IMPORTANT DAYS
National Press Day 2025 observed on November 16.
• National Press Day is marked every year on 16 November to honour the establishment of the Press Council of India in 1966.
• The day underscores the role of a free, accountable, and ethical press as a pillar of democracy.
• The 2025 theme focuses on “Safeguarding press credibility amidst rising misinformation,” stressing trust and truth in media.
• The Press Council of India, created on 4 July 1966 based on the First Press Commission’s advice, is a statutory and quasi-judicial authority.
• It was reconstituted in 1979 under the Press Council Act, 1978, reaffirming its mandate to uphold press standards.
• India’s media sector has expanded significantly, with registered publications rising from about 60,000 in 2004–05 to nearly 1.54 lakh in 2024–25.
• Reforms like the Press and Periodicals Registration Act 2023 and digital platforms such as the Press Seva portal have modernised regulation, while Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai currently heads the PCI.
NATIONAL NEWS
India as a Highly Connected Digital Society
• Union Minister Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Shekhar stated that India now stands among the world’s most deeply connected societies.
• He made this remark during the High-Level Segment of the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 in Azerbaijan on 17 November.
• India’s vast digital network was highlighted, including 1.2 billion telecom users, one billion internet subscribers, and 1.4 billion authenticated digital identities.
• The minister stressed that cybersecurity cannot be handled in isolation and must be treated as a global, collective duty.
• He urged nations to work together on stronger, coordinated cybersecurity systems that operate across borders.
• Reinforcing India’s commitment to international cooperation, he called for deeper collaboration with ITU member countries.
• India’s near-universal 5G rollout—reaching 99% of districts—was showcased as a model of rapid digital expansion.
STATE NEWS
Divya Kala Mela – Lucknow 2025
• The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is hosting the Divya Kala Mela at Lucknow University, Uttar Pradesh.
• Minister of State Banwari Lal Verma formally launched the event on 16 November 2025.
• The fair is scheduled to run till 23 November, offering an eight-day showcase.
• Around 100 artists, entrepreneurs, and performers with disabilities are participating in the exhibition.
• Participants represent nearly 18 states and UTs, bringing diverse regional talent to one platform.
• The mela features a range of products such as handicrafts, handloom textiles, embroidery items, and packaged food specialties.
• The core objective is to spotlight the skill, innovation, and economic potential of Divyang creators across India.
RANKING AND REPORTS
Sixteenth Finance Commission Report Submitted
• The Sixteenth Finance Commission officially handed over its report to the President on 17 November for the 2026–31 award period.
• This Commission was set up under Article 280(1) of the Constitution by the President of India.
• Dr. Arvind Panagariya served as the Chairperson, supported by four members—Annie George Mathew, Manoj Panda, T. Rabi Shankar, and Soumya Kanti Ghosh—along with Secretary Ritwik Pandey.
• After submitting it to the President, copies of the report were also shared with the Prime Minister and Union Finance Minister.
• The core mandate was to recommend how the Union’s tax revenues should be divided between the Centre and the States over the five years starting April 1, 2026.
• The Commission was also required to advise on grants-in-aid for states and examine funding mechanisms for disaster management.
• Its recommendations were based on a detailed financial assessment of both Union and State finances and wide-ranging consultations with stakeholders and experts.
• The final report consists of two parts—Volume I containing recommendations, and Volume II including supporting annexures.
• The report will become publicly accessible only after it is formally presented in Parliament under Article 281.
DEFENCE
India–UK Joint Military Exercise ‘AJEYA WARRIOR-25’
• The eighth edition of the India–UK military exercise began on 17 November 2025 at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.
• This 14-day drill, running till 30 November, is being conducted under a UN mandate as part of ongoing defence partnership between both nations.
• A total strength of 240 soldiers—split equally between the Indian Army and the British Army—are participating.
• The Indian contingent is represented by troops from the Sikh Regiment.
• The core training theme is counter-terrorism in semi-urban settings, with joint planning at the Brigade level.
• The exercise features integrated tactical manoeuvres and simulation-based mission scenarios.
• Practical company-level field operations are designed to mirror real counter-terror challenges and joint responses.
• Since its launch in 2011, AJEYA WARRIOR has become a key bilateral defence exercise, and the 2025 edition underscores shared goals of professionalism, coordination, regional security, and global peace.
Commissioning of ‘Mahe’ – India’s First ASW-SWC
• The Indian Navy is set to induct ‘Mahe’, the first Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, on 24 November in Mumbai.
• This marks a major milestone in India’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and boosts homegrown naval shipbuilding capability.
• Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Mahe is the first in a fleet of eight shallow-water ASW vessels.
• The craft is engineered for anti-submarine missions, coastal patrols, and maritime security, especially in shallow littoral zones.
• With over 80% indigenous components, the ship highlights advances in Indian design, construction, and system integration.
• Named after the coastal town Mahe, its crest showcases the ‘Urumi’, symbolizing speed, precision, and lethal effectiveness.
• The Mahe-class enhances the Navy’s manoeuvrability and strategic coastal defence, strengthening India’s maritime preparedness.
SPORTS
World Boxing Cup Finals 2025
• The World Boxing Cup Finals are scheduled in Greater Noida from 16–20 November, marking the closing event of the 2025 series.
• Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex has been selected as the venue for the championship.
• This finale comes after three earlier World Cup stages hosted in Brazil, Poland, and Kazakhstan.
• Around 130 athletes representing 18 countries will compete, featuring the top eight performers of the year in each of the 20 categories.
• India will field a full contingent across all 20 divisions, showcasing its rising strength in world boxing.
• The squad includes world title holders Minakshi, Nikhat Zareen, Jaismine, and Saweety Boora—who returns for her first appearance of the year.
• Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain will not participate due to injury, making her absence a key talking point for the tournament.
First Tribal Sports Conclave in Ladakh
• Ladakh hosted its maiden Tribal Sports Conclave, conducted at the SAI Centre Kargil and KGBV Chiktan.
• The event was organised as part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsha Pakhwada celebrations.
• The University of Ladakh’s Tribal Research Institute led the conclave with backing from the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry.
• More than 200 tribal sportspersons from different parts of Ladakh took part in the competitions.
• Participants competed in Taekwondo, Boxing, and Kho-Kho, with teams from Ladakh Police joining as well.
• Chief organiser Anayat Ali Shotopa acknowledged the ministry and partner bodies for their role in executing the event successfully.
• The conclave concluded with award presentations, where Shujat Ali and Kulsoom were named Best Boxers, and Asiya Banoo and Tajammul Hussain received honours for Best Taekwondo Players.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE
32nd Northern Zonal Council Meeting
• The 32nd NZC session was held in Faridabad on 17 November, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
• Senior representatives from Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Ladakh, and Chandigarh, along with central officials, participated.
• Haryana hosted the meeting, which was convened by the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Created under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, the Council aims to boost coordination between northern states and the Union government.
• Amit Shah serves as the Chair, while Haryana’s Chief Minister holds the rotating Vice-Chair role; each state nominates two ministers to the council.
• A Committee of Chief Secretaries supports the Council by examining issues before full-scale discussion, reflecting the Prime Minister’s “TEAM BHARAT” approach to cooperative governance.
• The platform reviewed key areas like crime investigation, financial access, emergency response systems, and social-sector challenges including health, education, power, planning, and child welfare.
