Current Affairs - November 15, 2025 Current Affairs

The Union Finance Minister launched several developmental initiatives in Nagaland, reflecting the government's focus on strengthening infrastructure and financial inclusion in the Northeast. A new Industrial Training Institute was inaugurated in Kiphire to enhance local skill development. Additionally, ₹9 lakh was released under SBI’s CSR initiatives to support training programmes. During a Credit Outreach Programme, nine new bank branches were virtually launched across the region, and sanction letters were issued to beneficiaries. Loans totalling ₹28.02 crore were distributed to 350 individuals, demonstrating a significant push toward economic empowerment and improved access to banking services in the state.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam, has successfully created next-generation Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs). These systems are designed to significantly enhance underwater mine countermeasure capabilities. Equipped with side scan sonar, underwater cameras, deep learning-based target recognition, and acoustic communication, the AUVs enable accurate detection and classification of mine-like objects while coordinating effectively with multiple units. Field trials validated their ability to autonomously execute complex missions with minimal human involvement. This development strengthens India’s underwater defence preparedness and supports the nation’s broader goal of indigenising critical military technologies.

The ₹1,500 crore modernisation initiative was launched at New Mangalore Port during its Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2025. This port, located at Panambur in Mangaluru along the Arabian Sea, holds the distinction of being Karnataka’s only major port. Recognised as India’s 9th major port in 1974 and inaugurated the following year, it has grown into one of the top 10 ports in the country. Its all-weather deep inner harbour enables efficient maritime operations year-round, and the new modernisation projects aim to further enhance capacity, improve logistics, and support regional economic growth.

Sergio Gor assumed office as the United States Ambassador to India on November 11, 2025, marking a notable moment in the expanding Indo-US relationship. At 38, he brings extensive experience from his previous role as Director of Presidential Personnel in the Trump administration, where he oversaw significant staffing decisions and strategic coordination. His appointment was confirmed by the US Senate in October 2025, and his swearing-in ceremony at the Oval Office was attended by top US leadership, reflecting the importance of the India-US partnership. Gor aims to strengthen cooperation in defence, regional security, trade, technology, and supply chain resilience.

Saalumarada Thimmakka was an iconic environmentalist admired for her extraordinary contribution to afforestation. She became widely known for planting 385 banyan trees along a 4.5-kilometre stretch, a feat that earned her the name “Saalumarada,” meaning a row of trees. Over her long lifetime, she received numerous prestigious recognitions, including the Padma Shri in 2019, the Nadoja Award in 2010, the National Citizen Award in 1995, and the Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award in 1997. Her work became a symbol of dedication to nature conservation, inspiring many to engage in environmental protection and sustainable practices.

Tata Power has announced a major step toward strengthening India’s renewable energy manufacturing ecosystem by planning a 10 GW solar wafers and ingots plant. This facility will complete the company’s solar manufacturing chain, as it already operates around 4.9 GW of integrated cell and module production capacity. By moving into upstream components such as ingots and wafers, the company aims to reduce the nation’s reliance on imports and support the Make-in-India initiative. The project also aligns with government incentives promoting domestic manufacturing and clean energy. Once operational, it will significantly enhance India’s capability to build a self-reliant solar supply chain.

The Indian Railways has introduced an advanced AI-powered system called DRISHTI to enhance the safety and monitoring of freight operations. This system uses real-time surveillance supported by computer vision technology to keep track of the locking status of wagon doors, ensuring better security and operational efficiency. DRISHTI was created through collaborative innovation between the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) and IIT Guwahati – TIDF. By integrating artificial intelligence with railway logistics, the system aims to reduce human error, improve monitoring accuracy, and offer a proactive approach to safeguarding freight movement across the network.

Deepti Sharma, who earned the title of Player of the Tournament in the Women’s ODI World Cup, was honoured at the UP Police Headquarters in Gomtinagar Extension. Her recognition reflects her outstanding contributions to Indian cricket as well as her commitment to public service, having recently joined the Uttar Pradesh Police as a Deputy Superintendent of Police under the sports quota. DGP Rajeev Krishna commended her for bringing pride to both the state and the nation. This felicitation highlights the growing support for athletes who excel internationally while also serving in administrative or public roles.

Belgium and the Netherlands have been selected to jointly host the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, creating the first-ever edition that is both dual-host and dual-gender. The event will take place from 15–30 August 2026 and will feature tournaments for both men and women. Additionally, this edition introduces the first ParaHockey World Cup, expanding inclusivity within the sport. The competition format has also been updated to include 16 teams per gender, with a system that allows top teams to carry forward results into a second group stage, ultimately determining the semi-finalists.

The government has lowered the Geographical Indication (GI) tag application fee from ₹5,000 to ₹1,000 to make the process more accessible for tribal artisans and those engaged in traditional crafts. This reduction is intended to encourage more communities to register their unique products, thereby helping preserve cultural heritage and promoting regional identity. GI tags play an essential role in safeguarding items whose reputation, quality, or characteristics are linked to their place of origin. Products such as Kannadippaya, Apatani textile, Marthandam honey, Lepcha Tungbuk, Bodo Aronai, Ambaji Marble, and Badri cow ghee exemplify this cultural and geographical significance.