Current Affairs One - Liner : 21st November 2025

National:

• On 19 Nov 2025, Samsung with United Nations Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI) launched DigiArivu in Tamil Nadu. It aims to strengthen digital literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education in govt schools. Covers 10 schools in Kancheepuram & Ranipet, benefiting 3,000+ students with smart classrooms and STEM modules.

• On 18–19 Nov 2025, INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) launched Project Gaja Lok. It is a transnational culture–nature initiative honoring the bond between Asian elephants and humans. The project began with an Exhibition (19–25 Nov) and a Roundtable (20 Nov) in New Delhi. It highlights elephants’ role in culture, history, ecology, and climate resilience across Asia.
• On Nov 2025, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted India’s semiconductor ambition for 2032. He stated India will match global leaders (US, Taiwan, South Korea, China) through the India Semiconductor Mission. Three chip plants are set to begin commercial output in 2026, backed by design ecosystem and talent pool. Aim: Make India a global semiconductor hub, reducing import dependence and strengthening supply chain resilience.
• On 20 Nov 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that Governors and the President cannot be bound by judicial timelines to assent bills. It struck down the April 2025 ruling on “deemed assent”, calling it unconstitutional. The Court held that such directions violate the separation of powers under the Constitution. Assent or return of bills is part of a constitutional dialogue, with only limited judicial review allowed.
• Indian-born cheetah Mukhi gave birth to five healthy cubs on November 16, 2025, at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Mukhi, born in March 2023, is the first India-born female cheetah to reproduce, marking a historic milestone for Project Cheetah. The birth of five cubs is unusual and a positive sign of the species' adaptation and health in India.

International:

• On 20 Nov 2025, India and Israel signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to begin FTA (Free Trade Agreement) talks. The ToR was signed in Tel Aviv by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Israel’s Economy Minister Nir Barkat. It covers market access, investment facilitation, customs simplification, and cooperation in innovation & services.

Banking:

• On 19 Nov 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) updated its Alert List of Unauthorised Forex Trading Platforms. Seven new names were added: Starnet FX, CapPlace, Mirrox, Fusion Markets, Trive, NXG Markets, and Nord FX. With this, the list now contains 95 entities in total. These platforms are not authorised under FEMA, 1999 to deal in foreign exchange or operate electronic trading platforms.

Economy:

• India recorded its highest-ever defence production of ₹1.54 lakh crore in FY 2024–25. This achievement reflects the push for Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in defence. Growth came from aircraft, warships, arms, ammunition, and defence electronics by DPSUs & private firms.
• India’s core sector output remained flat (0% growth) in Oct 2025, the weakest in 14 months. The eight core industries (coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery, fertilisers, steel, cement, electricity) form 40% of IIP. Declines in coal, natural gas, and electricity offset gains in steel, cement, fertilisers, and refinery products. Cumulative Apr–Oct FY26 growth was 2.5%, down from 4.3% in the same period last year.

Reports:

• The Global Methane Status Report 2025 was released on 17 November 2025 at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. It was published by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). The report tracks global methane emissions and progress since the Global Methane Pledge (2021). It warns current efforts may cut only 8% by 2030, far short of the 30% target.

Science & Technology:

• In early 2026, India’s first commercially built PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) will launch the Oceansat satellite. It is manufactured end‑to‑end by HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) and L&T (Larsen & Toubro). The project was awarded in 2022 by NSIL (NewSpace India Limited), ISRO’s commercial arm.
• On 17 Nov 2025, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) launched Sentinel‑6B from Vandenberg, California. It is a joint mission of NASA, European Space Agency (ESA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT).

Sports:

• On 19 Nov 2025, Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF), Class of 2026. He was the sole player inductee, honored in his first year of eligibility. Federer’s record includes 20 Grand Slam titles, 103 ATP tour titles, and 310 weeks as World No. 1. The induction ceremony will be held in Aug 2026 at Newport, Rhode Island (USA).
• On 19 November 2025, Shai Hope created history by scoring an unbeaten 109 against New Zealand at Napier. With this knock, he became the first batter ever to record centuries against all 12 Test-playing nations across formats. This rare achievement places him above cricketing legends like Dravid and Tendulkar, who had centuries against fewer nations.
• On 19 November 2025, Roger Federer was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. He will be officially inducted in August 2026 at Newport, Rhode Island. Federer is the first male player to win 20 Grand Slam singles titles across all four majors. This honor crowns his legendary career of 103 titles and 310 weeks as World No. 1.

Defence:

• On 19 Nov 2025, the USA approved supply to India of FGM‑148 Javelin ATGM (Anti‑Tank Guided Missile) and M982A1 Excalibur precision artillery projectiles. The deal is worth USD 93 million, aimed at boosting India’s defence capabilities. Javelin ATGM offers fire‑and‑forget anti‑armor capability, while Excalibur provides GPS‑guided extended‑range precision strike.

Important Days:

• World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse & Violence 2025 was observed on 18 Nov, proclaimed by the United Nations (UN). Theme: “Protect, Prevent, Heal – Together for Every Child.” India marked it with awareness drives under the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012). The day aimed to raise awareness, strengthen prevention, and support healing for survivors globally.
• World Fisheries Day 2025 was observed on 21 November, marking the 28th global celebration of sustainable fishing practices. The Indian theme was “India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Value Addition in Seafood Exports”, highlighting the nation’s growing role in global seafood trade. Organized by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying in New Delhi, the event saw participation from 27 countries.
• Naturopathy Day 2025 was observed on 18 Nov, organized by the Ministry of AYUSH. Theme: “Nature Cure to Cure”, highlighting drugless and holistic healing practices. It commemorates 18 Nov 1945, when Mahatma Gandhi became Chairman of the Nature Cure Foundation Trust. The day aims to promote natural therapies, preventive care, and healthy living.
• Women’s Entrepreneurship Day 2025 was observed on 19 November, honoring women innovators and leaders worldwide. The theme was “Celebrating the Spirit and Accomplishments of Women Entrepreneurs across Tourism, Art and Culture,” highlighting their role in shaping vibrant sectors.
• World Television Day 2025 is celebrated on November 21. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1996, the day commemorates the first World Television Forum held that year. It recognizes the impact of television in communication, education, cultural exchange, and shaping public opinion globally.

Appointments:

• Bajaj Group announced on 20 November 2025 the appointment of Jitendra Gohil as Chief Investment Officer. He will lead Bajaj Alternate Investment Management Ltd.’s newly launched Alternative Investment Fund (AIF). Gohil, formerly with Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Ltd., brings over two decades of expertise in asset management.
• On 19 November 2025, the government appointed Sandip Pradhan, a 1990-batch IRS officer, as a Whole-Time Member of SEBI. He previously served as Director General of Income Tax (Investigation), Pune. His three-year tenure fills the vacancy left by Ashwani Bhatia. The appointment strengthens SEBI’s leadership and regulatory oversight in India’s capital markets.

Questions:

Q1. Who was appointed as Whole-Time Member of SEBI on 19 Nov 2025?
a. Ashwani Bhatia
b. Nir Barkat
c. Sandip Pradhan
d. Piyush Goyal

Answer: c) The government appointed Sandip Pradhan, a 1990-batch IRS officer, as Whole-Time Member of SEBI.

Q2: On 19 November 2025, the RBI added seven new entities to its Alert List of unauthorised forex trading platforms. After this update, how many entities are included in the list?
a. 88
b. 90
c. 95
d. 101

Answer: c) RBI added seven new platforms, taking the total number of unauthorised forex trading entities to 95.