Summary
November 2025 saw key appointments including Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India and leadership changes across regulatory and public sector institutions. The month also mourned the loss of notable personalities from cinema, music, sports, and public life, reflecting transitions in India’s judiciary, governance, and cultural landscape.
Detailed Analysis
1. Judicial & Constitutional Appointments
- 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI): Justice Surya Kant was sworn in by President Droupadi Murmu on November 24, 2025. He succeeded Justice B.R. Gavai (the 52nd CJI).
- Tenure: He will serve until February 9, 2027.
- Background: Hailing from Haryana, he previously served as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
- Executive Chairman of NALSA: Following Justice Surya Kant's elevation, Justice Vikram Nath was appointed as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
- Director General, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): Sanjay Garg (IAS, 1994) took charge as the DG of BIS on November 1, focusing on new quality standards for EVs and AI products.
2. National & PSU Appointments
- Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA): Vishvajit Sahay (IDAS) was appointed to the post, overseeing the financial management of the Indian Armed Forces.
- Chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI): Sunil Paliwal was appointed to lead India’s push for multimodal cargo transport via rivers.
- CMD of Engineers India Ltd (EIL): The PESB recommended Atul Gupta as the new Chairman and Managing Director.
- UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate: Noted actress Keerthy Suresh was appointed as a Celebrity Advocate to champion child rights and digital safety for youth.
3. National & Regulatory Appointments
- Nitish Kumar (Nov 2025): Sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the 10th time following the NDA's victory in the 2025 State Assembly Elections.
- Sanjay Garg (IAS 1994): Took charge as the Director General (DG) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
- Jawed Ashraf: Appointed as the Chairman of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).
- Sunil Paliwal: Appointed as the Chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
- Vivek Singla: Appointed as the MD & CEO of Power Exchange India Limited (PXIL).
- Shafali Verma: The cricket star was appointed as the Brand Ambassador for the Haryana State Women's Commission.
4. International Appointments (Indian Origin)
- President of OICA: Shailesh Chandra (MD of Tata Motors PV) became the first Indian to be elected as the President of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles, the global body for the auto industry.
- UN Tourism Leadership: Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais became the first woman to lead UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) as Director, with significant backing from India’s tourism ministry.
- Shailesh Chandra: Became the first Indian to lead the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA) as its President.
- Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais: Made history as the first woman to lead UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO).
- Zohran Mamdani: The Indian-origin politician made headlines regarding his campaign for the Mayor of New York City.
- Keerthy Suresh: Formally appointed as UNICEF India's Celebrity Advocate for Child Rights.
5. Obituaries: The Stars We Lost
November 2025 saw the passing of several iconic figures:
- Dharmendra (Nov 24): The legendary "He-Man" of Bollywood passed away at 89. Known for classics like Sholay and Chupke Chupke, he was a Padma Bhushan recipient and a former MP.
- Sulakshana Pandit (Nov 7): A celebrated actress and playback singer of the 1970s. She was the first "singing star" of her era, known for her roles opposite Rajesh Khanna and Jeetendra.
- Dipak Sarma (Nov 3): The eminent flautist and classical musician passed away at 57. He was a vital figure in preserving the folk-classical fusion music of the Northeast.
- Abhinay Kinger (Nov 10): South Indian actor known for his versatile roles in Tamil cinema passed away due to liver-related complications at age 44.
- Charles Coste: The world's oldest Olympic gold medalist (France) passed away at the age of 100+.
- Zarine Khan: Wife of Sanjay Khan and a noted interior designer/author, passed away in early November.
- Harish Rai: The veteran actor, widely recognized for his role in the KGF series, passed away after a battle with cancer.
- Daya Dongre: Legendary Marathi actress known for her roles in classic films like Umbartha.
- Abhinay Kinger (Nov 10): South Indian actor known for Thulluvadho Ilamai, passed away due to liver disease.
- Dipak Sarma: Eminent flautist from Assam who bridged the gap between folk and classical music.