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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Axis Max Life Partners with IFC to Advance Inclusive Life Insurance in India

• Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, a Joint Venture (JV) between Max Financial Services Limited (MFSL) and Axis Bank Limited, partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the lending arm of the World Bank (WB), to promote inclusive life insurance services in India.
• The aim of the partnership is to expand access to life insurance for underserved and low-income communities, with a special focus on women, promoting financial inclusion across India.
• IFC invested Rs. 285 crore (approximately USD 33 million) in Axis Max Life Insurance through long-dated subordinated debt instruments to strengthen the insurer’s solvency ratio.
• This marks IFC’s first-ever investment in a licensed life insurance company in India, demonstrating its support for the insurance sector’s development.
• The initiative aligns with India’s vision of “Insurance for All by 2047”, aiming to enhance household financial security and build a more resilient future.

NPCI Launches NPCI Tech Solutions Limited to Drive Innovation in the Fintech Sector

• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has established a new subsidiary, NPCI Tech Solutions Limited (NTSL), to promote experimentation and breakthrough innovations in the fintech sector.
• NTSL becomes the fourth subsidiary under NPCI, after NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), and NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL).
• Ajay Kumar Choudhary, Non-Executive Chairman and Independent Director of NPCI, stated that NTSL will act as a “cradle for future tech innovation” in digital payments and fintech.
• NPCI, the operator of Unified Payments Interface (UPI), now handles over 20 billion monthly transactions, underscoring India’s global leadership in digital payments.
• The announcement of NTSL was made during the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai, highlighting India’s focus on expanding fintech innovation and global payment partnerships.

Reserve Bank of India Hikes IPO Financing to ₹25 Lakh and Loans Against Shares to ₹1 Crore

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed to raise limits on IPO financing and loans against shares (LAS) provided by banks to boost capital market activity.

Key Highlights :

Proposed New Financing Limits :

• The revised limits will also apply to units of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), promoting broader market participation.
• The move is aimed at strengthening activity in the primary market and improving liquidity for investors.
• RBI officials highlighted that the previous revision was made in 1998, and the increase reflects inflation and the improved risk-handling capacity of banks over time.

RBI FAQs on the circular on 'Reset of Floating Interest Rate on Equated Monthly Instalments (EMI) based Personal Loans'

• The RBI circular is applicable only to equated periodic instalment (EPI) based personal loans and not to other types of loans.
• The definition of personal loans can be referred to as “XBRL Returns – Harmonization of Banking Statistics” dated January 4, 2018.
• Regulated Entities (REs) must communicate the impact of interest rate resets on floating rate personal loans both at the time of sanction and during the tenure of the loan.

Key Highlights :

Disclosure Requirements :

During a rising interest rate scenario, borrowers must be given options to:

1. Increase EMI or extend loan tenor, or use a combination of both;
2. Switch to a fixed interest rate, if provided by the RE;
3. Prepay the loan, either partially or fully, at any time during the remaining tenor.

Scope and Other Provisions

• The circular covers all equated instalment-based personal loans, whether they are linked to external or internal benchmarks like Base Rate, MCLR, or BPLR.
• REs are allowed to levy applicable charges for switching loans from floating to fixed rates (and vice versa) and other administrative or service costs, which must be disclosed transparently in the sanction letter and updated on the RE’s website.
• For Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs), the option to elongate the tenor of housing loans will be subject to the maximum 20-year limit as per the Master Circular on Housing Finance for UCBs dated April 11, 2023, or as amended.
• The circular applies to existing borrowers as well, ensuring that the new provisions cover both new and ongoing personal loans.

RBI FAQs-Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007

• The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act, 2007) received Presidential assent on 20th December 2007 and came into force on 12th August 2008.
• The objective of the Act is to regulate and supervise payment systems in India and to designate the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as the authority for this purpose through the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB).
• The Act provides the legal basis for “netting” and “settlement finality”, ensuring secure and final transactions in payment systems.

Key Highlights :

Under the PSS Act, RBI issued two regulations —

Payment and Settlement Systems Regulations, 2008 (effective 12 August 2008)

• Governs: authorization procedures, standards, returns and information requirements, and accounting obligations of system providers.

Payments Regulatory Board Regulations, 2025 (effective 20 May 2025)

• Deals with: the constitution, composition, and functioning of the PRB, including meetings, quorum, and committees.

Key Definitions (Section 2(1))

• Payment Obligation – What is owed by one participant to another arising from clearing or settlement.
• Payment Instruction – Any authorization or order (manual or electronic) to effect a payment between participants.
• Settlement – The completion of payment instructions, which can occur on a net or gross basis.
• Payment System – A system enabling payment between payer and beneficiary, including card operations, money transfer operations, etc., excluding stock exchanges.

Authorization and Compliance

• As per Section 4, no person other than RBI can operate or commence a payment system without authorization from the RBI.
• Application for authorization must be made in Form A (Regulation 3(2) of the 2008 Regulations) with a fee of ₹10,000/- (excluding GST).
• The PSS Act does not prohibit foreign entities from operating payment systems in India; both domestic and foreign entities must obtain RBI authorization before commencing operations.
• The RBI considers factors like need, technical standards, risk management, financial soundness, and consumer interest while deciding on authorization (Section 7).
• The RBI can refuse authorization, but must give written reasons and a chance to be heard (Section 7(3)).
• RBI can revoke authorization if the system provider violates the Act, Regulations, or directions (Section 8).
• Appeals against refusal or revocation can be made to the Central Government within 30 days (Section 9).
• RBI can collect authorization fees and demand security deposits for proper system conduct (Section 7).

RBI Powers and System Provider Obligations

• RBI is empowered to set operational standards, including format of payment instructions, timings, and membership criteria (Section 10).
• RBI can call for returns, documents, and information and has inspection powers over system providers (Sections 12–14).
• RBI can share information with other regulators in public or systemic interest (Section 15).
• RBI can issue directions to system providers or participants for smooth operation of payment systems (Sections 17–18).
• The Act legally recognizes netting and settlement finality, protecting final settlements even in cases of insolvency or winding up of a participant.
• System providers must operate in compliance with the Act, disclose charges and conditions to participants, and maintain confidentiality (Sections 20–22).

Disputes and Penalties

• Dispute settlement mechanism: disputes among participants or providers are referred to a panel, and appeals to RBI; disputes involving RBI go to the Central Government (Section 24).
• Dishonour of electronic fund transfer due to insufficient funds is an offence punishable with imprisonment or fine, similar to cheque dishonour under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (Section 25).
• Penalties include criminal prosecution and fines for unauthorized operation, false information, non-compliance, or violation of the Act or RBI directions (Sections 26–30).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Unique Identification Authority of India Partners with Behavioural Insights Limited to Strengthen Aadhaar Reliability for Minors

• The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has partnered with Behavioural Insights Limited (BIL), a global research consultancy, to enhance the adoption of the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children aged 5 and 15 years, ensuring that their Aadhaar credentials remain updated and reliable for authentication in welfare and education services.

Key Highlights:

• The Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) is required because, during initial Aadhaar enrolment, a child’s biometric data is either incomplete or not captured.
• UIDAI mandates biometric updates at age 5, when fingerprints and iris patterns become stable, and again at age 15, when major biometric changes occur.
• These updates ensure accurate identification and prevent failures during Aadhaar-based services and government schemes.
• Through the MoU, UIDAI and BIL aim to use behavioural insights and evidence-based strategies to encourage parents and guardians to complete MBU on time.
• The collaboration focuses on raising awareness, removing psychological and social barriers, and simplifying the update process to improve participation.
• To promote compliance, UIDAI has also announced a one-year fee waiver for MBU services for children aged 5 and 15.
• This initiative will increase participation, reduce financial burden on families, and improve Aadhaar authentication success rates for minors.
• The partnership underscores UIDAI’s commitment to inclusive digital identity, user-friendly governance, and enhancing service reliability through timely Aadhaar updates.

RECENT NEWS

• The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) reported over 211 crore Aadhaar authentication transactions in May 2025, reflecting the expanding role of Aadhaar in digital governance and welfare delivery. This represents a significant rise compared to previous months and May 2024.

Prime Minister’s Visit to Bhutan – Strengthening India-Bhutan Bilateral Ties

• Prime Minister of India visited Bhutan, marking a major milestone in India–Bhutan relations.
• The visit emphasized cooperation in energy, healthcare, culture, border management, and overall strategic development.
• The 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project was inaugurated, enhancing Bhutan’s power generation capacity and strengthening India–Bhutan energy collaboration under a bilateral partnership.
• Several key announcements were made during the visit, including:
  • Resumption of work on the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Project.
  • Land grant in Varanasi for a Bhutanese Temple/Monastery and Guest House.
  • Establishment of a new Immigration Check Post at Hatisar (across Gelephu) to facilitate smoother cross-border movement.
  • Approval of a ₹4000 crore Line of Credit (LoC) from India to support Bhutan’s infrastructure and developmental projects.
• Three MoUs were signed between India and Bhutan to strengthen sectoral cooperation:

1. Renewable Energy Cooperation – Focus on Solar, Wind, Biomass, Green Hydrogen, Energy Storage, and Capacity Building.

• 1. • Bhutanese Signatory: Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Minister for Energy
     • Indian Signatory: Shri Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, Minister for New & Renewable Energy

2. Health and Medicine Cooperation – Collaboration in drug production, diagnostics, maternal & child health, disease prevention, telemedicine, and training.

• 1. • Bhutanese Signatory: Mr. Pemba Wangchuk, Secretary, Ministry of Health
     • Indian Signatory: Shri Sandeep Arya, Ambassador of India to Bhutan

3. PEMA–NIMHANS Institutional Linkage – Strengthening mental health capacity building, research, and academic courses.

• 1. • Bhutanese Signatory: Ms. Dechen Wangmo, Head of PEMA Secretariat
     • Indian Signatory: Shri Sandeep Arya, Ambassador of India to Bhutan

• The visit reaffirmed India’s holistic partnership with Bhutan, focusing on:
  • Energy Security – Expansion of hydro and renewable energy projects.
  • Healthcare Development – Enhanced cooperation in mental and digital health.
  • Cultural & Religious Ties – Promotion of Bhutanese heritage in India.
  • Border Management – Improved movement through the new immigration post.
  • Financial Support – Strengthening Bhutan’s infrastructure via the Line of Credit.

India Launches First Megawatt-Hour Scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) System at NTPC NETRA, Noida

• India achieved a major technological milestone with the launch of its first megawatt-hour (MWh)-scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) system.
• The 3 MWh VRFB system, inaugurated by Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, is installed at NTPC NETRA (Noida) — the research and development centre of NTPC Limited.

Key Highlights:

• Senior officials including Shri Pankaj Agarwal (Secretary, Power) and Shri Gurdeep Singh (CMD, NTPC) attended the inauguration.
• The project marks a significant step towards long-duration energy storage (LDES) — crucial for renewable energy integration and grid stability.
• The Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) differs from conventional lithium-ion batteries by using vanadium ions in multiple oxidation states, allowing long-duration electricity storage.
• VRFBs are non-flammable, have long cycle life, and enable independent scaling of power and energy capacity.
• This indigenously developed system strengthens India’s technological self-reliance and reduces dependence on lithium and rare-earth imports.
• The initiative supports India’s vision to increase renewable energy share and ensure energy security and reliability in line with national goals under the National Green Hydrogen Mission and carbon neutrality targets.
• Minister Manohar Lal lauded the NETRA team for advancing innovative clean energy solutions, emphasizing the importance of continued R&D in green hydrogen, carbon capture, and waste-to-energy technologies.
• During the visit, the Minister reviewed several demonstration projects at NETRA, including:
  • Green Hydrogen Mobility Plant
  • STP Water-based Green Hydrogen Plant
  • Solid Oxide-based High-Temperature Steam Electrolyzer
  • Municipal Solid Waste-RDF based Enhanced Steam Gasification Plant
  • AC Microgrid (4 MWp Solar + 1 MWh Lithium-NMC Battery Storage)
• These projects highlight NTPC’s commitment to clean energy innovation, contributing to India’s transition toward a low-carbon, sustainable economy and reinforcing the country’s leadership in energy technology advancements.

Union Minister Amit Shah Launches ‘Sahakar Digi Pay’ and ‘Sahakar Digi Loan’ to Modernize Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs)

• Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched two innovative mobile applications — Sahakar Digi Pay and Sahakar Digi Loan — to promote the digital transformation of Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs).
• The launch took place during a two-day international conference on the urban cooperative credit sector, where the minister emphasized the importance of digitalization for competitiveness and modernization in India’s cashless economy.

Key Highlights:

• Sahakar Digi Pay is a digital payment platform designed to enable seamless transactions for UCB customers.
• Sahakar Digi Loan is a digital lending platform aimed at ensuring easier access to credit for individuals and small businesses.
• The objective is to encourage rapid digital adoption among UCBs to help them compete effectively in the digital economy, with a target of onboarding 1,500 banks within the next two years.
• The national goal is to establish at least one additional UCB in every town with a population over 2 lakh within five years, by converting successful cooperative credit societies into UCBs.
• Focus will be on supporting young entrepreneurs and economically weaker sections through better financial access.
• Financial reforms have significantly improved the sector’s performance: Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) reduced from 2.8% to 0.6% over the past two years.
• Key policy reforms include:
  • Adoption of model bylaws for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across India.
  • Promotion of computerization and expansion of cooperative banking services.
  • Amul and IFFCO were recognized as the world’s top two cooperatives by the International Cooperative Alliance, showcasing India’s leadership in the cooperative sector.

RECENT NEWS

• On the occasion of India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, Amit Shah, Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, inaugurated the flagship maritime event. He emphasised that India’s maritime vision is anchored in safety, stability and self‑reliance, and pointed to the structural reforms that have enabled India to emerge as a strong maritime power.

Watershed Mahotsav Launched by Ministry of Rural Development in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh

• The Union Ministry of Rural Development launched the ‘Watershed Mahotsav’ in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, to celebrate community-led water rejuvenation, soil health improvement, and sustainable rural transformation.
• The event was attended by Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Minister of State Dr. Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to empowering rural communities through water conservation and ecological restoration.

Key Highlights:

• The Mahotsav showcased innovative watershed initiatives, recognised local participation, and promoted sustainable water management as a people’s movement.
• Major initiatives unveiled included the Digital Bhumi Poojan of new watershed works, Lokarpan of completed projects, and the launch of Mission Watershed Punarutthaan, which focuses on rejuvenating degraded landscapes through participatory planning.
• Watershed Janbhagidari Cup 2025 winners were felicitated for exemplary community-led projects, and a social media competition was launched to raise awareness about watershed efforts across India.
• These efforts strengthen the Watershed Development Programme (WDP) and aim to create a water-secure, climate-resilient rural economy through technology, governance, and people’s participation.
• The Vengalayapalem Tank Rejuvenation Project, inaugurated during the event, serves as a model for participatory and sustainable water management under the Watershed Development Programme.
• The project integrates environmental restoration, local economic activities, and citizen participation, demonstrating how infrastructure growth and ecological balance can coexist.
• It aligns with key flagship missions — Mission Amrit Sarovar, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, and the Watershed Development Component of PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC–PMKSY) — to promote water conservation and land management.
• The rejuvenated Vengalayapalem tank includes a walking track, gazebo, community plaza, and children’s play area, along with 350 coconut trees planted along the bund, expected to generate ₹3 lakh annually, making the model economically self-sustaining.
• The launch of the Watershed Mahotsav and the Vengalayapalem Tank Rejuvenation Project marks a significant step toward water security, ecological sustainability, and rural prosperity, reaffirming the government’s commitment to making water conservation a people’s movement across India.

RECENT NEWS

• The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department has won the prestigious Global Tourism Award 2025, recognizing its outstanding initiatives in positioning Andhra Pradesh as one of India’s most promising tourist destinations. The award was received by tourism consultant Nishitha Goyal on behalf of the department at a ceremony held in New Delhi.

About Andhra Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: N. Chandrababu Naidu
• Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer
• Capital: Amaravati
• National Parks: Sri Venkateswara National Park, Papikonda National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Bangladesh Joins UN Water Convention as First Country from South Asia

• Bangladesh became the 1st South Asian country and the 56th globally to join the United Nations (UN) Water Convention, officially known as the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes.
• The move aims to protect and manage transboundary waterways, considered a lifeline to peace and prosperity for Bangladesh.

Key Highlights :

• About 60% of Bangladesh’s population faces high flood risk, the second highest globally after the Netherlands, while 45% face high fluvial flood risk, the highest proportion in the world.
• Over 65 million people in Bangladesh lack safe and properly managed sanitation facilities, highlighting the need for improved water and sanitation governance.
• The accession aligns with UN efforts on water governance and sanitation goals ahead of the UN Water Conference 2026 in the UAE.
• India is not a signatory to the Convention and continues to rely on bilateral treaties, such as the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) with Pakistan and the Ganga Water-Sharing Treaty (1996) with Bangladesh.

About the UN Water Convention

• The UN Water Convention, adopted in 1992 (Helsinki, Finland) and enforced in 1996, is a legally binding treaty promoting the sustainable management of shared water resources and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The Convention was initially a regional framework for Europe, later opened to all UN member states in 2016, and is administered by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
• Member states are required to prevent, control, and reduce transboundary water impacts, ensure equitable and reasonable use, and establish joint agreements and institutions for sustainable water management.
• Since 2016, non-European nations such as Chad (2018), Ghana (2020), Togo (2021), Cameroon (2022), Nigeria (2023), Iraq (2023), and Panama (2023) have joined the Convention.
• The Convention supports SDG 6.5 (Integrated Water Resource Management) and indirectly promotes SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 7 (Clean Energy), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Sierra Leone became the 57th member in September 2025, joining after Bangladesh.

About Bangladesh :

• Interim Head: Muhammad Yunus
• Capital : Dhaka
• Currency: Bangladeshi Taka (BDT).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

6th National Water Awards (NWA) 2024 Announced by Ministry of Jal Shakti

• The 6th National Water Awards (NWA) 2024 were announced by Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Paatil, at Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi.
• The awards are instituted by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti to recognise exceptional contributions in water conservation, management, and sustainable practices.

Key Highlights

• The award ceremony will be held, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, will confer the awards.
• A total of 46 winners (including joint winners) were selected across 10 categories such as Best State, District, Village Panchayat, Urban Local Body, Institution, Industry, and more.
• The National Water Awards, launched in 2018, aim to promote innovative and effective water management practices to build a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’ (Water Prosperous India).
• The 2024 edition received 751 applications via the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Winners were selected after evaluation and field verification by the Central Water Commission (CWC) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).

List of Major Winners

• Best State: Maharashtra (1st), Gujarat (2nd), Haryana (3rd)
• Best Districts: Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), Khargone (Madhya Pradesh), Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu), Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh), and Sepahijala (Tripura)
• Best Urban Local Body: Navi Mumbai (1st, Maharashtra), Bhavnagar (2nd, Gujarat), Nabadiganta Industrial Township (3rd, West Bengal – Joint), and Agra (3rd, Uttar Pradesh – Joint)
• Best Institution (Inside Campus): IIT Gandhinagar (Gujarat) and ICAR–CCARI (Goa) – Joint 1st; BITS Pilani (Rajasthan) and IUST Awantipora (J&K) – Joint 2nd; Special Mention – Assam Rifles (Manipur)
• Best Institution (Outside Campus): CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana) and Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, Berhampur Circle (Odisha) – Joint 1st
• Best Water User Association (WUA): Vettaikaranpudur Canal Odayakulam Village WUA, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) – 1st; Kanifnath WUA, Nashik (Maharashtra) – 2nd; Kharlan WUA, Sri Ganganagar (Rajasthan) – 3rd
• Best Civil Society: Banaskantha District Co-operative Milk Producers Union Ltd. (Gujarat) – 1st; Ambuja Foundation (Rajasthan) – 2nd; Art of Living (Karnataka) – 3rd
• Best Village Panchayat: Dubbiganipalli (Andhra Pradesh) and Payam (Kerala) – Joint 1st; Kaweshwar (Madhya Pradesh) and Murugummi (Andhra Pradesh) – Joint 2nd; Balapuram (Tamil Nadu) and Dumarpani (Chhattisgarh) – Joint 3rd
• Best School or College: Krishna Public School (Chhattisgarh) and Army Public School (West Bengal) – Joint 1st; BHSS, Zainakote (J&K) – 2nd; Malusanta Govt. Nodal HSS, Damanjodi (Odisha) and JBAV, Ranchi (Jharkhand) – Joint 3rd; Special Mentions – Mount Abu Public School and Maharaja Agarsain Public School (Delhi), Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Model School (Kerala)
• Best Industry: Apollo Tyres Ltd., Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) – 1st; Hero MotoCorp Ltd., Gurugram (Haryana) – 2nd; Jhajjar Power Ltd., Jhajjar (Haryana) – 3rd
• Best Individual (Excellence in Water Sector): Kishore Jaiswal (Bihar), Bajrang Lal Jaithu (Rajasthan), Mohan Chandra Kandpal (Uttarakhand), and Podili Rajasekhara Raju (Andhra Pradesh) – 1st in respective zones

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

India Improves Ranking in Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025 Released by German watch

• India has shown notable progress in the Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025, released by the German environmental think tank Germanwatch during the UN Climate Summit (COP30) held in Belem, Brazil.
• The report highlights India’s increasing resilience to climate-related disasters, reflecting improvements in disaster preparedness, risk mitigation, and climate adaptation.

Key Highlights:

• In the 2024 annual index, India ranks 15th, improving from 10th place last year.
• In the long-term index (1995–2024), India moved from 8th to 9th place, indicating reduced vulnerability to extreme weather events.
• Over the last three decades, India faced 430 extreme weather events, recorded over 80,000 fatalities, and suffered economic losses worth nearly USD 170 billion.
• Major disasters include Cyclones Hudhud (2014), Amphan (2020), the Uttarakhand floods (2013), and multiple heatwaves (1998, 2002, 2003, and 2015).
• The report attributes India’s improved ranking to:
  • Strengthened early warning systems and disaster recovery frameworks.
  • Implementation of climate policies such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
  • Leadership in global initiatives like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
  • Enhanced institutional readiness and coordination for managing extreme weather.
• Between 1995 and 2024, more than 9,700 extreme weather events occurred globally, resulting in over 832,000 deaths and economic losses worth USD 4.5 trillion.
• The countries most affected long-term include Dominica, Myanmar, and Honduras.
• For the year 2024, the most-affected countries were St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Chad.
• Over 3 billion people (around 40% of the world’s population) live in the top 11 most-affected countries, including India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines.
• India’s improved CRI performance reflects a comprehensive climate risk management framework, including:
  • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) – with eight missions on energy efficiency, solar power, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem conservation.
  • State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs) – promoting localized adaptation strategies.
  • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) – enhancing global infrastructure resilience.
  • Expansion of climate-smart agriculture, flood forecasting, and urban heatwave preparedness.
• The improvement signifies global recognition of India’s climate preparedness and opens opportunities for international collaboration and climate financing.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Neville Tata and Bhaskar Bhat Join Sir Dorabji Tata Trust as New Trustees

• Tata Trusts have inducted Neville Tata (son of Noel Tata) and Bhaskar Bhat (former MD of Titan Company Limited.) as trustees of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT), effective November 11, 2025.
• This marks a generational transition and a governance reform within the Tata Trusts, which collectively hold 52% of Tata Sons’ 66.6% stake.
• Venu Srinivasan’s tenure as trustee has been revised from lifetime to a 3-year term, in line with the Maharashtra government’s rule limiting lifetime trustees.
• Neville Tata, aged 32, joined Trent Ltd. in 2016 and currently serves on boards of JRD Tata Trust, Tata Social Welfare Trust, and RD Tata Trust.
• Bhaskar Bhat, an alumnus of IIT Madras and IIM Ahmedabad, served as Titan’s MD (2002–2019) and expanded the brand into eyewear, jewellery, and accessories, making it the group’s second-largest listed firm.
• The move strengthens Noel Tata’s control and aligns with a strategy of succession planning and long-term stewardship of the Tata legacy.
• Established in 1892 by Jamsetji Tata, the Tata Trusts are among Asia’s largest philanthropic institutions, focusing on healthcare, education, livelihoods, water and sanitation, and social equity.

Sergio Gor Sworn In as U.S. Ambassador to India, Strengthening Indo-US Strategic Ties

• Sergio Gor was officially sworn in as the United States Ambassador to India on November 11, 2025, marking a new chapter in Indo-US strategic relations.
• The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Oval Office, White House.
• Sergio Gor (38 years old) previously served as Director of Presidential Personnel in the Trump administration, where he handled key White House staffing and executive coordination functions
• He was nominated in August 2025 and confirmed by the US Senate in October 2025, reflecting bipartisan support for his appointment.
• Ambassador Gor’s priorities include strengthening Indo-Pacific regional stability, countering China’s influence, and enhancing defence and intelligence cooperation.
• Gor will soon assume charge in New Delhi, where he will engage with Indian government officials, industry leaders, and civil society to strengthen defence, digital, energy, and space collaboration.

Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais Appointed as UN Tourism’s First Female Secretary-General

• Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais has been appointed as the first-ever woman to lead UN Tourism, marking a historic milestone in the organisation’s 50-year history since its founding in 1975.
• Her appointment was confirmed during the 123rd UN Tourism Executive Council session in Segovia, Spain, and will be formally ratified by the UN General Assembly.
• She will assume office in January 2026 for a four-year term (2026–2029) as the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, a United Nations specialised agency promoting responsible, sustainable, and accessible tourism.
• She brings over 16 years of experience in tourism and business, having served as Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels, Chair of the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group, and Board Member of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council.
• Her vision for UN Tourism focuses on five key pillars — Responsible Tourism, Digital Innovation, Sustainable Financing, Youth & Women Empowerment, and Transparent Governance.
• Under her leadership, UN Tourism aims to set new global benchmarks for sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation in the tourism sector, further enhancing the UAE’s role in global leadership and gender equality.

Rakshit Hargave Appointed as CEO and Executive Director of Britannia Industries

• Britannia Industries has appointed Rakshit Hargave as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director for a five-year term, effective December 15, 2025, subject to member approval.
• In the interim, Himanshu Kapania, Managing Director of Britannia Industries, will oversee operations until Hargave assumes office.
• Prior to this, Hargave served as the CEO of Birla Opus, the paints division of the Aditya Birla Group, where he joined in November 2021 and played a key role in the startup and scaling phase of the business.
• At Birla Opus, he established six integrated manufacturing facilities and expanded nationwide distribution and supply chain networks.
• Rakshit Hargave has previously worked with major consumer goods companies including Beiersdorf (Nivea), Hindustan Unilever (HUL), and Jubilant Foodworks.
• Hargave began his career with Tata Motors and later worked at Nestle India, gaining early experience in the FMCG sector.
• He received the Distinguished Young Alumni Award from IIT Varanasi for his professional achievements.
• Britannia Industries, founded in 1892, is one of India’s leading FMCG and food companies, known for popular brands such as Good Day, Marie Gold, Bourbon, NutriChoice, and Treat.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

6th Edition of India-Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX Commences in Hanoi

• The 6th edition of India-Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX began in Hanoi, Vietnam, aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and enhancing interoperability between the two nations.
• The exercise was presided over by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnam’s Deputy Chief of General Staff Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan.
• Exercise VINBAX is a bilateral military exercise between India and Vietnam designed to enhance interoperability and share best practices in UN Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO).
• The key objectives of the 6th edition include improving coordination during joint operations, sharing peacekeeping skills, and strengthening strategic military ties.
• The exercise features joint training modules, formal ceremonies, and flag hoisting events to promote mutual trust and cooperation.
• It reinforces India’s strategic engagement with Southeast Asia and showcases India’s commitment to regional security, defence diplomacy, and UN peacekeeping efforts.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Lenskart to Introduce First AI-Powered “B by Lenskart Smartglasses” by December 2025

• Lenskart will launch its first AI-powered smart glasses called “B by Lenskart Smartglasses” by December 2025.
• The smart glasses will feature AI-based interactions, health and wellness insights, and UPI payment integration, highlighting Lenskart’s move towards a technology-led lifestyle brand.
• The device is expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chipset, optimized for AR and camera-enabled AI applications.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Usability Day 2025 – Observed on 13th November

• World Usability Day is observed annually on the second Thursday of November, and in 2025, it falls on 13th November.
• The day focuses on promoting user-friendly design, accessibility, and improved user experience (UX) across digital and physical products.
• The concept of user experience traces back to ancient Greek civilization, where the principle of ergonomics was applied in designing instruments and workspaces as early as the 5th century BC.
• The observance was established in November 2005 by the User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA), which was originally founded in 1991 with about 50 members.
• Over time, the association has expanded to a global network of over 2400 professionals, promoting usability through international conferences, the “Journal of Usability Studies (JUS)”, and the User Experience Magazine, with 59 local chapters in 30 countries.

World Kindness Day 2025 – Observed on 13th November

• World Kindness Day 2025 was observed on 13th November to promote compassion, empathy, and goodwill among individuals and communities across the globe.
• The observance gained deeper meaning after the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted how acts of kindness by doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers played a vital role in saving lives beyond medical treatment.
• The day is celebrated by around 27 countries, including India, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Japan, and Italy, although it is not yet officially recognized by the United Nations (UN).
• World Kindness Day was first celebrated in 1998 during the Tokyo Conference, marking the beginning of a global effort to foster kindness and peace.
• The World Kindness Movement was launched to unite small organizations around the world in celebrating the day, eventually growing into a global movement that promotes kindness as a means to reduce conflicts between nations and encourage mutual respect and harmony.

Daily CA One- Liner: November 13

• The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has partnered with Behavioural Insights Limited (BIL), a global research consultancy, to enhance the adoption of the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children aged 5 and 15 years, ensuring that their Aadhaar credentials remain updated and reliable for authentication in welfare and education services
• Prime Minister of India visited Bhutan, marking a major milestone in India–Bhutan relations.
• India achieved a major technological milestone with the launch of its first megawatt-hour (MWh)-scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) system
• Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched two innovative mobile applications — Sahakar Digi Pay and Sahakar Digi Loan — to promote the digital transformation of Urban Cooperative Banks
• The Union Ministry of Rural Development launched the ‘Watershed Mahotsav’ in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, to celebrate community-led water rejuvenation, soil health improvement, and sustainable rural transformation.
• The 6th National Water Awards (NWA) 2024 were announced by Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Paatil, at Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi
• India has shown notable progress in the Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025, released by the German environmental think tank Germanwatch during the UN Climate Summit (COP30) held in Belem, Brazil.
• Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, a Joint Venture (JV) between Max Financial Services Limited (MFSL) and Axis Bank Limited, partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the lending arm of the World Bank (WB), to promote inclusive life insurance services in India.
• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has established a new subsidiary, NPCI Tech Solutions Limited (NTSL), to promote experimentation and breakthrough innovations in the fintech sector.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed to raise limits on IPO financing and loans against shares (LAS) provided by banks to boost capital market activity.
• The RBI circular is applicable only to equated periodic instalment (EPI) based personal loans and not to other types of loans.
• The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act, 2007) received Presidential assent on 20th December 2007 and came into force on 12th August 2008.
• Bangladesh became the 1st South Asian country and the 56th globally to join the United Nations (UN) Water Convention, officially known as the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes.
• Tata Trusts have inducted Neville Tata (son of Noel Tata) and Bhaskar Bhat (former MD of Titan Company Limited.) as trustees of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT), effective November 11, 2025.
• Sergio Gor was officially sworn in as the United States Ambassador to India on November 11, 2025, marking a new chapter in Indo-US strategic relations.
• Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais has been appointed as the first-ever woman to lead UN Tourism, marking a historic milestone in the organisation’s 50-year history since its founding in 1975.
• Britannia Industries has appointed Rakshit Hargave as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director for a five-year term, effective December 15, 2025, subject to member approval.
• The 6th edition of India-Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX began in Hanoi, Vietnam, aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and enhancing interoperability between the two nations.
• Lenskart will launch its first AI-powered smart glasses called “B by Lenskart Smartglasses” by December 2025.
• World Usability Day is observed annually on the second Thursday of November, and in 2025, it falls on 13th November
• World Kindness Day 2025 was observed on 13th November to promote compassion, empathy, and goodwill among individuals and communities across the globe