The 11th edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral military exercise, Mitra Shakti 2025, commenced on 10 November 2025 in Belagavi, Karnataka. The two-week drill is designed to boost operational interoperability between their armies, particularly in counter-terrorism and urban warfare scenarios.

Key Points:

• Mitra Shakti 2025 is scheduled from 10 to 23 November 2025 at the Foreign Training Node in Belagavi.
• The exercise involves 170 Indian Army personnel, primarily from the Rajput Regiment, and 135 Sri Lankan soldiers from the Gajaba Regiment. 
• There’s participation from both air forces — 20 from India and 10 from Sri Lanka — signaling a more integrated bi-service approach. 
• Training will focus on sub-conventional operations: raids, search-and-destroy missions, heliborne operations, and counter-terrorism drills. 
• Modern warfare elements like drones, counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), and helicopters will be integrated into the training to simulate real battlefield conditions. 

World Science Day for Peace and Development is observed annually on 10 November 2025, under the theme “Trust, Transformation and Tomorrow: The Science We Need for 2050,” to highlight the relevance of science in achieving sustainable development and fostering global trust.

Key Points:

• World Science Day is celebrated on 10 November each year to underline the importance of science in society and for global development.
• The 2025 theme encourages reflection on the scientific tools, innovations and policies needed to shape the world by 2050.
• The observance aligns with the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), aiming to harness science for society.
• Objectives include raising public awareness of the role of science, enhancing scientific cooperation and addressing global challenges through science.
• Events around the world in 2025 included youth science forums, policy dialogues, digital campaigns and local community outreach to reinforce science’s contribution to a sustainable future.

Veteran Hindi film actress Kamini Kaushal, one of the last surviving stars of Indian cinema’s golden era, passed away at the age of 98 in Mumbai. Her illustrious career spanned over seven decades, from the classic Neecha Nagar to modern films like Kabir Singh and Laal Singh Chaddha.

Key Points:

• Kamini Kaushal passed away at 98 on 14 November 2025 at her Mumbai residence, marking the end of an era for classic Hindi cinema.
• Born in 1927 in Lahore, she made her debut with the 1946 film Neecha Nagar, which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.
• She starred in iconic films such as Nadiya Ke Paar, Ziddi, Shabnam, Arzoo and Godaan, becoming one of the leading actresses of the 1940s–60s.
• In her later years, she appeared in popular modern films like Kabir Singh (2019) and Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), showcasing her versatility across generations.
• Her cremation took place at Worli Crematorium in Mumbai, with family and film fraternity members paying tribute to her long-standing contribution to Indian cinema.

The 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) commenced at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, bringing together Indian states, global participants, and industry sectors under one platform. The fair aims to promote trade, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and innovation, running from 14 to 27 November 2025.

Key Points:

• The 44th edition of IITF was inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, with the theme “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” highlighting cultural and economic unity.
• The event will be held from 14–27 November 2025, with the first five days reserved for business visitors and the remaining days open to the public.
• Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Jitin Prasada inaugurated the fair, emphasising its role in showcasing India’s self-reliance and growth.
• Partner states include Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Bihar, while Jharkhand is the focus state for this year’s edition.
• Around 12 countries are participating in the international section, representing regions such as the UAE, China, Iran, South Korea and Egypt.

India has unveiled its first indigenously developed Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM), marking a major achievement in the nation’s growing quantum technology ecosystem. The breakthrough device, created at IIT Bombay under the National Quantum Mission, will significantly advance research in semiconductor diagnostics, neuroscience, and materials science.

Key Points:

• India officially introduced its first Quantum Diamond Microscope, a cutting-edge device capable of imaging magnetic fields at microscopic scales using nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds.
• The breakthrough technology was developed at IIT Bombay, led by the P-Quest Group and supported by the Quantum Sensing & Metrology Hub established under the National Quantum Mission.
• The microscope uses Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance (ODMR) to detect magnetic signals with high precision, enabling applications in semiconductor chip analysis, neural activity studies, and advanced materials research.
• The IIT Bombay team is integrating AI- and ML-based computational imaging with the QDM to build a powerful quantum imaging platform that could be used in industries ranging from electronics to biotechnology.
• The achievement positions India as a rising leader in quantum sensing technologies, reducing dependence on imported high-end devices and opening pathways for commercialization and future quantum innovation.

The 13th International Tourism Mart (ITM) is being held in Gangtok, Sikkim, bringing together global delegates to showcase the tourism potential of India’s North Eastern region. The event focuses on sustainable tourism, cultural promotion, and strengthening international business partnerships.

Key Points:

• The 13th International Tourism Mart in Gangtok was inaugurated by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
• The event is jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism and the Sikkim Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, highlighting the region’s unique eco-cultural landscape.
• Over 300 delegates, including international buyers and media representatives from several countries, are participating to explore tourism and investment opportunities.
• Key themes include sustainable tourism, adventure tourism, wellness, homestays, digital innovation, and youth entrepreneurship in the North Eastern states.
• The Mart features a special ‘Northeast Bazaar’, showcasing handicrafts, organic products, traditional textiles, and herbal goods made by local artisans.
• Technical sessions, B2B meetings, and cultural showcases are planned alongside site visits to iconic places in Gangtok such as Rumtek Monastery and Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.
• The event reinforces Sikkim’s leadership in eco-friendly and community-driven tourism, emphasising organic practices and responsible travel initiatives.

Odisha’s Sunapur and Puri Golden Beach have once again secured the prestigious Blue Flag certification, reaffirming the state’s leadership in sustainable coastal management. This repeated global recognition highlights Odisha’s consistent efforts to maintain world-class beach safety, cleanliness, and environmental standards.

Key Points:

• Sunapur Beach in Ganjam and Puri Golden Beach have renewed their Blue Flag certification for the 2025–26 cycle.
• Sunapur received the recognition for the third consecutive year, while Puri earned it for the seventh year in a row.
• The Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) based on 33 parameters including water quality, safety, waste management, and environmental education.
• Odisha’s eco-friendly initiatives include zero liquid waste discharge systems, accessibility features, lifeguard towers, and enhanced safety infrastructure.
• The achievement strengthens Odisha’s position as a leader in sustainable coastal tourism and sets a benchmark for environmental management in India.

Punjab has become the first state in India to fully implement the amended Bharat Net Scheme across its entire territory. This upgraded rollout aims to strengthen high-speed broadband connectivity, particularly for rural communities, enabling improved access to digital services, e-governance, and online opportunities.

Key Points:

• Punjab is the first state to complete the statewide implementation of the amended Bharat Net Scheme, ensuring broadband connectivity across all districts.
• The scheme focuses on expanding fibre-based internet access to rural and remote regions for faster, more reliable digital services.
• The upgraded Bharat Net model enables villages to receive high-speed internet with improved last-mile connectivity.
• The initiative is expected to boost digital inclusion by supporting online education, telemedicine, digital payments, and rural entrepreneurship.
• The rollout aligns with the government’s broader Digital India mission by enhancing connectivity infrastructure and bridging the rural-urban digital gap.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid the foundation stone for Assam’s first Technical and Vocational University, marking a milestone in the state’s education and skill development sector. The initiative is set to enhance employment opportunities and foster innovation among the youth of the Northeast region.

Key Points:

• The foundation stone for Assam’s first Technical and Vocational University was laid by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in November 2025.
• The university will emphasize technical education, vocational training, and collaboration with industries for skill-oriented programs.
• It aims to equip students with modern technical knowledge and hands-on skills to meet future workforce demands.
• The initiative supports the central government’s Skill India and Atmanirbhar Bharat missions.
• The project is expected to play a key role in transforming Assam into a leading center for technical and vocational excellence.

Uttarakhand celebrated its Foundation Day on 9 November 2025, marking 25 years since the state was carved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2000. Known as the “Land of the Gods,” the state observed its Silver Jubilee with cultural programmes, public events, and special initiatives under the theme “Uttarakhand@25.”

Key Points:

• Uttarakhand was formed on 9 November 2000 as India’s 27th state, originally named Uttaranchal before being renamed Uttarakhand in 2007.
• The 2025 celebrations marked the state’s 25th anniversary, with events held across districts from 1 to 11 November under the “Uttarakhand@25” theme.
• Cultural shows, parades, awareness programmes, and youth-focused activities highlighted the state’s rich heritage and development journey.
• Key state facts: It has 13 districts, winter capital Dehradun, summer capital Gairsain, and official languages Hindi and Sanskrit.
• Important state symbols include the Musk Deer (animal), Himalayan Monal (bird), Brahma Kamal (flower), and Buransh/Rhododendron arboreum (tree).

The 30th CII Partnership Summit 2025 commenced in Visakhapatnam, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and industry representatives. The two-day summit focuses on technology, trade, investment, and sustainable growth, with Andhra Pradesh showcasing major industrial and economic opportunities.

Key Points:

• The 30th edition of the CII Partnership Summit 2025 began on 14 November in Visakhapatnam, organised by CII in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh government and DPIIT.
• The event was inaugurated by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan in the presence of CM N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and CII leadership.
• The summit’s theme is “Technology, Trust and Trade: Navigating the New Geoeconomic Order,” focusing on global partnerships, innovation, geo-economics, sustainability and industrial growth.
• Over 2,500 delegates from 77 countries are participating in more than 45 sessions discussing sectors like green energy, ports, aviation, manufacturing and future technologies.
• Andhra Pradesh is showcasing investment potential across emerging areas such as drone taxis, rare-earth mineral processing, green energy and advanced logistics, with expectations of major MoUs and investment announcements.

Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, will be the venue for the 22nd All-India TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) Conference. The conference will bring together tax professionals, government officials, and finance experts to discuss the latest trends, compliance challenges, and policy developments related to TDS.

Key Points:

• The 22nd edition of the All-India TDS Conference is scheduled to be held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
• It will convene key stakeholders such as tax practitioners, government authorities, and financial experts to deliberate on TDS-related issues.
• Topics on the agenda include recent changes in TDS regulations, compliance strategies, and implications for taxpayers and deductors.
• The conference aims to improve understanding of tax deduction mechanisms and promote better taxpayer education.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, on 19 November 2025 to participate in the South India Natural Farming Summit. The summit will bring together farmers, scientists, and policymakers to promote sustainable and organic farming practices across southern India.

Key Points:

• The summit will be held from 19 to 21 November and is organized by farmers’ associations in Tamil Nadu.
• PM Modi will meet around 50 scientists specializing in organic and natural farming from southern states.
• The event will feature about 300 stalls, live demonstrations, and interactive sessions with farmers and policymakers.
• The summit aims to encourage sustainable, economically viable, and socially inclusive agricultural practices.
• The initiative aligns with national programs like Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddi and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.

The Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine will be held in New Delhi from 17–19 December 2025, co-hosted by the World Health Organization and the Government of India. The event will advance global dialogue on integrating traditional medicine into modern healthcare through science, sustainability, and evidence-based practices.

Key Points:

• The Summit will take place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 17–19 December 2025, bringing together global health leaders and experts.
• It is jointly organized by the WHO and India’s Ministry of AYUSH under an MoU signed in September 2025 to promote global collaboration in traditional medicine.
• The theme of the summit is “Restoring balance for people and planet”, highlighting sustainable, evidence-based integration of traditional medicine into health systems.
• Participation is expected from around 500 international delegates in person and nearly 5,000 virtual attendees from various regions.
• Key discussion areas include regulation of traditional medicine, indigenous knowledge, biodiversity conservation, intellectual property concerns, and emerging technologies such as AI in traditional health practices.