Current Affairs - November 12, 2025 Current Affairs

World Pneumonia Day 2025 was observed on November 12 to draw global attention to pneumonia, which remains the leading infectious cause of death among children under five and a serious health threat to adults. The observance emphasises prevention through vaccination, improved nutrition, and access to healthcare, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to reduce child mortality. It also serves as a reminder for governments and health organizations to strengthen efforts toward respiratory disease management and promote awareness of pneumonia’s symptoms, causes, and treatment options for better global health outcomes.

India and Bahrain jointly launched a real-time cross-border payment system linking India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Bahrain’s Electronic Funds Transfer System (EFTS) through Fawri+. This initiative, facilitated by the NPCI International and BENEFIT, and guided by the RBI and Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), marks a significant milestone in fintech cooperation between the two nations. The integration enables instant, secure, and low-cost remittances, advancing digital financial inclusion. Building upon the 2019 MoU and the 2024 Joint Commission pledge, the partnership deepens economic engagement and strengthens people-to-people and financial connectivity between India and Bahrain.

Ethiopia has been chosen to host the 2027 U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP32) in its capital city, Addis Ababa. The announcement was made during Brazil’s COP30 by COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago. This selection marks a significant moment for Africa, highlighting the continent’s growing role in global climate action and sustainable development discussions. Hosting COP32 will allow Ethiopia to spotlight regional environmental challenges, renewable energy initiatives, and resilience strategies. The decision also reflects the UN’s aim to ensure regional balance and representation in major international climate forums.

Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched two major digital platforms — Sahakar Digi Pay and Sahakar Digi Loan — to modernise urban cooperative banks (UCBs). These initiatives focus on integrating digital payment and lending systems to help UCBs remain competitive in India’s evolving cashless economy. The plan includes onboarding 1,500 banks within two years and ensuring at least one UCB operates in every town with a population exceeding two lakh within five years. The move also supports financial inclusion, youth entrepreneurship, and sectoral revival while reinforcing cooperative banking reforms to strengthen the sector’s financial health and governance standards.

India inaugurated its first MWh-scale Vanadium Flow Battery at NTPC NETRA, Greater Noida, marking a significant advancement in renewable energy storage technology. The 3 MWh Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) system was launched on November 11, 2025, by Shri Manohar Lal, Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs. This innovative system enables long-duration energy storage (LDES), crucial for integrating intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, VRFBs are non-flammable, durable, and allow scalable power and energy capacities. The project enhances India’s energy security, reduces dependence on imported materials, and strengthens its clean energy transition goals.

Nagaland has announced a comprehensive initiative to establish Old Age Homes across all its districts, reflecting the state’s commitment to enhancing elderly welfare and protection. Spearheaded by Advisor Wangpang Konyak, the plan emphasises providing care, nutrition, and social security for vulnerable senior citizens. It aligns with existing welfare programmes such as the Old Age Pension, Elderly Helpline, and Charity Care initiatives. This effort seeks to ensure dignified living conditions and community support for the aged population, showcasing a proactive approach to inclusive governance and social responsibility toward the elderly in Nagaland.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to set up solar power installations along the elevated Delhi section of the Delhi–Dehradun Highway (NH-709B). This project is a step toward integrating renewable energy with transport infrastructure. By harnessing solar energy to power highway systems, the initiative contributes to lowering carbon emissions, promoting green mobility, and advancing India’s commitment toward achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070. It also serves as a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure development across the nation.

The Indian Air Force’s Eastern Air Command conducted its inaugural full-scale air show in Guwahati to commemorate the 93rd anniversary of the IAF. The spectacular event featured over 75 aircraft, including Rafale, Sukhoi, Mirage, and C-17, executing 25 coordinated formations above the Brahmaputra River. Operations were supported by seven regional bases to ensure precision and safety. The air show also included a cultural tribute to the late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, with his popular song “Mayabini Ratir Bukut,” blending regional pride with national celebration and showcasing India’s growing air power and aviation excellence.

Hungarian-British writer David Szalay won the 2025 Booker Prize for his novel "Flesh", marking a historic win as the first author of his background to receive the honour. The novel is celebrated for its minimalist prose and powerful exploration of class, ambition, and masculinity. It follows a man’s rise from a modest Hungarian housing estate to the sophisticated world of London’s elite, reflecting themes of identity and power. Alongside the prestigious recognition, Szalay received a £50,000 cash prize, earning global literary acclaim and cementing his place among contemporary literary greats.

Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, an Indian Olympian shooter, won the silver medal in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions event at the ISSF World Championships held in Cairo. He showcased remarkable consistency by equalling the world record in the qualification round with a score of 466.9, narrowly missing the gold to China’s Yukun Liu, who scored 467.1. This achievement reinforces Tomar’s reputation as one of India’s leading rifle shooters and adds to the country’s growing success in international shooting competitions, highlighting India’s rising stature in precision shooting sports globally.

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Electric Mobility, has become the first Indian to be elected President of OICA (Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles). Headquartered in Paris and founded in 1919, OICA represents the global automobile manufacturers’ community on key issues such as safety, emissions, and trade policy. Chandra’s appointment signifies India’s growing influence in global automotive governance, especially in electric mobility and sustainable transport. His leadership will help align India’s fast-evolving vehicle ecosystem with global standards while promoting EV innovation, cybersecurity, and sustainable manufacturing in the international automotive industry.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with CERT-In, organised the “Cyber Bharat Setu: Bridging States, Securing Bharat” workshop in Agartala, Tripura. The two-day event, held on November 11–12, 2025, aimed to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and capacity across government officials, law enforcement agencies, and students. Through practical drills and simulated cyber-attack exercises, the initiative sought to improve India’s digital defence preparedness, promote innovation in cyber practices, and build a cohesive national framework for proactive cyber resilience.