International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict 2025

Each year on November 6, the world observes the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, a United Nations-designated occasion that emphasizes the devastating impact of warfare on the environment. As wars continue to wreak havoc globally, the environment often becomes the silent victim — degraded, polluted, and irreversibly damaged. This day reminds us that peace and sustainability go hand in hand, and that environmental protection must remain a priority even in times of conflict.

“FESTIVAL”

Kartik Naach Festival Concludes at Patan Durbar Square

Nepal’s historic Kartik Naach Festival, a vibrant 10-day celebration of art, devotion, and heritage, concluded on Kartik Purnima at Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur. Drawing thousands of devotees, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts, the festival reaffirms its place as one of South Asia’s oldest living performance traditions. With a rich history dating back over three centuries, the event celebrates the divine through the blend of traditional dance, music, and drama in an open-air setting.

“SPORTS”

FIFA Announces Peace Prize to Debut at 2026 World Cup Draw

In a move that blends the spheres of global sport and soft diplomacy, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced the launch of the FIFA Peace Prize, set to be awarded for the first time at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington DC on 5 December 2025. The prize aims to honour individuals who use football as a tool to promote peace and unity in a divided world.

“AWARDS”

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Awarded World Leader for Peace and Security 2025

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the globally revered spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living Foundation, has been conferred the World Leader for Peace and Security Award 2025 by the Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the AI World Society (AIWS). The honour places him among a distinguished league of international leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

This award recognises Gurudev’s transformative contributions to global peace, humanitarian leadership, and his groundbreaking integration of spirituality into governance, diplomacy, and social reform.

“DEFENCE”

Indian Navy To Commission ‘Ikshak’ for Hydrographic Excellence

The Indian Navy is set to commission SVL Ikshak on 6 November 2025 at Naval Base Kochi, a major leap forward in the nation’s maritime and hydrographic capabilities. As the third vessel of the Survey Vessel (Large) class, and the first to be based at the Southern Naval Command, Ikshak represents India’s growing emphasis on maritime domain awareness and indigenous defence production. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, Ikshak boasts over 80% indigenous content, exemplifying the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Its commissioning reflects not only strategic self-reliance but also India’s push for technological excellence in the maritime sector. Hydrographic survey ships are essential for mapping seabeds, ensuring safe navigation, and supporting naval and commercial operations.

“APPOINTMENTS”

Sanjay Garg Takes Charge as Director General of BIS

Senior civil servant Sanjay Garg of the IAS 1994 batch (Kerala cadre) has assumed charge as Director General (DG) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) effective 1 November 2025. This appointment places him at the helm of India’s national standards body, with additional responsibility as the President of India’s national committee in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Maharashtra Becomes First Indian State to Tie-Up with Starlink

In a landmark move for digital inclusion, Maharashtra has become the first Indian state to sign a formal agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink, a satellite internet venture under SpaceX. The state government signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt Ltd, paving the way for the rollout of satellite-based internet services across some of Maharashtra’s most remote and underserved regions.