Daily Current Affairs- 17th November 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 17th November 2025

56th International Film Festival of India 2025: A Spectacular Showcase of Global Cinema in Goa

In the News: The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) opened in Panaji, Goa, showcasing a vibrant celebration of world cinema. The festival brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from across the globe to honor creative excellence and cultural diversity through cinema.

Key Points:

• Festival Inauguration: The 56th edition of IFFI was inaugurated by Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw. The event featured performances highlighting India’s cinematic journey and its growing influence in global filmmaking.
• Focus Country and Themes: France was chosen as the “Country of Focus” for 2025, with a special lineup of French films and interactive sessions. The edition emphasized themes of sustainability, innovation in storytelling, and the rise of digital cinema.
• Indian Panorama: The Indian Panorama segment showcased the best of Indian cinema across languages, including critically acclaimed regional films that reflect India’s cultural and social diversity.
• Global Showcase: Over 250 films from more than 70 countries were screened, featuring international premieres, restored classics, and contemporary masterworks by celebrated directors.
• Awards and Recognitions: The Golden Peacock Award for Best Film honored exceptional storytelling, while lifetime achievement awards were presented to distinguished filmmakers for their contribution to world cinema.
• Technological Innovation: The festival introduced a dedicated section for Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven cinema, highlighting emerging forms of cinematic expression.
• Cultural Collaboration: IFFI 2025 reinforced India’s role as a global hub for cultural exchange and film production, aligning with the government’s “Cinematic India” vision to promote film tourism and creative partnerships worldwide.

Ambaji Marble of Gujarat Receives GI Tag, Gains Global Recognition

In the News: The renowned Ambaji Marble from Banaskantha district of Gujarat received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, officially recognizing its unique origin and quality. The recognition is expected to boost both the local economy and global visibility of this traditional marble known for its fine texture and durability.

Key Points:

• GI Tag Recognition: The Ambaji Marble has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Geographical Indications Registry, Government of India, protecting it from imitation and acknowledging its distinctive regional characteristics.
• Unique Features: Known for its smooth texture, superior polish, and natural white sheen, Ambaji Marble is widely used in temples, sculptures, and monuments across India and abroad. Its high-quality composition makes it a preferred choice for architectural works.
• Regional Significance: The marble is quarried near Ambaji town in Banaskantha district, an area traditionally renowned for its stone craftsmanship and marble-based handicrafts that reflect Gujarat’s cultural heritage.
• Economic Impact: The GI tag is expected to enhance the value of Ambaji Marble in both domestic and international markets, benefiting local quarry workers, artisans, and traders through increased demand and export potential.
• Cultural and Environmental Importance: The recognition also emphasizes sustainable mining practices and preservation of local geological heritage, aligning with efforts to promote eco-friendly resource management.
• Broader Context: With this addition, Gujarat now has an expanding list of GI-certified products, including Kutch Embroidery, Patan Patola, Gir Kesar Mango, and Surat Zari Craft—each contributing to the state’s cultural and economic identity.

Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death

In the News: Bangladesh witnessed a major political upheaval as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death by a special tribunal in Dhaka in connection with alleged human rights violations and corruption charges. The verdict marks one of the most dramatic moments in South Asia’s recent political history, triggering both domestic unrest and international reactions.

Key Points:

• Historic Verdict: The Dhaka court delivered its verdict after months of proceedings linked to alleged misuse of power during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. The decision has deeply divided public opinion in Bangladesh.
• Political Context: Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Awami League and Bangladesh’s longest-serving Prime Minister, had been ousted from power earlier in 2025 following widespread anti-government protests and military intervention.
• Domestic Reaction: Her sentencing led to nationwide demonstrations and strikes by party supporters, while security forces were deployed across major cities to prevent large-scale unrest.
• International Response: The verdict has drawn global concern, with several countries and human rights organizations urging transparency, due process, and restraint amid growing political tensions.

Exercise Garuda 25: India and France Strengthen Aerial Ties

In the News: India and France commenced the seventh edition of the bilateral air exercise Garuda 25 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The exercise aims to enhance operational cooperation, mutual understanding, and interoperability between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF).

Key Points:

• Exercise Overview: Garuda 25 marks one of the largest joint air exercises between India and France, showcasing advanced aerial maneuvers, fighter operations, and joint mission planning involving multi-role combat aircraft.
• Participating Aircraft: India has deployed Rafale, Su-30MKI, and Tejas aircraft along with airborne early warning and transport assets. France has fielded Rafale jets, A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport, and other support platforms.
• Objectives: The exercise aims to strengthen mutual operational understanding in air combat tactics, refueling operations, and multi-domain coordination, while enhancing the tactical proficiency of both forces.
• Strategic Significance: Garuda 25 reflects the deep strategic partnership between India and France in defense and security domains, following recent collaborations in space, maritime, and defense technology.
• Training Scope: The two-week exercise includes complex simulated missions such as Beyond Visual Range (BVR) engagements, defensive counter-air operations, and joint refueling maneuvers under realistic combat scenarios.
• Previous Editions: The last edition, Garuda VI, took place in France in 2022. The series began in 2003 and alternates between India and France, symbolizing a growing bond in defense cooperation and shared commitment to regional stability.

WHO Global Tuberculosis (TB) Report 2025

In the News: The World Health Organization (WHO) released the Global Tuberculosis (TB) Report 2025, highlighting progress and challenges in ending the global TB epidemic. The report assesses global trends, treatment outcomes, and funding gaps, noting significant gains in detection and recovery but warning that TB remains one of the world’s top infectious killers.

Key Points:

• Global Burden: In 2024, an estimated 10.2 million people fell ill with TB worldwide, and around 1.2 million died from the disease. While TB incidence has declined by about 19 percent since 2015, the pace remains slower than required to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• India’s Progress: India continues to lead global TB elimination efforts, with a nearly 16 percent reduction in TB cases between 2015 and 2024. The country’s “Ni-kshay Mitra” and “TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” initiatives have strengthened community support and nutritional assistance for TB patients.
• Treatment and Prevention: Globally, about 7.5 million new TB cases were diagnosed and registered for treatment in 2024, the highest since WHO began monitoring. Expansion of molecular tests and shorter drug regimens have improved cure rates and reduced drug-resistant TB cases.
• Funding and Gaps: WHO noted that annual global funding for TB control reached 6.7 billion USD, still short of the 13 billion USD needed to achieve the 2030 targets. The report urges increased domestic investment and support from international donors.
• Research and Innovation: Advances in vaccine development, such as the M72/AS01E candidate vaccine, and digital adherence technologies show promise for accelerating TB elimination. However, stronger political commitment and equitable access remain vital.
• Global Target: WHO reaffirmed its goal to reduce TB deaths by 90 percent and incidence by 80 percent by 2030, emphasizing stronger primary health systems and sustained political leadership to achieve these outcomes.

ISRO to Triple Spacecraft Output and Launch Chandrayaan‑4 in 2028

In the News: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) unveiled an ambitious plan to triple its spacecraft production and announced that its next lunar mission, Chandrayaan‑4, is scheduled for launch in 2028. The initiative marks a major step in India’s growing leadership in space technology and exploration.

Key Points:

• Expansion Plan: ISRO aims to increase spacecraft production from around 5–6 currently to nearly 15 per year. The expansion focuses on strengthening manufacturing and testing facilities at major ISRO centers in Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Sriharikota.
• Industry Participation: The production scale-up will involve close collaboration with private industries under the “Atmanirbhar Space” initiative, encouraging Indian companies to contribute to satellite design, payload integration, and mission support.
• Chandrayaan‑4 Mission: Planned for 2028, Chandrayaan‑4 will attempt India’s first lunar sample return mission. It represents a technological advancement from Chandrayaan‑3’s soft landing at the Moon’s south pole in 2023.
• New Launch Complex: ISRO is developing an additional spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu to support high-frequency launches and improve turnaround efficiency for upcoming missions.
• Strategic Goals: The initiative supports India’s long-term ambitions in planetary exploration, commercial satellite deployment, and deep-space research, solidifying its global standing in space science.
• Recent Achievements: Following the successes of Chandrayaan‑3 and Aditya‑L1 missions, ISRO’s future roadmap includes human spaceflight under Gaganyaan, Mars orbiter upgrades, and expanded international partnerships.

Mohammed Lateef Khan Receives Maulana Abul Kalam Azad National Award 2025

In the News: Educationist Mohammed Lateef Khan, Chairman and Managing Director of MS Education Academy, Hyderabad, was conferred the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad National Award 2025. The award recognizes his outstanding contributions to education, particularly in expanding access to quality learning for underprivileged students across India.

Key Points:

• Award Recognition: The Maulana Abul Kalam Azad National Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of education and national integration. Mohammed Lateef Khan was recognized for his efforts to promote inclusive and value-based education.
• Achievements in Education: Under his leadership, MS Education Academy has established over 100 institutions across India, offering integrated academic and competitive exam coaching for students from diverse backgrounds.
• Focus on Empowerment: His initiatives aim to empower economically disadvantaged youth, especially from minority and marginalized communities, through modern education and skill development programs.
• Legacy of the Award: Named after India’s first Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the award carries a legacy of honoring educators committed to advancing knowledge, unity, and nation-building.
• National Impact: Mohammed Lateef Khan’s recognition highlights the growing role of private educational initiatives in complementing government efforts to widen educational participation and improve learning outcomes nationwide.

Ravindra Jadeja Becomes 4th Cricketer in History to Achieve This

In the News: Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja etched his name in cricket history by becoming only the fourth player ever to achieve the dual milestone of 4000 runs and 300 or more wickets in Test cricket. He joined an elite list featuring legendary all-rounders, becoming the second Indian after Kapil Dev to reach this remarkable feat.

Key Points:

• Historic Achievement: Ravindra Jadeja reached the 4000-run and 300-wicket milestone during the ongoing Test series, further cementing his reputation as one of India’s greatest all-rounders.
• Elite Company: Jadeja is only the fourth cricketer in Test history to achieve this all-round record, following legends Kapil Dev (India), Shane Warne (Australia), and Sir Richard Hadlee (New Zealand).
• Consistent Performer: Known for his accuracy and control as a left-arm spinner, Jadeja has been a match-winner for India, especially on home pitches. With the bat, he has provided depth to the lower order with crucial innings over the years.
• Significance for India: He joins Kapil Dev as the only other Indian to record this rare double, highlighting India’s growing strength in producing dynamic all-rounders across generations.
• Career Overview: Debuting in 2012, Jadeja has played over 70 Tests, contributing to several series victories in India and abroad, and is currently regarded as one of the most complete all-rounders in modern cricket.