The UAE has officially made the Digital Dirham a legal form of money, marking a major step in its push toward a fully digital financial system. A new federal law passed this week places the e-Dirham on the same level as cash, giving the Central Bank of the UAE the authority to issue and regulate it. The move is part of the country’s wider Digital Dirham Policy for 2025. To mark the launch, the government completed its first payment using the Digital Dirham, settling a cross-border transaction on the mBridge platform in less than two minutes.

Officials said the test showed clear gains in speed, cost, and security. Residents are expected to feel the impact later this year, when approved digital wallets will enable instant transfers and top-ups from bank accounts. The system is set to change how salaries, bills, and remittances are handled. Analysts say the UAE’s early adoption could strengthen its position as a regional fintech leader, with one user on X calling the development “sci-fi come to life.”

Jharkhand is today celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of its revered tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The state is also celebrating the Silver Jubilee of its Foundation Day. The state was officially carved out of the southern part of Bihar, becoming India’s 28th state on this day in 2000. The year-long celebrations marking the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, also culminate today.

Several events are scheduled to be held to mark the day, highlighting the legendary leader’s significant contributions to the country’s tribal heritage and freedom movement. On the occasion, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren are scheduled to visit Ulihatu in Khunti district, the birthplace of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, to honor the tribal hero. Earlier, Union Minister Oram paid floral tributes to the revered tribal freedom fighter at the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum in Ranchi. To promote tourism and celebrate the occasion, the state government has declared the Birsa Festival in Ulihatu as a Tourism festival.

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan today inaugurated the 30th CII Partnership Summit 2025 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The two-day event is being organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry in partnership with the Government of India and the Andhra Pradesh Government.

In his address, the Vice President said India is rapidly emerging as a prosperous nation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

He noted that India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy and is growing as a major startup hub. The Vice President said digital infrastructure and e-governance are delivering faster services and helping build a technology-driven economy.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has arrived at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France to take part in the bilateral air exercise Garuda-2025, scheduled from November 16 to 27.

The exercise comes amid a history of close military collaboration between India and France, which share a strategic partnership covering all aspects of bilateral cooperation, including defence, technology, and security. The IAF said on a social media platform that Garuda 25 will showcase the professionalism and operational capabilities of both forces.

The exercise will see Su-30 MKI jets of the IAF operating alongside Rafale fighters of the French Air and Space Force in a simulated combat environment, aimed at enhancing interoperability, exchanging best practices, and strengthening defence cooperation between the two air forces.

The 22nd All India Annual TDS Conference and Principal Chief Commissioners’ Conclave will be held on Thursday at Hotel Taj Lakefront in Bhopal.

The event is being organised by the Income Tax Department, Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh Region, in collaboration with the Principal Director General of Income Tax (Administration & TPS), CBDT.

CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal will inaugurate the conference in the presence of Pankaj Mishra, Member (TPS & Revenue); G. Aparna Rao, Member (Accounts & Judicial); Sanjay Bahadur, Member (Income Tax); and Prasenjit Singh, Member, CBDT.

India batter Shafali Verma was felicitated by the Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini at his official residence, recognising her stellar contribution in team’s Women’s World Cup 2025 triumph. Saini presented Shafali with a shawl, a cheque worth 1.5 crore, and a ‘Grade A’ sports gradation certificate.

According to an official statement, the 21-year-old cricketer has also been appointed brand ambassador of the Haryana State Women’s Commission.The Chief Minister praised Shafali’s hard work and commitment, saying she had brought glory not just to Haryana but to the entire nation. Saini also highlighted the state government’s continued efforts to promote sports, noting that nearly 2,000 sports nurseries have been established across Haryana to nurture young talent at the grassroots level.

India’s archers delivered a stellar performance at the 24th Asian Archery Championship 2025 in Dhaka, clinching two gold medals and one silver on a memorable day for the national contingent on Thursday.

According to updates shared by the Archery Association of India (AAI) on its official handle on X, the Compound Women’s Team comprising Deepshikha, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, and Prithika Pradeep captured gold in a thrilling final, defeating Korea 236-234. The Indian trio displayed remarkable focus and composure to edge past the formidable Korean team and secure the top podium spot.

Continuing India’s dominance in the compound category, Abhishek Verma and Deepshikha teamed up to win gold in the Compound Mixed Team event, overcoming Bangladesh 153-151 in a closely contested final. Their precise shooting and strong coordination ensured India’s second gold of the day.

The Nation is celebrating Janjatiya Gaurav Divas today to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the freedom fighter and tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The Centre has marked 15th November as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, recognising the importance of keeping tribal history alive. Over the years, this observance has expanded into Janjatiya Gaurav Week, celebrated across ministries and states with cultural programs, exhibitions, and educational activities that bring the legacy of tribal heroes to life.

Home Minister Amit Shah paid homage to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary on Saturday. In a social media post, Mr Shah said that Birsa Munda is not only the pride of tribal society, but of the entire country. The Minister added, today the whole country is joyfully celebrating Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and that the nation bow to his unwavering resolve towards the freedom movement and the protection of the motherland.

Punjab has become the first state in the country to implement the amended Bharat Net Scheme throughout the State. With this the border state can be monitored live from any location in the country.

Receiving the award for the implementation of the scheme, Chief Secretary, KAP Sinha said that internet and broadband services have been provided in the 43 shadow areas in the State with only one village remaining. By the end of November month, each and every village would be brought under the ambit of the scheme. He received the award from CGM, BSNL, Punjab Circle, Ajay Kumar Kararha, yesterday.

Notably, the Bharat Net Scheme aims to provide broadband connectivity to all of the country’s Gram Panchayats besides the households and the institutions. It also envisions e – health & e – governance services in rural sectors.

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt has been named as the ICC Women's Player of the Month for October 2025 for her exceptional leadership and outstanding performances with the bat. She was the highest run-getter at the Women's Cricket World Cup.

Wolvaardt played eight ODIs in October at the Women's World Cup, amassing 470 runs at a stunning average of 67.14 and an impressive strike rate of 97.91.

The right-hander said it was an incredible thrill to claim the monthly award for October.