1. 16th Finance Commission Submits Report: The 16th Finance Commission, chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu on November 17, 2025, after a one-month extension. The recommendations of the commission will be applicable for five years, starting from April 1, 2026. Key highlights include proposals for tax devolution between the Union and States, a framework for grants-in-aid, mechanisms for financing local governance, and a review of disaster finance utilization.
2. National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Launched: The Health Ministry officially launched the National Action Plan on AMR (2025ā29), bringing together 20 ministries to tackle the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. The plan emphasizes surveillance, research, and responsible use of antimicrobials across various sectors.
3. India to Roll Out New E-Passports: The Indian government announced plans to introduce a new generation of e-passports. These upgraded travel documents will feature enhanced security measures, including advanced chips, anti-tampering features, redesigned pages, and stronger biometric integration, aiming to curb fraud and expedite immigration processes.
4. Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR 2025 Commences: The 8th edition of the biennial joint military exercise, AJEYA WARRIOR, between the Indian Army and the British Army, began on November 17, 2025, at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. The exercise, running until November 30, aims to enhance interoperability and operational readiness for joint company-level operations in semi-urban terrain.
5. Maoist Leader Madvi Hidma Killed in Encounter: In a significant blow to the Maoist movement, the elusive leader Madvi Hidma, also known as Santosh, along with his wife Madakam Raje and four others, was killed in an exchange of fire near Nellooru village in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitharama Raju district. This operation was carried out by a Special Party team of the district police.
6. Labour Force Participation Rate Hits Six-Month High: India's Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for individuals aged 15 and above rose to 55.4% in October, marking a six-month high. This includes 57.8% in rural areas and 50.5% in urban areas, signaling improved workforce engagement.
7. National Platform for Climate & Nature Finance Announced: The government unveiled plans to develop a national platform dedicated to mobilizing finance for climate and nature initiatives. This platform aims to support India's green transition and sustainable projects across the country.
8. 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Opens: The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is set to open in Goa with a vibrant cultural parade celebrating India's cinematic heritage. The festival, running until November 28, will host filmmakers and guests from over 80 countries, showcasing more than 270 films.
9. Supreme Court Suggests New Rules for NIA Cases: The Supreme Court of India proposed new guidelines for serious cases handled by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The court suggested that if a trial concludes quickly, within six months, the accused might face stricter bail conditions, aiming to accelerate the justice delivery process.
10. Indian Athletes Shine in International Sports: Indian athletes demonstrated remarkable performance in various global sporting events. Olympian Gurpreet Singh secured a silver medal at the ISSF World Championships in the 25-meter Centre Pistol shooting event. Indian boxers reached the semifinals in all 20 different weight categories at the World Boxing Cup. Furthermore, India achieved its best-ever result at the Asian Archery Championships, winning a total of 10 medals, and also secured gold and silver medals at the Deaflympics 2025.