29th November 2025 Daily Current Affairs

📰 Major National / Policy Developments

Andhra Pradesh approved creation of three new districts — Polavaram, Markapuram, and Madanapalle — increasing its total district count from 26 to 29. Several new revenue divisions and one new mandal have also been created/renamed to facilitate better local governance.

🛡️ Defence & International Relations

The government signed a major defence agreement with the US for sustainment support of the MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter fleet operated by Indian Navy. The package (via Foreign Military Sales) — worth around ₹7,995 crore — covers spare parts, training, maintenance infrastructure, and component repair/support for five years.

This move is seen as a significant step under the “self-reliance / Aatmanirbhar Bharat” framework, strengthening India’s indigenous maintenance & support capabilities.

🏆 Sports & Events

Uzbek chess prodigy Javokhir Sindarov became the youngest-ever champion at the 2025 FIDE World Cup, defeating China’s Wei Yi in a tiebreak final held in Goa, India.

The achievement marks a significant moment in global chess, drawing attention to rising young talent and India’s growing role as host for major chess events.

🧑‍🎨 Culture, Heritage & Social

The day observed International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People — remembering the 1947 UN resolution that proposed partition of Palestine.

A major tribal-art fair / exhibition showcasing traditional crafts, textiles, handicrafts and tribal art forms opened (or continued) — involving over 705 tribal communities across India. The fair aims to strengthen market access for tribal artisans and promote sustainable livelihoods via increased visibility and buyer linkages.

🧑‍💡 Governance, Ethics & Social Issues

A piece titled “Educational Excellence Without Ethics” gained traction, highlighting the risks and costs of emphasizing meritocracy and “success” without embedding ethical grounding, empathy or social responsibility — especially in institutions that shape future professionals. It argues that knowledge without conscience can lead to systemic injustice, corruption and dehumanizing behaviours.

The debate is especially relevant in light of recent incidents of caste-based harassment and institutional misconduct, demonstrating why value-based education remains critical.

🔎 Other Notable Updates / One-liners

Some quick, important factoids from today’s updates:

New ₹100 currency notes issued by Nepal include map changes showing disputed territories claimed by India.

Under the national UPI-ecosystem, BHIM launched a new “Full Delegation” feature under UPI Circle to attract new user

Paytm Payments Services Ltd. (PPSL) got a Certificate of Authorisation from Reserve Bank of India to act as a Payment Aggregator — a notable development in India’s fintech and payments ecosystem.

World Bank approved USD 776 million funding (≈ ₹6,467 crore) for two India-based projects: one focusing on education improvements in Punjab, and another on climate-resilient agriculture in Maharashtra.

🧠 What This Means — Key Themes & Implications

Administrative decentralisation: Creation of new districts in Andhra Pradesh aims to bring governance closer to people — improving administrative reach and local governance.

Defence readiness & strategic independence: The MH-60R sustainment deal reflects India’s commitment to modernising its naval capabilities while building local maintenance infrastructure under self-reliance goals.

Promotion of talent & global outreach: Hosting international events (like FIDE World Cup) and nurturing young talent demonstrates India’s growing prominence — both in sports and softer global cooperation.

Focus on inclusion & heritage: Tribal-arts fairs and solidarity days reflect efforts to preserve culture, support marginalized communities, and keep humanitarian issues alive in public discourse.

Ethics in education & governance: Renewed concerns over value-based education hint at a larger societal conversation about professional responsibility, integrity, and social justice.

Digital finance & payment ecosystem growth: New developments in UPI, fintech authorisations and global funding for social infrastructure show ongoing shifts in economy, finance and development.