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Current Affairs 20th November 2025
1. VenuSrinivasan Honoured with CII Quality Ratna Award 2025
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Leadership in Quality Management: VenuSrinivasan has been recognized for his decades-long commitment to quality excellence, which has driven India's manufacturing growth story.
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Pioneering TQM in India: Under his leadership, TVS Motor became the first non-Japanese two-wheeler firm to win the Deming Prize in 2002, setting a benchmark for Indian manufacturing.
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Customer-Centric Approach: Srinivasan emphasizes that designs should be led by customer needs, and employee trust is essential for long-term success.
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Contribution to India's Manufacturing Ambition: His recognition aligns with India's goal to increase its global manufacturing share from 3% to 25% and create 100 million jobs.
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Awards and Recognition: The CII Quality Ratna Award is one of India's highest industrial recognitions, honoring individuals who demonstrate sustained commitment to quality, operational excellence, and leadership.
2. India’s First Commercial PSLV Set to Launch
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First Commercial PSLV: The rocket is built entirely by the private sector, marking a significant shift in India's space program.
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Oceansat Satellite Launch: The PSLV will carry the Oceansat satellite, used for ocean and atmospheric studies, into orbit.
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HAL-L&T Consortium: The rocket is manufactured by a consortium of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), showcasing India's private sector capabilities.
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ISRO's New Role: This launch reflects ISRO's strategy to focus on advanced research and upcoming missions, while private industry handles commercial launch operations.
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Boost to India's Space Economy: The launch is expected to strengthen India's position in the global commercial space sector, with growing interest from domestic and international customer.
3. NeerajAgrawal appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania
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Appointment and Experience: NeerajAgrawal, a 2009 batch IFS officer, is currently posted in the Ministry of External Affairs and is expected to take up his new assignment shortly.
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India-Mauritania Relations: India and Mauritania enjoy cordial and friendly relations, with India opening its Embassy in Nouakchott in June 2021.
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Development Cooperation: India provides substantial developmental, human resource development, and infrastructural aid to Mauritania, including a Line of Credit (LOC) of US$21.8 million for agro-industrial and drinking water projects.
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Strategic Partnership: The appointment aims to strengthen cooperation in trade, cultural exchanges, and foreign office consultations between India and Mauritania.
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India's Africa Outreach: Agrawal's appointment reflects India's broader strategy to deepen its footprint in Africa, emphasizing economic ties, soft diplomacy, and cultural engagement.
4. M Salman Baseer elected as Chairman of Karnataka Planters Association
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New Leadership: Baseer has taken over as Chairman, with M C Kariappa as Vice-Chairman, at the 67th Annual General Meeting of KPA held in Chikmagaluru.
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KPA's Influence: The Karnataka Planters Association is one of India's most influential growers' groups, playing a key role in addressing issues facing Karnataka's coffee sector.
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Coffee Industry Impact: The new leadership aims to tackle challenges in the coffee industry, ensuring the sector's growth and sustainability.
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Executive Committee: Other members elected to the KPA executive committee include Yeshwant R Gurjer, Sameer Gurjer, A P Rajaram, and A NamithaRao, among others.
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Previous Role: Notably, Baseer was previously elected as Vice-Chairman of KPA in 2024, indicating his continued commitment to the organization's goals.
5. J&K Won Gold at 36th Senior National Fencing Championship
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Men's Sabre Team Gold: J&K defeated Maharashtra 45-38 in the final to claim the top spot.
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Thrilling Semi-Final: J&K edged past SSCB 45-44 in the semi-finals, showcasing their skill and determination.
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Team Members: The victorious J&K team comprised Vishal Thapar, HarshitKohli, SagarSahi, and Mayank Sharma, with Rashid Ahmed Choudhary as International Referee.
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Other Medal Winners: SSCB and Uttar Pradesh bagged bronze medals in the men's sabre team category.
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Haryana's Achievement: Haryana won the women's epee team gold, defeating Maharashtra 45-24, while Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh took bronze.
6. IIT Delhi ranked top in India in QS World University Rankings Sustainability 2026
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Global Recognition: IIT Delhi's ranking is a testament to its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, placing it among the top universities worldwide.
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Strong Performance in Environmental Education: IIT Delhi excelled in environmental education and research, showcasing its expertise in sustainability-related fields.
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Employability and Outcomes: The institution ranks among the top 100 globally for employability and outcomes, highlighting its focus on preparing students for the workforce.
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India's Growing Presence: With 103 Indian universities featured in the rankings, India is the fourth most-represented country globally, demonstrating its growing emphasis on sustainability in higher education.
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Other Top-RankedIndian Institutions: IIT Bombay (235th), IIT Kharagpur (236th), IIT Madras (305th), and IIT Kanpur (310th) also made it to the list, showcasing India's strong presence in sustainability rankings .
7. Jawed Ashraf appointed as Chairman, India Trade Promotion Organization
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Veteran Diplomat: Ashraf is a 1991-batch retired IFS officer with extensive diplomatic and administrative experience, having served as India's envoy to Singapore and France.
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Boost to Global Trade: His appointment is expected to strengthen ITPO's strategic direction and boost India's global trade promotion initiatives.
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ITPO's Role: ITPO is the premier trade promotion agency of the Government of India, responsible for promoting trade and commerce in India and facilitating partnerships between Indian businesses and international counterparts.
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Experience in Key Roles: Ashraf has held key positions, including Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office under former Prime Ministers Dr.Manmohan Singh and NarendraModi.
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Leadership: As Chairman, Ashraf will lead ITPO in organizing trade fairs, exhibitions, and business events, promoting Indian exports, and attracting foreign investment.
8. Ramesh Sippy received ‘Icon of Indian Cinema’ award at Jagran Film Festival 2025
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Renowned Director: Ramesh Sippy is best known for directing the iconic film 'Sholay' (1975), considered one of the most influential films in Indian cinema.
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Lifetime Achievement: The 'Icon of Indian Cinema' award recognizes his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema and his dedication to the craft.
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Prolific Career: Sippy has directed several hit films, including 'Andaz', 'SeetaAurGeeta', 'Shakti', and 'Saagar'.
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Awards and Recognition: He has received numerous awards, including the Padma Shri (2013) and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (2020).
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Inspiration to Many: Sippy's passion for perfection and commitment to filmmaking have inspired generations of filmmakers, making him a true icon of Indian cinema.
9. Michelle Bachelet Awarded Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
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Champion of Human Rights: Bachelet has dedicated her life to promoting human rights, gender equality, and democracy, making her a deserving recipient of the award.
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Trailblazing Leadership: As Chile's first female President, she served two terms (2006-2010 and 2014-2018) and implemented reforms, including education and tax reforms.
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Global Advocate: Bachelet has been a vocal critic of human rights violations worldwide, including India, where she expressed concerns over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
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Inspiring Legacy: Her work has inspired countless individuals, and her commitment to social justice has earned her international recognition.
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Award Recognition: The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize is a testament to Bachelet's tireless efforts towards promoting peace, disarmament, and development, and is a fitting tribute to her remarkable legac.
10. A Visionary Light Extinguished: THDC CMD Sh. R. K. Vishnoi passed away
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Distinguished Career: Vishnoi joined THDCIL in 1989 and led the company with distinction since 2021, steering it through significant projects across several states.
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Leadership: He was a pivotal figure in India's power sector, representing the country on the International Commission on Large Dams' Technical Committee for Seismic Safety.
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Awards and Recognition: His contributions to India's power sector were widely recognized and respected, with tributes pouring in from across the industry.
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Legacy: Vishnoi's funeral is expected to be held in Rishikesh, and his passing is mourned by THDC India Ltd and the power sector as a whole.
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Impact on THDCIL: Under his leadership, THDCIL operated thermal and renewable projects across Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Kerala, leaving behind a lasting impact on the company's growth.
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