Source: ET Context: The mysterious Manhattan-sized interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has once again surprised scientists as new images appear to have no cometary tail in new images. Photographs taken by the R. Naves Observatory in Spain on Nov. Discovery and Background: Recent Observations:
INS Sahyadri Joins Quad’s Malabar Exercise at Guam
Source: PIB Context: The Malabar naval exercise involving the Quad countries (India, US, Japan, Australia) begins Nov 10-18, 2025 in the western Pacific near Guam. This is the 29th edition of the Malabar exercise, originally a bilateral India-US exercise in 1992, now expanded to include all Quad members. Participating Naval Assets: Exercise Phases:
First BIMSTEC–India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) Conference Held in Kochi
Source: News on Air Context: Kochi hosted the first BIMSTEC–India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) Conference from 4–6 November 2025.This marks an important step toward regional cooperation in blue economy, marine science, and ocean sustainability among Bay of Bengal countries. About the BIMSTEC–India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) What is BIMReN? A biennial regional platform under the BIMSTEC framework that promotes: It connects marine scientists, policymakers, and research institutions across the region. When Was It Announced? Aim of BIMReN To strengthen marine research cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region by: This aligns with India’s:
Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS)
Source: BS Context: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is working to refine the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) to enhance its appeal and ensure a successful launch in the current financial year. Objective: The revision aims to make the scheme more youth-friendly, inclusive, and aligned with industry skill requirements. What is the PM Internship Scheme? Key Features of the Scheme Eligibility & Application Funding & Budget:
Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021
Context: The Supreme Court expressed strong dissatisfaction after the Union Government repeatedly sought adjournments in the case related to the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021.The Court said the matter concerns judicial independence and cannot be delayed any further. About the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021 The Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021 (enacted on 13 August 2021) aims to streamline and reorganize India’s tribunal system.It replaced the Tribunals Reforms Ordinance, 2021 and brought all rules about appointments, tenure, service conditions, and removal of tribunal members into one law. The Act also abolished several tribunals and shifted their functions to High Courts to reduce overlap and improve efficiency. Aim of the Act
Khangchendzonga National Park Rated “Good” in IUCN World Heritage Outlook 2025
Context: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has rated Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim) as “Good” in its 2025 global review of natural World Heritage Sites.It is India’s only site to receive a positive conservation status this year. About the IUCN Rating A part of the IUCN World Heritage Outlook 2025, which assesses how well natural World Heritage Sites are conserved.It checks: About the IUCN Outlook Programme Khangchendzonga National Park is the only Indian site in 2025 to receive a “Good” rating, reflecting strong conservation and cultural management. About Khangchendzonga National Park A UNESCO World Heritage Site (2016) and India’s first “mixed” heritage site, honoured for: Location
Digital Gold/E-Gold Products
Source: Indian Express Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has issued a public warning regarding digital gold or e-gold products sold online. The alert comes as gold prices near all-time highs, triggering increased interest in digital gold. Digital Gold or e-Gold Products Digital gold (or e-gold)** refers to gold purchased online in electronic form, stored securely by the provider on behalf of the investor. The value of digital gold is directly linked to live market rates of physical gold (usually 24K, 99.9% purity). Investors can buy or sell even small quantities (as low as ₹1), without needing physical storage. Who Offers Digital Gold? Digital gold in India is offered mainly by: These providers partner with payment apps and platforms like:– PhonePe– Google Pay– Paytm– Amazon Pay– Tanishq (via its DigiGold) Note: Digital gold is not regulated by SEBI or RBI. It operates under general consumer protection and KYC norms. Key Features How Digital Gold are Regulated? Advantages Disadvantages / Risks 1. No SEBI or RBI Regulation Digital gold is outside formal financial regulation, unlike:– Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)– Gold ETFs– Gold Mutual Funds 2. Storage Time Limit Most platforms allow 5 years of free storage; after that, delivery or transfer is needed. 3. Higher Costs Premiums, GST (3%), and delivery charges increase the overall cost. 4. Counterparty Risk Risk lies with provider stability (MMTC-PAMP/SafeGold/Augmont). Comparison: Digital Gold vs SGB vs Gold ETF Feature Digital Gold SGB Gold ETF Regulation Unregulated RBI SEBI Interest No 2.5% per year No Liquidity High (instant) Low (8-year lock-in) High Physical Delivery Yes Yes (cash redemption) No Minimum Investment ₹1 1 gm 1 unit
Open Market Operations (OMO)
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has advised state governments to reschedule market borrowings to ease supply pressure in the bond market amid rising yields. This guidance comes ahead of expectations that RBI will announce an Open Market Operations (OMO) calendar in its December 5 policy review. Open Market Operations (OMO) Open Market Operations (OMOs) are monetary policy tools used by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to regulate liquidity (money supply) in the financial system through buying or selling government securities (G-secs) in the open market. Why RBI Uses OMOs How OMOs Work 1. OMO Purchase (Liquidity Injection) RBI buys government securities from banks. 2. OMO Sale (Liquidity Absorption) RBI sells government securities to banks. Types of OMOs
CASA Dynamics in Indian Banking!
Source: BS Context: What is CASA? CASA (Current Account Savings Account) deposits refer to low-cost funds that banks mobilize through customers’ current accounts and savings accounts. Why CASA Matters in Banking CASA Ratio CASA Ratio = (Current + Savings Deposits) ÷ Total Deposits × 100 Drivers Behind CASA Decline: Implications for Banks:
Nine Years After Demonetisation
Source: IE Context: Since the demonetisation of ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes in November 2016, India has seen a significant rise in currency with the public (CWP), reflecting cash usage in the economy. Demonetisation Overview Immediate Impact: Definition Currency-to-GDP Ratio Comparison with Other Economies Country Currency-to-GDP Ratio India 11.11% Japan 9–11% Eurozone 8–10% China 9.5% Russia 8.3% USA 7.96% Reason for India’s higher ratio:
