Current Affairs One - Liner : 14th November 2025

National:

• On 12 Nov 2025, the Union Cabinet approved rationalisation of royalty rates for graphite, caesium, rubidium, and zirconium. The new rates are 2–4% for graphite, 2% for caesium and rubidium, and 1% for zirconium, all on an ad valorem basis. This replaces the earlier per‑tonne system for graphite. The move aims to boost domestic mining, enable competitive auctions, and reduce import dependency.

• IIT Bombay has developed India’s first indigenous Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM), unveiled on 12 November 2025 under the National Quantum Mission. This breakthrough enables 3D magnetic field imaging at the nanoscale, with major applications in neuroscience, semiconductor diagnostics, and materials research.
• On 11 November 2025, the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and WNS Global Services jointly launched the Ybrant Programme on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), and Sustainability in New Delhi. The programme aims to mainstream CSR, ESG, and sustainability in management education and nurture responsible leaders.
• Punjab became the first state in India to implement the revised BharatNet scheme statewide on 12 November 2025. The initiative extended broadband connectivity to all villages, including 43 shadow areas, with completion targeted by the end of November. Led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the recognition was received by Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha from BSNL officials.
• On 11–14 November 2025, India marked the Blue Flag Certification Renewal Ceremony 2025–26. Puri Golden Beach (Odisha) retained the honour for the 7th time, while Sunapur Beach earned it for the 3rd year. Kovalam Beach (Tamil Nadu) also retained its Blue Flag on 11 Nov 2025, marking the 5th consecutive year since 2021. With these renewals, India now has 13 Blue Flag-certified beaches, setting a global benchmark in eco-friendly tourism and sustainability.

International:

• On 13 November 2025, India and Nepal exchanged a Letter of Exchange in New Delhi revising the 1978 Transit Treaty Protocol. The agreement was signed by Piyush Goyal for India and Anil Kumar Sinha for Nepal. It expands rail freight movement through the Jogbani–Biratnagar link and liberalises important transit corridors.
• On 13 Nov 2025, WHO launched the Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response – Unity Study Site at AIIMS New Delhi. It is part of a global Unity Study Sites network for rapid outbreak investigations. The site will remain active even in non‑pandemic periods for training and readiness. Significance: Strengthens India’s role in global health security and pandemic response capacity.

Banking:

• On 14 Nov 2025, PhonePe partnered with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT features in India. The move enhances customer support, financial guidance, and merchant services. ChatGPT will power conversational AI across PhonePe’s payments, insurance, and commerce ecosystem.
• In November 2025, Federal Bank launched a cultural initiative called “Bharat Surotsav” in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The programme aims to celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage through music, art, and performances. It provides a platform for artists, musicians, and cultural groups to showcase traditional and contemporary talent.

Economy:

• On 12 Nov 2025, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) reported India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI)‑based inflation at a record low of 0.25% in October, down from 1.44% in September. Food inflation fell sharply to –5.02%, driven by Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate cuts and cheaper food prices. Rural CPI inflation stood at –4.85% and urban CPI inflation at –5.18%, showing broad moderation.

MoUs:

• On 12 November 2025, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) in New Delhi. The aim is to integrate CSIR’s Research & Development (R&D) expertise with NICDC’s industrial ecosystem to foster innovation.

Defence:

• On 10 Nov 2025, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd (SDHI) signed a USD 220 million Letter of Intent (LoI) with Rederiet Stenersen AS (Norway). The deal is for building six IMO Type II chemical tankers (18,000 DWT each) at Pipavav shipyard, Gujarat. Ships will be designed by Marinform AS (Norway), classed by DNV, and meet Ice Class 1A standards with hybrid propulsion.
• On 13 Nov 2025, the Defence Ministry signed a ₹2,095 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). The deal is for INVAR Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, procured under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category. These laser-guided missiles will be deployed on the Army’s T-90 tanks to boost firepower. Significance: Strengthens indigenous defence manufacturing and India’s mechanised warfare capability.

Important Days:

• World Diabetes Day 2025 was observed on 14 November, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin. The theme “Diabetes Across Life Stages” highlighted prevention, care, and support for people of all ages. Organised by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and World Health Organization (WHO), it is the largest global campaign reaching over 160 countries.
• Public Service Broadcasting Day 2025 was observed on 12 November across India. It commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to All India Radio on 12 Nov 1947, when he addressed refugees. Organised by Prasar Bharati / AIR, with the theme “Broadcasting for Unity and Service.”
• World Quality Week 2025 was celebrated globally from 10–14 November 2025 by the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) and International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA). The theme was “Quality: Think Differently”, encouraging new approaches to quality management and innovation. Events and campaigns highlighted the importance of quality culture, resilience, and sustainable value creation.

Appointments:

• On 11 Nov 2025, Pushpinder S. Puniha of NITI Aayog joined the Advisory Board of Blue Ocean Corporation. Blue Ocean is a London-based global leader in supply chain consulting and training. His expertise in tax policy and fiscal management will guide strategic initiatives.

Obituaries:

• Saalumarada Thimmakka, the legendary environmentalist known as the Mother of 385 Banyan Trees, passed away on 14 November 2025 in Bengaluru at the age of 114. Born in Tumakuru, Karnataka, she and her husband planted and nurtured hundreds of banyan trees along a highway, treating them as their children.
• Veteran actress Kamini Kaushal, a legendary star of Hindi cinema’s golden era, passed away on 14 November 2025 in Mumbai at the age of 98. She made her debut with Neecha Nagar (1946), India’s first Cannes-winning film, and went on to act in over 90 films across seven decades.

Questions:

Q.1 Which state became the first in India to implement the revised BharatNet scheme statewide on 12 November 2025?
a) Gujarat
b) Uttar Pradesh
c) Kerala
d) Punjab

Answer: d) Punjab became the first state in India to implement the revised BharatNet scheme statewide

Q.2 India’s CPI-based inflation in October 2025 was reported at:
a) 1.44%
b) –0.25%
c) 0.25%
d) 2.1%

Answer: c) The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) reported India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI)‑based inflation at a record low of 0.25% in October, down from 1.44% in September.