1. NISAR SATELLITE DECLARED OPERATIONAL IN INDO-US COLLABORATION
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL/DEFENCE
• The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite was declared operational on November 7, 2025, after completing in-orbit testing, marking a historic milestone in bilateral space cooperation.
• NISAR will provide high-resolution data for monitoring ecosystems, ice sheets, crustal deformation, and natural hazards like earthquakes and landslides.
• Jointly developed at a cost of over $1.5 billion, it features dual-frequency radar for all-weather, day-night imaging with applications in agriculture, forestry, and disaster management.
• The satellite enhances India’s earth observation capabilities and supports climate change studies through precise biomass and soil moisture mapping.
• This strengthens strategic ties, aligning with initiatives like iCET for critical technologies.
• Concepts: Earth Observation Satellites – Tools for remote sensing; Bilateral Space Cooperation – Frameworks like Artemis Accords for shared missions.
2. CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS OF INDIAN HOCKEY KICK OFF
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
• Year-long centenary celebrations for Indian hockey (1925–2025) commenced on November 7 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, honoring the sport’s legacy from Olympic dominance to modern revival.
• Events include exhibitions, documentaries, and legacy matches featuring legends and current players.
• India has won 8 Olympic golds, the most by any nation, with icons like Dhyan Chand and recent successes in Tokyo and Paris Olympics.
• Hockey India aims to inspire youth participation and infrastructure development across states.
• The initiative aligns with Khelo India for grassroots sports promotion.
• Concepts: Olympic Movement in India – Evolution from 1928 gold to multi-medal era; Sports Diplomacy – Using games for national pride and international relations.
3. BIHAR RECORDS HISTORIC 64.66% VOTER TURNOUT IN PHASE 1
SUBJECT: POLITY
• Bihar achieved a record 64.66% voter turnout in Phase 1 of Assembly elections on November 6, the highest in state history, surpassing previous marks.
• Polling across 121 constituencies was largely peaceful amid tight security, with high participation in rural and women voters.
• Phase 2 scheduled for November 11, covering 122 seats; results on November 14.
• Key contests involve NDA (Nitish Kumar-led) vs. Mahagathbandhan (Tejashwi Yadav), focusing on jobs, migration, and development.
• Election Commission deployed extensive measures, including webcasting and CAPF.
• Concepts: Electoral Democracy – Voter turnout as indicator of participation; Coalition Politics – Alliances like NDA and INDIA bloc dynamics.
4. HEAVY RAINFALL ALERT FOR TAMIL NADU DISTRICTS
SUBJECT: NATIONAL ISSUES (TAMIL NADU)
• IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rain in southern Tamil Nadu districts like Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, and Madurai from November 7-11 due to cyclonic circulation.
• Schools closed in Tirupattur and other areas; alerts for urban flooding and landslides in western ghats.
• Northeast monsoon active, with relief teams on standby and drainage clearance ordered.
• CM MK Stalin reviewed preparedness, assuring aid for affected communities.
• Recent rains caused disruptions, prompting protests over infrastructure.
• Concepts: Monsoon Variability – Impact of climate change on rainfall patterns; Disaster Preparedness – NDMA guidelines for state-level response.
5. PM MODI TO ADDRESS NDA RALLIES IN BIHAR FOR PHASE 2
SUBJECT: POLITY
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to address rallies in Aurangabad and Bhabhua on November 7, boosting NDA campaign for Phase 2.
• Focus on development achievements, job creation, and countering opposition narratives on caste and unemployment.
• Intense campaigning with star campaigners from both sides; issues like migration and women’s safety dominate.
• High-stakes election influencing national politics amid recent state poll trends.
• SECULAR Progressive Alliance plans statewide protests on November 11 over voter list revisions.
• Concepts: Election Campaigning – Role of national leaders in state polls; Federal Structure – Centre-state dynamics in electoral discourse.
