Saturday, Dec 06

Daily Current Affairs: 6 December 2025

Daily current affairs for 6 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: 6 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. Simone Tata passes away at 95
  2. NITI Aayog and IBM Unveil Roadmap to Position India Among Top-3 Quantum Economies by 2047
  3. WMO and BoM Confirm Weak La Niña Underway, Set to Influence Global Weather into 2026
  4. IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Company (IFFCO-TOKIO GIC) partners with cooperatives to expand micro insurance for package, health and motor policies.
  5. Runway Gen-4.5 Beats OpenAI Sora 2 and Google Veo 3 in Text-to-Video Benchmark
  6. US Business News Staff Highlights Record Surge in Inherited Billionaires

Simone Tata passes away at 95

Key Updates:

  • Simone Tata, chairperson of Lakmé and founder of Trent Ltd, passed away at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai.
  • She led Lakmé from the early 1980s and chaired Trent Ltd until 2006.
  • In 1996, Tata Group sold Lakmé to Hindustan Unilever and she used the proceeds to establish Westside under Trent.
  • She was the step-mother of Ratan Tata and last appeared in public at his funeral in October 2024.

Similar / Past Coverage

Kiran Desai’s Booker-winning novel The Inheritance of Loss remains a diagnostic text on post-colonial perception (Start of November)

The Inheritance of Loss won the 2006 Booker Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Kiran Desai’s new novel The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny is shortlisted for the Booker Prize.

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.

NITI Aayog and IBM Unveil Roadmap to Position India Among Top-3 Quantum Economies by 2047

Key Updates:

  • The NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub, in partnership with International Business Machines-IBM, has released a national roadmap to transform India into one of the world’s top-three quantum economies by 2047.
  • The plan aims to build home grown quantum computing hardware and software, foster at least 10 globally competitive quantum and capture a major share of the global quantum software and services market.
  • It envisages applying quantum technologies across key sectors such as defence, energy, healthcare, logistics, and finance with hopes of boosting security, efficiency, and innovation nationwide.

Similar / Past Coverage

India releases two landmark AI reports at 'Road to India AI Impact Summit 2026' (Mid of September)

Two reports released: 'Roadmap for AI for Viksit Bharat – An Opportunity for Accelerated Economic Growth' and the 'NITI Frontier Tech Repository' Released by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Railways/Electronics & IT…

IGF and QETCI sign MoU to create UK-India quantum value-chain map (End of September)

India Global Forum (IGF) and Quantum Ecosystems Technology Council of India (QETCI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a comprehensive UK-India quantum value-chain map The initiative is catalysed by…

India’s First 500 km Quantum Key Distribution Network Unveiled by QNu Labs (Start of November)

India’s first extensive Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network, spanning over 500 kilometers, was successfully demonstrated. The network was unveiled by QNu Labs Pvt. Ltd., a Bengaluru-based quantum technology startup.

WMO and BoM Confirm Weak La Niña Underway, Set to Influence Global Weather into 2026

Key Updates:

  • The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says there is a 55 per cent probability of a weak La Niña over the next three months.
  • The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) confirms La Niña has emerged and is now firmly established in the tropical Pacific.
  • The latest Niño3.4 SST index for the week ending 23 November is −0.93 °C, with sustained values below −0.8 °C signalling La Niña.
  • The 30-day SOI was at +16.1 and the 90-day value was at +8.5, with sustained readings above +7.0 confirming the La Niña pattern.
  • The negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) remains active but has weakened to −0.60 °C and is predicted to return to neutral in December.
  • Sea surface temperatures in the Australian region were the second warmest on record for October and are likely to persist into early 2026.
  • From December 2025 to February 2026, temperatures are expected to remain above normal across much of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
  • For India, this could mean a cooler winter in the north, more frequent western disturbances and a higher chance of stronger systems forming in the Bay of Bengal.

Similar / Past Coverage

NASA Confirms Strongest Geomagnetic Storm of the Year (G5 Event) (Start of November)

NASA confirmed Earth is experiencing its strongest geomagnetic storm of the year, identified as a G5 event. The storm was caused by multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) launched in quick succession from the Sun, which…

UN and WMO Reports Highlight Record Global Temperatures and Climate Crisis Escalation (Start of November)

This year is set to be among the hottest on record, sinking the world even deeper into the climate crisis and threatening “irreversible damage,” the United Nations says in a new report. Years 2023, 2024 and 2025 are set…

UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2025: developing nations receive <10% of needed climate adaptation finance (Start of November)

Developing countries received only about $26 billion in adaptation finance in 2023, 'less than 10 per cent of the money they need' By 2035 developing nations will require 'well over $310 billion per year in dedicated…

IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Company (IFFCO-TOKIO GIC) partners with cooperatives to expand micro insurance for package, health and motor policies.

Key Updates:

  • IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Company is a 51:49 joint venture between Indian Farmers Fertilizer Co-operative and Japan-based Tokio Marine Group.
  • The company has tied up with a number of cooperatives to distribute micro insurance for package policies, health, and motor policies.
  • IFFCO-TOKIO GIC offers retail products including motor, health, travel, home, and personal accident insurance and corporate insurance products.

Similar / Past Coverage

Ageas Federal Life Forms SME Bancassurance Partnership with CSB Bank (End of October)

Ageas Federal Life Insurance has formed an SME Bancassurance Partnership with CSB Bank. Under the collaboration, customers of CSB Bank, especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), will be offered life insurance…

Amul ranked world’s number 1 cooperative, Iffco second by ICA World Cooperative Monitor 2025 (Start of November)

The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (Amul) has emerged as the number one cooperative in the world according to the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) World Cooperative Monitor 2025. The Indian…

Runway Gen-4.5 Beats OpenAI Sora 2 and Google Veo 3 in Text-to-Video Benchmark

Key Updates:

  • Runway Gen-4.5 secured an Elo score of 1247, ahead of Google Veo 3 (1226) and OpenAI Sora 2 Pro (1206).
  • The model delivers ‘unprecedented physical accuracy’ and visual precision, generating realistically moving objects and accurate dynamics for flowing liquid.
  • Gen-4.5 handles styles from cinematic to photorealistic animation while maintaining the speed and efficiency of Gen-4.
  • Built in collaboration with Nvidia, training and inference run on Blackwell and Hopper GPUs.
  • The model is available across all subscription plans for creators and companies.

Similar / Past Coverage

OpenAI Introduces IndQA Benchmark for Indian Languages and Cultural Context (Start of November)

OpenAI has introduced a new benchmark evaluation, known as IndQA, designed to test a model’s linguistic ability and its grasp of Indian cultural context across domains. The IndQA benchmark test comprises 2,278 questions…

Sentient launches open-source AGI network uniting 40+ AI agents and 50+ data sources (Mid of September)

Technology: open-source Artificial General Intelligence network that lets agents, models and data sources collaborate in real time (“Sentient brings together the largest open collection of AI agents, models, and data…

OpenAI launches ChatGPT Atlas AI-powered web browser to compete with Google (End of October)

Technology: ChatGPT Atlas browser integrates an "Ask ChatGPT" sidebar that activates on every website visited Functionality: Browser can perform tasks such as booking flights and editing documents on behalf of the user

OpenAI Secures $38 Billion Cloud Computing Deal with Amazon Web Services for AI Infrastructure (Start of November)

OpenAI has come to terms on a massive 7-year, $38 billion deal with Amazon Web Services. The deal is to secure cloud computing capabilities needed to power its suite of advanced AI tools such as ChatGPT and Sora.

US Business News Staff Highlights Record Surge in Inherited Billionaires

Key Updates:

  • Over the past year, 91 heirs collectively received $298 billion in wealth transfers, marking the largest surge since records began in 2015.
  • The $298 billion transferred in 2025 represents a more than 30% increase from the previous year.
  • Nearly 200 individuals joined the billionaire ranks through entrepreneurial efforts in the past year, collectively adding over $380 billion in wealth.
  • Billionaires collectively now hold $15.8 trillion in wealth, which exceeds the combined GDP of several major economies.
  • An estimated $5.9 trillion is expected to be transferred within billionaire families over the next 15 years.

Similar / Past Coverage

Larry Ellison Briefly Becomes World's Richest Person Amid Oracle's Financial Surge (Mid of September)

Ellison's wealth surged to $393bn (£290bn) on Wednesday morning, surpassing Musk's $385bn (£284bn), according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The jump came after shares in Oracle, which make up a significant part of…

Mercedes-Benz Hurun India Wealth Report 2025: Maharashtra leads with 1.78 lakh millionaire households (End of September)

Maharashtra has 1,78,600 millionaire households, a 194 per cent increase since 2021. Mumbai alone accounts for 1,42,000 millionaire households and is titled the "Millionaire Capital" of India.

Sunil Narine becomes first cricketer to take 600 T20 wickets

Key Updates:

  • Sunil Narine became the first bowler to claim 600 wickets in competitive T20 cricket.
  • He achieved this milestone during a World ILT20 game for his franchise Abu Dhabi Knight Riders against Sharjah Warriorz.
  • Narine reached the landmark by claiming the wicket of Tom Abell.
  • Abu Dhabi Knight Riders presented Narine with a special edition jersey featuring the number 600 to commemorate his unprecedented feat.

Similar / Past Coverage

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…

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.

India considers S-500 air defence system during Russian President Putin's visit on December 3, 2025

Key Updates:

  • The Russian-made S-400 air defence system brought Pakistan to its knees during India's Operation Sindoor earlier this year, shooting down at least six enemy aircraft.
  • The IAF called the S-400, a surface-to-air missile system, the 'game-changer' during the three-day hostilities.
  • India is eyeing the S-500 Prometheus air shield, described as the S-400's 'bigger, stronger, and smarter brother'.
  • Discussions on procuring the advanced S-500 missile defence shield during Russian President Vladimir Putin's two-day visit are very much on the table.
  • India is considering the S-500 due to newer threats emerging from both China and Pakistan, which has been on a warmongering spree under army chief Asim Munir.
  • The S-500 is manufactured by Russia's Almaz-Antey.
  • It is engineered to specifically neutralise advanced ballistic missiles, hypersonic glide vehicles, as well as hypersonic cruise missiles.
  • The S-500's ability to engage certain low-orbit satellites or space-launched threats sets it completely apart.
  • While the S-400 can shoot down targets up to 400 km away, the S-500 can reach up to 600 km.
  • The S-500 can simultaneously counter up to 10 ballistic supersonic terminal ICBM warheads flying at jet speed.
  • The S-500 can engage targets at an altitude of 200 km, almost at the edge of space, compared to the S-400's 30 km.
  • The system relies on upgraded 40N6M missiles, which are capable of exo-atmospheric interception, shooting down targets more than 100 km above the Earth.
  • The S-500 also uses 77N6-N and 77N6-N1 missiles, which have a 'hit-to-kill' approach, destroying incoming threats by ramming straight into them.
  • A new generation of radars built on Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology backs these missiles, offering longer range, quicker tracking, and far better jamming resistance than those in the S-400.
  • One S-500 air shield unit can include up to a dozen launchers, along with command posts and three high-performance radars.

Similar / Past Coverage

India launches Mission Sudarshan Chakra for indigenous integrated air & missile defense shield (Mid of September)

Mission Sudarshan Chakra announced by PM Modi as national programme to develop multi-layered integrated air and missile defense shield covering strategic and civilian sites by 2035 Programme to integrate cyber defense…

India’s TPCR-2025 outlines 15-year roadmap for nuclear deterrence and drone warfare tech (Start of September)

Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR-2025) is a 15-year blueprint for military preparedness focused on nuclear deterrence and drone warfare capabilities. Army requirement cited for stealth remotely piloted…

Russia ratifies RELOS pact with India ahead of Putin's December 4 visit

Key Updates:

  • Russia ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) military logistics pact with India.
  • The RELOS pact aims to streamline mutual support for troop movements, equipment, and military platforms.
  • Russia’s State Duma approved the agreement just days ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled visit to New Delhi on December 4.
  • The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) pact was originally signed on February 18 between the governments of India and Russia.
  • The RELOS framework establishes a mechanism for both countries to support each other’s military assets, personnel, ships, and aircraft when operating within each other’s territory.
  • The pact will guide cooperation during routine operations, bilateral and multilateral military exercises, training engagements, humanitarian relief operations, and disaster response efforts.
  • The agreement would facilitate mutual use of airspace and allow port calls by warships from both nations.

Similar / Past Coverage

India, Canada to resume trade pact talks (End of November)

India and Canada have agreed to formally resume talks on an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Partnership. India aims to increase bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030, while Canada sets a target of $70 billion by the…

Fitch Ratings raises India FY26 GDP growth forecast to 7.4% from 6.9%.

Key Updates:

  • Fitch Ratings raised India’s FY26 GDP growth forecast to 7.4% from 6.9%.
  • GDP growth is expected to slow to 6.4% in FY27.
  • India’s GDP growth hit a six-quarter high of 8.2% in Q2FY26.
  • Fitch projects the Indian rupee to strengthen to 87 per dollar by end-2026 from 88.5 projected for end-2025.
  • Retail inflation fell to a record low of 0.25% in October.
  • Fitch expects the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to cut the policy rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% in December.
  • The RBI has already cut rates by 100 basis points in 2025 so far.
  • Fitch sees the RBI holding the policy rate at 5.25% over the next two years.
  • India faces an effective tariff rate of around 35% on exports to the US.
  • GST reforms effective September 22 shifted to a two-rate structure of 5% and 18%, lowering tax rates on about 375 items.
  • Private investment is projected to pick up in the second half of 2026-27 as financial conditions loosen.

Similar / Past Coverage

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.

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%.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cuts repo rate and injects durable liquidity through OMO and dollar-rupee sell swap.

Key Updates:

  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced a 25 basis points repo rate cut.
  • RBI will conduct Open Market Operation (OMO) purchases of government securities worth Rs 1 trillion.
  • RBI announced a three-year dollar-rupee buy/sell swap of $5 billion to inject durable liquidity into the financial system.
  • The dollar-rupee sell swap is a foreign exchange transaction where banks sell US Dollars to RBI in return for Indian Rupee.
  • The combined measures aim to ensure adequate, durable liquidity and facilitate monetary transmission.

Similar / Past Coverage

India's Sovereign Rating Upgraded to BBB+ by Japan's R&I (End of September)

India's long-term sovereign credit rating has been upgraded by Japan's Rating and Investment Information, Inc. (R&I) from 'BBB' to 'BBB+', while the Outlook remains Stable. This marks the third sovereign rating upgrade…

Updates on Indian Financial Regulations and Policies (Mid of November)

RBI’s seventh amendment to FEMA Regulations on Foreign Currency Accounts: Strengthening IFSC integration and export flexibility Evolving jurisprudence in IBC: Analysis of Supreme Court’s review judgment in Bhushan Power…

India Plans World-Class Banks: FM & RBI Outline Merger & Regulatory Easing Steps (Start of November)

The government reduced the number of public sector banks from 27 in 2017 to 12 by 2020 through mergers. RBI has removed restrictions on bank financing of acquisitions to stimulate private investment.

Russian President Vladimir Putin receives ceremonial welcome and Tri-Services Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Key Updates:

  • Russian President Vladimir Putin was welcomed by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
  • Putin inspected the Guard of Honour following the ceremonial welcome, with the Russian and Indian national anthems being played.
  • The Russian President is on a two-day State visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • Prime Minister Modi broke protocol to greet Putin on the tarmac at Palam Airport, sharing a car ride to the Prime Minister’s residence.
  • Putin was gifted a copy of the sacred Bhagwad Gita during his visit.
  • The 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit will be held between Putin and PM Modi during the visit.
  • Putin will attend an India-Russia business forum, launch the RT channel in India, and attend a banquet hosted by President Murmu.

Similar / Past Coverage

Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay's Official Visit to India (Start of September)

Prime Minister of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay, along with his spouse Aum Tashi Doma, will be on an official visit to India. The visit is scheduled from September 3 to 6.

Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika's Birth Centenary Celebration to Feature Biography and Commemorative Coin Launch (Mid of September)

The programme is for the birth centenary celebration of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika. A biography of Dr Bhupen Hazarika, translated into all the languages of India, will be inaugurated.

Passport Verification Record on DigiLocker enables secure digital access and sharing

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has made Passport Verification Record (PVR) available on DigiLocker to reduce reliance on physical records.
  • Upon successful verification, citizens can fetch their PVR in the 'Issued Documents' section of their DigiLocker account.
  • PVRs on DigiLocker are secure, tamper-proof, and digitally verifiable, allowing instant, consent-based sharing with authorised agencies without physical submissions.

Similar / Past Coverage

Himachal Pradesh's DDT&G's DigiLocker Integration Initiative (Start of November)

**Initiative/Integration:** Integration of eDistrict Services, HIMParivar, and HimAccess Cards on the DigiLocker platform. **Implementing Body/State:** Department of Digital Technologies and Governance (DDT&G) of…

PhonePe and SIDBI Launch Digital-First Udyam Assist Registration for MSMEs (Mid of September)

Fintech platform PhonePe, in collaboration with SIDBI, launched digital-first Udyam generation through the Udyam Assist Platform (UAP). The initiative aims to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by…

IPPB Partners with EPFO to Offer Digital Life Certificates to Pensioners (Start of November)

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), a 100% government-owned entity under the Department of Posts, has signed an MoU with the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The partnership aims to provide doorstep digital…

Luana Lopes Lara Crowned World's Youngest Self-Made Female Billionaire

Key Updates:

  • Luana Lopes Lara was officially crowned the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire.
  • She is the co-founder of Kalshi, a federally regulated prediction market platform.
  • Kalshi achieved a valuation of $11 billion.
  • She holds an estimated 12% stake in Kalshi.
  • Kalshi received approval from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), becoming the first federally regulated prediction market platform in the country.
  • A judge ruled in Kalshi’s favor, granting the platform the legal right to offer election prediction markets.
  • She trained as a professional ballerina at the Bolshoi Theater School in Brazil.
  • She studied computer science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Similar / Past Coverage

EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025: Top Donors and Trends (Start of November)

India’s most generous individuals have collectively donated ₹10,380 crore in 2025, according to the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025, which features 191 philanthropists, including 12 new entrants. Shiv Nadar &…

Victoria University lays foundation for its first India campus in Delhi NCR

Key Updates:

  • Victoria University (VU) has laid the foundation for its Delhi-NCR campus in Gurugram, Haryana.
  • This will be India's first international campus to teach entirely through VU's Block Model.
  • VU was among the first Australian universities granted a licence by the Indian Government to establish a comprehensive campus in India under the new National Education Policy (NEP).
  • The campus is expected to open by mid-2026, launching with undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, information technology, and research.
  • The VU Block Model is an award-winning learning model where students study one subject at a time across four-week blocks in small, workshop-style classes.
  • VU is the first Australian university to introduce the Block Model and remains the largest university to do so.
  • The foundation laying ceremony was attended by the Hon Julian Hill, Federal Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, VU Chancellor the Hon Steve Bracks, and VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker.

Similar / Past Coverage

Jitendra Singh inaugurates Uttarakhand's first AI Centre of Excellence at Graphic Era University (Mid of September)

Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence, Skill Development, and Innovation inaugurated by Union Minister Jitendra Singh at Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun Facility houses Uttarakhand's first…

Indian Institutes of Management and Technology establish first international campuses (Mid of September)

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad has launched its first-ever international campus at Dubai International Academic City. The IIM Ahmedabad Dubai campus has introduced a one-year full-time MBA programme…

India-UAE Knowledge Diplomacy: IIM-A Dubai Campus & IIT-D Abu Dhabi AIC Inaugurated (Mid of September)

IIM Ahmedabad Dubai campus inaugurated by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, described as "another big leap towards globalisation of India’s education" First-ever overseas Atal Incubation Centre (AIC)…

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.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cuts repo rate by 25 basis points

Key Updates:

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sliced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25 per cent on December 5.
  • The cumulative reduction in the repo rate this calendar year is 125-basis-point.
  • The rupee breached the 90-mark against the US dollar, hitting a record low.
  • Domestic inflation remains historically benign, with CPI inflation at 0.25 per cent in October 2025.
  • The policy announced Rs 1 trillion in Open Market Operations (OMO) and a $5 billion FX swap.
  • The 10-year bond yields are expected to move toward the 6.8 to 7 per cent range.
  • Experts believe there is scope for another 25 bps cut in this cycle.

Similar / Past Coverage

RBI Launches Three Key Surveys for Monetary Policy Inputs (Start of November)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the launch of the next round of three key surveys. The November 2025 round of Inflation Expectations Survey of Households (IESH) aims at capturing subjective assessments on price…

Updates on Indian Financial Regulations and Policies (Mid of November)

RBI’s seventh amendment to FEMA Regulations on Foreign Currency Accounts: Strengthening IFSC integration and export flexibility Evolving jurisprudence in IBC: Analysis of Supreme Court’s review judgment in Bhushan Power…

Swaraj Kaushal passed away, former Mizoram Governor

Key Updates:

  • Swaraj Kaushal, former Mizoram Governor and husband of the late Sushma Swaraj, passed away on December 4, 2025, at the age of 73.
  • He was a senior advocate with a distinguished public and legal career.
  • He was born on July 12, 1952, in Solan, Himachal Pradesh.
  • He was appointed the Governor of Mizoram in 1990 at the age of 37.
  • He is survived by his daughter, Bansuri Swaraj, who is a New Delhi Member of Parliament (MP).
  • He was rushed to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) after complaining of chest pain, where he was declared dead.
  • He will be cremated at the Lodhi Road crematorium.

Similar / Past Coverage

Karnataka State Law University confers honorary doctorate on Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer (Start of November)

S Abdul Nazeer, Governor of Andhra Pradesh, received an honorary doctorate from Karnataka State Law University (KSLU). The degree was conferred during KSLU’s 7th Convocation held at the Farmer’s Knowledge Centre…

H.Y. Meti, former Karnataka minister and senior Congress leader, passes away (Start of November)

H.Y. Meti, former Karnataka excise minister and senior Congress leader, passed away at 79. He was a five-time MLA and one-time Lok Sabha member.

Noted Hindi-Bhojpuri litterateur Ramdarash Mishra passes away (Start of November)

Ramdarash Mishra, Padma Shri awardee, died in Delhi due to age-related ailments Prime Minister Narendra Modi described his death as "a significant loss to Hindi and Bhojpuri literature"

Asim Munir appointed first Chief of Defence Forces

Key Updates:

  • Field Marshal Asim Munir was formally appointed as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) for a period of five years.
  • The newly created Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) role replaces the abolished office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC).
  • General Sahir Shamshad Mirza was the last Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC).
  • Field Marshal Asim Munir assumes a dual role, serving simultaneously as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
  • Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff, received a two-year service extension.

Similar / Past Coverage

Pakistan's Proposed 27th Amendment: Key Provisions and Objectives (Start of November)

Pakistan is heading for another round of constitutional amendments that, according to Lawyers and civil society, is yet another move to entrench the military and give more power to Pakistan’s COAS Field Marshal Asim…

Raj Kumar Arora assumes charge as Financial Advisor (Defence Services), Ministry of Defence (Start of November)

Shri Raj Kumar Arora, 1990-batch Indian Defence Accounts Service officer, has assumed charge as Financial Advisor (Defence Services) in the Ministry of Defence. Immediately prior, he served as Controller General of…

Indian Railways commissions Kavach 4.0 on 738 Route km to boost safety on Delhi–Mumbai & Delhi–Howrah lines

Key Updates:

  • Kavach 4.0 is an indigenously developed, upgraded version of Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system requiring SIL-4 safety certification.
  • It aids the Loco Pilot by automatically applying brakes if the train exceeds specified speed limits and ensures safe operation during inclement weather.
  • Kavach 4.0 has been commissioned on 738 Route km covering Palwal–Mathura–Nagda section (633 Rkm) on Delhi–Mumbai route and Howrah–Bardhaman section (105 Rkm) on Delhi–Howrah route.
  • Major improvements in Version 4.0 include increased Location Accuracy, Improved Information of Signal Aspects in bigger yards, Station-to-Station Kavach interface on OFC, and Direct Interface to existing Electronic Interlocking System.
  • Track-side Kavach implementation work has been taken up on 15,512 Route km covering all Golden Quadrilateral, Golden Diagonal, High Density Network and identified sections of Indian Railways.
  • Bids have been invited for equipping another 9,069 locomotives with Kavach version 4.0.

Similar / Past Coverage

Cabinet Clears ₹9,857 Cr Pune Metro Phase-II Project (End of November)

The Union Cabinet approved Line 4 Kharadi–Hadapsar–Swargate–Khadakwasla and Line 4A Nal Stop–Warje–Manik Baug under Phase-2 of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The project has an estimated cost of Rs 9,857.85 crore, to be…

Cabinet Approves ₹3,169 cr Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat Rail Doubling & ₹4,447 cr Mokama-Munger Greenfield Highway (Mid of September)

Scheme Name: Doubling of Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat single railway line (177 km) approved by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs under PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan. Financial Outlay: ₹3,169 crore for rail…

PM Modi Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Express Trains: Routes, Travel Time, and Objectives (Start of November)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains. The new routes include Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow Junction–Saharanpur, Firozpur Cantt–Delhi, and Bengaluru–Ernakulam.

Renuka Iyer, MD appointed as Chief Medical Officer of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)

Key Updates:

  • Renuka Iyer, MD has been appointed as the new Chief Medical Officer of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).
  • She previously served as Section Chief of Gastrointestinal Oncology and Medical Director for Medical Oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
  • Dr. Iyer has served on the NCCN Guidelines Steering Committee and will now oversee clinical leadership for the NCCN Guidelines program.

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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

Praveer Ranjan and Praveen Kumar appointed as DGs of CISF and ITBP (End of September)

Praveer Ranjan, a 1993-batch IPS officer of AGMUT cadre, was appointed as the Director General (DG) of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Praveer Ranjan was presently working as Special DG, CISF before his…

Government Appoints New Secretary-Rank Officers (End of November)

Govt appointed seven new secretary-rank officers, including the new heads for oil, telecom and agriculture ministries. Neeraj Mittal, a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, [was appointed] as petroleum…

Uralchem JSC signs MoU with Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited, National Fertilizers Limited, and Indian Potash Limited to build major urea plant in Russia

Key Updates:

  • Uralchem JSC has signed a memorandum of understanding with Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited (RCF), National Fertilizers Limited (NFL), and Indian Potash Limited (IPL) to establish a joint venture for constructing a urea plant in Russia.
  • The planned urea plant is expected to have an annual production capacity of 1.8 to 2 million tonnes.
  • The joint venture will be based on the supply of ammonia produced by Togliattiazot JSC, with the Indian companies providing financing for the project until its commercial operation begins.
  • The signing ceremony took place in New Delhi, India.
  • Uralchem Group’s key assets include Uralchem JSC, Uralkali PJSC, and TOAZ JSC, all based in Russia, with a combined production capacity of around 25 million tonnes.

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Russia Becomes India's Top Sunflower Oil Supplier, Capturing 56% Market Share in 2024 (Start of November)

Imports of sunflower oil from Russia have shot up twelvefold in the last four years, making it India’s largest supplier, displacing Ukraine. The share of Russian oil in India’s total sunflower oil imports was around 10%…

India and Russia hold 23rd Annual Summit, unveil Economic Cooperation Programme

Key Updates:

  • The 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit was held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled an ambitious Economic Cooperation Programme aimed at expanding bilateral trade and investment till 2030.
  • The two nations are pursuing an early conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
  • Targets include $50 billion in mutual investments by 2025 and $100 billion in annual trade by 2030.
  • Russia is set to build India’s largest nuclear power plant at Kudankulam.
  • Russia assured India of uninterrupted fuel shipments for its growing economy.
  • Multiple agreements were signed across sectors including fertilisers, food safety, health, migration, maritime logistics, and energy.
  • India and Russia are working towards the early conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.
  • Agreements were signed for a urea plant in Russia with URALCHEM, and MoUs in fertilisers, food safety, medical sciences, shipping, and consumer protection.
  • Collaboration in Arctic operations was stressed, with India training seafarers for polar waters.
  • India will introduce a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens.
  • Russia agreed to join the International Big Cat Alliance.
  • India reiterated its position on the Ukraine conflict, stating it is 'not neutral' but 'stands for peace'.

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DGCA rolls back rest-day rule to restore IndiGo flight operations

Key Updates:

  • The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) revoked its directive that barred airlines from substituting pilots’ weekly rest days with leave.
  • The regulator cited 'ongoing operational disruptions' and 'repeated representations from airlines seeking flexibility to maintain the continuity and stability of operations'.
  • DGCA has also directed its own inspectors, who are hired on five-year contracts as auditors and barred from flying for commercial carriers, to operate IndiGo flights.

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Karnataka Approves Paid Menstrual Leave Policy (Start of November)

Karnataka has become the first state in India to approve 12 days of paid menstrual leave annually for women employees. This progressive policy is applicable to both government and private sectors, granting one day of…

Delhi Government and MCD Offices Adjust Working Hours to Combat Air Pollution (Start of November)

The Delhi government and MCD offices will adjust working hours amid rising air pollution levels. The new working hours will be implemented from November 15, 2025, to February 15, 2026.

Major General Roman Gofman appointed Director of Mossad

Key Updates:

  • Major General Roman Gofman was appointed Director of the Mossad, replacing David Barnea.
  • Gofman, previously Military Secretary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has no background in intelligence.
  • Born in Belarus, Gofman moved to Israel at age 14 and joined the armoured corps in 1995.
  • He was seriously wounded during clashes with Hamas militants in Sderot on October 7.
  • Netanyahu’s selection of Gofman passed over two candidates suggested by outgoing Mossad chief Barnea.

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US Plans to Nominate Dan Katz as IMF's No. 2 Official (End of September)

President Donald Trump’s administration plans to nominate Dan Katz. Dan Katz is Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s chief of staff.

International Volunteer Day observed on 5 December with theme 'Every Contribution Matters'

Key Updates:

  • International Volunteer Day (IVD) is celebrated on 5 December every year.
  • It started as an international observance mandated by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1985.
  • The theme for International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2025 is “Every Contribution Matters.”
  • International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2025 marks the official global launch of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026).
  • The International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026) will be globally launched on 5 December at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly Hall in New York.
  • United Nations (UN) General Assembly Resolution A/RES/78/127 calls for a worldwide movement to recognize the vital role of volunteers in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
  • The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme recognizes shared universal values underpinning volunteerism, including free will, commitment, equity, engagement, solidarity, compassion, empathy, and respect for others.
  • The State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR) is a flagship United Nations (UN) publication produced every three years.
  • The latest edition of the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR) is titled 'Building Equal and Inclusive Societies'.
  • There are an estimated 1 billion volunteers worldwide, with around 70% volunteering informally and 30% engaging through formal organizations.
  • International Year of Volunteers was observed in 2001.

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World AIDS Day on December 1 (Start of December)

Theme 2025: “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” World AIDS Day is the first global day dedicated to a health issue.

World Soil Day observed globally on 5 December with theme 'Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities'

Key Updates:

  • World Soil Day is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.
  • World Soil Day 2025 focuses on urban landscapes with the theme 'Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities.'
  • The first official World Soil Day was designated by the UN General Assembly for 5 December 2014.

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International Day of Clean Air for Blue skies observed on 07 September 2025 (Start of September)

The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is observed on 07 September 2025. The day is described as a global emergency highlighting that "nearly every person on Earth breathes air that is unsafe, contributing to…