President Donald Trump said that no US government officials would be attending the Group of 20 summit this year in South Africa (from 22 to 23 November 2025), citing the country's treatment of white farmers.
Trump had already announced he would not attend the annual summit for heads of state from the globe's leading and emerging economies.
BBC Chief Tim Davie Resigns After Row Over Trump Documentary
Tim Davie, the director general of the BBC, announced his resignation following a row over the editing of a documentary about US President Donald Trump. Davie and the broadcaster's head of news, Deborah Turness, resigned after accusations that a documentary by its flagship Panorama programme had edited a speech by Trump in a misleading way.
COP30 Launches in Brazil; India to Showcase Clean Energy Progress
The 30th UN Climate Change Conference, or COP30, begins in Belém, Brazil, with hopes it will be a turning point for the Global South. Talks will focus on implementing the Paris Agreement, climate finance, and adaptation plans, as countries move from promises to action. This is the first COP where the full Paris policy cycle is in effect.
Delivering India's National Statement at the Leaders' Summit of the CoP30, in November 2025, Ambassador of India to Brazil Dinesh Bhatia reiterated the country's consistent commitment to climate action based on equity, national circumstances and the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).
India will highlight its clean energy progress, having reached its 50% non-fossil power target ahead of schedule, while pushing for practical adaptation indicators. Brazil's presidency has urged nations to "shift from negotiation to delivery."
The summit also saw the launch of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility to reward forest conservation, with India joining as an observer. Scientists warn the 1.5°C limit will be temporarily breached, adding urgency to global climate action.
India Leads Global Adoption of Google Gemini's AI Tutoring Tool
India emerged as the world's number one country for using Guided Learning, Google's new Socratic AI tutoring feature built into Gemini, the company announced. The rapid adoption came as over 2 million Indian students now have free access to Google AI Pro through a special student offer.
The AI-powered tutor uses Socratic questioning methods instead of providing direct answers, encouraging students to develop critical thinking skills. Early results showed 95% of student users in India reporting feeling more confident after using Gemini, according to Google.
Raahul VS on became India's 91st Grandmaster after he won the 6th ASEAN Individual Championship with a round to spare. Raahul had become an International Master on November 14, 2021 when he scored his fourth and fifth IM-norm before crossing 2400 in the live ratings.
A week ago, Illamparthi AR from Chennai had become India's 90th Grandmaster. The 21-year-old player, who is the 35th GM from Tamil Nadu achieved his final norm at the Bijeljina Open 2025 in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Grandmaster is the highest title or ranking that a chess player can achieve. It is awarded by the International Chess Federation (FIDE, from its French acronym Fédération Internationale des Échecs), the global governing body headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Former No.1 Tai Tzu-ying Bids Farewell
Tokyo Olympics silver medallist and women's badminton great Tai Tzu-ying Taiwan announced her retirement from the sport, bringing the curtains down on a glittering career during which she won 17 BWF World Tour titles and finished runner-up in 12 tournaments.
The former world no. 1 has been battling injuries since last year and has been unable to return to the international circuit.
Ravinder Wins Gold in 50m Pistol, Elavenil Valarivan Bronze in 10m Air Rifle at ISSF World Championships
Veteran army marksman Ravinder Singh brought India glory on the opening day of the ISSF World Championships (Pistol/Rifle) clinching the individual gold and team silver in 50m free pistol.
Veteran army marksman Ravinder Singh brought India more glory by clinching gold in men's 50m free pistol at the ISSF World Championships in Cairo. On a day when the 26-year-old Elavenil looked good to take the top podium spot after grabbing the lead in the final, a heartbreak moment happened when she scored a 10.0 on the 19th shot to slip to third from where she lost momentum and could manage a poor 9.9 on the 22nd shot to finish in third place with a score of 232.0.
IAF Marks 93rd Anniversary with Grand Air Show Over Brahmaputra in Guwahati
The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 93rd anniversary with a spectacular flying display over the Brahmaputra at Lachit Ghat — the first-ever full-scale air show in the Guwahati.Thousands gathered along the ghat and nearby roads to witness the display organised by the Eastern Air Command, showcasing the IAF's formidable fleet of helicopters, transport aircraft and fighter jets.
Thousands gathered along the ghat and nearby roads to witness the display organised by the Eastern Air Command, showcasing the IAF's formidable fleet of helicopters, transport aircraft and fighter jets.
In a post on X, The IAF said that in line with the theme "Infallible, Impervious & Precise," the skies were filled with thrilling formations featuring the Su-30, Rafale, Tejas, Mirage, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Apache, Mi-17, C-295, C-130, C-17, IL-78, AN-32, AEW&C, Dornier and the vintage Harvard aircraft. The Harvard, Sukhoi-30 and Rafale enthralled the crowd with breathtaking low-level aerobatics.
The event, witnessed by 48 foreign service attachés and dignitaries, was attended by Assam governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Air Marshal Surat Singh, and senior officers of the IAF and state government.
The celebrations began with a stirring performance by the IAF Band, setting the tone for an afternoon of precision and pride. The Sarang Helicopter Display Team mesmerised the audience with synchronised manoeuvres, followed by stunning aerial displays from other formations.
The show culminated in a breathtaking sequence by the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and a flawless performance by the Air Warrior Drill Team, earning thunderous applause from spectators. The IAF described the event as "a magnificent celebration of the spirit of the Northeast and the indomitable valour of the men and women in blue."
Assam Rifles, Rudram Dynamics Foundation Sign MoU to Boost Academics, Research of Personnel
The Assam Rifles signed an MoU with the Rudram Dynamics Foundation (RDF) to jointly promote academics, research, training and online education for its personnel.
The agreement was signed at the Assam Rifles headquarters at Laitkor.
The partnership seeks to synergise the expertise of both organisations to foster research-oriented learning, innovation and capacity building, while also aligning military training with civil education standards.
US Test-Fires 'Minuteman III' Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
The United States fired an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) nearly a week after President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to immediately restart the process for testing nuclear weapons.
The Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) conducted the test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM from the Vandenberg Space Force Base.
The unarmed rocket landed near the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands.
The test, designated GT 254, evaluated the ongoing reliability, operational readiness, and accuracy of the ICBM system.
Manika Vishwakarma Representing India at the global Miss Universe 2025 Pageant
Manika Vishwakarma, a 22-year-old from Rajasthan is representing India at the global Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand. She earned the coveted Miss Universe India 2025 crown in August after an impressive competition and now carries the hopes of a billion people on the international stage.
The 74th Miss Universe competition will take place on November 21, 2025, at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand. The current titleholder, Victoria Theilvig from Denmark, will pass her crown to the next Miss Universe, and Manika is among the top contenders aiming for the global title.
DNA Pioneer James Watson Passes Away
Nobel Prize-winning American scientist James Watson, one of the co-discoverers of the structure of DNA, died aged 97.
In 1962, he shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Crick and Wilkins for the DNA's double helix structure discovery.
Celebrated every year on 10 November, World Science Day for Peace and Development highlights the important role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues. It also underlines the importance and relevance of science in our daily lives.
By linking science more closely with society, World Science Day for Peace and Development aims to ensure that citizens are kept informed of developments in science. It also underscores the role scientists play in broadening our understanding of the remarkable, fragile planet we call home and in making our societies more sustainable.
This year's theme is Trust, transformation, and tomorrow: The science we need for 2050.
National Legal Services Day: Access to Justice for All
India observed National Legal Services Day in November 2025 to commemorate the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which came into effect on this day in 1995. The day highlighted India's commitment to ensuring access to justice for all, especially the underprivileged and marginalised.
According to the Ministry of Law and Justice, more than 44.22 lakh citizens have received free legal aid and advice through the Legal Services Authorities between 2022 and 2025. During the same period, over 23.58 crore cases were resolved across National, State, and Permanent Lok Adalats, underscoring the growing impact of India's alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Uttarakhand Foundation Day 2025
Uttarakhand Foundation Day is celebrated annually on November 9 to mark the day when the state was created in 2000. Earlier, it was part of Uttar Pradesh. Uttarakhand, a state which is crossed by the Himalayas, is known for its natural beauty and cultural richness. It has a mix of many cultures, with influences from Hindu, Buddhist and indigenous traditions. The state is famous for its folk music, dance, and art forms like Aang, Thumri and Jhora.
Uttarakhand was formed as the 27th state of India, with Dehradun as its capital. The day commemorates the creation of a separate state for the people, who had long demanded a state of their own. Uttarakhand is also known for its unique cultural identity, with festivals like Ganga Dussehra and Nanda Devi Raj Jaat being major attractions.
Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award 2025 Conferred to Sai Gautam
Sai Gautam Gopalakrishnan, Associate Professor of Materials Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, awarded the Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award 2025. This prestigious recognition honours young Indian researchers demonstrating outstanding contributions in science and technology, particularly in cutting-edge fields like computational materials science.
The Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award was Instituted by the Government of Goa to commemorate Manohar Parrikar, former Defence Minister and Goa Chief Minister.
The award recognises young scientists with exceptional contributions in science and technology.
It carries a citation and Rs. 5 lakh cash prize, the highest among national science and technology awards.
Melania Trump Honoured with Fox Nation's 'Patriot of the Year' Award
US first lady Melania Trump was awarded Fox Nation's 'Patriot of the Year' award, a year after her husband and US President Donald Trump received the same honour after his 2024 victory over former US vice president and Democratic presidential contender Kamala Harris. The first lady accepted the award at a star-studded event hosted by Fox Nation in New York.
First Lady Melania Trump was awarded the 2025 'Patriot of the Year' award by Fox Nation for her humanitarian and social contributions since President Donald Trump's return to office in January. The award, presented at the annual Patriot Awards ceremony in Brookville, New York, celebrated individuals who exemplify the spirit of American patriotism through service, courage, and innovation.
The Patriot Awards, organised annually by Fox Nation since 2019, recognise everyday American heroes who contribute meaningfully to society. Honourees are selected from various fields, including military service, community leadership, and public advocacy. The ceremony features multiple categories such as Heroism, Young Patriot, Salute to Service, and Most Valuable Patriot, with the highest distinction being the Patriot of the Year award.
Manohar Lal Khattar Launches DRAP, UiWIN to Clear Dumpsites Across India
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched two flagship initiatives - the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP) and the Urban Investment Window (UiWIN) in a major step towards building sustainable and investment-ready cities across India.
The move marks a major leap in India's urban transformation, with DRAP targeting the elimination of legacy waste dumpsites by September next year, and UiWIN aiming to unlock private and multilateral investments to fuel infrastructure growth in cities, in line with the vision of 'Viksit Bharat.'
The Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs inaugurated DRAP, UiWIN, and other key initiatives during the two-day 'National Urban Conclave 2025' in the capital.
Delhi Government Launches School Web App to Boost Transparency in Education
The Delhi government unveiled a digital initiative called the School Web App to transform the way schools operate and improve communication between parents, teachers, and administrators.
The new platform is designed as a one-stop solution for all school-related services and aims to make the education process more transparent, efficient, and accessible.
IIT-Kharagpur, German University Alliance Sign Agreement for Joint Research, Student Exchanges
The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) signed an MoU with the Rhine-Main Universities (RMU), a strategic university alliance in Germany.
The agreement was signed at TU Darmstadt, Germany, in the presence of a delegation led by Suman Chakraborty, Director, IIT-Kharagpur, along with Ramanuj Banerjee, Counsellor (Science and Technology), Embassy of India, Berlin, and other officials. This partnership establishes a powerful framework for joint research, faculty and student exchanges, academic networking and collaborative educational and cultural initiatives across diverse disciplines.
It also marks IIT Kharagpur's formal induction into the RMU's international network 'RM Universe', enabling participation in joint research proposals, fellowships, lecture series and student research stays in Germany.
The Central government re-appointed former Supreme Court Justice Ashok Bhushan as chairperson of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).
Justice Bhushan joined as chairperson of NCLAT on November 8, 2021, presiding over significant matters involving corporate law, insolvency, and competition statutes. He will now continue until July 2026.