NATIONAL NEWS

India Resumes Tourist Visas for Chinese Nationals from July 24, 2025

India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals from 24 July 2025, ending a five-year suspension that began in 2020 due to border tensions in eastern Ladakh and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The visa freeze, along with suspension of direct flights, had halted almost all tourism and significantly reduced people-to-people exchanges between India and China.

The resumption follows renewed diplomatic engagement, gradual normalization of ties, and the restoration of direct passenger flights earlier in 2025.

India aims to revive its inbound tourism sector, and reopening to Chinese travelers—traditionally major contributors to foreign tourist arrivals—supports this economic objective.

The move is viewed as a strategic diplomatic gesture, signalling India’s willingness to rebuild confidence while maintaining its core security considerations.

Tourist visas will be issued through the standard online process, with regulated in-person appointments at Indian Visa Application Centres in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, ensuring secure and controlled implementation.

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

USA Names Saudi Arabia as Its 20th Major Non-NATO Ally Under President Trump

United States of America (USA) President Donald Trump designated Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization Ally (MNNA), strengthening defence ties.

With this status, Saudi Arabia became the 20th country to receive Major Non-NATO Ally recognition.

A Strategic Defence Agreement was signed to enhance military coordination, strengthen Middle East deterrence, and give priority access to U.S. defence equipment.

The designation grants military and economic privileges but does not impose binding security commitments.

The U.S. approved the future sale of F-35 advanced fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

Both nations agreed to expand cooperation in civil nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and joint research.

Saudi Arabia pledged to increase investments in the U.S. from USD 600 billion to USD 1 trillion, deepening economic partnership.

Malaysia To Ban Social Media Access For Users Below Age 16

Malaysia will enforce a nationwide restriction banning users under 16 from accessing social media starting next year to improve digital safety.

The move aims to reduce cyberbullying, scams, and online exploitation affecting minors.

The government expects social media platforms to comply with the new age limits by next year.

Several countries globally are increasing child online regulation, including Australia, France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece through age verification systems.

The trend reflects growing concerns about social media’s impact on teenage mental health.

Malaysia has recently intensified scrutiny of online platforms over harmful content such as online gambling and sensitive racial or religious posts.

A new rule requires digital platforms with over eight million Malaysian users to register with regulators, increasing government oversight.

Indonesia has also reviewed minimum age policies but currently focuses on content filtering and stronger verification systems.

India and Denmark Launch Indo-Danish Business Council

India and Denmark have launched the Indo-Danish Business Council (IDBC) in Copenhagen to strengthen bilateral ties through innovation, investment, and sustainable development.

The launch was led by Manish Prabhat, Ambassador of India to Denmark, commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The IDBC aims to foster structured cooperation that drives strategic collaboration and accelerates business growth.

The initiative expands the India–Denmark Green Strategic Partnership, promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge sharing.

Key focus sectors include Life Sciences, Deep Tech, Healthcare, Green Energy, Fintech, Venture Ecosystems, and Sustainability.

The Council unites industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to create opportunities in sectors advancing the global green and digital transition.

Freddy Svane, former Danish Ambassador to India, serves as Chairperson, promoting sustainable growth and green international partnerships.

Sudhir Mishra and Rajat Pandey serve as Co-Chairs, while Subhrangshu Kumar Neogi mentors IDBC’s India operations.

Ravindra Kumar acts as International Representative, enhancing the UK–India–Denmark business corridor through collaboration and investment.

 

BANKING

SEBI Rolls Out New Threshold Criteria to Assess Materiality in Related Party Deals

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced a threshold-based framework to determine materiality of Related Party Transactions (RPTs) based on annual consolidated turnover of listed companies.

A Related Party Transaction refers to dealings with subsidiaries, promoters, directors, or significant influencing entities, which may pose conflict-of-interest risks.

The new norms aim to remove ambiguities, address practical challenges, and balance investor protection with ease of doing business under Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) norms.

Turnover up to ₹20,000 crore: RPT is material if it exceeds 10% of annual consolidated turnover.

For companies with turnover ₹20,001–₹40,000 crore, the materiality threshold is ₹2,000 crore + 5% of turnover exceeding ₹20,000 crore.

For companies with turnover above ₹40,000 crore, the threshold is ₹3,000 crore + 2.5% of turnover exceeding ₹40,000 crore, with an upper ceiling of ₹5,000 crore to protect minority shareholders.

Earlier, under LODR, an RPT was material if it exceeded ₹1,000 crore or 10% of annual consolidated turnover, whichever was lower.

Stakeholders argued the ₹1,000 crore limit followed a one-size-fits-all approach, ignoring differences in operational scale and business models.

SEBI has relaxed disclosure requirements, allowing simplified information submission if the total RPT value does not exceed 1% of annual turnover or ₹10 crore, whichever was lower.

The simplified disclosures reduce compliance burden, particularly for mid-cap and small-cap companies.

Omnibus approvals granted in an AGM remain valid until the next AGM, while approvals in other general meetings are valid for one year from the date of approval.

The new framework promotes proportionality, flexibility, and risk-based compliance in handling RPTs.

Oman’s Central Bank Launches Unified Currency Symbol for the Omani Rial

The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) launched a new unified symbol for the Omani Rial, marking a significant milestone in the Sultanate’s financial system.

The initiative aims to strengthen the global presence, visibility, and credibility of the Omani Rial in international banking, commerce, and digital services.

CBO Governor Ahmed Ja’afar Al Musalmi highlighted that the new symbol enhances the Rial’s identity and recognition worldwide.

The unified currency symbol ensures consistent representation across financial, commercial, and digital platforms.

The development aligns with Oman Vision 2040, promoting innovation, modernization, and global economic integration.

 

DEFENCE

India’s First Mahe-Class ASW Shallow Water Craft, Inducted into Western Naval Command

INS Mahe was commissioned on 24 November 2025 at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, marking the induction of the first Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC).

The ceremony was presided over by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, and hosted by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan of Western Naval Command.

INS Mahe is designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd., Kochi, and is the lead ship of eight vessels in its class.

The ship is named after the historic coastal town Mahe on the Malabar Coast, symbolizing rich maritime heritage.

INS Mahe features over 80% indigenous content, reinforcing India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in naval capability.

The ship’s crest shows the Urumi sword and blue waves, symbolizing agility, strength, and maritime prowess, while the mascot is the Cheetah, representing speed and precision.

It is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems enabling detection, tracking, and neutralization of submarine threats in shallow coastal waters.

The ship strengthens the Indian Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities, particularly in littoral zones.

The project involves major Indian defence firms including BEL, L&T Defence, Mahindra Defence Systems, and NPOL, along with over 20 MSMEs, showcasing India’s expanding defence ecosystem.

Mahe-class vessels will serve as the first line of coastal defence, integrating with larger naval assets to maintain continuous maritime vigilance.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Justice Surya Kant Takes Charge as India’s 53rd Chief Justice

Justice Surya Kant officially assumed office as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on November 24, 2025, after being administered the oath by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Justice Surya Kant took the oath in Hindi, making it a notable ceremonial highlight.

His tenure as CJI will last until February 9, 2027, giving him nearly 15 months in office.

As CJI, his priorities include reducing case pendency, reviving Constitution Benches, promoting ADR and mediation, and enhancing technological and AI-based judicial systems.

He became the youngest Advocate General of Haryana in 2000, showing early recognition in his career.

He served as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2018, before elevation to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019.

As a Supreme Court Judge, Justice Kant was part of landmark rulings, including abrogation of Article 370, Pegasus spyware case, and presidential reference on powers of Governors and President over state bills.

Justice Kant directed disclosure of 65 lakh excluded voters in Bihar, stressing transparency in electoral processes.

Part-Time Chairperson of Jana Small Finance Bank

Chitra Talwar was appointed as the Part-Time Chairperson of Jana Small Finance Bank (Jana SFB), effective from 8 February 2026.

She will replace R. Ramaseshan, who completed his maximum tenure of eight years on 7 February 2026.

Chitra Talwar has over 30 years of experience in leading consumer companies like Britannia and PepsiCo.

She has strong expertise in sales, marketing, strategy, and general management, with experience in leading global teams for high-impact business practices.

She has been associated with Jana SFB as an Independent Director since January 2020.

President of Tanzania

Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in for her second term as President of Tanzania at a ceremony in Dodoma, Tanzania.

She is Tanzania’s 6th President and the first woman to hold the nation’s top office.

The Tanzanian General Election was held on 29 October 2025 to elect the President, National Assembly, and Local Councils.

Samia Suluhu Hassan, representing the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, won with 97.66% votes, securing a landslide victory.

Major opposition parties, including CHADEMA, were barred from contesting, raising concerns about electoral fairness.

She began her political career after development sector work and rose within CCM, gaining recognition for leadership and governance.

In 2015, she became Tanzania’s first female Vice President under President John Magufuli.

 

SPORTS

International Tennis Hall of Fame – Class of 2026

Roger Federer, one of the most iconic tennis players in history, has been elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame (Class of 2026).

The announcement was made on 19 November 2025, and the formal induction will take place in Newport, Rhode Island, from August 27–29, 2026.

Federer’s legendary career includes: 20 Grand Slam singles titles (8 Wimbledon, 6 Australian Open, 5 US Open, 1 French Open), 103 ATP Tour titles (2nd most in Open Era), 310 weeks as World No. 1, including 237 consecutive weeks and Davis Cup Winner – 2014 and Retired in 2022 after his final match at the Laver Cup

Olympic achievement includes Gold medal in doubles (2008 Beijing Olympics) and Silver medal in singles (2012 London Olympics).

Federer was elected in his first year of eligibility, reflecting his global influence and respect within the tennis community.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame honours individuals who have made a lasting impact on the sport.

Federer reacted by calling the honour “deeply humbling,” receiving the news while at Swiss Tennis, where his journey began.

The Class of 2026 also includes Mary Carillo (Contributor Category), honoured for her long-standing contributions as a tennis broadcaster and former player.

 

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed annually on 25 November to raise global awareness about violence faced by women, including rape, domestic abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence.

The day also aims to highlight the true scale and reality of violence that often remains hidden or under-reported.

The date commemorates the assassination of the Mirabal sisters of the Dominican Republic on 25 November 1960, who were murdered under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo for opposing his regime.

As per United Nations data, 19% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner, with many cases resulting in death.

In December 1999, the UN General Assembly officially designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, calling for global action to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.