Daily Current Affairs and GK | 22 November 2025

Topic: Agriculture and Allied Sectors

1. Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan released the final estimates of crop production for 2024-25.

• He said that a record growth rate eight per cent has been seen in total foodgrain output i the final estimates of crop production for 2024-25.
• He said that India's total food grain output has seen an increase of more than 106 million tonnes.
• As per Agriculture Minister, rice production in India has been reported to reach at a record level of 1,501 lakh tonnes.
• This is higher than 1,378 lakh tonnes rice production recorded last year.
• A record growth of 46.53 lakh tonnes over the output of last year has been reported in wheat.
• Wheat output last year stood at one thousand 132 lakh tonnes.
• Other crop-wise production details are as follows:
  • Nutri/Coarse Cereals and Maize – 639.21 lakh tonnes and 434.09 lakh tonnes, respectively
  • Total Pulses – 256.83 lakh tonnes
  • Shri Anna (millet) – 185.92 lakh tonnes; Chickpea – 111.14 lakh tonnes
  • Moong – 42.44 lakh tonnes; Tur – 36.24 lakh tonnes
  • Total Oilseeds – 429.89 lakh tonnes
  • Soybean – 152.68 lakh tonnes (Record)
  • Groundnut – 119.42 lakh tonnes (Record)
  • Rapeseed & Mustard – 126.67 lakh tonnes
  • Sugarcane – 4,546.11 lakh tonnes

Topic: Sports

2. India has secured nine gold medals at the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025 in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

• Indian women boxers won seven gold medals. This marks a historic achievement for the country.
• These boxers include Jaismine Lamboria, Nikhat Zareen, Parveen Hooda, Arundhati Choudhary, Preeti Pawar, Minakshi Hooda and Nupur Sheoran.
• Jaismine Lamboria won the women’s 57 kg gold medal with a 4–1 victory over Taiwan’s Wu Shih Yi.
• Nikhat Zareen won gold in the 51 kg category. Zareen defeated Xuan Yi Guo of Chinese Taipei 5-0.
• Parveen Hooda defeated Japan’s Ayaka Taguchi 3-2 and won gold in 60 kg category.
• Arundhati Choudhary defeated Uzbekistan’s Aziza Zokirova in the 70-kilogram category.
• Preeti Pawar won gold medal by defeating Italy’s Sirine Charaabi 5-0 in the 54-kilogram event.
• Minakshi Hooda won over Uzbekistan’s Fozilova Farzona in the 48-kilogram division.
• Nupur Sheoran won gold medal by defaeting Uzbekistan’s Oltinoy Sotimboeva in the 80-plus-kilogram category.
• Sachin Siwach and Hitesh Gulia secured gold medals in the men’s 60 kg final and men’s 70 kg final, respectively.
• While Sachin fought against Paris Olympics silver medallist Munarbek Seitbek Uulu of Kyrgyzstan, Hitesh won gold medal in final against against Mursal Nurbek of Kazakhstan.
• Indian men boxers won four silvers also. These are Ankush Panghal (80-kilogram category), Abhinash Jamwal (65-kilogram category) and Pawan Bartwal (55-kilogram category).

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

3. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the world needs a new United Nations and international order to deal with global conflicts.

• The need for a new United Nations and a renewed international order to handle present global conflicts was emphasised by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
• On 21 November, Mr Singh was said while addressing the ‘International Conference of Chief Justices of the World’ in Lucknow.
• It was stated that stronger intervention by the UN could have been shown in conflicts such as Israel–Hamas, Ukraine–Russia, and in the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
• It was highlighted that the limitations in UN action arise not from lack of intent but from complex global politics, influence of major powers and slow institutional functioning.
• Questions regarding the UN’s authority were said to have emerged due to these constraints in decision-making.
• Mr. Singh underlined that balanced representation within the UN is essential to preserve its relevance as per its founding principles.
• He stressed that the return of the United Nations to its core goals—peace, justice and equal representation—is the only way to strengthen the institution.
• India’s civilizational approach was cited as an example for the world in the current international environment.
• He reminded that India consistently honours international law and upholds multilateralism as a guiding value.
• It was noted that India has always extended timely assistance to any region affected by crisis, both in spirit and action.

Topic: Banking/Finance

4. UPI–TIPS interlinkage announced by RBI to strengthen India–EU cross-border payments.

• The interlinking of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system with fast payment systems of other jurisdictions has been announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to promote cross-border payments.
• The initiative was aligned with the G20 roadmap aimed at ensuring cheaper, more transparent, efficient and accessible cross-border transactions.
• The European Central Bank has been engaged by the Reserve Bank of India and NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) on the initiative to connect UPI with the TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS).
• TIPS is operated as an instant payment system by the Eurosystem.
• The realisation phase for operationalising the UPI–TIPS link was agreed to after constructive and sustained engagement.
• The proposed linkage aims to simplify and accelerate cross-border remittances between India and the European Union.
• Both the RBI and NIPL will work closely with the European Central Bank to complete technical integration, settlement structures and risk-management systems.
• The initiative is expected to bring significant convenience to users in both regions.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

5. PMBJP's contribution to affordable healthcare by saving citizens ₹40,000 crore was highlighted.

• Savings worth nearly ₹40,000 crore for citizens over eleven years were reported under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.
• Launched by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, this scheme has emerged as one of the most effective social initiatives.
• In last eleven years, the Jan Aushadhi network was expanded tremendously, with the total number of Kendras rising 210-fold and overall sales increasing more than 270 times.
• At these Kendras, generic medicines are sold at prices 50–80% lower than branded alternatives, ensuring affordable access to essential drugs.
• Nearly 17,000 Kendras are currently operational, with targets of 20,000 by March next year and 25,000 by March 2027.
• The PMBJP basket now includes over 2,000 medicines and 315 surgical items covering 29 therapeutic categories such as antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs, anti-diabetics, analgesics, and nutritional supplements.
• All medicines are procured exclusively from World Health Organization-Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified suppliers and tested at National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited labs.
• Five warehouses—located in Gurugram, Chennai, Bengaluru, Guwahati and Surat—handle nationwide distribution after strict quality checks.
• The scheme has also created major self-employment opportunities through a franchise-based Kendra model with assured margins.
• Patients visiting Kendras, including those at AIIMS Delhi, have appreciated the affordability and quality of the medicines.
• The initiative reflects the government’s vision of “Sabko Sasti Dawa, Swasth Bharat Ki Asha” by combining accessibility, entrepreneurship and public health.

Topic: Important Days

6. World Television Day 2025: 21 November

• World Television Day is observed every year on 21 November since 1996.
• It is observed to highlight the value of television in globalization and communication.
• According to the United Nations, television continues to be the single largest source of video consumption.
• The United Nations General Assembly declared November 21 as World Television Day in 1996.
• On November 21 and 22 in 1996, the United Nations held the first World Television Forum.
• To mark its anniversary, the United Nations General Assembly adopted November 21 as World Television Day.
• Scottish engineer, John Logie Baird, invented the TV in 1924.
• TV was introduced in India on 15 September, 1959 with the assistance of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
• By 1982, the introduction of color broadcasting and satellite networks brought television closer to the masses, laying the foundation for today's diverse media landscape.
• India's television network connects 900 million viewers in 230 million homes across the country.
• As of March 2025, there are 918 private satellite channels operating, reflecting a vibrant broadcast ecosystem.
• 65 million DD Free Dish homes, promoting digital inclusion and free public access across the country.
• India’s Media and Entertainment sector contributed 2.5 trillion rupees to the economy in 2024 and is projected to exceed three trillion rupees by 2027.

Topic: Indian Polity

7. The implementation of four new labour codes has been announced by central government on 21 November 2025.

• These codes aim to streamline the existing labour laws in the country.
• They are also aimed at simplifying existing, decades-old labour laws. 
• The new labour codes are expected to enhance wages, safety, welfare and social security for all employees.
• The Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 has become effective from 21 November 2025.
• Government have consolidated 29 labour laws into four Labour Codes.
• It notified the Code on Wages, 2019 on 8th August, 2019.
• Government notified remaining three Codes on 29 September, 2020.
• As per Labour and Employment ministry, India’s social-security coverage has grown from 19% of the workforce in 2015 to over 64% in 2025.
• Labour and Employment ministry said that the implementation of the four Labour Codes will further expand the social-security net.
• As per the Ministry, four new labour codes will guarantee following:

• Timely minimum wages for all workers
• Appointment letters for the youth
• Equal pay and respect for women
• Social security for 40 crore workers
• Gratuity for fixed-term employees after one year of employment
• Free annual health check-ups for workers above 40 years of age
• Double wages for overtime
• Full coverage health security for workers in hazardous sectors and
• Guarantee of social justice for workers as per international standards

Topic: Art and Culture

8. Nagaland has chosen Switzerland and Ireland as official partner nations for the 2025 Hornbill Festival.

• This marks a major milestone in the festival’s growth into a global cultural event.
• Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Swiss Ambassador Maya Tissafi met in New Delhi and confirmed Switzerland's partnership. 
• Ireland was confirmed as another partner country after Chief Minister Rio's meeting with Irish Ambassador Kevin Kelly.
• Ireland’s participation underscores strengthening cultural and diplomatic relations with India.
• With Switzerland and Ireland joining the United Kingdom, the 2025 Hornbill Festival strengthens its status as an internationally recognized cultural platform.
• Hornbill Festival 2025 will take place from 1-10 December at the  Kisama Heritage Village, near Kohima, Nagaland.
• The theme for Hornbill Festival 2025 is “Cultural Connect”.
• Hornbill Festival is organised by the Government of Nagaland every year in the first week of December to promote inter-tribal interaction and cultural heritage of Nagaland.
• Hornbill Festival is also called the ‘Festival of Festivals”. It is named after the hornbill, a bird.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

9. Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch became the winner of Miss Universe 2025 crown in Thailand.

• Contestants from Ivory Coast, the Philippines, Thailand and Venezuela reached to final round of Miss Universe 2025.
• Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark crowned Fatima Bosch of Mexico as her successor.
• Miss Venezuela secured the second runner-up spot.
• Miss Philippines finished in third place. Miss Côte d’Ivoire finished in fourth place.
• India’s Manika Vishwakarma exited the competition after she failed to come in a Top 12 list.
• As a result of this, India’s wait for the title continues since Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu’s win in 2021.
• Bosch overcame dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
• She said these experiences shaped her commitment to volunteering with migrants and marginalized groups.
• Miss Universe 2025 was the 74th Miss Universe pageant. Its theme was The Power of Love.

Topic: National Appointments

10. The Centre has carried out a major secretary-level reshuffle across several important ministries.

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, led by the prime minister, approved the new appointments.
• Neeraj Mittal has been moved from the telecom department to petroleum and natural gas secretary.
• Amit Agrawal, former Unique Identification Authority of India chief, will serve as telecom secretary.
• Manoj Joshi, who recently moved to land resources department, has been reassigned to head the pharmaceuticals department.
• Atish Chandra, serving as special secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, will join the agriculture ministry as officer on special duty.
• He will take the role of agriculture secretary on 1 February after superannuation of Devesh Chaturvedi.
• Tourism secretary V. Vidyavathi has been transferred to the disabilities empowerment department.
• Srivatsa Krishna is set to replace V. Vidyavathi as tourism secretary.
• Sunil Paliwal, Chennai Port Trust chairperson, has been appointed as chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India.
• Anju Rathi Rana of legal affairs department will be member secretary of the 23rd Law Commission.
• Government has extended Rajiv Mani’s term as legislative department secretary to July 2028.
• He will also oversee the legal affairs department in an additional capacity.