Current Affairs 13/11/2025
1. Which country’s fintech company BENEFIT has NIPL partnered with for real-time cross-border remittances with India?
Answer : Bahrain
India–Bahrain Fintech Collaboration for Real-Time Remittances
In a significant development for cross-border digital payments, India’s NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has partnered with BENEFIT, Bahrain’s leading fintech and electronic financial transactions company. This collaboration aims to enable real-time cross-border remittances between India and Bahrain, enhancing financial connectivity and convenience for individuals and businesses in both nations.
Through this initiative, the two countries are strengthening their digital payment infrastructure, leveraging India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) technology to ensure faster, secure, and cost-effective transactions. The partnership marks a key milestone in expanding India’s fintech diplomacy, reflecting its growing role as a global leader in digital payments.
This strategic alliance is expected to benefit a large Indian diaspora in Bahrain, facilitating instant money transfers and promoting financial inclusion across borders. It also aligns with India’s vision of creating a seamless global payments ecosystem through technology-driven partnerships.
2. Which important day is observed on 13 November?
Answer : World Kindness Day
World Kindness Day – 13 November
Every year on 13 November, the world observes World Kindness Day, a global movement dedicated to promoting compassion, empathy, and kindness among individuals and communities. Established in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, the day encourages people to perform acts of kindness — big or small — to make the world a more positive and humane place.
The objective of World Kindness Day is to highlight the importance of being kind not only to others but also to oneself and the environment. Schools, organizations, and communities across the globe organize awareness campaigns, volunteer activities, and social initiatives to spread kindness and goodwill.
In today’s fast-paced and often divided world, World Kindness Day serves as a gentle reminder that simple acts of care and understanding can help build stronger, more compassionate societies.
3. Under its Gaganyaan mission, which test has ISRO successfully conducted recently?
Answer : Parachute Test
ISRO Successfully Conducts Parachute Test under Gaganyaan Mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has recently achieved another milestone in its ambitious Gaganyaan Mission by successfully conducting a parachute test. This crucial test was carried out to evaluate the performance and reliability of the parachute deployment system, which is essential for ensuring the safe return of astronauts to Earth.
The parachute system plays a vital role during the re-entry and landing phase of the crew module. It is designed to slow down the module’s descent speed and enable a safe splashdown in the sea. ISRO’s test simulated various conditions to confirm that the system can function effectively under different emergency scenarios.
This successful test marks significant progress toward India’s first manned space mission, reinforcing ISRO’s preparedness for future crewed flights. The Gaganyaan project aims to send Indian astronauts to low Earth orbit, demonstrating India’s growing capabilities in human space exploration.
4. India has launched which type of projects with Bhutan to enhance cooperation?
Answer : Hydroelectric Projects
India–Bhutan Cooperation through Hydroelectric Projects
India and Bhutan have long shared a strong partnership rooted in mutual trust, cultural ties, and developmental cooperation. Recently, the two nations have further strengthened their collaboration by launching hydroelectric projects aimed at enhancing energy cooperation and sustainable development in the Himalayan region.
These projects are a part of India’s ongoing support for Bhutan’s hydropower sector, which is the backbone of Bhutan’s economy. Hydroelectric power generated in Bhutan not only meets its domestic energy needs but is also exported to India, contributing significantly to Bhutan’s revenue and to India’s clean energy goals.
The new initiatives include the development and modernization of hydropower infrastructure, joint research on renewable technologies, and capacity-building programs. This partnership reflects both nations’ commitment to green energy transition, environmental conservation, and regional stability.
Through these hydroelectric collaborations, India and Bhutan continue to set an example of sustainable bilateral cooperation, fostering economic growth while protecting natural resources.
5. Which state became the first to implement the revised BharatNet Scheme statewide?
Answer : Punjab
Punjab Becomes the First State to Implement Revised BharatNet Scheme Statewide
In a significant milestone for India’s digital transformation, Punjab has become the first state in the country to fully implement the revised BharatNet Scheme across its entire territory. The initiative aims to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to every village, ensuring seamless digital access for citizens in rural and semi-urban areas.
Under the revised BharatNet model, the Government of India seeks to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure by expanding fiber-optic networks and enhancing internet penetration. Punjab’s achievement represents a major step toward realizing the vision of “Digital India”, empowering communities through improved access to e-governance, education, healthcare, and online services.
The state’s proactive implementation of the scheme highlights its commitment to promoting digital inclusion and rural connectivity, ensuring that technological progress benefits every household. This development is expected to bridge the digital divide and pave the way for greater innovation, economic growth, and social development in rural Punjab.
6. According to the IEA, oil and gas demand could continue to rise till which year?
Answer : 2050
IEA Projects Oil and Gas Demand to Rise Until 2050
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global demand for oil and gas is projected to continue rising until 2050, driven by ongoing industrial growth, energy needs in developing economies, and delayed transitions to renewable sources. The IEA’s latest analysis indicates that while clean energy technologies are expanding rapidly, fossil fuels will remain a critical part of the global energy mix for the next few decades.
The report highlights that demand growth will primarily come from emerging markets in Asia and Africa, where economic expansion and population growth are increasing energy consumption. However, in developed regions, demand is expected to stabilize or decline as countries intensify their shift toward carbon neutrality and renewable energy adoption.
The IEA emphasizes that achieving global climate goals will require accelerated investments in clean energy, stronger policy action, and technological innovation to curb reliance on fossil fuels. The projection serves as a reminder that the energy transition must balance sustainability with economic and energy security priorities.