Daily Current Affairs: 8 December 2025
Analysis for 08 December 2025
International Civil Aviation Day observed on December 7 with theme 'Safe Skies & Sustainable Future for All'
Key Updates:
- International Civil Aviation Day is commemorated annually on December 7.
- The theme of International Civil Aviation Day for 2025 is 'Safe Skies & Sustainable Future for All'.
- The United Nations General Assembly marked December 7 as International Civil Aviation Day in 1996.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Aviation Safety Awareness Week 2025 was observed from 24th to 28th November 2025.
- The event is organised annually by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
- Its purpose is to promote aviation safety awareness across all airports and Air Navigation Services locations managed by AAI.
- World Sustainable Transport Day is observed globally on 29th November.
- The theme for World Sustainable Transport Day 2025 focuses on accelerating clean, inclusive, and resilient mobility.
- The slogan for World Sustainable Transport Day 2025 is “Accelerating the shift: Paving the way for inclusive and Resilient Mobility”.
- The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) formally established World Sustainable Transport Day in a resolution adopted on May 16, 2023.
- The initiative for World Sustainable Transport Day was led by Turkmenistan.
- The date of November 26 was chosen for World Sustainable Transport Day because the first United Nations (UN) Global Sustainable Transport Conference was held on that day in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, in 2016.
- A general slogan for World Transport Day is “Move Green, Move Smart”.
- Scheme Name: 'Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025' launched by Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu from Hindon Airport.
- Objective: Improve passenger experience and reaffirm commitment to seamless, dignified travel under the 'Passenger First' principle.
- Key Features: Free medical check-ups (especially for women under 'Swastha Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan'), cultural performances, quiz/painting contests, blood donation camp, eye check-ups for taxi drivers, tree plantation under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', Wi-Fi enablement of all airports under Digital India Mission.
- 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 millions of deaths every year – particularly amongst the elderly and children."
- Solutions proposed include "investing in renewable energy, improving waste management, halting deforestation including wildfires, and promoting eco-friendly agriculture."
CSIR-NAL curtain-aiser spotlights aerospace tech under IISF 2025
Key Updates:
- CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) hosted the IISF 2025 curtain-raiser under the JIGYASA Programme.
- Students toured the Flight simulator facility to learn aircraft control and simulation-based engineering.
- DRISHTI indigenous runway-visibility technologies were demonstrated to the visitors.
- The Advanced composites division displayed cutting-edge materials used in aerospace structures and lightweight components.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Award recipient: Sai Gautam Gopalakrishnan, associate professor of materials engineering at IISc Bengaluru
- Research focus: leads a computational materials science group at IISc
- Award details: third edition of Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award 2025; carries Rs 5 lakh cash prize and citation
- Selection process: chosen from 50 applicants; 10 shortlisted for interview; final selection by expert committee headed by Anil Kakodkar
- Presentation venue: award to be conferred at Manohar Parrikar Vigyan Mahotsav in December
- The International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South is observed on September 16th.
- The United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed September 16th as this day on 9 January 2024, adopting resolution A/RES/78/259.
- The leaders of the G77 and China agreed to designate September 16 as this day during the Summit on Science, Technology, and Innovation, held in Havana on 15 and 16 September 2023.
- The day underscores that advancing science, technology, and innovation is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- The summit’s Havana Declaration on Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation highlights the essential role of STI in tackling development challenges.
- Programme backed by India’s Department for Science and Technology (DST) and London Institute for Mathematical Sciences (LIMS)
- Phase one selects Indian PhD students as Ramanujan Junior Visitors from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR)
- Up to six JNCASR PhD students will spend several months conducting joint research at LIMS in the Royal Institution, Mayfair, London
- Phase two will introduce Ramanujan Junior Fellowships for early-career Indian physicists and mathematicians from across India for three-year placements at LIMS
- Programme inspired by the 1913 collaboration between Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan and British mathematician G H Hardy
- Event name: Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC); organising agency: Department of Science and Technology (DST)
- Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi; scheduled dates: 3-4 November
- Expected inaugural attendee: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Foreign dignitaries confirmed: Nobel Laureate Andre Geim (Physics 2010), Jean-Yves Le Gall (former president, French Space Agency), Professor Masaru Tomita (Keio University, Japan)
- Event features: 11 thematic technical sessions and 75 exhibition stalls by ‘deep-tech’ startups
Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam 2025 observed on December 6-7
Key Updates:
- Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam 2025 is organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sangeet Natak Academy and supported by Andhra Pradesh Tourism and the Department of Culture, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
- The festival is held at Tummalapallivari Kshetrayya Kalakshetram in Vijayawada.
- The theme for this edition is 'Celebrating the Richness of Telugu Music Traditions'.
- A special dawn rendition of the Pancharatna Kritis will be presented at Durga Ghat on 7th December at 7 am.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The Ministry of Education will host the fourth edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 4.0 starting December 2.
- This event will be celebrating the profound civilisational links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.
- This initiative honours the cultural, linguistic, and people-to-people connections between the two regions, embodying the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat.
- The theme for 2025 is “Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam", aiming to promote Tamil learning across India and foster appreciation for India’s classical linguistic and literary heritage.
- In KTS 4.0, more than 1,400 delegates from Tamil Nadu will participate under seven categories.
- Delegates will undertake an 8-day experiential tour, including visits to Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya, with interactions, seminars, cultural performances, and exposure to local cuisine, handicrafts, and heritage.
- They will visit significant Tamil heritage locations in Varanasi, such as the ancestral house of Mahakavi Subramanya Bharatiyar, Kedar Ghat, the Kasi Madam in the “Little Tamil Nadu" area, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Mata Annapurna Temple.
- Additionally, they will visit the Tamil Department at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) for academic and literary interactions.
- The programme is organised by IIT Madras and BHU Varanasi, with support from the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, and the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
- Major Initiatives under KTS 4.0 include Sage Agasthya vehicle expedition from Tenkasi to Kashi; teaching Tamil in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh schools; and Tamil learning study tours for students of Uttar Pradesh.
- Interested candidates can apply at kashitamil.iitm.ac.in.
- The registration window will close at 8 PM on November 21, 2025, and a selection quiz will be conducted on November 23, 2025 from 10 AM to 5 PM.
- Shardiya Navratri 2025 begins on 22 September and ends on 2 October, making it a 10-day celebration this year.
- Day-wise colours: 22 Sept – White, 23 Sept – Red, 24 Sept – Royal blue, 25 Sept – Yellow, 26 Sept – Green, 27 Sept – Grey, 28 Sept – Orange, 29 Sept – Peacock green, 30 Sept – Pink.
- Goddess worship sequence: Shailputri (22 Sept), Brahmacharini (23 Sept), Chandraghanta (24 Sept), Kushmanda (26 Sept), Skandamata (27 Sept), Katyayani (28 Sept), Kalaratri (29 Sept), Mahagauri (30 Sept); Vinayaka Chaturthi is observed on 25 Sept.
- Hindus celebrate Govardhan Puja on October 22, 2025.
- Another name for this festival is Annakut or Annakoot.
- The festival is purely dedicated to worship Lord Krishna.
- Govardhan Puja is observed on Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik.
- The Pratipada Tithi begins on October 21, 2025 - 05:54 PM and ends on October 22, 2025 - 08:16 PM.
- The Govardhan Puja Pratahkala Muhurat is from October 22, 2025 - 06:26 AM to 08:42 AM.
- The Govardhan Puja Sayankala Muhurat is from October 22, 2025 - 03:29 PM to 05:44 PM.
- This festival commemorates Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from Indra's wrath.
- In Maharashtra, this event is known as 'Padwa,' where men traditionally give something as a gift.
- This day is observed as 'Vishwakarma Day' in various regions of India, where people worship their machinery, vehicles, weapons, and equipment.
- The Gujarati people celebrate this day as Bestu Baras, which is the first day of Vikram Samvat in their Gujarati calendar.
- The Dindi Mahotsav is celebrating its 116th edition.
- The festival was accorded the status of a state-level celebration by the government earlier this year.
- The Dindi festival celebrates Kartiki Ekadashi, marking the end of the four-month Chaturmas period in the Hindu calendar.
- The tradition began in 1909 when devotees of Shree Vithal Rakhumayee from Maharashtra, who settled in Goa during Portuguese rule, started the festival.
- The festival originated because devotees were unable to undertake their pilgrimage to Pandharpur due to travel restrictions imposed by the foreign regime.
- The main event of the festival is the procession of the deity’s palanquin from Shree Harimandir at Pajifond to Shree Vithal Mandir at Comba and returning to Shree Harimandir.
- The Dindi is known for its sangeet maifals and bhajani baithaks.
- Legendary performers including Bal Gandharva, Pt Bhimsen Joshi, Pt Jasraj, and Pt Jeetendra Abhisheki have graced the festival.
NGT Zonal Bench Chennai convenes Regional Conference on Environment 2025
Key Updates:
- The Zonal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Chennai, is organizing the Regional Conference on Environment, 2025 on the 6th and 7th of December 2025.
- The conference will include three Technical Sessions; The First session will address "Environmental Law Enforcement & Biodiversity Conservation Role of Regulatory Authorities".
- The second session will discuss "Solid Waste and Biomedical Waste Management Policy Overview".
- The Third session will focus on "Challenges in Protecting Coastal Zones".
Similar / Past Coverage
- The 7th India International Seaweed Expo and Summit 2026 will be hosted by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute.
- Jointly organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), CMFRI, and the CSIR–Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI).
- Expects participation from countries including Brazil, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands.
- Key feature will be the 'Seaweed 2030' panel presenting a national roadmap.
- Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) has joined the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) as an Adopter
- APSEZ pledges to begin nature-related reporting from the financial year 2026
- TNFD is a science-based global initiative founded by UNEP FI, UNDP, WWF and Global Canopy that guides companies to integrate nature-related considerations into financial and business decision-making
- APSEZ has already afforested more than 4,200 hectares of mangroves and actively conserves another 3,000 hectares, making it the largest private sector contributor to mangrove ecosystem restoration in India
- The company states this adoption strengthens its commitment to transparent and science-based environmental disclosures and builds on its ongoing ESG strategy
- Scheme Name: Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
- Objective: Promote city-level competition to expedite air-quality improvement; annual survey now extended to ward level
- Financial Outlay: ₹20,130 crore allocated to 130 NCAP cities; ₹13,237 crore performance-linked grant disbursed (2019-20 to date); total ₹1.55 lakh crore mobilised from Central & State schemes
- Key Features: Awards based on rigorous multi-tier evaluation; top performers (Indore, Jabalpur, Agra, Surat, Amravati, Jhansi, Moradabad, Alwar, Dewas, Parwanoo, Angul) receive cash prizes
- Wetland City Accreditation: Indore & Udaipur recognised under Ramsar Convention for safeguarding urban wetlands
- Digital Platform: PRANA portal enables cities to track and transparently report air-quality improvement activities
- Best-Practice Resource: Compendium of Best Practices under NCAP released for replication by other cities
- Scheme Name: Environment Audit Rules, 2025; Notified by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- Objective: "to prevent Environment Degradation while promoting Sustainable Development and Ease of Doing Business"
- Key Feature 1: Auditors must be "Certified and Registered by MoEFCC notified Environment Audit Designate Agency (EADA)"
- Key Feature 2: Assignment of Registered Environment Auditors (REAs) to projects "shall be done by a random assignment method"
- Key Feature 3: REAs will undertake "compliance evaluation and related activities of sampling, analysis, compensation calculation, verification under Green Credit Rules, audit under waste management rules, and under various other environment and forest related legislations"
- Oversight: A Steering Committee "led by an Additional Secretary from MoEFCC" monitors implementation
Indian Army conducts Inno-Yoddha 2025 at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi
Key Updates:
- Inno-Yoddha 2025, the Indian Army’s annual Idea & Innovation Competition, was held at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
- A record 89 innovations were submitted, of which 32 were selected for further development.
- Five innovations have already undergone Transfer of Technology (ToT) to industry, including Exploder (FC Tech), Agniastra (Red Kite Digital Tech), Vidyut Rakshak (IS Trading Co), Baaz Attack Drone, and Multi-purpose Octacopter.
- Over the past five years, 117 ideas have been selected, 47 productised, 30 IPRs filed, and five innovations transferred to industry.
- The initiative supports the Indian Army’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous development.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Exercise Trishul: tri-service 12-day drill in Rajasthan & Gujarat involving ~40,000 troops, warships, missile batteries, special forces, Rafale & Su-30 aircraft to test post-Sindoor readiness against Pakistan
- Exercise Astra Shakti: Northern Command drill in Ladakh validating precision artillery, swarm drones, counter-UAS systems and ITBP synergy against China & Pakistan
- New force structures: two Rudra all-arms brigades and five Bhairav light commando battalions already raised; 380 Ashni drone platoons (strike & surveillance) being created for infantry battalions
- Exercise name: 'Ajeya Warrior-25' (8th edition)
- Location: Mahajan field firing ranges, Bikaner district, Rajasthan
- Participants: 240 personnel with equal representation from Indian Army (Sikh Regiment) and British Army
- Focus: Counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban environment under UN mandate
- Training components: joint mission planning at Brigade level, integrated tactical drills, simulation-based scenarios, company-level field training exercises
- Exercise name: Zapad 2025; location: Mulino Training Ground, Nizhniy, Russia
- Indian contingent: 57 Army (led by Kumaon Regiment battalion), 7 IAF, 1 Navy personnel
- Focus areas: joint company-level operations, joint planning, tactical drills, special arms skills, conventional warfare and counter-terrorism
- Event Name: Young Leaders Forum (YLF) 'Veer Yuva' organised by Indian Army with CLAWS as pre-event to third edition of Chanakya Defence Dialogue (CDD) 2025
- Venue: Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi
- CDD 2025 Theme: 'Reform to Transform: Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat'
- Key Speakers: Kiren Rijiju (Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs), General Upendra Dwivedi (Chief of the Army Staff), Tejasvi Surya (BJP MP)
- Participation: Young leaders from military, academia, think tanks, entrepreneurship, research, NCC cadets, school students, industry partners, youth leaders from Armed Forces and CAPFs
- Broadcast: Hybrid mode relayed live to Army training institutions, IITs, universities and professional nodes nationwide
GITAM School of Science records first confirmed predation by horn-eyed ghost crab on mottled lightfoot crab at Rushikonda
Key Updates:
- Researchers from GITAM School of Science, Visakhapatnam, documented the “first confirmed instance” of a horn-eyed ghost crab preying on a mottled lightfoot crab along the Rushikonda shoreline.
- The observation implies a behavioural extension of the horn-eyed ghost crab from sandy intertidal zones into rocky sections, “likely tied to nocturnal foraging.”
- Ghost crabs influence coastal ecosystems through feeding habits and burrow construction that “shape the physical texture of the shore.”
- Six species of ghost crabs have been reported along the Indian coastline, with at least three—O. brevicornis, O. macrocera and O. cordimanus—observed at Rushikonda Beach.
- The finding has been published in the November edition of the Journal of Threatened Taxa.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Species: Giant African Snail (Lissachatina fulica) – the world’s largest land snail
- First US mainland detection: 1966 in Miami after a boy reportedly brought three snails from Hawaii
- Latest Florida re-detection: June 2023 in Broward County, South Florida
- Control method used by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: metaldehyde-based pesticide targeting slugs and snails
- Public-health risk: snails carry rat-lungworm parasite (nematode) transmissible to humans via slime contact
- A new spider species, named Aptostichus ramirezae, was discovered.
- This species is a type of trapdoor spider found hidden in California's coastal sand dunes.
- The discovery was made by a team of scientists from UC Davis, with Jason Bond as the senior author of the study.
- Scientists found that this new spider is genetically quite different from its closest relatives, even though they appear similar.
- Female spiders of this species live very long lives, more than 15 years, spending their entire lives in underground burrows.
- The natural habitat of Aptostichus ramirezae is rapidly being destroyed by rising sea levels, urbanisation, and wildfires, placing the species at risk of extinction.
- The new species was named in honour of Martina Giselle Ramirez, Dean of the College of Science at California State University, Stanislaus.
- A new freshwater fish species was found in the Taretlok river of Manipur’s Kamjong district.
- The new species is named Garra nambashiensis.
- Garra nambashiensis belongs to the ‘proboscis species group.’
- The research team that discovered the species was led by Associate Professor Bungdon Shangningam of Dhanamanjuri University.
- The study on the discovery was published in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa.
- The cane toad (Rhinella marina) is recognized as one of the most invasive destructive species globally.
- Originally from Central and South America, cane toads were introduced to other regions, such as Australia, to manage beetle pests affecting sugarcane crops.
- Cane toads possess a powerful toxin called bufotoxin, released from glands behind their eyes, which is lethal to many animals, including native wildlife and pets.
- Predators like quolls, goannas, snakes, and crocodiles have experienced catastrophic population declines after ingesting cane toads.
- Female cane toads exhibit rapid reproduction, laying between 8,000 and over 30,000 eggs per clutch and potentially breeding multiple times annually.
- In new environments, cane toads face few natural predators and are highly adaptable, thriving in diverse habitats from cities to farmlands.
- Conservation efforts in Western Australia include training native crocodiles to avoid eating cane toads, which has significantly reduced crocodile deaths.
- Scientists are also researching gene-edited tadpoles that consume other cane toad eggs as a potential strategy to control their populations.
Thailand seeks BRICS membership with India’s support
Key Updates:
- Thailand has formally expressed its ambition to join the BRICS grouping.
- Thailand is seeking India’s backing ahead of New Delhi’s chairmanship of BRICS in 2026.
- The intention to join BRICS was announced by Thai Ambassador Chavanart Thangsumphant at a National Day reception in Delhi.
- India, a founding member of BRICS, will host the summit next year.
- India-Thailand relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership earlier this year.
- Thailand raised the matter of its BRICS membership with India during Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow’s visit from 29 November to 2 December.
- Thailand's national day is on 5th December.
Similar / Past Coverage
- India expressed 'strong support' to Brazil for the inclusive leadership at CoP30.
- India welcomed progress under the Global Goal on Adaptation, noting it reflects recognition of the overwhelming need for adaptation in developing countries.
- India emphasized the long-standing obligations of developed countries to provide climate finance and appreciated the Presidency's efforts in supporting India in beginning the journey towards a long-overdue focus on Article 9.1.
- India expressed satisfaction with the establishment of the Just Transition Mechanism, calling it a significant milestone.
- India thanked the Presidency for providing space to discuss unilateral trade-restrictive climate measures, which it said are increasingly affecting developing countries and violate the principles of equity and CBDR-RC.
- India stressed that the burden of climate change mitigation must not be shifted onto those least responsible for causing the problem.
- India reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to science-based and equitable climate action and to a rules-based global order that is equitable and respectful of national sovereignty.
- India called on all Parties to ensure that the road from Belem leads to a future defined by fairness, solidarity, and shared prosperity for all.
- Bangladesh became the first country in South Asia to join the U.N.’s Water Convention, officially known as the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes.
- The convention, initially intended for European and Central Asian countries, became available to all U.N. member countries in 2016.
- Bangladesh's decision to join was driven by a need to safeguard and manage its waterways and address rising water security risks.
- The author believes Bangladesh joining the convention could heighten tensions in South Asia, particularly with India.
- India fears that Bangladesh's membership could undermine its negotiating power in future water disputes and when the Ganges River Treaty is due for renewal in 2026.
- A day before signing the U.N. convention, Bangladesh joined China and Pakistan in announcing a ‘trilateral cooperation’ on the economy, climate and social development.
- Event: ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Participants: ASEAN and its eight dialogue partners — Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the US
- India currently co-chairs the ADMM-Plus Expert Working Group on Counter-Terrorism with Malaysia for the 2024–2027 cycle
- The event attended by India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting - Plus (ADMM-Plus).
- The meeting took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the Indo-Pacific should remain open, inclusive and free from coercion.
- ADMM-Plus is a platform for ASEAN and its eight dialogue partners: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the US.
- India has co-chaired Expert Working Groups within ADMM-Plus on Humanitarian Mine Action with Vietnam (2014-2017), Military Medicine with Myanmar (2017-2020), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief with Indonesia (2020-2024), and currently on Counter-Terrorism with Malaysia (2024–2027 cycle).
- The ASEAN-India partnership was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.
Indian Coast Guard Ship Vigraha undertakes operational visit to Indonesia from December 02-05, 2025
Key Updates:
- Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Vigraha is undertaking an operational visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, from December 02-05, 2025, as part of its overseas deployment to ASEAN countries.
- Personnel of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Indonesian Coast Guard (BAKAMLA) will participate in an extensive programme of activities.
- The engagements are focused on Maritime Law Enforcement, Marine Pollution Response and Maritime Search and Rescue areas.
- A Passage Exercise (PASSEX) will be organised to further enhance operational cohesion, communication procedures, and seamanship coordination between the two services.
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the ICG and BAKAMLA in July 2020, institutionalising a structured framework for operational engagement.
- On completion of the Jakarta leg, ICGS Vigraha will sail to Port Klang, Malaysia, continuing its operational deployment to ASEAN countries.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh co-chaired the Third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers' Dialogue with Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in New Delhi.
- Both nations adopted a shared vision on maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
- Discussions focused on furthering defence cooperation and strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
- An enhanced agreement on defence cooperation was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indonesia in May 2018.
- President Prabowo Subianto made a state visit to India from January 23 to 26, 2025, and was the chief guest of India's Republic Day parade.
- India and Indonesia are maritime neighbors and two leading democracies in Asia, sharing values of pluralism, inclusiveness, and the rule of law.
- Name: Great Nicobar Project; spear-headed by NITI Aayog with ANIIDCO (Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation).
- Objective: Build an International Container Transshipment Terminal (deep-sea port at Galathea Bay), a dual-use greenfield international airport, a 300,000-400,000-person township, and a 450-MVA gas-and-solar energy plant.
- Strategic relevance: Positions India near the Strait of Malacca/Six Degree Channel, offering an alternative to Chinese-controlled ports and enhancing real-time surveillance and response for the Andaman & Nicobar tri-services command.
- A two-member Indian Coast Guard (ICG) delegation, led by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, is participating in the 4th Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS).
- The summit is being held in Rome, Italy, from September 11–12.
- The event is hosted under the co-chairmanship of Italy and Japan.
- The CGGS focuses on strengthening multilateral efforts in maritime safety, marine environmental protection, and maritime law enforcement.
- India made a notable contribution with an expert lecture titled ‘Guardians Against the Blaze: ICG’s Tactical Response to Fire Emergencies’.
- India has announced its intention to bid for the Presidency of the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit in 2027, which it hopes to host.
- Event: India Maritime Week 2025 (IMW 2025) organised by Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in partnership with Indian Ports Association
- Location: NESCO Grounds (Bombay Exhibition Centre), Mumbai
- Participation: Ministers and delegations from 11 countries, 85+ countries represented, 500+ exhibitors, 350+ speakers
- Key Themes/Outcomes: Showcase India as maritime hub and Blue Economy leader, potential MoUs across ports, shipbuilding, logistics, green shipping, inland waterways, aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
- Flagship Conferences: Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS 2025), QUAD 'Ports of the Future' conference, The Great Oceans Dialogue, SheEO Conference
Indian Astronomers Discover Ancient Spiral Galaxy Alaknanda
Key Updates:
- Indian astronomers have discovered 'Alaknanda,' a remarkably well-formed spiral galaxy.
- The discovery was made by astronomers Rashi Jain and Yogesh Wadadekar from Pune-based National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA).
- The astronomers used the powerful James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) for this discovery.
- Galaxy Alaknanda is located 12 billion light years away and is 30,000 light years across.
- Alaknanda likely formed when the Universe was only about 1.5 billion years old.
- The galaxy exhibits a mature structure with clear arms, similar to our Milky Way, in a fraction of the time previously thought possible.
- Alaknanda has the textbook grand spiral design, with two clear spiral arms wrapped around a bright centre.
- The galaxy is forming new stars at an exceptionally rapid rate, nearly 30 times higher than the Milky Way today.
- Observations suggest Alaknanda contains around 10 billion times the mass of the Sun in stars.
- Its spiral arms show a beads-on-a-string pattern that signals active star formation.
- The discovery challenges existing models of galaxy formation, as scientists believed galaxies that formed this quickly after the Big Bang should be chaotic and irregular in design.
- The low contribution of light from Alaknanda's central bulge suggests it grew mainly through smooth gas accretion rather than through major collisions.
- The research on Alaknanda was published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.
- Scientists will continue to study Alaknanda to understand how this galaxy assembled so fast.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Astronomers believe they may have discovered evidence of a mysterious structure far beyond Neptune, hidden deep inside the Kuiper Belt.
- The Kuiper Belt extends approximately 30 to 50 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun and contains icy remnants left behind during the solar system's formation.
- A team of scientists from Princeton University, led by astrophysicist Aamir Siraj, has identified a new structure at a distance of approximately 43 AU.
- They believe it could be a 'primordial cluster'—a group of icy objects that has existed virtually unchanged since the early solar system.
- The extremely calm and stable orbits of these objects indicate the region's antiquity and minimal disruption.
- This discovery could help explain how giant planets formed and gradually reached their current orbits.
- The new structure shows even lower eccentricity than the previously identified 'kernel' region, suggesting it may be even older and more stable.
- According to Princeton researchers, the classical belt's structure should be understood as consisting of three major components: a 'hot' component and two 'cold' components called the core and the kernel.
- Discovered two asteroids—2020 CM24 in Class VIII and 2021 CM37 two years later—through the International Astronomical Collaboration’s Asteroid Search Campaign
- Represented India at the 2021 Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition in Germany and won a Silver Honour
- Underwent 10-day basic astronaut training at the International Air and Space Program, becoming the youngest Indian to do so
- Chosen by Titans Space Industries (Florida) for 2026-2029 advanced astronaut training among 150 candidates from 36 countries; programme includes zero-gravity, scuba diving, and hiking modules ahead of a planned 300 km Earth orbit mission
- Plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in astrophysics in Germany
- India has secured nine major world records in space exploration – ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan
- Mars Orbiter Mission in 2014 made India the first nation to reach Mars on its maiden attempt
- PSLV-C37 in 2017 launched 104 satellites in a single mission, creating history
- Chandrayaan-3 in 2023 made India the first country to land a spacecraft near the lunar South Pole
- India achieved three global records in cryogenic stage development between 2014 and 2017, including the fastest maiden flight of LVM3 with a cryogenic stage in 28 months
- Veteran archaeologist from Dharwad Ravindra Korisettar has been selected for the Rajyotsava Award.
- Prof. Korisettar is a UGC Emeritus Fellow in the Department of History and Archaeology in Karnatak University of Dharwad.
- His papers have been published in journals like Science (2007) and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of America.
Nvidia Plays Down Rival AI Chip Threats
Key Updates:
- Nvidia has claimed it is 'a generation ahead' of rivals in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry.
- Nvidia stated it was the only platform which 'runs every AI model and does it everywhere computing is done'.
- Google's chips are called tensor processing units (TPUs).
- Google rents access to its chips, called tensor processing units (TPUs), through Google Cloud to AI developers.
- Nvidia's chips have become a critical part of powering the data centres behind many of the most popular AI tools, such as ChatGPT.
- Both Amazon and Microsoft have announced they also have AI chips in development.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Alphabet's Google opened its largest artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure hardware engineering centre outside of the United States.
- The new AI infrastructure hardware engineering centre is located in Taiwan.
- Taiwan President Lai Ching-te stated that Google was showing its commitment to long-term investment in Taiwan.
- The technology developed and tested in Taipei is deployed in Google data centres around the world, which in turn power Google devices.
- Aamer Mahmood, Google Cloud's vice president of platforms infrastructure engineering, said the centre is an investment in an ecosystem and a testament to Taiwan's place as an important centre for global AI innovation.
- Taiwan is home to the world's largest contract chipmaker, TSMC, whose chips are widely used by companies like Nvidia that are driving the global AI boom.
- Google has started rolling out Gemini 3 Deep Think mode to Google AI Ultra subscribers using the Gemini app.
- The feature is designed for demanding maths, science and logic tasks, supported by advanced parallel reasoning.
- CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted how the new mode can handle highly complex tasks, calling it a feature that “brings our strongest reasoning capabilities yet.”
- Deep Think mode is built for tough maths, science and logic problems that push the limits of current AI systems.
- Gemini 3 Deep Think leads key benchmarks such as Humanity’s Last Exam at 41.0% (without tools) and ARC-AGI-2 at 45.1% (with code execution).
- Google attributes this performance to advanced parallel reasoning, allowing the model to test several ideas at once.
- With Deep Think mode, Gemini uses iterative rounds of reasoning, resulting in more refined, nuanced code that helps you visualize, prototype and experiment with noticeably richer detail.”
- Uber Technologies Inc. is setting a goal to eventually have a fleet of 100,000 autonomous vehicles.
- These autonomous vehicles will be powered by Nvidia Corp. technology.
- The companies expect the expansion of this fleet to start in 2027.
- The announcement builds on an earlier partnership between Uber and Nvidia struck in January.
- Uber agreed to offer some of its driving data to help improve Nvidia’s artificial intelligence models and chip technology.
- Nvidia’s artificial intelligence models and chip technology are designed for carmakers to use to develop autonomous vehicles.
- Nvidia has joined the India Deep Tech Alliance (IDTA) as a founding member and strategic technical adviser.
- The IDTA is an industry-led consortium of investors, corporates, technology partners, and ecosystem stakeholders from India and the US.
- The alliance aims to fund ‘deep tech startups’ in India, focusing on industries such as space, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
- The IDTA had earlier announced a commitment of $1 billion to invest in companies and has since garnered another $850 million in commitments from its newest members.
- Nvidia's role involves providing technical guidance, training, and policy input to help Indian deep-tech startups adopt its AI and computing tools.
- Nvidia will also voluntarily invest capital in deep-tech startups based in India over the next decade, similar to other IDTA members.
- The IDTA was launched in September at the Semicon India event organised by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and Semiconductors and Electronics Ecosystem (Semi) in New Delhi.
- The IDTA is not a government group and seeks to offer a counterpart to the efforts of the government, which established a $12 billion Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme.
DHRUVA Scheme: UPI-like Labels for Digital Address Sharing
Key Updates:
- The Department of Posts released a draft amendment to the Post Office Act, 2023, to introduce the Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address (DHRUVA) system.
- DHRUVA will let users replace textual addresses with labels like 'name@entity' and authorise firms to access their geographic coordinates and full address text.
- A Section 8 not-for-profit entity under government supervision will run the system, similar to NPCI’s role in UPI.
- DIGIPIN, a ten-character alphanumeric code mapping to about 14 square metres, forms the foundational addressing layer for DHRUVA.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The Election Commission has ordered a 'Special Revision' of Assam's electoral rolls.
- January 1, 2026, is the qualifying date for the revision exercise, with the final voter list scheduled for publication on February 10, 2026.
- This focused update aims for accuracy and is designed to strengthen accuracy and address gaps in the list in a structured but moderate manner.
- The process involves door-to-door verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) using pre-filled registers, with each household serving as the basic unit for confirming or correcting voter details.
- The Special Revision is more extensive than a routine summary revision but not as demanding as a full Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which is a far more rigorous and exhaustive process.
- Details of D-Voters (doubtful voters) will not be included in the BLO register, and their particulars will continue to be carried forward to the draft electoral roll without alteration, unless an order is received from a competent Foreigners' Tribunal or an appropriate court of law.
- The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Department of Posts (DoP) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).
- The MoU aims to expand BSNL's mobile connectivity reach across India for SIM sales and mobile recharge services.
- Under this agreement, DoP will leverage its unparalleled postal network of over 1.65 lakh Post Offices for the sale of BSNL SIM cards and mobile recharge services across the country.
- This initiative aims to make BSNL's telecom services more accessible and affordable, particularly for citizens in the most remote parts of the country.
- Through this collaboration, post offices will act as Points of Sale (PoS) for BSNL Mobile SIM sale and for mobile recharges.
- The agreement is effective for one year from 17.09.2025 and may be renewed subsequently.
- The upcoming Census in 2027 will be the country’s first fully digital Census, conducted by nearly 34 lakh enumerators.
- Enumerators will use their own smartphones and dedicated mobile applications to collect data and transfer it to a central server.
- The mobile applications, initially developed for the 2021 Census, are being redeveloped and recalibrated for Android and iOS, available in English and regional languages.
- For the first time, Census data will be digitized at the enumerator level itself, and citizens will have the option to self-enumerate through a web portal.
- The Census will be conducted in two phases: houselisting (April to September 2026) and population enumeration (February 2027, with specific regions in September 2026).
- During houselisting, details on housing conditions, household amenities, and assets will be collected, and castes of household members will be enumerated.
- The Registrar General of India (RGI), under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, is implementing the Census and has sought a Rs 14,618.95-crore budget.
- Census 2027 will include geo-tagging of all buildings (residential and non-residential) using Digital Layout Mapping (DLM) during houselisting operations.
- The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to accept Aadhaar cards as a valid proof of identity for voter list inclusion in Bihar, adding it as the 12th accepted document.
- Aadhaar cards shall be accepted as proof of identity of a person for filing applications for inclusion/exclusion of names from the voter list.
- It shall be treated as the 12th document (under SIR).
- Aadhaar will not be considered a proof of citizenship.
Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order 2025 allows persecuted minorities entry till December 31 2024
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order 2025 on September 1 this year.
- The order exempts Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31 2024 due to religious persecution to stay without valid travel documents.
- The Supreme Court has sought the Centre’s response on whether this order violates the Assam Accord’s March 25 1971 deadline.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The Assam government tabled a bill to create the Assam Satra Preservation and Development Commission, a quasi-judicial body to preserve satras and regulate their lands.
- The commission will have civil-court powers under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, and exclusive jurisdiction over matters it is empowered to determine.
- An Assam Satra Preservation and Development Fund is established, with mandatory annual budgeting, audit by the Accountant General (Audit), Assam, and officials deployed on deputation.
- Senior forest officials, including the PCCF Wildlife, appeared before the Odisha Human Rights Commission regarding alleged inadequate compensation for families relocated from Satkosia Tiger Reserve.
- Complainants alleged that 'hundreds of families from five villages were relocated from the tiger reserve to other places without holding gram sabhas and conducting a proper survey.'
- The commission heard the case and asked officials to follow the rules; the order is yet to be uploaded on the OHRC website.
- The next hearing is scheduled for October 30.
- The Supreme Court upheld the Allahabad High Court guidelines mandating that 'No arrest or police action shall be made before the lapse of two months from the lodging of the FIR or complaint under Section 498A IPC.'
- During the cooling-off period 'the matter must be referred to a Family Welfare Committee (FWC)' set up under the District Legal Services Authority.
- The Court directed that 'FWC members cannot be called as witnesses' and that 'all complaints under 498A IPC shall be sent to the Family Welfare Committee before any police action.'
- Investigating Officers 'must be trained in matrimonial disputes and act with utmost sincerity and transparency.'
- In Shivangi Bansal vs. Sahib Bansal the parties reached 'an amicable resolution' leading the Court to quash 'all civil and criminal proceedings between the parties' and dissolve the marriage under Article 142.
- The Supreme Court held that the Court cannot impose any timelines for decisions of the President and the Governor on granting assent to Bills under the Constitution.
- A Constitutional bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai issued its opinion while answering 13 questions referred to it by the President Droupadi Murmu under Article 143 of the Constitution.
- The Supreme Court refused to accept the preliminary objections raised by opposition-ruled states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Kerala to maintainability of Presidential Reference.
Canada removes Syria and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham from terrorism lists
Key Updates:
- Canada's foreign ministry announced it was revoking the 'terrorist' designation for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
- Canada cited efforts by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government to 'advance Syria’s stability'.
- The ministry stated the decisions were 'not taken lightly' and align with recent moves by the United Kingdom and the United States.
- Canada had listed Syria as a 'state supporter of terrorism' in 2012.
- The US partially suspended sanctions against Syria in June and extended the suspension in November after talks between al-Sharaa and Donald Trump.
- The US also removed al-Sharaa from the 'specially designated global terrorist' list prior to the White House meeting.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Saudi Arabia and Russia have signed a historic mutual visa exemption agreement allowing citizens of both countries to stay visa free for up to 90 days.
- The agreement covers all passport types for tourism, business, and visiting relatives.
- Russia becomes the first country with which Saudi Arabia has signed a mutual visa exemption agreement that includes holders of regular passports.
- The agreement was signed by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and His Excellency Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.
- Imports of Russian pipeline gas and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) will be prohibited from six weeks after the regulation's entry into force, with a transition period for existing contracts.
- Russian gas accounts for an estimated 13% of European Union (EU) imports in 2025, valued at over €15 billion annually.
- European Union (EU) oil imports from Russia dropped to below 3% in 2025 due to the current sanctions regime.
- The Commission intends to propose legislation for phasing out Russian oil imports to the European Union (EU) no later than end of 2027.
- The prior authorisation procedure does not apply to imports from countries that exported over 5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas to the European Union (EU) in 2024.
- The regulation introduces effective, proportionate, and dissuasive penalties for non-compliance, including a maximum threshold for both companies and private individuals.
- The Commission will review the regulation's implementation within two years of its entry into force.
- Member states must notify the Commission within one month of the regulation's entry into force regarding Russian gas supply contracts or national legal bans.
- The International Day against Unilateral Coercive Measures was observed for the first time on 4 December.
- This day was proclaimed in June 2025 by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution titled “International Day against Unilateral Coercive Measures.”
- The resolution was prepared on the initiative of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations with the active participation of the Republic of Belarus.
- The resolution was adopted with the support of 116 UN member states.
- The Republic of Belarus is a member of the resolution’s drafting group.
- The establishment of this international day is expected to strengthen international cooperation and solidarity among states in opposing unilateral coercive measures.
- The Belarusian Telegraph Agency (BelTA) published the news report.
- BelTA’s Superposition. Parallel Worlds book won a CIS contest prize.
- Resolution adopted removes Syria’s transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from UN sanctions targeting ISIL/Al-Qaida supporters
- US, UK and European Union had already lifted punitive measures covering ~$15 billion in restricted assets and trade in May
- US revoked HTS terrorist designation in July, UK followed in October; Russia notes Syria’s need for economic recovery during transition
Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019: Asset Freeze on Gurpreet Singh Rehal and Babbar Akali Lehar
Key Updates:
- HM Treasury imposed an asset freeze and director disqualification on British Sikh businessman Gurpreet Singh Rehal under the Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
- The sanctions also freeze all UK funds and economic resources of Babbar Akali Lehar, assessed as promoting the proscribed Babbar Khalsa.
- UK persons or firms must obtain a Treasury licence before dealing with any funds or providing financial services to Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The UK and France have agreed a year-long scheme of exchanges of migrants to deter small boat crossings, known as the 'one in, one out' deal.
- Under the scheme, for each migrant the UK returns to France, another migrant with a strong case for asylum in the UK will be allowed to come in return.
- An Eritrean man, an Iranian male, and an Indian national have been returned to France under the scheme.
- A judge, Mr Justice Sheldon, ruled that France was a safe country abiding by the same safeguards as the UK under the European Convention of Human Rights, allowing the removal flights.
- Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th Martyrdom Day is observed as a public holiday in Delhi, honouring his sacrifice and teachings on human dignity and religious freedom.
- He became the ninth Sikh Guru in 1664 and led the community through political upheaval and rising religious intolerance under Mughal rule.
- Guru Tegh Bahadur is honoured for defending the rights of Kashmiri Pandits who faced forced conversions and stood up to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
- He willingly embraced martyrdom in 1675 in Delhi, making him the second Sikh Guru to be executed by the Mughal regime.
- His sacrifice earned him the title 'Hind Di Chadar,' reflecting his role as a guardian of religious freedom and interfaith dignity.
- He contributed 116 verses to the Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib), focusing on humility, detachment, and inner peace.
- The Delhi Government announced a public holiday on Tuesday (November 25) for the 350th Shaheedi Purab, upgrading it from a restricted holiday.
- The day offers citizens an opportunity to remember and pay homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur’s supreme sacrifice, divine wisdom, and contribution to safeguarding dharam, human dignity, and freedom of conscience.
- Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana Police jointly recovered 360 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate, arms, and bomb-making equipment in Faridabad.
- Two individuals, Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie and Dr Adil Ahmad Rather, were arrested in connection with the seizure.
- Officials confirmed the seizure of 360 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate, along with 2,900 kg of IED-making material, including chemicals, detonators, wires, and other bomb-making components.
- Recovered items included one assault rifle with three magazines and 83 live rounds, one pistol with eight live rounds, 20 timers with batteries, 24 remote controls, walkie-talkie sets, and 5 kg of heavy metal.
- The operation is being described as one of the biggest terror-related recoveries in the Delhi-NCR region in recent years.
- The Faridabad raid followed crucial leads developed by Jammu and Kashmir Police during a separate investigation in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
- An AK-47 rifle was earlier recovered from Dr Rather’s locker at the Government Medical College in Srinagar.
- The Jammu and Kashmir Police dismantled an inter-state and transnational terror module associated with proscribed organisations Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH).
- Investigations revealed that the arrested individuals were part of a “white-collar terror ecosystem” involving radicalised professionals, including doctors and academics, allegedly operating under instructions from foreign handlers in Pakistan.
- Funds were raised through professional and academic networks under the guise of social and charitable causes.
- Seven individuals were arrested by J&K Police, including Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie and Dr Adeel of Kulgam.
- The J&K Police confirmed the recovery of one Chinese Star pistol, one Beretta pistol, one AK-56 rifle, and a Krinkov rifle, along with a significant quantity of ammunition.
- A day before the Faridabad recovery, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested three suspects, Dr Ahmed Mohiuddin Syed, Mohd Suhel, and Azad, near the Adalaj Toll Plaza.
- The Gujarat ATS recovered two Glock pistols, one Beretta pistol, 30 live cartridges, and 4 litres of castor oil from the suspects.
- Central agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Intelligence Bureau (IB), are coordinating with local forces.
- The terror attack figured prominently at the 44th meeting of the RATS held at Cholpon Ata in Kyrgyz Republic.
- The Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on Wednesday condemned the Pahalgam terror attack even as India called for holding the sponsors of the dastardly strike to account.
- This RATS council meet was organised under the chairship of Kyrgyz Republic.
- The RATS meeting strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, officials said. While doing so, the Council of RATS SCO endorsed the statement on the condemnation of Pahalgam terror attack in the Tianjin declaration.
- The Indian delegation was headed by T V Ravichandran, Deputy National Security Advisor. In his speech, Ravichandran called for holding accountable the sponsors, organisers and financiers of “inexcusable” Pahalgam terror attack.
- The RATS is an influential platform that mainly focuses on countering terrorism and separatism.
Centre proposes shared network access for power distribution
Key Updates:
- The Centre has proposed shared network access for power distribution.
- Raj and the International Solar Alliance will build the country’s first digital power network.
- Experts propose solar panels for low-income neighbourhoods.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Scheme Name: Ujjwala Yojana.
- Objective/Provision: Over 100 homes will receive power under the Ujjwala Yojana.
- Target Beneficiaries: Around 550 residents, mostly from the Birhor tribe, of Fulwariya hamlet in Koderma district.
- Implementing Agency (for electricity supply): The electricity department and JBVNL.
- India’s leading PSU NTPC signed a strategic MoU with Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) to accelerate global energy collaboration and power sector transformation.
- The MoU lays the foundation for extensive collaboration in several critical areas of the power value chain, including power plant modernization, joint R&D, and a Middle East services venture.
- A key highlight of the MoU is the planned establishment of a joint venture (JV) company between NTPC and SEC, which will focus on providing power plant services across the Middle East.
- NTPC, India’s largest power utility, has a goal to reach 130 GW of installed capacity by 2032.
- NTPC contributes to about one-fourth of India’s power requirement and is recognized as a “Maharatna” Central Public Sector Undertaking.
- Agreements signed between POWERGRID (India) and Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for Inaruwa (Nepal)-New Purnea (India) 400 kV and Lamki (Dododhara) (Nepal)-Bareilly (India) 400 kV Double Circuit (Quad Moose) Transmission Links
- Two joint venture entities—one in India and one in Nepal—will be incorporated to develop these high-capacity power transmission corridors
- Projects aimed to substantially enhance electricity exchange, strengthen regional energy security, improve grid resilience, and contribute to sustained economic growth in both nations
- Non-fossil sources account for 51.37% of India’s installed electricity capacity while fossil fuels contribute 48.6%.
- Total power capacity hits 5.05 Lakh MW.
- Total renewable energy capacity stands at 2,50,643 MW.
- Solar capacity reaches 1,29,924 MW.
- Wind capacity reaches 53,600 MW.
- Hydro plus Pumped Storage capacity stands at 50,348 MW.
- Biomass and Waste-to-Energy capacity stands at 11,613 MW.
- Battery Energy Storage totals 43.22 GWh under implementation.
- Pumped Storage Projects total 11,870 MW under construction.
- Nuclear energy target is 100 GW by 2047.
- SMR Mission allocation is ₹20,000 crore.
- Green Hydrogen Mission targets 5 MMT production by 2030.
- Green Hydrogen Mission dedicates 125 GW RE capacity by 2030.
- 100% FDI allowed under automatic route for renewables.
Health Security se National Security Cess Bill 2025 levies cess on paan masala units to fund defence and public health
Key Updates:
- The Lok Sabha passed the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill 2025 to levy a cess on machines or processes used to manufacture paan masala and similar goods.
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the cess proceeds will be shared with states as public health is a state subject.
- The Bill aims to raise resources for national security and public health expenditure.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The Lok Sabha passed the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha that look to repurpose levies on 'sin goods' such as tobacco, pan masala and related products ahead of the scheduled phaseout of the GST compensation cess levied on them.
- The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill seeks to levy excise duty on tobacco and related products, replacing the existing compensation cess.
- The revenues from levy of excise on tobacco would be part of the divisible pool of tax revenues.
- 'The Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025' would be applicable on manufacturing of pan masala and other goods that the government may notify.
- The collection from the health and national security cess would go towards funding public health initiatives and national security while maintaining high taxation on 'sin goods'.
- The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill seeks to levy excise duty on cigars / cheroots / cigarettes in the range of Rs 5,000-11,000 per 1,000 sticks depending on the length.
- It also proposes levy of 60-70 per cent on unmanufactured tobacco and 100 per cent on nicotine and inhalation products, over and above the 40 per cent GST rate that would be applicable on sin goods.
- The government will introduce the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Winter session of Parliament to raise the FDI limit in insurance from 74% to 100%.
- The bill seeks to amend the Insurance Act 1938, the Life Insurance Corporation Act 1956 and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act 1999.
- So far, the insurance sector has attracted Rs 82,000 crore in FDI.
- The Securities Markets Code Bill, 2025 will merge the SEBI Act 1992, Depositories Act 1996 and Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act 1956 into a single framework.
- Scheme Names: SPREE-2025 (Scheme for Promoting Registration of Employers and Employees) and AMNESTY Scheme-2025
- Implementing Agency: Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of Labour & Employment
- SPREE-2025 Operational Period: “will remain operational till 31st December 2025”
- AMNESTY Scheme-2025 Validity: “from 1st October 2025 to 30th September 2026”
- SPREE-2025 Objective: “bring more workers under the ambit of social security while providing industries with relief from the burden of litigation”
- AMNESTY Scheme-2025 Objective: “settle issues related to damages, interest, and coverage under the ESI Act” and “provide employers with an opportunity to resolve pending disputes”
- Key Feature of SPREE-2025: Registration allowed “without the demand of old dues” and newly registered employees “start receiving ESI health and social security benefits from the date of registration itself”
- Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to introduce the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which proposes changes to the Central Excise Act, 1944.
- The bill will replace the current GST compensation cess on cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, hookahs, zarda and scented tobacco.
- The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to give the government the fiscal space to increase the rate of central excise duty on tobacco and tobacco products so as to protect tax incidence after the GST compensation cess ends.
- The Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025, seeks to levy a new cess on machines or processes used in the manufacture of pan masala and other notified goods.
- The Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025, will replace the compensation cess on pan masala.
- The proposed health–security cess is meant to augment the resources for meeting Security expenditure on national security and for public health.
- The proposed health–security cess will apply in addition to all other taxes.
- The GST compensation cess, introduced in 2017 for five years to offset states’ revenue loss, was extended till March 31, 2026, to repay the Centre’s Covid-era borrowing.
Nitish Kumar recognised by World Book of Records, London
Key Updates:
- Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's "milestone" of having taken oath as chief minister for the 10th time was recognised.
- The World Book of Records, London, recognised this extraordinary milestone.
- Janata Dal (United) national working president Sanjay Jha announced this development.
- Nitish Kumar first became chief minister in 2000.
- Since 2005, Kumar has continued as Chief Minister, except for a brief period of less than a year when he handed over the post to Jitan Ram Manjhi in 2014.
- The organisation's commendation notes that this remarkable feat is a reflection of his unwavering public service, stable governance, and the enduring trust reposed in him by the people of Bihar.
- The World Book of Records has conveyed its intention to formally include Nitish Kumar's name in its distinguished global listings.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Justice Surya Kant took oath as India's 53rd Chief Justice at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, succeeding Justice B R Gavai.
- He is known for landmark rulings on issues such as Article 370, gender equality, free speech, and corruption.
- Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Kant began his journey in law as a small-town lawyer.
- His tenure as Chief Justice of India is expected to last nearly 15 months until his retirement on February 9, 2027.
- Justice Kant studied law in Haryana and secured the first rank in his Master’s program at Kurukshetra University.
- His career included arguing cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, elevation as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, and later to the Supreme Court in 2019.
- His name was officially recommended by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai.
- Justice Kant has a reputation for balancing legal principles with real-world concerns and has shown interest in issues affecting people directly.
- In the landmark Pegasus spyware case, he noted that citing national security cannot prevent legitimate questions from being asked in court.
- He has stated that “freedom of speech is not a licence to flout societal norms.”
- Justice Kant is seen as a judge who combines firmness with empathy and has repeatedly underlined that corruption is a “serious societal threat.”
- He ordered a CBI investigation into 28 cases involving alleged fraud that impacted homebuyers.
- He granted bail to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case, stressing the need for investigative agencies to shed the image of being a “caged parrot.”
- His judgments have tried to strike a balance between national interest and citizens’ rights, as seen in the Char Dham highway case.
- He was part of the seven-judge bench that reopened the Aligarh Muslim University minority status issue.
- Since joining the Supreme Court, Justice Kant has contributed to over 300 benches.
- He faces the challenge of guiding the judiciary amid nearly 90,000 pending cases.
- Landmark judgments include upholding the Centre’s decision to remove Jammu and Kashmir’s special status (Article 370) and putting the colonial-era sedition law in abeyance.
- He was part of the bench that examined allegations of unlawful surveillance through Pegasus and ordered the formation of an independent committee of cyber experts.
- He nudged the Election Commission to disclose details of 65 lakh voters excluded from the draft list in the Bihar Electoral Roll Review.
- He was part of the presidential reference examining the powers of Governors and the President in clearing or withholding state bills.
- He reinstated a woman sarpanch who had been unlawfully removed, calling out gender bias.
- Justice Kant directed that one-third of seats in bar associations, including the Supreme Court Bar Association, must be reserved for women.
- He was part of the bench that appointed a five-member committee to investigate the security lapse during the Prime Minister’s Punjab visit.
- He upheld the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme for the defence forces, calling it constitutionally valid.
- He continues to hear petitions by women officers seeking parity in permanent commission.
- The Government of India has approved the Scheme for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, 2025.
- The scheme will confer 5 awards under Category 1: Holistic Development of Districts under 11 priority sector programmes.
- The scheme will confer 5 awards under Category 2: Aspirational Blocks Program.
- The scheme will confer 6 awards under Category 3: Innovations for Central Ministries/Departments States, Districts.
- Each awarded District/organization will receive a Trophy, Scroll and an incentive of Rs. 20 lakhs to be utilized for implementation of project/programme or bridging resources gaps in any area of public welfare.
- Nitish Kumar unanimously elected leader of JD(U) legislature party
- Will take oath as Chief Minister of Bihar for the 10th time at Gandhi Maidan
- Governor Arif Mohammad Khan will administer the oath, becoming the eighth governor to swear in Kumar
- Pavankumar Bhimappa Bajanthri took oath as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court.
- The oath was administered by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan at Raj Bhavan.
- Justice Bajanthri was previously serving as the Acting Chief Justice of the Patna High Court.
DigiLocker now hosts Passport Verification Records in digital, tamper-proof form
Key Updates:
- Passport Verification Records can now be securely accessed, stored, shared, and digitally verified within the DigiLocker ecosystem.
- DigiLocker is a secure, cloud-based platform under the Digital India programme that enables the issuance, storage, sharing, and verification of digital documents and certificates.
- PVRs made available through DigiLocker are issued in digital form directly by the relevant government systems, ensuring authenticity, integrity, and protection against tampering.
Similar / Past Coverage
- 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.
- Vehicle Name & Developer: Pravaig VEER all-terrain tactical electric vehicle developed by Bengaluru-based Pravaig Dynamics
- Key Capabilities: Stealth features, high mobility on deserts/mountains/forests, reduced acoustic & thermal signatures, full field-repairability
- Recognition & Trials: Secured iDEX Innovation for Defence Excellence award and completed military trials, moving toward production-ready status
- The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has granted Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) approval to Viyona Fintech.
- This milestone enables Viyona to offer Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services in collaboration with partner banks.
- Viyona's flagship product, GraamPay, empowers farmers, small merchants, and local communities with seamless digital collections, payouts, and frictionless UPI transactions.
- Visakhapatnam Port Authority and the Government of Andhra Pradesh signed an MoU for a ‘major port cum ship building and ship repair cluster’ at Dugarajapatnam with an investment commitment of ₹29,662 crore.
- VPA signed a ₹3,000 crore MoU with MECON India for developing modern stack yards and railway sidings.
- VPA partnered with NBCC under a ₹500-crore self-financing scheme for monetisation and integrated development of underutilised land in Harbour Park.
- VPA entered into a ₹487.38 crore collaboration with HUDCO for mechanisation and modernisation of cargo berths.
- VPA signed a ₹535-crore MoU with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited for developing internal flyovers within the port premises.
- Collectively, the MoUs announced at India Maritime Week-2025 are set to attract over ₹39,216 crore in new investments.
Indian Army achieves first-ever successful ascent of Mount Kangto on December 6, 2025
Key Updates:
- an Indian Army mountaineering team from Eastern Command has successfully summited Mount Kangto 7,042-metre--the highest and hitherto unconquered sentinel peak of Arunachal Pradesh--approaching from the challenging Southern route.
- This accomplishment marks the first recorded successful ascent of the formidable Mount Kangto, long regarded as an unclimbed guardian of the Kameng Himalayas.
- The expedition team was 'Flagged In' by Lt Gen RC Tiwari, Army Commander, Eastern Command, who lauded the mountaineers for their courage, professionalism and perseverance.
- Flagged Off on November 3 from a forward base by the General Officer Commanding, Gajraj Corps, the 18-member team undertook a gruelling expedition across rugged Himalayan terrain.
- Braving extremely rarefied air, harsh sub-zero conditions, treacherous icy ridgelines, deep crevasses, and near-vertical ice walls, the climbers showcased the hallmark attributes of the Indian Army--unmatched grit, discipline, teamwork and an indomitable spirit.
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- The final Battlefield Trek of the 63rd Walong Day Commemoration was conducted from Ashi Hill to Tri Jn Post, Arunachal Pradesh.
- The event witnessed the participation of 20 civilians, along with Indian Army personnel.
- Ashi Hill holds special significance in the annals of the Battle of Walong, where Indian troops fought gallantly against numerically superior Chinese forces.
- Tri Jn Post stands as a symbolic site of the first counterattack launched by the Indian Army during the 1962 War.
- The trek served as a heartfelt tribute to the heroes who defended the nation's honour and inspired generations with their unmatched valour.
- The Battlefield Trek Series underscores the Indian Army's ongoing effort to honour its heroes, promote historical awareness, and instil patriotism among the youth.
- Exercise Name: 'AMOGH FURY' Integrated Fire Power Exercise
- Conducted by: Sapta Shakti Command of the Indian Army
- Location: Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan’s Thar desert
- Nyoma airbase, located about 35 km from the LAC in eastern Ladakh, was operationalised with a Rs 230 crore upgrade
- The upgrade included a 2.7-km rigid-pavement runway, new ATC complex, hangars, crash bay and accommodation
- IAF chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh formally inaugurated the base by flying in a C-130J 'Super Hercules' aircraft
- The airbase will facilitate rapid movement of troops, weapons and supplies to Pangong Tso, Demchok and Depsang areas
- Concurrently, Indian Army's 3 Spear Corps along with IAF and ITBP elements are conducting 'Poorvi Prachand Prahar' exercise in high-altitude terrain of Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh
- The 19th edition of the annual India–Nepal joint military exercise 'SURYAKIRAN XIX – 2025' began at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
- The exercise runs from 25 November to 08 December 2025.
- Each contingent comprises 334 personnel: Indian Army troops primarily from the ASSAM Regiment and Nepalese Army troops mainly from the DEVI DATTA Regiment.
- The exercise focuses on sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate including peacekeeping, peace enforcement, humanitarian protection, and preventive deployment.
- Key training domains include jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain, HADR, medical response, environmental conservation, and integrated ground–aviation operations.
- Emerging technologies featured are unmanned aerial systems, drone-based ISR, AI-enabled decision-support systems, unmanned logistics carriers, and armoured protection platforms.
Cabinet Renews BIRAC-CEPI Research Partnerships, Expands Scope to Monoclonal Antibodies
Key Updates:
- The Union Cabinet has renewed the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) Engagement Strategy with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
- The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), had partnered with CEPI in October 2019, to advance vaccine development for diseases of epidemic potential.
- The partnership recorded progress in early-stage development of vaccine candidates for Chikungunya, Coronavirus and Monkey pox.
- Under the strategy, BIRAC’s bioassay laboratory and experimental animal facility supported the development of several Indian and global vaccine candidates at different stages, from pre-clinical to phase-3 efficacy trials.
- Training programmes on vaccine development and clinical trials have been organized, contributing to capacity building in the domain.
- The latest renewal further broadens the strategy scope to the development of allied technologies, particularly monoclonal antibodies.
- Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are lab-made proteins that mimic the body's natural immune response to target specific cells or antigens.
- CEPI is an innovative partnership between public, private, philanthropic and civil organisations which supports the development of vaccines and associated technologies against emerging infectious diseases.
- Several national governments, the European Commission, and philanthropic organisations, such as Gates Foundation and Welcome Trust, are involved with CEPI.
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- Russia's novel cancer vaccine, Enteromix, has demonstrated 100% efficacy and safety in initial human trials.
- The vaccine is designed to train the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.
- Enteromix is developed using the same mRNA technology as the COVID-19 vaccines.
- This pioneering therapy is personalized for each colorectal cancer patient, offering a custom immunotherapy tailored to an individual's tumour profile.
- The trials involved 48 volunteers and were conducted by Russia's National Medical Research Radiological Centre in collaboration with the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology.
- The announcement was made at the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, framing this Russian cancer vaccine as one step away from regulatory approval by Russia's Ministry of Health.
- Russia has announced that its novel cancer vaccine, Enteromix, has demonstrated 100% efficacy and safety in initial human trials.
- Developed using the same mRNA technology as the COVID-19 vaccines, Enteromix is designed to train the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.
- This pioneering therapy is personalized for each colorectal cancer patient, offering a custom immunotherapy tailored to an individual's tumour profile.
- The trials involved 48 volunteers and were conducted by Russia's National Medical Research Radiological Centre in collaboration with the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology.
- The announcement, made at the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, frames this Russian cancer vaccine as a potential game-changer in oncology, one step away from regulatory approval by Russia's Ministry of Health.
- Enteromix was born from years of coordinated research by Russia's National Medical Research Radiological Centre and the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology.
- Unlike conventional cancer vaccines, Enteromix brings two key innovations: Fully personalized design and mRNA platform.
- 1 Bio has been established by the Telangana government through Telangana Lifesciences and Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
- The public-private partnership project saw the Telangana government facilitate an investment of Rs 150 crore in infrastructure, while Thermo Fisher Scientific contributed Rs 90 crore for the bioprocess design centre and its co-located customer experience centre.
- The 1 Bio hub is expected to attract another Rs 500 crore in private investment from its tenant companies and generate over 500 highly skilled jobs.
- These facilities will provide end-to-end process development and pilot scale validation, enabling startups and established companies to cut down on capital investment and accelerate development.
- Bharat Biotech is venturing into advanced therapies by launching Nucelion Therapeutics, a subsidiary focused on cell and gene therapies.
- This new entity will offer comprehensive development and manufacturing services for innovative treatments targeting cancers, autoimmune disorders, and rare genetic diseases.
- Nucelion is housed in a 30,000 sq ft purpose-built facility in Genome Valley.
- Nucelion has already commissioned a GMP facility with a capacity to develop and manufacture plasmids, viral and non-viral vectors, cell therapies, and aseptic fill & finish.
- The company will offer end-to-end services, from early-stage clinical development to commercial-scale manufacturing, while adhering to international regulatory standards, including those of the US FDA and Europe’s EMA.
- Nucelion Therapeutics will offer services for the development and manufacturing of plasmid DNA, viral vectors, autologous, and allogeneic cell therapies.
IIT Kanpur and NMDC sign MoU to boost cybersecurity and AI/ML adoption in mining
Key Updates:
- IIT Kanpur’s C3iHub will conduct cyber risk assessments and develop AI/ML solutions for enhanced operational efficiency in the mining sector.
- The collaboration will explore AI/ML-driven solutions, digital twins, predictive maintenance frameworks, and advanced data analytics across NMDC’s mining ecosystem.
- Both institutions will jointly undertake research, capacity-building programs, and technology pilots, with successful proofs-of-concept evaluated for scalable deployment.
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- GSH India Private Ltd (Indian arm of US-based GSH Group UK) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with IIIT Manipur to collaborate on facility management, IoT, sustainability and smart building systems.
- The partnership will focus on joint research, internships, training and skill development programs to bridge the industry-academy gap and promote innovation in sustainable technology-driven facility management.
- GSH India also signed an extended MoA with Anna University to strengthen collaboration in energy management, sustainability and technical skill development through expert lectures, internships, joint research and training programs.
- The MoA was signed at the fifth GSH Sustainable Energy Forum in Chennai, a biennial event fostering dialogue and innovation for a cleaner, greener future.
- Discussions at the forum covered renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, carbon accounting and market mechanisms of energy purchase.
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched CSIC 1.0 under the Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) project.
- CSIC 1.0 invites students and researchers to solve real-world cyber challenges and develop product-oriented solutions.
- The initiative adopts a 'whole-of-nation' approach, uniting MeitY, CERT-In, NSCS, AICTE, C-DAC, DSCI, academia and industry.
- RRP Electronics Ltd (Maharashtra’s first OSAT company) partners with Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) on the HGCAL project for the CMS experiment upgrade at CERN, Geneva.
- MoU with Polaron Infotech embeds cybersecurity across the semiconductor supply chain to safeguard IP and ensure resilience.
- Collaboration with Rajarambapu Institute of Technology (RIT), Sangli, creates industry-aligned curriculum, semiconductor-focused courses, hands-on training, internships and employment at RRP Electronics.
- Agreement with MONK9 Tech Pvt Ltd provides RRP’s advanced packaging technology and infrastructure for MONK9’s forthcoming project.
- The four MoUs are expected to generate cumulative revenues of ₹15 crore onwards while driving skill development and innovation in India’s semiconductor sector.
- **Cyber Bharat Setu:** A National Cybersecurity Exercise organized by the Directorate of Information Technology (DIT), Government of Tripura, in collaboration with the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
- **Objective of Cyber Bharat Setu:** Aims to strengthen cyber awareness, readiness, and response capabilities of the State, envisioning a Cyber Resilient Bharat by bridging regional cybersecurity capabilities, fostering innovation, and promoting proactive defence and response strategies.
- **Key Features of Cyber Bharat Setu:** The two-day workshop focuses on strengthening cyber resilience through expert-led training, hands-on drills, and simulated scenario-based exercises, incorporating advanced sessions and simulation-based components.
- **Tripura Cyber Security Policy, 2025 (TCSP 2.0):** A forward-looking and transformative policy launched by Shri. S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, Government of India, during the event.
- **Objective of TCSP 2.0:** Formulated to build a resilient, adaptive, and citizen-centric cyber ecosystem, serving as a guiding framework for securing the State’s IT and ICT systems, strengthening institutional mechanisms, and promoting collaborative actions.
- **Tripura Cyber Security Awareness Month 2025 (TCSAM, 2025):** A month-long campaign launched with the theme “Cyber Jagrit Tripura” and an unveiled mascot named “Raksha Mitra”.
- **Objective of TCSAM 2025:** Aims to strengthen cyber hygiene and awareness among citizens, students, and the government workforce, observed across the State by the Directorate of IT, Govt. of Tripura.
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and YES Bank forge strategic bancassurance partnership
Key Updates:
- LIC and YES Bank have entered into a strategic bancassurance partnership enabling YES Bank customers to access LIC’s comprehensive range of life insurance products through the Bank’s extensive branch network and digital platforms.
- YES Bank is recognised as the Preferred Banker to Digital India with best-in-class technology infrastructure, a robust API stack, and a leadership position in digital payments.
- The partnership was announced in the presence of R. Doraiswamy, CEO & MD, LIC of India, and Prashant Kumar, MD & CEO, YES Bank.
- Through this collaboration, YES Bank customers will be able to avail LIC’s diverse portfolio products including term plans, endowment policies, pension, and unit-linked insurance plans.
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- Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) launched two new insurance plans: Protection Plus (Plan 886) and Bima Kavach (Plan 887).
- LIC's Protection Plus (Plan 886) is a non-participating, linked life insurance plan with a minimum entry age of 18 years and a maximum entry age of 65 years.
- The minimum basic sum assured for Protection Plus is 7 times or 5 times the annualized premium for entry ages less than 50 years and 50 years and above, respectively.
- Protection Plus offers premium paying terms of 5, 7, 10, and 15 years for policy terms of 10, 15, 20, and 25 years, allowing partial withdrawals after 5 years.
- LIC's Bima Kavach (Plan 887) is a non-participating, non-linked, individual life insurance plan offering pure risk protection.
- The minimum entry age for Bima Kavach is 18 years (last birthday), and the maximum entry age is 65 years (last birthday).
- The minimum basic sum assured for Bima Kavach is ₹2,00,00,000 (₹2 crore).
- Bima Kavach offers single, limited (5, 10, and 15 years), and regular premium payment options, with two death benefit options: level sum assured and increasing sum assured.
- The maximum policy term for Bima Kavach is 82 years, subject to a maximum age at maturity of 100 years.
- 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 products.
- CSB Bank will include the insurance products in its suite of financial products, including home loans, business loans, and SME credit lines.
- Ramakrishnan Chander has been appointed as the Managing Director of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), with effect from December 1.
- Prior to this, he was the Executive Director (Investment – Front Office) & Chief Investment Officer of LIC.
- Ramakrishnan Chander joined LIC in 1990 as an Assistant Administrative Officer.
- He is a graduate and Fellow of Insurance Institute of India.
- He has 35 years of experience in Marketing and Administration, holding positions of Senior Divisional Manager, Regional Manager (Marketing) and Regional Manager (P&GS).
- He led LIC’s Strategic Business Unit – International Operations as Executive Director.
- Bank of Baroda and SIDBI Sign MoU to Boost Credit Access for MSMEs and Startups Across India.
- Partnership aims to enhance joint financing, streamline digital working capital, and expand global opportunities for small businesses and startups under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
- The MoU was formalised in the presence of Mr. M. Nagaraju, IAS, Secretary, Department of Financial Services DFS, who attended as the Chief Guest.
- Both institutions will combine SIDBI’s deep expertise in MSME development with Bank of Baroda’s strong national footprint to enhance credit delivery and expand financial inclusion among small businesses.
- Bank of Baroda’s digital Working Capital Platform will be operationalised for SIDBI-approved borrowers, ensuring seamless, technology-driven working capital access.
- The partnership will reinforce startup support through SIDBI’s Venture Debt Programme and BOB’s specialised Startup Banking solutions, including advisory services and customised financial products.
- Bank of Baroda’s extensive international network will be leveraged to assist MSMEs and startups in exploring export opportunities, gaining market insights, and availing global banking solutions.
- The Small Industries Development Bank of India SIDBI is the principal financial institution for the promotion, financing, and development of MSMEs and startups in India.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) grants in-principle approval to NHAI’s Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT) for InvIT registration.
Key Updates:
- Sebi has granted in-principle approval to register 'Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust' (RIIT) as an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT).
- RIIT must meet specific conditions over the next six months including appointment of directors, submission of requisite financial statements, and compliance with other regulatory requirements.
- NHAI incorporated Raajmarg Infra Investment Managers Pvt. Ltd. (RIIMPL) last month as the investment manager for RIIT.
- RIIMPL is a collaborative venture with equity participation from State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, NaBFID, Axis Bank, Bajaj Finserv Ventures Ltd., HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, IndusInd Bank, and Yes Bank.
- The InvIT aims to unlock monetisation potential of National Highway assets and create a long-term investment instrument targeting retail and domestic investors.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) introduced the SWAGAT-FI framework for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and Foreign Venture Capital Investors (FVCIs) through two separate notifications dated December 1.
- The new framework is named Single Window Automatic & Generalised Access for Trusted Foreign Investors (SWAGAT-FI).
- SWAGAT-FI provides easier investment access to low risk foreign investors, enables a unified registration process, and reduces repeated compliance and documentation.
- Sebi identified low risk foreign investors as government-owned funds, central banks, sovereign wealth funds, multilateral entities, highly regulated public retail funds, appropriately regulated insurance companies, and pension funds.
- Sebi amended FPIs and FVCIs regulations, which will come into force on June 1, 2026.
- Under the new framework, Sebi granted an option to SWAGAT-FIs applying for registration or already registered as FPIs to also register as FVCI without further documentation.
- Registration under both FPI and FVCI regulations enables SWAGAT-FIs to invest in listed equity instruments and debt securities as FPI, and in unlisted Indian companies and startups as FVCI.
- Sebi increased the periodicity for continuance of registration, including payment of fee and review of KYC documentation, to 10 years.
- Sebi allowed retail schemes in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) with a resident Indian sponsor or manager to register as FPIs.
- Sebi amended FPI Regulations to subject sponsor contributions to a maximum of 10 percent of the fund's corpus or assets under management for retail schemes.
- As of June 30, 2025, India had 11,913 registered FPIs holding assets worth ₹80.83 lakh crore.
- SWAGAT-FIs are estimated to contribute more than 70 percent of total FPIs' assets under custody.
- Name: Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund with corpus of Rs 1 lakh crore
- Implementing structure: Two-tier model—special purpose fund under Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) managed by Department of Science and Technology
- Fund deployment: Capital routed through second-level fund managers (AIFs, DFIs, NBFCs) guided by independent investment committees
- The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has granted Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) approval to Viyona Fintech.
- This milestone enables Viyona to offer Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services in collaboration with partner banks.
- Viyona's flagship product, GraamPay, empowers farmers, small merchants, and local communities with seamless digital collections, payouts, and frictionless UPI transactions.
- Scheme Name: Central Rehabilitation Register (CRR) – fee waiver and validity extension initiative by Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)
- Key Feature: CRR registration, renewal, and qualification addition fees completely waived; validity extended from 5 to 7 years
- Beneficiary: Students and rehabilitation professionals across India
- Additional Feature: Automatic renewal for professionals earning 100+ Continuing Rehabilitation Education (CRE) points; online correction via digital dashboard at no cost
- Initiative: 144 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) designated for 7-year approval tenure and automatic extension
- Objective of CoEs: Ensure academic quality, participate in expert panels, examination boards, and academic reviews
- Governance Reform: Common No Objection Certificate (NOC) system and reduced approval fees for institutions
- Transparency Measure: Video-based inspections and Improvement Notice mechanism before re-inspection
- Examination Reform: Supplementary exams within 75 days of results; uniform grace marks; paper setters/moderators/examiners drawn exclusively from CoEs
- Inclusion Initiative: Promotion of Indian-authored books and regional language resources; special submission link on RCI website for Indian authors/publishers
Punjab National Bank (PNB) launches RuPay metal credit card 'Luxura' targeting premium segment.
Key Updates:
- Punjab National Bank (PNB) introduced the RuPay metal credit card named 'Luxura' aimed at premium customers.
- The card features a rewards programme offering welcome and milestone points linked to specific spending thresholds.
- Cardholders receive hotel- and dining-related benefits through partner networks.
- PNB appointed Indian women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur as its first female brand ambassador during the launch event in New Delhi.
- Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju stated the product adds depth to PNB’s offerings for customers seeking premium features.
- PNB Managing Director & CEO Ashok Chandra expects the partnership to support the bank’s ongoing brand-building initiatives.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Cardholders earn points equivalent to 5% on online purchases and 1% on offline transactions, including CRED Scan and Pay.
- Points can be redeemed across the CRED ecosystem, including the new flights product powered by ixigo and over 8,00,000 hotels powered by Expedia, as well as 500+ merchants and 2,000+ products on the CRED store.
- The card features zero joining fees, automatic point application, and a simplified two-minute application process.
- Harmanpreet Kaur has been appointed as the first female brand ambassador of Punjab National Bank (PNB).
- The appointment was announced during the launch of PNB's new initiatives including the RuPay Metal Credit Card Luxura, PNB One 2.0, and Digi Surya Ghar.
- The partnership highlights PNB's focus on inclusivity and excellence in its brand transformation journey.
- Razorpay becomes one of a select cohort of fintechs authorised to facilitate both inward and outward cross-border payments with complete regulatory oversight.
- Indian businesses can accept payments in over 130 currencies through cards, wallets, and local bank transfers, achieving 95% success rates on international transactions.
- Global platforms can go live in India in real-time without setting up an India entity, accessing UPI, RuPay, EMIs, netbanking, and over 100 local methods via a single integration.
- UPI-linked credit card transactions now account for nearly 40% of total credit card transactions by volume, up from 10% at the end of FY24.
- RuPay’s credit card market share has climbed to nearly 16%, from 3% two years ago, after the RBI allowed RuPay credit cards to be linked exclusively to UPI in late 2022.
- More than 50 million merchants now use UPI for transactions, while fewer than 10 million merchants have point-of-sale devices that accept all credit cards.
Kalikesh Singh Deo Led National Rifle Association of India as President; Pawan Singh Took Over as Secretary General
Key Updates:
- Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo started his first full four-year term as president of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).
- Pawan Singh was elected as the new secretary general of the NRAI.
- Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo succeeded former president Raninder Singh, who completed his three terms in office.
- Amit Sanghi was elected as the senior vice president of the NRAI.
- Kanwar Sultan Singh and Sushma Singh were elected as vice presidents of the NRAI.
- Olympic bronze medallist Gagan Narang, Kunti Malik, Zorawar Singh Sandhu, and Elavenil Valarivan are the four sportspersons in the executive committee of the NRAI.
Similar / Past Coverage
- 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.
- Irfaan Ali has been re-elected for a second term as oil-rich Guyana’s president.
- He is a 45-year-old centre-left politician.
- His party, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), won the general election.
- Ali will assume a second five-year term.
- His government took power in 2020.
- The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, addressed the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly.
- The address was delivered at Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
- The occasion was the Silver Jubilee of the formation of Uttarakhand state.
- The President stated that 'legislative assemblies are a key pillar of our parliamentary system'.
- She appreciated the members of Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly for implementing the Uniform Civil Code Bill.
Arjun Erigaisi defeats Viswanathan Anand in the Jerusalem Masters
Key Updates:
- Arjun Erigaisi triumphed at the Jerusalem Masters, defeating Viswanathan Anand in a thrilling all-Indian final.
- Arjun Erigaisi secured victory with a 2.5-1.5 score.
- Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion, finished as the runner-up.
- The tournament was the Jerusalem Masters.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Belgium clinched the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 by defeating India 1-0 in the final.
- Thibeau Stockbroekx scored the decisive goal in the 34th minute.
- The final was held in Malaysia.
- Belgium won its maiden Sultan Azlan Shah title on its second appearance in the tournament.
- Arjun Erigaisi defeated Uzbekistan’s Shamsiddin Vokhidov in 30 moves with the white pieces.
- P Harikrishna beat Belgium’s Daniel Dardha in 25 moves using a sharp Sicilian Classical variation.
- World champion D Gukesh was held to a draw with black in his Round 3 opener.
- Javokhir Sindarov (Uzbekistan) became the youngest ever Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) World Cup champion, defeating China’s Wei Yi in a rapid tiebreak after two drawn classical games.
- Wei Yi (China) was the runner-up and received the Silver medal.
- Andrey Esipenko (Russia) secured third place and received the Bronze medal.
- The 11th FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 was held at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao, Goa.
- The tournament marked India hosting the event again after 23 years.
- The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 trophy was officially renamed the Viswanathan Anand Cup.
- The top 3 winners, Javokhir Sindarov, Wei Yi, and Andrey Esipenko, qualified for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament.
- The FIDE World Cup 2025 offered a USD 2 million prize fund.
- 🇭🇰 Jason Gunawan won the Men’s Singles by defeating 🇮🇳 Srikanth Kidambi 21–16, 8–21, 22–20.
- 🇯🇵 Hina Akechi won the Women’s Singles by defeating 🇹🇷 Neslihan Arın 21–16, 21–14.
- 🇲🇾 Kang Khai Xing and 🇲🇾 Aaron Tai won the Men’s Doubles by defeating 🇲🇾 Chia Wei Jie and 🇲🇾 Lwi Sheng Hao 21–9, 21–19.
- 🇮🇳 Treesa Jolly and 🇮🇳 Gayatri Gopichand Pullela won the Women’s Doubles by defeating 🇯🇵 Kaho Osawa and 🇯🇵 Mai Tanabe 17–21, 21–13, 21–15.
- 🇮🇩 Dejan Ferdinansyah and 🇮🇩 Bernadine Anindya Wardana won the Mixed Doubles by defeating 🇹🇭 Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and 🇹🇭 Sapsiree Taerattanachai 21–19, 21–16.
- The tournament was held at the Babu Banarasi Das U.P. Badminton Academy in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Chandigarh University defends Khelo India University Games 2025 title
Key Updates:
- Chandigarh University topped the KIUG 2025 medal table with 42 gold, 14 silver and 11 bronze medals.
- Lovely Professional University finished runner-up with 32 gold, 25 silver and 22 bronze medals.
- The Games were held across seven cities in Rajasthan: Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota and Bharatpur.
- Jain University’s Srihari Nataraj was the most successful athlete, winning nine gold and two silver medals.
- Pooja Singh broke the Khelo India University Games high jump meet record with a 1.77 m clearance.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Rajasthan sports minister Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore announced the grand opening at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
- The opening ceremony features Siddharth Mahadevan, Arunita Kanjilal, folk artists curated by Rajnigandha Shekhawat, mascots Khamma and Ghani, and an aerial display.
- Competitions will be held across Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Ajmer, Bharatpur, and Bikaner in 24 sports with kho-kho as a demonstration event.
- Badminton, archery and shooting events begin on Monday at Sawai Mansingh Stadium Indoor Hall, Jagatpura Archery Range and Jagatpura Shooting Range in Jaipur.
- In a grand event at the historical Amer Fort here on Wednesday, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), in association with the Government of Rajasthan and the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC), launched the official logo, mascots, torch, jerseys and anthem for the Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025 (KIUG Rajasthan 2025).
- The Games' mascots, Khamma and Ghani, were unveiled by the Rajasthan sports minister Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.
- The Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025, scheduled to take place from November 24 to December 5, 2025, will be held across seven cities -- Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Ajmer, Bharatpur and Bikaner.
- This marks the first time Rajasthan will host the Khelo India University Games, a flagship event of the ministry of youth affairs and sports that showcases India's finest university athletes.
- Over 7,000 athletes from nearly 200 universities will compete in 24 disciplines, including 23 medal sports and one demonstration event.
- New inclusions this year are canoeing, kayaking, cycling, and beach volleyball -- reflecting the growing diversity and ambition of Indian university sport.
- The two-day National Agricultural Conference-Rabi Abhiyan 2025 will be organized from Monday.
- The conference will be chaired by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi.
- This event will bring together agricultural experts, scientists and policy makers across the country, to discuss the challenges on Rabi crops.
- The Agricultural conference is a part of the second phase of Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan to guide the action plan and production strategies for the Rabi season of 2025-26.
- This conference is expected to be an important step towards increasing the income of farmers, ensuring sustainable agriculture systems, and national food security.
- Event Name: Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada; Organiser: Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) under National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
- Duration: 1st to 15th November 2025; culminates in Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on 15th November 2025 marking the 150th Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
- Objective: "to inspire students by highlighting the legacy of India’s tribal freedom fighters and by celebrating the vibrant expressions of tribal art, culture, and heritage."
- Key Activities: creative, cultural, and educational activities; Padyatras and thematic events across all EMRSs.
- Recognition: "Two best-performing schools will be felicitated for their outstanding participation and innovative activities during the Pakhwada."
- Participation: "more than 1.5 lakh students from 497 EMRSs across India are expected to participate."
Frank Gehry, World-renowned Canadian-American Architect and Designer, Died
Key Updates:
- Frank Gehry, a world-renowned Canadian-American architect and designer, died at the age of 96 after a short respiratory illness.
- He was awarded the Pritzker Prize, which is described as the field’s top honour in architecture.
- His other honours included the Royal Institute of British Architects gold medal, the Americans for the Arts lifetime achievement award, and the Companion of the Order of Canada.
- Among his many masterpieces were the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain; The Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles; and Berlin’s DZ Bank Building.
- He also designed an expansion of Facebook’s Northern California headquarters.
- Gehry founded the architectural firm Gehry Partners LLP in 1962.
- He designed the InterActiveCorp (IAC) Building in New York City and the New York By Gehry building.
- He joined the faculty of the University of Southern California as a professor of architecture and also taught at Yale and Columbia University.
- Born Ephraim Owen Goldberg in Toronto on February 28, 1929, he later became a US citizen and changed his name.
- The Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum in Abu Dhabi is expected to be completed in 2026.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Paul Costelloe has died at the age of 80 following a short illness, surrounded by his wife and seven children in London.
- He was appointed personal designer to Princess Diana in 1983, an association that continued until her death in 1997.
- Costelloe was born in Dublin in 1945, the son of a tailor who made raincoats in the city’s Rathmines district.
- He studied at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture fashion school in Paris and began his career as an assistant to designer Jacques Esterel.
- Costelloe later worked for Marks & Spencer in Milan, then for the luxury department store La Rinascente, and subsequently designed for the Anne Fogarty label in the United States.
- His fashion house, based in central London with a family-owned manufacturing site in Italy’s Ancona region, produces womenswear, menswear, bags and accessories.
- Nobel Prize-winning American scientist James Watson, co-discoverer of the double-helix structure of DNA, has died aged 97.
- Watson shared the 1962 Nobel Prize with Maurice Wilkins and Francis Crick for the DNA double-helix structure discovery.
- He had to resign as chancellor of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory after making controversial comments linking race and intelligence.
- Baba Kalyani, Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Forge, has been conferred with the Holley Medal by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
- The ASME Holley Award, established in 1924, recognizes outstanding and unique act(s) of an engineering nature, accomplishing a noteworthy and timely public benefit.
- The recognition underscores Bharat Forge’s engineering-led value creation in the US and globally, localising advanced manufacturing and supporting domestic industry needs.
- Chen Ning Yang, Nobel laureate and one of the world's most influential physicists, has died at the age of 103
- Yang and fellow theoretical physicist Lee Tsung-Dao were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 for their work in parity laws
- Yang was a professor at Beijing's Tsinghua University and an honorary dean of the Institute for Advanced Study at the institution