Daily Current Affairs- 18th November 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 18th November 2025

India’s Unemployment Rate Holds at 5.2 % in October 2025

In the News: India’s unemployment rate remained steady at 5.2 percent in October 2025, according to data released by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). The stable rate indicates resilience in job creation despite global economic uncertainties and sectoral shifts within the domestic economy.

Key Points:

• Employment Trend: The unemployment rate for October 2025 held at 5.2 percent, the same as the previous month, reflecting a balanced labor market with sustained rural and urban employment recovery.
• Rural-Urban Distribution: Rural unemployment stood at around 4.9 percent, supported by post-monsoon agricultural activities, while urban unemployment was higher at approximately 6.1 percent due to slower hiring in manufacturing and services.
• Gender and Youth Employment: Youth unemployment among individuals aged 15–29 remained a concern, though female workforce participation showed gradual improvement driven by initiatives in skilling and self-employment.
• Sectoral Performance: Services and construction continued to absorb a major share of new workers, while manufacturing hiring remained cautious amid moderate industrial output growth.
• Government Initiatives: Employment generation schemes such as PM Vishwakarma, PMEGP, and rural livelihood missions contributed to stabilizing job availability. Continued focus on the formalization of employment and skill development under PMKVY supported the trend.
• Economic Outlook: Analysts foresee moderate employment growth over the next quarters, contingent on sustained investment momentum and seasonal demand in agriculture and infrastructure.

National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025 Announced

In the News: The National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025 were announced by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, to recognize outstanding contributions in the field of dairy production and livestock management. The awards promote best practices in indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing, productivity enhancement, and innovation in the dairy sector.

Key Points:

• Award Overview: The National Gopal Ratna Awards are among the highest national honors in the livestock and dairy sector, celebrating excellence in breeding, rearing, and the scientific management of indigenous cattle and buffaloes across India.
• Organizing Ministry: The awards are instituted by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, as part of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
• Categories of Awards: The 2025 edition recognizes achievements in three main categories—Best Dairy Farmer, Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT), and Best Dairy Cooperative or Milk Producer Company.
• Objective: The awards aim to encourage farmers and institutions to adopt modern dairy techniques while preserving native breeds, enhancing milk productivity, and improving the livelihoods of rural livestock keepers.
• Focus on Indigenous Breeds: The program emphasizes the conservation and scientific use of indigenous breeds such as Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, and Murrah, aligning with the government’s broader goals of genetic improvement and sustainable dairy growth.
• Previous Impact: Since their inception, the National Gopal Ratna Awards have inspired innovation in dairy farming practices, improved breed registration, and strengthened India’s rural dairy economy through recognition and support for grassroots efforts.

Why Madvi Hidma’s killing is a big blow to Maoists: ruthless tactician, figure of inspiration for cadres

In the News: Madvi Hidma, one of the most wanted Maoist commanders and a central figure of the CPI (Maoist), was killed in a security operation in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district in November 2025. His death marks a major setback for the Maoist insurgency, as he played a key role in planning major attacks and was a symbol of inspiration among cadres operating in the Dandakaranya region.

Key Points:

• Background: Madvi Hidma, a native of Sukma district in Chhattisgarh, was a senior Maoist leader who led the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army’s (PLGA) Battalion No. 1, the most lethal combat unit of the CPI (Maoist).
• Role in Insurgency: He was known for masterminding several deadly attacks on security forces, including the 2013 Darbha Valley ambush, the 2017 Burkapal attack, and the 2021 Tarrem encounter. His strategic acumen and ruthless field tactics made him a key operational leader for the Maoists.
• Security Operation: Hidma was reportedly killed in a joint anti-Maoist operation conducted by the Chhattisgarh Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). His death was confirmed after forensic and intelligence verification.
• Impact on Maoist Movement: His killing is considered a major blow to Maoist operations, particularly in Bastar and adjoining regions, as Hidma was instrumental in coordinating guerrilla warfare, mobilization, and recruitment among tribal youth.

India–UK Joint Military Exercise ‘AJEYA WARRIOR-25’ Begins

In the News: The India–UK Joint Military Exercise ‘Ajeya Warrior-25’ began in November 2025, strengthening defense cooperation and interoperability between the armies of both nations. The exercise focuses on joint tactical operations under the UN mandate, reflecting the growing strategic partnership between India and the United Kingdom in defense and security.

Key Points:

• Exercise Overview: ‘Ajeya Warrior-25’ is the eighth edition of the biennial joint military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the British Army as part of ongoing bilateral defense cooperation.
• Location and Duration: The 2025 edition is being held at Umroi Cantonment in Meghalaya, India, from November 2025, featuring two weeks of intense field training, simulation, and combined missions.
• Participating Units: Troops from the Indian Army’s Rajput Regiment and British Army soldiers from the Royal Gorkha Rifles Regiment are participating, with both contingents comprising around 120 personnel each.
• Objective: The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, share tactical knowledge, and practice counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in diverse terrain and weather conditions under United Nations peacekeeping scenarios.
• Training Components: Activities include joint field exercises, weapon handling, tactical drills, room clearance operations, and discussions on modern warfare techniques with special focus on hybrid and urban warfare.

Gold Imports Triple to Record USD 14.72 Billion in October 2025

In the News: India’s gold imports surged to a record 14.72 billion USD in October 2025, nearly triple compared to 5.1 billion USD in the same month last year. The sharp rise was driven by festive season demand, wedding purchases, and stable global prices, marking the highest monthly import value in recent years.

Key Points:

• Trade Performance: Gold imports in October 2025 touched an unprecedented 14.72 billion USD, contributing significantly to India’s overall trade deficit, which widened to over 31 billion USD for the month.
• Drivers of Growth: The surge was fueled by strong retail and jewelry demand during festivals like Dussehra and Diwali, a traditional period for gold purchases, coupled with steady international prices and a softer rupee.
• Comparison with 2024: Imports nearly tripled from October 2024 levels, when gold inflows were valued at around 5.1 billion USD, reflecting revived consumer sentiment and recovery in rural demand.
• Impact on Trade Balance: The spike in gold imports exerted pressure on India’s current account, offsetting gains from robust merchandise exports, and raising concerns over the sustainability of the trade deficit.
• Global and Domestic Trends: Globally, gold prices stayed near 2,400 USD per ounce amid geopolitical uncertainties, making the metal attractive as a safe-haven asset. Domestically, strong jewelry demand and investment appetite further propelled imports.

Sixteenth Finance Commission Submits Report for 2026–31 To President

In the News: The Sixteenth Finance Commission (XVI FC), chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, submitted its report for the period 2026–31 to President Droupadi Murmu in November 2025. The report outlines the formula for tax devolution, grants-in-aid to states, and recommendations for fiscal consolidation, aiming to strengthen cooperative federalism and fiscal stability in India.

Key Points:

• Commission Formation: The Sixteenth Finance Commission was constituted by the Government of India on December 31, 2023, under Article 280 of the Constitution to recommend the distribution of financial resources between the Centre and the states for 2026–31.
• Chairperson and Members: The Commission is chaired by economist Dr. Arvind Panagariya, with members including Dr. Niranjan Rajadhyaksha, Annie George Mathew, Manoj Panda, and N. K. Singh as special invitee.
• Report Submission: The final report was presented to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking the completion of nearly two years of consultations with central ministries, state governments, and fiscal policy experts.
• Focus Areas: The recommendations address vertical and horizontal tax sharing, fiscal deficit targets, state borrowing limits, local body grants, and incentive frameworks for fiscal responsibility and capital investment.
• Objective: The Commission aims to promote balanced regional development, enhance resource efficiency, and strengthen the financial autonomy of states while maintaining macroeconomic stability.
• Next Steps: The Union Government will table the Sixteenth Finance Commission’s recommendations in Parliament. Once accepted, they will guide Centre–state financial relations and fiscal transfers for the five-year period beginning April 1, 2026.

Tom Cruise Receives Honorary Oscar at 2025 Governors Awards

In the News: Hollywood actor and producer Tom Cruise received an Honorary Oscar at the 2025 Governors Awards held in Los Angeles. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored him for his exceptional contributions to global cinema, decades of iconic performances, and influence on modern action filmmaking.

Key Points:

• Award Ceremony: The 2025 Governors Awards, organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, celebrated distinguished lifetime achievements in film. Tom Cruise was presented with the Honorary Oscar alongside other veterans recognized for their cultural and creative impact.
• Reason for Recognition: Cruise was honored for redefining the modern action genre through his commitment to practical stunts, innovative filmmaking, and consistent dedication to the cinematic craft across a career spanning more than four decades.
• Career Highlights: Known for blockbusters such as the Mission: Impossible series, Top Gun, Jerry Maguire, and Rain Man, Cruise’s films have collectively grossed billions worldwide, making him one of Hollywood’s most enduring and bankable stars.
• Industry Impact: Beyond acting, Cruise’s influence extends to film production and the evolution of action cinematography. His insistence on realism in stunts and use of advanced cinematographic techniques has set a benchmark in global film standards.
• Event Significance: The Honorary Oscar marks a rare institutional acknowledgment from the Academy for Cruise, who previously received three Oscar nominations but had not won a competitive award.

Oscar Piastri Receives Australia’s Prestigious Don Award for Exceptional 2025 F1 Season

In the News: Australian Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri received the nation’s most prestigious sporting honor, the Don Award, in November 2025. The award recognizes his exceptional performance during the 2025 Formula 1 season, where he emerged as one of the sport’s most promising young talents, representing Australia with distinction on the global stage.

Key Points:

• Award Overview: The Don Award, presented annually by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, honors an athlete who has most inspired the nation through their achievements and conduct in the sporting arena.
• Reason for Recognition: Piastri was selected for his outstanding 2025 F1 season with McLaren, where he consistently delivered strong finishes, secured race victories, and demonstrated extraordinary skill and composure against seasoned competitors.
• Career Milestone: His recognition follows a breakthrough season in which he cemented his reputation as Australia’s next racing superstar, continuing the legacy of legendary drivers like Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo.
• Public and Sporting Impact: Piastri’s success not only rejuvenated Australia’s presence in Formula 1 but also inspired a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts across the country. His professionalism and determination were widely praised by fans and experts alike.
• Event Details: The Don Award 2025 ceremony was held in Melbourne, attended by leading figures from Australia’s sporting community and previous award recipients.

Thota Tharani Conferred France’s Prestigious Chevalier Award

In the News: Renowned Indian art director and production designer Thota Tharani was conferred France’s prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) in November 2025. The French government honored him for his outstanding contribution to cinema, visual arts, and cross-cultural artistic collaboration between India and France.

Key Points:

• Award Overview: The Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is one of France’s highest civilian honors, recognizing individuals who have significantly enriched the fields of art and culture at the global level.
• Recipient Profile: Thota Tharani is a veteran art director, production designer, and painter celebrated for his extensive work in Indian cinema, particularly in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, spanning over four decades.
• Major Works: His acclaimed projects include visual masterpieces such as Nayakan, Indian, Guru, Hey Ram, and international co-productions that showcased innovative set design blending traditional and modern aesthetics.
• Recognition by France: The French government acknowledged Tharani’s artistic excellence and his role in promoting Indo-French creative exchange through cinema, stage design, and visual arts education.
• Artistic Legacy: Recipient of multiple National Film Awards and Filmfare honors, Tharani’s work is known for its attention to detail, architectural precision, and ability to authentically recreate historical and cultural settings.