Daily Current Affairs – 12-11-2025
International News
Trump Meets Syrian President al-Sharaa for the First Time; Syria Joins Global Anti-Terror Coalition
In a historic first, U.S. President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House, marking a new phase in U.S.–Syria relations. The meeting, held in the Oval Office on Monday, was closed to the media.
President Trump said the U.S. would “do everything possible to make Syria successful,” expressing confidence in al-Sharaa’s leadership. The talks come as Syria, once internationally isolated, has now formally joined the U.S.-led Global Coalition against the Islamic State (IS), becoming its 90th member, according to a senior U.S. official.
In a Fox News interview, President al-Sharaa revealed that discussions included future investment opportunities in Syria, noting that “Syria is no longer viewed as a security threat but as a geopolitical ally and an energy investment hub.”
Syria’s Foreign Ministry described the talks as “friendly and constructive”, adding that President Trump assured U.S. support for Syria’s development and security efforts.
Trump Meets Syrian President al-Sharaa for the First Time; Syria Joins Global Anti-Terror Coalition
In a historic first, U.S. President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House, marking a new phase in U.S.–Syria relations. The meeting, held in the Oval Office on Monday, was closed to the media.
President Trump said the U.S. would “do everything possible to make Syria successful,” expressing confidence in al-Sharaa’s leadership. The talks come as Syria, once internationally isolated, has now formally joined the U.S.-led Global Coalition against the Islamic State (IS), becoming its 90th member, according to a senior U.S. official.
In a Fox News interview, President al-Sharaa revealed that discussions included future investment opportunities in Syria, noting that “Syria is no longer viewed as a security threat but as a geopolitical ally and an energy investment hub.”
Syria’s Foreign Ministry described the talks as “friendly and constructive”, adding that President Trump assured U.S. support for Syria’s development and security efforts.
India Extends ₹4,000 Crore Loan to Bhutan; Three Key MoUs Signed to Boost Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a two-day state visit to Bhutan, where he met King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in Thimphu. India announced a ₹4,000 crore loan assistance to support Bhutan’s developmental initiatives. Both nations signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering geothermal energy, healthcare, and mental health.
The two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in energy, technology, trade, transport connectivity, and skill development. India also offered land in Varanasi for constructing a Buddhist monastery on behalf of Bhutan.
They jointly inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project, built with Indian assistance.
PM Modi lauded Bhutan for being the world’s only carbon-negative country, generating all its power from renewable sources, and praised its leadership’s sustainable vision. He also highlighted plans to connect Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar to India’s railway network, enhancing trade access for Bhutan’s industries and farmers.
India had earlier contributed ₹10,000 crore to Bhutan’s five-year plan for roads, healthcare, and agriculture, reaffirming its long-standing developmental partnership with the Himalayan nation.
Important Days
World Pneumonia Day – November 12
World Pneumonia Day is observed every year on November 12 to raise global awareness about pneumonia, a preventable and treatable lung infection that remains one of the leading causes of death among children under five. The day aims to highlight the urgent need for vaccination, early diagnosis, clean air, nutrition, and access to treatment to reduce pneumonia-related deaths.
The observance was first established in 2009 by the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia, bringing together health organisations worldwide to combat child mortality caused by the disease. Since then, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have supported global campaigns to ensure “every breath matters.”
The theme for 2025 is “Child Survival,” emphasizing the importance of protecting children and vulnerable populations from pneumonia through strong health systems and equitable care.
Reports and Indices
India Ranks 9th Globally in Climate Impact — Germanwatch Climate Risk Index 2026
According to the Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2026 released by Germanwatch during the COP30 Summit in Belém, Brazil, India ranks 9th among the world’s most climate-affected countries over the past three decades (1995–2024).
The report highlights that India has faced over 430 extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, and cyclones, leading to 80,000+ deaths, 1.3 billion people affected, and $170 billion in economic losses (inflation-adjusted).
Severe monsoon floods, landslides, and heatwaves exceeding 50°C in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh have become more frequent, while cyclones like Amphan (2020), Fani (2019), and Hudhud (2014) caused massive human and economic damage.
Germanwatch’s senior advisor Vera Künzel noted that countries such as India, Haiti, and the Philippines are hit so often by climate disasters that recovery becomes nearly impossible before the next event. She stressed the urgent need for long-term global adaptation funding.
Globally, extreme weather has claimed over 832,000 lives and caused $4.5 trillion in losses since 1995. India’s inclusion in the top 10 — despite its low carbon emissions — underscores how developing nations bear the brunt of climate change.
Tamil Nadu News
Tamil Nadu Tops Ease of Doing Business Rankings at Udyog Samagam 2025
Tamil Nadu has been recognised as a top achiever in Ease of Doing Business for 2024, securing the first position at the Udyog Samagam 2025 for its comprehensive reforms under the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP).
The recognition highlights the state’s progress in key areas such as business entry, construction permits, labour facilitation, and land administration. The award was presented at an event chaired by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia.
Industries Minister Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa said the honour reflects Tamil Nadu’s strong governance under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, committed to creating a pro-business, pro-worker, and growth-oriented ecosystem. The reforms are part of the state’s broader mission to build an investor-friendly and innovation-driven economy.
Kovalam Beach Retains International Blue Flag Certification for 5th Consecutive Year
Tamil Nadu’s Kovalam Beach in Chengalpattu district has received the prestigious Blue Flag Certification for the fifth consecutive year (2025–26), reaffirming its position as one of India’s cleanest and eco-friendly beaches.
According to an official release, Blue Flag India informed the Chengalpattu Collector that Kovalam Beach once again met the stringent global environmental standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark.
Tamil Nadu Minister for Finance and Environment Thangam Thennarasu said on X that it is “a proud moment for Tamil Nadu as Kovalam Beach continues its streak of global recognition for sustainable beach management.”
The certification is renewed annually following inspections by both national and international teams. Kovalam first earned the tag on September 21, 2021, becoming Tamil Nadu’s first Blue Flag-certified beach.
In 2024–25, the beach attracted over 5.5 lakh visitors, highlighting its reputation as a model eco-tourism destination. Motivated by this success, the State Government is now working to obtain Blue Flag certification for 10 more beaches, including Palavakkam, Thiruvanmiyur, and Uthandi in Chennai.
Personalities, Awards and Events
France Honours Veteran Art Director Thota Tharani with Chevalier Award
The Government of France has conferred the prestigious Chevalier Award (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) on acclaimed Indian art director Thota Tharani for his outstanding contribution to cinema and the arts.
The award will be presented on November 13 at the Alliance Française, Chennai, by the French Ambassador, coinciding with the inauguration of Tharani’s art exhibition.
Educated at the Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai, and the Royal College of Art, London, Tharani’s creative journey has earned him numerous accolades — two National Awards, two Tamil Nadu State Awards, three Nandi Awards, a Kerala State Award, and the Padma Shri (2001).
Beginning his career with the Telugu film Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi (1978), Tharani made his Tamil debut with Raja Paarvai (1981). He is renowned for his art direction in iconic films such as Nayakan, Thalapathi, Indian, Sagara Sangamam, Sivaji, Dasavatharam, and Ponniyin Selvan I & II. Recently, he worked on Kubera and Hari Hara Veera Mallu.
With this honour, Tharani joins the distinguished list of Indian recipients including Sivaji Ganesan, Balamuralikrishna, Kamal Haasan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Kalki Koechlin.
Legendary Japanese Actor Tatsuya Nakadai Passes Away at 92
Renowned Japanese theatre and film actor Tatsuya Nakadai, celebrated for his powerful performances in Akira Kurosawa’s classics, has passed away at the age of 92. His acting school confirmed the news but did not share further details.
Nakadai gained international acclaim for his lead role in Kurosawa’s epic “Ran” (1985) and as the protagonist in “Kagemusha” (1980), which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
David Szalay Wins Booker Prize 2025 for His Novel “Flesh”
Canadian-Hungarian-British writer David Szalay has won the 2025 Booker Prize for Fiction for his novel “Flesh.” The story follows István, a quiet Hungarian immigrant whose simple life reflects deep emotions through minimal words.
The judging panel, led by Irish author Roddy Doyle and actor Sarah Jessica Parker, selected Szalay from 153 entries. Doyle praised the novel for its “beauty in simplicity,” adding that “its silences speak loudly.”
The Booker Prize, founded in 1969, is one of the world’s top literary honours, awarded annually to the best original English-language novel. It carries a £50,000 ($66,000) cash award. Earlier, it was called the Man Booker Prize (2002–2019) when sponsored by the Man Group. Past winners include Salman Rushdie, Arundhati Roy, and Margaret Atwood.
Economy News
RBI Recognises SRPA as Self-Regulatory Organisation for Payment System Operators
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted recognition to the Self-Regulated PSO Association (SRPA) as a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for Payment System Operators (PSOs).
This recognition comes under the RBI’s 2024 Omnibus Framework for acknowledging SROs across regulated financial entities, aimed at enhancing accountability, governance, and transparency in the financial ecosystem.
Srinivasu M.N., Director of SRPA, stated that the recognition marks “a major milestone in strengthening India’s digital payments ecosystem,” reflecting a shared commitment to governance, transparency, and innovation among payment players.
The move is expected to bring better coordination, ethical practices, and policy alignment within India’s fast-growing digital payment sector.
Sports News
Shooting World Cup – Aishwary, Esha & Samrat Clinch Silver in Cairo
At the ISSF Shooting World Cup 2025 held in Cairo, Egypt, India bagged two silver medals through brilliant performances by its shooters.
In the Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions event, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar equalled the world record with a score of 466.9 points, winning the silver medal. China’s Purui Tang claimed gold, while France’s Romain Aufrere secured bronze. India’s Niraj Kumar finished fifth with 432.6 points.
In the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event, the Indian duo Esha Singh and Samrat Rana also won silver, narrowly missing gold to the Chinese pair Kai and Suyuan.
With these results, India’s overall medal tally at the Cairo World Cup has risen to 11 medals, highlighting the country’s consistent form in international shooting events