Daily Current Affairs – 16-11-2025
Important Days
National Press Day (India) – November 16
National Press Day, observed annually on November 16, marks the establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI). The day celebrates the role of a free, fair, and responsible press, widely regarded as the Fourth Pillar of Democracy.
The observance underscores the commitment of the PCI, which began functioning on November 16, 1966, to safeguard ethical journalism and protect the press from external influence or pressure. It also reminds citizens of the media’s crucial role in strengthening democracy through accurate and ethical reporting.
On this day, the National Awards for Excellence in Journalism are presented, with the prestigious Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award being the highest honour.
The 2025 theme is “Safeguarding Press Credibility amidst Rising Misinformation,” reflecting challenges posed by misinformation in the digital and AI era.
International Day for Tolerance – November 16
The International Day for Tolerance, observed every year on November 16, aims to promote greater understanding among diverse cultures and communities. The day highlights the values of tolerance, respect, acceptance, and appreciation for the world’s cultural richness and human diversity.
The observance seeks to increase awareness about the dangers of intolerance and reinforce the global commitment to upholding tolerance as an active, rights-based approach rooted in universal human rights and freedoms.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this observance in 1996, following the UN’s Year for Tolerance in 1995, to encourage renewed efforts in education and public engagement on tolerance.
The theme for 2025 is “Promoting Respect and Understanding Worldwide.”
Tamil Nadu News
TN Govt to Roll Out Free Meal Scheme for All Sanitary Workers by December 6
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced that the State’s free one-meal-a-day scheme for sanitary workers will be expanded to all municipalities and municipal corporations by December 6.
Launched on Saturday under the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), the scheme will benefit 31,373 conservancy workers, most of whom are employed through private agencies.
Responding to worker demands, the Chief Minister also declared that resting rooms with toilet facilities, each measuring 300 sq.ft, will be built for sanitation staff in all 200 wards of the Chennai Corporation.
Under the scheme, nutritious and hygienic meals will be prepared centrally, packed in tiffin boxes, delivered in thermal bags, and served warm near the workers’ job locations. Stalin said the initiative is rooted in the belief that the government must care for those who work daily to keep the city clean.
He highlighted past welfare measures introduced for conservancy staff, including the Sanitation Workers Welfare Board formed in 2007 and the Sanitary Workers Development Scheme launched in 2022. Stalin urged the public to maintain cleanliness and practice self-discipline as a mark of respect to frontline sanitation workers.
National News
Union Health Minister Launches 10 New AMRIT Pharmacies Nationwide
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda inaugurated the 10th anniversary celebrations of the AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) Pharmacy initiative in New Delhi.
AMRIT pharmacies have been supplying essential and life-saving medicines at discounts of 50% to 90%, significantly reducing treatment costs for patients. Highlighting the purpose behind Jan Aushadhi and AMRIT, the Minister said both schemes were designed to ensure affordable access to medicines and medical supplies across the country.
He further stated that the next major goal is to establish an AMRIT pharmacy in every medical college and district hospital in India. As part of the event, the Minister launched 10 new AMRIT pharmacy outlets across various States.
Assam Begins Process to Bring Back Vrindavani Vastra from British Museum
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has travelled to London to initiate the formal process of retrieving the historic Vrindavani Vastra from the British Museum. He is expected to sign an agreement with museum officials on Sunday to facilitate the return of the intricately woven silk textile, created under the guidance of the 15th–16th century Vaishnav saint Srimanta Sankaradeva.
Historical accounts suggest that fragments of the Vrindavani Vastra reached Tibet in the 17th or 18th century before being collected by British explorers. The Chief Minister said the State Government is committed to bringing the treasured artifact back to Assam, where it naturally belongs. He described the Vrindavani Vastra as an invaluable symbol of Assam’s heritage, known so far mainly through descriptions and images.
He further stated that Assam plans to display the artifact in Delhi and Mumbai. The British Museum has agreed to lend the textile for 18 months, provided that Assam sets up a museum matching international display standards.
A.P. Secures ₹13.25 Lakh-Crore Investments Through 613 MoUs at CII Summit 2025
At the CII Partnership Summit 2025 held in Visakhapatnam, the Andhra Pradesh Government announced that it secured ₹13,25,617 crore worth of investments through 613 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed over the two-day event.
The energy sector attracted the highest commitments at ₹5,33,351 crore, followed by industries (₹2,80,384 crore), infrastructure (₹2,01,758 crore), IT, Electronics & Communications (₹1,59,467 crore), and the AP Capital Region Development Authority (₹48,711 crore). Other significant sectors such as tourism, goods processing, and miscellaneous industries also secured sizeable investments.
Major Deals:
Key agreements include an MoU with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to establish the Andhra Pradesh Centre for Energy and Cyber Resilience, and an MoU with the Airports Authority of India to develop a greenfield airport in Srikakulam. Goa Shipyard Ltd. will set up a warship-building and defence manufacturing unit in Machilipatnam.
Additionally, ₹1,980 crore was committed to develop the Amaravati Quantum Valley, expected to become functional soon. MoUs were also signed to establish 12 new companies in Sri City. Raymond Ltd. announced plans to set up an auto components plant near the KIA factory in Satya Sai district and two more units in the Rayalaseema region, with a total investment of ₹1,201 crore.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said that the government ensured investments were distributed across Visakhapatnam, Amaravati, and Tirupati, and directed officials to ensure that all MoUs translate into concrete projects within three years. Top-ranking officials also held talks with companies such as LG Chemicals, Atmospheric Core Company, IFFCO, and Cordelia Cruises for future investments.
Sports News
Ravindra Jadeja Becomes Fourth Player to Register 4,000 Runs and 300 Wickets in Tests
Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has joined an elite group by completing the rare double of 4,000 Test runs and 300 Test wickets. He reached the 4,000-run milestone on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test.
Jadeja is now the fourth all-rounder in Test history to achieve this feat. The others who have accomplished this all-round double are Kapil Dev (5,248 runs, 434 wickets), Ian Botham (5,200 runs, 383 wickets), and Daniel Vettori (4,531 runs, 362 wickets).
With this achievement, Jadeja’s Test tally now stands at 4,017 runs and 342 wickets, reaffirming his status as one of the finest modern all-rounders.
K.L. Rahul Becomes 18th Indian to Cross 4,000 Test Runs
Indian opener K.L. Rahul achieved a major milestone by surpassing 4,000 runs in Test cricket during Day 2 of the first Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
The 33-year-old became the 18th Indian cricketer to reach this landmark. Rahul, who was India’s top-scorer with 39 runs in the first innings, now has a total of 4,024 Test runs to his name. His Test career includes 11 centuries and 20 half-centuries, highlighting his consistency across formats.