Current Affairs - November 27, 2025 Current Affairs

IIT Kharagpur has launched Impact RISE, an initiative designed to promote sustainable technology, modern management practices, and broader societal transformation. Built on four key pillars—research, innovation, skilling, and entrepreneurship—the programme aims to create a collaborative environment that nurtures solutions for long-term development. A significant component of Impact RISE includes missions that address climate resilience in sensitive regions such as the Sundarbans. By integrating academic excellence with real-world challenges, the initiative seeks to empower communities, drive inclusive growth, and support the nation’s sustainability goals through skill-building and innovation-driven approaches.

‘Nayi Chetna 4.0’ is a national campaign launched to strengthen gender equality and empower women across communities. Led by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and organised by DAY-NRLM under the Ministry of Rural Development, the month-long initiative focuses on encouraging community-level action and awareness to combat gender-based violence. The campaign aims to inspire collective responsibility, promote safer environments for women, and reinforce the importance of equal opportunities. By engaging rural communities, the programme works toward long-term social transformation and supports broader national goals related to gender justice and empowerment.

The Asian Development Bank approved a $400 million results-based lending program aimed at strengthening rural and state road networks across Maharashtra. The initiative focuses on improving nearly 2,577 km of rural roads and 350 km of state highways, enhancing access to markets, education, healthcare, and public services for more than 1.7 million people. It also integrates climate-resilient designs, multi-hazard risk assessments, and advanced maintenance systems to address extreme weather challenges. Additionally, the project emphasizes gender inclusion, youth engagement, road safety enhancements through iRAP methodologies, and the development of digital planning systems, ensuring comprehensive and sustainable regional growth.

The World Bank approved a total of $776 million to support major reform-oriented projects in Punjab and Maharashtra. The funding is divided between two key initiatives: the POISE project in Punjab aimed at improving education quality through digital tools, teacher training, and performance-based systems, and the POCRA Phase II project in Maharashtra designed to promote climate-resilient agriculture using precision-farming technologies. These projects collectively aim to benefit more than 60 lakh people, including students, farmers, and early childhood learners. With long-term loan tenures and a strong emphasis on innovation, inclusion, and sustainability, the World Bank intends to drive measurable improvements in learning outcomes and agricultural resilience.

A recent Scientific Reports study identified the presence of uranium (U-238) in breast milk samples collected from multiple districts in Bihar. Researchers used ICP-MS technology to test 40 samples, all of which showed detectable levels of uranium, raising concerns about potential exposure risks for infants. The highest concentrations were found in districts like Katihar and Khagaria, reaching up to 5.25 µg/L. These findings highlight the need for thorough investigation into environmental contamination sources, improved water safety measures, and targeted public health interventions to protect vulnerable populations, especially nursing mothers and infants.

Bodhana Sivanandan, a remarkable 10-year-old chess prodigy from Harrow, London, delivered an extraordinary performance at the UK Women’s Blitz Championship by defeating experienced adult players in eight consecutive games. Her success in the event elevated her into the ranks of the top 50 female blitz players worldwide, highlighting her exceptional skill and maturity at such a young age. She also holds the distinction of becoming the youngest ever Woman International Master (WIM) at the age of nine, further showcasing her rapid rise and immense potential within the global chess community.

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has established a four-member committee to undertake comprehensive cadre restructuring with the goal of improving operational efficiency and service delivery. Led by BP Sharma, the committee will evaluate the current organisational structure, identify gaps, streamline workflows, and propose reforms that align with the organisation’s growing responsibilities in a rapidly digitising ecosystem. With rising demands from EPF subscribers and new service expansions to gig and unorganised sector workers, the restructuring aims to ensure timely claim processing, enhanced grievance redressal, and improved customer support. The committee is expected to submit its detailed recommendations by March 31, 2026.

The Andhra Pradesh government approved the creation of three new districts Polavaram, Markapuram, and Madanapalle bringing the total number of districts in the state to 29. This restructuring was cleared by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and also included the establishment of five new revenue divisions: Nakkapalli, Addanki, Pileru, Banaganapalle, and Madakasira. Additionally, a new mandal named Pedda Harivanam was created by carving it out of Adoni in Kurnool district. The decision aims to improve administrative efficiency, enhance governance, and ensure better access to public services across the state.

Rohit Sharma has been appointed as the official ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, reflecting his exceptional legacy and achievements in the T20 format. As a two-time T20 World Cup champion in 2007 and 2024, and the captain who led India to the 2024 title, he has cemented his status as one of the greatest performers in the shortest format. His impressive tally of 4,231 T20I runs further strengthens his reputation, making him an ideal representative for a tournament jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Ahmedabad has secured the opportunity to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking a significant achievement for India on the global sporting stage. The decision was finalised during the Commonwealth Sport’s General Assembly in Glasgow, where Ahmedabad’s bid surpassed that of Abuja, Nigeria. With most of the venues already prepared and funding secured, officials have expressed strong confidence in delivering a well-organised event. The Games are expected to feature 15 to 17 sports and will align with the centenary celebrations of the Commonwealth Games Movement. This hosting decision also strengthens India’s long-term ambition to bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics.