LEGAL NEWS
CAG Creates Two New Specialised Audit Cadres
• The CAG has cleared the formation of two dedicated groups — the Central Revenue Audit (CRA) and Central Expenditure Audit (CEA) — within the Indian Audit & Accounts Department.
• These new cadres aim to bring better domain expertise, consistent audit practices, and improved workforce deployment across government sectors.
• The CRA cadre will exclusively examine the Centre’s revenue streams, such as income tax, GST, customs duties, and other non-tax collections.
• The CEA cadre will independently evaluate Union Government spending, budget execution, and financial performance.
• More than 4,000 audit personnel previously scattered across State Audit offices will now be reorganised under a unified central system through these cadres.
• The Indian Audit & Accounts Department, which functions under the CAG and employs over 42,000 staff, will operationally manage these specialised units.
• As a constitutional authority under Article 148, the CAG continues to act as the nation’s financial watchdog, auditing all government receipts and expenditure at both Union and State levels.
IMPORTANT DAYS
Public Service Broadcasting Day observed on November 12.
• Public Service Broadcasting Day is observed every year on 12 November to mark Mahatma Gandhi’s only visit to All India Radio in 1947.
• Gandhi addressed refugees in Kurukshetra on Diwali, and the studio was specially arranged to resemble his usual prayer meeting environment.
• Rajkumari Amrit Kaur accompanied him during the broadcast, which became a historic moment in India’s communication history.
• Gandhi had initially hesitated to use radio but agreed after Ghanshyam Das Birla convinced him.
• In 2000, Minister Sushma Swaraj officially designated 12 November as Public Service Broadcasting Day.
• Since then, Akashvani has commemorated the day annually, honouring Gandhi’s message and values.
• The AIR studio was renamed “Bapu Studio” in March 2023 during the 100th episode of PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat, reinforcing Gandhi’s legacy in public broadcasting.
World Pneumonia Day 2025 observed on November 12.
• World Pneumonia Day is marked globally on 12 November each year to draw attention to the dangers and health impacts of pneumonia.
• WHO identifies pneumonia as the leading infectious cause of death among children below five, and a major health risk for the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.
• The observance began in 2009 after being launched by the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia.
• On this occasion, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda reaffirmed India’s resolve to safeguard every child from pneumonia.
• The government’s SAANS campaign focuses on reducing childhood pneumonia through stronger health services and widespread community education.
• The slogan “Pneumonia nahi, toh bachpan sahi” reinforces the importance of early prevention and timely treatment.
• Pneumonia, caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, can be prevented through vaccination; symptoms include fever, cough, rapid breathing, chest discomfort, and rusty-coloured phlegm, with air pollution remaining a major risk factor.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
President Murmu’s Historic Visit to Angola and Botswana
• President Droupadi Murmu reached Luanda, marking the first time an Indian Head of State has visited Angola, coinciding with 40 years of India–Angola diplomatic relations.
• Her trip follows Angolan President Joao Lourenco’s May 2025 visit to New Delhi, continuing the momentum in bilateral engagement.
• She is scheduled to hold discussions with President Lourenco, during which both nations are expected to formalize several cooperation agreements.
• India has already cleared a Line of Credit worth $200 million to support the modernization of Angola’s defence sector, with negotiations underway on equipment and procurement details.
• Angola, being India’s second-biggest African supplier of energy, is expected to explore deeper ties in sectors such as healthcare, space collaboration, and digital public infrastructure.
• President Murmu will attend Angola’s 50th Independence Day celebrations and address the Angolan Parliament before concluding her visit on 11th November.
• From 11–13 November, she will travel to Botswana for talks with President Duma Boko, where cooperation under Project Cheetah will be a key area of interest.
India–Chile 9th Foreign Office Consultations
• India and Chile held their 9th round of Foreign Office Consultations in Santiago, led by Secretary (East) P. Kumaran and Chile’s Secretary General Rodrigo Olsen.
• Both sides focused on expanding cooperation in new-age sectors like digital public infrastructure, green energy transition, and innovation.
• Discussions covered a wide spectrum of areas including trade, health, mining, pharmaceuticals, civil nuclear collaboration, defence, space, agriculture, and education.
• The delegations reviewed progress made since President Gabriel Boric’s April 2025 visit to India and agreed to accelerate pending initiatives.
• Visa-related issues for Indian professionals and business visitors were taken up to improve mobility and ease of engagement.
• Several agreements—ranging from customs cooperation and adoption of Indian pharmacopoeia to traditional medicine, space partnership, and cultural exchanges—were prioritized for early conclusion.
• Both countries explored deeper collaboration in renewable energy and investment opportunities, reaffirming their strong ties as Chile remains India’s 5th largest trading partner in the LAC region.
NATIONAL NEWS
RPF’s Major Safety and Rescue Operations
• The Railway Protection Force rescued more than 16,000 vulnerable children between January and October under its dedicated Operation Nanhe Farishtey.
• Through Mission Jeevan Raksha, the force saved over 2,000 passengers who were in life-threatening situations across the railway network.
• RPF continued its anti-drug crackdown through Operation NARCOS, seizing narcotic and psychotropic substances valued at over ₹197 crore.
• Under Operation Amanat, more than 42,000 misplaced passenger belongings worth upwards of ₹70 crore were traced and returned.
• These operations were executed across the extensive Indian Railways system, ensuring safety on platforms, trains, and station premises.
• The coordinated missions highlight RPF’s proactive approach in protecting passengers, preventing crimes, and safeguarding public assets.
• Collectively, these initiatives underline RPF’s evolving role as a frontline security and humanitarian force within the rail ecosystem.
STATE NEWS
Punjab Becomes First State to Fully Implement Revised BharatNet Scheme
• Punjab has emerged as the first state in India to roll out the updated BharatNet Programme across all its regions, earning national recognition for the achievement.
• The award was presented to Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha on 11 November by BSNL Punjab Circle CGM Ajay Kumar Karara in Chandigarh.
• High-speed internet services have reached 43 previously unconnected shadow areas, with only one village pending coverage, expected to be completed by the end of November.
• This connectivity milestone enables real-time monitoring of Punjab's rural and border zones from anywhere in the country.
• The BharatNet initiative aims to connect Gram Panchayats, households, and essential rural institutions, supporting services such as e-health and e-governance to promote digital inclusion.
• BharatNet was launched in October 2011 as a nationwide mission to deliver affordable broadband to every Gram Panchayat through an SPV, Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), set up in February 2012.
• The government cleared the Revised BharatNet Programme (ABP) in August 2023, paving the way for states like Punjab to accelerate full-scale implementation.
DEFENCE
India–Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise ‘Mitra Shakti 2025’ Begins
• The 11th edition of Exercise Mitra Shakti started in November 2025 at the Foreign Training Node in Belagavi, Karnataka, and will run until 23rd November.
• The drill aims to boost military partnership, build interoperability, and sharpen counter-terrorism coordination under UN peacekeeping frameworks.
• First launched in 2013, Mitra Shakti is held every year, with India and Sri Lanka hosting it alternately; the 2024 edition took place at Maduru Oya in Sri Lanka.
• The exercise is part of India’s broader regional outreach, supporting both the “Neighborhood First” policy and the SAGAR vision for security and maritime growth.
• Training in 2025 focuses on joint operations for sub-conventional challenges, particularly in built-up and semi-urban terrains.
• India has sent nearly 170 soldiers, largely from the Rajput Regiment, while Sri Lanka is represented by around 135 personnel from the Gajaba Regiment.
• Air forces of both nations are also involved, with 20 Indian Air Force members and 10 Sri Lankan Air Force personnel participating in specialised drills.
India–Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX 2025
• The sixth edition of VINBAX was launched in Hanoi on 11 November in the presence of India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnam’s Senior Lt. Gen. Phung Si Tan.
• The exercise is focused on improving coordination and sharing professional practices for United Nations peacekeeping missions.
• Conducted at National Military Training Centre 4, this field exercise will continue from 11 to 27 November 2025.
• Nearly 300 personnel, along with engineering, medical and search-and-rescue equipment, are participating to strengthen mission readiness.
• VINBAX 2025 aims to boost joint operational capability and deepen military cooperation between the Indian and Vietnamese armies.
• Alongside military drills, cultural programmes, sports activities, and ceremonial events are included to enhance mutual trust and camaraderie.
• Starting as a tabletop exercise in 2018, VINBAX has now evolved into a major field-based engagement, reflecting the growing strategic partnership and shared commitment to regional peace under the UN framework.
AWARDS
David Szalay Wins the 2025 Booker Prize for “Flesh”
• David Szalay, a writer with Canadian, Hungarian, and British roots, secured the 2025 Booker Prize for his novel “Flesh” at a ceremony held in London.
• His award-winning book captures the journey of an everyday man over several decades, using subtle storytelling where the unsaid carries deep significance.
• The prestigious prize, worth £50,000, was officially announced on 10 November 2025.
• Szalay, who is 51 years old, emerged as the winner from a longlist of 153 novels submitted for the award.
• The judging committee featured notable figures including Irish novelist Roddy Doyle and actor Sarah Jessica Parker.
• This is not Szalay’s first recognition from the Booker; he had been shortlisted earlier in 2016 for “All That Man Is.”
• The Booker Prize, instituted in 1969, continues to shape literary careers, with last year’s honour going to Samantha Harvey for her novel “Orbital.”
6th National Water Awards 2024
• Maharashtra secured the top position in the Best State category at the 6th National Water Awards 2024, with Gujarat and Haryana taking the next two ranks.
• Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil announced the awardees at Shram Shakti Bhawan, selecting 46 winners across 10 diverse categories.
• The award segments ranged from Best State and Best District to Best Industry, Best Civil Society, and Best Individual in the water sector.
• Winners in eligible categories will receive a trophy, certificate, and cash reward in recognition of their water conservation efforts.
• President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the award ceremony on 18 November 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
• This annual initiative, started in 2018, honours impactful contributions toward a “Jal Samridh Bharat” by strengthening water management and conservation.
• For the 2024 edition, 751 entries were screened, followed by on-ground evaluations by CWC and CGWB to ensure credibility and transparency in the selection process.
