Current Affairs Quiz 4th November 2025 Quiz

Exp. COP30 to take place 6-21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil.

The 30th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) is scheduled for 6-21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil.

The host city, Belém, located in the Amazon region, was chosen to highlight forest, biodiversity and ecosystem protection as central climate priorities.

The summit faces logistical challenges: accommodation costs have soared, hotel capacity is stretched, and some nations are considering reducing their delegation or skipping the event.

A key agenda item is turning the findings of the Global Stocktake into action—with focus on enhanced national climate plans (NDCs), scaling climate finance, and accelerating implementation ahead of and during COP30.  

Exp. Jitendra Singh Reviews Preparations for India International Science Festival 2025 to Be Held in Chandigarh from December 6–9

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh chaired a high-level review meeting to assess preparations for the India International Science Festival (IISF 2025), scheduled to be held in Chandigarh from December 6–9, 2025.

The Minister stated that IISF 2025 will highlight India’s transformation in science, research, and innovation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, emphasizing the nation’s shift toward science-led policy and governance.

Dr. Singh said the festival will celebrate India’s achievements in Deep Tech, AI, Biotechnology, Quantum Technologies, and Clean Energy, showcasing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat spirit through collaboration between ministries, academia, industry, and startups.

Exp. Indian Railways Launches ‘Aabhar’ Online Store on GeM to Promote Local Artisans, Handloom, and ODOP Products

The Indian Railways will promote the newly launched ‘Aabhar’ online store on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform to showcase and sell ODOP (One District One Product) and GI (Geographical Indication) items made by local artisans, weavers, and tribal communities.

The store sources products from Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIE), Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), and various State and Central Handloom and Handicraft Emporiums, aligning with the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative.

The initiative aims to promote India’s rich heritage, support women-led enterprises, and provide market access and income opportunities to rural artisans and marginalised communities, complementing the ‘One Station One Product (OSOP)’ scheme.

Exp. Lucknow Declared UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ for Its Rich Awadhi Culinary Heritage

Lucknow has been officially declared a UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference held in Uzbekistan, recognizing its rich Awadhi cuisine and culinary heritage.

The recognition highlights Lucknow’s centuries-old food traditions and positions Uttar Pradesh among the world’s top gastronomic destinations, promoting cultural diplomacy and sustainable tourism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people of Lucknow and urged global visitors to explore its vibrant culture and world-famous culinary traditions.

Exp. Kerala Becomes India’s First State to Declare Itself Free from Extreme Poverty under EPEP Initiative

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared the State free from extreme poverty during a special Assembly session on Kerala Piravi, making Kerala the first Indian State to make such a declaration under the Extreme Poverty Alleviation Project (EPEP) launched in 2021.

The EPEP initiative identified 1,03,099 individuals from 64,006 families as extremely poor, ensuring them access to food, housing, healthcare, education, and livelihood support through coordinated efforts by local bodies, Kudumbashree, and government departments.

With an investment of over ₹1,000 crore, Kerala’s achievement aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), setting a model for other states in eradicating extreme poverty and promoting inclusive development.

About Kerala

• Capital – Thiruvananthapuram
• Chief Minister – Pinarayi Vijayan
• Governor – Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar

Exp. India’s GST Collections Rise 4.6% to ₹1.96 Lakh Crore in October 2025

India’s GST collections rose 4.6% year-on-year in October 2025 to about ₹1.96 lakh crore, marking the 10th consecutive month with revenues above the ₹1.8 lakh crore mark, as per official data.

In the April–October period of FY26, GST collections grew 9% to ₹13.89 lakh crore, compared to ₹12.74 lakh crore in the same period last fiscal (FY25).

Net GST collections (after refunds) stood at ₹1.69 lakh crore in October 2025, 0.6% higher than October 2024, reflecting strong festive demand after the September 22 GST rate cuts.

GST Collection of Previous Months

• April 2025 – 2.36 lakh crore
• May 2025 – 2.01 lakh crore
• June 2025 – 1.85 lakh crore
• July 2025 – 1.96 lakh crore
• August 2025 – 1.86 lakh crore
• September 2025 – 1.89 lakh crore

Exp. UPI Transactions Hit Record ₹27.28 Lakh Crore in October 2025, Driven by Festive Spending and Expanding Global Reach

UPI transactions hit an all-time high in October 2025, reaching ₹27.28 lakh crore in value and 20.7 billion in volume, driven by strong festive season spending, as per data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

The transaction value grew 16% year-on-year (₹27.28 lakh crore vs ₹23.49 lakh crore) and 9.5% month-on-month, showing the growing trust and reach of digital payments across India.

UPI now accounts for 85% of India’s digital transactions and operates in seven countries, including the UAE, Singapore, France, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius, reflecting its expanding global footprint and robust digital infrastructure.

Exp. ADB Approves USD 460 Million Loan to Boost Solar-Powered Irrigation and Rural Energy Infrastructure in Maharashtra

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 460 million results-based loan to modernise rural power infrastructure and promote solar-powered irrigation in Maharashtra, ensuring farmers receive reliable daytime electricity.

The project, titled “Maharashtra Power Distribution Enhancement Program for Agricultural Solarization,” aligns with the state’s Power Sector Vision 2030, focusing on renewable energy adoption, rural energy access, and financial sustainability.

An additional USD 40 million concessional loan from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), administered by ADB, will support clean energy initiatives under this programme.

Recent Loan approved by Foreign Financial Institution

• India and ADB Sign $125 Million Loan to Boost Urban Livability and Climate Resilience in Assam
• India and ADB signed a $126 million loan agreement to promote sustainable tourism in Uttarakhand.
• World Bank Approves $212.64 Million Loan for Coastal Resilience and Eco-Tourism in Tamil Nadu & Karnataka
• ADB approved a ₹975.26 crore loan to develop world-class infrastructure across nine industrial zones in Tripura

Exp. 3 November – World Jellyfish Day

World Jellyfish Day is celebrated every year on November 3 to raise awareness about jellyfish species, their ecological importance, and marine biodiversity.

Jellyfish have existed for over 500 million years, making them one of the oldest multicellular organisms on Earth.

The day encourages marine conservation, highlighting the role of jellyfish in maintaining the balance of ocean ecosystems.

About Jellyfish

• A jellyfish is a soft-bodied sea creature that lives in the ocean. It’s not a fish, even though the name says “fish.” It’s actually an invertebrate, meaning it has no bones or backbone.

Exp. City Union Bank Secures $50 Million from IFC to Support MSMEs in Adopting Green and Energy-Efficient Solutions

City Union Bank (CUB) has received a $50 million funding commitment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to promote green and sustainable financing.

The funding will help Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) adopt energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions, supporting India’s transition toward a low-carbon economy.

IFC’s partnership with CUB aims to enhance energy security, create jobs, and boost MSME competitiveness, as MSMEs contribute around 30% of India’s GDP but face high energy costs.

Exp. Dr. Deepak Mittal Assumes Charge as India’s Ambassador-Designate to UAE

Dr Deepak Mittal, a 1998-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has assumed charge as the Ambassador-Designate of India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bringing with him over two decades of diplomatic experience across several key international postings.

He has previously served in Indian missions in Egypt, Israel, and Bangladesh, and also held roles as Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City and Ambassador to Qatar, strengthening India’s diplomatic engagement in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Exp. Former Indian Hockey Goalkeeper Manuel Frederick Passes Away

Former Indian hockey goalkeeper Manuel Frederick, who won a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics, passed away at the age of 78.

Hailing from Kannur, Kerala, he was the first athlete from the state to win an Olympic medal, a feat later matched by P.R. Sreejesh in 2021.

Representing India from 1971 to 1978, Frederick showcased exceptional goalkeeping skills in two Hockey World Cups — winning silver in Amstelveen (1973) and competing in Buenos Aires (1978). He also played for ASC, HAL, Services, Uttar Pradesh, and Mohun Bagan during his career.

Awarded the Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, Frederick is remembered as one of India’s finest goalkeepers.  

Exp. FIDE World Chess Cup 2025 Trophy Named ‘Viswanathan Anand Cup’ to Honour India’s Chess Legend in Panjim, Goa

The new trophy of the FIDE World Chess Cup 2025, held in Panjim, Goa, has been named the Viswanathan Anand Trophy, honouring India’s first Grandmaster and five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand; it was unveiled in the presence of Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Goa CM Pramod Sawant, and FIDE chief Arkady Dvorkovich.

The Viswanathan Anand Cup, described as majestic and symbolic, features a peacock in a frozen dancing pose, representing India’s national bird and symbolising the nation’s pride and progress in chess; it stands as a tribute to Anand’s legacy and India’s rise in world chess.

The $2 million FIDE World Cup 2025 will feature 206 players from 80 countries across eight knockout rounds, offering three qualification spots for the Candidates 2026, with India’s reigning World Champion D. Gukesh seeded directly into Round 2 — marking the first FIDE World Cup in India since 2002.

Exp. L&T and US-Based GA-ASI Partner to Manufacture Advanced MALE Drones in India for Armed Forces under Atmanirbhar Bharat

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) of the US have formed a strategic partnership to manufacture Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in India for the Indian Armed Forces, with L&T serving as the prime bidder and GA-ASI as the technology partner for the Defence Ministry’s 87 MALE RPAS programme.

The collaboration will enable domestic production of GA-ASI’s combat-proven MQ-series RPAS platforms, already in use globally for surveillance and strike missions, aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives through significant technology transfer and indigenous content.

Exp. AXISCADES and France’s Cilas Join Hands to Develop Laser-Based Counter-Drone Systems for Indian Armed Forces

AXISCADES Technologies Limited (India) and Cilas S.A. (France) signed an MoU to jointly develop and supply advanced counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) technologies for the Indian Armed Forces, integrating Cilas’ Helma-P high-energy laser weapon into vehicle-mounted defence systems.

Under the collaboration, AXISCADES will design the overall system architecture as per Indian Army requirements, co-developing a vehicle-mounted counter-drone solution that combines Helma-P with its command and control system, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative through local integration and manufacturing.

The Helma-P laser, already used by NATO forces, the French Navy, and during the Paris Olympics, strengthens India-France defence cooperation in advanced military technologies; AXISCADES employs 3,000+ professionals globally, while Cilas (est. 1966) specializes in laser technologies for defence, security, and space.

Exp. 3 November – World Sandwich Day

World Sandwich Day is observed every year on November 3 to celebrate one of the world’s most popular and versatile foods — the sandwich.

The day commemorates John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who is credited with inventing the sandwich in the 18th century.