1 India to host World Athletics Silver-level Continental Tour in 2026
India will host the World Athletics Silver-level Continental Tour event for the first time on August 22nd next year in Bhubaneswar . This event will be an upgrade from the Bronze-level event held in Bhubaneswar this year. Participants will have the opportunity to earn high-ranking points.
2 Centre approves Rs 305 crore Tex-RAMPS scheme
The central government on Thursday approved the Tex-RAMPS (Textiles Focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and Start-up) scheme . This is a major initiative aimed at strengthening research, innovation, and competitiveness in India’s textile sector . The scheme will be implemented for the period 2025-26 to 2030-31 and has a total outlay of ₹305 crore. It will be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme, with the entire expenditure borne by the Ministry of Textiles. The scheme is aligned with the new Finance Commission to make the textile and apparel sector stronger, modern, and globally competitive in the future. The scheme is specifically designed to address long-standing gaps such as lack of research, weak data systems, and innovation support.
3 Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla pays tribute to the first Lok Sabha Speaker GV Mavalankar on his birth anniversary.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday paid floral tributes to Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar, India’s first Lok Sabha Speaker, on his birth anniversary in the Central Hall of the Constitution House. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh, several MPs, former MPs, and other dignitaries were also present to pay tribute. The event aimed to commemorate Mavalankar’s significant contributions, which strengthened the basic functioning and traditions of the Indian Parliament. Mavalankar was born on November 27, 1888 , in Baroda (now Gujarat) . He began his legislative career in 1937 as a member of the Bombay Legislative Assembly from Ahmedabad and served as its Speaker until 1946. He then presided over the Sixth Central Legislative Assembly during the last phase of British rule and led it through the crucial years before independence. After 1947, Mavalankar was entrusted with the responsibility of Speaker of the Constituent Assembly (Legislative). He played a key role in the early years of independence and later became Speaker of the Provisional Parliament. When the first Lok Sabha was constituted in 1952 , he was unanimously elected Speaker on 15 May 1952. He held this position until his death on 27 February 1956 , leaving an indelible mark on the country’s parliamentary functioning.
4 Assam Assembly passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025
The Assam Assembly passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill , 2025. It aims to strengthen marital responsibility and protect women . This law is one of the strictest laws against polygamy in the country. Introduced on the first day of the Assembly’s winter session, the bill criminalizes marrying a second time without legally dissolving the first marriage . The bill provides for up to 10 years in prison for those who conceal a previous marriage and up to seven years in prison for marrying a second time without dissolving the first marriage . Repeat offenders will face double the punishment under the law. Maulvis who solemnize such marriages could face a fine of up to 1.5 lakh rupees. However, this law will not apply to areas included in the Sixth Schedule or to tribal communities in the state .
5 Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025 released on the occasion of National Milk Day 2025
Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, released the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying’s annual publication, ” Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025, ” at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, on the occasion of National Milk Day on November 26, 2025. BAHS 2025 is based on the results of the Integrated Sample Survey conducted for the period March 1, 2024, to February 29, 2025. This survey, unique in the country, provides crucial data on production estimates of major livestock products (MLPs) such as milk, eggs, meat, and wool, playing a vital role in research and policy making in the livestock sector. Milk Production : India ranks first globally in milk production . Total milk production in the country is estimated to be 247.87 million tonnes during 2024-25, increasing from 239.30 million tonnes in 2023-24 to 2024-25, registering a growth of 3.58 percent over the previous year. Per capita availability is expected to increase from 319 grams/day in 2014-15 to 485 grams/day in 2024-25. The top 5 milk producing states are: Uttar Pradesh (15.66 percent), Rajasthan (14.82 percent) , Madhya Pradesh (9.12 percent), Gujarat (7.78 percent), Maharashtra (6.71 percent). Together, they contribute 54.09 percent to the total milk production in the country. Egg Production: India ranks second globally in egg production . Total egg production in the country is estimated at 149.11 billion eggs during 2024-25, registering a growth of 4.44 percent. Production will increase at an annual rate of 3.18 percent during 2023-24. Per capita egg availability will increase from 62 eggs/year in 2014-15 to 106 eggs/year in 2024-25. Andhra Pradesh contributes the most to total egg production, accounting for 18.37 percent of total egg production , followed by Tamil Nadu (15.63 percent) , Telangana (12.98 percent), West Bengal (10.72 percent), and Karnataka (6.67 percent). Collectively, these states contribute 64.37 percent to India’s total egg production, reflecting their significant role in the country’s poultry sector. Meat Production : India ranks fourth globally in meat production . Total meat production in the country is estimated at 10.50 million tonnes during 2024-25, registering a growth of 2.46 percent. This production increase is compared to 2023-24. Meat production from poultry is 5.18 million tonnes, accounting for almost half of the total meat production. The top five meat-producing states are West Bengal (12.46 percent), Uttar Pradesh (12.20 percent) , Maharashtra (11.57 percent), Andhra Pradesh (10.84 percent), and Telangana (10.49 percent). Together, these contribute 57.55 percent to the country’s total meat production. Wool Production
: Total wool production in the country is estimated at 34.57 million kg during 2024-25, registering a significant increase of 2.63 percent over the previous year. Rajasthan has the largest contribution of 47.85 percent in the total wool production , followed by Jammu & Kashmir (22.88 percent) , Gujarat (6.22 percent), Maharashtra (4.75 percent) and Himachal Pradesh (4.30 percent). Together, these states contribute 85.98 percent to the total wool production in the country, indicating their important role in the wool industry of India.
6 Indian scientists identify rare USP18 gene mutation in children
A team of Indian researchers has identified a rare mutation in the USP18 gene linked to recurrent neurological decline in children. Only 11 such cases have been reported globally, and this is the first in India . The research was conducted by the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (Bengaluru) in collaboration with Ramjas College (University of Delhi) and Radcliffe Labs . The study has been published in the journal Clinical Dysmorphology . This mutation is associated with Pseudo-TORCH syndrome type 2— an extremely rare genetic disorder in which children experience neurological symptoms that mimic congenital infections , even though no infection is present. The USP18 gene normally regulates the body’s immune response. When this gene malfunctions, the body’s immune system becomes overactive and damages the brain.
7 Central Government inaugurated two new Doppler Weather Radars, Solar Power System and Weather Museum
The central government on Thursday launched three major initiatives of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) . These include two modern Doppler Weather Radars (DWR) , a new solar power system at Mausat Bhawan , and a meteorological museum . These initiatives were inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh , Minister of State for Science and Technology. The first, a dual-polarized C-band Doppler Weather Radar, has been installed at the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University in Raipur, Chhattisgarh . It will detect monsoon systems, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, and storms within a 250-kilometer radius. Its reach covers Chhattisgarh, Odisha, eastern Madhya Pradesh, southwest Jharkhand, and southern parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, increasing the accuracy of weather forecasts in these areas. The second radar has been installed at the IMD office in Mangaluru, Karnataka . It will monitor cyclones, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hailstorms within a 250-kilometer radius along the Arabian Sea coast, Goa, South Konkan, and northern Lakshadweep, and the terrestrial regions of Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, and southern Maharashtra. The government has also developed a weather museum to commemorate the IMD’s 150th anniversary , showcasing vintage weather instruments, communication equipment, radar, and satellite components. The museum aims to connect students, researchers, and young people with meteorological knowledge. Audio-visual facilities are also provided.
8 NTTM presented India’s first scientific model, the program will be held on November 28 in Panipat
The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), under the Ministry of Textiles , has supported a transformative project that reshapes sustainability in the technical textiles sector. This project resulted in the establishment of the Atal Centre for Textile Recycling and Sustainability in Panipat under IIT Delhi , which has integrated technology, innovation, and national purpose through two pioneering initiatives: the National Flag Recycling Initiative and the Aramid Fiber Recycling Program . The Punjab, Haryana and Delhi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) will organize a dedicated showcase event in Panipat on November 28th to showcase these innovations and their real-world impact. The event will highlight technologies developed under the project, bring together industry and government stakeholders, and strengthen the role of the National Technical Textiles Mission in promoting innovation, sustainability, and industrial integration in technical textiles. For the first time in India, a structured and scientific process has been introduced for the dignified recycling of retired national flags. Implemented by an industry partner, this project ensures that the fabric and structural integrity of the tricolor are preserved or reused responsibly without compromising its dignity. This model demonstrates how sustainability can be combined with patriotic values and strongly aligns with the spirit of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
9 Cyclone Ditwa: Strong winds, floods and landslides cause massive damage in Sri Lanka
The deep depression off the east coast of Sri Lanka has intensified into Cyclone Ditwa . It is located about 120 kilometers southeast of Batticaloa. Winds of up to 70 kilometers per hour are expected. School examinations have been postponed across the country. A severe weather warning has been issued for the coming days.
10 37,000-year-old bamboo from Manipur reveals secrets of Asia’s Ice Age
Researchers examining fossil plant remains in the silty deposits of the Chirang River in Manipur ‘s Imphal Valley have discovered an intact bamboo stem , bearing the marks of long-vanished thorns . This fossil, Asia’s oldest thorny bamboo, could rewrite a new chapter in the continent’s botanical history. Bamboo fossils are rare because their hollow stems and fibrous tissue degrade rapidly, leaving little trace of them in the geological record. Scientists have typically understood bamboo survival primarily by comparing present-day species with their habitats. While conducting field surveys in the silty deposits of the Chirang River in Manipur’s Imphal Valley, scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology , accidentally discovered a bamboo stem bearing strange markings. Their detailed analysis revealed these marks to be thorns. This prompted further investigation into its identity and significance. By studying its morphology—nodes, buds, and thorn marks—in the lab, they identified it as belonging to the Chimonobambusa genus . Comparisons with living thorny bamboos like Bambusa bambos and Chimonobambusa callosa helped reconstruct its defensive properties and ecological role. By studying its morphology—nodes, buds, and thorn marks—in the lab, they identified it as belonging to the Chimonobambusa genus. Comparisons with living thorny bamboos like Bambusa bambos and Chimonobambusa callosa helped reconstruct its defensive properties and ecological role. This is the first fossil evidence that thorniness in bamboo—a means of defense against herbivores—was already present in Asia during the Ice Age. This defense is particularly important because it comes from a time of cold and dry global climates, when bamboo disappeared from many other regions, including Europe. Fossils reveal that while harsh conditions during the Ice Age halted bamboo’s global spread, northeastern India provided a safe haven where the plant continued to flourish.
11 Indian contingent’s impressive performance at Tokyo Deaflympics 2025
Indian athletes delivered their most impressive and historic performance to date at the 25th Summer Deaflympics 2025 , held from November 15 to 26 in Tokyo, Japan. India won a total of 20 medals , including 9 gold, 6 silver, and 5 bronze . This is India’s highest medal tally in Deaflympics history, a feat the entire nation is proud of. A total of 73 athletes participated, India’s largest contingent to date, comprising 45 men and 28 women. The Indian contingent competed in 11 sports , but shooting produced the most impressive results. Shooting won a total of 16 medals, including 7 gold, 6 silver, and 3 bronze . Additionally, 1 gold medal was won in golf, 2 medals in wrestling, and 1 medal in karate . In the last Deaflympics held in Brazil in 2021, India had won only 5 medals, including 3 gold.
12 After not retaining Deepti Sharma, UP Warriors signed her for the first time through the Right to Match (RTM).
The auction process for Women’s Premier League 2026 is underway in New Delhi on Thursday. For the first time in the Women’s Premier League, RTM was used during the auction. UP Warriors re-acquired veteran all-rounder and last season’s captain Deepti Sharma by using ‘RTM’. Creating history, the team used RTM for the first time in the auction and re-acquired Deepti Sharma for a huge price of Rs 3.2 crore . Deepti Sharma has played for UP Warriors from 2023 to 2025 and has been the captain of the team. In three years, Deepti has taken 27 wickets and scored 507 runs in 25 matches for the team.
13 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament begins
India’s men’s T20 domestic cricket tournament, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, is getting underway. The opening match will be played between Mizoram and Nagaland at the Deccan Gymkhana Ground in Pune . The tournament began in 2007. This year will be its 18th edition . 38 teams will participate. Some star players from the international and IPL levels will also be participating in the tournament. Defending champions Mumbai will be led by a new captain, Shardul Thakur, in this edition. Mohammed Shami will play for Bengal, while Sanju Samson will captain Kerala. 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi will be the vice-captain of Bihar.
14 Women’s Premier League 2026 to be held from January 9 to February 5
Women’s Premier League 2026 will be held from January 9 to February 5. This announcement was made by BCCI in Delhi on Thursday. The matches of the next season will be played in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara . The matches will be held at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and BCA Stadium in Vadodara, while the final match will be played in Vadodara. Women’s Premier League 2026 will be the fourth season of the league. This league started in 2023. In the last three seasons, Mumbai Indians have won the title twice, while Delhi Capitals have been runners-up three times in a row. In 2024, RCB became the winner by defeating Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.