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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India Expands Alert List of Unauthorised Forex Trading Platforms

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expanded its alert list of unauthorised online forex trading platforms, adding seven new names, taking the total count to 95.
• The latest additions to the list are Starnet FX, CapPlace, Mirrox, Fusion Markets, Trive, NXG Markets, and Nord FX.
• All entities on the list are not permitted to conduct foreign exchange transactions under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.
• None of these platforms are authorised to operate electronic trading platforms for forex dealings.
• The RBI clarified that the list also includes entities, platforms, or websites that advertise, support, or provide training for unauthorised forex operations.

HDFC Bank Reclaims India’s Most Valuable Brand Title in 2025, Surpassing TCS

• HDFC Bank, with a brand value of $44.9 billion, has regained its position as India’s most valuable brand, surpassing Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in the 2025 Kantar BrandZ India rankings.
• The bank’s brand value has increased by 377% since 2014, reflecting its strong long-term brand growth and market credibility.
• HDFC Bank had earlier lost the top position to TCS in 2022, but reclaimed it in 2025, supported by brand initiatives such as “Vigil Aunty” and 30-minute digital auto loans.

Key Highlights :

• The top five Indian brands in 2025 are

1. HDFC Bank ($44.9bn)
2. TCS ($44.23bn)
3. Airtel ($41.07bn)
4. Infosys ($25.54bn)
5. ICICI Bank ($20.63bn).

• According to the report, India’s top 100 brands are valued at $523.5 billion, representing around 13% of India’s GDP, and 34 brands increased their value in 2025.
• Eighteen new brands entered the list, including UltraTech Cement, which debuted at 7th place with a valuation of $14.5 billion, driven by consumer-focused brand positioning and retail solutions.
• Retail brands Westside ($3.3bn) and Zudio ($2.5bn), both from the Tata Group, made their first appearance at ranks 38 and 52, respectively.
• Zomato remained the fastest-growing Indian brand for the second consecutive year, rising 10 places to rank 21 and increasing its valuation by 69% to $6 billion, driven by expansion beyond food delivery.
• Travel and lifestyle brands posted strong growth, with Taj ($2.9bn), IndiGo ($5.1bn), MakeMyTrip ($2.4bn), and Mahindra & Mahindra ($5.5bn) reflecting the rise of an “experience economy” in India.

Demat Accounts in India Cross 21 Crore for the First Time Amid Record Retail Participation (October 2025)

• India’s equity markets saw a record surge in retail participation as total demat accounts crossed 21 crore in October 2025 for the first time.
• The jump was driven by a strong IPO season, rising stock indices, and increased digital onboarding of investors.

Key Highlights :

• Demat accounts increased from 20.7 crore to 21 crore in October 2025, adding over 30 lakh new accounts, a 22% rise from September.
• The demat ecosystem is managed by NSDL and CDSL, India’s two central securities depositories.
• October 2025 became the busiest month for IPOs, with 33 companies raising ₹39,140 crore from the primary market.
• Major IPOs included Tata Capital (₹15,511 crore), LG Electronics (₹11,600 crore), WeWork India (₹3,000 crore), and Canara HSBC Life Insurance (₹2,517 crore).
• The market rally supported investor excitement as Sensex and Nifty gained nearly 3% in October, while BSE MidCap rose 4% and BSE SmallCap 3%.
• The 33 IPO listings across mainboard and SME platforms played a major role in onboarding new retail market participants.
• Digital platforms, fintech apps, and UPI-enabled IPO applications made opening and operating demat accounts simpler and faster.
• Active client participation saw a correction, as the top 25 brokers lost around 57,000 active clients in October, bringing total active demat accounts to 4.52 crore.

Reserve Bank of India Grants Final Approval to PayGlocal to Operate as a Cross-Border Payment Aggregator

• PayGlocal has received final authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA) with expanded scope for inward and outward cross-border transactions.
• The authorization enables PayGlocal to facilitate global payment flows, offering seamless acceptance and remittance services for Indian merchants and international clients.
• This approval strengthens PayGlocal’s role as a regulated digital payments player in India’s fintech ecosystem.
• The new approval follows its earlier Payment Aggregator – Online (PA-O) license granted in September 2024.
• PayGlocal supports merchant onboarding across multiple sectors, including retail, education, exports, software services, and travel, enabling efficient cross-border payment settlements.
• The platform enables Indian exporters, freelancers, and businesses to receive funds from global customers and allows foreign merchants to accept payments from Indian consumers through cards, UPI, and various payment gateways.
• PayGlocal uses a robust technology stack, featuring multi-currency accounts, fraud prevention systems, intelligent payment routing, and automated compliance tools.
• The platform ensures compliance with RBI mandates, including Know Your Customer (KYC), anti-money laundering rules, and sanction screening guidelines.

South Indian Bank introduces ‘SIB HER Account’, a premium women-focused savings account launched in Kochi, Kerala

• South Indian Bank (SIB) launched the SIB HER Account, a premium savings account designed exclusively for women including NRI customers, during an event held in Kochi, Kerala.
• The account aims to provide financial, insurance, lifestyle, and wellness benefits tailored to women’s needs throughout their financial planning journey.
• The account is available to women aged 18–54, including NRIs, with a monthly balance requirement of ₹50,000, which is waived if a Fixed Deposit (FD) of ₹1 lakh is maintained or debit card spends reach ₹50,000.
• The account offers an auto-sweep facility above ₹1 lakh, along with unlimited ATM withdrawals and free NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, cheque books, and demand drafts.
• Customers can open up to three family add-on accounts and receive a 50% waiver on locker rent.
• The account provides ₹1 crore air accident insurance, ₹1 lakh personal accident cover, discounted cancer care insurance up to ₹25 lakh, and reduced premium on women-specific term insurance for cover of ₹2 crore and above.
• Customers also receive concessions on retail loans including home, vehicle, and business loans, with up to 50% waiver on processing fees and a one-day sanction facility for the HER Power Business Loan.

About South Indian Bank:

• Founded Year: 1929
• Headquarters: Thrissur, Kerala, India
• CEO: P.R. Seshadri
• Slogan: "Experience Next-Gen Banking"

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Mandates Phase-Wise Implementation of 1600 Number Series for BFSI Entities Under RBI, SEBI and PFRDA Regulation

• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a Direction mandating timelines for adoption of the ‘1600’ numbering series by entities regulated by Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)..
• The move aims to enhance consumer trust, reduce spam, and curb financial fraud carried out through voice calls.

Key Highlights :

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has assigned the ‘1600’ numbering series for Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) entities and government organisations.
• The ‘1600’ series will help citizens easily identify legitimate service and transactional calls from regulated financial institutions.
• After engagement with telecom providers and regulators, about 485 entities have adopted the 1600 series with over 2,800 numbers already in use.
• TRAI has now issued a time-bound phase-wise implementation schedule to shift entities still using standard 10-digit numbers to the 1600 series.

Adoption Deadlines

RBI-Regulated Entities

• Commercial Banks (Public, Private, and Foreign Banks) must be onboard by 1 January 2026.
• Large NBFCs (asset size above ₹5,000 crore), Payments Banks, and Small Finance Banks must be onboard by 1 February 2026.
• Remaining NBFCs, Cooperative Banks, Regional Rural Banks, and smaller entities must be onboard by 1 March 2026.

SEBI-Regulated Entities

• Mutual Funds and Asset Management Companies (AMCs) must adopt the 1600 series by 15 February 2026.
• Qualified Stockbrokers (QSBs) must adopt the 1600 series by 15 March 2026.
• Other SEBI intermediaries may voluntarily migrate after verification.

PFRDA-Regulated Entities

• Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs) and Pension Fund Managers must be onboard by 15 February 2026.
• Deadlines for insurance sector entities are still under discussion with IRDAI and will be notified later.
• The structured and time-bound implementation of the 1600 numbering system will improve consumer protection and reduce impersonation-based frauds in the financial sector.

Reserve Bank of India Authorises Easebuzz to Operate as a Full-Service Payment Aggregator

• Easebuzz has received authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a full-service Payment Aggregator (PA).
• With this approval, Easebuzz can now provide online, offline, and cross-border payment services to merchants.
• The approval places Easebuzz alongside other licensed players such as Infibeam Avenues and PayU, which also received PA-P licences for offline digital payments.
• The PA licence enables Easebuzz to offer a complete payment services suite, including online payment acceptance, PoS devices, UPI soundboxes, and cross-border inward and outward payment solutions.

Bank of Baroda and Small Industries Development Bank of India Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Boost Credit and Working Capital Support for MSMEs and Startups

• Bank of Baroda (BoB) and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) have signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to scale up credit flow and working capital support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups.
• Under the agreement, both institutions will jointly finance MSMEs, enable SIDBI-sanctioned borrowers to access BoB’s working capital platform, and support export-focused enterprises with customized banking solutions.
• SIDBI will contribute through its Venture Debt Programme, while Bank of Baroda will offer advisory services, structured financial products, and customized credit solutions for growth-stage startups.
• The MoU also includes strategic collaboration for incubators, accelerators, and MSME clusters, combining BoB’s extensive branch network with SIDBI’s expertise in micro-enterprise development.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

The Government of India Launches ‘YUVA Artificial Intelligence (AI) for ALL’ Course

• The Government of India has launched ‘YUVA Artificial Intelligence (AI) for ALL’, a free national-level online course aimed at teaching basic AI skills to 1 crore (10 million) citizens.
• The initiative was announced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the IndiaAI Mission, marking a major step toward AI inclusivity and digital empowerment.
• The course is a 4.5-hour, self-paced programme designed to make AI easy, practical, and accessible, using Indian examples, simple language, and real-life case studies.
• It is available free of cost on platforms such as FutureSkills Prime, Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) Karmayogi, and other major educational technology platforms.
• After completion, learners receive an official Government of India certificate to showcase their newly acquired AI knowledge and skills.
• The course includes six modules covering:
  • Understanding what AI is and how it works
  • How AI is transforming education, jobs, and creativity
  • Responsible and ethical AI usage
  • Indian real-world AI applications
  • Exposure to AI tools and applications
  • The future of AI and job opportunities
• The initiative helps bridge the AI knowledge gap by offering foundational AI literacy to citizens across India.
• It supports India’s vision of becoming a future-ready, AI-driven digital economy, preparing learners for job markets where AI skills are increasingly important.
• The course promotes ethical, safe, and inclusive AI practices, ensuring awareness of both the opportunities and risks associated with AI.
• Anyone in India, irrespective of age, education, or profession, can enroll with:
  • 100% free access
  • Flexible, self-paced learning
  • Government certification
• The course content is designed by Jaspreet Bindra, Founder of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Beyond and a noted technology author.
• Schools, universities, and companies can partner with IndiaAI to promote the course, integrate it into their learning systems, and co-brand certificates.

India Signs First Structured Liquefied Petroleum Gas Import Deal with the United States

• India signed its first structured deal to import Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from the United States, with supplies beginning in 2026.
• Under the agreement, India will import 2.2 Million Tonnes Per Annum  (MTPA) of LPG, covering 10% of India’s total annual LPG imports.
• LPG is a major household fuel in India, especially for cooking, and schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) have increased LPG access nationwide.

Key Highlights

• India meets over 60% of its LPG demand through imports, mainly from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Kuwait, prompting the need for diversification.
• The 2026 contract will see Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) jointly importing LPG from United States suppliers such as Chevron, Phillips 66, and TotalEnergies.
• Supplies will originate from the United States Gulf Coast, with pricing linked to the Mont Belvieu benchmark, commonly used in the United States LPG market.
• The deal strengthens energy security by reducing dependence on the Middle East, supports trade balance by increasing imports from the United States, and provides Indian companies with alternative pricing options.
• Challenges include the propane-rich nature of United States LPG (India prefers butane-heavy LPG for cooking), higher freight costs, and the short-term nature of the one-year contract.
• Consumer cylinder prices may not reduce immediately due to subsidy structures and overall cost factors.
• The agreement reflects India’s broader strategy to diversify energy imports, enhance supply chain resilience, and expand future energy partnerships with the United States and other suppliers.

RECENT NEWS

• India’s Department of Posts has announced the temporary suspension of international postal services to the United States starting August 25, 2025, in response to a recent policy shift by the U.S. government.

India Re-Elected to Codex Executive Committee at CAC48

• At the 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48), India was unanimously re-elected as Member Asia to the Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC), strengthening its leadership in global food safety and international food trade governance until 2027.
• This re-election marks a strong global endorsement of India’s technical expertise, collaborative leadership, and its role in representing Asian-region interests in global food standard-setting.
• The Indian delegation was led by Shri Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), along with officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other expert bodies.
• India emphasized the need for efficient operations, equitable standards, stronger data systems, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence-based tools for Codex processes, especially for document translation and faster accessibility.
• During Codex Executive Committee session 89 (CCEXEC89), India highlighted the importance of using updated global databases for:
  • Food additives
  • Pesticide residues
  • Veterinary drugs
  • Contaminants in food
  • Methods of analysis

RECENT NEWS

• India has been re-elected to both the Council of Administration (CA) and the Postal Operations Council (POC) of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) during the 28th UPU Congress held in Dubai.

India to Host Global Big Cats Summit 2026

• India will host the Global Big Cats Summit in New Delhi in 2026, demonstrating its leadership in wildlife conservation and climate action.
• The announcement was made by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav during the High-Level Ministerial Segment on the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in Brazil.
• The summit will act as a major global platform bringing together:
  • Big cat range countries
  • Countries working on biodiversity conservation
  • Stakeholders involved in climate security
• Aim of the summit: to strengthen global partnerships, share conservation strategies, and align efforts to protect the seven major big cat species — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, jaguar, cheetah, and puma.
• India’s major conservation achievements highlighted:
  • Tiger population doubled ahead of global targets.
  • Asiatic lion population increasing steadily in Gujarat.
  • African cheetah reintroduction project ongoing in Madhya Pradesh.
• Protecting big cat habitats contributes to:
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Watershed protection
  • Climate adaptation
  • Disaster risk reduction
• The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was launched by India in 2023 to coordinate global efforts for big cat protection. IBCA focuses on:
  • Research promotion
  • Capacity building
  • Policy exchange
  • Cross-border cooperation
  • Sustainable financing models for wildlife conservation
• The Minister urged all nations to join IBCA, stressing that big cat conservation ensures species survival and strengthens the planet’s ecological security.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

‘Parasocial’ Named Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2025 Amid Rising One-Sided Digital Bonds

• Cambridge Dictionary has declared ‘parasocial’ as the Word of the Year 2025, reflecting the rise of one-sided emotional connections with celebrities, influencers, fictional characters, and AI chatbots.
• The announcement coincided with the inclusion of 6,000 new words in the dictionary, featuring trending internet terms like ‘delulu’, ‘slop’, ‘skibidi’, and ‘tradwife’.
• Parasocial is defined as an adjective describing a relationship or emotional bond felt toward a celebrity, fictional character, or AI personality, despite no real interaction.
• The term ‘parasocial’ was first coined in 1956 by sociologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl, and gained modern relevance with social media, livestreaming, and AI interaction.
• The word entered the Cambridge Dictionary in 2023 after lexicographers recorded a significant rise in its usage across news and social media.
• Other shortlisted words for 2025 included ‘pseudonymization’, meaning masking personal data, and ‘memeify’, meaning turning something into a meme.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Army Obtains IPR Protection for Newly Designed Digital Print Coat Combat

• The Indian Army introduced a New Coat Combat (Digital Print) in January 2025, following the unveiling of the digital print Combat Uniform, marking a step toward modernisation, indigenisation, and enhanced soldier comfort.
• The new coat was designed and developed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, under the Army Design Bureau, incorporating advanced technical textiles and ergonomic design for improved comfort, mobility, and efficiency.

Key Highlights :

• The design has been registered with the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, Kolkata, under Design Application No. 449667-001 dated 27 February 2025, and published on 07 October 2025.
• With this registration, the Indian Army holds exclusive Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) over both the design and camouflage pattern, preventing unauthorized commercial use or manufacturing by external entities.
• Legal protection under the Designs Act, 2000, Designs Rules, 2001, and Patents Act, 1970, ensures action such as injunctions and damage claims in case of infringement.
• The New Coat Combat ensemble consists of three layers:
• Outer Layer – Printed camouflage coat for durability and concealment.
• Inner Jacket – Lightweight, breathable insulated mid-layer for warmth.
• Thermal Layer – Base layer for thermal regulation and moisture control.
• The new system represents a major leap in combining functionality, protection, and comfort, supporting better soldier performance in varied climatic and tactical conditions.
• The IPR achievement highlights the Army’s focus on innovation, design protection, and self-reliance, aligned with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and the Army’s ‘Decade of Transformation (2023–2032)’.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Nitish Kumar Sworn In as Bihar Chief Minister for an Unprecedented 10th Term

• Nitish Kumar was sworn in as Chief Minister of Bihar for the 10th time on 20 November 2025, marking a historic milestone in his political career.
• The swearing-in ceremony was held at Gandhi Maidan, Patna, and the oath was administered by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.
• A total of 27 Ministers, including the Chief Minister, took oath in the new government, with 14 from BJP, 8 from JD(U), 2 from LJP (RV), and 1 each from HAM(S) and RLM.
• The NDA achieved a landslide victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections, securing 202 seats in the 243-member House, while the Mahagathbandhan won only 35 seats.
• Within the NDA, BJP won 89 seats, JD(U) 85 seats, LJP(RV) 19, HAM 5, and RLM 4, giving the alliance a strong and stable mandate.
• BJP leaders Vinay Kumar Sinha and Samrat Choudhary were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers, strengthening BJP’s role in the coalition government.
• The new Cabinet includes nine new faces, including Sanjay Kumar Singh of LJP(RV), who defeated Tej Pratap Yadav in the Mahua constituency.
• The new Cabinet features only one Muslim member, highlighting the demographic makeup of the ministerial council.
• Nitish Kumar, aged 71, did not contest the election and serves as an MLC, yet continues as one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers in India, with over 19 years in office.

Raghavendra Srinivas Bhat Named MD & CEO of Karnataka Bank for One-Year Term

• Karnataka Bank appointed Raghavendra Srinivas Bhat as Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for one year starting 16 November 2025, following RBI approval on 14 November 2025.
• Prior to this, Bhat served as Additional Director (MD & CEO) for three months from 16 July 2025, after the sudden resignations of the previous top executives.
• The RBI granted a one-month extension for his tenure starting 16 October 2025 before approving the full one-year term.
• The leadership appointments followed the resignations of former MD & CEO Srikrishan Hari Hara Sarma and former ED Sekhar Rao in June 2025, which created leadership gaps in the bank.

About Karnataka Bank:

• Founded: 1924
• Headquarters: Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
• Tagline: "Your Family Bank, Across India"

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SUMMITS & CONFERENCES

47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit hosted in Kuala Lumpur under Malaysia’s leadership from 26–28 October 2025

• The 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit was held from 26–28 October 2025 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia, under Malaysia’s chairmanship.
• The summit theme was “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, focusing on wider participation and long-term stability.
• India was represented by Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, while PM Narendra Modi participated virtually.
• The summit was chaired by Malaysian PM Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, featuring Plenary and Retreat Sessions.
• Ten ASEAN member states attended, and Timor-Leste formally joined as the 11th member during the summit.
• Special guests included Mark Carney (Prime Minister of Canada), Antonio Costa (President of the European Council), and Kristalina Georgieva (IMF Managing Director).
• Discussions during the sessions focused on community building, external relations, and review of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) on Myanmar and major regional issues.

Key Highlights :

• Multiple associated meetings were held, including ASEAN Plus One Summits with seven dialogue partners: Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the USA.
• Other events included the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN–UN Summit, ASEAN–New Zealand Commemorative Summit, and more.
• Malaysia also hosted the 5th RCEP Summit, 3rd AZEC Leaders’ Meeting, and the ASEAN–India Summit 2025.
• The 20th East Asia Summit (EAS) was held on 27 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, chaired by the Malaysian PM.
• Dr.S. Jaishankar represented India at the EAS, proposing to host an EAS Maritime Heritage Festival in Lothal (Gujarat) and the 7th EAS Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation.
• The EAS, established in 2005, is a major Indo-Pacific forum involving 10 ASEAN members and 8 dialogue partners.

About ASEAN :

• Headquarters : Jakarta, Indonesia
• Established : 1967.
• Secretary-General : Kao Kim Hourn

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Elevation Capital Offloads 1.86% Stake in One97 Communications for ₹1,556 Crore

• SoftBank Asia Infrastructure Fund (SAIF) Partners, also known as Elevation Capital, sold a 1.86% stake (1.19 crore shares) in One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm.
• The sale was valued at ₹1,556 crore at an average price of ₹1,305 per share through open-market transactions.
• This is the first share sale by SAIF Partners since Paytm’s IPO in November 2021.
• The transaction was executed through SAIF III Mauritius Company Limited and SAIF Partners India IV Limited, both affiliated with SAIF Partners.
• Following the sale, SAIF Partners’ shareholding decreased from 15.33% to 13.47% in One97 Communications.
• One97 Communications, founded in 2000 by Vijay Shekhar Sharma, operates Paytm, offering UPI, wallet, QR payments, merchant devices, and other digital payment services.
• Paytm also provides financial services such as loans through partners, insurance, and investments.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Dr. Jitendra Singh Unveils India’s First Indigenous CRISPR-Based Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease Targeting Tribal Communities

• Dr.Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, launched India’s first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease, named BIRSA 101, dedicated to Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
• The launch marks India’s formal move toward becoming a Sickle Cell Disease–free nation, supporting the vision of PM Narendra Modi for a Sickle Cell–Free India by 2047.
• The therapy was developed at CSIR–Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (IGIB), showcasing India’s ability to create advanced gene therapies at a fraction of global costs, compared to international treatment costs of ₹20–25 crore.
• BIRSA 101 uses a precise CRISPR gene-editing approach, described as “genetic surgery”, capable of treating Sickle Cell Disease and other hereditary disorders.
• A technology transfer agreement was signed between CSIR-IGIB and Serum Institute of India, enabling scalable and affordable production of CRISPR-based therapies.
• Public-private partnership between government institutions and the Serum Institute of India strengthens India’s leadership in frontline medical technologies, similar to successes in COVID-19, HPV, and other vaccines.
• Singh inaugurated a new advanced research and translational facility at CSIR-IGIB, while encouraging collaboration through a “One Week–One Theme” research model across scientific agencies.
• The initiative carries high national importance, especially for tribal populations in central and eastern India, where Sickle Cell Disease prevalence is highest.

India and Sri Lanka Hold First Joint Working Group Meeting on Agriculture

• The first Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Agriculture between India and Sri Lanka was held at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, strengthening bilateral agricultural cooperation.
• The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (India), and D. P. Wickramasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation (Sri Lanka).
• Discussions focused on collaboration in farm mechanization, organic and natural farming, seed sector development, agri-entrepreneurship, agricultural education, soil health management, market access, and climate-resilient agriculture.
• Both sides also explored opportunities for joint research and capacity building to enhance the agricultural ecosystem.
• Key national initiatives such as digital agriculture, crop insurance, and agri-startups were discussed during the meeting.
• The Sri Lankan delegation visited the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, New Delhi, to observe India’s agricultural research and innovation ecosystem.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Centre for Development of Telematics Signs MoU with Andhra Pradesh Government to Join Amaravati Quantum Valley Initiative

• The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier telecom Research and Development (R&D) centre under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh Government to participate in the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) initiative.

Key Highlights

• C-DOT is engaged in the design and development of indigenous telecom solutions and deployment of cutting-edge communication technologies to meet India’s strategic and socio-economic needs.
• It has also pioneered Quantum Security solutions, which are already deployed at premier academic institutes, Government R&D labs, and live network environments.
• The Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) project, launched by the Andhra Pradesh Government in Amaravati, aims to build an integrated quantum ecosystem combining hardware manufacturing, software development, talent development, and advanced research capabilities.
• Through this partnership, C-DOT will establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Quantum Communication and Security Solutions within the Amaravati Quantum Valley. The CoE will also work on Privacy Enhancement Technologies (PETs) and allied quantum domains.
• C-DOT will focus on developing Quantum Communication solutions at the proposed centre in AQV and will provide expertise to support infrastructure, talent development, and emerging quantum technology players in India.
• The collaboration will strengthen research and testing aligned with the National Quantum Mission (NQM), especially in Quantum Security Solutions, while developing PETs for compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) framework of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• The initiative also includes cost-effective sub-component development for quantum communication systems and the establishment of an integrated testbed for quantum security, advancing AQV’s mission to create a quantum-safe ecosystem and enhance digital privacy and data protection across India.
• The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Shri Nara Lokesh, Minister of Information Technology (IT), Government of Andhra Pradesh, during the 30th CII Partnership Summit at Visakhapatnam (Vizag).
• The MoU was signed by Dr. Pankaj Kumar Dalela, Executive Vice President, C-DOT, in the presence of Shri Nara Lokesh, Minister of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) and Human Resource Development (HRD), Andhra Pradesh, and Shri Bhaskar Katamneni, Secretary, ITE&C Department, Andhra Pradesh.

Telecommunication Engineering Centre Signs MoU with IIIT Delhi for Joint Research in Advanced Telecom Technologies and Global Standardisation

• The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi (IIIT Delhi) to collaborate on joint studies, research, and technical contributions in advanced telecom technologies and global standardisation activities.
• The partnership aims to develop India-specific standards and test frameworks, conduct collaborative research in telecom and related Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), explore future network technologies such as 6G, Optical Communication, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), and enhance India’s participation in International Telecommunication Union – Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) Study Groups through National Working Groups.
• The MoU was signed on 19 November 2025 by Shri Rakesh Desai, Deputy Director General (DDG) – Fixed Access, TEC, and Dr. Abhjit Mitra, Assistant Professor, IIIT Delhi, in the presence of Dr. Prof. Ranjan Bose, Director, IIIT Delhi; Shri Pawan Gupta, DDG (Admin.), TEC; and Dr. Prof. Vivek Ashok Bohara, ECE Department, IIIT Delhi, at IIIT Delhi.
• The partnership establishes a formal framework for TEC and IIIT Delhi to work together on next-generation telecom technologies and global standardisation activities.
• Key Areas of Collaboration include:
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Telecom: AI-based network optimisation, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, intelligent traffic management, and AI-driven policy enforcement.
  • 5G/6G Technologies: Collaborative research and standardisation in 5G, 6G, millimetre Wave (mmWave), massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (mMIMO), and heterogeneous networks.
  • Software Defined Network (SDN) & Network Function Virtualization (NFV): Joint studies and standardisation efforts.
  • Free Space Optical Communication / Li-Fi: Contributions towards standards for high-speed, low-latency, secure optical wireless connectivity, especially for rural and defence applications.
  • Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs): Use of ICTs to improve energy efficiency in telecom equipment and infrastructure.
• This collaboration aims to accelerate indigenous Research & Development (R&D) and strengthen India’s role in global standardisation bodies such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
• The initiative supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by boosting indigenous research, design, and manufacturing in telecom — developing India-specific standards, test frameworks, and home-grown solutions to ensure national self-reliance, secure critical communication infrastructure, and reduce import dependence.

About TEC:

• The Telecommunication Engineering Centre is the technical arm of the DoT. It formulates technical standards, specifications, and conformity assessment requirements for telecom equipment and networks in India. It represents India in global fora such as ITU-T and ITU-R and coordinates National Working Groups for international standardisation.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND REPORTS

India Slips to 23rd Rank in Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026

• India has slipped 13 places from its previous ranking to 23rd position in the latest Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026, mainly due to the absence of any national deadline to exit coal usage.
• The report noted that no country is doing enough to prevent dangerous climate change, leaving the top three global positions vacant.
• The CCPI 2026 is jointly published by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and Climate Action Network at the United Nations (UN) COP30 Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil.
• It is an annual independent monitoring tool assessing climate mitigation performance of 63 countries and the European Union, which together account for over 90% of global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
• India stands at 23rd position with a score of 61.31, slipping from last year’s rank and moving from a ‘high performer’ to a ‘medium performer’ category.
• The report labelled India among the biggest global producers of oil, gas, and coal.
• The CCPI highlighted that global climate action demands a time-bound coal phase-down, eventually leading to a coal phase-out, along with redirecting fossil subsidies toward decentralised community-owned renewable energy systems.
• Rankings for CCPI 2026:
  • 4th: Denmark – 80.52
  • 5th: United Kingdom (UK) – 70.8
  • 6th: Morocco – 70.75
  • Bottom: Saudi Arabia – 11.9
  • 66th: Iran – 14.33
  • 65th: United States of America (USA) – 21.84

QS World University Sustainability Rankings 2026 Released

• The QS World University Sustainability Rankings 2026, released by global education analytics firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), placed Lund University, Sweden at Rank 1 for the first time since the rankings began in 2023, replacing the earlier topper, the University of Toronto, which held the top position in 2024 and 2025.
• The 2026 edition assessed nearly 2,000 universities from 106 countries, compared to around 1,750 institutions in the previous year, marking a major expansion in evaluating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance in higher education.
• Top 10 Universities (2026):
  1. Lund University (Sweden)
  2. University of Toronto (Canada)
  3. University College London – UCL (United Kingdom)
  4. University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom)
  5. University of British Columbia (Canada)
  6. London School of Economics and Political Science – LSE (United Kingdom)
  7. Imperial College London (United Kingdom)
  8. University of New South Wales – UNSW Sydney (Australia)
  9. McGill University (Canada)
  10. University of Manchester (United Kingdom)
• Lund University secured a perfect score of 100, and the top 10 list shows strong representation from the United Kingdom and Canada.
• India recorded major progress with 103 Indian universities included in the 2026 rankings, and 26 institutions debuting, the second-highest number of new entries after Mainland China.

• Indian institutions failed to make it to the top 200 in the QS World University Rankings Sustainability 2026, which were released.
• IIT Delhi ranked first among Indian institutes, followed by IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur.
• IIT Delhi grabbed the 205th spot globally with a score of 83.1, slipping from its previous year's rank of 171.

Seven Indian institutions ranked in Asia’s Top 100:

• IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, and Delhi University.
• 20 Indian institutions placed in the Top 200 and 66 in the Top 500.
• Compared to last year: 36 institutes improved, 16 remained unchanged, and 105 fell in ranking, due to expanded evaluation parameters.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Television Day 2025 Observed on 21 November

• World Television Day 2025 is observed on 21 November to recognize the impact of television in shaping decision-making, drawing global attention to conflicts, peace and security issues, and its role in highlighting major economic and social challenges.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) instituted World Television Day to acknowledge television as a powerful medium of communication that influences public awareness and global dialogue.
• In 1927, Philo Taylor Farnsworth, a 21-year-old inventor, developed the world’s first electronic television, marking a major milestone in modern communication history.
• The United Nations held the first World Television Forum on 21–22 November 1996, where UN leaders recognized television’s ability to:
  • Draw attention to conflicts
  • Raise awareness of threats to peace and security
  • Sharpen focus on global social and economic issues
• Television continues to have a strong influence on world politics, public opinion, and information dissemination.
• The UN General Assembly declared 21 November as World Television Day, not to celebrate the device itself, but to honor television as a symbol of global communication and globalization in the contemporary world.

Daily CA One- Liner: November 21

• The Government of India has launched ‘YUVA Artificial Intelligence (AI) for ALL’, a free national-level online course aimed at teaching basic AI skills to 1 crore (10 million) citizens
• India signed its first structured deal to import Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from the United States, with supplies beginning in 2026
• At the 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48), India was unanimously re-elected as Member Asia to the Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC), strengthening its leadership in global food safety and international food trade governance until 2027
• India will host the Global Big Cats Summit in New Delhi in 2026, demonstrating its leadership in wildlife conservation and climate action
• The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier telecom Research and Development (R&D) centre under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh Government to participate in the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) initiative
• The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi (IIIT Delhi) to collaborate on joint studies, research, and technical contributions in advanced telecom technologies and global standardisation activities
• India has slipped 13 places from its previous ranking to 23rd position in the latest Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026, mainly due to the absence of any national deadline to exit coal usage
• The QS World University Sustainability Rankings 2026, released by global education analytics firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), placed Lund University, Sweden at Rank 1 for the first time since the rankings began in 2023, replacing the earlier topper, the University of Toronto, which held the top position in 2024 and 2025
• World Television Day 2025 is observed on 21 November to recognize the impact of television in shaping decision-making, drawing global attention to conflicts, peace and security issues, and its role in highlighting major economic and social challenges.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expanded its alert list of unauthorised online forex trading platforms, adding seven new names, taking the total count to 95.
• HDFC Bank, with a brand value of $44.9 billion, has regained its position as India’s most valuable brand, surpassing Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in the 2025 Kantar BrandZ India rankings.
• India’s equity markets saw a record surge in retail participation as total demat accounts crossed 21 crore in October 2025 for the first time.
• PayGlocal has received final authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA) with expanded scope for inward and outward cross-border transactions.
• South Indian Bank (SIB) launched the SIB HER Account, a premium savings account designed exclusively for women including NRI customers, during an event held in Kochi, Kerala.
• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a Direction mandating timelines for adoption of the ‘1600’ numbering series by entities regulated by Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)..
• Easebuzz has received authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a full-service Payment Aggregator (PA).
• Bank of Baroda (BoB) and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) have signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to scale up credit flow and working capital support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups.
• Cambridge Dictionary has declared ‘parasocial’ as the Word of the Year 2025, reflecting the rise of one-sided emotional connections with celebrities, influencers, fictional characters, and AI chatbots.
• The Indian Army introduced a New Coat Combat (Digital Print) in January 2025, following the unveiling of the digital print Combat Uniform, marking a step toward modernisation, indigenisation, and enhanced soldier comfort.
• Nitish Kumar was sworn in as Chief Minister of Bihar for the 10th time on 20 November 2025, marking a historic milestone in his political career.
• Karnataka Bank appointed Raghavendra Srinivas Bhat as Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for one year starting 16 November 2025, following RBI approval on 14 November 2025.
• The 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit was held from 26–28 October 2025 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia, under Malaysia’s chairmanship.
• SoftBank Asia Infrastructure Fund (SAIF) Partners, also known as Elevation Capital, sold a 1.86% stake (1.19 crore shares) in One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm.
• Dr.Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, launched India’s first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease, named BIRSA 101, dedicated to Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
• The first Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Agriculture between India and Sri Lanka was held at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, strengthening bilateral agricultural cooperation.