1. India Releases AI Governance Guidelines
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the India AI Governance Guidelines, a national framework to promote safe and trusted AI adoption across sectors.
- The guidelines outline a four-part blueprint balancing innovation with safety, trust, and accountability, avoiding a one-size-fits-all regulatory approach.
- Drafted by a committee formed in July 2025, the framework emphasizes ethical AI development and deployment in areas like healthcare, education, and governance.
- It aligns with global standards while prioritizing India’s digital sovereignty and inclusive growth.
- Concepts: Digital India Initiative; Article 21 (Right to Privacy) implications for AI ethics.
- The guidelines aim to position India as a leader in responsible AI, fostering innovation without compromising societal values.
- Implementation will involve stakeholder consultations, including industry and civil society, to refine sector-specific applications by mid-2026.
2. First BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network Conference Concludes
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- The inaugural BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) Conference wrapped up in Kochi from November 4-6, 2025, uniting scientists and policymakers from seven Bay of Bengal nations.
- Launched in 2024 by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, BIMReN promotes joint marine research, sustainable fisheries, and blue economy initiatives.
- The conference focused on transboundary water governance, climate resilience, and resource sharing, announced by PM Modi at the 2022 Colombo BIMSTEC Summit.
- Bangladesh’s accession to the UN Water Convention in 2025 was highlighted as a step for equitable shared water management.
- Concepts: BIMSTEC Charter (2024); UN Water Convention for preventing riparian conflicts.
- Outcomes include collaborative projects on ocean monitoring and sustainable development in the Bay of Bengal region.
- Future editions will rotate among member states, with India committing ₹500 crore for joint research facilities over the next five years.
3. Vande Mataram 150th Anniversary Celebrations Launched
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a year-long national campaign on November 7, 2025, marking 150 years of Bankimchandra Chatterji’s “Vande Mataram” from the novel Anandamath.
- The initiative (2025-26) aims to reconnect citizens, especially youth, with the song’s revolutionary and spiritual legacy in India’s freedom struggle.
- Composed on November 7, 1875 (Akshaya Navami), it portrays the Motherland as divine and unifying, adopted as India’s National Song in 1937.
- Events include cultural programs, educational outreach, and digital campaigns across schools and communities.
- Concepts: Article 51A (Fundamental Duties) on cultural heritage; freedom struggle icons.
- The campaign underscores the song’s role in fostering national unity and patriotism.
- Special editions of Anandamath will be distributed in schools, with UNESCO recognition sought for its global cultural impact.
4. Tamil Nadu Cabinet Approves Space Industrial Policy 2025
SUBJECT: NATIONAL (TAMIL NADU FOCUS)
- The Tamil Nadu government approved the Tamil Nadu Space Industrial Policy 2025 to position the state as a hub for space innovation and high-value manufacturing.
- The policy targets attracting global investments, fostering startups, and creating jobs in satellite tech, launch vehicles, and space applications.
- It includes incentives like subsidies, skill development programs, and infrastructure at sites like Sriharikota and Kulasekarapattinam.
- Aligned with India’s space reforms under IN-SPACe, it aims for ₹10,000 crore investments by 2030.
- Concepts: Atmanirbhar Bharat in space sector; Article 246 (State List – Industries).
- The policy leverages Tamil Nadu’s engineering talent and coastal advantages for export-oriented growth.
- Initial focus on small satellite assembly, with partnerships sought from ISRO and private firms like Skyroot Aerospace.
5. Kanyakumari Lighthouse District Declared Tamil Nadu’s First
SUBJECT: NATIONAL (TAMIL NADU FOCUS)
- Tamil Nadu’s government declared Kanyakumari as the state’s first Lighthouse District on November 7, 2025, to boost tourism and coastal economy.
- The initiative integrates 13 lighthouses along the 1,076 km coastline, promoting heritage walks, eco-tourism, and local artisan markets.
- Funded under the Sagarmala Project, it aims to generate 50,000 jobs and attract 10 million tourists annually.
- Kanyakumari’s iconic lighthouse, built in 1903, symbolizes maritime history and will feature digital exhibits.
- Concepts: Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms; Article 48A (Environmental Protection).
- This move enhances sustainable development in southern Tamil Nadu’s coastal belt.
- Additional features include solar-powered trails and VR experiences on Tamil maritime history, with launch by December 2025.
