Daily Current Affairs: 17th November, 2025

National News

Supreme Court Orders Jharkhand to Declare Saranda Forest a Wildlife Sanctuary

• The Supreme Court has ordered Jharkhand to declare the Saranda Forest—Asia’s largest Sal forest—as a wildlife sanctuary, aiming to protect its endangered species, rich Adivasi heritage, and fragile ecosystem from threats such as mining, habitat loss, and encroachment, marking a major step toward stronger biodiversity conservation in the region.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda Launches 10 New AMRIT Pharmacies

• AMRIT Pharmacies Expansion: Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launched 10 new AMRIT pharmacies on the scheme’s 10th anniversary, boosting access to affordable medicines and medical devices nationwide.
• Since 2015, AMRIT has served 6.85 crore patients, dispensing medicines worth ₹17,000 crore and saving ₹8,500 crore for patients.
• The network now spans 255+ outlets across 24 States & 4 UTs, offering up to 50% discounts on essential drugs and implants, supporting India’s Universal Health Coverage goals.

Centre Targets Awarding 10,000 km of National Highway Projects in FY 2026

• The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) aims to award 10,000 km of national highway projects in FY 2025‑26, rebounding from a slowdown in previous years (6,000 km in FY 2025).
• This push targets improved connectivity, logistics efficiency, and regional development, while benefiting the construction and allied industries.
• Key challenges include land acquisition, environmental clearances, funding, and timely execution, making quality and sustainability crucial for India’s infrastructure growth.

State News

Raulane Festival: A Sacred Tribute to the Winter Fairies of Kinnaur

• The Raulane Festival of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh is a mystical winter tradition where villagers bid farewell to the protective Sauni fairies through masked dances, sacred rituals, and a celebratory procession led by the Raula and Raulane—two symbolic roles played by men.
• Rooted in folklore, spirituality, and community identity, the festival reaches its peak at the Nagin Narayan Temple, preserving centuries-old indigenous culture and marking the transition from winter to spring.

Ambaji Marble of Gujarat Receives GI Tag, Gains Global Recognition

• Ambaji Marble from Gujarat has received a GI tag, recognizing its milky white colour, durability, and historical significance.
• Originating from Banaskantha district and used in iconic structures like the Dilwara Temples and the Ram Temple, this recognition boosts export potential, protects authenticity, and supports local artisans and the marble industry, enhancing its global appeal.

International News

GCC Approves One-Stop Travel System to Boost Regional Mobility

• The GCC has introduced a one-stop travel system to streamline cross-border movement among its six member states, allowing travelers to complete immigration and security checks at a single point.
• This major step supports regional integration, boosts tourism and business travel, and aligns with broader initiatives like the GCC railway and unified customs systems, strengthening the region’s economic cooperation and future plans for a Schengen-like GCC visa.

Banking News

RBI Approves Appointment of S Krishnan as Chairman of J&K Bank

• Experienced banker S Krishnan has been appointed part-time chairman of Jammu & Kashmir Bank, approved by RBI, effective November 13, 2025, until March 26, 2028.
• A veteran leader with prior roles as MD & CEO of Punjab & Sind Bank and Tamilnad Mercantile Bank, Krishnan is expected to strengthen governance, boost digital banking, and drive regional financial inclusion, leveraging his experience to enhance transparency, compliance, and strategic growth in the Srinagar-headquartered bank.

Awards News

Sons of the Soil Awards 2025: Honouring Assam’s Excellence

• At the Sons of the Soil Awards 2025 in Guwahati, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal honoured Assam’s talent, conferring Emerging Achievers Awards to five young leaders in media, entrepreneurship, sports, art, and conservation, and Lifetime Achievement Awards to five veterans for decades of service.
• Special recognition under the Social Sector Development Award went to Dr. Alaka Sarma and Akshar Foundation, celebrating Assam’s excellence, innovation, and societal impact.

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

• The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025) will be held in Goa from Nov 20–28, featuring 240 films from 81 countries, including world, international, and Asian premieres.
• With Japan as Country of Focus, Spain as Partner Country, and Australia as Spotlight Country, the festival celebrates global cinema, cultural exchange, and cinematic excellence, complemented by IFFIESTA, the expanded WAVES Film Bazaar, and special tributes, reinforcing IFFI’s legacy as South Asia’s only FIAPF-accredited competitive festival.

Defense News

Exercise Garuda 25: India and France Strengthen Aerial Ties

• Exercise Garuda 25 sees the Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force (FASF) conduct joint drills at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base, France from 16–27 November 2025, deploying Su-30MKI fighters, C-17 Globemaster III, and IL-78 refuellers.
• The exercise enhances interoperability, tactical coordination, and operational synergy, strengthening India-France defence ties and refining skills in air combat, air defence, and joint strike missions.

Sports News

Ravindra Jadeja Becomes 4th Cricketer in History to Achieve This

• Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja became only the 4th cricketer in Test history to achieve 4000+ runs and 300+ wickets, joining legends Kapil Dev, Ian Botham, and Daniel Vettori.
• Achieved during India vs South Africa, 2nd Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on November 15, 2025, Jadeja reached the milestone in his 88th Test, making him the second fastest after Botham and the second Indian after Kapil Dev.
• Known for his match-winning all-round performances, Jadeja continues to excel with bat, ball, and fielding, reinforcing his status as the World No. 1 Test all-rounder.

Science & Technology News

Tata Memorial Breakthrough for Bladder Cancer

• Tata Memorial Breakthrough: An India-led BART trial shows post-surgery radiation therapy significantly reduces pelvic recurrence in high-risk bladder cancer, dropping relapse from 25% to under 10% without added side effects.
• Conducted by Tata Memorial Centre (2016–2024), the study establishes adjuvant radiotherapy as a new global standard, especially benefiting patients with advanced tumors, positive lymph nodes, or surgical margins, enhancing survival and quality of life.

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

• India’s Space Ambitions: ISRO is entering a new era of growth, aiming to triple spacecraft production, conduct seven launches in FY 2025‑26, and boost private sector participation.
• Major milestones include Chandrayaan‑4 (lunar sample return) in 2028, Gaganyaan human spaceflight in 2027, and an Indian Space Station by 2035.
• India targets an 8% share in the global space economy by 2030, expanding technological, scientific, and strategic capabilities through collaborations like LUPEX and partnerships with 450+ industries and 330 startups.

Important Days News

National Press Day 2025: Empowering Voices, Strengthening Democracy

• National Press Day, observed on 16 November, celebrates the press as the fourth pillar of democracy, highlighting freedom of expression, ethical journalism, and accountability.
• Established with the Press Council of India (1966), it now sees modern initiatives like the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act 2023, Press Sewa Portal, and Journalist Welfare Scheme, along with recognition through the Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award and media training at IIMC (Deemed University), reflecting India’s growing, digitised, and resilient media ecosystem.

International Students’ Day 2025: Why November 17 Marks Courage, Not Just Celebration

• International Students’ Day 2025 – Honouring Courage: Observed on November 17, International Students’ Day commemorates the 1939 Prague student uprising against Nazi occupation, sparked by the death of medical student Jan Opletal.
• During the crackdown, 9 student leaders were executed, 1,200+ students deported, and all Czech universities closed.
• Declared in 1941 by the International Students’ Council in London, the day symbolizes student resistance, freedom of education, and youth empowerment, reminding the world of students’ historic and ongoing role in fighting oppression and promoting justice.

National Epilepsy Day 2025: Understanding Seizures, Symptoms & Treatment Options

• National Epilepsy Day 2025 is observed on 17 November to raise awareness about epilepsy, a neurological disorder affecting millions, including 10 million in India.
• The day emphasizes early diagnosis, treatment adherence, reducing stigma, and promoting supportive environments.
• Key aspects include EEG and MRI diagnostics, medication adherence, stress management, safety measures, and building a support system for patients and caregivers, enabling them to lead full, independent lives.

Miscellaneous News

Shah Rukh Khan Gets a Landmark in Commercial Tower, Dubai

• Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is honoured with a 55‑storey commercial tower named “Shahrukhz by Danube” on Sheikh Zayed Road, slated for completion by 2029.
• The building will offer premium office spaces (450–11,000 sq ft) across 1 million sq ft, featuring a life‑size statue of SRK at the entrance.
• This marks a global first in celebrity‑named towers, blending celebrity branding with real‑estate development, targeting Indian and international investors while enhancing SRK’s global brand value.