Current Affairs 19th November 2025

Current Affairs 19th November 2025

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1. Dr AdarshSwaika accredited as Ambassador of India to the Federal Republic of Somalia
  • Accreditation: Dr.AdarshSwaika is concurrently accredited as Ambassador of India to Somalia, while serving as High Commissioner of India to Kenya.
  • Previous Roles: Dr.Swaika has held various positions, including Ambassador of India to Kuwait, Joint Secretary (Eurasia), and Deputy High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh.
  • Education and Language: He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Delhi University and is fluent in English, Hindi, and Russian.
  • Diplomatic Experience: Dr.Swaika joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2002 and has served in various capacities, including Moscow, Sofia, and Beijing.
  • Current Position: He assumed office as High Commissioner of India to Kenya and Permanent Representative to UNEP & UN Habitat.
2. India Re-Elected to Codex Executive Committee
  • Re-Election: India has been unanimously re-elected to the Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC) for the Asia region, securing its position until the end of CAC50 in 2027.
  • Leadership Role: This re-election confirms India's collaborative leadership role in global food governance, ensuring Asian technical and trade priorities are represented at the highest level.
  • Key Achievements: India played a critical role in advancing global standards, including the Standard for Cashew Kernels, Fresh Dates, and Fresh Curry Leaves.
  • Commitment to Food Safety: India emphasized the need to update databases on food additives, pesticide residues, and contaminants, while promoting modern technologies like AI for efficient Codex operations.
  • Global Influence: India's re-election reinforces its position as a credible leader in multilateral food governance, enhancing its influence on international trade policy and market access.
3. JDU Chief Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar Chief Minister
  • Record 10th Term: Nitish Kumar is set to take oath for a record 10th time as Bihar Chief Minister, marking a significant milestone in his political career.
  • NDA Victory: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a landslide victory in the 2025 Bihar elections, winning 202 seats, with BJP securing 89 seats and JD(U) winning 85 seats.
  • Cabinet Formation: The new cabinet is expected to include 20 ministers, with a focus on caste and regional balance, and representation from various alliance partners, including LJP(RV), HAM, and RLM.
  • Key Attendees: Prime Minister NarendraModi and several Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states are expected to attend the oath-taking ceremony, highlighting the significance of the event.
  • Focus on Development: The new government is likely to prioritize development, governance reforms, youth employment, and rural welfare, with a 100-day roadmap focused on these initiatives.
4. India Win Gold in Mixed 10m Air Rifle at 2025 Deaflympics
  • Gold Medal Winners: DhanushSrikanth and MahitSandhu won the gold medal, defeating South Korea's Jeon Dain and Kim Woorim 17-7 in the gold medal match.
  • Bronze Medal Winners: Mohammed MurtazaVania and KomalMilindWaghmare secured the bronze medal, beating Ukraine's VioletaLykova and OleksandrKostyk 16-12.
  • Dominant Performance: Dhanush and Mahit took an early lead, 4-0, and maintained a clear gap throughout the match, securing their second gold medal of the Deaflympics.
  • Medal Tally: India has won a total of nine medals across three days of competition, with more medals expected as the Air Pistol Mixed Teams take part in the event.
  • Previous Success: This win adds to India's impressive shooting performance at the Deaflympics, following individual medals won by other Indian shooters.
5. Avinash Lavania appointed as Director in the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare
  • Appointment: AvinashLavania, a 2009 batch IAS officer of MP cadre, has been appointed as Director in the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare.
  • Tenure: The appointment is for a period of five years from the date of taking over charge of the post or until further orders, whichever event takes place earlier.
  • Background: AvinashLavania is an IAS officer with experience in various roles, and his appointment is part of the Central Staffing Scheme.
  • Department Role: The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is responsible for formulating and implementing policies for the development of agriculture and welfare of farmers in India.
  • Current Position: AvinashLavania's appointment is likely to contribute to the department's efforts in promoting agricultural growth and farmer welfare.
6. Keerthy Suresh appointed as UNICEF India’s Celebrity Advocate
  • Appointment: Keerthy Suresh, a National Award-winning actress, has been appointed as UNICEF India's Celebrity Advocate to champion children's rights and education.
  • Focus Areas: She will focus on key issues such as mental health, education, and gender equality, leveraging her platform to raise awareness and inspire action.
  • Influence: Keerthy's profound connection with audiences provides a powerful platform to advocate for children's rights and well-being, especially for the most vulnerable.
  • PreviousWork: Known for her nuanced portrayal of strong women, Keerthy has reflected her belief in gender equality, empowerment, and social change through films.
  • Mission: She aims to ensure every child, regardless of background or ability, can thrive, and will work with UNICEF India to raise awareness and inspire action.
7. Oscar Piastri Wins 2025 Don Award for Excellence in F1
  • First Motorsports Winner: Piastri is the first person from the world of motorsport to receive the Don Award, named after cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman.
  • Seven Grand Prix Wins: He won seven Grand Prix races in the 2025 season, including victories in China, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Miami, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
  • Championship Contender: Piastri is currently second in the drivers' standings, trailing teammate Lando Norris by 24 points with three races to go.
  • Humble and Inspiring: Piastri's humility and sportsmanship have earned him widespread praise, with Selection Committee Chair Bruce McAvaney describing his rise as "nothing short of outstanding".
  • National Pride: Piastri's achievement has ignited national pride in Australia, making him a contender for the country's third F1 world champion after Jack Brabham and Alan Jones.
8. GSV & DRDO Sign MoU to Boost Indigenous Defence and Logistics Tech
  • Partnership Details: Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed anMoU on November 17, 2025, to boost indigenous defence and logistics technology.
  • Focus Areas: The partnership will focus on logistics management, operational logistics, chip design, hardware security, and homomorphic and blockchain-based encryption.
  • Collaborative Research: GSV and DRDO will conduct joint research, seminars, conferences, and capacity-building workshops to develop smart technological solutions for national security.
  • National Security: The MoU aims to strengthen India's defence preparedness and promote self-reliance in defence technologies.
  • Academic-Industry Collaboration: The partnership bridges the gap between academia and industry, leveraging GSV's expertise in transportation and logistics with DRDO's defence research capabilities.
9. International Men’s Day observed on 19th November   
  • Purpose: International Men's Day is celebrated on November 19th every year to recognize and celebrate men's achievements and contributions to society, as well as promote gender equality and positive masculinity.
  • History: The day was first observed in 1992 and has been celebrated annually since then, with the United Nations supporting the initiative.
  • Themes: Each year, the day focuses on specific themes, such as men's health, promoting positive male role models, and addressing issues like toxic masculinity.
  • Objectives: The day aims to improve men's health, promote gender equality, and encourage men to speak out against violence and discrimination.
  • Significance: International Men's Day complements International Women's Day, highlighting the importance of gender equality and promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.
10. Arunachalam Vellayan, Chairman Emeritus of Coromandel International passed away
  • Visionary Leader: Vellayan was known for his strategic direction and diversification of Murugappa Group, transforming it into one of India's most respected conglomerates.
  • Business Acumen: He was admired for his high level of business acumen and ability to foresee future trends, making bold decisions like taking Coromandel International retail in 2008.
  • Education and Awards: Vellayan was an alumnus of The Doon School, Shriram College of Commerce, and University of Warwick Business School, and received honorary doctorates from Aston University and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.
  • Leadership Roles: He held leadership positions in various industry bodies, including Southern India Chamber of Commerce, Fertiliser Association of India, and Indian Sugar Mills Association.
  • Legacy: Vellayan's contributions to Indian industry and business will be remembered for his vision, integrity, and long-term approach to value creation, leaving behind a legacy of growth and excellence.
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