SNIPPETS: 17 NOVEMBER 2025

SCHEMES

• The Union Cabinet has approved a six-year Export Promotion Mission (2025–31) with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore to counter rising global tariffs, including steep 50% US duties effective August 2025. Triggered by a 12% drop in US-bound exports, the mission consolidates key schemes, supports MSMEs, and enhances competitiveness through finance, compliance, branding, and logistics assistance. It includes Niryat Protsahan, Niryat Disha, and a ₹20,000-crore Credit Guarantee Scheme to strengthen export resilience.

SOCIAL ISSUES

• Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched two digital applications—Sahakar Digi Pay and Sahakar Digi Loan—at Co-Op Kumbh 2025 organised by NAFCUB. The initiative aims to modernise and digitise Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs). The government plans to set up one UCB in every city with a population above two lakh within five years. NPAs in UCBs have declined from 2.8% to 0.6%. Policy reforms aim to strengthen governance, credit access, and cooperative-based development.

ECONOMY

• Ambaji white marble from Gujarat has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, announced during the Tribal Business Conclave in New Delhi. The GI was granted by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, based on an application by the Ambaji Marbles Quarry and Factory Association in Banaskantha. Known for its pure white shine, high durability and calcium-rich composition, Ambaji marble holds cultural significance and is expected to boost local livelihoods and exports.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

• The Belem Action Plan for Health and Climate Adaptation, launched at COP30 in Brazil, brings together 80 countries and organisations to strengthen health-system resilience against climate impacts. Based on the 2025 Lancet Countdown, it addresses rising deaths from heat, smoke and extreme weather. A $300-million pledge from the Climate and Health Funders Coalition supports implementation. With widening global adaptation finance gaps, India needs $643 billion by 2030 despite strong domestic spending.

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS

• November 15 is the birth anniversary of the tribal icon Birsa Munda, who was born on this date in 1875. Since 2021, his birthday has been celebrated as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.’ Known as “Dharti Aba” (“Father of the Earth”), Birsa organised the “Ulgulan” or the Munda Rebellion against British oppression in the late 1890s.
• November 16 is observed as the National Press Day to celebrate the role of a free and responsible press in India. The day commemorates the establishment of the Press Council of India, which began its operations on this day in 1966. This year’s theme focuses on safeguarding press credibility amidst rising misinformation, highlighting the growing importance of accurate and ethical reporting.
• The annual Malabar naval exercise between the navies of India, the US, Australia and Japan kicked off on November 12 in the Northern Pacific. Exercise Malabar was established as an annual bilateral training activity between India and the United States in 1992. Japan and Australia first participated in 2007, and Japan joined the naval exercise in 2015 as a permanent member, and Malabar became a trilateral exercise. In 2020, for the first time in over a decade, the exercise saw the participation of all four Quad members.
• Anish Bhanwala became the first Indian shooter to ever win a medal in the men’s 25m rapid fire event at the World Championships with a silver in the final at Cairo, Egypt