Daily Current Affairs- 27th November 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 27th November 2025

MapmyIndia Partners with Zoho CRM to Power India’s First Indigenous Location Intelligence

In the News: MapmyIndia (Mappls) announced a partnership with Zoho CRM to integrate home-grown location-intelligence tools directly into Zoho CRM, enabling businesses to harness spatial data and mapping capabilities built wholly in India.

Key Points:

• Partnership Announcement: MapmyIndia Mappls and Zoho CRM formally joined forces to embed MapmyIndia’s “Address Capture” and “Nearby Lead Finder” features within Zoho CRM, as part of an effort to bring indigenous mapping solutions to enterprise software in India.
• Enhanced Business Intelligence: With this integration, Zoho CRM users can now capture verified customer addresses, visualise customer or lead locations on a map, discover potential leads in nearby areas, and optimise field-sales or service routes — combining conventional CRM data with spatial intelligence for more effective decision-making.
• Swadeshi & Data Sovereignty Emphasis: Both companies framed the partnership as a “Swadeshi” milestone — a collaboration between two Indian technology innovators aimed at providing privacy-conscious, homegrown solutions, with mapping data and innovation kept secure within India.
• Deep-rooted Mapping Expertise: MapmyIndia brings to the table decades of indigenous mapping effort (since 1995), with detailed digital maps covering towns, villages, and the entire national road network — making their mapping stack well-suited for Indian geographies and business requirements. 
• Strategic Impact for Indian Businesses: The integration is expected to improve efficiency of sales, field operations, customer service, and lead-generation processes for Indian enterprises — especially those relying on accurate location data, logistics planning, and on-ground operations — thereby reinforcing domestic tech adoption in line with broader “Atmanirbhar Bharat” goals.

Sardar@150 Unity March Begins: National Padyatra Celebrates Legacy of Unity

In the News:  The Sardar@150 Unity March was officially launched with a national “padyatra” (foot-march) from Karamsad (near Anand, Gujarat) heading towards the Statue of Unity in Kevadia — a journey covering nearly 180 km over 11 days.

Key Points:

• March Start & Duration: The Unity March was flagged off by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel (with participation from other dignitaries including state and union ministers) and will run from November 26 to December 6, 2025, culminating at the Statue of Unity.
• Distance & Structure: The padyatra spans approximately 180 km and is planned as an 11-day nationwide march with scheduled daily segments, reflecting a coordinated, collective patriotic effort.
•  Purpose and Theme: The march aims to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, celebrating his legacy of national unity, integration of princely states, and strengthening India’s identity as one nation.
• Youth Engagement & Activities: The Unity March is youth-led and incorporates various community-oriented programmes across its route including thematic “Sardar Sabhas,” exhibitions, cultural events and public engagements to foster national pride, local participation and awareness about unity. 
• Broader Mobilisation & Nation-Building Goals: Beyond the march itself, the initiative seeks to promote values of “Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” inspire citizen participation in social causes like cleanliness, local solidarity and civic responsibility — using the legacy of Sardar Patel as a symbol for national unity and inclusive progress.

PM Inaugurates First Global Aircraft Engine MRO Facility in Hyderabad

In the News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility at the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park near Hyderabad airport via videoconferencing. This marks India’s first deep-level aircraft engine Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) center established by a global original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Safran, a French aerospace major. The facility represents a significant step toward establishing India as a global MRO hub, reducing dependence on foreign MRO services, and boosting the domestic aerospace ecosystem.

Key Points:

• Facility Details: The SAESI facility spans 45,000 square meters with an investment of around ₹1,300 crore. It is designed to service up to 300 LEAP engines per year, which power popular aircraft models like the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX. The center is expected to employ over 1,000 skilled technicians and engineers by 2035.
• Strategic Importance: Currently, nearly 85% of India's MRO work is done abroad, leading to higher costs and longer aircraft downtime. This facility will significantly reduce foreign exchange outflows and enhance supply-chain resilience by building indigenous capabilities.
• Skill Development and Collaboration: Safran’s training programs and collaboration with Indian institutions are aimed at developing a skilled workforce and the broader MRO ecosystem in India. There is encouragement for Safran to explore designing aircraft engines and components in India, leveraging India's MSME network and talent pool.
• Telangana's Aerospace Growth: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy highlighted Hyderabad’s emergence as a major aerospace and defense manufacturing hub, hosting global companies like Boeing, Airbus, Safran, and Bharat Forge. The state’s aerospace and defense exports crossed ₹30,742 crore in FY2024.
• Defense Support and Future Expansion: The foundation stone for a Safran M88 military engine MRO facility was also laid in Hyderabad, which will support the Indian Air Force and Navy. The facility may further expand to include engines like the Rafale’s M88, strengthening India’s aerospace defense capabilities.

Cyclone Ditwah Alert Over Bay of Bengal

In the News: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert for Cyclone Ditwah forming over the southwest Bay of Bengal near the Sri Lanka coast. The cyclone is forecast to intensify rapidly and move north-northwest, likely making landfall along the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh around November 30. Authorities have advised residents and fishermen to stay cautious and avoid sea travel as heavy rain, strong winds, and rough sea conditions are expected to impact the region.

Key Points:

• Cyclone Formation and Tracking: Cyclone Ditwah formed on November 26 over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Sri Lankan coast. It is moving steadily north-northwest towards the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry-south Andhra Pradesh coasts with expected landfall on or around November 30.
• Weather Impact: Strong surface winds of 35–50 km/h, accompanied by thunderstorms and heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, are forecast across southern coastal districts. The cyclone is expected to bring widespread flooding risks, especially in vulnerable pockets of Tamil Nadu’s Delta and northern coastal areas.
• Warnings and Safety Measures: The IMD issued a pre-cyclone watch for northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh. Fishermen have been advised to stay ashore while residents are urged to follow weather updates and safety guidelines strictly.
• Regional Effects and Preparedness: The cyclone’s slow progression near Sri Lanka is enhancing moisture convergence, causing prolonged rainfall over several days. Coastal cities including Chennai may face heavy rain from November 28 to December 1, with potential disruptions from strong winds and lightning.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar to Chair International IDEA in 2026

In the News: In 2026, Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar, is set to chair the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA). This appointment signals India's growing influence and leadership on the global stage in election management, democratic governance, and electoral innovation, reflecting the country's commitment to strengthening democratic processes worldwide.

Key Points:

• Leadership Role: Gyanesh Kumar, who became India's 26th Chief Election Commissioner in February 2025, will lead International IDEA in 2026, underscoring India's prominence in democratic electoral practices. His chairmanship highlights India's role in contributing expertise on election integrity, voter engagement, and reform.
• Professional Background: Kumar is an accomplished IAS officer with a strong administrative and technical background, including a B.Tech from IIT Kanpur and studies in environmental economics at Harvard. He has introduced significant reforms in India's electoral system to improve transparency and accessibility.
• Electoral Innovations: Under Kumar’s leadership, the Election Commission of India has initiated multiple measures to enhance voter participation, modernize electoral rolls, and leverage technology to ensure free and fair elections.
• International Collaboration: His chairmanship will promote global cooperation on election best practices, democratic institution-building, and support for emerging democracies, reflecting India’s policy of democratic diplomacy.
• Significance for India: This leadership position at a major international democracy-focused organization reflects India's growing global stature as a democracy and its proactive role in fostering democratic values internationally.

Deadly Hong Kong fire incident, the focus on bamboo scaffolding

In the News: Acatastrophic fire erupted at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, killing at least 65 people with hundreds still missing, marking the deadliest blaze in the city in decades. The fire, which engulfed multiple 31-story towers housing around 4,800 residents undergoing renovations, rapidly spread due to highly flammable bamboo scaffolding and green protective mesh enveloping the buildings. This tragedy has intensified scrutiny on Hong Kong's longstanding reliance on bamboo scaffolding in construction, prompting calls for its phase-out in favor of safer metal alternatives.​

Key Points:

• Incident Details: The blaze began in the bamboo scaffolding on Wednesday morning, fueled by strong winds that propelled flames and debris across adjacent towers, complicating rescue efforts for over 900 firefighters. Thick smoke billowed from the structures as bamboo poles collapsed in fiery bursts, trapping residents inside while emergency shelters housed evacuees amid ongoing searches for the missing.​
• Role of Bamboo Scaffolding: Bamboo, lightweight, flexible, and cost-effective compared to steel, forms intricate pole frameworks tied with nylon and wrapped in combustible mesh, used in about 80% of Hong Kong's major construction projects despite known flammability risks in humid conditions. The fire's swift escalation mirrors past incidents, including 23 scaffolding-related deaths since 2018 and a recent October blaze at Chinem Tower, highlighting how the material accelerates vertical fire spread similar to Grenfell Tower cladding.​​
• Safety Concerns and History: Hong Kong remains one of the few global cities clinging to centuries-old bamboo traditions from mainland China, with officials recording 22 scaffolder fatalities from 2019-2024, yet no ban has been imposed as Labor Secretary Chris Sun affirmed in July. Experts like Professor Guan Yeoh advocate banning it outright, while the Kowloon Bamboo Scaffolding Workers Union resists, citing job losses for skilled artisans needed for bamboo's natural variations.​​
• Government Response: Authorities arrested three construction company officials on manslaughter charges as investigations probe the fire's origin, with plans advancing to replace bamboo with metal scaffolds amid public outcry. Chief Executive John Lee reported 279 missing and numerous hospitalizations, emphasizing the need for enhanced fire safety protocols in renovation projects.​​

South Africa Set World Record With 408-Run Win Over India in Guwahati

In the News:  South Africa defeated India by a massive margin of 408 runs in the second Test match held at Guwahati. This victory sealed a 2-0 series sweep for South Africa, marking their first Test series win on Indian soil in 25 years. The defeat is notable as India's heaviest-ever Test loss by runs at home, underscoring a significant setback for the Indian cricket team in the longest format.

Key Points:

• Historic Victory: South Africa set a daunting target of 549 runs, and India was bowled out for only 140 runs in the final innings on the last day, with Ravindra Jadeja being the top scorer with 54 runs. This 408-run win surpassed India's previous largest home defeat margin of 342 runs against Australia in 2004.
• Series Outcome: South Africa's commanding performance led to a clean sweep of the two-match Test series, having won the first Test by 30 runs at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. This marks their first series sweep in India since 2000-01.
• Bowling Excellence: Off-spinner Simon Harmer played a crucial role, taking six wickets in the final innings and finishing with nine wickets in the match, effectively dismantling India's batting lineup across both innings.
• Team Challenges: India missed their captain Shubman Gill, sidelined due to a neck injury. The team struggled overall, managing to cross the 200-run mark only once across four innings in the series, raising concerns about the transition phase in their Test cricket squad.