“IMPORTANT DAYS”

Birsa Munda Jayanti 2025

Birsa Munda Jayanti 2025 is celebrated on 15 November to honour the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a legendary tribal freedom fighter and social reformer. The 2025 celebration is very special as it marks his 150th birth anniversary. In 2025, this day becomes even more special because it marks an important milestone in his life and legacy. The celebration highlights his fight for tribal rights, protection of land, and upliftment of his community. Across the country, people come together to honour his courage, dedication, and lasting impact on India’s history.

 “DEFENCE”

IAF Contingent Arrives in France for Garuda‑2025 Air Exercise

A major milestone in the Indo‑French defence partnership begins as the Indian Air Force contingent lands at the Mont‑de‑Marsan Air Base in France for the biennial bilateral air exercise Garuda‑2025, scheduled from 16 to 27 November 2025. This exercise reflects deepening ties between India and France across military, technological and strategic domains.

“SCIENCE”

DRDO Develops Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

In a major advancement for underwater defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed a new generation of Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs). Designed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, these AUVs are built for mine countermeasure (MCM) operations, enabling rapid and autonomous detection of underwater threats.

“SPORTS”

Jerlin Jayaratchagan to Lead India as Flagbearer at Deaflympics 2025

Badminton ace Jerlin Jayaratchagan will be India’s flagbearer at the Deaflympics 2025 in Tokyo, marking her third appearance at the event. India is sending a record 111-member contingent to compete in 11 disciplines including athletics, badminton, golf, judo, karate, shooting, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, wrestling, and tennis.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

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

In a significant update to India’s innovation story, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, announced that India has emerged as the world’s 6th‑largest patent filer, with over 64,000 patents filed, of which more than 55 per cent are by resident Indian innovators. He made this declaration while speaking at an annual tech‑fest in New Delhi, also pointing out India’s rise in the Global Innovation Index (GII) from 81st to 38th over recent years.

GI Tag Awarded to Traditional Lepcha Musical Instruments

In a landmark move aimed at preserving India’s rich cultural heritage, the Government of India has granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags to two traditional Lepcha musical instruments — Tungbuk and Pumtong Pulit. This official recognition places these folk instruments among the distinguished products that enjoy legal protection and cultural prestige under India’s GI registry. The GI tags were formally awarded on 5th November 2025, marking a proud moment for the Lepcha community of Sikkim, which has long been known for its deep-rooted traditions and musical heritage.

Henley Passport Index 2025: India Ranks 85th as Singapore Tops the List Again

The Henley Passport Index 2025 has been released, and it reveals shifting dynamics in global mobility and international travel freedom. The ranking, based on exclusive IATA (International Air Transport Association) data, evaluates 199 passports by the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa. While Asian countries like Singapore, South Korea, and Japan dominate the top ranks, India has experienced a notable dip. This year, India’s passport slipped five places to 85th, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 57 countries.

India Unveils Its First Indigenous Quantum Diamond Microscope Developed by IIT Bombay

India has developed its first indigenous Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM) at IIT Bombay under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), marking a significant advancement in quantum sensing technology. The QDM, led by Prof. Kasturi Saha’s team, utilizes nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond to perform three-dimensional nanoscale magnetic field imaging, useful in neuroscience, material research, and semiconductor testing.