International Developments
Sudan Conflict: Humanitarian Ceasefire Agreed
In Sudan, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have agreed to a U.S.-backed humanitarian ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the more than two-year devastating war with the Sudanese military. The truce was brokered by a U.S.-led group of mediators, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Hundreds of thousands of civilians remain trapped in El Fasher, North Darfur, facing famine after the city was seized by the RSF. The conflict has triggered what the U.N. describes as the world's largest humanitarian crisis, displacing millions.
Gaza Strip: Continued Airstrikes and Humanitarian Crisis
Despite a U.S.-brokered truce that took effect nearly a month ago, Israel's military continues to target the southern city of Khan Younis in Gaza with airstrikes and artillery fire. A civil society group in Gaza appealed for international assistance to find over 10,000 Palestinians still buried under the rubble of destroyed buildings, referring to Gaza as "the world's largest mass grave." Health officials in Gaza report over 69,000 Palestinian casualties in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
United States: Prolonged Government Shutdown Causes Travel Chaos
The protracted U.S. federal government shutdown has become the longest in U.S. history, leading to significant disruptions. On Friday, November 7, more than 1,000 flights were cancelled across the United States as the Trump administration ordered reductions to ease strain on air traffic controllers working without pay. Forty airports, including major hubs like Atlanta, Newark, and Los Angeles, were affected by these cuts. Airlines like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines reported hundreds of cancellations, with thousands of flights delayed, causing long lines at security checkpoints. The shutdown, which began on October 1, is due to a bitter standoff between Republicans and Democrats, particularly over health insurance subsidies.
Southeast Asia: Typhoon Fung-wong (Kalmaegi) Leaves a Trail of Destruction
Typhoon Fung-wong (also referred to as Kalmaegi) made landfall in central Vietnam, destroying homes, uprooting trees, and causing widespread power outages for an estimated 1.2 million people. The typhoon previously left a trail of destruction in the Philippines, where the death toll rose to nearly 200 people. More than 100,000 people were evacuated in the Philippines as the typhoon intensified. The storm has since weakened to a tropical storm and is moving toward Cambodia and Laos.
China's Naval Expansion: Fujian Aircraft Carrier Commissioned
China has commissioned its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, marking a significant advancement in its naval capabilities. The Fujian is China's first flat-deck carrier equipped with an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), enabling smoother and faster aircraft launches. With a displacement of around 80,000 tonnes, it surpasses its predecessors, the Liaoning and Shandong, in technology and operational capability.
Global Climate Concerns: 2025 Among Warmest Years
The U.N. World Meteorological Organization warned that 2025 is on track to rank among the three warmest years on record, following 2024 which was observed as the hottest year ever. Global leaders convened in Brazil for a Climate Summit to address these pressing environmental challenges.
National (India) Current Affairs
Defense Deal: India Signs $1 Billion Jet Engine Agreement
India has signed a $1 billion deal with America's General Electric for the procurement of 113 F404-GE-IN20 jet engines. These engines are intended to power the indigenous Tejas Mark 1A fighters under the Tejas light combat aircraft program, strengthening India's indigenous defense manufacturing.
Social Policy: Karnataka Introduces Paid Menstrual Leave
Karnataka has become India's first state to grant 12 days of paid menstrual leave annually for women employees across both government and private sectors. This progressive policy provides one day of leave per month to support health, dignity, and productivity, aligning India with global best practices and promoting gender equality.
Wildlife Conservation: India Prepares for 2026 Tiger Census
India is gearing up for the 2026 All India Tiger Estimation (AITE), which is set to be the world's largest wildlife survey. This comprehensive survey aims to count tigers and assess ecosystem health, prey density, habitat quality, and human-wildlife interactions.
Infrastructure: PM Modi Flags Off New Vande Bharat Trains
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi. These new routes – Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru – are intended to enhance regional connectivity, reduce travel time, and boost tourism and economic growth.
Financial Milestone: SBI Joins $100 Billion Valuation Club
State Bank of India (SBI) has entered the $100 billion valuation club, becoming the sixth Indian company to achieve this milestone. As of September 2025, SBI's total business reached Rs. 100.12 trillion, with a 10% year-on-year rise in net profit to Rs. 20,160 crores in Q2 FY26.
Cultural Heritage: 150th Anniversary of "Vande Mataram"
India is commemorating the 150th anniversary of its National Song, "Vande Mataram," a powerful symbol of unity and patriotism. The song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, was first published in 1875 and gained prominence during the Swadeshi movement.