Monday, Dec 01

Daily Current Affairs: 1 December 2025

Daily current affairs for 1 December 2025 with exam-focused key facts, connected news context, and revision notes for UPSC, SSC, banking and government exams.

Editorial note for exam revision Last updated: 1 December 2025. This briefing is structured for current affairs revision, with key updates and related coverage links to help readers connect recurring topics across days.

Today at a glance

Top current affairs to revise

  1. Northeast India Organic Week inaugurated on November 29, 2025
  2. Sir Tom Stoppard, Renowned UK Playwright, Died at 88
  3. PM Modi explains essence of National Security policy from Bhagwat Gita in Karnataka
  4. Tex-RAMPS Scheme Approved with an Outlay of ₹305 Crore
  5. Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) Signs MoU with Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR) to Establish Centre of Excellence
  6. Integrated Ecotourism and Sustainable Agri-Based Livelihood Development in Meghalaya Project: $77 Million Loan to Boost Ecotourism and Resilient Livelihoods

Northeast India Organic Week inaugurated on November 29, 2025

Key Updates:

  • The first Northeast India Organic Week was inaugurated on November 29, 2025.
  • The event was organised in partnership with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Union Commerce Ministry and IFOAM-Organics Asia.
  • Delegates and buyers from 13 countries attended Meghalaya’s inaugural Northeast India Organic Week.
  • Meghalaya Agriculture Commissioner and Secretary is Dr Vijay Kumar D.
  • Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) chairman is Abhishek Dev.
  • IFOAM-Organics Asia executive director is Jennifer Chang.
  • Meghalaya Chief Minister is Conrad K Sangma.
  • Meghalaya is the second fastest growing state behind Tamil Nadu.
  • Lakadong turmeric has up to 13 per cent curcumin content.
  • A new ginger processing unit worth Rs 25 crore has been set up as the largest organic spice processing facility in the Northeast.
  • The eighth edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) was highlighted.
  • The ‘Green Meghalaya’ initiative focuses on ongoing climate action efforts.
  • GI-tagged Khasi mandarins have made inroads into Gulf markets through the Lulu Group.

Similar / Past Coverage

Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit and DoNER Projects Launched in Meghalaya (Start of November)

The Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit was launched under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) scheme. The circuit was conceptualised jointly by the Ministry of DoNER and the…

Arunachal Pradesh to host inaugural Sun Rise Festival in Dong village (Start of September)

The inaugural Sun Rise Festival will be hosted in Dong village, Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh. Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced the five-day festival, which will run from December 29 to January 2.

Sir Tom Stoppard, Renowned UK Playwright, Died at 88

Key Updates:

  • Sir Tom Stoppard, a UK playwright, died at the age of 88.
  • He won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for the screenplay for Shakespeare In Love.
  • His play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead won four Tony awards, including best play.
  • His semi-autobiographical work titled Leopoldstadt, released in 2020, won an Olivier award for best new play and four Tony awards.
  • He was knighted by the late Queen for his services to literature in 1997.
  • His notable stage works include Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and The Real Thing.
  • He adapted Leo Tolstoy's novel Anna Karenina for the 2012 film starring Keira Knightley and Jude Law.
  • Born Tomas Straussler in Czechoslovakia, his parents fled from imminent Nazi occupation.
  • He worked as a journalist in Bristol in 1954 before becoming a theatre critic and writing plays for radio and TV.
  • King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed deep sadness at his death, calling him one of their greatest writers.
  • The Writers' Guild stated he received their award for outstanding contribution to writing in 2017.

Similar / Past Coverage

Noted Bharatanatyam artiste Sarada Teacher, architect of Kalakshetra methodology, passes away (Mid of September)

Sarada Hoffman (1929-2025), also known as Alladi Sarada, passed away recently in the U.S. She was admired for her precision as a Bharatanatyam artiste and her distinction as a teacher.

PM Modi explains essence of National Security policy from Bhagwat Gita in Karnataka

Key Updates:

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi, Karnataka.
  • PM Modi took part in the Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana programme, a devotional gathering of 100,000 participants reciting Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
  • PM Modi stated Bhagwat Gita teaches that it is important to end the oppressor to restore peace and truth, which is the essence of National Security policy.
  • PM Modi inaugurated Suvarna Teertha Mantapa and dedicated Kanaka Kavacha for Kanakana Kindi at Sri Krishna Matha.

Similar / Past Coverage

PM Modi Concludes China-Japan Tour, Attends SCO Summit (Start of September)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Monday evening. He concluded his four-day visit to Japan and China.

Goa and Madhya Pradesh Partnership for Tourism Promotion (Start of November)

**Parties Involved:** The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and senior officials from the Government of Madhya Pradesh. **Objective:** To explore collaborative opportunities in tourism, with a special focus on…

Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam on 7-day India visit to deepen Enhanced Strategic Partnership (Mid of September)

State visit by Mauritius PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam and spouse Veena Ramgoolam, 9-16 September Cities covered: Mumbai, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Dehradun, Tirupati, Delhi

PM Modi to visit Gujarat on September 20: Here's what's on the agenda (End of September)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on September 20 for a one-day tour. The visit will begin in Bhavnagar with a 1.5 km-long roadshow at 10 am.

Tex-RAMPS Scheme Approved with an Outlay of ₹305 Crore

Key Updates:

  • The Union government has approved the 'Textiles Focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and Start-up (Tex-RAMPS) Scheme', as announced by Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh.
  • The Tex-RAMPS Scheme has an outlay of ₹305 crore.
  • The Tex-RAMPS Scheme will be effective from 2025-2026 to 2030-2031.
  • It aims to strengthen research, innovation, and competitiveness in the textiles sector and empower India’s textile sector.
  • The Tex-RAMPS Scheme is designed to address critical gaps in research, data systems, innovation support, and capacity development to future-proof India’s textiles and apparel ecosystem.
  • It will promote advanced research, create robust data systems, strengthen State-level planning, and support incubators, hackathons, and academia-industry collaborations to nurture high-value textile start-ups and entrepreneurship.

Similar / Past Coverage

Indian Army Secures IPR for New Coat Combat (Digital Print) (End of November)

The Indian Army has secured the intellectual property rights for a new coat combat (digital print). The 'New Coat Combat' has been designed and developed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi, as…

Researchers develop multi-layered wound pad from red ivy plant extract (Mid of September)

Researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Palode, have tapped into the wound-healing properties of the red ivy plant, known locally as “murikooti pacha” (Strobilanthes…

India-UK Science and Technology Partnership Dashboard Unveiled in New Delhi (Start of November)

Event: Pilot version of India-United Kingdom Science and Technology Partnership (IN-UK-STP) Dashboard unveiled Participants: Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, PSA to GoI and Dr. David Warren Smith, UK National Technology Adviser

Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) Signs MoU with Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR) to Establish Centre of Excellence

Key Updates:

  • The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR) to establish a centre of excellence (CoE) on the IITR campus.
  • The primary objective of the C-DoT Centre of Excellence (CoE) is to accelerate indigenous research, innovation and capacity building in advanced communication technologies.
  • The CoE will have a strong focus on research in the areas of wireless communication, quantum technologies, cybersecurity and AI-based applications.
  • The centre will drive joint research and prototype development in key emerging domains, including 5G and 6G, RF-sub-THz integrated circuits, sensors, millimetre-wave beamforming antennas with integrated ICs, V2X Communication, data-driven wireless communication technologies and energy efficiency.

Similar / Past Coverage

Tam Nadu Signs 33 MoUs Worth Rs 15,516 Crore During CM Stalin's UK-Germany Visit (Mid of September)

Tamil Nadu signed 33 MoUs during CM Stalin’s visit to the UK and Germany, securing investment commitments worth Rs 15,516 crore. The agreements are projected to generate employment for over 17,600 people across multiple…

DoT’s NCA and IIM Calcutta Sign MoU for Telecom Sector Capacity Building (End of October)

the National Communications Academy (NCA) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on capacity…

Integrated Ecotourism and Sustainable Agri-Based Livelihood Development in Meghalaya Project: $77 Million Loan to Boost Ecotourism and Resilient Livelihoods

Key Updates:

  • The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved the Integrated Ecotourism and Sustainable Agri-Based Livelihood Development in Meghalaya Project.
  • The project involves a $77 million loan and an additional $1 million technical assistance grant from ADB.
  • It aims to generate economic opportunities for more than 8,000 local people, including women and Indigenous communities, in Meghalaya.
  • The approval for the project was made on 27 November 2025.

Similar / Past Coverage

India and ADB Sign $126-Million Loan for Sustainable Tourism Development at Tehri Lake Area Project (Mid of September)

India will receive a $126.42 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to develop tourism infrastructure and services in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Lake region. The agreement for the Sustainable, Inclusive, and…

ADB Approves $125 Million Loan for Assam Urban Sector Development Project (Start of September)

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $125 million loan for the Assam Urban Sector Development Project. The project is expected to benefit an estimated 360,000 residents across six district headquarters and…

Union Government Announces Aid and Recovery Measures for Flood-Hit Uttarakhand (Mid of September)

Financial assistance of Rs 1,200 crore was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for flood-hit Uttarakhand. A “multi-dimensional approach” is urged to help the region recover, including measures such as rebuilding…

NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) rolls out Banking Connect platform

Key Updates:

  • NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) introduced Banking Connect, an interoperable platform aimed at simplifying internet and mobile banking.
  • The new system is designed to reduce the complexity of current net banking processes, which often require multiple integrations, varied customer credentials, and non-standard settlement flows.
  • Banking Connect offers interoperable workflows, a uniform interface, mobile-first design, and support for biometric authentication.
  • The platform removes transaction caps and introduces standardised APIs to reduce delays, redirections and timeout errors.
  • It supports low-code or no-code integration for merchants, enabling quicker adoption and improved success rates.
  • Banking Connect is live with HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, YES Bank, AU Small Finance Bank and Federal Bank.
  • Payment aggregators such as Infibeam, PayU, Pinelabs, Cashfree, Razorpay, HDFC Bank Smart Gateway, Zoho, Easebuzz, Juspay, OPEN and SBI ePay have integrated with the platform.
  • NBBL, a wholly owned subsidiary of NPCI, operates digital payment and collection systems, including the Bharat BillPay ecosystem and B2B solutions for collections and reconciliation.
  • NBBL also serves as the designated settlement agency for the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

Similar / Past Coverage

TCIL signs MoU with Punjab National Bank to modernise IT infrastructure and digital backbone (Mid of September)

TCIL will provide IT consultancy, project management, and turnkey execution of complex technology initiatives for PNB Services include RFP lifecycle management, system integration, IT infrastructure rollout, and…

Bank of Baroda Launches bob Aspire NRE Savings Account (Mid of September)

Bank of Baroda has launched the “bob Aspire NRE Savings Account a solution designed to simplify banking for Indian citizens preparing to move overseas. The bob Aspire account can be initiated in India in “inoperative…

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) slaps Rs 91 lakh penalty on HDFC Bank

Key Updates:

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a penalty of Rs 91 lakh on HDFC Bank.
  • The penalty was for violating certain provisions of the Banking Regulation Act and non-compliance with certain directions.
  • Deficiencies included those related to Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.
  • Non-compliance also pertained to ‘Interest Rate on Advances’ and ‘Guidelines on Managing Risks and Code of Conduct in Outsourcing of Financial Services by banks’.
  • A Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation of HDFC Bank was conducted with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024.
  • HDFC Bank adopted multiple benchmarks within the same loan category.
  • HDFC Bank outsourced the function of determining compliance with KYC norms of certain customers to its outsourcing agents.
  • A wholly-owned subsidiary of HDFC Bank undertook business not permissible under Section 6 of the Banking Regulation (BR) Act.

Similar / Past Coverage

Tata Realty & Infrastructure (TRIL) and DBS Bank India sign ₹1,280 crore green loan facility

Key Updates:

  • Tata Realty & Infrastructure (TRIL) and DBS Bank India signed a ₹1,280 crore green loan facility.
  • DBS Bank India acted as the sole advisor and green loan coordinator for the transaction.
  • A special purpose vehicle (SPV) developing Intellion Park, Gurugram, availed the facility.
  • The real estate sector accounts for nearly 40% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions.
  • India’s property market saw 89 million sq ft of office leasing in 2024.
  • India’s property market experienced a 35% surge in FDI inflows in Q1 2025.
  • Climate-first private credit is projected to deliver 15–20% risk-adjusted returns.

Similar / Past Coverage

World Bank's SHORE Project for Coastal Communities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka (Mid of September)

The project is named the "Strengthening Coastal Resilience and the Economy (SHORE) project" and is part of the "USD 850 million SHORE programme". The World Bank has approved a "USD 212.64 million" project.

Arunachal Pradesh 'Dao' Receives Geographical Indication (GI) Tag on November 21, 2025

Key Updates:

  • The Arunachal Pradesh 'dao', a traditional handcrafted blade, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
  • Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein announced the development.
  • Arunachal Pradesh has so far garnered 20 Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged items.
  • Arunachal Pradesh has a target of reaching 50 Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged items by 2030.
  • Prominent Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products from Arunachal Pradesh include Wakro Orange, Idu Mishmi textiles, Khamti rice, Yak churpi, and Wancho wooden craft.

Similar / Past Coverage

Indian Army Secures IPR for New Coat Combat (Digital Print) (End of November)

The Indian Army has secured the intellectual property rights for a new coat combat (digital print). The 'New Coat Combat' has been designed and developed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi, as…

Abhishek Sharma achieves No. 1 spot in International Cricket Council Men’s T20I Batter Rankings

Key Updates:

  • Abhishek Sharma had a record-breaking performance at the 2025 DP World Asia Cup.
  • Abhishek Sharma was propelled to the No. 1 spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20I Batter Rankings.
  • Abhishek Sharma achieved the highest rating ever recorded in the ICC Men’s T20I Batter Rankings.

Similar / Past Coverage

Rahul Dravid Becomes Brand Ambassador for Paradeep Phosphates' Innovative Campaigns (Start of November)

Paradeep Phosphates has unveiled a partnership with cricket superstar Rahul Dravid as their new brand ambassador. The collaboration aims to forge an association between two names that represent trust, discipline…

Mohammed Siraj becomes brand ambassador for Skechers cricket footwear (Start of September)

Skechers has roped in India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj as its latest brand ambassador. Siraj plays for Gujarat Titans in the IPL and was India’s highest wicket-taker in the recent Test series against England.

US-Russian Crew Begins 8-Month Mission on International Space Station

Key Updates:

  • A U.S.-Russian crew of three began a mission on the International Space Station after being launched there on a Russian spacecraft.
  • A Soyuz booster rocket lifted off from the Russia-leased Baikonur launch facility in Kazakhstan to put the Soyuz MS-28 into orbit.
  • The spacecraft carried NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian crewmates, Sergei Mikaev and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov.
  • The craft docked at the International Space Station.
  • The three are expected to spend about eight months at the orbiting outpost.
  • NASA said this is the first spaceflight for Williams, a physicist, and Mikaev, a military pilot.
  • This is the second flight for Kud-Sverchkov.
  • Already on the space station are NASA astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman and Jonny Kim, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)’s astronaut Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov, Alexei Zubritsky and Oleg Platonov.
  • Williams will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations aimed at advancing human space exploration and benefiting life on Earth, NASA said.
  • Roscosmos space corporation (Roscosmos) said in a statement Thursday evening that the crew was “in good health” after the flight.
  • A routine inspection of the launch pad, conducted after the liftoff, identified “damage to several launch pad components.”
  • The extent of the damage was being assessed, but “all necessary spare components are available for repairs, and the damage will be repaired shortly,” Roscosmos said.

Similar / Past Coverage

USAF conducts Minuteman III ICBM test 'GT 254' from Vandenberg SFB (Start of November)

Test Name: GT 254 – an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM operational test launched by Air Force Global Strike Command Launch Site & Recovery: Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif.; impacted ~4,200 miles away at Ronald Reagan…

Shenzhou-21 docks with Tiangong space station 3.5 hours after launch (Start of November)

Shenzhou-21 spacecraft docked at the forward port of Tiangong’s Tianhe core module at 3:22 p.m. Eastern (1922 UTC) Oct. 31, according to CMSEO. The mission carries commander Zhang Lu and crewmates Zhang Hongzhang and Wu…

Wildlife Institute of India (WII) discovers 13 new bush frog species in Northeast India

Key Updates:

  • A comprehensive five-year study by scientists at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) led to the discovery of 13 new amphibian species across Northeast India.
  • The study was based on extensive sampling across 81 localities in eight states, including 25 protected areas.
  • Of the 13 new bush frog species, six were found in Arunachal Pradesh, three in Meghalaya and one each in Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur.
  • The study integrates acoustic, genetic and morphological analyses, and re-examines century-old museum specimens from the Indo-Burma region.
  • Bush frogs bypass the tadpole stage entirely: their eggs hatch directly into froglets, making them independent of standing water and reliant on humid forest microhabitats.

Similar / Past Coverage

Ice Age dragonfly Crocothemis erythraea rediscovered in high-elevation Western Ghats (Start of September)

Species: Crocothemis erythraea, an elusive dragonfly previously misidentified as the lowland Crocothemis servilia. Location: High-elevation regions (>550 m) of the southern Western Ghats, including Munnar, Wagamon…

New Bent-Toed Gecko Species Discovered in Assam, Named After State Forest Department (Mid of September)

A new bent-toed gecko, named 'Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka,' was discovered in Assam. The species was found in the forests of central Assam’s Dima Hasao district, specifically the forested slopes of Jatinga in the Barail…

New bent-toed gecko species Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka discovered in Assam's Barail Hills (Mid of September)

Species name: Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka, a bent-toed gecko newly described in the Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity Research team: Manmath Bharali, Krijoboti Thaosen, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga…

Six New Butterfly Species Discovered in Arunachal's Siang Valley, Brahmaputra's Biogeographic Role Noted (Start of November)

Six new butterfly species were found in Arunachal's Siang Valley. This is for the first time, the species have been documented in India.

Bisleri International Secures Two-Year Partnership as Official Beverage Partner of Tata Women's Premier League

Key Updates:

  • Bisleri International is Official Beverage Partner of Tata Women's Premier League for the next two seasons.
  • Tata Women's Premier League was launched in 2023.
  • Partnership provides on-ground visibility via visicoolers and iceboxes in team dugouts along with in-stadium hydration support.

Similar / Past Coverage

Indian Rum Camikara wins Global Brand of the Year award (End of November)

Camikara has become the first Indian rum to win ‘Rum Brand of the Year’ at The Spirits Business Awards 2025 in London. The rum is distilled from fresh sugarcane juice and aged in American oak barrels under North India’s…

India Leads Global Alcohol Market Growth: TBA Volume Up 7% in H1 2025, IWSR Data Shows (Start of November)

India posted the highest growth in total beverage alcohol (TBA) consumption among 20 key global markets, with TBA volume rising 7% year-on-year during the January–June 2025 period to cross 440 million 9-litre cases.…

Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare observed on 30 November

Key Updates:

  • Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare is observed on 30 November.
  • The 1925 Geneva Protocol banned the use of chemical weapons in war.
  • The Chemical Weapons Convention has nearly universal adherence.
  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a message for the Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare.

Similar / Past Coverage

ICRC publishes Guidelines on the protection of the natural environment in armed conflict (2020) (Start of November)

Publication Name: Guidelines on the protection of the natural environment in armed conflict: rules and recommendations relating to the protection of the natural environment under international humanitarian law, with…

World Cleanup Day 2025 theme "Strive for Five!" calls for 5% of global population to join cleanups (End of September)

World Cleanup Day 2025 theme is "Strive for Five!", a science-backed approach seeking participation of 5% of global population to trigger behavioral changes on plastic pollution. World Cleanup Day 2025 will kick off with…

World First Aid Day 2025 observed on second Saturday of September: Theme "First Aid and Climate Change" (Mid of September)

World First Aid Day is held annually on the second Saturday of September and was established by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in the year 2000. World First Aid Day 2025 falls…

Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu assumed charge as Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition (CWP&A)

Key Updates:

  • Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, AVSM, NM assumed charge as Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition (CWP&A).
  • He succeeds Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, AVSM, NM, who is retiring on 30 November 2025 after 38 years of distinguished service.
  • He has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Nao Sena Medal.
  • He has the rare distinction of heading two major dockyards on both the Western and Eastern Coasts.
  • During the tenure of Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, eight ships were inducted into the Indian Navy.
  • Prior to assuming charge of the CWP&A, he served as the Program Director of the Advanced Technology Vessel Program in New Delhi.

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Vice Admiral B Sivakumar assumes charge as 40th Chief of Materiel-Indian Navy (Start of November)

Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar, AVSM, VSM, assumed the position of the 40th Chief of Materiel on 1 November 2025. He was commissioned as an Electrical Officer in the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987.

Indian Navy launches 11th ACTCM Barge LSAM 25 built by Suryadipta Projects (Start of September)

Contract for eleven Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barges concluded with M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane on 05 Mar 21 Launch ceremony of 11th barge LSAM 25 (Yard 135) held on 08 Sep 25 at Thane with Rear…

Indian Navy to Commission INS Aravali in Gurugram for Maritime Domain Awareness (Mid of September)

The Indian Navy will commission its new support base INS Aravali. INS Aravali will be commissioned in Gurugram.

India’s Fertility Rate Drops to 1.9 Below Replacement Level, Population to Peak at 1.8–1.9 Billion by 2080

Key Updates:

  • India’s total fertility rate (TFR) currently stands at 1.9.
  • In 2000, India’s TFR was 3.5.
  • India’s population projected to peak at 1.8 or 1.9 billion by 2080.
  • Indian Association for the Study of Population (IASP) general secretary Anil Chandran attributes fertility decline to rising female literacy and education.
  • Kerala achieved replacement-level fertility between 1987 and 1989 with current TFR around 1.5.
  • West Bengal’s TFR stands at 1.3 per SRS Statistical Report 2023, down from 1.7 in 2013.

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Study Warns of Global ‘Baby Bust’ with 97% Countries Below Replacement Fertility by 2100 (Start of November)

A new study, published in The Lancet, reveals that the world will soon witness a very low fertility rate. The study was collated by researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME).

India’s Birth And Death Rates Halve In 50 Years; Sharp Drop In Infant And Maternal Mortality (Start of September)

India’s birth, death, and infant mortality rates have shown a steady decline over the past few decades. The birth rate has fallen from 21.4 in 2013 to 18.4 in 2023, and from 36.9 in 1971 to 18.4 in 2023.

India Cultivates Coffee under Unique Two-Tier Shade System Enhancing Biodiversity

Key Updates:

  • Indian coffee is cultivated under a unique two-tier shade system of evergreen and leguminous trees, with nearly 50 varieties enhancing soil health and biodiversity.
  • Western Ghats form one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world and provide ideal conditions for coffee.
  • Coffee serves as both an environmentally sustainable and economically vital plantation crop.
  • Coffee Board of India develops high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties and standardizes modern cultivation technologies.
  • India produces shade-grown, handpicked, and sun-dried coffees positioned in premium markets.

Similar / Past Coverage

India Hosts 8th Codex Committee Session on Spices and Culinary Herbs to Shape Global Food Safety Standards (End of October)

The 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) was inaugurated in Guwahati, Assam. The event is hosted by the Government of India, with the Spices Board of India serving as the Secretariat…

“Kuposhan Mukt Bharat” Initiative: Key Features and Fortified Rice Distribution (Start of November)

The initiative is named “Kuposhan Mukt Bharat” (Malnutrition-Free India). It is a visionary programme of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

BHARATI Initiative Launched by APEDA to Empower 100 Agri-Food Startups and Boost Exports (Start of September)

Initiative Name: BHARATI (Bharat's Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement) launched by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the…

Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) sign over $800 million in development loans across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat

Key Updates:

  • ADB signs $500 million loan for Maharashtra Power Distribution Enhancement Programme.
  • ADB signs ¥27,147,200,000 ($190.6 million) loan for Indore Metro Rail Project in Madhya Pradesh.
  • ADB signs $109.97 million loan for Gujarat Skills Development Programme.
  • ADB finalizes $1 million Technical Assistance grant for Sustainable Wetland and Integrated Fisheries Transformation Project in Assam.

Similar / Past Coverage

India and ADB Sign $126-Million Loan for Sustainable Tourism Development at Tehri Lake Area Project (Mid of September)

India will receive a $126.42 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to develop tourism infrastructure and services in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Lake region. The agreement for the Sustainable, Inclusive, and…

SBI secures EUR 100 million Line of Credit from AFD to advance green financing in India (Start of September)

State Bank of India (SBI) has signed a Line of Credit agreement of €100 million with Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) at its GIFT City branch at Gandhinagar. The funds will be utilised in climate mitigation…

India-Israel Bilateral Investment Treaty Signed to Boost Trade and Investment (Start of September)

India and Israel signed a bilateral investment agreement, making Israel the first OECD member to adopt India's new investment treaty model. The agreement replaces the 1996 version, which was terminated in 2017 as part of…

India Re-Elected to UNESCO Executive Board for 2025–29 Term

Key Updates:

  • India has been re-elected to the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2025-29 term.
  • Re-election reflects the international community’s confidence in India’s longstanding commitment to multilateralism and to UNESCO’s mandate across education, culture, science, communication and information.
  • India’s continued presence on the Executive Board underscores growing global support for its vision of inclusive, human-centric development and for strengthening cooperation among nations.

Similar / Past Coverage

India's Tentative World Heritage List Expands with 7 New Sites (Mid of September)

Seven new properties have been added to the Tentative List of UNESCO's World Heritage for India. With these additions, the number of Indian properties on the Tentative List are now 69.

India re-elected to International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in Category B for 2026-27 with highest vote tally

Key Updates:

  • India has been re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), London, in Category B, comprising 10 countries with the most significant interest in international seaborne trade.
  • India secured the highest number of votes in this category, receiving 154 out of 169 valid votes cast during the election.
  • The Council elections were held during the 34th session of the IMO Assembly in London by secret ballot.
  • The term of Council will be for the 2026-27 biennium.
  • IMO Council is a body composed of three categories, with 40 elected members out of 176 IMO member countries.

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Shantha Rangaswamy elected President of Indian Cricketers’ Association (End of October)

Shantha Rangaswamy elected president of the Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA) Venkat Sundaram named secretary and Deepak Jain appointed treasurer of ICA

Union Minister Jitendra Singh Felicitates Indian Team at 18th IESO (Start of September)

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has felicitated the student winners in New Delhi, comprising the Indian team at the 18th International Earth Science Olympiad IESO-2025. Team India put up a stellar performance by…

India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) raises India's FY26 GDP growth projection to 7%

Key Updates:

  • India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) expects GDP in FY26 to grow 7 per cent year-on-year.
  • Ind-Ra revised forecast 70 basis points higher than earlier 6.3 per cent projected in July 2025.
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projected India's GDP growth in current fiscal at 6.8 per cent.
  • India's real GDP grew 7.8 per cent in April-June period of FY26.
  • India's GDP expanded 6.5 per cent in last fiscal year.
  • Ind-Ra expects private final consumption expenditure to grow 7.4 per cent YoY in FY26.
  • Private final consumption expenditure grew 7.2 per cent in FY25.
  • Indian exports to US fell 11.9 per cent YoY in September 2025.
  • Indian exports to US fell 8.9 per cent YoY in October 2025.
  • Indian exports to US averaged USD 7.2 billion per month in FY25.
  • Indian exports to US averaged USD 7.4 billion from April to October 2025.
  • Indian exports to US dropped to USD 5.9 billion during September-October 2025.

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ICRA upgrades FY26 GDP growth forecast to 6.5% after GST rate rationalisation (Mid of September)

ICRA has upgraded its GDP growth forecast to 6.5% from 6% for FY26. GST on 99% of goods has been slashed from 12% to 5%.

Crisil Retains India FY26 GDP Growth at 6.5%, Flags US Tariff Risks (Start of September)

Crisil kept India’s FY26 real GDP growth forecast at 6.5 per cent, same as the 6.5 per cent recorded in FY25. India’s real GDP grew 7.8 per cent in April-June quarter of FY26, while nominal GDP rose 8.8 per cent annually…

Fitch Raises India’s FY26 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.9% After Q2 Print of 7.8% (Mid of September)

Fitch Ratings raised India’s FY26 real GDP growth forecast to 6.9% from 6.5%. India’s real GDP grew 7.8% in the April–June quarter, up from 7.4% in the previous quarter.

Morgan Stanley Revises India's GDP Growth Forecast for FY26 and Highlights Q1 Performance (Start of September)

Morgan Stanley has revised India's real GDP growth upwards to 6.7 per cent year-on-year for the financial year 2025-26. The earlier projected real GDP growth for FY 2025-26 by Morgan Stanley was 6.2 per cent.

Andre Russell retires from Indian Premier League (IPL), joins Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) support staff as power coach

Key Updates:

  • Andre Russell announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL).
  • He will join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) coaching group as a power coach for the 2026 season.
  • He has been synonymous with KKR since 2014.
  • He is 37 years old.
  • He played his first two years for Delhi Daredevils.
  • He ends his IPL career with 2,651 runs at a strike rate of 174.18 including 12 fifties and 123 wickets with one five-for in 140 matches.

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Mitchell Starc announces retirement from T20I cricket (Start of September)

Mitchell Starc has announced his decision to retire from T20 international cricket. Starc played 65 T20Is for Australia and was part of the 2021 T20 World Cup-winning team.

Ex-India leg-spinner Amit Mishra retires from professional cricket (Start of September)

Ex-India leg-spinner Amit Mishra retires from professional cricket after 25-year career. Mishra announced his retirement from the professional game at the age of 42 after a career spanning almost a quarter of a century.

Kane Williamson announces retirement from T20 Internationals (Start of November)

Kane Williamson retires as New Zealand's second-highest T20I run-scorer with 2,575 runs from 93 matches. He captained New Zealand to the 2021 T20 World Cup final, scoring 85 in the final against Australia.

Dabang Delhi K.C. Wins Second PKL Title in 2025 Final (Start of November)

Dabang Delhi K.C. defeated Puneri Paltan to win its second PKL title. Dabang Delhi beat Puneri Paltan 31-28 in the Pro Kabaddi League 12 final.

India Achieves Historic Record of 357 Million Tonnes Foodgrain Production

Key Updates:

  • India produced 357 million tonnes of foodgrains.
  • India's foodgrain production increased by 100 million tonnes compared to 10 years ago.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Natural Farming Exhibition in Coimbatore.
  • The South India Natural Farming Summit promotes sustainable, eco-friendly, and chemical-free agricultural practices.
  • The Summit focuses on regenerative farming as a climate-smart and economically sustainable model.
  • The Summit showcases innovations in organic inputs, agro-processing, eco-friendly packaging, and indigenous technologies.

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India's IIP Grows 4% in September 2025, Driven by Manufacturing (End of October)

India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose 4.0% year-on-year in September 2025. The growth was led by a 4.8% expansion in manufacturing.

Rohit Sharma surpasses Shahid Afridi for most sixes in ODI cricket

Key Updates:

  • Rohit Sharma became the player with the most sixes in ODI cricket with 352 sixes, surpassing Shahid Afridi's 351.
  • Rohit Sharma achieved the record in the first ODI against South Africa.
  • Rohit Sharma hit the record-breaking 352nd six in the 20th over of India's innings.
  • Rohit Sharma reached the record in exactly 100 innings less than Shahid Afridi.
  • Rohit Sharma scored 57 off 51 balls in the match.
  • Batters with most sixes: Rohit Sharma (India) 352, Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) 351, Chris Gayle (West Indies) 331, Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) 270, MS Dhoni (India) 229.

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Ayush Mhatre breaks Rohit Sharma's world record (End of November)

Ayush Mhatre became the youngest man to score a hundred across all three formats – First-class, List A, and T20, at 18 years and 135 days. He surpassed Rohit Sharma, who had scored a First-Class, List A and T20 century…

Smriti Mandhana sets fastest ODI century by an Indian, but India lose series-decider to Australia (End of September)

Smriti Mandhana scored 125 off 63 balls, hitting a 50-ball century to break Virat Kohli’s Indian record for fastest ODI hundred. Australia posted 412/5 in 47.5 overs, their joint-highest ODI total, with Beth Mooney…

Virat Kohli surpasses Sachin Tendulkar for most ODI tons against South Africa

Key Updates:

  • Virat Kohli recorded his 52nd ODI century against South Africa.
  • The match was held at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi.
  • Virat Kohli achieved 52 centuries in a single international format, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's 51 Test centuries.
  • Virat Kohli now holds the record for most ODI centuries ever with 52.
  • Virat Kohli scored his 25th ODI century at home, the first player to reach this milestone.
  • Virat Kohli recorded his 6th ODI century against South Africa, the most by any batter, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's 5.
  • Virat Kohli hit 218 sixes at number three across formats, surpassing Ricky Ponting's 217.
  • Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma shared a 136-run century partnership, their 20th in ODIs.
  • Virat Kohli became the batter with the most fifties (59) in ODIs in India, overtaking Sachin Tendulkar.

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Arshdeep Singh becomes first Indian bowler to claim 100 T20I wickets (End of September)

Arshdeep Singh reached 100 T20I wickets in India’s Asia Cup clash against Oman. The milestone wicket was that of Vinayak Shukla in the last over of Oman’s 189-run chase.

Smriti Mandhana sets fastest ODI century by an Indian, but India lose series-decider to Australia (End of September)

Smriti Mandhana scored 125 off 63 balls, hitting a 50-ball century to break Virat Kohli’s Indian record for fastest ODI hundred. Australia posted 412/5 in 47.5 overs, their joint-highest ODI total, with Beth Mooney…

Shafali Verma becomes youngest-ever to score a World Cup final half-century in 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final (Start of November)

Shafali Verma scored 87 off 78 balls and took two crucial wickets in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final against South Africa. At 21 years and 278 days, she became the youngest cricketer (men’s or women’s) to score a…

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) records over 19 billion transactions valued at ₹24.58 lakh crore in November 2025

Key Updates:

  • National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) data shows UPI recorded over 19 billion transactions worth ₹24.58 lakh crore as of November 28.
  • UPI recorded 15.48 billion transactions valued at ₹21.55 lakh crore in November 2024.
  • UPI transaction volume in November 2025 grew by about 23 per cent from November 2024.
  • UPI transaction value rose by nearly 14 per cent year-on-year.
  • UPI transactions increased by nearly 70 per cent in volume and over 41 per cent in value from November 2023.
  • UPI logged 4.18 billion transactions valued at ₹7.68 lakh crore in November 2021.
  • UPI transaction volume grew more than fourfold from 2021 to 2025.
  • UPI total transaction value increased by over threefold from 2021 to 2025.
  • UPI processed 12.41 billion transactions for financial year 2025-26 so far with average daily volume of 689.60 million.
  • UPI average daily value for FY 2025-26 so far stood at ₹91,324.77 crore.
  • Corresponding period in FY 2024-25 had UPI average daily volume of 516.07 million and value of ₹71,839.58 crore.

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UPI crosses 20 billion monthly transactions for first time in August 2025 (Start of September)

Total UPI transaction count touched 20.01 billion in August 2025. UPI recorded 20.01 billion transactions amounting to Rs. 24.85 lakh crore in August 2025.

NPCI Expands UPI Payments to Malaysia Through Partnership with Razorpay Curlec (Start of November)

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has partnered with Razorpay Curlec enabling UPI transactions in Malaysia. This integration will allow Indian travellers visiting Malaysia to make instant and secure payments to…

UPI transactions hit record Rs 27.28 lakh crore in October with 20.7 billion payments (Start of November)

UPI transactions reached an all-time high of Rs 27.28 lakh crore in October, clocking 20.7 billion transactions. This marks a 9.5% month-on-month rise in transaction value from Rs 24.9 lakh crore in September and a 16%…

Nagaland Statehood Day on December 1

Key Updates:

  • Nagaland Statehood Day is observed every year on 1 December.
  • Nagaland was formally declared India’s 16th state on 1 December 1963.
  • Kohima was chosen as the capital of Nagaland.
  • Nagaland was carved out of the Naga Hills district within Assam.
  • The Naga People’s Convention (NPC) was formed in 1957.
  • A 16-point agreement was reached in 1960 between the NPC and the central government.
  • The State of Nagaland Act, 1962 received the President’s assent on 4 September 1962.

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Manipur Development Projects Inauguration: Key Infrastructure and Welfare Initiatives (Mid of September)

Manipur Urban Roads Project with investment of over Rs 3,600 crore to strengthen road infrastructure in Imphal Manipur Infotech Development Project with investment exceeding Rs 500 crore to boost IT sector and startups

Arunachal Pradesh to host inaugural Sun Rise Festival in Dong village (Start of September)

The inaugural Sun Rise Festival will be hosted in Dong village, Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh. Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced the five-day festival, which will run from December 29 to January 2.