NATIONAL NEWS

Punjab SC Commission Opens India’s First Dedicated Courtroom for SC-Related Cases

The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has inaugurated India’s first dedicated courtroom for handling cases related to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, marking a major step toward improving access to justice.

Commission Chairperson Jasvir Singh Garhi stated that the new courtroom, equipped with modern infrastructure, will ensure faster hearings, quicker case disposal, and greater efficiency in protecting SC rights.

An Online Court System is set to be launched soon, allowing complainants to appear virtually, reducing travel, time, and financial burden—especially for people from remote areas.

The dedicated courtroom addresses longstanding issues of delays and backlogs, strengthening the justice delivery system for marginalized communities and reinforcing the state’s commitment to equality and constitutional safeguards.

This is the first such facility under any state-level SC Commission in India and is expected to serve as a model for other states.

The Commission deals with complaints under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and state social justice mandates; the new courtroom reflects structural reforms and greater reliance on technology-enabled justice systems.

Switzerland and Ireland Named Country Partners for Hornbill Festival 2025

The Government of Nagaland has officially announced Switzerland and Ireland as country partners for the Hornbill Festival 2025, following meetings between CM Neiphiu Rio and the ambassadors of both nations in New Delhi.

Switzerland’s participation was confirmed after discussions between CM Rio and Swiss Ambassador Maya Tissafi, focusing on deeper cooperation in culture, tourism, and other sectors.

Ireland’s partnership was confirmed by Irish Ambassador Kevin Kelly, with Ireland set to send a cultural delegation featuring folk music, literary exchanges, theatre, public art, and dialogue sessions.

Both countries join the United Kingdom, which had already been announced as a partner nation, further boosting the festival’s international profile.

Hornbill Festival, known as the “Festival of Festivals”, is held annually from 1–10 December at Kisama Heritage Village, showcasing the traditions of 17 major Naga tribes through dance, music, crafts, sports, and cuisine.

The festival is named after the Great Indian Hornbill, a revered symbol in Naga folklore.

Country partnerships enhance:

Cultural diplomacy through cross-country exchanges

Tourism development by attracting global visitors

Creative collaborations in art, literature, and performance

Economic growth via increased tourist footfall and local revenue

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India and Israel Agree to Start Negotiations on Free Trade Agreement

India and Israel signed the Terms of Reference to begin negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a major step toward expanding bilateral economic cooperation.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the proposed FTA and Bilateral Investment Treaty will improve market access, capital flows, trade in goods and services, and overall ease of doing business between the two nations.

The agreement aims to boost collaboration in fintech, agritech, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, quantum computing, pharmaceuticals, space, defence, and infrastructure.

Piyush Goyal highlighted India’s “Ten D’s”—Democracy, Demographics, Decarbonisation, Digitalisation, Development, Demand, Diversity, Decisive Leadership, Dependability, and Determination as key factors making India an attractive destination for global investment.

 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

China Begins Construction of First Nuclear-Proof Floating Artificial Island

China is constructing a 78,000-tonne artificial island designed to withstand nuclear blasts, marking a major advancement in strategic maritime infrastructure.

The project features a mobile, semi-submersible, twin-hull platform capable of supporting 238 personnel for four months without resupply.

The structure is similar in size to China’s Fujian aircraft carrier and aims to be operational by 2028, as confirmed by project leader Lin Zhongqin.

The island can withstand harsh ocean conditions including 6–9 metre waves and Category 17 typhoons, the highest-rated tropical cyclones.

Scientists have equipped the facility with “metamaterial” sandwich panels, which convert catastrophic shock impacts into gentle compressions, offering enhanced protection.

It is described as a deep-sea major scientific facility designed for all-weather, long-term residency, according to Professor Yang Deqing’s team at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU).

Officially named the Deep-Sea All-Weather Resident Floating Research Facility, the project represents China’s far-sea floating mobile island developed after a decade of research and planning.

The island measures 138 metres in length and 85 metres in width, with a main deck 45 metres above sea level, providing elevated protection against marine threats.

 

BANKING

RBI Begins Realisation Phase to Link India’s UPI with Eurosystem’s TIPS

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated the realisation phase to interlink India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) operated by the Eurosystem to enable seamless cross-border payments.

UPI is India’s instant payment system developed by NPCI, enabling person-to-person and person-to-merchant transactions across banks via smartphones.

TIPS is the European Central Bank’s real-time settlement system, facilitating instant euro transactions across the Eurozone 24/7 in under 10 seconds.

The UPI–TIPS integration aims to enable faster, cheaper, and transparent remittances between India and the Euro Area, reducing reliance on SWIFT and intermediary banks.

The linkage provides convenience for NRIs and businesses, supporting cross-border trade and remittances with predictable costs and timelines.

This initiative strengthens India’s fintech diplomacy, aligning with G20 goals of improving cross-border payment systems

RBI and NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL) will work with the ECB on technical integration, risk management, settlement arrangements, and compliance harmonization including KYC, AML, and data protection norms.

RBI Imposes ₹4 Lakh Penalty on Odisha-Based Glowmore Finance for Regulatory Non-Compliance

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a total penalty of ₹7 lakh on three cooperative banks and a non-banking financial company (NBFC) for non-compliance with regulatory directions.

The highest penalty of ₹4 lakh was levied on Glowmore Finance Pvt Ltd, an Odisha-based NBFC.

The non-compliance was noticed during RBI correspondence regarding the appointment of a director in the company.

The action was taken under Section 58G(1)(b) read with Section 58B(5)(aa) of the RBI Act, 1934.

Glowmore Finance Private Limited (GFPL) is an NBFC based in Ganjam, Odisha, focusing on microcredit to promote financial inclusion.

 

RANKS, INDICES & REPORTS

India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves Decline by $2.7 Billion to $687.73 Billion

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s foreign exchange reserves declined by $2.70 billion to $687.03 billion for the week ended November 7,2025.

The decline was due to a stronger US dollar and valuation changes, extending the fall after a $5.62 billion drop in the previous week.

Despite the fall, India continues to hold one of the largest FX reserves globally, providing strong protection against global volatility and geopolitical risks.

Foreign Currency Assets (FCA), the major component of reserves, fell by $2.45 billion to $562.14 billion, impacted by movements in non-dollar currencies like euro, pound, and yen.

Gold reserves decreased by $195 million to $101.53 billion due to fluctuations in international gold prices.

Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) fell by $51 million to $18.59 billion, as per RBI updates.

India’s reserve position with the IMF remained unchanged at $4.77 billion, according to the RBI.

In the week ended November 14, 2025, India’s forex reserves rose sharply by $5.54 billion to a historic high of $692.57 billion, reversing the previous decline.

Moody’s Forecasts India’s Gross Domestic Product To Grow At 7% In 2025

Moody’s projected India’s real Gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 7% in 2025, making India one of the fastest-growing major economies

Growth is forecast to moderate to 6.4% in 2026 due to global and domestic economic factors.

Growth momentum is supported by robust domestic consumption, driven by rising incomes, expanding middle class, and urban demand across sectors such as retail, housing, services, and transport.

Government-led capital expenditure in roads, railways, and urban transport is pushing economic growth, along with private investment in logistics, digital infrastructure, and energy.

India is achieving export diversification with rising growth in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and services, reducing dependence on limited traditional markets and improving economic resilience.

The softening to 6.4% in 2026 is seen as a natural economic transition from recovery-driven growth to investment-led growth.

 

DEFENCE

Indian Air Force’s Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes at Dubai Airshow, Pilot Killed

The Indian Air Force’s Tejas fighter jet crashed during a high-profile aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow, resulting in the death of the pilot.

The crash occurred while performing a complex aerial manoeuvre intended to showcase the jet’s agility and combat-readiness.

Eyewitnesses reported the aircraft suddenly losing stability and nosediving, producing a large plume of black smoke at the crash site.

Experts indicated the crash may have resulted from errors during a barrel roll manoeuvre, which requires precise speed, angle, and altitude management.

Possible failure points include loss of lift, engine power fluctuation under high-G stress, altitude miscalculation, and control surface response issues.

Tejas is considered one of India’s safest indigenous fighter jets, with thousands of flying hours and minimal incidents prior to this accident.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed the pilot’s death and set up a formal investigation board to review flight recorders, eyewitness videos, and technical data.

 

AWARDS & PRIZES

Fátima Bosch of Mexico Wins Miss Universe 2025

The 74th Miss Universe pageant was held in Thailand, showcasing global culture and talent, where Fátima Bosch of Mexico won the Miss Universe 2025

She was crowned by Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, the outgoing Miss Universe 2024.

Bosch stood out for her advocacy work, strong communication, and confident performances across all rounds.

Praveenar Singh from Thailand, recognized for her powerful Q and A performance, cultural advocacy, and strong stage presence.

India’s Manika Vishwakarma reached the Top 12, gaining global attention for her advocacies focused on inclusive education, mental wellness, and promotion of artistic expression.

The judging panel included eight judges, notably Saina Nehwal from India, marking her international pageantry judging debut.

Since 1952, the Miss Universe Organisation has promoted values of leadership, education, diversity, social impact, and personal development.

The next edition, Miss Universe 2026, will be hosted by Puerto Rico, marking the prestigious 75th (silver jubilee) edition of the pageant.

 

IMPORTANT DAYS

National Philosophy Day

National Philosophy Day, also known globally as World Philosophy Day, is observed every year on the third Thursday of November; in 2025, it falls on 20 November.

The day promotes the pursuit of wisdom, critical thinking, dialogue, and open-minded discussion to address modern social and global challenges.

It highlights philosophy’s role in fostering tolerance, intellectual curiosity, and respect for diverse viewpoints in an interconnected world.

It was officially recognized by the UNESCO General Conference in 2005, designating the third Thursday of November as World Philosophy Day.

The first official celebration took place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and later expanded globally through events in schools, universities, cultural institutions, and public forums.