Riyadh Metro Enters Guinness World Records as the World Longest Driverless Network
Riyadh Metro officially secured a place in the Guinness World Records as the world's longest fully driverless metro system. Spanning 176 km and operating across six integrated lines with 85 stations, the network marks a significant leap in Saudi Arabia's pursuit of advanced, technology-driven urban mobility.
This achievement really puts Riyadh on the map as a global leader in high-tech transportation.
World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025
The World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan concluded in November 2025 with global participation from ministers, policymakers and industry leaders. Held every four years, the conference charted the strategic roadmap for worldwide telecommunications development, and drew more than 2,300 delegates from across regions.
India participated under the leadership of the Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, who outlined India's vision on universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation.
The World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) is not held every year; it is a conference that takes place every four years. It is the main event for the ITU's Development Sector to set the strategic direction and a four-year work program for global telecommunications development.
France Introduces 10-Month Voluntary Military Scheme
President Emmanuel Macron announced the creation of a new voluntary youth military service to begin by mid-2026, which would help France respond to accelerating threats on the global stage.
The move is part of a broader shift across Europe, where nations who have long enjoyed the decades-long tranquillity of U.S. security guarantees are fretting about President Donald Trump's shifting priorities and Russia's aggressive posture.
Macron said that the voluntary scheme will be open to 18 and 19-year-olds, who would be paid, and would last 10 months.
Nagpur is set to achieve a national milestone with the upcoming commissioning of India's largest municipal solid waste-to-compressed biogas plant based on dry anaerobic digestion technology. The project at Bhandewadi is progressing steadily and is expected to be fully operational by March 2026, marking a transformative shift in urban waste management.
The plant spans 30 acres of municipal land and has reached cold commissioning despite construction delays caused by an extended monsoon. Authorities have granted a four-month extension, allowing phased hot commissioning to begin soon. The facility represents a key initiative supported by central and state leadership with strong administrative oversight.
TCS Signs 5-year Deal with SAP to Modernise Cloud and AI Operations
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) signed a five-year deal with SAP to modernise the German software company's enterprise-wide cloud and generative AI operations, one of the high-profile examples of an internal technology overhaul of a major software vendor.
As part of the deal, TCS will help SAP streamline its complex IT landscape, enable seamless IT operations, and strengthen AI-led capabilities. The collaboration will deliver faster development cycles, lower total cost of ownership, and greater alignment between IT and business goals.
In a landmark moment, Delhi Capitals signed 16-year-old Deeya Yadav, making her the youngest cricketer ever purchased at a WPL auction. The three-time finalists added the top-order batter at her base price of Rs. 10 lakh, a move that also reconnects her with a familiar face.
Amaravati is First Integrated Financial City of the Country: Nirmala Sitharaman
Amaravati is set to emerge as the country's first integrated Financial City, marking a major milestone in India's economic and infrastructural development. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the initiative during her visit to the capital region, where she and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu laid foundations for major nationalised banks and financial institutions.
The new Financial City will house all major public sector financial institutions in one planned location. Sitharaman described this as a rare opportunity for banks to design state-of-the-art facilities in a capital being built from the ground up. Several nationalised banks have already begun construction, signalling the revival of Amaravati's long-pending development.
India's Operation Sagar Bandhu in Sri Lanka
India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) initiative, to support Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah triggered severe flooding, landslides and disruption across the island nation.
New Delhi launched the operation after the cyclone made landfall, causing widespread damage, claiming several lives and leaving thousands affected.
An Indian Air Force aircraft carrying around 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items reached Colombo and delivered humanitarian aid.
India convened its 60th Director General of Police and Inspector General of Police Conference in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh, from November 28 to 30, with top national leaders overseeing deliberations. The annual meet centred on strategies to eliminate the remaining pockets of Naxal activity and assess the nation's internal security preparedness.
The conference prioritised the government's target of completely eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026. With the deadline approaching, senior police chiefs and central force heads reviewed ground-level feedback, evaluate operational progress and address gaps in the final phase of counter-insurgency efforts. The presence of the Prime Minister, Home Minister and National Security Advisor underscored the strategic significance attached to this national security objective.
India, US Sign Deal for Navy's MH-60R Seahawk Chopper Support
India sealed a Rs. 7,995 crore deal with the US as part of "follow on support" package for Indian Navy's fleet of 24 Seahawk helicopters for five years.
The signing of the contract came amid some strain in ties between the two countries after US President Donald Trump slapped a whopping 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods in late August 2025.
MH-60R, manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation, is an all-weather helicopter designed to support multiple missions with state of the art avionics and sensors.
Baba Kalyani Wins Indian of the Year 2025 in Business
Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, was honoured with the Indian of the Year 2025 award in the Business category at CNN-News18's annual ceremony.
Kalyani emerged as the winner among nominees Albinder Dhindsa, Falguni Nayar, Rajesh Jejurikar and Roshni Nadar Malhotra.
Kalyani received the award for his pivotal contribution to advancing India's 'Make in India' footprint in the defence sector.
Assam Launches 'Prerona' Scheme to Support 4.4 lakh Class 10 Students
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the 'Prerona' scheme, a new support system for students preparing for the Class 10 board examinations. The initiative, meant to steady the academic path of adolescent learners, marks one of the state's strongest pushes to narrow school-level inequalities.
Under the scheme, every Class 10 examinee will receive INR 300 a month until their board exams conclude. The money is meant to help students buy basic study materials and maintain a minimum nutrition during their preparation period. Officials said the first transfer has already been made, with the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examinations scheduled for February next year.
IIM Mumbai Launches Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy, Admissions Based on CAT, GMAT, GRE, IMAT Score
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai launched a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Policy Management (PGDPPM) programme, developed in partnership with the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), Government of India. The programme is being offered in collaboration with Talentsprint, part of Accenture, which supports the digital learning and delivery framework.
The initiative is structured as a one-year, 45-credit diploma intended for mid-career professionals working across government, corporate, and social sectors.
Kolkata Hosts 8th Edition of International Chair Poetry Festival
Kolkata was a global meeting point for poets as the eighth edition of Chair Poetry Evenings was held from November 28 to 30, 2025. The festival continues to strengthen the city's reputation as a centre for literary and cultural exchange, drawing poets from diverse backgrounds and traditions.
Poets from thirteen countries shared their work in sixteen languages, highlighting the festival's commitment to cultural plurality. The line-up featured acclaimed voices including Susan Rich, Simon Armitage, Mona Arshi, Madara Gruntmane and Peter Verhelst, alongside several Indian poets.