Daily current affairs:November 8, 2025

Long Description : State Bank of India, the largest public sector bank, broke two significant records—first by touching a total business volume (deposits plus advances) over ₹100 trillion and second by becoming the sixth Indian company to achieve a USD 100 billion market capitalization. As of September 2025, SBI’s business stood at ₹100.12 trillion with advances at ₹44.2 lakh crore and deposits at ₹55.92 lakh crore. This demonstrates SBI's robust growth and its importance in strengthening India’s financial system and economy through substantial credit support to key sectors.

Long Description : On November 8, 2025, the Prime Minister flagged off four new Vande Bharat trains from Varanasi, increasing India's semi-high-speed rail connectivity. The new routes are Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru. These trains aim to drastically reduce travel times, promote tourism in historic cities, and boost regional trade and mobility. The Banaras–Khajuraho route, for example, will shorten pilgrimage journeys significantly. This move is part of India’s ongoing rail modernization efforts to improve passenger comfort and accessibility while supporting economic development.

Long Description : Celebrated on 9 November, National Legal Services Day marks the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. Recent data shows an increase in people accessing free legal aid, with 44.22 lakh beneficiaries from 2022-25. Initiatives like DISHA (Digital legal assistance scheme) have leveraged technology to broaden access, with over 2.1 crore individuals getting legal awareness or pre-litigation advice as of February 2025. The day underscores the commitment to providing free legal representation, especially to marginalized groups, and was reinforced by a national conference inaugurated by the Prime Minister on strengthening legal aid mechanisms.

Long Description : Rural India is experiencing a notable upswing as rising incomes, expanded credit access, and a good monsoon encourage stronger consumption than seen in urban areas. This trend not only stabilizes domestic economic momentum but also supports higher GDP ratios. Analysts note rural demand is helping support industries ranging from FMCG to durable goods. Such broad-based consumption trends are vital for sustaining India’s growth targets as the country seeks investment-led expansion and continued market confidence.

Long Description : In response to rising human-leopard conflicts and tragic incidents in urban fringes, Maharashtra sent a formal proposal to the Centre to relocate up to 50 leopards to Vantara. The initiative aims to prevent further human casualties and property damage while supporting conservation. The proposal follows a series of attacks, including a child fatality, sparking protests by both local communities and forest officials who face backlash during such crises. This relocation aligns with efforts under updated Wildlife Protection statutes and underscores the need for sustained, science-based approaches to human-wildlife conflict management.

Long Description : Responding to increasing stray dog attacks and rabies reports, the Supreme Court issued an order mandating state governments to speed up removal and regulation of stray dogs in public areas. This judicial intervention highlights the intersection of animal welfare, public safety, and disease control, and references the Animal Birth Control Rules 2023 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The court has also emphasized a ‘One Health’ approach to ensure both human and animal wellbeing, urging comprehensive and humane management in collaboration with civic bodies.

Long Description : Economic indicators show sustained optimism for India’s economic trajectory, with consumption-led growth driving GDP projections over 6.8%. Structural reforms across financial sectors, government spending, and a robust export market have contributed to this resilience even as some global uncertainties persist. Policymakers aim for further reforms and investment climate modernization as part of a vision to elevate the country toward a $30 trillion economy in the next few decades.

Long Description : Citing security and regional stability, the Ministry of External Affairs has brought attention to suspected clandestine nuclear activities in Pakistan at international nuclears forums. India's complaint references both the NPT framework and IAEA’s global monitoring roles, arguing that unchecked proliferation jeopardizes South Asian security and global trust in nuclear governance mechanisms. This move is particularly relevant for aspirants tracking India’s diplomacy, security, and non-proliferation policy.

Long Description : The court observed that many property laws, including the Transfer of Property Act and Easements Act (both 1882), remain unfit for present-day challenges, leading to prolonged litigation and ambiguity. Prompt reform of these laws is crucial for streamlining land acquisition, ensuring fair compensation, ending disputes, and supporting economic growth. The judgment emphasized modern, transparent laws as vital for efficient city planning, housing, and investment.

Long Description : The continued rise in GST revenues is indicative of ongoing economic recovery and robust tax compliance across sectors. The increase was attributed to improved business activities, festive demand, and improved digitalization of tax processes. Higher indirect tax mop-up supports government spending in key sectors such as infrastructure, health, and welfare, keeping fiscal management on track and underscoring the importance of domestic consumption and production for economic resilience.

Long Description : The slip in reserves was mainly attributed to dollar outflows and market corrections, but experts note that the reserves are more than sufficient to cushion against external shocks. The central bank continues to monitor and use reserves prudently to support the rupee, fund imports, and ensure investor confidence. Occasional fluctuations do not compromise the country’s import cover, which remains among the world’s strongest.

Long Description : Recent talks between India and New Zealand have led to expanded cooperation across trade, agriculture, and innovation sectors. The move follows efforts to diversify India’s global partnerships and raise exports in areas like dairy, horticulture, technology, and education. Both sides agreed to work closely for improved market access and investments, a significant step as India seeks to boost its role in regional supply chains and global trade.

Long Description : Recognizing the rapid rise in neuroscience-based tools and neurotechnology (like brain-computer interfaces), UNESCO brought together world leaders, including Indian representatives, for discussions on setting shared guidelines. Key themes included privacy, cognitive liberty, and responsible use. India’s participation supports its growing innovation ecosystem and frames its policies on emerging tech, making this relevant for science and governance aspirants.

Long Description : The petitions challenge the use of SIR for voter roll revisions, raising questions about data privacy, potential exclusion of genuine voters, and necessity of Aadhaar-voter ID linkage. The court’s stance could have significant ramifications for future electoral reforms and debates on digital data management in elections, providing a case study for polity and governance candidates.

Long Description : Serbian tennis superstar Novak Djokovic clinched his 101st ATP title by defeating Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in the Athens Open final. The victory further cements Djokovic’s all-time great status and provides an inspiring case for sports GK. His achievements, alongside other Indian and global sports news, are often referenced in competitive exams for their significance in sports history and current affairs.

Long Description : Addressing cultural and historic aspects, the PM referenced the fragmentation in adoption of ‘Vande Mataram’ in 1937 during his recent speech. The discussion connects modern debates about national symbols with their origin in the independence movement. This topic remains significant for Indian culture and history portions of competitive exams, having ties to events, personalities, and ideological debates over unity and diversity.