PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Kurukshetra, Haryana

On November 25, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kurukshetra, Haryana, to participate in the International Gita Mahotsav 2025 and the state-level commemoration of the 350th martyrdom anniversary (Shaheedi Diwas) of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Key Highlights of the Visit:

• Inauguration of ‘Panchjanya’: The PM inaugurated the 'Panchjanya' exhibit at the Mahabharata Experience Centre, built to honor the sacred conch of Lord Krishna.
• Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra: Visited this immersive experiential center developed under the Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme.
• Brahma Sarovar: Performed Darshan and Pooja at one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites.
• 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur: Addressed a special program marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru. The Government of India is executing a year-long commemoration.
• Commemorative Releases: The PM released a ₹350 commemorative coin and a ₹5 stamp to honor the milestone.

India’s Horticulture Output Rises 4% to 369.05 MT (2024-25)

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) released the third advance estimates of India’s horticulture production for the 2024-25 crop year (July-June).

Total Horticulture Production: 369.05 Million Tonnes (MT), marking a 4% increase (up by 14.31 MT) compared to 354.74 MT in 2023‑24.

Agricultural Production Breakdown:

• Area Covered: Horticultural crops spanned 29.48 million hectares (mn ha), marginally higher than the 29.08 mn ha recorded the previous year.

India-Nepal Joint Military Exercise ‘Surya Kiran XIX’ Commences

The Indian Army and the Nepal Army launched the 19th edition of their annual joint military exercise, ‘Surya Kiran 2025’, in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. The exercise runs from November 25 to December 8, 2025.

• Core Focus: Counter-terrorism capabilities, jungle warfare, high-altitude sub-conventional operations, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
• Tech Integration: This edition heavily integrates emerging technologies, including Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), drone-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), AI-enabled decision tools, and unmanned logistics vehicles.
• Troop Strength: The Indian contingent (334 personnel) is led by the Assam Regiment, while the Nepalese contingent (334 personnel) is represented by the Devi Datta Regiment.
• Note: The 18th edition of this alternating exercise was held in January 2025 at Saljhandi, Nepal.

BEL and Safran Sign JVCA to Manufacture HAMMER Weapons in India

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna defence PSU, and France-based Safran Electronics and Defence (SED) signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA) in New Delhi to localize the manufacturing of the HAMMER smart weapon.

JV & Weapon Specifications:

• The Weapon: Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) — a combat-proven, modular, precision-guided air-to-ground weapon.
• Compatibility: Integrates seamlessly with Rafale fighter jets and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
• Range & Navigation: Features an extended range of up to 70 km. It utilizes an HRG Crystal inertial navigation system (INS) paired with GPS, ensuring accuracy even in GNSS-denied environments.
• JV Structure: A 50:50 private limited company targeting progressive indigenization of up to 60%. BEL will lead the final assembly, testing, and quality assurance.

GoI Designates CISF as the Security Regulator for Indian Sea Ports

The Government of India has officially appointed the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the new nodal safety and security regulator for nearly 250 major and minor seaports across India.

• Notification Authority: Issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
• Designation: CISF will act as the Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for seaports.
• Core Responsibilities: Counter-terrorism, anti-sabotage operations, EXIM (Export-Import) terminal security, and surveillance of critical port assets.
• Secondary Duties: Peripheral security roles may be designated to State Police or private security firms.

Biomass Pellet Plant Launched in Rewari, Haryana

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), inaugurated a new 240 Tons Per Day (TPD) biomass pellet plant and laid the foundation stone for a bio-ethanol plant in Rewari, Haryana.

• Biomass Pellets: Manufactured from agricultural residues like paddy straw, mustard straw, and cotton stalks to be used for co-firing in coal-based thermal power plants. This drastically reduces stubble burning and pollution.
• Bio-Ethanol Plant: Designed to convert crop residues into ethanol fuel for blending with petrol under the central government’s E20 (20% ethanol blending) mission.
• Developer: The project is being constructed and operated by K2 Biofuels Private Limited.

India Post Releases Commemorative Cover for Dr. Ramdas Pai

During the 33rd Convocation of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in Manipal, Karnataka, India Post released a special commemorative postal cover to honor Dr. Ramdas Madhava Pai on his 90th birthday.

• The Honoree: Dr. Ramdas Pai, Chancellor of MAHE, was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2011 for his immense contributions to healthcare and education.
• Significance: The cover recognizes his visionary role in expanding MAHE into a globally recognized educational and research hub.