Current Affairs - November 14, 2025 Current Affairs

World Diabetes Day 2025 will be observed on November 14, a date chosen to honour Sir Frederick Banting, whose work led to the discovery of insulin one of the most significant medical breakthroughs for diabetes treatment. Celebrated globally, this day highlights the urgent need for improved diabetes awareness, prevention, and patient support. The theme for 2025, “Diabetes and Well-being,” emphasises the importance of holistic care, focusing not only on medical treatment but also on mental health, lifestyle balance, and long-term well-being. Organised by IDF and WHO, the campaign unites communities worldwide in the fight against diabetes.

India and Nepal recently signed a Letter of Exchange aimed at enhancing bilateral rail-based trade by expanding freight movement through the Jogbani–Biratnagar rail link. This agreement enables containerised and bulk cargo to move more efficiently and opens additional routes such as Kolkata–Jogbani, Kolkata–Nautanwa, and Visakhapatnam–Nautanwa. By improving multimodal logistics and offering more streamlined pathways for third-country trade, the pact significantly boosts economic cooperation between the two nations. Strengthened rail connectivity is expected to reduce transit time, improve trade volumes, and deepen strategic and economic partnership between India and Nepal.

The UAE achieved a major milestone by executing its first government transaction using the Digital Dirham, a central bank digital currency issued by the Central Bank of the UAE. Completed in less than two minutes through the mBridge settlement platform, the event demonstrated the nation’s readiness to adopt next-generation financial systems. This development supports the country’s broader Financial Infrastructure Transformation Programme, which aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and financial inclusion. By embracing secure, regulated digital currency systems and collaborating with other central banks on cross-border digital settlements, the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a leading global hub for digital finance and technological innovation.

The United States ended its longest government shutdown after a 42-day political standoff, which severely disrupted federal operations and affected hundreds of thousands of government employees. The shutdown was rooted in disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over healthcare subsidy provisions linked to the Affordable Care Act. Progress stalled in the Senate due to the 60-vote requirement, but bipartisan support emerged when eight Democratic senators crossed party lines, allowing the bill to move forward. Following congressional approval, President Donald Trump signed a temporary funding bill that reopened government services. Although the measure provided only short-term relief, it restored essential services and allowed federal agencies to resume normal operations while budget negotiations continued.

Oman has been selected to serve on UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Council for the 2025–2029 term, reflecting its expanding role in global environmental stewardship. This position allows Oman to contribute to advancing protected area management, climate research initiatives, and long-term sustainability objectives aligned with its Vision 2040 strategy. The country’s commitment is further reinforced through significant conservation sites such as the Al-Sareen Reserve and Al Jabal Al Akhdar, which highlight ongoing efforts to preserve biodiversity. This election strengthens Oman’s influence in shaping international discussions on ecological preservation and sustainable development.

Operation Akhand Prahar was carried out in Jaisalmer as part of Exercise Trishul, demonstrating India’s ability to coordinate across multiple domains of warfare. The exercise involved close synchronisation between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, highlighting improved joint operational readiness. It also validated the capabilities of the newly established RUDRA Brigade, an integrated formation combining infantry, armoured units, mechanised forces, and air defence assets. Advanced technologies such as drones, counter-drone systems, and indigenous equipment further strengthened the exercise’s objective of showcasing next-generation combat preparedness and modernised battlefield effectiveness.

Bhopal has been chosen as the venue for the 22nd All India Annual TDS Conference, an important national gathering organised by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). The event brings together senior tax administrators, including Principal Chief Commissioners, Chief Commissioners, Directors General, and other top officials responsible for shaping TDS policies. The conference will focus on recent amendments made to the Income Tax Act, 2025, promote voluntary tax compliance, and highlight new digital tools for monitoring and data-driven enforcement. By hosting this conference, Bhopal becomes a key center for discussions aimed at improving transparency, simplifying regulations, and strengthening India’s TDS administration system.

The Nyoma Airbase was inaugurated in Ladakh, a region of immense strategic importance due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Situated at an altitude of 13,700 feet, the airbase significantly enhances India’s air combat readiness and logistical capabilities in high-altitude terrain. With a 2.7-km runway capable of handling aircraft such as the C-130J and various fighter jets, the base allows quicker troop movement, improved surveillance, and rapid response to frontier developments. Developed by the Border Roads Organisation, the project also showcased women-led engineering excellence. The airbase stands as a major leap in strengthening India’s frontier infrastructure and operational preparedness.

Banas Dairy, Asia’s largest dairy cooperative and a key member of the Amul network, partnered with Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) to enhance India’s potato value chain. Through this MoU, Banas Dairy is contributing technical expertise, tissue culture facilities, aeroponic systems, and strong market-linkage support. This collaboration aligns with the national vision of “Sahakar se Samriddhi,” which encourages cooperation among cooperatives to empower farmers. By focusing on disease-free seed potato production, scientific cultivation methods, and contract farming, the partnership aims to reduce crop losses, increase productivity, uplift rural incomes, and build a more resilient agricultural value chain.

Children’s Day in India is observed every year on November 14 to honour the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, who emphasised the importance of children’s education, development, and welfare. Celebrating this day reinforces the nation’s responsibility toward nurturing young minds and ensuring their rights and opportunities. In 2025, the theme “For Every Child, Every Right” highlights the commitment to protecting and promoting children’s well-being across all domains. Schools across the country typically organize cultural events and engaging activities that recognize children’s potential and encourage society to create an environment where they can thrive and grow holistically.

The Motibhai R. Chaudhary Sagar Sainik School and the Sagar Organic Plant were inaugurated in Gujarat by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in attendance. The Sainik School, developed under the PPP model as part of the initiative to establish 100 new Sainik Schools, is designed to prepare young students in the state for careers in the Armed Forces. Alongside this, the Sagar Organic Plant, with a production capacity of 30 MT per day and certifications from NPOP and APEDA, will support the expansion of Amul’s organic product line, boosting the region’s agricultural and economic ecosystem.

Punjab became the first state in India to fully implement the amended Bharat Net Scheme, marking a major step forward in enhancing digital connectivity across rural regions. With the scheme’s rollout, the state enabled live monitoring of sensitive border areas while extending broadband services to 43 shadow zones that previously lacked dependable connectivity. The initiative aims to cover every village by the end of November 2025, ensuring digital inclusion for households and Gram Panchayats. Through improved access to e-health, e-governance, and digital services, Punjab is strengthening grassroots development and building a more connected rural ecosystem.