Current Affairs 01/11/2025
1. When was “World Cities Day 2025” observed?
Answer : 31 October
World Cities Day 2025: Promoting Sustainable Urban Development
World Cities Day 2025 was observed on 31 October 2025, with the theme “Financing Sustainable Urban Future for All.” This annual global observance, designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, aims to raise awareness about urbanization challenges and opportunities while promoting sustainable development across cities worldwide.
The day highlights the importance of well-planned urban growth, efficient infrastructure, affordable housing, and inclusive public services. It also emphasizes the critical role of financial mechanisms in supporting sustainable urban transformation—ensuring that no community is left behind.
Various countries, cities, and organizations around the world mark the occasion through seminars, conferences, and public awareness campaigns. The focus of World Cities Day 2025 was to encourage collaboration between governments, financial institutions, and urban planners to build resilient, equitable, and environmentally responsible cities for the future.
Overall, the observance serves as a reminder that sustainable urbanization is key to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11): “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.”
2. implementation of a “Global Digital Tax Framework” from 2025 ?
Answer : France
France Implements Global Digital Tax Framework from 2025
France has taken the lead in implementing the Global Digital Tax Framework from 2025, marking a major step toward fairer taxation in the digital economy. This framework, developed through extensive discussions at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and supported by the G20 nations, aims to ensure that multinational technology companies pay taxes in the countries where they generate significant revenues, regardless of their physical presence.
The implementation by France demonstrates its commitment to addressing long-standing issues of tax avoidance and profit shifting by large digital corporations. Under the new system, digital giants such as social media, e-commerce, and online advertising companies will be required to contribute their fair share of taxes to the economies in which they operate.
This move is expected to set a global precedent, encouraging other nations to adopt similar frameworks and promoting greater transparency and equity in international taxation. The Global Digital Tax Framework 2025 is a crucial milestone toward building a balanced and sustainable global economic system in the digital age.
3. From where did PM Modi launch the “Viksit Bharat Tourism Mission”?
Answer : Andaman & Nicobar Islands
PM Modi Launches “Viksit Bharat Tourism Mission” from Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the “Viksit Bharat Tourism Mission” from the picturesque Andaman & Nicobar Islands, marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen its tourism sector. The mission aims to promote India as a world-class tourist destination by improving infrastructure, connectivity, and sustainable tourism practices across the country.
The initiative focuses on integrating India’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern amenities to create unique tourism experiences. It also seeks to empower local communities, generate employment opportunities, and boost the local economy, especially in remote and eco-sensitive regions like the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Through the Viksit Bharat Tourism Mission, the government envisions developing India into a “global tourism hub” aligned with the broader vision of a Developed India by 2047 (Viksit Bharat 2047). The program also emphasizes the use of technology, digital platforms, and sustainable tourism models to ensure inclusive growth while preserving the country’s natural and cultural assets.
This launch from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands symbolizes India’s commitment to promoting lesser-explored destinations and ensuring balanced regional development across all parts of the nation.
4. RBI has imposed a penalty of ₹4.5 crore on which bank for financial non-compliance?
Answer : Axis Bank
RBI Imposes ₹4.5 Crore Penalty on IndusInd Bank for Regulatory Non-Compliance
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has levied a monetary penalty of ₹4.5 crore on IndusInd Bank for failing to comply with specific regulatory provisions. The penalty was imposed under Section 47A(1)(c) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, after the central bank identified irregularities during its supervisory assessment.
According to the RBI, the violations were linked to exposure norms and prudential guidelines that banks are required to follow to maintain financial stability and ensure risk control in lending practices. While the penalty highlights shortcomings in regulatory adherence, the RBI clarified that this action is based on procedural lapses and does not question the overall financial soundness or integrity of the bank.
IndusInd Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, has stated that it remains committed to maintaining compliance with all regulatory standards and is taking corrective measures to strengthen its internal processes and governance framework.
This move by the RBI underscores its continued focus on enhancing transparency, accountability, and risk management in the banking sector.
5. Which state topped the “India Innovation Index 2025”?
Answer : Karnataka
Karnataka Tops the India Innovation Index 2025
Karnataka has once again emerged as the most innovative state in the country, securing the top position in the India Innovation Index 2025, released by NITI Aayog. The index evaluates the innovation ecosystem of states and union territories, assessing them based on parameters such as human capital, investment, knowledge output, and business environment.
Karnataka’s continued dominance in the innovation landscape is attributed to its robust start-up ecosystem, strong presence of information technology and biotechnology industries, and a high concentration of research and development institutions. The state’s proactive policy framework, including support for digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and start-up incubation, has significantly contributed to its leading position.
The India Innovation Index 2025 aims to encourage healthy competition among states and promote innovation-driven economic growth. Following Karnataka, states such as Telangana and Haryana also performed strongly, reflecting the growing focus on technological advancement and knowledge-based development across India.
NITI Aayog emphasized that fostering innovation at the state level is crucial for achieving inclusive and sustainable growth, positioning India as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
6. NASA has unveiled which new rover for the Artemis III crewed lunar mission in 2025?
Answer : Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV)
NASA Unveils Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) for Artemis III Mission
NASA has officially unveiled the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) — a state-of-the-art rover that will play a crucial role in the upcoming Artemis III crewed lunar mission, scheduled for 2025. Designed to enable greater mobility and scientific exploration on the Moon’s surface, the LTV marks a new chapter in human space exploration after more than five decades since the Apollo missions.
The LTV is engineered to transport astronauts across the rugged lunar terrain, particularly in the challenging conditions of the Moon’s south polar region. Equipped with advanced navigation, autonomous driving capabilities, and robust communication systems, the vehicle can operate both with and without a crew, allowing extended scientific missions even when astronauts are not on the surface.
NASA has partnered with private companies, including Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab, under a “services” model — meaning NASA will purchase mobility services rather than owning the rover outright. This collaboration represents a modern, cost-effective approach to lunar exploration, encouraging innovation from the commercial space sector.
The LTV will support essential research activities such as resource mapping, geological sampling, and testing technologies for future Mars missions. Its deployment under the Artemis program underscores NASA’s long-term goal of establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon, paving the way for deeper space exploration in the coming decades.
With the unveiling of the LTV, NASA reaffirms its commitment to advancing science, technology, and international cooperation in humanity’s return to the Moon and beyond.