Indian Current Affairs News Digest
Date: November 20 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)
- Nikhat Zareen and Jaismine Lamboria stormed into the finals of the World Boxing Cup in the Women’s 51kg and 57kg categories, respectively.
- Infosys opened its massive ₹18,000 crore share buyback offer at a fixed price of ₹1,800 per share, offering a significant premium to the market price.
- Supreme Court granted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) the authority to take “any proactive measure,” including contemplating work-from-home, to combat Delhi-NCR air pollution.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the South India Natural Farming Summit in Coimbatore and released the 21st instalment of PM-KISAN worth ₹18,000 crore.
- MoSPI released the revised National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025 to better capture the growth of digital, green, and indigenous sectors.
- Central Government announced the clearance of ₹800 crore in pending exporters’ dues under the revamped Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES).
- Maharashtra was awarded the first prize in the 6th National Water Awards for the Best State in water management and conservation efforts.
- Former President of Chile and UN Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet received the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024.
- United States confirmed the sale of the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) air defence system, valued at nearly $700 million, to Taiwan.
- Indonesian authorities raised the alert level for the Mount Semeru volcano in East Java province to the highest (Level IV) following a series of significant eruptions.
1. STATE AFFAIRS
Maharashtra Wins Top Honour at 6th National Water Awards
Summary: Maharashtra bagged the first prize for the Best State at the 6th National Water Awards, recognising its significant efforts in water conservation and management.
On November 19, 2025, in New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu presented the 6th National Water Awards, with the State of Maharashtra securing the prestigious first prize in the Best State category. Gujarat and Haryana were placed second and third, respectively. The awards, instituted by the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, acknowledge the good work done across the nation in achieving the vision of a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’. Maharashtra’s success is attributed to extensive investments and efforts in infrastructure, including small, medium, and major irrigation projects, alongside the effective implementation of soil and water conservation measures like watershed development across thousands of villages. Experts noted the pioneering role of the state’s policies, such as the Maharashtra Water Resource Regulatory Authority Act, 2005 (MWRRA, 2005), in promoting water efficiency in the farm sector. This recognition highlights successful models of integrated water management.
Exam Angle: Crucial for schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission and National Water Mission. Important to remember the top 3 states and the Ministry involved.
Source: Indian Express
Nitish Kumar Elected NDA Leader Ahead of Record 10th Term
Summary: Janata Dal-(United) president Nitish Kumar was unanimously elected the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, paving the way for his record 10th term as Chief Minister.
On November 19, 2025, in Patna, Bihar, JD(U) President Nitish Kumar was unanimously chosen as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Legislature Party. This election confirmed his return as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record 10th time, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for November 20. The decision was made at a meeting of the newly elected NDA MLAs at his official residence. This significant political development follows the recent State elections and re-establishes the NDA’s mandate in the State. The high frequency of Mr. Kumar’s tenure highlights the extremely dynamic and often fluid nature of coalition politics in the state of Bihar. This political stability is expected to influence the state’s governance and pace of infrastructure projects.
Exam Angle: Relevant for understanding state politics, the role of coalition governments, and the political landscape of a major state. Also note the record number of times a CM has taken the oath.
Source: The Hindu
PM Highlights NMNF Success at South India Natural Farming Summit
Summary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the South India Natural Farming Summit in Coimbatore, emphasizing the expansion of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) and its positive impact across the Southern states.
On November 19, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025, held in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The Summit, organised by the Tamil Nadu Natural Farming Stakeholders Forum, saw participation from over 50,000 farmers and stakeholders from six southern states. During his address, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Central Government’s National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), launched a year ago, has already connected lakhs of farmers nationwide. Specifically, he noted the significant progress in Tamil Nadu, where approximately 35,000 hectares of land are now under organic and natural farming. He called for making natural farming a “fully science-backed movement” and promoted the ‘One Acre, One Season’ initiative, urging farmers to practice natural farming on a small part of their land.
Exam Angle: Directly relevant to agriculture schemes (NMNF, PM-KISAN), sustainable farming practices, and the government’s focus on reducing chemical use and promoting climate-smart agriculture.
Source: Press Information Bureau
2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Supreme Court Empowers CAQM for Proactive Delhi Air Pollution Measures
Summary: The Supreme Court empowered the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to take any proactive measure, including contemplating work-from-home, to tackle severe air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.
On November 19, 2025, the Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, in New Delhi, gave the statutory body, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a free hand to adopt “any proactive measure” to curb the severe air pollution in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). The Bench, which also included Justice K. Vinod Chandran, was responding to a note from CAQM that proposed short-term and long-term measures, including the consideration of highly restrictive GRAP IV (Graded Response Action Plan) measures such as mandatory work-from-home and 50% office attendance. The Court welcomed the proactive approach and also directed authorities to fill vacancies in pollution control boards and ensure subsistence allowances are paid to daily-wage laborers affected by current GRAP restrictions.
Exam Angle: Crucial for Environment and Governance, specifically the functioning and powers of the CAQM (a statutory body) and the judicial role in tackling public health crises like air pollution (GRAP measures are important).
Source: The Hindu
Centre to Clear ₹800 Crore Pending Exporters’ Dues under IES Revamp
Summary: The Central Government announced a plan to clear pending exporters’ dues amounting to ₹800 crore under a revamped Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES), aimed at providing crucial financial relief to MSMEs.
On November 19, 2025, the Central Government announced a decisive move to clear approximately ₹800 crore in pending dues owed to exporters under the Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES) for pre-2021 claims. This decision comes as part of the strategy to fold the revamped IES into the new Export Promotion Mission, aiming to provide immediate liquidity and support, particularly to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) exporters. The IES provides pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit at a subsidised interest rate. The clearance of these long-pending claims is a significant step towards easing financial pressure on the export sector, which has faced headwinds in global trade. This relief measure is expected to boost working capital and strengthen India’s overall export competitiveness.
Exam Angle: Highly relevant to the Economy, specifically for understanding export promotion schemes (IES, Export Promotion Mission) and government steps to support the MSME sector and trade balance.
Source: Business Standard
PM-KISAN’s 21st Instalment Released, Empowering 9 Crore Farmers
Summary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 21st instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme, electronically transferring ₹18,000 crore directly to the bank accounts of 9 crore farmers nationwide.
On November 19, 2025, during his address at the South India Natural Farming Summit in Coimbatore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually released the 21st instalment under the flagship Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. A massive amount of ₹18,000 crore was electronically transferred directly into the bank accounts of over 9 crore beneficiary farmers across India. Under the PM-KISAN scheme, eligible landholding farmer families receive an annual financial benefit of ₹6,000, paid in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 every four months. This direct benefit transfer (DBT) is crucial for meeting the basic needs of farmers, especially small and marginal landholders, ahead of the cropping season.
Exam Angle: Essential for Social Sector Schemes (PM-KISAN), understanding the scale of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and its impact on the agricultural economy and farmer welfare.
Source: Press Information Bureau
3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
US Confirms $700 Million NASAMS Air Defence Missile System Sale to Taiwan
Summary: The United States confirmed the sale of the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) to Taiwan, a deal worth nearly $700 million, to bolster the island nation’s air defence capabilities.
On November 19, 2025, the United States officially confirmed a major arms sale to Taiwan, involving the highly advanced National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). The Pentagon stated that the fixed-price contract, awarded to the manufacturer RTX, is valued at $698.9 million. This is the second such arms package for Taipei in a single week. NASAMS, a medium-range air defence solution battle-tested in Ukraine, is a new weapon for Taiwan, which currently relies on older systems. The move, obligating ‘Fiscal 2026 foreign military sales (Taiwan) funds,’ aims to significantly boost Taiwan’s ability to defend its airspace. This sale is expected to escalate tensions between the US and China, as Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory and consistently protests US arms sales to the island nation.
Exam Angle: Significant for understanding the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific, the ‘One China’ policy dilemma, and the role of major military equipment (NASAMS) in regional security dynamics.
Source: The Hindu
Piyush Goyal Reviews India-Israel FTA Progress in Tel Aviv
Summary: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal began his three-day visit to Tel Aviv, where the progress on the proposed India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to be a central point of review.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal arrived in Tel Aviv, Israel, on November 19, 2025, leading a 60-member business delegation on a three-day visit scheduled to conclude on November 22. A key objective of the high-level visit is the review of the progress on the long-pending India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, which have been underway since May 2010. During 2024-25, India’s exports to Israel were $2.14 billion, a significant drop from the previous fiscal year. Discussions with his Israeli counterpart, Nir Barkat, will focus on strengthening trade, investments, and cooperation in vital sectors like agriculture, water, defence, and emerging technologies. India is Israel’s second-largest trading partner in Asia.
Exam Angle: Important for International Relations (India’s foreign policy and key partners), Economy (trade agreements, FTA significance), and understanding bilateral trade figures and strategic sectors.
Source: Business Standard
Indonesia Raises Alert Level for Mount Semeru Volcano to Highest
Summary: Indonesian authorities raised the alert level for the Mount Semeru volcano in East Java province to the highest level after a series of major eruptions prompted the evacuation of hundreds of residents.
On November 19, 2025, the Indonesian authorities elevated the alert level for Mount Semeru, the highest peak on the densely populated island of Java, to the maximum Level IV (Highest Alert). This decision followed a series of powerful eruptions throughout the day, which released searing clouds of hot ash, rock, lava, and gas that travelled up to 7 kilometers down its slopes. The thick ash column rose 2 kilometers into the air, forcing the immediate evacuation of more than 300 residents from three vulnerable villages in the Lumajang district to government shelters. The danger zone has been widened to 8 kilometers from the crater. Indonesia sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” which is why it has 129 active volcanoes.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Geography and Environment, specifically the ‘Ring of Fire,’ plate tectonics, and global natural disaster management, including the highest alert level for volcanoes.
Source: Indian Express
4. ECONOMY & FINANCE
Infosys Commences Massive ₹18,000 Crore Share Buyback Offer
Summary: India’s second-largest IT services company, Infosys, commenced its largest-ever share buyback program, valued at ₹18,000 crore, offering a 17% premium over the market price.
On November 19, 2025, the tender offer for the Infosys share buyback program officially opened, inviting shareholders to participate. The IT major aims to repurchase up to 10 crore fully paid-up equity shares for a total value of ₹18,000 crore. The fixed price for the buyback has been set at ₹1,800 per share, reflecting an attractive premium of approximately 17% over the current market levels. The buyback window will remain open for one week, closing on November 26. Market experts view this buyback as a significant capital return exercise that not only provides an opportunity for short-term profit booking but also acts as a psychological floor for the stock, signaling management’s confidence in the company’s strong long-term fundamentals despite the soft demand environment in the IT services sector.
Exam Angle: Key for understanding Capital Market instruments (Share Buyback), Corporate Governance, and the financial strategies of major Indian IT companies. Note the amount (₹18,000 Cr) and the price (₹1,800).
Source: The Economic Times
MoSPI Releases Revised National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025
Summary: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the revised National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025, expanding coverage to better reflect emerging digital, green, and indigenous economic sectors.
On November 19, 2025, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the updated National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025. The revised classification features a new six-digit coding structure that significantly expands coverage to include and distinctly classify the new and emerging sectors of the Indian economy, such as the digital economy, green economy initiatives, and various indigenous sectors. This update aims to provide a much sharper and more detailed classification system. The NIC is a critical standard used across the country for classifying economic activities for purposes ranging from official statistics like the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimation and conducting large-scale economic surveys to informing key policy-planning decisions by the government.
Exam Angle: Important for the Economy and Government Data standards. Key to remember the MoSPI as the issuing authority and the new NIC’s focus on emerging sectors.
Source: Business Standard
Piyush Goyal Launches Trade Intelligence and Analytics (TIA) Portal
Summary: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal launched the Trade Intelligence and Analytics (TIA) portal to provide real-time, consolidated trade insights for exporters, importers, and MSMEs.
On November 19, 2025, in New Delhi, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal launched the Trade Intelligence and Analytics (TIA) portal. The platform is designed to serve as a centralized digital hub, consolidating diverse global and bilateral trade databases, including UN Comtrade, into a single integrated system. Minister Goyal emphasized that the TIA portal will open up new and deep insights for all trade stakeholders—importers, exporters, MSMEs, and startups—helping them better utilize the benefits of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) signed by India. The portal’s features include real-time insights, commodity and sectoral analytics, competitor analysis, and automated trade reports, positioning it as a powerful tool for market diversification and enhancing India’s global trade footprint.
Exam Angle: Relevant for understanding Government-led Digital India initiatives, Foreign Trade Policy, and the use of technology to support MSMEs and boost the country’s export performance.
Source: Business Standard
NIC 2025 Revision to Drive New GDP Estimation and Policy Planning
Summary: The revision of the National Industrial Classification (NIC) to NIC 2025 by MoSPI will have a significant impact on future GDP estimation methodology and industrial policy planning.
The National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025, released on November 19, 2025, by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), represents a major methodological update. By moving to a more granular six-digit coding, the classification now offers a much finer resolution, enabling statisticians to accurately measure the contribution of previously uncaptured or poorly categorized economic activities, particularly in the rapidly growing digital and services sectors. This precise categorization is essential, as the NIC forms the backbone for all economic data collection, including the quinquennial Economic Census and the estimation of key macroeconomic aggregates like the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Policymakers will use this refined data for more targeted industrial policy and investment strategies to boost sectors identified in the new codes.
Exam Angle: Focus on the technical and statistical aspect of the NIC revision, its direct link to GDP calculation, and the importance of accurate data for effective government policy.
Source: Business Standard
5. SPORTS
Nikhat Zareen Storms into World Boxing Cup Final in Her Comeback
Summary: Indian boxing star Nikhat Zareen secured her first international medal in 21 months by defeating Uzbekistan’s Ganieva Glusevar to reach the Women’s 51kg final at the World Boxing Cup.
On November 19, 2025, two-time World Champion Nikhat Zareen delivered a dominant performance to defeat Ganieva Glusevar of Uzbekistan with a unanimous 5-0 verdict in the Women’s 51kg semi-final at the World Boxing Cup finals. The victory guarantees Nikhat Zareen at least a silver medal, marking her return to international podium finishes after a gap of 21 months, following her early exit at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The semi-final bout, held in a venue filled with cheering school and college students, was a scrappy affair with frequent clinching, but Zareen maintained her composure. She is now scheduled to face Guo Yi-xuan of Chinese Taipei in the final on November 20, aiming for her first major international gold medal in 32 months.
Exam Angle: Significant for recognizing India’s top female athletes and their achievements in global sporting events. Know the athlete, the sport, the weight category, and the tournament name.
Source: Indian Express
Jaismine Lamboria Dominates to Enter World Boxing Cup Final
Summary: Rising Indian boxing talent Jaismine Lamboria secured her spot in the Women’s 57kg final at the World Boxing Cup with a commanding 5-0 victory over Kazakhstan’s Ulzhan Sarsenbek.
Continuing her stellar season, World Champion Jaismine Lamboria registered a commanding 5-0 win against former Asian youth champion Ulzhan Sarsenbek of Kazakhstan in the Women’s 57kg semi-final at the World Boxing Cup finals on November 19, 2025. Lamboria, who recently won a World Championships title, leveraged her height advantage and superior rhythm, using sharp jabs and combinations to stamp her authority on the bout early on. Her dominant performance guaranteed her at least a silver medal in yet another major final, making it her best season yet. Jaismine’s victory, alongside other Indian boxers, reflects the growing depth of talent in India’s amateur boxing scene as they look ahead to a packed calendar including the Commonwealth and Asian Games next year.
Exam Angle: Important for identifying emerging sports stars and their international achievements, particularly in Olympic sports like boxing. Note the athlete’s name, weight category, and opponent’s country.
Source: Indian Express
Four Other Indian Boxers Also Secure Final Berths at World Cup
Summary: Apart from Nikhat Zareen and Jaismine Lamboria, four other Indian boxers also entered the finals of the World Boxing Cup, ensuring a high medal haul for the nation.
On November 19, 2025, at the World Boxing Cup finals, the Indian contingent had a highly successful day, with a total of six boxers securing their places in the gold medal bouts, ensuring at least silver medals for all of them. In the Men’s categories, Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (50kg), Pawan Bartwal (55kg), Sachin Siwach (60kg), and Hitesh Gulia (70kg) all won their respective semi-final matches with dominant scorelines. Jadumani Singh notably defeated Omer Izaz of Australia with a 5-0 score. This strong performance across both Men’s and Women’s categories underscores the efficacy of India’s boxing training programs and the depth of talent available for future international championships, including the upcoming Commonwealth and Asian Games.
Exam Angle: Helps in remembering the names of promising male boxers in key categories and highlights the strong collective performance of the national team in international events.
Source: Indian Express
6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
CAQM’s Proactive Powers: Shift in Delhi Air Quality Management
Summary: The Supreme Court’s decision to allow the CAQM “proactive measures” signals a significant shift towards a preventative and more stringent policy framework for tackling air pollution in the Delhi-NCR.
The Supreme Court’s order on November 19, 2025, granting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) the authority to adopt “any proactive measure” fundamentally alters the environmental governance framework for Delhi-NCR. Historically, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has largely been reactionary, imposing restrictions only after pollution levels cross specific thresholds. This new directive, delivered by the Bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, empowers the CAQM to introduce measures such as contemplating work-from-home or 50% office attendance—which are part of the extreme GRAP IV stage—even before the ‘Severe+’ category is officially breached. This paradigm shift mandates preemptive action, focusing on stakeholder consultation and swift policy implementation to protect public health from toxic air.
Exam Angle: Essential for Environment Policy and Governance. It highlights judicial activism in environment protection and the evolution of environmental regulatory bodies like CAQM and their tools (GRAP).
Source: The Hindu
PM Calls for Natural Farming to Become a ‘Science-Backed Movement’
Summary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the South India Natural Farming Summit, called for a shift towards making natural farming a “fully science-backed movement” to enhance agricultural sustainability.
Addressing the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 in Coimbatore on November 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a greater integration of scientific research and technological validation into the nation’s push for natural farming. The Prime Minister’s vision for the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is not just a return to traditional methods but a scientifically supported, modern, and scalable agricultural model for the 21st century. He pointed out that excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has significantly reduced soil fertility, increased farming costs, and degraded soil moisture. Therefore, he stressed that scientific validation of natural farming techniques, including the development of cost-effective indigenous inputs and agro-processing innovations, is necessary to make it an economically viable and environmentally sustainable alternative across India.
Exam Angle: Crucial for Science and Technology in Agriculture, linking government policy (NMNF) with scientific research needs, soil health, and sustainable development goals.
Source: Press Information Bureau
Revised NIC 2025 to Aid Growth Measurement of Green Economy
Summary: A key feature of the revised National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025 is its detailed coding structure to accurately measure the contribution of the burgeoning ‘Green Economy’ to the national GDP.
The release of the revised National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025 by MoSPI on November 19, 2025, is strategically aligned with India’s global commitments to sustainability and climate action. The new six-digit coding system introduces specific categories to classify economic activities related to environmental protection, renewable energy generation, waste management, and the manufacture of green products. This level of detail will, for the first time, allow government statisticians to accurately segregate and calculate the Gross Value Added (GVA) and job creation specifically by the Green Economy sectors. This provides policymakers with the necessary data to formulate targeted incentives and regulations to accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy, fostering India’s position in global environmental markets.
Exam Angle: Important for the intersection of Economy and Environment, specifically the measurement metrics (NIC’s role in GDP/GVA) for tracking India’s commitment to climate change mitigation and the growth of green jobs.
Source: Business Standard
Maharashtra’s Successful Water Governance Model Lauded
Summary: Maharashtra’s first-place win in the National Water Awards highlighted its success in implementing robust water governance and regulatory frameworks, serving as a national model.
In the context of the 6th National Water Awards ceremony on November 19, 2025, Maharashtra’s success in clinching the Best State award was attributed to its strong focus on water governance and legal frameworks. Experts from Pune-based organizations like WOTR (Watershed Organisation Trust) specifically lauded the state for its pioneering legislation, including the Maharashtra Water Resource Regulatory Authority Act, 2005 (MWRRA, 2005), and the Maharashtra Groundwater Act, 1993 and 2009. These acts provide the regulatory structure for efficient resource management, equitable water distribution, and community mobilisation. This successful integration of policy, physical infrastructure development in watershed areas, and community ownership is the key takeaway, making Maharashtra’s model a blueprint for other states facing similar water scarcity issues.
Exam Angle: Essential for water resource management, the significance of state-level legislation (MWRRA, Groundwater Acts), and the adoption of water efficiency technologies as a solution to agrarian distress.
Source: Indian Express
7. OTHERS
Michelle Bachelet Conferred Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for 2024
Summary: Former President of Chile and UN Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet was awarded the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for the year 2024.
On November 19, 2025, in New Delhi, former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet was formally presented with the prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024. The award was presented by the Chairperson of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, Sonia Gandhi. Bachelet, the first and only woman President of Chile (serving two non-consecutive terms: 2006–2010 and 2014–2018), was recognised for her lifelong commitment to democracy, social justice, and human rights. She also served as the first Executive Director of UN Women and later as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (2018–2022). The award citation praised her consensus-driven leadership and her efforts to advance gender equality and reduce poverty in Chile.
Exam Angle: Important for Awards & Honours (International), recognizing constitutional post-holders (former President), and identifying the contributions of global figures to peace and human rights. Note the year of the award (2024).
Source: Indian Express
New NIC 2025 to Classify Indigenous and New Age Sectors
Summary: The revised National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025 introduces new codes specifically designed to classify India’s growing indigenous sectors and the modern digital economy.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)’s release of the National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025 on November 19, 2025, is tailored to capture the nuances of a rapidly changing economy. Beyond the digital and green sectors, the six-digit coding system incorporates specific classifications for traditional Indian knowledge-based industries and products, thus providing statistical recognition to the ‘indigenous’ economy. This move is aligned with the government’s push for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India). Furthermore, detailed codes for new-age activities like Artificial Intelligence (AI) services, drone manufacturing, and e-commerce logistics will provide a clearer picture of their contribution to the national economy, a factor previously estimated with broad approximations.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Economy and Policy. Key in the context of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ mission and the need for data infrastructure to keep pace with technological and economic shifts.
Source: Business Standard
Bachelet’s UN Role Highlighted in Indira Gandhi Prize Acceptance
Summary: Michelle Bachelet’s acceptance speech for the Indira Gandhi Prize paid tribute to Indira Gandhi and highlighted the urgency of peaceful international relations in today’s fragmented world.
During the presentation of the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024 in New Delhi on November 19, 2025, former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet stressed the continued relevance of the principles embo
