This is the current affairs of 16 & 17 November 2025. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. According to WHO’s Global TB Report 2025, India has recorded what percent decline in tuberculosis (TB) cases?
a. 12%
b. 15%
c. 21%
d. 25%
Answer: c. 21%
– According to the WHO Global TB Report 2025, India has recorded a 21% decline in tuberculosis (TB) cases.
– This is almost double the global rate (12%).
– This is an important achievement in the health sector, but it also highlights that India still faces major challenges.
Key Figures and Achievements
Decline in TB Incidence
– TB incidence in India was 237 per 100,000 population in 2015, which reduced to 187 in 2024.
– The Ministry of Health attributes this 21% decline to a strategy based on “new technologies + community participation.”
– As per WHO’s “End TB” target, incidence was supposed to reduce by 50% by 2025 — but India has not reached that level yet.
Improved Treatment Coverage
– In 2024, around 92% of estimated TB patients received diagnosis and treatment, whereas only 53% received it in 2015.
– This increase is due to “service decentralization,” “molecular testing,” and “community-based active case finding.”
Decline in Mortality
– Compared to 2015, India has seen a decline of about 28% in TB-related deaths.
– Among HIV-negative people, mortality declined from 28 to 21 per 100,000 population.
– No significant rise has been observed in MDR-TB cases, which is a positive sign.
What this improvement means for India
– Strengthened health system: India’s ability to detect and treat TB has improved, especially in areas where many “missing cases” existed.
– Technology and innovation: Molecular testing, portable X-ray machines, and community screening camps played major roles.
– Community participation: Campaigns like TB Mukt Bharat increased early testing, treatment, and public awareness.
25% of the world’s TB patients are in India
– Even though incidence is decreasing, India still accounts for around 25% of the global TB burden.
– A large share of TB cases remains uncontrolled.
– India’s target to eliminate TB by 2025 (44 cases per 100,000) is still far away.
– Similarly, the reduction in mortality is not on target.
– Eliminating “missing cases” continues to be a challenge.
– Continuous monitoring of MDR-TB is essential due to rising drug resistance.
Where are the most TB cases in India?
– In 2025, Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of TB cases.
– It is followed by Maharashtra, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
– Delhi has the highest prevalence rate despite lower total cases.
What is TB?
– Full name: Tuberculosis
– An infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
– Mainly affects the lungs but can also impact bones, kidneys, brain, etc.
– Spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
– Treatment follows the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course) model, lasting at least 6 months.
– Medicines are provided free by the government.
– Discontinuing treatment increases the risk of MDR-TB (Multi-Drug Resistant TB).
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2. According to WHO’s Global TB Report 2025, approximately what percentage of the world’s TB cases are in India?
a. 5%
b. 10%
c. 15%
d. 25%
Answer: d. 25%
– India accounts for around 25% of the world’s total TB burden.
– Highest shares: India (25%), Indonesia (10%), Philippines (6.8%), China (6.5%), Pakistan (6.3%), Nigeria (4.8%), DR Congo (3.9%), Bangladesh (3.6%).
– India is still far from its TB elimination target of 44 cases per 100,000 by 2025.
– Mortality reduction is also behind the target.
– Eliminating “missing cases” remains a major challenge.
– MDR-TB requires strong surveillance due to its dangerous nature.
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3. The joint military exercise “Mitra Shakti-2025” was held between India and which country in Belagavi (Karnataka)?
a. USA
b. Japan
c. Sri Lanka
d. Bangladesh
Answer: c. Sri Lanka
– 2025 marks the 11th edition of the Mitra Shakti military exercise.
– Location: Belagavi, Karnataka
– Dates: 10–23 November 2025
– India deployed 170 personnel mainly from the Rajput Regiment; Sri Lanka sent 135 personnel mainly from the Gajaba Regiment.
– Indian Air Force (20 personnel) and Sri Lankan Air Force (10 personnel) also participated.
– Drones, UAVs, and helicopters were used during the exercise.
Sri Lanka
– Capitals: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative), Colombo (executive & judicial)
– President: Anura Kumara Dissanayake
– Prime Minister: Harini Amarasuriya
– Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
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4. In which neighbouring country did the 27th Constitutional Amendment take place, making the Army Chief’s position similar to that of a Head of State?
a. China
b. Pakistan
c. Bangladesh
d. Sri Lanka
Answer: b. Pakistan
– Pakistan is undergoing major political turmoil.
– The military has always been a dominant force in Pakistan’s governance.
– Since 1947, Pakistan has been under direct military rule for nearly 33 years.
– The 27th Constitutional Amendment (November 2025) formally institutionalised military dominance.
– It made Field Marshal Asim Munir the most powerful figure in the country.
1) Granting of Five-Star Field Marshal Rank
– After the India-Pakistan air skirmish, the government awarded Asim Munir the five-star Field Marshal rank in May 2025.
– This rank symbolizes supreme military authority.
– Earlier, Ayub Khan held this rank.
2) 27th Constitutional Amendment — Formal Military Power
Key points:
(a) Creation of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)
– Asim Munir became CDF, not just Army Chief.
– Army, Navy, and Air Force now report directly to him.
(b) Control of National Strategic Command
– Nuclear weapons, missile command, and strategic assets now fall under CDF’s direct control.
(c) Lifetime legal protection
– Legal action against a five-star officer requires Parliament’s approval.
– Applies exclusively to Field Marshal Asim Munir.
(d) Removal made difficult
– Removal procedure now resembles impeachment.
– Effectively makes the Army Chief’s position similar to a Head of State.
3) Strengthening control over the judiciary
(a) Federal Constitutional Court
– Takes over major constitutional functions of the Supreme Court.
– Judges selected jointly by the President, PM, and CDF.
(b) Limited role of Supreme Court
– Several judges protested; some resigned.
Military’s decisive role in Pakistan
– Analysts call it “Constitutionalised Military Dominance.”
– The Hindu described it as “Hybrid Rule.”
Strategic relevance for India
– India closely monitors such changes due to their impact on regional security.
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5. President Draupadi Murmu visited which two countries in November 2025, marking the first-ever state visit by an Indian Head of State?
a. Angola and Botswana
b. South Africa and Venezuela
c. Nigeria and Niger
d. None of these
Answer: a. Angola and Botswana
– President Murmu visited Angola and Botswana from 8–13 November.
– She addressed the parliaments of both countries.
– On 11 Nov 2025, she attended Angola’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations.
– On 12 Nov 2025, she met Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko, who symbolically gifted eight cheetahs to India.
– The visit is significant as 2026 marks 60 years of India’s diplomatic relations with both nations.
Botswana
– Landlocked African country
– Capital: Gaborone
– President: Duma Gideon Boko
– Currency: Pula
– One of the world’s largest diamond producers
Angola
– Capital: Luanda
– President: João Lourenço
– Currency: Angolan Kwanza
– Independence from Portugal: 11 November 1975
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6. President Draupadi Murmu attended the 50th independence anniversary celebrations of which country in November 2025?
a. Botswana
b. Angola
c. Nigeria
d. Niger
Answer: b. Angola
– President Murmu was the chief guest at Angola’s 50th Independence Day celebrations.
– It was the first-ever visit by an Indian President to Angola.
– During the visit, MoUs were signed in fisheries, marine resources, and consular cooperation.
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7. What are the Country of Focus, Partner Country, and Spotlight Country of IFFI 2025 respectively?
a. Japan, Spain, Australia
b. China, France, Netherlands
c. Sri Lanka, Germany, Russia
d. Russia, Japan, Canada
Answer: a. Japan, Spain, Australia
– Location: Goa
– Dates: 20–28 November 2025
– Edition: 56th
– Theme: “Convergence of Creativity and Technology”
– Organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, NFDC, and ESG.
– 240 films from 81 countries will be screened.
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8. When is National Press Day celebrated?
a. 13 November
b. 14 November
c. 15 November
d. 16 November
Answer: d. 16 November
– The first Press Commission (1956) recommended establishing a Press Council.
– The Press Council of India was established on 4 July 1966 and became operational on 16 November 1966.
– Hence, National Press Day is celebrated on 16 November every year.
– PCI monitors the quality of Indian journalism.
– Chairperson, Press Council of India (PCI): Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai
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9. Who is the host country of Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) 2025?
a. Sri Lanka
b. Bangladesh
c. Bhutan
d. India
Answer: d. India
– Dates: 19–20 November 2025
– Hosted under India’s NSA Ajit Doval.
About CSC
– A regional security grouping.
– Formed in 2011 as a trilateral maritime security group (India, Sri Lanka, Maldives).
– Mauritius joined in 2021; Bangladesh became the 5th member in 2024.
Key focus areas
– Maritime security
– Counterterrorism and counter-radicalization
– Anti-smuggling & organized crime
– Cybersecurity
– Protection of critical infrastructure
– HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief)
Importance
– China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean makes the CSC strategically crucial for India.
– BIMSTEC focuses mainly on economic issues, so CSC fills the security cooperation gap.
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10. When is National Epilepsy Day celebrated?
a. 15 November
b. 16 November
c. 17 November
d. 18 November
Answer: c. 17 November
– National Epilepsy Day was established by the Epilepsy Foundation of India as a national campaign to reduce epilepsy.
– First observed in 2015.
– WHO estimates 50 million epilepsy patients worldwide.
– Around 10 million people in India are affected.
Note: International Epilepsy Day is observed on the second Monday of February.
What is Epilepsy?
– A disorder where brain electrical activity becomes abnormal.
– Causes seizures, behavioral changes, and altered sensations.
– More common in children, adults, and men.
Major symptoms
– Change in taste, smell, vision, hearing, or touch
– Dizziness
– Muscle jerks
– Staring spells
– Repetitive movements
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11. Which player of the Indian Women’s World Cup 2025 winning team was appointed DSP in West Bengal Police?
a. Mithali Raj
b. Harmanpreet Kaur
c. Richa Ghosh
d. Deepti Sharma
Answer: c. Richa Ghosh
– West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee appointed her as DSP on 8 November 2025.
– She received ₹34 lakh cash prize, Banga Bhushan Award, a gold chain, and more.
– A cricket stadium (27 acres) will be constructed in Siliguri (Chandni Bagan) in her name.
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