Daily Current Affairs- 12th November 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 12th November 2025

Bharat–Sri Lanka Sanskrit Mahotsav Inaugurated at University of Colombo

In the News: The Bharat–Sri Lanka Sanskrit Mahotsav was inaugurated at the University of Colombo to strengthen cultural and linguistic ties between India and Sri Lanka. The event, jointly organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the University of Colombo, celebrates Sanskrit’s shared heritage and its contemporary relevance in the two countries.

Key Points:

• Event Inauguration: The Bharat–Sri Lanka Sanskrit Mahotsav was jointly inaugurated by India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan government officials at the University of Colombo, marking a new cultural collaboration between the two nations.
• Organizing Institutions: The event is organized by ICCR in partnership with the University of Colombo’s Sanskrit Department, with support from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
• Objective: The Mahotsav aims to promote Sanskrit studies, foster academic exchanges between Indian and Sri Lankan scholars, and highlight the language’s enduring contribution to philosophy, literature, and science.
• Cultural Exchanges: The festival features lectures, panel discussions, recitations, and cultural performances by scholars and students from both nations, showcasing Sanskrit’s influence on South Asian thought and shared civilizational values.
• Academic Cooperation: Memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were discussed to enhance Sanskrit education, digital resources, and joint research projects between Indian universities and Sri Lankan institutions.

Tata Power Plans India’s Largest Solar Wafers & Ingots Plant

In the News: Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (TPSSL), a subsidiary of Tata Power, announced plans to establish India’s largest solar ingots and wafers manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu. The project marks a major step in advancing India’s renewable energy manufacturing capacity and reducing import dependence in the solar value chain.

Key Points:

• Project Overview: Tata Power Solar will set up a 4 GW solar cell and module manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, along with an integrated 3 GW ingot and wafer production unit—India’s largest such facility.
• Investment and Location: The project involves an investment of around Rs 4,500 crore and will be located in Gangaikondan, Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, developing the region as a renewable energy manufacturing hub.
• Objective: The initiative aims to promote domestic manufacturing under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, reducing the country’s reliance on imported solar equipment, especially from China.
• Employment Generation: The plant is expected to create over 2,000 direct and 5,000 indirect job opportunities, significantly contributing to the local economy.
• Technological Advancement: The facility will employ advanced monocrystalline PERC and TOPCon cell technologies to produce high-efficiency ingots, wafers, and modules, strengthening India’s position in global solar supply chains.
• Government Partnership: The project aligns with the Government of India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules, encouraging domestic integrated manufacturing.

India Improves Its Rank in Global Climate Risk Index 2025

In the News: According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2025 released by Germanwatch, India has improved its global ranking, moving from 7th position in the 2024 index to 12th. The improvement reflects India’s enhanced disaster preparedness, stronger climate policies, and investment in renewable energy and resilience-building initiatives.

Key Points:

• Report Release: The Global Climate Risk Index 2025 was published by Germanwatch, assessing the impact of extreme weather events and climate-related losses among 180 countries based on data from 2023.
• India’s Improved Rank: India moved from 7th in the previous year to 12th in 2025, indicating reduced vulnerability to climate-induced disasters and improved adaptive capacity.
• Reason for Improvement: Key contributors include expanded renewable energy capacity, implementation of the National Adaptation Plan, and better early warning systems through the IMD and NDMA.
• Climate Preparedness Efforts: Initiatives such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) movement, and coastal restoration programs have strengthened India’s climate resilience.
• Global Context: The report highlights that countries like Pakistan, the Philippines, and Mozambique remain among the most affected, showing the continued global disparity in climate vulnerability.

Shailesh Chandra Becomes First Indian to Lead OICA

In the News: Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, has been elected as the President of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA). With this appointment, he becomes the first Indian to lead the global association of automotive manufacturers, marking a milestone for India’s automobile industry on the international stage.

Key Points:

• Historic Appointment: Shailesh Chandra’s election as OICA President is the first time an Indian executive has assumed leadership in the century-old global automobile manufacturers' body.
• About OICA: The Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles, headquartered in Paris, represents automobile manufacturers worldwide and works with the United Nations and other international bodies on automotive standards, sustainability, and policy advocacy.
• India’s Representation: His appointment enhances India’s global profile in the automotive sector, underscoring the country’s growing leadership in green mobility, EV adoption, and sustainable transport innovation.
• Professional Background: Shailesh Chandra has led Tata Motors’ passenger and electric vehicle divisions, playing a pivotal role in advancing electric mobility and positioning Tata Motors as a front-runner in India’s EV revolution.
• Significance: His election highlights global recognition of India’s progress in the automobile and clean energy sectors, aligning with the country’s goals under the FAME-II scheme and automotive PLI initiatives.
• Tenure and Role: As OICA President, Chandra will guide global discussions on emission standards, EV transformation, safety regulations, and future mobility trends, fostering cooperation among international automobile manufacturers.

6th National Water Awards Winners For 2024 Announced

In the News: The Ministry of Jal Shakti announced the winners of the 6th National Water Awards for 2024, recognizing outstanding contributions toward water conservation, resource management, and sustainable development across India. The awards honor individuals, organizations, and states working to promote the objectives of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan and water-positive practices.

Key Points:

• Award Announcement: The Ministry of Jal Shakti declared the results for the 6th edition of the National Water Awards on November 2025, highlighting best-performing states, districts, institutions, and individuals in water resource management.
• Objective: The awards aim to motivate citizens and institutions to adopt water conservation strategies, efficient irrigation methods, and sustainable groundwater management as part of the nation’s “Jal Andolan.”
• Top Performing State: Rajasthan was awarded the first prize among states for its effective water management strategies, community participation in river rejuvenation, and traditional water harvesting programs.
• Best District Award: Kutch district of Gujarat received the top district award (Western Zone) for implementing innovative groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting projects.
• Notable Institutional Winners: IIT Madras received recognition for research excellence in water treatment technologies, while the Art of Living Foundation was honored for its nationwide river rejuvenation efforts through citizen participation.
• Public Participation: The awards encourage replication of water conservation models through grassroots movements involving Panchayati Raj institutions, NGOs, and local communities.

Infosys Prize 2025 Honours Six Young Researchers for Scientific Excellence

In the News: The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) announced the winners of the Infosys Prize 2025, recognizing six exceptional Indian researchers for their contributions to science and research across diverse fields. The award celebrates excellence and innovation in academic work that advances knowledge and benefits society.

Key Points:

• Award Announcement: The Infosys Science Foundation declared the 2025 winners across six categories—Engineering and Computer Science, Humanities, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences.
• Purpose: Instituted in 2008, the Infosys Prize promotes scientific research and inspires young scientists to pursue world-class innovation in India. Each category winner receives a gold medal, citation, and a prize of USD 100,000.
• Notable Winners: Six Indian researchers were honored for outstanding work in areas such as artificial intelligence, biomedical sciences, mathematics, climate modeling, and economic policy research.
• Focus on Young Talent: The 2025 edition especially recognized emerging scientists under 45, emphasizing the role of youth in driving India’s future knowledge economy.

Row over ‘Jana Gana Mana’: Why Tagore composed it and how it became the national anthem

In the News: A renewed debate emerged in 2025 over the interpretation and origin of India’s national anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’, composed by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911. The controversy stems from claims regarding whom Tagore addressed in the anthem and how it was chosen as the national anthem in post-independence India.

Key Points:

• Composition Background: Rabindranath Tagore wrote ‘Jana Gana Mana’ in December 1911 in Bengali. It was first sung at the Indian National Congress session in Calcutta on December 27, 1911.
• Meaning and Context: Tagore composed it as a hymn celebrating the “Dispenser of India’s destiny,” symbolizing the divine guiding spirit of the nation. It expressed unity in diversity and invoked India’s collective identity rather than praising any individual ruler.
• Misinterpretations: Some early commentators incorrectly believed the song was written to welcome King George V during his visit to India in 1911. Tagore, however, clarified in later writings that the anthem referred to the eternal spirit of India, not to the British monarch.
• Adoption as National Anthem: On January 24, 1950, ‘Jana Gana Mana’ was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly as India’s National Anthem. Only the first stanza of the original Bengali song was selected for official use.
• Language and Translation: The anthem was composed in highly Sanskritized Bengali, making it intelligible across India due to its linguistic resonance with several Indian languages.
• Musical Legacy: The tune was arranged by Captain Ram Singh Thakuri of the Indian National Army (INA), giving it a martial yet melodious national character.

6th India-Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX Begins in Hanoi

In the News: The 6th edition of the India–Vietnam Bilateral Army Exercise, VINBAX-2025, began in Hanoi, Vietnam. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, mutual understanding, and cooperation between the two armies in counter-insurgency and peacekeeping operations under United Nations mandates.

Key Points:

• Exercise Commencement: The 6th edition of VINBAX was inaugurated in Hanoi, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthen defense and strategic cooperation. The exercise is scheduled to run for two weeks.
• Participating Forces: An Indian Army contingent comprising personnel from an infantry battalion is participating alongside the Vietnam People’s Army troops, focusing on joint tactical drills and field operations.
• Training Focus: The main objective is to build operational synergy through joint training in jungle warfare, counter-insurgency operations, and humanitarian assistance in semi-urban and forested terrains.
• United Nations Context: The exercise includes simulation-based training on peacekeeping operations following UN standards, reflecting both nations’ contributions to global peace missions.
• Defense Cooperation: VINBAX forms part of the broader India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, strengthening defense engagement under India’s ‘Act East Policy’.

INS Savitri Arrives in Mozambique For India–Mozambique Maritime Cooperation

In the News: Indian Naval Ship (INS) Savitri arrived at Port Maputo, Mozambique, as part of a bilateral maritime partnership initiative to strengthen defense cooperation and regional security in the Western Indian Ocean. The visit underscores India’s commitment to deepen ties with African coastal nations under its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

Key Points:

• Ship Visit: INS Savitri, an Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Indian Navy, reached Mozambique for a port call aimed at enhancing maritime collaboration, interoperability, and capacity building between the two navies.
• Purpose of Deployment: The visit is part of India’s ongoing outreach to partner nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) for cooperative maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and anti-piracy operations.
• Joint Activities: During the visit, Indian and Mozambican naval personnel will engage in training exercises, professional exchanges, and joint harbor and sea-based drills to enhance mutual understanding.
• Humanitarian Aspect: The crew of INS Savitri will participate in community outreach programs, including medical camps and cultural interactions, fostering people-to-people relations.
• Strategic Context: The visit reinforces India’s SAGAR initiative and contributes to strengthening the India–Africa maritime partnership, with Mozambique being a key partner along the southwest Indian Ocean littoral.
• Defense Diplomacy: Naval cooperation with Mozambique supports regional stability, counter-terrorism measures, and secure seaborne trade routes in the Mozambique Channel—an important international maritime corridor.

Why Donald Trump targetted Nigeria, and what lies beneath

In the News: Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks and policy proposals in 2025 targeting Nigeria have sparked global attention and diplomatic concern. The statements, focused on immigration, trade, and oil-sector dynamics, highlight deeper geopolitical and domestic factors influencing U.S.–Africa relations.

Key Points:

• Context of Remarks: During his recent campaign speeches, Donald Trump criticized Nigerian immigration and business practices, signalling that his administration, if re-elected, would impose stricter visa and trade regulations on Nigerian nationals.
• Immigration Concerns: Trump alleged misuse of U.S. visas and overstays by Nigerian citizens, proposing measures to limit student and work visas. Analysts see this as an extension of his earlier “America First” policy aimed at curbing African migration.
• Trade and Oil Dynamics: Nigeria, being Africa’s largest oil producer, faces renewed scrutiny as the U.S. seeks to balance energy security with protectionist policies. Trump’s criticism aligns with shifting global oil alliances and competition from China in West Africa.
• Political Messaging: The rhetoric is also viewed as an appeal to Trump’s conservative voter base, emphasizing tougher immigration laws and protection of U.S. jobs—a recurring theme in his campaign narrative.
• Diplomatic Implications: Nigerian officials have described the comments as unfounded and contrary to the spirit of U.S.–Nigeria partnership, which spans counterterrorism, energy cooperation, and democratic governance.
• Underlying Geopolitical Factors: Experts link Trump’s stance to broader U.S. anxieties over Chinese influence in Africa, particularly in infrastructure and resource sectors, where Nigeria serves as a strategic partner for Beijing.

India Improves Its Rank in Global Climate Risk Index 2025

In the News: According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2025 released by Germanwatch, India improved its ranking from 7th position in the previous edition to 12th position. The improvement reflects India’s increased climate resilience, better disaster preparedness, and progress in renewable energy and adaptation initiatives.

Key Points:

• Report Release: The Global Climate Risk Index 2025 was published by Germanwatch, a German environmental think tank, evaluating 180 countries based on their vulnerability to climate-related losses during 2023.
• India’s Performance: India moved up to the 12th position from 7th in 2024, showing reduced climate vulnerability compared to previous years due to stronger adaption and mitigation measures.
• Factors Behind Improvement: The improved ranking is attributed to better early warning systems, enhanced disaster management by NDMA, and expansion of renewable energy capacity under national missions.
• Government Initiatives: Programs such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) movement, and coastal ecosystem restoration contributed significantly to the improvement.
• Global Context: The report observed that developing nations like Pakistan, the Philippines, and Mozambique continue to remain among the most affected by extreme weather events globally.