NATIONAL NEWS

International Conference on Green Hydrogen-2025

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will host the International Conference on Green Hydrogen-2025 in New Delhi, bringing together global and domestic stakeholders to advance discussions on India’s green hydrogen ecosystem.

The conference aims to explore practical pathways for scaling up green hydrogen production, focusing on technology advancement, cost trends, infrastructure readiness, and demand creation.

It will facilitate global collaboration by engaging international delegations, industry leaders, and policymakers, supporting India’s energy transition and export potential.

Key discussion areas include financing mechanisms, hydrogen certification standards, port readiness for hydrogen exports, skill development, and localisation of technology.

Senior ministers from Energy, Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Earth Sciences will participate, highlighting the cross-sectoral significance of green hydrogen in India’s clean-energy policy.

Green hydrogen serves as a cornerstone in India’s pursuit of clean, affordable, and self-reliant energy. MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi emphasized the need for clarity in technology selection, infrastructure planning, and demand creation to drive sectoral growth.

The conference supports the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, positioning India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export.

Discussions will also address infrastructure readiness, including ports and certification systems, which are key to integrating India into global hydrogen markets.

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Maldives Becomes First Country to Enforce Generational Tobacco Ban

The Maldives has become the first country in the world to implement a “generational ban” on smoking, prohibiting individuals born on or after January 1, 2007, from purchasing, using, or selling tobacco in any form.

The ban was enacted through the Second Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu, marking a historic public health milestone.

The World Health Organization (WHO) attributes over seven million global deaths annually to smoking, highlighting the significance of the Maldives’ preventive health initiative.

While New Zealand and the United Kingdom had proposed similar “smoke-free generation” laws, they were never implemented, making the Maldives the first nation to successfully enforce a generational tobacco ban.

China Launches 42nd Antarctic Expedition to Conduct Scientific Drilling and Study Polar Evolution

China dispatched its 42nd Antarctic Expedition Team on November 1, 2025, to carry out scientific drilling experiments for studying Antarctica’s evolution and natural resources.

The mission marks China’s first-ever deep drilling operation into the Antarctic ice sheet and subglacial lakes, representing a major milestone in its polar research programme.

The team will utilize indigenously developed hot-water and thermal-melting drill systems to conduct clean drilling and sampling through over 3,000 metres of ice.

The expedition aims to perform long-term climate and ocean observations in regions such as the Amundsen Sea and Ross Sea, contributing to a better understanding of global climate change.

China currently operates five Antarctic research stations, including a newly established fifth base spanning 5,244 sq. metres, which can accommodate 80 members in summer and 30 in winter.

Palau Conducts World’s First Live Underwater Broadcast

In a historic first, Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. conducted a live underwater interview beneath the Pacific Ocean to highlight ocean conservation, climate threats, and the existential risks faced by small island nations.

The interview featured marine activist Merle Liivand, and both exchanged remarks in real time underwater using Li-Fi technology, which transmits data via light instead of radio waves, making it suitable for underwater communication.

The event emphasized the urgency of protecting marine ecosystems, tackling coral bleaching, sea-level rise, and climate impacts disproportionately affecting Pacific island states.

Palau is an island nation in the western Pacific Ocean, consisting of around 300 islands with a land area of about 458 sq km, located in both the Northern and Eastern hemispheres.

It shares maritime borders with Micronesia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, and Ngerulmud, on Babeldaob Island, is the world’s least populous capital city, while Koror is the largest and most populous city.

 

BANKING

Government to Reposition National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development

The Government of India is set to reposition the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) established in 2021 as a global financial institution, reflecting a major policy and institutional shift.

NaBFID will be renamed as the Infrastructure Development Bank (IDB), with a new logo and brand identity, symbolising its expanded global role in infrastructure financing.

NaBFID was established under the NaBFID Act, 2021, as a 100% government-owned Development Finance Institution (DFI) and is classified as an All-India Financial Institution (AIFI) under the RBI Act, 1934.

Its core mandate includes providing long-term non-recourse financing for infrastructure projects, refinancing existing infrastructure debt, and mobilising private investment in the sector.

The rebranding to IDB aligns the institution with global peers such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The shift aims to enable cross-border infrastructure financing, international capital mobilisation, and adoption of global best practices in project finance.

This move highlights India’s ambition to enhance its global influence in infrastructure development and financing frameworks.

Domestically, it reinforces infrastructure as a key growth engine, supporting the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) and long-term development strategy.

Scapia and Federal Bank Introduce Add-On Credit Card

Scapia and Federal Bank have launched an add-on credit card feature, allowing primary cardholders to share credit limits and travel benefits with up to 3 family members aged 18 or older.

The add-on card feature enables independent app access, OTPs, and transaction visibility for additional users while allowing both primary and add-on holders to earn and redeem Scapia Coins and enjoy unlimited domestic lounge access.

The onboarding process is fully digital, with instant virtual card issuance after KYC and physical delivery within 5–7 days.

Scapia launched Scapia Store, India’s first travel-focused shopping platform, featuring brands like Columbia, Daily Objects, Tripole, and Nasher Miles across apparel, accessories, and luggage categories

These developments are part of Scapia’s Winter Product Release, which also includes Scapia Experiences, expanding its presence across seven travel categories.

IRDAI Fines Liberty General Insurance ₹1 Crore for Regulatory Violations

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has imposed a ₹1 crore penalty on Liberty General Insurance Company for violating multiple regulatory norms.

The violations relate to outsourcing practices, payment of commissions and remuneration to intermediaries, and protection of policyholders’ interests.

The penalty was imposed under Section 102 of the Insurance Act, 1938, which empowers IRDAI to take action against insurers for non-compliance with regulations.

IRDAI’s order also directed the insurer to review existing agreements with vendors, intermediaries, and related parties to ensure full compliance with current outsourcing and regulatory guidelines.

The regulatory action highlights IRDAI’s strict enforcement of governance and compliance standards within the insurance sector.

 

DEFENCE

India and Israel Sign MoU to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

India and Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 17th meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation held in Tel Aviv, marking a major step toward expanding their strategic defence partnership.

The MoU aims to provide a unified vision and policy framework for advancing bilateral defence cooperation in a structured and long-term manner.

The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh (India) and Major General Amir Baram, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defence.

The agreement focuses on key areas such as co-development and co-production of defence equipment, exchange of advanced technologies, and mutual support in developing operational capabilities.

Both nations reiterated their commitment to joint strategies for combating terrorism and discussed mechanisms for deeper collaboration in defence technology, research, and innovation.

On the sidelines, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, briefing him on the key takeaways of the JWG discussions.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic and defence relationship, which has seen continuous progress over the past two decades.

The renewed cooperation aligns with India’s vision of self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in defence manufacturing and technological modernisation, while reinforcing India-Israel ties in counter-terrorism and security collaboration.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Managing Director and CEO of SBICAP Securities

SBICAP Securities Limited. has appointed Bhuvaneshwari A. as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective November 1, 2025, as announced by the State Bank of India (SBI) group company.

She brings over 30 years of banking experience, having joined SBI as a Probationary Officer in 1994.

Before this role, she served as Chief General Manager of SBI’s Thiruvananthapuram Circle, managing operations across 1,200+ branches and driving growth in retail credit, deposits, and market share.

In her new role, she aims to transform SBICAP Securities into a digitally driven, customer-focused investment services firm, with emphasis on strengthening technology platforms, expanding product offerings, and improving research accessibility for investors.

SBICAP Securities Limited is a leading full-service stockbroker in India, offering investment solutions such as equity trading, derivatives, and mutual funds.

 

SPORTS

Jannik Sinner Reclaims ATP World No. 1 After Paris Masters 2025 Triumph

Italy’s Jannik Sinner reclaimed the ATP World No. 1 ranking after defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime (Canada) in the 2025 Paris Masters final on November 2, 2025, with a scoreline of 6-4, 7-6 (4).

The victory dethroned Carlos Alcaraz, marking Sinner’s return to the top of men’s tennis and highlighting his dominance in the ongoing indoor season.

The Paris Masters, an ATP 1000 event, was Sinner’s first title at the tournament and extended his indoor winning streak to 26 matches.

The win came just a week after his Vienna Open triumph, showcasing remarkable consistency ahead of the ATP Finals.

The win at Paris Masters capped off a breakthrough year for Sinner, reinforcing his position among the sport’s elite.

His consistency and adaptability across tournaments have made him a serious contender for the ATP Finals and the 2026 season.

Sinner’s ascent marks a new era in men’s tennis, following the dominance of legends like Djokovic, Nadal, Federer, and the recent reign of Alcaraz.

 

OBITUTARY

Hinduja Group Chairman and Business Icon Gopichand Hinduja

Gopichand Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group, passed away at the age of 85, marking the end of an era in global business leadership.

He was one of India’s most respected businessmen and a key figure in strengthening India–UK business ties through enterprise and community service.

Born in 1940 in India, he was part of the illustrious Hinduja family, founders of one of the world’s largest diversified business empires.

He led the Hinduja Group, a global conglomerate with interests in automotive, banking and finance, energy, IT and media, infrastructure, and real estate.

He served as Chairman of Hinduja Automotive Ltd. and later became Chairman of the Hinduja Group in 2023 after his brother Srichand Hinduja’s

He was ranked as the richest individual in the United Kingdom for seven consecutive years by The Sunday Times Rich List.

Under his leadership, the Hinduja Group expanded operations across more than 38 countries.

He was widely recognized for his philanthropy, community building, and cross-cultural collaboration.