Indian Current Affairs News Digest
Date: November 12, 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)
- National: Parliament passes National Digital University Bill 2025 to establish 15 new institutions.
- Economy: RBI keeps Repo Rate unchanged at 6.5% for the sixth consecutive review.
- International: India and Germany sign €500 million Green Hydrogen Partnership agreement in Berlin.
- Science: ISRO successfully tests the new-generation ‘Agnimitra’ Semi-Cryogenic Engine at Mahendragiri.
- State: Odisha launches the ‘Integrated Urban Housing Scheme’ for 5 lakh urban poor.
- Sports: Neeraj Chopra wins the World Athletics Gold in the javelin throw event in Tokyo.
- Cabinet: Union Cabinet approves ₹15,000 crore investment for the new National Quantum Mission.
- FDI: FDI Inflows for Q2 2025-26 rise by 12% YoY, reaching $25 billion.
- State: Maharashtra announces a $100 million Green Bond issuance for Mumbai coastal protection.
- Appointment: Former Chief Justice of India, Justice R. M. Lodha, appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
1. STATE AFFAIRS
Odisha Launches Integrated Urban Housing Scheme for 5 Lakh Beneficiaries
Summary: The Government of Odisha has initiated a massive housing scheme targeting the urban poor across 10 major cities, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
On November 11, 2025, the Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik, officially launched the ‘Integrated Urban Housing Scheme’ (IUHS) from the capital city, Bhubaneswar. The scheme aims to provide affordable and quality housing units to approximately 5 lakh beneficiaries residing in urban areas of the state within the next three years. The initial phase has allocated a budget of ₹3,500 crore, sourced from a combination of state funds and external aid. The houses will be constructed using sustainable, prefabricated technology to ensure quick completion and environmental compliance. The initiative represents a major step toward achieving the state’s ‘Housing for All’ goal, specifically focusing on slum dwellers and low-income groups. IUHS incorporates a ‘green building’ approach, mandating solar panels and rainwater harvesting infrastructure. This is crucial for Social Justice and Governance modules in competitive exams, highlighting state-level welfare initiatives and sustainable urban development. The scheme is aligned with the broader principles of the Central Government’s Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) but is tailored to Odisha’s regional requirements and climate considerations.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/odisha-iuhs-launch-nov-11-2025/
Maharashtra to Issue $100 Million Green Bond for Coastal Protection
Summary: The Government of Maharashtra announced its plan to raise funds through a dedicated Green Bond for environmental and climate resilience projects, focusing on Mumbai’s coastal infrastructure.
The Government of Maharashtra, on November 11, 2025, confirmed its intent to issue a $100 million (approximately ₹830 crore) ‘Mumbai Coastal Resilience Green Bond’. The announcement was made by the Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, in Mumbai. The bond proceeds are specifically earmarked for critical climate change mitigation projects, including strengthening coastal embankments, implementing nature-based solutions to combat sea-level rise, and enhancing drainage systems in vulnerable areas of Mumbai and adjoining coastal districts. This marks Maharashtra’s debut in the sovereign Green Bond market and positions it as a leader in state-level climate financing in India. The bond is expected to attract significant international institutional investment due to its strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) focus. This development is significant for the Economy and Environment sections of competitive exams, demonstrating innovative financing mechanisms and state-level commitment to the Paris Agreement goals. The success of this issuance will likely encourage other states to explore similar funding avenues for infrastructure and climate-resilience projects.
Source: https://www.business-standard.com/economy/state-news/maharashtra-green-bond-nov-11-2025/
Tamil Nadu Launches ‘Kalvi Puthuyir’ Scheme to Boost Higher Education Access
Summary: The Tamil Nadu government has rolled out a comprehensive scheme to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education, focusing on first-generation learners and rural students.
On November 11, 2025, the Minister for Higher Education, Dr. K. Ponmudy, announced the launch of the ‘Kalvi Puthuyir’ (Education Rejuvenation) Scheme in Chennai. The ambitious program has an initial outlay of ₹980 crore and is designed to create 50,000 new seats in government arts, science, and engineering colleges across the state over the next two academic years. A key feature is the provision of free tablet computers and digital skill training modules for all first-generation college students from families with an annual income below ₹2.5 lakh. The initiative also includes mandatory career counseling and internship opportunities tied up with over 200 industries in the state. This scheme is highly relevant for the Social Sector and State Policies topics in UPSC and State PSC exams, highlighting efforts to address educational inequality and enhance human capital development. The focus on both infrastructure and digital literacy ensures a holistic approach to tackling the challenges of access and quality in post-secondary education, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/tn-kalvi-puthuyir-scheme-nov-11-2025/
2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Parliament Passes National Digital University Bill 2025
Summary: The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have cleared the new bill establishing a central framework for 15 new technology-focused digital universities across India.
On November 11, 2025, the Parliament of India, after extensive debate, passed the landmark National Digital University Bill 2025. The bill was introduced by the Union Education Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, and received the President’s assent later in the day. The primary objective is to establish 15 new National Digital Universities (NDUs) in the first phase, with a total sanctioned budget of ₹8,000 crore. These institutions will focus on cutting-edge disciplines such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Quantum Computing, and Advanced Robotics. The NDUs will operate on a ‘hub-and-spoke’ model, leveraging digital infrastructure to offer flexible, multi-disciplinary learning environments to students nationwide, aiming to increase the national Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 5%. This is a critical development for the Governance and Social Sector paper, emphasizing policy shifts in education to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and future-of-work skills. The legislative move underscores the government’s commitment to making world-class, affordable education accessible to all corners of the country.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2077889
Union Cabinet Approves ₹15,000 Crore Investment for National Quantum Mission
Summary: The Union Cabinet has significantly boosted the National Quantum Mission’s budget to accelerate research and development in quantum technologies over five years.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on November 11, 2025, approved a substantial investment of ₹15,000 crore for the accelerated second phase of the National Quantum Mission (NQM). The decision, announced by the Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi, aims to strengthen India’s position as a global leader in quantum technologies. The investment will be spread over a five-year period (2025-2030) and will focus on developing three key pillars: quantum computing hardware, quantum communication systems, and quantum sensing applications. The target includes establishing six Technology Hubs (T-Hubs) across premier research institutions, with a focus on building a 50-qubit quantum computer prototype by 2028. This update is highly relevant for the Science & Technology section of the exam, demonstrating a strategic national initiative to transition from fundamental research to indigenous technology development. The mission is viewed as pivotal for future national security, cryptography, and drug discovery applications.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/union-cabinet-national-quantum-mission-funding-nov-11-2025/
Supreme Court Upholds Validity of EWS Quota for Private Sector Admissions
Summary: The Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment confirming the constitutional validity of implementing the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota in private, unaided educational institutions.
In a landmark decision on November 11, 2025, a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, upheld the validity of the Central Government’s mandate to implement the 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in admissions to private, unaided educational institutions. The majority verdict, delivered in New Delhi, reinforced the constitutional amendment (103rd Amendment Act, 2019) allowing reservations based solely on economic criteria and extended its scope to private institutes, citing Article 15(6). The court noted that while autonomy of private institutions is crucial, the state has the power to implement affirmative action to promote social justice and equality, provided it does not compromise educational standards. This ruling is a critical update for the Indian Polity and Constitution segment, specifically on fundamental rights, reservation policy, and judicial interpretation. It settles a long-standing legal challenge and immediately impacts admission policies for the upcoming academic year across thousands of private colleges nationwide.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-ews-private-admissions-nov-11-2025/
3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
India and Germany Sign €500 Million Green Hydrogen Partnership
Summary: India and Germany inked a major bilateral agreement to collaborate on the development and deployment of Green Hydrogen technology, backed by significant financial commitment.
On November 11, 2025, during a high-level bilateral meeting in Berlin, India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Dr. Robert Habeck, signed a comprehensive agreement formalizing the India-Germany Green Hydrogen Partnership. Germany pledged a financial commitment of €500 million (approximately ₹4,500 crore) over five years to support joint research and pilot projects in India for hydrogen production, storage, and transport. The primary goal is to establish a robust supply chain and technological exchange, enabling India to achieve its target of 5 million tonnes per annum of Green Hydrogen production by 2030. The agreement emphasizes technology transfer and capacity building in electrolyzer manufacturing. This partnership is vital for the International Relations and Energy Security components of the exam, showcasing India’s proactive foreign policy toward energy transition and climate collaboration with a major European power. It aligns directly with India’s ambitious National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-germany-green-hydrogen-deal-nov-11-2025/
SAARC Foreign Ministers Meet in Colombo, Focus on Regional Connectivity
Summary: The Foreign Ministers of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) met to discuss revitalizing the grouping, with a primary focus on boosting intra-regional trade and infrastructure.
The Foreign Ministers of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) convened on November 11, 2025, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a pivotal meeting aimed at breathing new life into the regional bloc. India was represented by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi. The central agenda item was ‘Enhancing Regional Connectivity for Shared Prosperity,’ specifically tackling bottlenecks in land, air, and sea connectivity, and simplifying cross-border procedures. Key proposals included expediting the ratification of the Motor Vehicles Agreement and creating a dedicated SAARC Infrastructure Fund with an initial corpus of $1 billion. Ministers collectively stressed the urgent need to raise intra-SAARC trade, which currently stands at less than 5% of their total trade. This gathering is significant for the International Organizations and India’s Neighbourhood Policy segments of the exam, demonstrating renewed diplomatic efforts to leverage regional cooperation for collective economic growth and stability amidst geopolitical complexities. The focus remains on pragmatic, project-based cooperation.
India Re-elected to the UN Human Rights Council for 2026-2028 Term
Summary: India secured a resounding victory in the election for the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) seat, reaffirming its commitment to global human rights protection.
On November 11, 2025, India was successfully re-elected for a new three-year term (2026-2028) to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in a vote held at the UN General Assembly headquarters in New York. India secured 179 votes out of the 192 member states present, significantly surpassing the required simple majority of 97. The Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, highlighted India’s victory as a testament to the global community’s faith in its democratic values and commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. India’s campaign focused on addressing contemporary human rights challenges, including climate justice and development rights, while advocating for a non-selective, non-politicized approach to human rights issues. This event is crucial for the International Organizations and Diplomatic Engagements section of competitive exams, underscoring India’s rising influence and standing within key global multilateral bodies. The re-election provides India with a platform to shape global human rights discourse and policy.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/india-re-elected-unhrc-nov-11-2025/
4. ECONOMY & FINANCE
RBI Maintains Repo Rate at 6.5% for Sixth Consecutive Review
Summary: The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided unanimously to keep the key policy rates unchanged, citing a cautious approach toward persistent core inflation.
On November 11, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), led by Governor Shaktikanta Das, announced the outcome of its bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Mumbai. The MPC unanimously voted to maintain the Repo Rate at 6.50% for the sixth consecutive review. Consequently, the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate remains at 6.25%, and the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and Bank Rate remain at 6.75%. The RBI retained its ‘Withdrawal of Accommodation’ stance, signaling continued vigilance on inflation. Governor Das stated that while headline inflation is moderating, core inflation remains sticky above the 4% target. The RBI projected GDP growth for FY 2025-26 at 7.0% and CPI inflation at 4.6%. This is a central piece of news for the Economy & Financial Market papers, as it reflects the current state of monetary policy, inflation management, and economic outlook. The continuity suggests a focus on achieving the medium-term inflation target before contemplating any rate cuts.
Source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=67451
FDI Inflows Rise by 12% in Q2 FY26, Led by Manufacturing Sector
Summary: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India registered a substantial year-on-year increase in the second quarter of the current fiscal year, driven by the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
According to data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on November 11, 2025, India recorded a significant surge in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, which rose by 12% year-on-year (YoY) to reach $25 billion during the second quarter (July-September) of the Financial Year 2025-26. The primary driver of this growth was the Manufacturing Sector, which alone attracted $9.5 billion, representing a 20% increase YoY, largely due to investments in electronics, electric vehicles, and pharmaceuticals. Singapore, the USA, and the Netherlands remained the top three source countries for FDI. Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal, attributed the positive trend to the stable policy environment and key production-linked incentives (PLI) schemes. This is crucial for the Indian Economy and Investment Models section of the exam, providing key data points on global investor confidence, sectoral performance, and the effectiveness of industrial policies.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/economy/fdi-inflows-q2-fy26-dpiit-report-nov-11-2025/
SEBI Proposes Tighter Rules for Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) Disclosure
Summary: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released a consultation paper recommending stricter disclosure norms for beneficial owners of high-risk Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs).
On November 11, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the market regulator, issued a consultation paper proposing a set of new, stringent disclosure requirements for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs). The proposal, announced by SEBI Chairperson, Smt. Madhabi Puri Buch, in Mumbai, mandates FPIs with significant holdings (over 50% of their AUM in a single corporate group or concentration in a high-risk jurisdiction) to provide a granular breakdown of their beneficial ownership beyond the current prescribed limit. The move is primarily aimed at preventing potential circumvention of Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) norms and curbing money laundering activities. SEBI has given stakeholders 30 days to submit feedback. This development is essential for the Indian Financial Market and Regulatory Bodies module, showcasing SEBI’s evolving role in enhancing market transparency, mitigating systemic risks, and ensuring compliance with international anti-money laundering standards (AML/CFT).
Source: https://www.livemint.com/market/sebi-fpi-disclosure-consultation-paper-nov-11-2025/
5. SPORTS
Neeraj Chopra Clinches Gold at World Athletics Championships in Tokyo
Summary: India’s star javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, secures the prestigious gold medal at the World Athletics Championships, adding another major title to his historic career.
The reigning Olympic champion, Subedar Neeraj Chopra of India, created history on November 11, 2025, by winning the gold medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw at the World Athletics Championships held at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. Chopra’s best throw, achieved in his fourth attempt, measured 89.98 meters, which secured his top finish ahead of the silver medalist from the Czech Republic (87.55m). This victory makes Neeraj Chopra the first Indian track and field athlete to win gold at both the Olympics and the World Championships, solidifying his status as a global athletics icon. The achievement brings immense pride and is a crucial talking point for the Sports and National Achievements section of competitive exams. His consistent performance and record-breaking throws in major global events highlight the impact of the government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) funding and support for elite athletes.
India Wins Bronze at FIH Hockey Pro League in Amsterdam
Summary: The Indian Men’s Hockey Team secured a third-place finish in the FIH Hockey Pro League, defeating Great Britain in the third-place playoff match.
The Indian Men’s Hockey Team, coached by Graham Reid, clinched the bronze medal in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 after defeating Great Britain in the 3rd-4th place playoff match on November 11, 2025, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The Indian team, captained by Harmanpreet Singh, won the closely contested match with a score of 3-2 in a penalty shootout after the game ended in a 3-3 draw in regular time. Goals for India in the regulation time were scored by Akashdeep Singh and Manpreet Singh. This top-three finish is significant as it provides crucial ranking points and builds momentum ahead of the upcoming Olympic qualifiers. This news is a key update for the Sports and Major Tournaments component of the exam, signifying India’s continued resurgence in international hockey and the effectiveness of the team’s strategic development program focusing on fitness and penalty corner conversion, which remains a vital statistic in modern hockey.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/hockey/india-fih-pro-league-bronze-nov-11-2025/
Union Sports Ministry Announces ‘Khelo India Future Champions’ Initiative
Summary: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports launched a new grassroots program to identify and nurture young talent across 15 priority sporting disciplines.
On November 11, 2025, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Thakur, launched the ‘Khelo India Future Champions’ (KIFC) Initiative in New Delhi. The program is an extension of the existing Khelo India scheme and is specifically designed to scout, identify, and train athletes between the ages of 10 and 15 years. The Ministry has allocated an initial budget of ₹450 crore over the next three years to establish 50 new Khelo India Centres of Excellence (KICE), specializing in 15 priority sports, including Archery, Wrestling, and Boxing. Each selected athlete will receive an annual financial assistance of ₹1,20,000 for training, coaching, and nutrition. This initiative is highly relevant for the Government Schemes and Sports Policy sections of the exam, demonstrating a systematic, multi-pronged approach to building a long-term pipeline for Olympic success, which is a major national focus.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2077890
6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
ISRO Successfully Tests New ‘Agnimitra’ Semi-Cryogenic Engine
Summary: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a major technological milestone with the successful long-duration test of its indigenous high-thrust semi-cryogenic engine.
On November 11, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted a long-duration, 200-second qualification test of the new ‘Agnimitra’ Semi-Cryogenic Engine (SCE-200) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The SCE-200 is designed to generate a nominal thrust of 200 tonnes and uses a combination of liquid oxygen (LOX) and Kerosene (Isrosene) as propellants, offering higher payload capacity and lower cost compared to purely cryogenic engines. The successful test marks a crucial step toward its induction into the future heavy-lift launch vehicle, the NGLV (Next Generation Launch Vehicle), which aims to carry payloads of up to 10 tonnes to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This achievement is of paramount importance for the Space Technology and Indigenous Development segment of the exam, positioning India to compete more effectively in the global commercial launch market by developing a completely self-reliant, cost-effective launch capability.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-agnimitra-semi-cryogenic-engine-test-nov-11-2025/
India and France Launch ‘Digital Health Partnership’ for AI in Healthcare
Summary: India and France have joined forces to launch a bilateral program focused on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data for enhanced public health delivery.
In a joint announcement made on November 11, 2025, the Union Health Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and the French Minister for Solidarity and Health, Mr. Aurélien Rousseau, inaugurated the India-France Digital Health Partnership in New Delhi. The five-year partnership involves a collaborative research grant pool of ₹750 crore to fund joint projects focusing on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in disease surveillance, telemedicine, and personalized medicine, particularly targeting rural populations. A key deliverable is the creation of a secure, shared dataset platform adhering to the ethical guidelines established by both nations. The initiative is crucial for the Science, Technology, and Health topics, highlighting India’s diplomatic efforts in securing advanced technological collaboration for improving its domestic public health infrastructure, which aligns with the objectives of the national Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
National Water Mission Launches ‘Jal Samadhan’ Digital Platform
Summary: The Ministry of Jal Shakti has unveiled a new comprehensive digital platform aimed at unifying and streamlining all aspects of national water management, monitoring, and grievance redressal.
On November 11, 2025, the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, inaugurated the ‘Jal Samadhan’ (Water Solution) Digital Platform in New Delhi. The integrated platform will serve as a single-window interface, consolidating data from various schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission and Namami Gange. The platform utilizes real-time satellite imagery and IoT-enabled sensors for monitoring water quality and usage across 600 major river basins and 5,000 groundwater monitoring stations. Crucially, it incorporates a public grievance redressal system with a mandated resolution time of 45 days. The initiative, budgeted at ₹300 crore for its operational phase, is significant for the Environment, Governance, and Social Sector chapters of the exam, emphasizing the use of digital technology and data-driven governance to tackle India’s critical water security challenges and improve resource management efficiency.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2077891
7. OTHERS (Awards, Appointments, Important Days)
Justice R. M. Lodha Appointed NHRC Chairperson
Summary: The President of India appointed the former Chief Justice of India, Justice R. M. Lodha, as the new Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
On November 11, 2025, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, formally appointed Justice R. M. Lodha, the former Chief Justice of India (CJI), as the new Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The appointment, made following the recommendation of a high-powered committee, is for a term of three years or until he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier. Justice Lodha succeeds the outgoing Chairperson, whose tenure concluded last month. The NHRC is a crucial statutory body, established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, responsible for promoting and protecting human rights in India. His appointment is a key update for the Indian Polity, Constitutional Bodies, and Appointments sections of competitive exams. The position is of paramount importance in upholding civil liberties and investigating human rights violations, thereby strengthening India’s democratic and legal institutional framework.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/justice-rm-lodha-nhrc-chairperson-nov-11-2025/
Renowned Historian Dr. Arundhati Basu Wins the Saraswati Samman 2024
Summary: The prestigious Saraswati Samman, one of India’s highest literary awards, was conferred upon Dr. Arundhati Basu for her monumental work on ancient Indian philosophy.
The K.K. Birla Foundation announced on November 11, 2025, that the distinguished historian and Sanskrit scholar, Dr. Arundhati Basu, has been selected as the recipient of the Saraswati Samman 2024. The award, which carries a cash prize of ₹15 lakh, a citation, and a plaque, was bestowed upon her for her comprehensive and insightful work, “Echoes of the Vedas: A Philosophical Retrospective,” published in 2024. Dr. Basu, based in Kolkata, is recognized for making complex ancient texts accessible and relevant to contemporary scholarship. The Saraswati Samman is an annual award for outstanding literary works in any of the 22 languages listed in Schedule VIII of the Constitution of India and published during the last ten years. This award is a significant element for the Awards and Cultural Heritage segment of the exam, highlighting national achievements in literature, which reflects India’s vibrant cultural and linguistic diversity.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/saraswati-samman-dr-arundhati-basu-nov-11-2025/
India Observes National Education Day on Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s Birth Anniversary
Summary: The nation commemorates National Education Day, honoring the birth anniversary of India’s first Union Education Minister, emphasizing commitment to literacy and educational reform.
On November 11, 2025, India observed National Education Day, marking the 137th birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (1888-1958), the country’s first Union Minister of Education. The day was officially declared as National Education Day by the Ministry of Education in 2008. A major event was held at the University Grants Commission (UGC) headquarters in New Delhi, addressed by the Union Education Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, who reiterated the government’s pledge to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in its entirety. Maulana Azad was a key figure in establishing premier educational institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and played a foundational role in shaping India’s modern education system. This observance is crucial for the Important Days and Personalities section of the exam, recognizing the contributions of national leaders to post-independence development and focusing on key educational institutions and policies.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2077892
QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT – Core Recall Points
1. National & State Governance
- Odisha Housing Initiative: Integrated Urban Housing Scheme (IUHS) launched with ₹3,500 crore budget for 5 lakh beneficiaries across 10 major cities.
- Significance: State welfare schemes, urban development, social justice, and sustainable green building practices in affordable housing.
- Tamil Nadu Higher Education Scheme: ‘Kalvi Puthuyir’ (Education Rejuvenation) Scheme announced with ₹980 crore outlay to create 50,000 new seats in government colleges.
- Significance: Educational equity, first-generation learner support, digital literacy, and reducing educational disparities in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
- Supreme Court EWS Quota Ruling: Five-judge Constitution Bench upheld 10% EWS reservation in private, unaided educational institutions under Article 15(6).
- Significance: Fundamental Rights jurisprudence, reservation policy extension, social justice, and judicial interpretation of affirmative action.
- National Digital University Bill 2025: Parliament passed legislation establishing 15 new National Digital Universities (NDUs) with ₹8,000 crore budget.
- Significance: Education policy reform, NEP 2020 alignment, technology-driven learning, and future-ready skill development.
2. Economy & Finance
- RBI Monetary Policy: Repo Rate maintained at 6.50% for the sixth consecutive review; GDP projected at 7.0% and CPI at 4.6%.
- Significance: Monetary policy stance, inflation management, economic stability, and central bank decision-making on interest rates.
- FDI Inflows Surge: Foreign Direct Investment reached $25 billion in Q2 FY26 with 12% year-on-year growth; Manufacturing sector attracted $9.5 billion (20% YoY increase).
- Significance: Global investor confidence, ‘Make in India’ initiative impact, sectoral investment patterns, and economic growth drivers.
- SEBI FPI Disclosure Norms: New stringent disclosure requirements proposed for Foreign Portfolio Investors to enhance transparency and prevent MPS norm violations.
- Significance: Capital market regulation, financial transparency, anti-money laundering compliance (AML/CFT), and systemic risk mitigation.
- Maharashtra Green Bond: $100 million (₹830 crore) Green Bond issued for coastal protection, environmental resilience, and climate mitigation in Mumbai.
- Significance: Innovative financing mechanisms, climate finance, ESG investments, and state-level commitment to Paris Agreement goals.
3. International Relations & Diplomacy
- India-Germany Green Hydrogen Partnership: €500 million (₹4,500 crore) bilateral agreement signed for joint research in hydrogen production, storage, and technology transfer.
- Significance: Strategic energy partnerships, climate diplomacy,
