Current Affairs - November 16, 2025 Current Affairs

The 30th CII Partnership Summit 2025 was inaugurated in Visakhapatnam, a major industrial and port city in Andhra Pradesh. This location was chosen as the state is emerging as a fast-growing investment hub with strong support from both the central and state governments. The summit brought together global delegates, industry leaders and policymakers to deepen discussions around trade, technology and investment. With over 2,500 participants from 77 countries, the event highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s ambition to accelerate economic growth through sectors like drones, aerospace, semiconductors and defence. Visakhapatnam served as a strategic venue showcasing the region’s potential, infrastructure and investor-friendly governance.

The bank credit growth for October 2025 stood at 11.3%, reflecting a slowdown in lending activity across the financial sector. This moderation is linked to factors such as reduced loan demand, cautious lending behaviour by banks, and broader global economic uncertainties. Slower credit growth can impact industries, MSMEs, NBFCs and retail borrowers by delaying investment cycles and affecting expansion plans. Meanwhile, deposit growth accelerated, creating a liquidity surplus that may pressure banks to rethink their strategies for deploying funds efficiently. The 11.3% figure is significant because it highlights a pivotal shift in India’s credit-deposit dynamics and signals potential policy considerations ahead.

The Indian Air Force contingent arrived in France to take part in the Garuda-2025 air exercise held at the Mont-de-Marsan Air Base. This bilateral exercise is an important symbol of the deep strategic cooperation between India and France, particularly in the area of defence and aviation. The drill involves frontline fighter aircraft from both nations, enhancing interoperability and strengthening mutual operational capabilities. The exercise also helps Indian pilots gain exposure to advanced tactics, mission planning frameworks, and logistical environments of the French Air and Space Force. Such engagements further reinforce a long-standing partnership rooted in technology, trust and shared strategic goals.

The NDA secured a decisive victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections by winning 202 out of 243 seats, far surpassing the required majority. This overwhelming mandate reflected a combination of strong political organization, effective campaigning, and significant support from key voter groups, especially women and youth. The impressive female voter turnout, which reached a historic high, played a crucial role in boosting the alliance’s performance. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party, and the combined strength of its partners further solidified the alliance’s dominance, marking a major shift in Bihar’s political landscape.

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is observed annually on November 15 to honour the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, one of India’s most revered tribal freedom fighters. The date holds deep historical and cultural importance because Birsa Munda played a transformative role in mobilizing tribal communities against British oppression, advocating for land rights, autonomy, and preservation of indigenous identity. The observance highlights the contributions of tribal leaders, promotes awareness of their struggles, and reinforces national recognition of tribal heritage. This day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by numerous tribal warriors whose stories remain integral to India’s freedom narrative.

India is undertaking an ambitious deep-ocean initiative by planning to build the world’s deepest underwater research laboratory at a depth of 6,000 metres. This project, part of the Vision 2047 roadmap, aims to establish a pioneering habitat capable of supporting long-term scientific research in extreme marine environments. Such a facility would enable breakthroughs in studying deep-sea biodiversity, geological processes, biotechnology, and human endurance under immense pressure. With advanced materials, specialised life-support systems, and docking bays for submersibles, the lab is designed to operate in one of Earth’s most challenging zones. This achievement would position India as a global leader in deep-sea exploration and marine innovation.

John Furner has been chosen to take over as the President and CEO of Walmart Inc. starting February 1, 2026, marking an important leadership transition for the global retail giant. Furner brings decades of experience within Walmart, having started as an hourly associate in 1993 before rising through various leadership positions, including CEO of Sam’s Club and CEO of Walmart U.S. His appointment reflects Walmart’s strategy of nurturing internal talent and ensuring continuity as the company continues to focus on omnichannel expansion, technological upgrades, and operational resilience. This transition follows Doug McMillon’s highly impactful decade-long tenure, during which Walmart strengthened its global presence and digital capabilities.

India holds the 85th position in the Henley Passport Index 2025, reflecting a decline of five places compared to the previous year. This rank is based on the number of destinations Indian passport holders can visit without a prior visa, which currently stands at 57. The lower ranking highlights challenges in expanding bilateral visa agreements and slower diplomatic progress relative to rapidly advancing nations in Asia and the Gulf. As global mobility becomes increasingly competitive, India’s passport strength has not kept pace with its expanding economic and geopolitical ambitions, emphasizing the need for greater diplomatic efforts and international partnerships.

India has reached the 6th position globally in patent filings, marking a major leap in its innovation journey. With over 64,000 patent applications submitted—more than half by resident innovators—the country is strengthening its intellectual property ecosystem. This rise reflects the impact of a vibrant start-up culture, supportive government policies, and increased emphasis on applied sciences and skill development. The improvement in India’s rank on the Global Innovation Index, from 81st to 38th, further reinforces this upward trajectory. Collectively, these achievements demonstrate India’s transition from being primarily a consumer of technology to an emerging global creator and contributor in research, innovation and IP generation.

Odisha earned significant international recognition when its Puri and Sunapur beaches once again secured the prestigious Blue Flag certification for 2025–26. This achievement reflects the state’s commitment to maintaining high environmental standards, clean coastlines, and sustainable tourism practices. Both beaches have consistently demonstrated excellence through strict waste-management systems, water-quality monitoring, eco-education initiatives, and community participation. Puri Golden Beach has earned this certification multiple times, while Sunapur Beach continues to strengthen its reputation for conservation-oriented development. These recognitions reinforce Odisha’s growing leadership in eco-friendly tourism and showcase India’s broader efforts to promote sustainable coastal destinations.