Current Affairs 06/11/2025
1. Which country has become the first in the world to implement a generational ban on tobacco?
Answer : Maldives
Title: Maldives Becomes the First Nation to Implement a Generational Tobacco Ban
In a historic move toward achieving a tobacco-free future, the Maldives has become the first country in the world to implement a generational ban on tobacco. This landmark legislation prohibits the sale and consumption of tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2007.
The new policy, introduced under the Public Health Protection Act, represents a bold step in safeguarding the health of future generations. It aligns with the Maldives’ long-term vision of reducing tobacco-related illnesses and deaths, which remain a major global public health concern.
The law not only restricts tobacco sales to younger generations but also includes strict enforcement measures against retailers who violate the ban. Public awareness campaigns are being rolled out to educate citizens about the harmful effects of smoking and to promote healthier lifestyle choices.
Health experts have lauded the Maldives’ initiative, calling it a model for other nations. The generational ban is expected to significantly reduce smoking rates over the next two decades, curbing diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses.
With this bold decision, the Maldives has set a precedent in global tobacco control, demonstrating strong political will and commitment to building a healthier, smoke-free society for the generations to come.
2. India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) signed an MoU with which organization for provident fund services?
Answer : EPFO
Title: India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) Partners with EPFO to Enhance Provident Fund Services
In a significant move to improve accessibility and convenience for pensioners and employees, the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The partnership aims to extend provident fund and pension-related services, especially to beneficiaries in remote and rural areas across India.
Under this collaboration, IPPB will leverage its extensive postal network and digital infrastructure to deliver doorstep services for digital life certificate (Jeevan Pramaan) submission and other EPFO-related facilities. This initiative ensures that pensioners, particularly senior citizens and individuals with mobility challenges, can complete necessary formalities from the comfort of their homes.
The MoU aligns with the government’s broader vision of “Digital India” and financial inclusion, bridging the service gap between urban and rural populations. Through IPPB’s network of postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks, even the most remote citizens will have easier access to social security benefits and provident fund services.
Officials from both organizations highlighted that the partnership represents a major milestone in modernizing pension management and enhancing citizen-centric governance. By combining IPPB’s last-mile connectivity with EPFO’s digital services, this initiative will simplify processes, reduce delays, and promote greater transparency in the delivery of welfare benefits.
3. Several institutions of which country featured in Asia’s Top 100 in QS University Rankings?
Answer : India
Title: Indian Institutions Shine in QS Asia University Rankings 2025
India has demonstrated its growing academic excellence on the global stage, with several of its institutions featuring prominently in the QS Asia University Rankings 2025. The inclusion of multiple Indian universities in the Top 100 list highlights the country’s steady progress in higher education, research, and innovation.
Leading the Indian contingent are premier institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Bombay), IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras, which have consistently maintained strong positions in regional and global rankings. Universities like the University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and University of Hyderabad also continue to strengthen India’s academic footprint in Asia.
The rankings, compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), assess institutions based on various indicators such as academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, internationalization, and research output. The improved performance of Indian institutions reflects significant investments in research infrastructure, digital learning, and international collaborations.
Education experts have noted that India’s growing representation in the QS Asia rankings is a positive sign of the country’s commitment to creating globally competitive universities. This recognition not only enhances India’s academic credibility but also encourages greater international student participation and research partnerships in the years to come.
4. India signed an MoU with which country to enhance defence cooperation?
Answer : Israel
India–Israel Defence Cooperation MoU
India and Israel have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their defence cooperation and strategic partnership. This agreement aims to deepen collaboration in areas such as joint research and development, technology transfer, intelligence sharing, and advanced defence manufacturing.
Both nations have maintained a strong and growing defence relationship over the past few decades. Israel is one of the key suppliers of defence equipment to India, including missile systems, drones, radar technologies, and surveillance systems. The new MoU is expected to enhance interoperability between the armed forces of both countries and promote co-development of cutting-edge defence technologies under India’s “Make in India” initiative.
This partnership not only strengthens bilateral defence ties but also contributes to regional security and strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific and West Asian regions.
5. Which lake in Bihar’s Katihar district has been declared a Ramsar Site?
Answer : Gogabeel
Gogabeel Lake Declared as a Ramsar Site
Gogabeel Lake, located in the Katihar district of Bihar, has been officially declared a Ramsar Site, recognizing it as a wetland of international importance. This marks a significant step in conserving Bihar’s unique ecological heritage and promoting sustainable wetland management.
Gogabeel is an oxbow lake, formed by the meandering of the old channels of the Mahananda and Ganga rivers. It serves as an important habitat for migratory and resident birds, supporting rich biodiversity including several threatened and rare species. The wetland also plays a crucial role in groundwater recharge, flood control, and local livelihood support through fishing and agriculture.
With its Ramsar designation, Gogabeel Lake will receive enhanced protection and international recognition, encouraging scientific research, eco-tourism, and community-based conservation efforts. This inclusion reflects India’s ongoing commitment to the Ramsar Convention’s mission of preserving wetlands worldwide.
6. In which year did the Election Commission start the International Election Visitor Programme?
Answer : 2025
Election Commission Launches International Election Visitor Programme (IEVP) 2025
The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched the International Election Visitor Programme (IEVP) in 2025 to strengthen global democratic cooperation and promote the exchange of electoral best practices. This initiative marks a major milestone in India’s role as a global leader in election management and democratic governance.
Under the IEVP 2025, election officials, observers, and representatives from various democratic nations and international organizations are invited to witness India’s electoral process firsthand. The programme provides participants with insights into India’s advanced election technology, voter education initiatives, and transparent electoral procedures.
By sharing India’s rich experience in conducting large-scale, free, and fair elections, the IEVP aims to foster international collaboration, enhance electoral integrity, and build capacity among emerging democracies. The launch of this programme highlights the Election Commission’s commitment to upholding democratic values both within India and across the world.
7. IFFCO and Amul were included in the list of world’s leading committees of which sector?
Answer : Agricultural Cooperative
IFFCO and Amul Recognized Among World’s Leading Agricultural Cooperatives
India’s prominent cooperative organizations — IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited) and Amul (Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation) — have been included in the list of the world’s leading agricultural cooperatives. This recognition highlights India’s strong cooperative movement and its vital contribution to the global agricultural economy.
Both IFFCO and Amul have played a transformative role in empowering farmers and promoting sustainable rural development. IFFCO has been instrumental in providing high-quality fertilizers, agrochemicals, and innovative farming solutions to millions of Indian farmers, while Amul has revolutionized India’s dairy sector, turning the nation into the world’s largest milk producer.
Their inclusion in the global ranking underscores the success of India’s cooperative model, which emphasizes collective growth, self-reliance, and equitable profit distribution. It also reinforces the importance of cooperatives in achieving food security, rural employment, and inclusive economic progress at both national and international levels.
8. CBSE hosted its first International Sahodaya Conference in which city?
Answer : Dubai
CBSE Hosts Its First International Sahodaya Conference in Dubai
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) successfully organized its first-ever International Sahodaya Conference in Dubai, marking a major step towards strengthening global academic collaboration and educational excellence.
The conference brought together school leaders, educators, and policymakers from across the world to exchange ideas and discuss innovative practices in education. It served as a platform to explore themes such as transformative learning, digital integration in classrooms, teacher empowerment, and global citizenship education.
By hosting the event in Dubai, CBSE aimed to connect with its international schools network, enhance cooperation among Indian and overseas institutions, and promote a shared vision of quality, inclusive, and future-ready education.
The International Sahodaya Conference 2025 reaffirmed CBSE’s commitment to nurturing a globally competitive and holistic education system, aligning with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goals and international educational standards.