Daily Current Affairs – 20-11-2025
National News
Retail Inflation Records Historic Low of 0.25% in October 2025
Retail inflation in India fell to 0.25% in October 2025, marking the lowest inflation rate recorded in the current Consumer Price Index (CPI) series and the lowest since January 2012, according to government data. The decline was attributed to the full-month impact of GST rate cuts, a favourable base effect, and reduced inflation in key food items such as vegetables and fruits. While most CPI categories saw higher inflation in October 2025 compared to the same month in the previous year, the food and beverages category registered a 3.7% price contraction in October following a 1.4% contraction in September, highlighting the statistical influence of the base effect on overall inflation trends.
Union Cabinet Approves New Royalty Rates for Critical Minerals
The Union Cabinet has approved the rationalisation of royalty rates for the critical minerals graphite, caesium, rubidium and zirconium to reduce import dependence and strengthen mineral supply chains. Under the new structure, graphite, which earlier attracted royalty on a per-tonne basis, will now be charged on an ad valorem basis, with 4% royalty on graphite containing less than 80% fixed carbon and 2% royalty on graphite with 80% or more fixed carbon. For caesium and rubidium, a 2% royalty will be levied on the average sale price based on the specific metal content in the ore, while zirconium will attract 1% royalty. The Cabinet stated that the rationalisation will promote the auction of mineral blocks of caesium, rubidium and zirconium and will assist bidders in submitting financially sound bids during auctions.
GI Tag Application Fee Reduced to ₹1,000; Centre Extends Support for Tribal Goods
At the Tribal Business Conclave held at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the application fee for the Geographical Indications (GI) tag has been reduced from ₹5,000 to ₹1,000, while urging tribal artisans to register and protect traditional products. The conclave was organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and included discussions on financing innovations, investments, partnerships, industry linkages and skilling for tribal enterprises. The event formed part of the Government of India’s Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh celebrations marking the 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda. GI tag certificates were distributed for products including Kannadippaya (Kerala), Apatani textile (Arunachal Pradesh), Marthandam honey (Tamil Nadu), Lepcha Tungbuk (Sikkim), Bodo Aronai (Assam), Ambaji white marble (Gujarat), and Bedu and Badri cow ghee (Uttarakhand). Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the initiative, and the Ministry announced a Tribal Affairs Grand Challenge inviting enterprises to design solutions for tribal communities.
Southern Railway Introduces QR-Code Grievance System for Catering Stalls
The Southern Railway has launched a QR-code–based grievance redressal system in catering stalls and canteens at railway stations in Chennai, enabling passengers to register complaints regarding overcharging, service deficiency, food quality, and hygiene. The initiative, implemented by the Chennai Division in collaboration with RailMadad, involves installing unique QR codes in all catering stalls; scanning the code provides passengers with details of the stall’s location and station code, and directs them to the RailMadad portal for grievance registration. The system was introduced following verification of complaints at Dr. MGR Central and Egmore stations, where poor food quality and overcharging were confirmed, leading to penal action against the contractor. The Chennai Division currently has nearly 50 stalls and canteens, and the QR-code system aims to improve monitoring by sending instant alerts to Catering Inspectors and Station Managers for timely action.
₹100 Commemorative Coin and Postal Stamps Released in Puttaparthi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a ₹100 commemorative coin and a set of postal stamps during the centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Prasanthi Nilayam in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. The event marked the completion of 100 years since the birth of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, and the Prime Minister highlighted various charitable projects of the organisation, including medical services, drinking water projects covering over 3,000 km of pipelines, and relief efforts undertaken during the Bhuj earthquake in Gujarat in 2001. The release of the special coin and stamps formed part of the official centenary commemorations.
ISRO Successfully Tests Bootstrap Mode Start on CE20 Cryogenic Engine
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully demonstrated the bootstrap mode start test on the CE20 cryogenic engine, which powers the upper stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3). The test was conducted for 10 seconds under vacuum conditions at the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility of the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, on November 7, marking a significant step in improving the restart capability and mission flexibility of future LVM3 flights. The CE20 engine, already qualified for thrust levels from 19 to 22 tonnes, is used for single-start missions and the Gaganyaan programme; however, future multi-orbit missions will require multiple in-flight restarts. The bootstrap mode start, which enables the engine to reach steady operation without external start-up assistance, is essential for such missions, ISRO stated.
SC Permits CAQM to Take Proactive Measures to Control Delhi–NCR Air Pollution
The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, allowed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to take “any proactive measure” to control air pollution in Delhi–NCR, following CAQM’s proposal to include certain GRAP IV restrictions such as work-from-home and 50% office attendance during the ongoing GRAP III stage. The Court was responding to CAQM’s submission proposing short-term and long-term pollution reduction measures, including reviewing the earlier exemption for BS-III emission vehicles, suggesting differential traffic rates, increasing public transport fleet and metro services, traffic synchronisation, and imposing higher environmental protection charges on luxury diesel cars and SUVs above 2000 cc. The Court also directed the CAQM to address issues related to vehicle aggregator policies, develop a monitoring portal, and examine the conduct of school sports events in the months of November and December. The next hearing was scheduled for December 10.
L&T to Produce Armoured Vehicle for Indian Army
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and BAE Systems have received a contract from the Indian Army to supply the BvS10 Sindhu, a specialised all-terrain armoured vehicle, according to an official regulatory filing. Under the contract, L&T will indigenously manufacture the BvS10 Sindhu at its Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira, while technical and design support will be provided by BAE Systems Hägglunds, the original manufacturer of the BvS10 platform. The project aims to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing capabilities under the indigenous production framework.
Khan Market Ranked India’s Costliest Retail Location
Khan Market in New Delhi has retained its position as India’s costliest retail location with an annual rent of $223 per square foot, marking a 3% year-on-year increase, according to the Cushman & Wakefield Main Streets Across the World 2025 retail report. Its global ranking slipped from 23rd to 24th this year. The report states that London’s New Bond Street has been declared the world’s most expensive retail street for 2025, with rents rising 22% to $2,231 per square foot per year, followed by Milan’s Via Montenapoleone ($2,179 psf/yr) and New York’s Upper Fifth Avenue ($2,000 psf/yr). In India, high-street locations such as Khan Market, Connaught Place and Galleria Market continue to attract both international and domestic brands due to rising consumer demand and limited mall supply, reinforcing their importance in India’s retail landscape.
India’s Organ Transplant Surgeries: Tamil Nadu’s 24% Share
India recorded 13,400 organ transplant surgeries from 2,286 donors across 36 months, and Tamil Nadu contributed 24% of all national organ donations, as per data presented by Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. Tamil Nadu registered 268 organ donors, making it the top-performing state in organ donation for the period. Nationally, the year 2023–24 saw 178 organ donations enabling transplantation for over 1,000 patients, and Tamil Nadu’s contribution included 456 transplant procedures, with 210 cadaver transplants and surgeries for organs such as heart, lungs, liver, kidney, and pancreas. Chennai hospitals—including Apollo, MGM Healthcare, Fortis, Global, Rela Institute, SRM, and Kauvery—conducted a high number of the state’s transplants, along with centres in Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchi, and Salem. Tamil Nadu stood first in heart transplants (128), liver transplants (188), lungs (172), kidney (245), and pancreas (8) during the three-year period, and also led in multi-organ transplants. The state maintained national leadership through its robust cadaver organ donation program, with over 23,000 organ transport movements enabled by coordinated air and road green corridors.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Provisions of Tribunal Reforms Act, Directs Centre to Establish Tribunal Commission
The Supreme Court of India, headed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, struck down key provisions of the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, holding that the law gave the Union Government excessive control over tribunal appointments, tenure, salaries and functioning, contrary to constitutional requirements of independence and impartial adjudication. The Court observed that enabling executive dominance over tribunal appointments or curtailing tenure undermines institutional autonomy. The Bench, comprising Justice K. Vinod Chandran, directed the Centre to establish the National Tribunal Commission within four months, describing it as an essential structural mechanism to ensure independence, transparency and uniformity in the functioning and administration of tribunals. The Court noted that the 2021 Act was a repackaged version of the Tribunal Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Ordinance, which had earlier been struck down by the Supreme Court in July 2021.
Nitish Kumar to Take Oath as Bihar Chief Minister for Record 10th Time
Nitish Kumar, president of the Janata Dal (United), was unanimously elected leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Legislature Party in Patna, ahead of forming a new government in Bihar, and will take oath as the Chief Minister for a record 10th time. He was also elected leader of the JD(U) Legislature Party during a meeting held at his official residence with newly elected MLAs. In the BJP Legislature Party, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha were elected leader and deputy leader respectively at a meeting held at the party headquarters, and with the proposal supported by MLAs and overseen by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, it is expected that both leaders will continue as Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar, similar to the previous government. Later, at another meeting in the Assembly premises, Nitish Kumar was unanimously elected leader of the NDA Legislature Party, confirming his leadership for the government formation.
International News
WHO Report: India’s TB Incidence Declines by 21% Between 2015 and 2024
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global TB Report 2025, India’s tuberculosis (TB) incidence has declined by 21% from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh population in 2024, nearly double the global decline of 12%, as stated by the Union Health Ministry. India also recorded one of the steepest global reductions in TB burden, with treatment coverage increasing from 53% in 2015 to over 92% in 2024, and 26.18 lakh TB patients diagnosed out of an estimated 27 lakh cases. The number of missing TB cases fell from 15 lakh in 2015 to less than one lakh in 2024, and TB mortality reduced from 28 deaths per lakh to 21 deaths per lakh during the same period. The report noted no significant rise in multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB cases, while India’s treatment success rate under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched in December 2024, reached 90%, surpassing the global average of 88%. The Abhiyan has screened over 19 crore vulnerable individuals, detecting more than 24.5 lakh TB patients, including 8.61 lakh asymptomatic cases, reflecting major progress in India’s TB elimination efforts.
U.S. Designates Riyadh as a Major Non-NATO Ally
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) at the White House and formally designated Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) as a Major Non-NATO Ally, a status given to select strategic partners outside the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). During the visit, both sides discussed defence and strategic cooperation, and the U.S. approved a major defence sale package including future deliveries of F-35 aircraft, while also signing a civil nuclear cooperation agreement. Saudi Arabia pledged investments worth $1 trillion in the United States, strengthening bilateral ties. The designation places Saudi Arabia among key U.S. partners similar to other major non-NATO allies around the world.
About NATO:
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance founded in 1949 through the Washington Treaty. NATO currently has 31 member countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Iceland, Greece, Turkey, Spain, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Finland. NATO’s primary objective is collective defence, where an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.
India to Participate in the 20th G20 Summit in Johannesburg
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, from November 21 to 23, marking the fourth consecutive G20 Summit hosted in the Global South. The External Affairs Ministry stated that India will present its positions across the full spectrum of the G20 agenda and participate in all three formal sessions—Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth, A Resilient World, and A Fair and Just Future for All—covering areas such as global economic recovery, equitable market access, disaster risk reduction, climate change, energy transitions, food systems, climate adaptation strategies, and global mineral governance. India will also highlight initiatives like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). On the sidelines, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders and attend the IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) Leaders’ Meeting, emphasizing cooperation among three major democracies of the Global South. The summit takes place as South Africa hosts the G20 for the first time, and the meeting comes amid key geopolitical developments. Additionally, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Bangladesh’s Khalilur Rahman in New Delhi during preparatory discussions ahead of the 7th National Security Advisers’ Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC).
SCO National Security Advisors’ Meeting in New Delhi
The National Security Advisors’ (NSAs) meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) began in New Delhi on November 20, with participation from India, Russia, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and India was represented by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The meeting reviewed the SCO joint security roadmap, including decisions taken at the 7th Regional Security Summit held in July 2023 in New Delhi, covering cooperation in border security, cyber security, narcotics control, financial crime prevention, and counter-terrorism operations. Delegates also assessed preparatory progress for the SCO Summit 2026, which will be hosted by India, and evaluated upcoming security arrangements. As part of the conference, SCO security officials visited National Security Guard (NSG) facilities to review India’s security infrastructure.
About SCO (English)
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a regional intergovernmental organisation founded in 2001 in Shanghai by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It focuses on regional security, political cooperation, economic development, and counter-terrorism. India and Pakistan became full members in 2017.
Sports News
Jerlin Jayaratchagan Named India’s Flagbearer for Tokyo Deaflympics
Jerlin Jayaratchagan, a Deaflympics athlete from Madurai, has been appointed as India’s flagbearer for the Tokyo Deaflympics beginning on Saturday. The 111-member Indian contingent was officially sent off on Wednesday, and the first batch of athletes will depart on Thursday. India will compete in 11 disciplines including athletics, badminton, golf, judo, karate, shooting, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, wrestling and tennis. Jerlin, who made her debut in 2017 at the age of 13, created history by winning three gold medals in singles, mixed doubles and team events at the 2022 Brazil Deaflympics, becoming the first woman Deaflympian to receive the prestigious Arjuna Award. In the same edition, India finished ninth with 16 medals consisting of eight gold, one silver and seven bronze.
Shai Hope Becomes First Batter to Score Hundreds Against 13 International Teams
West Indies cricketer Shai Hope became the first batter in international cricket to score centuries against 13 different national teams, achieving the milestone by scoring an unbeaten 109 in the Napier ODI against New Zealand. The 13 teams against whom Hope has scored ODI centuries include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, marking a notable record in world cricket.
Curacao becomes smallest nation by population to qualify for World Cup
Curacao, with a population of 156,115 persons (as of last January), became the smallest nation by population to qualify for a World Cup after securing a 0–0 draw with Jamaica and finishing atop Group B with 12 points in the qualifiers. Curacao qualified along with Panama and Haiti, both representing CONCACAF, and entered the tournament as the only undefeated nation in the qualifying group.
About Curacao (TNPSC Fact)
- Curacao is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea, part of the former Netherlands Antilles.
- Its capital is Willemstad.
- It is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands since 2010.
- Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG).
- Region: CONCACAF in football.
India wins gold in 10m air pistol mixed event at 25th Deaflympics
At the 25th Deaflympics in Tokyo, Abhinav Deshwal and Pranjali Prashant Dhumal won the 10m air pistol mixed gold, while Kushagra Singh Rajawat secured a bronze in the 50m rifle prone event; the Indian shooters have won 11 medals so far, with Abhinav and Pranjali defeating Ya-Ju Kao and Ming-Jui Hsu of Taiwan by 16–6, and Kushagra finishing with 224.3 points in an event won by Dmytro Petrenko of Ukraine with a Deaf World and Olympic Record of 251.0.
Roger Federer – Hall of Fame Honour
Tennis legend Roger Federer has been selected for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2026, recognising his outstanding career achievements, including 20 Grand Slam titles. Federer, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, holds a record 310 weeks as World No.1, with 103 ATP singles titles and 20 major titles, making him one of the most decorated players in tennis history. The Hall of Fame, located in Newport, USA, confirmed that Federer will be formally inducted during the 2026 ceremony, marking his contribution to global tennis, including his dominance at tournaments such as Wimbledon where he won 8 titles, and the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open.
Tamil Nadu News
‘DigiArivu’ Initiative Launched to Strengthen Digital and STEM Education in Tamil Nadu
Samsung, in partnership with the United Nations Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI), has launched the ‘DigiArivu – Empowering Students Through Tech’ initiative to strengthen digital and STEM education in select government schools in Tamil Nadu. The programme aims to upgrade infrastructure in 10 government schools in Kancheepuram and Ranipet districts to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) learning and digital education. The company will also train teachers, provide sports kits, set up libraries with books in Tamil and English, offer career guidance to Class XII students, and conduct health awareness camps, with over 3,000 students expected to benefit. The initiative was launched in Chennai by School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, in the presence of S.H. Yoon, President, Samsung Chennai Plant, and Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director, UN GCNI.
Kalaignar Sports Kit Scheme Expanded Across Tamil Nadu
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin launched the expansion of the Kalaignar Sports Kit Scheme to urban local bodies and inaugurated two facilities at the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University in Chengalpattu district. At an event held at the Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, he commenced the distribution of 19,767 sports kits to municipal corporations, municipalities, and town panchayats across Tamil Nadu. Earlier, he inaugurated a swimming pool built at a cost of ₹5 crore and the Olympian Sharath Kamal Table Tennis Academy constructed at a cost of ₹2 crore on the university campus. The initiative aims to strengthen sports infrastructure and support sportspersons in the State.
Southern Railway Introduces QR-Code Grievance System for Catering Stalls
The Southern Railway has launched a QR-code–based grievance redressal system in catering stalls and canteens at railway stations in Chennai, enabling passengers to register complaints regarding overcharging, service deficiency, food quality, and hygiene. The initiative, implemented by the Chennai Division in collaboration with RailMadad, involves installing unique QR codes in all catering stalls; scanning the code provides passengers with details of the stall’s location and station code, and directs them to the RailMadad portal for grievance registration. The system was introduced following verification of complaints at Dr. MGR Central and Egmore stations, where poor food quality and overcharging were confirmed, leading to penal action against the contractor. The Chennai Division currently has nearly 50 stalls and canteens, and the QR-code system aims to improve monitoring by sending instant alerts to Catering Inspectors and Station Managers for timely action.
Personalities, Awards and Events
The Hindu Journalists Receive Laadli Awards for Gender-Sensitive Reporting
Journalists from The Hindu received honours at the Laadli Media and Advertising Awards for Gender Sensitivity, 2025, presented by Population First, a non-governmental organisation supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), during the 15th edition of the awards that recognised 63 print, web, and TV journalists. Shiv Sahay Singh, Shrabana Chatterjee, and Moyurie Som from the Kolkata bureau won in the English language print series category for their report “Doctor rape and murder: Violence and vigil in Kolkata”, while a Delhi report by Ashna Bhutani, titled “Homes for transgender people: A safe space, threatened”, won under the print category, highlighting issues faced by transgender persons in Garima Grehs established by the Central government. Journalists from several other organisations, including Scroll, The News Minute, Newslaundry, The Quint, ThePrint, BehanBox, IndiaSpend, and People's Archive of Rural India, also received awards.
Professor Sreelal Sasidharan Named Britain’s Innovator-Scientist for 2025
Professor Sreelal Sasidharan, an Indian-origin marine biologist from Kerala, has been selected as Britain’s Scientist-Innovator for 2025 by the Glasgow Science Festival, marking him as the first Indian to receive this recognition. The award was presented at a global event where leading innovators under the age of 40 were honoured for their research contributions. Professor Sreelal, who heads a major marine research institution in Thiruvananthapuram, has been acknowledged for his work in marine species conservation and for developing solutions benefiting coastal communities. He has also led multiple international projects on marine biodiversity while representing India in global scientific platforms. His institution in Kozhikode continues to conduct advanced research in marine biology, contributing to national scientific progress.
Science and Technology News
Karnataka Signs LoIs Worth ₹2,600 Crore for Drone and Tech Investments
The Karnataka government has signed six Letters of Intent (LoIs) in the fields of drone technology, semiconductors, EV battery, and biotech, securing investments totaling ₹2,600 crore during the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, with IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge stating that these projects would create 3,500 new jobs. The Drone Federation of India (DFI), representing 550 drone tech firms, signed an LoI to establish India’s first drone flight-testing facility in Karnataka, expected to generate over 500 jobs in research, testing, development, and manufacturing; this facility will be built on 20 acres in Chindenahalli under a PPP model, with the State providing land and DFI providing drones. The investments include Tsuyo Manufacturing’s ₹250-crore Cell Therapy R&D and EV Powertrain project, MiniMines Cleantech Solutions’ ₹350-crore Critical Mineral Refining Giga Complex, Elive Solutions’ ₹250-crore ESDM unit, and EyeStem Research’s ₹130-crore iPSC-based Cell Therapy R&D facility, while Global HDI will set up a HDI/multi-layer PCB plant costing ₹1,500 crore.
Economy News
Adani’s ₹14,535 crore bid for JAL approved by lenders
Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL), the flagship firm of Gautam Adani, has secured approval from creditors for its ₹14,535 crore bid to acquire the bankrupt Jaiprakash Associates (JAL) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC). The approval was granted by the Committee of Creditors (CoC), with the National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL) holding the largest voting share at 86%. AEL received a Letter of Intent (LoI) from the Resolution Professional on November 19, 2025, and plans to pay ₹6,005 crore upfront and ₹7,600 crore over two years. The competing bid by Vedanta involved ₹3,800 crore upfront and ₹12,400 crore in deferred payments. The final resolution remains subject to approvals from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Allahabad Bench, and other statutory authorities. Separately, the Adani Group sold a 13% stake in AWL Agri Business Ltd to Wilmar International, reducing its stake to 56.94%, as part of a broader divestment plan.