Current Affairs - November 13, 2025 Current Affairs

World Kindness Day is observed annually on November 13 as part of a broader effort to encourage global kindness and compassion. Established in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, this day highlights the significance of empathy, understanding, and small gestures that help build a more harmonious world. It serves as a reminder for individuals and communities to reflect on their actions and the impact they have on others. By dedicating a specific day to kindness, the initiative inspires people to adopt compassionate behavior in their daily lives, strengthening social bonds and promoting unity across cultures.

India’s real GDP growth for Q2 FY26 is estimated at 7.2%, reflecting a strengthening economic environment supported by robust private consumption, steady services sector performance, and sustained investment demand. Private consumption saw improved momentum due to rising real incomes, rural wage growth, low inflation, and tax relief measures from the FY26 Budget. On the supply side, both services and manufacturing contributed to higher output, aided by lower input costs. Investment activity remained stable, driven by government infrastructure spending and private sector capital formation. Despite global uncertainties, these factors combined to support India’s strong real GDP expansion for the quarter.

Kunchala Kaivalya Reddy, a 17-year-old from Nidadavole in Andhra Pradesh, has earned a place in an elite four-year astronaut training program conducted by Titans Space Industries in Florida. Selected among 150 candidates from 36 countries, she represents the aspirations of India’s growing scientific spirit. Her training will involve spaceflight simulations, survival modules, technical lessons in orbital mechanics, and zero-gravity adaptation. Upon completion, she is slated to participate in a 2029 mission that will orbit Earth twice at about 300 km. Her achievement highlights both individual excellence and the increasing global presence of young Indian talent in space science.

Varsha Das, a renowned Gujarati writer, has been invited as the Chief Guest for the Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025 ceremony. The event, scheduled for 14 November 2025, celebrates outstanding contributions to children’s literature across 24 Indian languages. The award spans various literary forms such as poetry, stories, novels, memoirs, and plays, highlighting the richness and diversity of children’s writing in India. Each awardee receives ₹50,000 along with a bronze plaque, making it a prestigious recognition. Varsha Das’s presence underscores the importance of literary influence and cultural contribution in shaping young readers.

Kepler and the James Webb Telescope have significantly advanced the study of exoplanets by providing detailed data about distant planetary systems. Their observations help scientists estimate how frequently Earth-like planets occur in the galaxy. This evidence strengthens the Rare Earth Hypothesis, which suggests that while simple microbial life may be relatively common, complex life requires a highly specific combination of planetary conditions. These include stable orbital dynamics, a strong magnetic field, plate tectonics, and the presence of a large moon. By improving the understanding of how rare such conditions may be, the findings support the hypothesis that complex life is exceptionally uncommon.

Botswana is contributing 8 cheetahs to support India’s Project Cheetah, a major conservation initiative aimed at reintroducing the species decades after their extinction in India in 1952. This donation strengthens not only India’s efforts to restore ecological balance in grassland ecosystems but also highlights the deepening environmental and diplomatic ties between India and Botswana. The cheetahs being transferred are significant for ensuring stronger genetic diversity and come from one of the world’s most stable wild cheetah populations. The move forms part of a broader conservation partnership, underscored by President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit and the scheduled symbolic handover ceremony in Gaborone.

Indonesia collaborated with Australia to establish a new security treaty focused on strengthening regional peace and fostering closer cooperation between the two nations. The agreement outlines commitments for both sides to consult one another in the event of emerging security threats, reinforcing trust and strategic communication. It also includes provisions for regular high-level dialogues and enhanced defence interaction, reflecting a renewed warmth in bilateral relations. Although modeled on the 1995 agreement, this updated version does not impose mandatory joint action, allowing both countries flexibility while still deepening their strategic partnership in a rapidly evolving regional environment.

Maharashtra has introduced a comprehensive incentive scheme aimed at boosting the performance and efficiency of sugar factories across the state. The scheme evaluates factories on nine diverse parameters, including operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, financial stability, and technological adoption such as the use of AI. By recognizing three cooperative and three private factories annually, the initiative encourages healthy competition and continuous improvement. A two-tier evaluation framework ensures transparency and fairness through dedicated Screening and Steering Committees. This structured assessment approach helps the state promote sustainable and innovative practices within the sugar industry.

IIT Bombay, through its P-Quest Group, developed India’s first Quantum Diamond Microscope, marking a major milestone in indigenous quantum technology. The microscope leverages nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond to perform advanced magnetic imaging with nanoscale precision. Its ability to visualise 3D magnetic fields using optically detected magnetic resonance makes it a powerful tool across scientific domains. Potential applications range from studying neural activity in neuroscience to analyzing magnetic properties of materials and performing non-destructive 3D mapping of semiconductor chips. This achievement strengthens India’s technological capabilities under the National Quantum Mission and advances research in cutting-edge quantum sensing technologies.

Angola marked its 50th year of independence with significant global participation, including the historic first visit by an Indian President, Droupadi Murmu. The occasion also highlighted four decades of diplomatic ties between India and Angola, underscoring a growing partnership. During the visit, key areas such as governance, infrastructure development, defence cooperation, and the energy sector were appreciated and discussed. India further strengthened bilateral engagement by proposing a USD 200 million Line of Credit aimed at supporting joint defence and energy initiatives. This milestone celebration not only commemorated Angola’s independence but also reinforced a deepening India–Angola relationship.