Current Affairs Quiz – November 2025

Notes:
Scientists have warned that the Axial Seamount underwater volcano near the Oregon coast, USA, may erupt soon due to increased earthquakes. It lies about 300 miles off Oregon’s coast in the Pacific Ocean. Axial Seamount is a shield volcano with a large caldera at its summit. It rises to a depth of 1,400 metres below sea level. It is part of the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) and houses the New Millennium Observatory (NeMO), the world’s first underwater volcanic observatory. NeMO transmits real-time volcanic data via undersea cables to Pacific City, Oregon, aiding scientific research.

Notes:
Sahitya Akademi released the Hindi translation of the acclaimed Lithuanian novel The Last Day, titled “Antim Din”, in New Delhi. The event was held at Rabindra Bhawan in collaboration with the Embassy of Lithuania. The novel is written by Lithuanian-Ukrainian author Jaroslavas Melnikas. Madhav Kaushik, President of Sahitya Akademi, called it a milestone in promoting world literature in Indian languages. It is the first-ever translation of a Lithuanian fiction book into Hindi. The novel explores themes of existential change and cultural identity, fostering literary and cultural collaboration between India and Lithuania.

Notes:
The Government of India (GoI), in partnership with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), hosted the 8th Session of the ISA Assembly from October 27–30, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The assembly was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, who emphasized inclusive and sustainable growth. The theme for 2025 is “One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG).” The assembly also unveiled five ISA knowledge reports showing the latest solar trends.

Notes:
In October 2025, Pravaig Dynamics Private Limited unveiled VEER, an Electric Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (E-TATV). It is India’s first defence Electric Vehicle (EV) and among the world’s first operational electric tactical vehicles for military use. The VEER has passed military trials and is recognized under the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme.

Notes:
Recently, 16-year-old Ilamparthi AR from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, became India’s 90th Chess Grandmaster (GM). He is also the 35th Grandmaster from Tamil Nadu, a state known for producing chess legends like Viswanathan Anand, R Praggnanandhaa, and D Gukesh. Ilamparthi achieved his final Grandmaster norm at the Bijeljina Open 2025 in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He is a beneficiary of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu’s (SDAT) Champions Development Scheme.

Notes:
Recently, a new study found that land-use change caused the loss of nearly 75% of natural plant species on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro is located in northeastern Tanzania. It is Africa’s tallest mountain (5,895 metres) and the world’s largest free-standing mountain, meaning it is not part of any range. It is a stratovolcano made up of three volcanic cones — Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.

Notes:
The United Nations (UN) observes World Cities Day (WCD) every year on October 31 to promote awareness about urbanization and encourage sustainable urban development. The year 2025 marks the 12th edition of World Cities Day. The 2025 theme is “People-Centred Smart Cities”, focusing on technology, data-driven planning, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance urban life. The general theme for all years remains “Better City, Better Life.” The day aims to foster international cooperation and make cities inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.

Notes:
Padma Shri awardee Sanjeev Kapoor was honoured as a Top Agri-Food Pioneer by the World Food Prize Foundation in Des Moines, Iowa, during the Borlaug Dialogue Week 2025. The event gathered global leaders, scientists, policymakers, and innovators to discuss food security, climate resilience, and nutrition. Kapoor was recognised for promoting healthy and sustainable eating, supporting Indian agriculture, and encouraging the use of local, nutrient-rich ingredients. He dedicated the honour to India’s farmers and culinary heritage, calling it a privilege to represent India on a global platform.

Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the 2024-25 census on Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) on October 29, 2025. The census covered Indian entities’ cross-border assets and liabilities. Out of 45,702 entities, 41,517 reported Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) in their March 2025 balance sheets. The United States and Singapore together contributed over one-third of India’s total FDI. Other major contributors were Mauritius, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Total FDI stood at ₹68.76 lakh crore, higher than ₹61.88 lakh crore in 2023–24. The share of FDI was 20 percent from the United States, 14.3 percent from Singapore, 13.3 percent from Mauritius, 11.2 percent from the United Kingdom, and 9 percent from the Netherlands.

Notes:
Justice Surya Kant has been appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) and will assume office on November 24, 2025, succeeding Chief Justice B.R. Gavai. The Chief Justice of India and other Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President of India under Article 124(2) of the Constitution. The senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, considered fit for the position, is usually appointed as the CJI. The Union Law Minister first seeks the recommendation of the outgoing CJI, which is then sent to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister advises the President, who makes the final appointment.