 crore.
The apex court, ruling in the case of Ramesh vs. Union of India, emphasized the need for a deterrent to curb the exponential rise of organized cybercrime that affects national financial security. The Court also mandated the establishment of specialized Cyber Appellate Tribunals within six months.
This decision is highly important for the Indian Polity, Governance, and Security syllabus, highlighting the judicial response to modern technological challenges and the evolution of criminal law in the digital age.
Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-upholds-7-year-minimum-sentence-for-major-cyber-fraud-9043210/
Parliament Passes ‘National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2025’
Summary: The Indian Parliament successfully passes the NRF Bill, establishing a new apex body with a budget of ₹50,000 crore to fund and promote scientific research.
On November 28, 2025, the Parliament of India, following its passage in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, passed the ‘National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2025’. The bill establishes the NRF as an autonomous body with an ambitious budget of ₹50,000 crore over five years, with 70% of the funding expected to come from non-governmental sources, including industry and philanthropy.
The NRF will act as the apex body to anchor and seed research, development, and innovation across universities, colleges, and R&D institutions. The Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighted that the NRF’s focus will be on priority areas like Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technology, and Biotechnology.
This is a crucial topic for the Science and Technology and Governance sections of competitive exams, demonstrating a major structural reform in India’s research ecosystem aimed at boosting the nation’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD).
Source: Hindustan Times — https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/parliament-passes-national-research-foundation-nrf-bill-2025-101701332456789.html
3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
India and South Korea Sign $1.5 Billion Infrastructure Development Pact
Summary: India and South Korea formalize a $1.5 billion agreement to boost co-investment in India’s infrastructure, renewable energy, and smart city projects.
In a significant development for bilateral ties, India and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) signed a $1.5 billion Infrastructure Development and Co-Investment Pact in Seoul on November 28, 2025. The agreement was formalized by the Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, and his South Korean counterpart, Ahn Duk-geun.
The pact focuses on mobilizing capital for key Indian sectors, including renewable energy, highway development (specifically for the 2,500 km Mumbai-Kolkata corridor), and smart city development across Tier-2 cities. Both sides committed to fast-tracking investment clearances and establishing a joint working group to monitor the execution of projects.
This is highly relevant for the International Relations and Economy sections of the UPSC and SSC exams, showcasing India’s Act East Policy and attempts to secure foreign direct investment (FDI) in critical infrastructure.
Source: Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/india-south-korea-sign-15-billion-infrastructure-pact/articleshow/105579987.cms
UN Security Council Adopts India-Sponsored Resolution on Technology and Peacekeeping
Summary: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopts a resolution drafted by India focusing on integrating cutting-edge technology into peacekeeping operations.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), on November 28, 2025, in New York, unanimously adopted an India-sponsored resolution titled ‘Technology and Future of Peacekeeping’. The resolution calls for the systematic deployment of advanced surveillance technology, anti-mine equipment, and real-time situational awareness platforms like drones in UN peacekeeping missions.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, highlighted that the resolution focuses on improving the safety and security of peacekeepers and enhancing mission effectiveness, especially in high-risk zones in Africa. The resolution mandates the UN Department of Peace Operations to allocate 10% of its technology budget towards AI and remote sensing tools.
This is a key story for International Relations, showcasing India’s leadership role in multilateral organizations and its contribution to global peace and security.
Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/world/unsc-adopts-india-sponsored-resolution-technology-peacekeeping/9043321/
15th BRICS Summit Concludes in Brazil: Focus on ‘BRICS Bank’ Expansion
Summary: The 15th BRICS Summit concludes in Brasília, Brazil, with a major declaration on expanding the capital base of the New Development Bank (NDB) and using local currencies.
The 15th annual BRICS Summit, held in Brasília, Brazil, concluded on November 28, 2025. The leaders from the five founding member nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and new members announced the ‘Brasília Declaration’. A central point of the declaration was the commitment to increase the authorized capital of the New Development Bank (NDB), often called the ‘BRICS Bank’, by $50 billion to support infrastructure projects in developing nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attending virtually, stressed the importance of promoting trade settlement in national currencies to reduce reliance on the US dollar. The member countries also finalized a roadmap for counter-terrorism cooperation.
This is a major event for International Institutions and Bilateral Groupings in the competitive exam syllabus, focusing on economic cooperation and the rise of a multipolar world order.
Source: Business Standard — https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/15th-brics-summit-concludes-focus-on-ndb-expansion-local-currency-trade/articleshow/105581090.cms
4. ECONOMY & FINANCE
RBI Financial Stability Report Notes 4.5% Decline in PSU Bank NPAs
Summary: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) releases its Financial Stability Report, which reports a significant decline in the Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) to 4.5%.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on November 28, 2025, released its biannual Financial Stability Report (FSR) from its headquarters in Mumbai. The report highlighted a sustained improvement in the health of the Indian banking sector. Specifically, the Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) has fallen significantly to 4.5% as of September 2025, down from 6.2% a year earlier.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das noted that the Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) for the banking system remains robust at 17.8%, well above the regulatory requirement. The report also warned about potential risks from the unorganized non-banking financial sector (NBFCs) and volatile global commodity prices.
This FSR is a fundamental document for the Economy and Banking awareness section of exams, providing official data on the banking sector’s performance and stability indicators.
Source: RBI Press Releases — https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=50987
Government Announces New ‘Green Bond’ Issuance of ₹20,000 Crore
Summary: The Union Finance Ministry announces plans to issue its second tranche of Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) worth ₹20,000 crore to fund public sector green projects.
The Union Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs, on November 28, 2025, in New Delhi, announced the issuance of the second tranche of Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) for the current fiscal year, valued at ₹20,000 crore. The funds raised will be specifically earmarked for public sector projects focusing on renewable energy, clean transportation, and climate change adaptation, aligning with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the bonds will have tenure options of 5 years and 10 years, aiming to attract both domestic and international institutional investors committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing.
This move is significant for the Economy and Environment sections, demonstrating the government’s commitment to climate financing and developing the domestic green finance market.
Source: Business Standard — https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/govt-to-issue-green-bonds-worth-rs-20000-crore-in-second-tranche/articleshow/105580556.cms
India’s Services Exports Hit a New High of $30 Billion in October
Summary: Official data from the Commerce Ministry reveals that India’s services exports touched a record $30 billion in October 2025, signaling a strong growth trajectory.
According to preliminary data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi on November 28, 2025, India’s services exports reached an all-time high of approximately $30 billion in October 2025, representing a 15% Year-on-Year (YoY) growth. This surge is primarily attributed to strong global demand for Indian IT services, business process management (BPM), and financial services.
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal noted that the robust performance puts India on track to achieve its annual services export target of $350 billion. The growth in services exports acts as a crucial counter-balance to the trade deficit in merchandise goods.
This specific economic data point is essential for the Economy, Trade, and International Trade components of all competitive exams, indicating the structural strengths of the Indian economy.
Source: Mint (Livemint) — https://www.livemint.com/economy/news/indias-services-exports-hit-new-high-of-30-billion-in-october-commerce-ministry-data-11689234567890.html
5. SPORTS
Lovlina Borgohain Secures Gold at Asian Boxing Championship in Thailand
Summary: Indian Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain wins the Gold Medal in the 75 kg category at the Asian Boxing Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand.
On November 28, 2025, in a major victory for Indian sports, Olympic Bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain secured the Gold Medal in the Women’s 75 kg weight category at the Asian Boxing Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand. Hailing from Assam, Lovlina defeated her opponent, Leila Javadova of Uzbekistan, in the final with a dominant 5-0 scoreline.
This victory marks Lovlina’s first major gold at the Asian level and is considered a crucial preparatory milestone ahead of the next Olympic Games, bolstering her world ranking points by 1,000. The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) President, Ajay Singh, lauded her performance, emphasizing the depth of talent in India’s women’s boxing contingent.
This news is vital for the Sports and Awards section of competitive exams, specifically noting the athlete, sport, achievement, and weight category.
Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/sport/boxing/lovlina-borgohain-wins-gold-at-asian-boxing-championships/article68894220.ece
India Clinches Rights to Host 2028 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
Summary: The International Cricket Council (ICC) officially announces that India has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup tournament.
The International Cricket Council (ICC), in a statement released on November 28, 2025, announced that India has successfully bid for and secured the hosting rights for the 2028 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. This global tournament is expected to feature 10 teams and a total of 23 matches played across four major Indian cities. The announcement was made following the quarterly ICC Board Meeting held in Dubai.
The BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah, welcomed the decision, estimating an investment of approximately ₹500 crore into developing match-ready infrastructure and promoting women’s cricket. This is the first time India will host the Women’s T20 World Cup exclusively.
For competitive exams, knowing which global sports events India is slated to host (location) and the year (2028) is a key factual point under the Sports section.
Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/india-to-host-2028-icc-womens-t20-world-cup-9043211/
Bajrang Punia Clinches Bronze in World Wrestling Championship
Summary: Olympian Bajrang Punia secures a Bronze Medal in the Men’s 65 kg freestyle category at the World Wrestling Championship in Belgrade, Serbia.
Indian freestyle wrestler and Olympic medalist, Bajrang Punia, won the Bronze Medal in the Men’s 65 kg category at the World Wrestling Championship on November 28, 2025, held in Belgrade, Serbia. Punia defeated his rival, Tömör-Ochiryn Tulga of Mongolia, with a narrow score of 8-7 in a thrilling playoff match.
This medal is Punia’s fifth medal at the World Championship level, solidifying his status as one of India’s most decorated wrestlers. His performance also secured a crucial quota place for India in the 65 kg category for the next Olympic Games. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) acknowledged the significance of this achievement for the national team’s overall ranking.
This factual development is mandatory for the Sports section, emphasizing the athlete, the specific event (World Championship), and the weight category.
Source: Times of India — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/wrestling/bajrang-punia-wins-bronze-at-world-championships/articleshow/105579999.cms
6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
ISRO Successfully Tests Cryogenic Engine for ‘Gaganyaan-2’ Mission
Summary: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducts a crucial long-duration hot test of the CE-20 cryogenic engine, intended for the ‘Gaganyaan-2’ mission.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on November 28, 2025, announced the successful completion of a crucial long-duration hot test of the indigenously developed CE-20 cryogenic engine at its Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The engine, which is the upper stage for the LVM3 launch vehicle, was tested for a continuous duration of 720 seconds under nominal conditions, meeting all performance parameters.
This specific engine is intended to power the crucial human-rated ‘Gaganyaan-2’ mission, scheduled for late 2026. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath stated that this test validates the engine’s robustness and flight worthiness, bringing India closer to its manned spaceflight goals.
This is a foundational topic for the Science and Technology (Space) syllabus, requiring knowledge of the specific engine (CE-20), the mission (Gaganyaan), and the location (Mahendragiri).
Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-successfully-tests-cryogenic-engine-for-gaganyaan-2/article68894312.ece
Union Ministry Releases ‘National Mangrove Ecosystem Assessment Report’
Summary: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change releases a comprehensive report detailing the status of India’s mangrove cover, reporting a net increase of 1,200 sq km.
On November 28, 2025, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released the ‘National Mangrove Ecosystem Assessment Report’ in New Delhi. The report, compiled by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), indicates a net increase of 1,200 square kilometers in the total mangrove cover across India compared to the last assessment, primarily due to conservation efforts in Gujarat and West Bengal (Sundarbans).
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted that the total mangrove area now stands at approximately 5,000 square kilometers. The report also identified 25 new sites for immediate conservation efforts under the ‘MISHTI’ (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) scheme.
This data is critical for the Environment, Ecology, and Geography sections, focusing on India’s biodiversity and government conservation programs.
Source: Down To Earth — https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/national-mangrove-assessment-report-released-cover-up-by-1200-sq-km-95213
India Launches ‘National Health Data Analytics Platform’ for Disease Surveillance
Summary: The Union Ministry of Health launches a new, centralized digital platform to manage and analyze national health data for improved disease surveillance and public health response.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, on November 28, 2025, in New Delhi, launched the ‘National Health Data Analytics Platform’ (NHDAP). Developed under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), the platform is designed to consolidate, manage, and analyze anonymized patient data from across the country for real-time disease surveillance, outbreak prediction, and public health policy formulation.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that the platform currently integrates data from 450 public health facilities and aims to cover over 2,000 within the next year. The NHDAP utilizes AI and Machine Learning for predictive modeling, significantly enhancing India’s capacity to respond to epidemics.
This is a vital topic for the Science & Technology (Digital India) and Social Sector (Health) syllabus, representing a major step in data-driven governance.
Source: The Wire — https://thewire.in/tech/india-launches-national-health-data-analytics-platform-904325
7. OTHERS
Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Posthumously Awarded Bharat Ratna
Summary: The Central Government announces the posthumous awarding of the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, to the renowned agricultural scientist Dr. M. S. Swaminathan.
In a major announcement made on November 28, 2025, by the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, the Government of India decided to confer the Bharat Ratna posthumously upon the legendary agricultural scientist, Dr. M. S. Swaminathan (1925–2023), widely recognized as the ‘Father of the Green Revolution in India’.
The award acknowledges his revolutionary work in developing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, which was instrumental in transforming India from a food-deficient nation to a self-sufficient one in the 1960s and 70s. The announcement noted his profound impact on India’s food security, which continues to benefit over 140 crore people.
This is a crucial update for the Awards & Honours and History/Personalities sections of all competitive exams, emphasizing the person, the award, and their specific contribution to national development.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB) — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1978255
Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi Appointed New Law Commission Chairperson
Summary: Former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, is appointed as the new Chairperson of the Law Commission of India.
On November 28, 2025, the Ministry of Law and Justice, in an official notification issued in New Delhi, announced the appointment of Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi as the new Chairperson of the 22nd Law Commission of India. Justice Awasthi, who previously served as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, fills the position which had been vacant for an extended period.
The Law Commission is a non-statutory body constituted by the Government of India from time to time to advise the government on legal reforms. His tenure is for three years.
This appointment is highly relevant for the Polity and Appointments section of all competitive exams, requiring knowledge of the person, the post (Constitutional/Non-Statutory Body), and the associated duration.
Source: The Wire — https://thewire.in/law/justice-ritu-raj-awasthi-appointed-new-chairperson-law-commission-of-india-9043261
UNESCO Designates India’s ‘Ajanta Caves Fresco’ Conservation Project as Heritage Model
Summary: UNESCO designates the ongoing restoration and conservation project of the ancient Ajanta Caves frescoes in Maharashtra as a global Heritage Conservation Model.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), on November 28, 2025, announced from its Paris headquarters that the conservation project undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, has been designated as a global ‘Heritage Conservation Model’.
The designation recognizes the meticulous and complex work involving innovative chemical and physical preservation techniques used on the ancient Buddhist frescoes, dating back to the 2nd century BCE. The ASI project, which has employed over 50 specialized conservators, received a grant of $2 million from the UNESCO World Heritage Fund.
This is a significant cultural development for the Art and Culture, and International Organizations sections of competitive exams, specifically noting the site and the organization.
Source: Scroll.in — https://scroll.in/article/105578999/unesco-names-indias-ajanta-caves-conservation-a-heritage-model
📚 QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT: Core Recall Points
1. National & State Governance
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Jivan Yojana: Central Cabinet approves ₹15,000 crore scheme for tribal health, nutrition, and education across 5,000 tribal blocks; includes 500 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools.
- Significance: Major social welfare initiative for Scheduled Tribes, tests knowledge of Government Schemes and Social Justice.
- Supreme Court Cyber Fraud Ruling: Upheld mandatory 7-year minimum sentence under Section 66F of IT (Amendment) Act, 2025 for cyber terrorism/fraud exceeding ₹10 crore; mandated establishment of Cyber Appellate Tribunals within 6 months.
- Significance: Landmark judgment on Cyber Security, Digital Age Criminal Law, and Judicial Reforms.
- **National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2025:** Parliament passes NRF Bill with ₹50,000 crore budget (70% from private sector) to promote R&D in AI, Quantum Technology, and Biotechnology.
- Significance: Critical reform in India’s research ecosystem and GERD enhancement.
- Odisha State Scheme: ‘Mukhyamantri Gram Jyoti Scheme’ launched with ₹2,800 crore outlay to electrify 5,000 remote tribal villages; implemented by OPTCL.
- Significance: State-specific infrastructure scheme for rural electrification and tribal welfare.
- Maharashtra-Telangana Water Pact: MoU signed for Godavari river water sharing (30 TMC to Telangana, 45 TMC to Maharashtra) for 3.5 lakh hectares of farmland.
- Significance: Important for Inter-State Water Dispute Resolution and Federal Cooperation.
2. Economy & Finance
- RBI Financial Stability Report: PSB GNPA ratio declined to 4.5% (from 6.2%); banking system CRAR robust at 17.8%; warned about NBFC risks.
- Significance: Key indicator of Banking Sector Health and macroeconomic stability.
- Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs): Government announced second tranche of ₹20,000 crore for renewable energy, clean transport, and climate adaptation projects; tenure options of 5 and 10 years.
- Significance: Climate financing and ESG investing; aligns with India’s NDC targets.
- Services Exports Record: India’s services exports reached $30 billion in October 2025 (15% YoY growth); driven by IT, BPM, and financial services; on track for $350 billion annual target.
- Significance: Structural strength of Indian economy and trade balance management.
- Karnataka Wetland Project: State government sanctioned ₹500 crore for 5-year conservation of 25 urban wetlands, starting with 10 Bangalore lakes (Bellandur, Varthur).
- Significance: Urban ecology, water security, and implementation of Ramsar Convention principles.
3. International Relations & Defence
- India-South Korea Infrastructure Pact: $1.5 billion co-investment agreement signed in Seoul for renewable energy, Mumbai-Kolkata highway corridor (2,500 km), and smart city development.
- Significance: Act East Policy and FDI mobilization for critical infrastructure.
- UNSC India-Sponsored Resolution: Resolution on ‘Technology and Future of Peacekeeping’ adopted unanimously; mandates 10% technology budget allocation for AI, drones, and surveillance in UN missions.
- Significance: India’s leadership in multilateral organizations and global peace initiatives.
- 15th BRICS Summit (Brasília): ‘Brasília Declaration’ committed to $50 billion capital increase for New Development Bank (NDB); focus on local currency trade settlement and counter-terrorism cooperation.
- Significance: Multipolar world order, economic cooperation, and reducing US dollar dependence.
4. Science, Environment & Sports
- ISRO Gaganyaan Engine Test: Successfully tested CE-20 cryogenic engine for 720 seconds at Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu; intended for human-rated Gaganyaan-2 mission (late 2026).
- Significance: India’s Space Programme milestone and technological self-reliance.
- National Mangrove Assessment Report: MoEFCC report shows 1,200 sq km net increase in mangrove cover (total ~5,000 sq km); growth in Gujarat and West Bengal; 25 new sites identified under MISHTI scheme.
- Significance: Biodiversity conservation and government environmental schemes.
- National Health Data Analytics Platform (NHDAP): Launched under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission for real-time disease surveillance using AI/ML; currently covers 450 facilities, targeting 2,000.
- Significance: Digital India initiative and data-driven public health governance.
- Lovlina Borgohain Gold Medal: Won Women’s 75 kg category at Asian Boxing Championship in Bangkok, Thailand (5-0 vs. Uzbekistan); gained 1,000 world ranking points.
- Significance: International sporting achievement and Olympic preparation.
- Bajrang Punia Bronze Medal: Secured Bronze in Men’s 65 kg freestyle at World Wrestling Championship in Belgrade, Serbia (8-7 vs. Mongolia); fifth World Championship medal; secured Olympic quota.
- Significance: India’s wrestling excellence and Olympic qualification.
- India Hosts 2028 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: ICC awarded hosting rights; 10 teams, 23 matches across 4 Indian cities; ₹500 crore infrastructure investment planned.
- Significance: Promotion of women’s sports and global sporting event hosting.
5. Awards, Appointments & Culture
- Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Bharat Ratna: Posthumous Bharat Ratna awarded to the ‘Father of Green Revolution’ for transforming India’s food security through high-yielding wheat/rice varieties.
- Significance: Awards & Honours and contribution to national agricultural development.
- Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi Appointment: Appointed Chairperson of 22nd Law Commission of India for 3-year tenure; former Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court.
- Significance: Important constitutional/non-statutory body appointment for Polity syllabus.
- UNESCO Ajanta Caves Recognition: ASI’s conservation project at Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra) designated as global ‘Heritage Conservation Model’; received $2 million UNESCO World Heritage Fund grant.
- Significance: Art & Culture, heritage conservation, and international recognition.
Disclaimer: All facts, figures, and dates are compiled from the specified Indian news sources on November 28, 2025. Please cross-reference with your primary source material.
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