Daily Current Affairs – 15-11-2025
Important Days
Jharkhand Foundation Day and National Philanthropy Day – November 15
November 15 is observed as Jharkhand Foundation Day, marking the creation of Jharkhand as the 28th state of India in 2000, after being carved out of the southern region of Bihar. The date coincides with the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the prominent tribal freedom fighter associated with the tribal rights movement. The state celebrates its cultural identity, natural resources, and the long struggle for statehood, with the 2025 theme “Jharkhand @ 25” commemorating the state’s 25-year journey. The same day is also observed as National Philanthropy Day, an international observance recognizing contributions of individuals and organizations engaged in charitable work. It was officially recognized in the United States in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan to honor philanthropic efforts that address social and community-based issues.
National News
Adani Group Announces ₹1 Lakh Crore Investment in Andhra Pradesh
The Adani Group has announced a major investment of ₹1 lakh crore in Andhra Pradesh, covering sectors such as cement, data centres, logistics, ports, and energy. This long-term investment will be carried out over the next 10 years to expand the group’s operations in South India. The group has already invested ₹40,000 crore in Andhra Pradesh across multiple sectors, and the new investment continues this expansion plan. The announcement was made at an investors’ conference in Visakhapatnam, with the update provided by Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone.
Ambaji Marble of Gujarat Receives GI Tag
The Ambaji marble from Gujarat, known for its high-quality white stone, has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The tag has been registered in the name of the Ambaji Marbles Quarry and Factory Association located in Banaskantha district. Ambaji is a prominent pilgrimage centre and Shaktipeeth, and its marble has been historically used in temple construction due to its strength, shine and high calcium content. The marble from Ambaji has a historical mining background of 1,200–1,500 years, dating to the period of the Dilwara Jain Temple in Mount Abu. The stone is also used in temples in the United States, New Zealand and England, highlighting its global significance. The GI tag adds official recognition to the unique characteristics and longstanding cultural value of Ambaji marble.
What is a GI Tag?
A Geographical Indication (GI) Tag is an official recognition given to products that have unique qualities, reputation or characteristics that originate from a specific geographical region. It protects the identity of the product, prevents unauthorized use of the name, and promotes traditional and regional industries.
India Enforces Key Provisions of Digital Data Protection Law
The Union government has activated major sections of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, strengthening citizens’ digital privacy. The DPDP Rules, 2025 further align India with the Supreme Court’s 2017 ruling that recognised privacy as a fundamental right.
Passed in August 2023, the Act mandates companies to safeguard personal data while granting certain exemptions to the State. It also introduces penalties for non-compliance. However, transparency advocates warn that the law weakens the RTI Act, 2005 by removing the obligation to disclose “personal information” even when public interest is greater. This amendment takes effect immediately.
“Data fiduciaries” have until November 2026 to meet pending requirements, including publishing their Data Protection Officer’s details. The Consent Manager framework, which allows users to request data deletion or correction, will also become operational then.
Timeline Highlights:
2017 – SC declares privacy a fundamental right
2018 – Srikrishna Committee submits report
2022 – New draft Bill prepared
2023 – Parliament passes DPDP Act
2025 – Draft rules released for consultation
Sports News
Carlos Alcaraz Regains World No. 1 Rank at ATP Finals
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain regained the World No. 1 ranking after completing the group stage of the ATP Finals in Turin with three consecutive victories. In his final Jimmy Connors Group match, he defeated Lorenzo Musetti of Italy, who is ranked World No. 9, with a straight-set win of 6-4, 6-1. With this performance, Alcaraz, who entered the tournament as World No. 2, finishes the current season as the year-end World No. 1, a position he had previously achieved in 2022. Musetti was eliminated from the tournament, while Alex de Minaur of Australia qualified for the semi-finals. In the Bjorn Borg Group, Jannik Sinner of Italy, the defending champion and currently ranked World No. 2, completed his group stage with three consecutive wins by defeating Ben Shelton of the United States.
Esha Singh Wins Bronze at ISSF World Championships
Esha Singh, aged 20, secured her first World Championship medal by winning the bronze medal in the 25m pistol event at the ISSF World Championships held in Cairo. She scored 30/50, finishing behind Jiin Yang of South Korea, the Paris Olympic gold medallist, and Qianxun Yao of China, who won the silver. India’s Manu Bhaker, a double Olympic medallist, finished fifth, while Rahi Sarnobat placed 54th in qualifying. The Indian team of Esha Singh, Manu Bhaker, and Rahi Sarnobat finished fourth, missing out on a team medal.
International News
U.S. Approves $330 Million Military Sale to Taiwan
The United States has approved a $330 million military sale to Taiwan, marking the first such arms package since President Donald Trump returned to office. The sale, cleared by the U.S. State Department, involves non-standard components, spare parts, consumables, and repair support for Taiwan’s F-16, C-130, and Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF) aircraft, as confirmed by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Washington remains Taiwan’s largest arms supplier, and the new approval comes nearly two weeks after a meeting between Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. The sale has been firmly opposed by China’s Foreign Ministry, which sees it as a challenge to its regional security position. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence stated that the package will strengthen the island’s combat readiness and defensive resilience against China. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has pledged to increase defence expenditure to over 3% of GDP next year and 5% by 2030, while also promising more investment in the United States to counter the 20% U.S. tariff imposed on Taiwanese exports.
U.S. Announces Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR in Latin America
The United States has announced a new military operation named Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR in Latin America, declared by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as part of an ongoing campaign under the administration of President Donald Trump. The operation aims to target narco-terrorist networks in the region and follows a series of U.S. naval and air deployments in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific as part of anti-drug activities. Since early September, U.S. forces have conducted strikes on approximately 20 vessels in international waters, resulting in at least 76 deaths, according to U.S. figures. The announcement comes at a time of increased American military presence near Venezuelan waters, prompting Venezuela to initiate a large nationwide military deployment in response, including measures to counter a newly deployed U.S. aircraft carrier strike group near its coast.
Greenland Passes Law Restricting Foreign Property Ownership
The Parliament of Greenland has passed a new law restricting property ownership by foreigners, a move influenced by increasing international interest, particularly from the United States. The law, which comes into effect on January 1, permits land purchases only by residents who have lived and paid taxes in Greenland for at least two years. Under the new rule, only Greenlandic, Faroese, and Danish citizens or companies are allowed to buy property, thereby limiting land ownership to groups with established regional ties and ensuring stricter control over real estate acquisition within Greenland.
India–Canada Cooperation on Trade and Critical Minerals
India and Canada have strengthened their economic engagement by agreeing to expand collaboration in critical minerals, clean energy, aerospace, and dual-use capability partnerships following the visit of Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, to New Delhi from November 11 to 14 at the invitation of Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry. A joint statement issued by both countries confirmed their commitment to encourage long-term supply-chain partnerships in critical minerals, support investment in clean-energy transition, and identify additional opportunities in aerospace and dual-use sectors. The renewed cooperation follows the direction given by the Prime Ministers of India and Canada during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, and further aligns with earlier diplomatic efforts by the Foreign Ministers of both nations to restore momentum in bilateral trade and economic partnership.
Personalities, Awards and Events
Biography of Carnatic Composer Ambujam Krishna Released
Former West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi released the biography Devotion through Song, authored by historian V. Sriram, which documents the life and contribution of Carnatic composer Ambujam Krishna. The book highlights her role as a significant composer in the Carnatic tradition and records her detailed documentation of the origin and creation of her compositions. Ambujam Krishna’s life spanned the period from colonial India to post-independence, reflecting the social transitions of the time. The launch event also saw the participation of Carnatic musician S. Sowmya and members of the composer’s family, marking an important addition to contemporary publications related to Indian art and culture.