Daily current affairs:November 18, 2025

Long Description : Addressing Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for important tribal welfare projects, including new housing under PM-JANMAN and schemes for rural upliftment. He also announced the establishment of the Govind Guru Chair for Tribal Language Promotion. The projects, collectively worth over ₹9,700 crore, aim to boost living standards and infrastructure in tribal regions, supporting inclusive development and strengthening social justice.

Long Description : India’s labor market shows robust growth in gig employment, with the number of freelancers and contract workers forecast to rise by 38% from the previous year. This surge is attributed to evolving work trends, digitization, and business preference for specialized project roles. The expansion marks India’s emergence as a leading global talent hub, expected to help fill global labor gaps while providing economic resilience.

Long Description : The report by the 16th Finance Commission outlines guidelines for distributing central taxes, financial assistance for disaster management, and allocations to local governments. Its focus is on equitable fiscal arrangements and strengthening the federal structure. The proposals guide future fiscal policy, ensuring states and local bodies are empowered for development while balancing national priorities.

Long Description : Amid growing ‘digital arrest’ scams, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to consider ratifying the UN convention against cybercrime, which would strengthen India’s legal framework against emerging digital threats. The directive comes after reports of unusual judicial orders and highlights the need for robust protocols to protect online privacy and prevent financial crimes.

Long Description : The apex court emphasized stricter enforcement and innovative approaches to improve air quality, signaling that the current stopgap measures like GRAP should not be a permanent fix. The SC’s observation calls for multisectoral partnerships and technological interventions to protect public health and ensure long-term environmental sustainability in the capital.

Long Description : Tribal and local groups advocated for greater autonomy and constitutional safeguards in Ladakh, preparing a proposal to secure Sixth Schedule protections. The initiative aims to preserve local culture and resources via increased self-governance, echoing similar demands in other northeastern regions. The move garners attention ahead of wider legislative reviews.

Long Description : At a recent briefing, the Army Chief highlighted progress in peaceful engagement and military de-escalation along the border. Steps taken by both governments signal an intention to resolve outstanding issues through negotiation, encouraging regional stability and economic cooperation.

Long Description : The upcoming summit between Indian and Russian leaders will focus on strategic partnerships across oil imports, technology transfer, and joint defense ventures. The session highlights efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, deepen economic integration, and explore collaborative opportunities in emerging sectors.

Long Description : These prestigious awards were distributed to individuals and organizations demonstrating breakthroughs in dairy sector productivity and animal welfare. The scheme is part of the wider push for agriculture modernization and healthy livestock management, vital for India’s rural economy.

Long Description : Delegates from India raised issues regarding market access and technology transfer amid evolving climate action protocols at COP30. The session stressed balancing growth opportunities with environmental commitments, emphasizing economic justice for developing nations while implementing global green goals.

Long Description : Neurotechnology advances, such as brain-computer interfaces and cognitive enhancement tools, now face international ethical standards set by UNESCO. The guidelines aim to protect privacy, prevent misuse, and encourage responsible innovation worldwide, drawing special attention in India’s vibrant research community.

Long Description : The new agreement will help stabilize domestic LPG supply and foster energy security, reducing dependence on traditional partners such as West Asia. The bulk deal marks a strategic shift towards diversified imports and underlines the government’s drive for sustainable energy solutions.

Long Description : In a proactive safety move, Maruti Suzuki announced a recall to address fuel pump motor issues in the popular Grand Vitara model. The company advised owners to await dealership communications, emphasizing customer protection and automotive standards.

Long Description : The “Ease of Living” evaluation aims to measure the quality of life and development across major urban centers, influencing future policy decisions. The assessment will cover core aspects like health, environment, transportation, and citizen amenities, encouraging city-level improvements and accountability.

Long Description : The accident has drawn attention to travel safety for Indian citizens abroad. The Chief Minister directed officials to collaborate with central agencies to provide support and gather details, reflecting India’s diplomatic readiness in crisis management.

Long Description : The report from the Institute of International Education points to wider global trends affecting student mobility. Safety, cost, and visa constraints are key factors behind the projected drop, influencing India’s education plans and strategic foreign cooperation agreements for talent development.