NATIONAL NEWS

Maharashtra Agriculture Department Unveils New Logo and Slogan

The Maharashtra Agriculture Department has launched a new logo and slogan after 38 years, symbolizing a fresh commitment to modern and sustainable farming.

The unveiling ceremony in Mumbai was led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, with Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne in attendance.

The new slogan, “Sashwat Sheti, Samruddha Shetkari” (translated as “Sustainable Farming, Prosperous Farmer”), was chosen through a statewide public competition that received over 1,700 entries, reflecting strong public participation.

The new logo represents innovation in agriculture, farmer empowerment, and sustainability, aligning with the department’s vision of progress and prosperity.

CM Devendra Fadnavis stated that the new identity reflects the state’s focus on technology-driven, sustainable farming, while Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar highlighted the need to combine traditional wisdom with modern techniques.

Minister Dattatray Bharne described the rebranding as a “people-powered campaign” that embodies collective vision.

The initiative aims to rebrand Maharashtra’s agriculture sector as future-ready, addressing issues like drought, crop failure, and farmer distress, while promoting organic farming, irrigation, and market access.

Through this rebranding, the government seeks to inspire confidence among farmers and connect with younger agri-entrepreneurs, showcasing agriculture as a tech-savvy and opportunity-rich sector.

Punjab Becomes the First State to Fully Implement the Amended Bharat Net Scheme

Punjab has become the first state in India to successfully implement the amended Bharat Net Scheme across its entire territory.

The achievement enables live monitoring of the border state from any location in the country, marking a major step in bridging the digital divide in rural India.

The Bharat Net Scheme is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at transforming rural digital infrastructure by providing broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats, households, and institutions.

Chief Secretary KAP Sinha received an award for Punjab’s exemplary implementation from Ajay Kumar Kararha, CGM, BSNL Punjab Circle.

Broadband services have been rolled out in 43 shadow areas, with only one village pending coverage, expected to be completed by end of November 2025.

The scheme facilitates e-governance, e-health, and digital education services in rural regions while enabling real-time border monitoring.

Punjab’s model demonstrates effective integration of governance and technology, enhancing service delivery and public monitoring.

The state’s achievement serves as a replicable model for other states, showcasing successful last-mile connectivity through fibre-based broadband in rural and border areas.

India to Receive 8 Cheetahs from Botswana under Project Cheetah

India is set to receive 8 cheetahs from Botswana under Project Cheetah, reaffirming its commitment to reintroduce the species that went extinct in India in 1952.

The announcement was made during President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit to Botswana, marking a milestone in India–Botswana environmental cooperation.

A symbolic handover ceremony will be held in Botswana in the presence of President Murmu, underscoring the ecological and diplomatic importance of this initiative.

Project Cheetah is India’s flagship wildlife initiative aimed at restoring ecological balance, promoting eco-tourism, strengthening conservation frameworks, and fostering transcontinental wildlife cooperation.

Earlier in 2022, cheetahs were translocated from Namibia and released at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh.

Botswana, home to one of the largest wild cheetah populations, is donating 8 cheetahs to help strengthen genetic diversity and support India’s conservation efforts.

The move also deepens India–Botswana strategic ties and showcases Africa’s support for India’s environmental goals.

President Murmu’s visit marks the first-ever State visit by an Indian Head of State to both Angola and Botswana, reflecting India’s growing engagement in South–South cooperation across biodiversity, cultural exchange, and capacity building.

Her participation in the handover event highlights India’s commitment to environmental diplomacy and sustainable wildlife conservation.

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Ethiopia Chosen to Host UN COP32 Climate Summit 2027

Ethiopia has been selected to host the United Nations COP32 Climate Summit in 2027, defeating Nigeria’s rival bid for the event.

The COP32 conference will be held in Addis Ababa, following endorsement by other African nations at the COP30 plenary session in Brazil.

Under the regional rotation system, the host country assumes the COP presidency, allowing it to set summit goals, highlight national climate priorities, and mediate negotiations.

The host for COP31 (2026) is yet to be decided, with Australia and Turkey competing; if no agreement is reached, the summit may default to Bonn, Germany, home of the UN Climate Agency headquarters.

Africa has hosted the COP summit five times — Morocco (2001, 2016), Kenya (2006), South Africa (2011), and Egypt (2022).

The West African region has never hosted a COP conference, and Nigeria would have been the first if it had been selected.

Oman Elected to UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Council for 2025–2029

Oman has been elected as a member of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Council for the term 2025–2029, during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference held in Samarkand.

This marks a global recognition of Oman’s efforts in sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and human–nature harmony.

The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, launched in 1971, aims to promote biodiversity conservation, support sustainable ecosystem management, and foster harmony between people and nature.

The MAB Programme is governed by the International Coordinating Council (MAB-ICC), comprising 34 member countries.

The programme is guided by the MAB Roadmap (2015–2025), with a new roadmap (2025–2035) to be launched at the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China (2025).

Oman’s election reflects its growing global influence in environmental policymaking and commitment to ecological preservation.

The membership enables Oman to contribute to global environmental strategies and biosphere management policies.

Major geographical features include the Al-Hajar Mountains with Mount Shams (2,980 m) as the highest peak, the Rubʿ al-Khali (Empty Quarter) desert, and fertile regions like Al-Batinah and Dhofar.

 

BANKING

Government Approves ₹20,000 Crore Credit Guarantee Scheme

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the introduction of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) to provide 100% credit guarantee coverage by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC).

The scheme offers additional credit facilities up to ₹20,000 crore to eligible exporters, including MSMEs, through Member Lending Institutions (MLIs).

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) will implement the scheme through NCGTC to provide additional credit support to exporters.

A Management Committee, chaired by the Secretary, DFS, will oversee the progress and implementation of the scheme.

The scheme aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian exporters and support diversification into new and emerging markets.

By providing collateral-free credit access, the scheme will strengthen liquidity, ensure smooth business operations, and reinforce India’s progress toward achieving the USD 1 trillion export target.

The initiative aligns with the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

World Bank’s $13 Billion Climate Investment Funds Launches New Program

The Climate Investment Funds (CIF), a $13 billion multilateral initiative under the World Bank, has launched a new program to strengthen climate resilience in poor countries.

The new initiative, named ARISE (Accelerating Resilience Investments and Innovations for Sustainable Economies), has secured $100 million in funding from Germany and Spain.

The ARISE program aims to help developing nations convert climate risks into economic opportunities by integrating resilience into national economic development strategies.

The announcement was made during the COP30 Climate Summit in Belem, Brazil, where climate adaptation is a major agenda focus.

 

AWARDS & PRIZES

Palak Muchhal Enters Guinness and Limca Book of Records for Humanitarian Work

Playback singer Palak Muchhal, known for songs like “Kaun Tujhe” and “Meri Aashiqui”, has been honoured by the Guinness Book of World Records (2025) and the Limca Book of Records for her exceptional humanitarian work.

She has funded over 3,800 heart surgeries for underprivileged children across India.

Her journey began in childhood when a train journey inspired her to help children in need of medical aid, leading to the creation of the Palash Charitable Foundation.

The foundation utilizes her stage show earnings and personal donations to fund life-saving heart surgeries for economically disadvantaged children.

Achievements include:

Over 3,800 successful heart surgeries supported.

Guinness World Record (2025) and Limca Book of Records recognition.

National praise for combining celebrity influence with social responsibility.

Her unique model of charity ensures that 100% of her stage show income goes toward funding surgeries and humanitarian causes.

She has also contributed ₹10 lakh for various causes, supported families of Kargil martyrs and Gujarat earthquake victims, and raised awareness for pediatric heart care through music and events.

 

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day 2025 is observed on 14th November every year to raise awareness about diabetes prevention, management, and care.

The day also marks the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick G. Banting, one of the co-discoverers of insulin.

The observance aims to highlight both the challenges and solutions in scaling up access to diabetes medicines and healthcare, as emphasized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2025.

World Diabetes Day was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) with support from WHO, in response to the rising health and economic burden of diabetes.

It became an official United Nations Day in 2006.

Diabetes occurs due to the insufficient secretion of insulin by the pancreas, leading to high blood glucose (sugar) levels in the body.

The discovery of insulin in 1921 was made by Sir Frederick G. Banting, Charles H. Best, and J.J.R. Macleod at the University of Toronto, and it was later purified by James B. Collip.

This breakthrough is considered one of the greatest discoveries in medical science, as insulin injections remain the primary treatment for people with high blood glucose levels.

Children’s Day

Children’s Day in India 2025 is celebrated on 14th November, marking the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

The theme for 2025 is “For Every Child, Every Right”, emphasizing the importance of ensuring every child’s rights, welfare, and education.

Jawaharlal Nehru, fondly known as “Chacha Nehru”, was deeply loved by children and believed that children are the real strength and future of a nation.

He was born on 14th November 1889 to a Kashmiri Brahmin family. His father was Motilal Nehru, and he was the eldest among four siblings.

His sister, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, later became the first woman President of the United Nations General Assembly.

After Nehru’s death in 1964, the Indian Parliament passed a resolution declaring 14th November as Children’s Day to honor his affection and dedication toward children.

The day is observed across India with cultural programs, educational activities, and awareness campaigns focusing on children’s rights, education, and well-being.