Daily Current Affairs- 15th November 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 15th November 2025

GI Tag Awarded to Traditional Lepcha Musical Instruments

In the News: Traditional Lepcha musical instruments from Sikkim received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing their cultural uniqueness and craftsmanship. The GI registration protects the intellectual property rights of the indigenous Lepcha community and promotes the preservation of their musical heritage.

Key Points:

• Instruments Covered: The GI tag covers hand-crafted Lepcha instruments such as Tungbuk (drum), Yangjey (string instrument), and Pan (bamboo flute), which are integral to the community’s rituals, folk music, and storytelling traditions.
• Cultural Significance: The Lepcha tribe, considered the indigenous inhabitants of Sikkim, uses these instruments in local festivals and spiritual ceremonies. The GI recognition affirms their deep-rooted connection between music, nature, and identity.
• Registration Details: The GI tag was granted by the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The application was facilitated by the Sikkim Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association.
• Economic and Heritage Impact: The GI status empowers local artisans and ensures protection against imitation. It also encourages sustainable livelihood development through tourism promotion and cultural marketing of authentic Lepcha instruments.
• Broader Cultural Context: With this recognition, Sikkim now adds to its growing list of GI-tagged traditional products, reflecting the state’s commitment to preserving its rich indigenous craftsmanship and cultural diversity.

VP C.P. Radhakrishnan Inaugurates 30th CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam

In the News:  Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 30th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The three-day global business conclave aims to foster international trade, attract investment, and strengthen India's role in the global economic landscape.

Key Points:

• Summit Theme: The 30th edition of the CII Partnership Summit focuses on “Collaboration for a Sustainable and Resilient Global Growth,” aligning with India’s vision of inclusive development and sustainable industry practices.
• Opening Address: Vice President Radhakrishnan emphasized India’s potential as a trusted partner in global supply chains and underlined the country’s leadership in renewable energy, technology, and manufacturing sectors.
• Participation: The summit brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and diplomats from over 50 countries, featuring discussions on trade reforms, technological innovation, investment facilitation, and global cooperation.
• Host State: Andhra Pradesh, known for its industrial infrastructure and maritime potential, is leveraging the event to highlight investment opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing, logistics, and ports.
• Legacy of the Summit: First launched in 1995, the CII Partnership Summit has served as a premier platform for shaping India’s economic diplomacy and encouraging foreign direct investment. The 2025 edition marks three decades of fostering growth partnerships between India and the world.

India Emerges as the World’s 6th‑Largest Patent Filer

In the News: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced that India has emerged as the world’s 6th-largest patent filer with over 64,000 patent applications filed. More than 55% of these patents are filed by resident Indian innovators, marking a significant shift in India’s innovation ecosystem.

Key Points:

• Patent Filing Milestone: India has surpassed many countries to become the sixth-largest filer of patents globally, reflecting its growing capabilities in research, technology, and innovation.
• Resident Innovation: Over half of the patent applications are from resident Indian innovators, signaling increased domestic R&D and reduced dependence on foreign institutions for projects and mentorship.
• Global Innovation Ranking: Alongside patent filings, India has advanced from the 81st to the 38th position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) in recent years, highlighting its improving innovation performance internationally.
• Policy Support: The rise in patent filings is attributed to steady government policy support, research incentives, increased startup activity, and private sector participation fostering innovation growth.
• Sectoral Focus: Significant patent activity has been noted in areas like artificial intelligence, deep technology, healthcare, and ICT, aligning with India’s agenda to boost advanced technology development.
• Innovation Ecosystem: The government’s efforts also include accessible funding, mentorship, skill development programs, and encouraging innovation beyond traditional government jobs to nurture a conducive environment for creators and entrepreneurs.

Odisha Sets Global Standard as Two Beaches Win Blue Flag Again

In the News: Odisha’s Sunapur and Puri beaches once again earned the prestigious International Blue Flag Certification for 2025–26. This recognition reaffirms these beaches as global benchmarks for cleanliness, safety, environmental sustainability, and eco-friendly tourism.

Key Points:

• Blue Flag Certification: Odisha’s Sunapur Beach secured the Blue Flag status for the third consecutive year, while Puri’s Golden Beach received the certification for the seventh consecutive year. The certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark, after rigorous evaluation of 33 criteria including water quality, waste management, safety, and environmental education.
• Global Standards: Both beaches demonstrated excellence in infrastructure, environmental management, and visitor safety, featuring facilities such as wheelchair access, zero liquid discharge systems, lifeguard stations, CCTV monitoring, and trained emergency personnel.
• Local Engagement: The successful maintenance of these standards is attributed to active community participation, effective beach management committees, and cooperation between local administrations and villagers, especially notable at Sunapur Beach where ecological conservation and eco-sensitive design are prioritized.
• Sustainable Tourism Impact: The Blue Flag status enhances Odisha’s reputation as a leader in sustainable coastal tourism, encouraging eco-conscious travelers and promoting responsible tourism practices aligned with environmental preservation.
• National Context: For 2025–26, 13 beaches across India were recognized with the Blue Flag certification, 12 of which received full certification. Odisha’s achievement highlights the state’s commitment to upholding international beach management and conservation standards.

IAF Contingent Arrives in France for Garuda‑2025 Air Exercise

In the News: An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent arrived in France to participate in the multinational air exercise Garuda‑2025. The exercise, hosted by the French Air and Space Force (FASF), aims to enhance interoperability, tactical coordination, and mutual understanding between participating nations’ air forces.

Key Points:

• Exercise Overview: Garuda‑2025 is the 8th edition of the bilateral air exercise between India and France, scheduled to take place at the Mont-de-Marsan Air Base. The drill focuses on joint operational tactics, large-force engagements, and air combat missions in varied threat scenarios.
• IAF Participation: The IAF contingent includes Sukhoi‑30MKI fighter aircraft, IL‑78 air-to-air refueller, and C‑17 Globemaster transport aircraft, along with more than 120 air warriors. The participation demonstrates India’s advanced air combat capabilities and global operational readiness.
• French Participation: The French Air and Space Force is fielding Rafale fighter jets, A400M transport aircraft, and refuelling assets, providing an opportunity for close coordination and exchange of best practices with the IAF..
• Previous Engagements: The first Garuda exercise was held in 2003, and the last edition, Garuda VII, took place in 2022 in India. Over the years, the exercise has evolved into a major platform for air diplomacy and skill enhancement between the two nations.