Current Affairs 23/11/2025
1. Which country was chosen as the partner nation for the Hornbill Festival 2025?
Answer : Ireland
Ireland Declared the Partner Nation for the Hornbill Festival of the Year 2025
In a noteworthy development in the realm of cultural fellowship, the year 2025 shall witness Ireland gracing the esteemed Hornbill Festival of Nagaland as its honoured Partner Nation. This distinguished association marks a significant chapter in the strengthening of cordial ties between the people of Nagaland and the Republic of Ireland.
Ireland, celebrated for its ancient traditions, rich artistic heritage, and enduring spirit, shall partake in the festival with a diverse array of performances and cultural offerings. Traditional Irish music, theatre presentations inspired by its literary legacy, and artistic displays of fine craftsmanship are expected to enrich the festivities, lending them a character of refined international charm.
The Hornbill Festival, long regarded as a grand assembly of Naga tribes and a noble celebration of their customs and collective identity, shall thereby acquire an expanded global presence. By welcoming Ireland as its partner, the festival stands poised to present a splendid confluence of Eastern and Western cultural expressions.
This collaboration is envisioned not merely as an exchange of art and performance, but as a gesture of goodwill, dialogue, and shared appreciation between two lands distinct in geography yet kindred in cultural depth. The participation of Ireland shall, in all likelihood, elevate the festival’s stature and offer the public a glimpse into a harmonious union of diverse heritages.
2. Which medal did India win in the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025 in Greater Noida?
Answer : Gold
India Secures Gold at the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025 in Greater Noida
India delivered an impressive performance at the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025, held in Greater Noida, securing the gold medal and reaffirming its rising stature in international boxing. The tournament, which brought together elite boxers from across the globe, witnessed India demonstrating remarkable skill, discipline, and competitive spirit.
Led by a strong contingent of men and women boxers, India showcased dominance across multiple weight categories. With exceptional performances on the final day, the national team succeeded in clinching the top position on the medal table. Their gold-winning effort not only highlighted individual excellence but also reflected the growing strength of India’s boxing ecosystem, supported by structured training programmes and enhanced sports infrastructure.
Sports analysts have noted that India’s victory at this global event marks an important milestone, signalling the country’s readiness to compete with traditional boxing powerhouses on the world stage. The achievement has inspired renewed enthusiasm among young athletes and reinforced India’s commitment to nurturing future champions.
The World Boxing Cup Finals 2025 thus stand as a proud moment for the nation, with India’s gold-medal performance representing both sporting excellence and the promise of greater international success in the years ahead.
3. According to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, what does the world need to handle global challenges?
Answer : A new United Nations
Rajnath Singh Calls for a “New United Nations” to Address Emerging Global Challenges
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasized the growing need for a “new United Nations”, stating that the present global governance structure is no longer fully equipped to manage the complex challenges of the 21st century. He noted that evolving security threats, geopolitical tensions, economic disruptions, and technological transformations demand an international system that is more responsive, representative, and resilient.
Speaking at a recent event, the Minister argued that the existing UN framework—established in the aftermath of World War II—requires substantial reform to reflect contemporary realities. He highlighted that many of today’s crises, including cyber warfare, global conflicts, terrorism, and emerging domains of competition, need collective action shaped by modern institutional mechanisms.
Rajnath Singh reiterated that a reformed global order should give greater voice to developing nations, ensuring fairness and equity in decision-making. He stated that India, as a responsible global actor, supports the creation of inclusive and effective international structures capable of fostering stability, cooperation, and sustainable development.
His remarks have sparked renewed discussions in diplomatic circles on the future of global governance, reaffirming India’s stance on multilateral reform and the need for institutions that can truly safeguard international peace and progress.
4. Which interlinking system was announced by RBI?
Answer : UPI-ITMS
RBI Announces Interlinking of UPI with Europe’s TIPS Platform to Boost Cross-Border Payments
In a significant step toward enhancing India’s global digital payments footprint, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the interlinking of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) system of the European Union. This integration marks a milestone in strengthening cross-border payment infrastructure between India and Europe.
The UPI-TIPS interlinking initiative aims to simplify and accelerate transactions between the two regions by enabling instant, low-cost, and secure fund transfers. With this system in place, individuals and businesses will soon be able to make seamless payments across borders without relying on traditional and often expensive international remittance channels.
RBI officials highlighted that linking India’s widely adopted UPI platform with Europe’s TIPS network is expected to promote greater financial connectivity, support tourism, facilitate smoother business operations, and enhance economic cooperation. The move also aligns with India’s broader objective of positioning UPI as a global payment standard.
Experts view this development as a major leap toward a more integrated digital payments ecosystem, as it enables real-time settlements between two robust financial systems. The RBI’s announcement reflects a strategic effort to modernize global payment pathways and expand the international reach of India’s fast-growing fintech capabilities.
5. Who highlighted the ₹40,000 crore savings through affordable healthcare services?
Answer : PMBJP
PMBJP Enables ₹40,000 Crore Savings through Affordable Healthcare Services
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has emerged as a cornerstone initiative in India’s pursuit of affordable healthcare. According to recent reports, over the years, the programme has enabled citizens to save nearly ₹40,000 crore by providing access to quality generic medicines at substantially lower costs compared to branded alternatives.
Launched with the vision of making essential medicines accessible and affordable to all, PMBJP operates through a nationwide network of Janaushadhi Kendras. These outlets supply generic drugs that meet stringent quality standards, ensuring efficacy while significantly reducing healthcare expenditure for patients.
The scheme has been particularly impactful for low- and middle-income populations, who often face the dual challenge of high medicine costs and limited access to healthcare. By promoting generic alternatives, PMBJP not only alleviates financial burden but also encourages rational drug use and increased public awareness of affordable healthcare options.
Government officials highlight that the programme’s success demonstrates the potential of structured, large-scale interventions in transforming India’s healthcare landscape. PMBJP continues to expand its reach, aiming to cover remote regions and underserved communities, thereby strengthening India’s commitment to universal health access and financial protection in healthcare.
6. When is World Television Day observed?
Answer : 21 November
World Television Day – 21 November: Recognizing the Power of Broadcast Media
World Television Day, observed annually on 21 November, celebrates the impact of television as a powerful medium for communication, education, and information dissemination. The United Nations established this day in 1996 to acknowledge the role of television in shaping public opinion, fostering dialogue, and promoting awareness on global issues.
Television has historically served as a bridge between governments, organizations, and citizens, enabling the mass transmission of news, cultural programs, and educational content. It plays a critical role in informing societies during emergencies, promoting social development, and reflecting cultural diversity.
The observance of World Television Day encourages reflection on the evolving role of broadcast media in a rapidly changing digital landscape. It underscores the need for responsible journalism, high-quality programming, and inclusive content that empowers audiences worldwide.
By recognizing television’s contributions, the day also highlights its potential in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, gender equality, and the promotion of peace and understanding across nations.
7. What did the Central Government announce the implementation of on 21 November 2025?
Answer : Four new labour codes
Central Government Implements Four New Labour Codes on 21 November 2025
On 21 November 2025, the Government of India formally announced the implementation of four new labour codes, marking a significant reform in the nation’s labour and employment framework. These codes are part of a broader initiative to modernize, simplify, and consolidate numerous existing labour laws, with the dual objective of enhancing workers’ welfare and improving the ease of doing business.
The newly implemented labour codes cover key areas of employment, including wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety. By streamlining multiple legislations into cohesive codes, the government aims to reduce administrative complexities, provide clarity for employers and employees, and foster a more transparent regulatory environment.
Officials highlight that the reforms are designed to ensure better protection of workers’ rights, promote formal employment, and strengthen social security measures across both organized and unorganized sectors. The codes also introduce modern compliance mechanisms, leveraging digital platforms for registration, reporting, and dispute resolution, thereby aligning India’s labour laws with contemporary industry practices.
The implementation of these four labour codes represents a landmark step in India’s ongoing labour reforms, signaling the government’s commitment to balancing economic growth with equitable worker protections and sustainable employment practices.