Daily Current Affairs: 24th November, 2025

National News

Indian Railways Surpasses 1 Billion Tonne Freight Loading in FY 25‑26

• Indian Railways has crossed 1 billion tonnes of freight loading in FY 2025–26, reaching 1020 MT by 19 November, driven by strong movement of coal, iron ore, cement, and containers, with daily loading rising to 4.4 MT.
• Backed by reforms like the Bulk Cement Terminal Policy and rationalised container rates, Railways is boosting logistics efficiency, lowering transit costs, and supporting industrial growth, while the shift of bulk cargo to rail promotes greener, low-emission transport, decongests highways, and advances India’s Net Zero goals.

Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025: Reforming India’s Power Sector

• The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aims to reform India’s power sector by promoting cost-reflective tariffs, reducing cross-subsidy, and enabling competition in distribution through shared network use.
• It strengthens regulatory accountability, protects subsidised tariffs for farmers and low-income households, and supports direct power access for industries to boost competitiveness.
• With provisions for network efficiency, energy storage systems, non-fossil energy obligations, and improved Centre–State coordination, the Bill lays the foundation for a modern, reliable, and investment-friendly electricity sector aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047

Constitution 131st Amendment Bill 2025: Chandigarh Under Article 240

• The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 proposes bringing Chandigarh under Article 240, placing it under Presidential regulations like other Union Territories without legislatures.
• This would shift governance from the Governor of Punjab to a centrally appointed Administrator or Lieutenant Governor, aligning Chandigarh’s administration with UTs such as Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep.
• The amendment has implications for federal relations, Centre-State power balance, and the political status of shared capitals, marking a significant step in UT governance reform.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 to Begin on December 2, 2025

• The Ministry of Education, in partnership with multiple ministries and institutions, will host the fourth Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS 4.0) from December 2–10, 2025, celebrating the cultural, spiritual, and linguistic ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative.
• Themed “Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam”, the event features over 1,400 delegates across seven categories engaging in seminars, heritage walks, and cultural exchanges, along with initiatives like the Sage Agasthya Vehicle Expedition, Tamil teaching in Varanasi schools, and a Tamil learning tour for UP students.
• Organised by IIT Madras and BHU with multiple ministries’ support, registration for delegates ends November 21, 2025.

Justice Surya Kant Assumes Office as 53rd Chief Justice of India

• Justice Surya Kant was sworn in on 24 November 2025 as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice Bhushan Gavai, and will serve a 15‑month tenure until February 9, 2027.
• Rising from Hisar, Haryana, Justice Kant has been involved in major constitutional matters such as the Article 370 ruling, the Pegasus spyware case, and Bihar electoral roll revision, and is expected to focus on judicial reforms, constitution bench hearings, and reducing case pendency during his tenure.

State News

“Seeing Hope Anew” – How Op Drishti Restored Vision For Thousands in J&K

• The Indian Army’s Op Drishti—a pioneering advanced eye-surgery camp held at Command Hospital, Udhampur—screened over 2,000 people and conducted 400+ surgeries for cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal disorders, delivering critical healthcare to remote J&K.
• Led by renowned surgeon Brigadier SK Mishra, the initiative transformed lives through restored vision, strengthened civil–military cooperation, and demonstrated the Army’s role in humanitarian service, earning praise from Raksha Mantri, COAS, and J&K leadership.

J&K to Hold First-Ever Limestone Block Auction

• Jammu & Kashmir will hold its first-ever limestone block auction on 24 November 2025 at the Convention Centre, Jammu, marking a major step in transparent mineral allocation and mining sector reforms.
• The auction aims to attract private investment, boost industrial and construction activity, generate local employment, and enhance Ease of Doing Business in the UT.
• This milestone reflects J&K’s shift toward auction-based licensing, paving the way for sustainable growth and potential expansion to other mineral resources.

International News

India, Australia, and Canada Launch ACITI Partnership

• India, Australia, and Canada launched the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership, a trilateral initiative focused on critical and emerging technologies.
• The partnership aims to drive green energy innovation, secure critical mineral supply chains, and advance ethical AI adoption while supporting net-zero goals.
• ACITI will foster joint R&D, technology deployment, and capacity building, with officials set to formalize collaboration mechanisms and project roadmaps in early 2026, marking a new era of strategic tech cooperation.

Banking News

SEBI Revises Materiality Thresholds for Related Party Transactions

• SEBI has introduced a turnover-based framework for Related Party Transactions (RPTs), replacing the rigid ₹1,000 crore cap with tiered materiality thresholds based on annual consolidated turnover.
• The new rules allow simplified disclosures for smaller transactions, clarify omnibus approval validity, and aim to ensure proportionality for companies of different sizes, reducing compliance burdens while maintaining transparency and shareholder protection under LODR regulations.

Awards News

IIM Ranchi Earns Prestigious AMBA Accreditation and 4 Palmes in Eduniversal 2025 Rankings

• IIM Ranchi has achieved AMBA accreditation and received 4 Palmes of Excellence in the Eduniversal Best Business Schools Ranking 2025, placing it among the top 2% of global business schools.
• These recognitions highlight the institute’s curriculum innovation, academic quality, global reputation, and international influence, reinforcing its status as a leader in India’s management education.
• IIM Ranchi also participates in JAP 2026 alongside other IIMs, promoting collaborative, transparent, and streamlined MBA admissions.

Summits & Conferences News

PM Modi Unveils Six Global Initiatives at G20 Johannesburg Summit

• At the G20 Johannesburg Summit, PM Modi unveiled six global initiatives focusing on traditional knowledge, Africa skills development, rapid healthcare response, countering the drug-terror nexus, open satellite data, and critical minerals circularity.
• These initiatives aim to enhance inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainable development, aligning with India’s leadership in climate action, food security, and South-South cooperation.
• Modi also highlighted Integral Humanism and Shree Anna (millets) as frameworks for balanced, culturally rooted development.

G20 Summit Adopts Joint Declaration Despite US Objections

• At the G20 Johannesburg Summit on 22 November 2025, leaders adopted a joint declaration emphasizing multilateralism, peaceful dispute resolution, and inclusive global development, despite opposition from the US.
• The declaration focuses on climate action, energy transition, support for vulnerable nations such as SIDS and LDCs, debt sustainability, and digital equity.
• South Africa’s leadership ensured Africa’s voice was included, highlighting skills development, sustainable industrialization, and climate justice, reinforcing the G20’s commitment to rules-based, equitable global cooperation.

India at COP30: Advocating Climate Equity, Justice and Long-Pending Finance Commitments

• At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, India emphasized climate justice, financial equity, and sovereignty-based global cooperation, urging developed nations to fulfill the 1992 Rio Earth Summit and Paris Agreement (Article 9.1) commitments on climate finance.
• India welcomed the Just Transition Mechanism to support vulnerable communities, opposed unilateral trade-linked climate measures like carbon tariffs, and called for a rules-based, equitable climate governance that protects the most vulnerable populations while promoting green growth and shared prosperity.

Sports News

Lakshya Sen Clinches Australian Open Super 500 Title

• India’s Lakshya Sen won the 2025 Australian Open Super 500 title in Sydney, defeating Japan’s Yushi Tanaka 21-15, 21-11 in just 38 minutes.
• This marks Sen’s first title of the year and his third Super 500 crown, showcasing his dominant performance and composure under pressure.
• The victory boosts his world ranking, reasserts his status in elite men’s singles badminton, and provides momentum for upcoming international events in 2026, including the Thomas Cup and Asian Games qualifiers.

Max Verstappen wins the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix

• Max Verstappen dominated the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, overtaking Lando Norris early and winning by nearly 20 seconds, marking his eighth consecutive podium and second Las Vegas GP victory. Lando Norris finished second, with George Russell third.
• The victory narrows Verstappen’s gap to the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship leader, keeping him in contention for a fifth consecutive title with two races remaining, while Lewis Hamilton impressively climbed from 19th to 10th.

India Wins Inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025

• India Makes History in Blind Women’s Cricket: India won the first-ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup in Colombo, Sri Lanka, defeating Nepal by seven wickets on November 23, 2025 at P Sara Oval.
• Restricting Nepal to 114/5, India chased 115 comfortably in 12 overs, showcasing dominance and teamwork.
• This trailblazing victory highlights India’s leadership in inclusive sports, boosts visibility for blind women cricketers, and sets the stage for future growth in para and disability cricket.

Important Days News

Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day 2025: Legacy of the ‘Shield of India’

• India commemorates Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, on 24 November 2025, marking his martyrdom in 1675.
• Known as “Hind Di Chadar” (Shield of India), he sacrificed his life defending the religious freedom of Kashmiri Pandits under Mughal persecution.
• Born on 1 April 1621 in Amritsar, he became Guru in 1664 and composed 115 hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib.
• His teachings emphasize spiritual devotion, equality, service (Seva), and courage against tyranny.
• The day is observed with prayers, kirtans, reflections, and community services, honoring his legacy as a protector of human rights, religious liberty, and justice.

Lachit Divas 2025: Honouring the Hero of Assam and the Defender of India’s North-East

• Lachit Divas, observed on 24 November 2025, honours Lachit Borphukan, the legendary Ahom commander who defeated the Mughal forces at the Battle of Saraighat (1671), safeguarding Assam from imperial expansion.
• Renowned for his strategic brilliance, courage, and leadership, Lachit led his outnumbered army to victory despite illness.
• Celebrated in Assam and across India, the day includes NDA ceremonies, cultural programs, competitions, and public awareness events, symbolising patriotism, resilience, and regional pride.

National Cashew Day 2025: Celebrating the Nut That’s Not a Nut!

• National Cashew Day – November 23: Celebrated to honor the cashew, a tropical seed (not a true nut) native to Brazil and introduced to India by the Portuguese, this day highlights its nutritional benefits (antioxidants, minerals, healthy fats) and culinary uses in cashew milk, desserts, and cooking.
• Cashews must be roasted or steamed before consumption due to their caustic lining.
• The day encourages cooking, roasting, gifting, and sharing creations using #NationalCashewDay.