1. Supreme Court to Issue Directions on Stray Dogs

On 7th November 2025, the Supreme Court stated that it would soon issue directions to regulate the feeding of dogs within government buildings and institutional premises while hearing a suo motu petition on the menace of dog bites.

Key Points

Regulation of Feeding: The Court said it would issue an order in the coming days restricting employees from supporting or encouraging feeding dogs in government and institutional areas.
No Further Hearings: The Bench refused to hear any counsel before issuing such orders, stating that with regard to government institutions, it would not entertain further arguments.
Compliance with ABC Rules: The Court took note of the affidavits filed by various States and Union Territories regarding compliance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules and added the Animal Welfare Board of India as a respondent.
Victims’ Intervention: The Court allowed intervention applications filed by victims of dog bites, waiving any deposit requirements, unlike those representing animal welfare causes.
Previous Orders: Earlier, on October 27, the Bench had summoned Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories (except West Bengal and Telangana) for failing to submit compliance affidavits.

The relief consignment was transported aboard an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 aircraft and arrived in Kingston on Thursday, where it was formally handed over to Jamaican authorities by the Indian High Commission.
The comprehensive relief package includes the Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri (BHISHM) medical trauma unit, along with generators, tents, bedding and mats, kitchen kits, solar lanterns, hygiene kits, and other essential supplies crucial for post-hurricane rehabilitation.
The BHISHM trauma kit is a unique, indigenously developed modular medical system designed for rapid deployment in disaster zones. It comprises 72 cube-shaped boxes containing medical and surgical equipment that can be quickly assembled to create a fully functional trauma care facility in the field.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative stamp and coin to honour the milestone and unveiled a dedicated digital portal designed to engage citizens and institutions in celebrating the legacy of ‘Vande Mataram’.
The event featured the mass singing of the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ across public spaces nationwide, symbolising collective national pride and unity, with enthusiastic participation from students, officials, and citizens of all ages.
The programme marks the official start of a year-long commemoration from November 7, 2025, to November 7, 2026, celebrating 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ — a song that served as a rallying cry for India’s freedom movement and continues to embody patriotism and unity.
Composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji on Akshaya Navami, November 7, 1875, the song was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of his celebrated novel Anandamath, where it became an emblem of India’s national awakening.

The market regulator has called upon leading technology companies to fast-track the implementation of mandatory advertiser verification systems, ensuring that only SEBI-registered intermediaries are permitted to advertise or promote investment-related products and services online.
SEBI’s communication highlights growing concerns over the proliferation of fraudulent trading applications, online investment schemes, and misleading promotional campaigns that exploit unsuspecting investors through fake credentials and unregistered entities.
The regulator has recommended the introduction of a distinct verification label or badge that will be displayed alongside the names of SEBI-registered intermediaries and financial advisors, allowing investors to easily distinguish legitimate entities from fraudulent ones.

Key Points

India’s First Mixed Heritage Site: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, Khangchendzonga is India’s first “mixed” site, recognised for both its natural beauty and cultural significance.
Geographical Spread: Covering 1,784 sq. km, the park spans from subtropical forests to the icy summit of Mount Khangchendzonga (8,586 m), the world’s third-highest peak.
Rich Biodiversity: Home to 280 glaciers, 70+ glacial lakes, and species like the snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan tahr, and over 550 bird species including the impeyan pheasant and satyr tragopan.
Cultural Significance: For the Lepcha community, the park is Mayel Lyang—a divine hidden paradise. Tibetan Buddhists regard it as a sacred beyul (valley), with ancient monasteries like Tholung preserving spiritual traditions alongside modern conservation.
Biosphere Reserve Expansion: The 2018 expansion created a buffer zone promoting sustainable farming and community-based resource management—demonstrating harmony between nature and people.