Current Affairs - November 23, 2025 Current Affairs

The first-ever Ramakrishna Mission College in Northeast India was inaugurated in Meghalaya, marking an important step toward strengthening educational infrastructure in the region. The inauguration by the state’s Chief Minister highlights Meghalaya’s commitment to expanding academic opportunities and improving access to quality higher education. Establishing such an institution in Nongthymmai, Mawsmai, Sohra not only supports local students but also contributes to the broader goal of uplifting educational standards across the Northeast. This initiative reflects a growing focus on inclusive development, skill enhancement, and empowering youth through modern academic facilities rooted in the values and service ethos of the Ramakrishna Mission.

China has embarked on constructing a groundbreaking artificial floating island engineered to endure nuclear explosions, extreme waves, and powerful typhoons. This advanced platform, known as the Deep-Sea All-Weather Resident Floating Research Facility, is designed with military-grade resilience and cutting-edge materials such as metamaterial sandwich panels that absorb intense shockwaves. Measuring 138 metres in length and capable of supporting 238 personnel for months without resupply, the facility represents a major step forward in maritime engineering. Its long-term operational goal includes enhancing scientific research, bolstering deep-sea exploration, and expanding strategic capabilities in international waters by 2028.

Sandip Pradhan has been appointed as a Whole-Time Member of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), bringing his extensive experience from the Indian Revenue Service to the regulatory body. Prior to this role, he served as the Director General of Income Tax (Investigation) in Pune, where he supervised major tax probes, compliance matters, and financial scrutiny. His expertise in enforcement and regulatory oversight aligns with SEBI’s mission to strengthen surveillance, curb market manipulation, and enhance investor protection. With his inclusion, SEBI now has a strengthened leadership team to navigate the complexities of India’s evolving capital markets.

The Sixth International Agronomy Congress (IAC-2025) is scheduled to begin in New Delhi, bringing together global experts, researchers, and policymakers in the field of agronomy. The event focuses on the theme “Re-envisioning Agronomy for Smart Agro-Food Systems and Environmental Protection,” highlighting the growing need for sustainable agricultural practices and innovative technologies. By hosting the congress in the national capital, India aims to showcase advancements in smart farming, climate-resilient agriculture, and environmentally conscious food systems. The three-day event, inaugurated by the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, serves as a platform for advancing scientific collaboration and addressing pressing agricultural challenges.

National Cashew Day is celebrated every year on November 23, a day dedicated to appreciating the unique qualities of cashews and their global culinary significance. Although commonly referred to as nuts, cashews are actually seeds that originate from the cashew apple of the tropical cashew tree, first grown in Brazil before spreading across India, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The day encourages people to explore various ways to enjoy cashews—whether roasted, blended into milk or butter, tossed into salads, or used in desserts. It also highlights their health benefits, including rich mineral content, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats.

The 69th National School Games Under-19 Table Tennis Tournament has commenced in Jammu and Kashmir, bringing together nearly 400 young athletes from 34 states, union territories, and various organizations. The event is being hosted at the Gymnasium Hall of the University of Jammu, providing a competitive platform for emerging talent in table tennis. Such tournaments play a crucial role in encouraging sportsmanship, fostering youth development, and identifying potential players for higher-level competitions. By organizing the event in Jammu and Kashmir, the region continues to strengthen its position as a hub for national sporting activities and youth engagement.

The National One Health Mission Assembly 2025 is centered around the theme “One Earth, One Health, One Future.” This theme reflects a holistic approach that recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By bringing together ministries, researchers, and experts from various disciplines, the event aims to strengthen collaborative strategies for managing health risks that arise from ecological changes, zoonotic diseases, and environmental disruptions. The theme underscores India’s growing leadership in promoting integrative health policies and emphasises the importance of long-term sustainability, coordinated surveillance systems, and cross-sectoral cooperation to ensure a healthier, more resilient future for all forms of life on the planet.

Amit Agrawal has taken charge as the new Telecom Secretary following a major administrative reshuffle involving several key ministries. His appointment marks a shift from his earlier role as Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, where he served since December 2024. As an experienced IAS officer from the 1993 Chhattisgarh cadre, his new responsibilities include overseeing digital infrastructure projects, telecom policy implementation, spectrum allocation, and coordination with regulatory bodies. This change forms part of a broader government effort to strengthen leadership in sectors vital to national growth and technological advancement.

India signed the Terms of Reference with Israel to begin negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, boosting trade in goods and services, and enhancing investment flows. The agreement sets a structured framework for discussions on market access, technology collaboration, regulatory alignment, and innovation partnerships. Both nations seek to leverage complementary strengths—India’s large consumer base and manufacturing capabilities, and Israel’s advanced expertise in fields like agritech, cybersecurity, and water technology. The initiative is expected to foster deeper commercial ties, encourage cross-border innovation, and contribute to more resilient supply chains within an evolving global economic landscape.

The UAE emerged as the third-largest humanitarian donor in 2025, contributing an impressive $1.46 billion, which accounts for 7.2% of all aid recorded by the UN’s Financial Tracking Service. This milestone highlights the UAE’s expanding global role in both emergency response and long-term development initiatives. Its contributions support critical areas such as food, water, medical assistance, post-conflict recovery, education, and clean energy projects. Led by visionary leadership prioritizing humanitarian responsibility, the UAE’s commitment reflects a blend of rapid crisis intervention and sustainable development, reinforcing its standing as a reliable and impactful global humanitarian partner.