Daily Current Affairs: 16 December 2025
Analysis for 16 December 2025
John Cena retired after final WWE match
Key Updates:
- John Cena's in-ring career ended at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., after more than 20 years in WWE.
- Cena tapped out to Gunther in his final match, a nearly 24-minute contest at the 2025 Saturday Night Main Event.
- The WWE locker room, along with Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, The Undertaker, CM Punk, and Cody Rhodes, gathered to honor Cena after the match.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Samuel Umtiti, former Barcelona and France defender, retires at 31
- Won two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup
- Scored the winning goal for France in the 2018 World Cup semi-final against Belgium
- Tennis veteran player Rohan Bopanna has bid adieu to his Tennis career on Saturday.
- The 45-year-old took to social media to announce his retirement.
- Bopanna became the oldest player to win a men’s double grand slam in 2024 at the Australian Open.
- He became the oldest to win an ATP 1000 Title in the Miami Open 2024.
- After claiming the prize in Australia, he also went on to become the oldest to get the world’s number 1 in double’s category.
- Bopanna’s final appearance came at the Paris Masters 1000, where he partnered up with Alexander Bublik.
- Across various tiers, Bopanna has won 26 titles in the doubles category, which also includes six ATP Masters 1000 Titles.
- Veteran India pacer Mohit Sharma on Wednesday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
- The 37-year-old pacer featured in 34 international appearances—26 ODIs and 8 T20Is.
- He took 35 wickets in 26 ODIs and six wickets in 8 T20s.
- Mohit was part of India's 2015 ODI World Cup squad.
- He played more than a decade in the Indian Premier League, representing Chennai Super Kings, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans.
- In 2023, he finished as the second-highest wicket-taker of the season for Gujarat Titans.
- Kane Williamson retires as New Zealand's second-highest T20I run-scorer with 2,575 runs from 93 matches.
- He captained New Zealand to the 2021 T20 World Cup final, scoring 85 in the final against Australia.
- Williamson led New Zealand to T20 World Cup semi-finals in 2016 and 2022.
Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty elected first woman President of Press Club of India (PCI)
Key Updates:
- Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty secured 1,019 votes to become the first woman President of PCI.
- Her team swept all office-bearers and managing committee positions, winning 21-0 in the elections.
- Afzal Imam was elected Secretary General with 948 votes, defeating Gyan Prakash who got 290 votes.
- Jatin Gandhi won the vice-president post with 1,029 votes, defeating Prahlad Singh Rajput by over 900 votes.
- Aditi Rajput (Treasurer) and PR Sunil (Joint Secretary) were elected unopposed.
- The 16-member managing committee was led by Niraj Kumar with 932 votes.
Similar / Past Coverage
- 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.
- Amita Chaudhury has been appointed as the Chair of the Board of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI).
- She is the first woman of Indian origin to chair the Global Sustainable Insurance Board.
- Chaudhury is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Management, Bengaluru, and has held senior global roles including at Unilever.
- Shantha Rangaswamy elected president of the Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA)
- Venkat Sundaram named secretary and Deepak Jain appointed treasurer of ICA
- Sudha Shah and Shubhangi Kulkarni nominated as ICA representatives to BCCI Apex Council and IPL Governing Council
- V Chamundeswara Nath (Chamundi) named male representative to BCCI Apex Council
- Michelle Bachelet is the first and only woman President of Chile.
- She is a former Chief of UN Human Rights and served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2018 to 2022.
- She also served as the first executive director of UN Women from 2010 to 2013.
Droupadi Murmu attended Ol Chiki script centenary and NIT-Jamshedpur convocation
Key Updates:
- President Droupadi Murmu visited Jamshedpur and Adityapur to attend the centenary year programme of the discovery of Ol Chiki script at Disom Jaher, Karandih.
- She delivered a speech on the concluding day of the week-long seminar on the promotion of Santhali script.
- Murmu participated in the 15th convocation of National Institute of Technology (NIT-Jamshedpur) and awarded gold medals and degrees to graduating students.
Similar / Past Coverage
- November 15 marks the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, one of India's most revered tribal leaders, freedom fighters, and social reformers.
- Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875.
- He is best remembered for leading the Ulgulan (The Great Rebellion, 1899–1900) against the oppressive British colonial authorities and exploitative landlords.
- In Jharkhand, Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary is celebrated with statewide ceremonies, cultural programs, and educational initiatives.
- He is revered as a symbol of resistance against oppression and the protector of tribal communities.
- President Droupadi Murmu made a historic visit to the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala on Wednesday, becoming the first woman head of state to offer prayers at the renowned hilltop shrine.
- She is only the second President of India to visit the temple; former President VV Giri had previously visited in the 1970s.
- The President's visit is symbolically significant, coming years after a landmark 2018 Supreme Court ruling that overturned a traditional ban on women of menstruating age (10-50) entering the temple.
- She is 67.
- In doing so, she became the first President ever to carry the Irumudi and bow before Lord Ayyappa.
- President Droupadi Murmu has commenced a historic state visit to Angola.
- She received a ceremonial welcome in Luanda.
- This is the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to the country.
- The visit marks 40 years of diplomatic relations between India and Angola.
- Discussions will focus on deepening cooperation in areas such as energy, agriculture, trade, technology, infrastructure, defence, and investment.
- President Murmu is scheduled to address the Angolan parliament and meet members of the Indian community.
- She will attend Angola’s 50th Independence Day celebrations on November 11.
- President Droupadi Murmu's ongoing visit is the first-ever state visit by an Indian head of state to Botswana.
- India and Botswana will mark 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.
- Botswana has symbolically donated eight cheetahs to India under Project Cheetah.
Nitin Nabin assumes charge as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Working President
Key Updates:
- Nitin Nabin succeeded Union Minister JP Nadda as the BJP National Working President.
- He is the youngest BJP president ever and the first BJP president from Bihar and Eastern India.
- Nabin is a five-time MLA and Minister of Road Construction in the Bihar Government.
- He is the son of veteran BJP leader Navin Kishore Prasad Sinha.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Manali Makarand Kshirsagar is an NU alumna with a PhD in computer science.
- She holds an MBA in finance and marketing.
- She is currently director-technical and adviser at Nagpur’s Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering.
- Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat made the announcement of her appointment.
- Her tenure will be for five years.
- 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.
- Renuka Iyer, MD has been appointed as the new Chief Medical Officer of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).
- She previously served as Section Chief of Gastrointestinal Oncology and Medical Director for Medical Oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
- Dr. Iyer has served on the NCCN Guidelines Steering Committee and will now oversee clinical leadership for the NCCN Guidelines program.
Shamanur Shivashankarappa, Karnataka’s oldest MLA and veteran Congress leader, dies
Key Updates:
- Shamanur Shivashankarappa, Karnataka’s oldest MLA and veteran Congress leader, died at 94.
- He represented the Davanagere South Assembly constituency.
- He was the National president of Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha.
- He remained active in politics for around five decades.
- He was elected six times as an MLA since 1994 and once to the Lok Sabha.
- He was also a former minister and industrialist.
- His son, S S Mallikarjun, is a Minister in the state Cabinet.
- His daughter-in-law, Prabha Mallikarjun, represents Davangere in the Lok Sabha.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Shivraj Patil, former Union Home Minister and senior Congress leader, passed away at the age of 90 in Latur, Maharashtra.
- He served as the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha between 1991 and 1996.
- Patil held the office of Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008.
- He was Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.
- He won the Latur Lok Sabha seat seven times.
- Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed every year on December 6 to commemorate the death anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.
- Dr Ambedkar passed away on December 6, 1956.
- President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered tributes at Prerana Sthal on Parliament premises.
- PM Modi recalled Ambedkar's visionary leadership and commitment to justice, equality and constitutionalism.
- Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray paid tributes at Chaityabhoomi in Shivaji Park.
- Gopichand P Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group, passed away in London on Tuesday according to a PTI report.
- He assumed the role of chairman after his older brother Srichand passed away in May 2023.
- He began his career with the family enterprise in Mumbai during 1959 and played a pivotal role in evolving the organisation into a diverse, international business group.
- Padma Shri awardee and renowned environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Friday.
- The 114-year-old had been unwell for some time and was undergoing treatment when she breathed her last, her family sources said.
- Thimmakka earned the title Saalumarada after planting 385 banyan trees along a 4.5-km stretch between Hulikal and Kudur in Ramanagara district.
- She began planting and nurturing the trees, treating them as her children to cope with the void of being childless.
- Thimmakka received 12 major awards for her work, including the Padma Shri in 2019, the Nadoja Award from Hampi University in 2010, the National Citizen Award in 1995 and the Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award in 1997.
Shikhar Dhawan Unveiled Autobiography 'The One: Cricket, My Life and More'
Key Updates:
- Shikhar Dhawan, a celebrated cricketer and entrepreneur, unveiled his autobiography 'The One: Cricket, My Life and More'.
- The autobiography was unveiled at a special event in New Delhi.
- The unveiling was held in association with BMW Deutsche Motoren, HarperCollins, and the Trends Literature Series.
- The principles documented in 'The One' align with the mission of Dhawan's venture, Da One Group, which focuses on structured athlete development, accessible grassroots pathways, and long-term capacity building for Indian sport.
- Shikhar Dhawan Foundation operates across education and community impact.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The book is titled "Dapaan: Tales from Kashmir’s Conflict" and authored by award-winning journalist Ipsita Chakravarty.
- It is published by Hurst & Co Ltd and contains 291 pages.
- The book presents multiple Kashmiri voices through personal memories, urban legends, oral histories, folk theatre, songs, jokes, rumours, myths and fables.
- Abhishek Sharma had a record-breaking performance at the 2025 DP World Asia Cup.
- Abhishek Sharma was propelled to the No. 1 spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20I Batter Rankings.
- Abhishek Sharma achieved the highest rating ever recorded in the ICC Men’s T20I Batter Rankings.
- Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away in Mumbai from age-related ailments.
- The actor's last rites took place in the afternoon at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai’s Vile Parle.
- Dharmendra had worked in over 300 films over his storied career.
- He was hospitalised in October for a health check-up after complaining of breathlessness.
- Earlier this year, he underwent an eye graft surgery (corneal transplantation).
- Born Dharmendra Deol, he was born to a school teacher in the Sahnewal village of Ludhiana district, Punjab.
- He made his debut in Hindi films in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.
- Phool Aur Patthar marked his first action role and earned him the title of the ‘He-Man of Bollywood’.
- His role of Veeru in Sholay became his most famous.
- He balanced Sholay with Satyakam and is also remembered for his comic turn in Chupke Chupke.
- He was married to Prakash Kaur and later to Hema Malini, with whom he has two daughters, Esha and Ahana.
- He is survived by sons Sunny, Bobby, daughters Ajeeta, Vijayta, Esha and Ahana, along with his first wife Prakash Kaur and second wife Hema Malini.
- He set up his production house Vijayta Films in 1983 and launched his son Sunny Deol with Betaab.
- He won a National Award for the film Ghayal under the category Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
- In 2012, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan.
- He contested from Bikaner in Rajasthan during the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and served the constituency till 2009.
- Rohit Sharma reclaimed the No. 1 position in the ICC ODI batting rankings.
- Rohit Sharma moved past New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell in the ODI batting rankings.
- Rohit Sharma was confirmed as the tournament ambassador for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
- The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
- Rohit Sharma has featured in every edition of the T20 World Cup since 2007.
- Rohit Sharma won T20 World Cup titles in 2007 and 2024.
- Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza became the top-ranked all-rounder in T20Is.
- New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra moved up to 12th in ODI batting rankings.
- Devon Conway made a jump to 31st in ODI batting rankings.
- West Indies captain Shai Hope climbed to eighth in ODI batting rankings.
- Mitchell Santner rose to sixth in ODI bowling rankings.
- Matt Henry joined the top tier at No. 10 in ODI bowling rankings.
- England’s Ollie Pope inched up to 24th in Test rankings.
- Mitchell Starc lifted to fifth among Test bowlers.
- Taijul Islam pushed to 15th in Test bowling rankings.
- Ben Stokes climbed to second among Test all-rounders.
- Ravindra Jadeja is the top-ranked Test all-rounder.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) grants NCDEX in-principle nod for mutual fund platform.
Key Updates:
- National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Ltd (NCDEX) has received in-principle approval from Sebi to launch a mutual fund transaction platform.
- The platform will allow investors to subscribe to and redeem mutual fund units, with clearing and settlement handled by National Commodity Clearing Ltd (NCCL), a wholly owned NCDEX subsidiary.
- NCDEX aims to expand financial inclusion through low-denomination systematic investment plans (SIPs) targeting rural and semi-urban areas.
- The mutual fund platform could be rolled out faster than equity trading systems as it operates independently of stock trading infrastructure.
Similar / Past Coverage
- BSE and Department of Posts sign MoU to enable distribution of mutual fund products through India Post’s network.
- Selected DoP employees will be trained and onboarded as certified mutual fund distributors via BSE StAR MF platform.
- MoU valid for three years from December 12, 2025, with provisions for renewal.
- Master Capital Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Master Trust, has received in-principle approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to sponsor a mutual fund.
- India’s mutual fund industry assets under management have broken through the Rs 70 trillion mark.
- The proposed mutual fund will create equity, hybrid, and multi-asset schemes using a combination of quantitative investment methodologies with a bottom-up approach.
- Sebi proposes excluding ZCZP bonds from portfolio value calculation for BSDA eligibility.
- ZCZP bonds are non-transferable, non-tradable, and do not provide monetary return or redemption value.
- Delisted securities may be treated on par with suspended securities for BSDA valuation.
- Illiquid securities will use last closing price for BSDA eligibility determination.
- Depository Participants (DPs) to reassess BSDA eligibility quarterly through system-driven evaluations.
- Beneficial Owner (BO) consent may be accepted via additional authenticated digital methods beyond registered email.
- SEBI has capped the weight of top stocks in non-benchmark indices like Bank Nifty.
- Under the revised framework, the top constituent's weight cannot exceed 20%.
- The combined weight of the top three stocks must be capped at 45%.
- The new norms apply to popular non-benchmark indices, including BANKNIFTY, BANKEX, and FINNIFTY.
- SEBI has mandated that each of these indices must comprise at least 14 stocks to qualify for derivative trading.
- For BANKEX and FINNIFTY, full compliance is required in a single tranche by December 31, 2025.
- BANKNIFTY has been allowed a phased implementation approach spread across four monthly intervals, with a final deadline of March 31, 2026.
- The circular forms part of SEBI’s broader objective to enhance the robustness, transparency, and fairness of index-linked derivatives.
ASK Private Wealth and Hurun India recognize Innoviti as a Cheetah in India Cheetah-Gazelle-Unicorn Index 2025
Key Updates:
- Innoviti Technologies was recognized by ASK Private Wealth and Hurun India as a Cheetah in their India Cheetah-Gazelle-Unicorn Index for the year 2025.
- The recognition for Innoviti Technologies was for Excellence in SaaS-Based Payment Solutions.
- Innoviti unipay powers 18 of top 20 retail enterprises in the country.
- Innoviti genie helps more than 4000 local mobile merchants.
- Innoviti link is India's highest rated payment links app with 50,000+ downloads and a 4.7-star rating on Play Store and App Store.
- Innoviti achieved operating profitability in May 2025.
- Innoviti's payments-centric SaaS software processes over Rs. 80,000 Crore annually from across 2000 cities and over 20,000 merchants.
- The company processes more than 50% of all purchases in enterprise retailers across food & grocery, lifestyle, and healthcare categories.
- Innoviti is backed by Bessemer Venture Partners (USA), FMO (Netherlands), Catamaran Ventures (India), and the Patni Family Office (India).
- Innoviti is the recipient of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) final authorization to operate as an online payment aggregator.
- Innoviti won the 50 fastest growing companies in Asia award from Deloitte four times.
- Innoviti has 14 patents awarded, with 11 more in the pipeline.
- Innoviti received the award on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The eighth edition of Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025 Grand Finale is being held simultaneously at 60 nodal centres—42 software hubs and 18 hardware hubs.
- A total of 72,165 ideas were submitted by 68,766 student teams, out of which 1,360 teams comprising 8,160 students qualified for the 36-hour national coding and prototyping marathon.
- Among the finalists, 2,993 are female students including 53 all-women teams, highlighting the initiative’s commitment to women-led innovation.
- Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C. R. Patil inaugurated the Jal Shakti Hackathon–2025 and the Bharat-WIN Portal.
- The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Water Vision @ 2047’ for a technologically empowered, sustainable, and water-secure India.
- Bharat-WIN Portal hosted at https://bharatwin.mowr.gov.in democratizes water-sector innovation for startups, MSMEs, industry, research institutions, young innovators, rural youth, women-led enterprises, academia, and global collaborators.
- Hackathon priority domains include water resource management, wastewater treatment and reuse, water-use efficiency & circular economy, smart water monitoring, climate resilience and hydrological modelling, flood & drought forecasting, precision agriculture & farm-level water conservation, revival of traditional water systems, and river-basin and watershed management.
- Winning participants receive ₹1 lakh grant for developing a Proof-of-Concept (PoC), mentorship through national research institutions, and opportunities for piloting and real-world implementation.
- National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee, designated as Project Implementation Agency to scrutinize proposals, facilitate expert review, recommend innovations for approval, and support capacity-building and scaling of solutions.
- Grants-in-aid for selected innovations provided under the ‘Research and Development Programme in Water Sector’ and the National Water Mission.
- The Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) launched the Jal Shakti Hackathon–2025 and the Bharat-WIN Portal under the National Water Mission.
- Winning participants will receive a ₹1 lakh grant for developing a Proof-of-Concept (PoC).
- The portal is open to startups, MSMEs, research institutions, young innovators, rural youth, women-led enterprises, academia, and global collaborators.
- The National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee, is the designated Project Implementation Agency (PIA).
- The scheme is named "INSPIRE Award Standard Scheme" and is under the "Ministry of Science and Technology's scheme" / "Department of Science and Technology, Government of India".
- The main objective of this scheme is "to promote creativity and innovation in children."
- Students from "class 6 to 10 can participate" in the scheme.
- Eligible students must be from "any government, government aided or private recognised school."
- "Selected students are given financial assistance of ₹ 10,000 to develop their idea as a model."
- The process involves models being exhibited "at the district level," then sent to "the state level exhibition," and finally displayed in the "National Level Exhibition (NLEPC)."
- "Out of these, the top 60 ideas are displayed in the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the President himself confers national awards and honours on the children."
- Ideas should be based on "novelty, practicality, social utility and environmental friendliness, for example, affordable irrigation technology, equipment for the disabled, energy saving solutions, models related to environmental protection etc."
- "Each school can nominate ideas of a maximum of 5 students."
- Teachers/headmasters register students "through the online portal (E-MIAS Portal)."
Asian Development Bank (ADB) approves USD 448 million for Chennai Metro, Mizoram Healthcare, and Women-led MSME Finance.
Key Updates:
- ADB approved USD 240 million as the second tranche under the USD 780 million facility sanctioned in 2022 for Chennai Metro Expansion Phase 2.
- Chennai Metro Phase 2 spans 118.9 km across Lines 3 (45.8 km), 4 (26.1 km), and 5 (47 km).
- ADB sanctioned USD 108 million results-based loan to strengthen Mizoram’s public healthcare through the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS) offering Rs 5 lakh per family annually.
- ADB provided USD 100 million to Five-Star Business Finance Limited for MSME credit access to over 400,000 women borrowers via 700+ branches.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The Government of India has rolled out a Credit Assessment Model (CAM) aimed at transforming loan appraisal for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- CAM leverages digitally sourced, verifiable data from across the financial ecosystem to enable automated, objective, and transparent loan evaluation.
- The model caters to both Existing-to-Bank (ETB) and New-to-Bank (NTB) MSME borrowers, offering model-based credit limit assessments to accelerate decision-making and enhance the efficiency of lending processes.
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved the Integrated Ecotourism and Sustainable Agri-Based Livelihood Development in Meghalaya Project.
- The project involves a $77 million loan and an additional $1 million technical assistance grant from ADB.
- It aims to generate economic opportunities for more than 8,000 local people, including women and Indigenous communities, in Meghalaya.
- The approval for the project was made on 27 November 2025.
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $400 million results-based lending (RBL) program.
- The program aims to improve road connectivity in Maharashtra.
- The upgrades cover nearly 350 kilometers of state highways and 2,577 kilometers of rural roads.
- The loan will improve road connectivity in 34 districts, particularly in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions.
- Over 1.7 million people, including residents of at least 80 villages and around 410 rural communities, will benefit.
- ADB signs $500 million loan for Maharashtra Power Distribution Enhancement Programme.
- ADB signs ¥27,147,200,000 ($190.6 million) loan for Indore Metro Rail Project in Madhya Pradesh.
- ADB signs $109.97 million loan for Gujarat Skills Development Programme.
- ADB finalizes $1 million Technical Assistance grant for Sustainable Wetland and Integrated Fisheries Transformation Project in Assam.
Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill to establish commission for independent higher education institutions
Key Updates:
- The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill proposes to establish a commission to facilitate universities and other higher educational institutions to become independent self-governing institutions.
- The commission aims to promote excellence through a robust and transparent system of accreditation and autonomy in higher education.
- It will formulate and suggest schemes to improve the quality of education and advise the Centre and states for the holistic development of higher education in the country.
- The proposed Commission will comprise three wings: the Regulatory Council, Accreditation Council, and the Standards Council.
- The legislation will cover all Institutions of National Importance, other institutions established by Parliament, Universities in India, colleges, and institutions regulated under the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
- The bill proposes to develop a roadmap for integration and promotion of Bharatiya knowledge, languages, and arts across the multi-disciplinary higher education system.
- A steep fine of minimum ₹10 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs is proposed if an educational institution contravenes the provisions of the new law, with higher penalties or suspension for repeated offences.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly implemented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill.
- The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is in accordance with the policy directives of the Constitution makers under Article 44 of the Constitution.
- Over 550 bills have been passed in the Uttarakhand Assembly, including the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Bill.
- Other bills passed by the Uttarakhand Assembly include the Uttarakhand Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Bill.
- The Anti-Cheating Bill was also passed by the Uttarakhand Assembly.
- These bills were inspired by transparency, morality, and social justice.
- Namo Lakshmi Yojana: launched March 2024; girl students in classes 9-12 receive ₹50,000 over four years; over 10.49 lakh girls assisted, disbursements exceed ₹1,000 crore; managed via 'Namo Lakshmi Portal'.
- Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana: launched March 2024; science-stream students in classes 11-12 who scored ≥50% in class 10 and study in GSHSEB/CBSE-recognised schools receive ₹25,000 over two years; over 1.5 lakh students benefited, disbursements exceed ₹161 crore; managed via 'Namo Saraswati Portal'.
- Both schemes aim to support Gujarat’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision by preparing a skilled workforce for sectors like semiconductors, green energy, and digital sciences.
Chaupal Programme empowers artisans nationwide
Key Updates:
- The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the Ministry of Textiles launched the nationwide rollout of the Chaupal Programme.
- Chaupals will be established as permanent, district-level engagement platforms across 100 identified handicraft aspirational districts.
- These platforms will serve as hubs for artisan enrolment, dissemination of information on government schemes, skill upgradation, and entrepreneurship development.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The policy introduces targeted incentives for makers of experiential learning toys and products designed for children with special needs.
- Investments above ₹50 crore with a minimum of 50 jobs will qualify for a special incentive package covering fixed capital subsidy, land concessions, stamp duty exemption, training support, quality certification assistance, IP creation subsidy and electricity tax relief.
- MSMEs establishing toy units will receive capital subsidies up to ₹1.5 crore, payroll support, interest reimbursement and IP incentives under the MSME Policy 2021.
- Creative design studios will receive a 30 per cent payroll subsidy for 12 months.
- The policy will be valid for five years, implemented by the Industries Department, with SIPCOT as the nodal agency.
- President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Handicrafts Awards for 2023 and 2024 at a ceremonial event in New Delhi.
- The awards celebrate master artisans preserving centuries-old traditions while shaping the handicrafts sector's future.
- President Murmu noted the handicraft sector employs over 3.2 million people, mostly in rural and remote regions.
- Women constitute 68% of the handicraft workforce, making the sector a significant avenue for women’s empowerment.
- She highlighted that the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative promotes regional crafts on global platforms.
- Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Jayant Chaudhary jointly inaugurated the Skill India Centre in Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh.
- The centre in Baraut will offer quality skilling to unlock local aspirations and expand opportunities.
- It is positioned as a gateway for youth in rural and underserved regions to access new-age skills and contribute to India’s growth.
- Initiative Name: 'We Rise- Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises' launched by NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and DP World
- Objective: 'help women entrepreneurs in India to scale their businesses globally through trade facilitation, mentorship, and strategic partnerships'
- Key Feature: DP World will 'enhance the export readiness of 100 women entrepreneurs' and provide opportunity to showcase products at Bharat Mart in Dubai
- Implementing Agency: WEP (incubated in NITI Aayog in 2018, transitioned to public-private partnership in 2022)
Indian Navy to Commission INAS 335 (Ospreys) on December 17
Key Updates:
- The Indian Navy will commission its second MH 60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335 (Ospreys), on December 17 at INS Hansa, Goa, in the presence of Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff.
- The Indian Navy is set to commission DSC A20, the first vessel of the indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Craft (DSC), at Kochi on December 16 under the aegis of Southern Naval Command.
- DSC A20 is the lead ship in a series of five Diving Support Craft being built by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata.
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- ICGS Amulya is the third vessel in a series of eight advanced Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) being built for the Indian Coast Guard.
- ICGS Amulya measures 51.43 m in length and 8 m in breadth, with a displacement of 330 tonnes at a draught of 2.5 m.
- ICGS Amulya is powered by twin marine diesel engines driving controllable pitch propellers (CPP), a first in this class of FPVs.
- ICGS Amulya has a top speed exceeding 27 knots and endurance of 1,500 nautical miles.
- ICGS Amulya is equipped with an advanced integrated machinery control system.
- ICGS Amulya will be operated by a complement of six officers and 35 sailors.
- ICGS Amulya is purpose-built for fisheries protection, exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and search & rescue missions.
- The Indian Navy will commission DSC A20, the first vessel in a new class of indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Craft (DSC), on 16 December 2025 at Kochi under the Southern Naval Command.
- DSC A20 is the lead vessel in a series of five Diving Support Craft being constructed by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata.
- These vessels have been purpose-built for a broad range of underwater missions in coastal waters, including diving operations, underwater inspection and repair, salvage and recovery support, training of naval diving teams, and search-and-rescue tasks in littoral zones.
- DSC A20 features a catamaran hull form, offering superior stability, larger deck area for equipment and personnel, enhanced seakeeping in rough coastal conditions, and improved operational efficiency during diving deployments.
- The commissioning of DSC A20 is a major achievement under the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
- Indigenous build: Goa Shipyard Limited constructed the 51-metre FPV with >60% indigenous content
- Key systems: First ICG vessel fitted with indigenously developed controllable pitch propellers and gearboxes
- Armament suite: 30 mm CRN91 gun and two 12.7 mm stabilised remote-controlled machine guns integrated with advanced fire-control systems
- India will soon induct its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Aridhaman.
- INS Arighaat, the second SSBN, was commissioned into the Strategic Forces Command in Visakhapatnam in August.
- Once INS Aridhaman enters service, India will have three operational ballistic missile submarines at sea for the first time.
- INS Aridhaman is undergoing advanced trials.
- INS Aridhaman is designed to carry more long-range nuclear-tipped missiles than predecessors INS Arihant and INS Arighaat.
- A fourth SSBN is currently under construction.
- Upcoming submarines have the capacity to load additional K-4 missiles due to their larger build.
- The four platforms are part of the classified Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project launched in the 1990s with an outlay of over ₹90,000 crore.
- China operates six Jin-class SSBNs equipped with JL-3 missiles (10,000-km range) and six SSNs.
- The US has 14 Ohio-class SSBNs and 53 nuclear attack submarines.
India Achieves Major Power Status, Ranks Third in Asia Power Index 2025
Key Updates:
- The Asia Power Index 2025, published by the Lowy Institute in November, evaluates the resources and influence of countries to rank their relative power.
- India holds the No. 3 position in the Asia Power Index 2025, with a comprehensive power score of 40.0 points, indicating it is a “major power”.
- The United States is the leading power in Asia, followed by China, according to the index.
- The index defines power as a country’s capacity to affect the behaviour of other states and non-state actors and influence the outcomes of international affairs.
- The Asia Power Index extends beyond Asian countries to include Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
- Japan is ranked No. 4 and Russia is ranked No. 5 in the Asia Power Index 2025.
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- India climbed four steps to rank third in the 2024 Global AI Vibrancy Index with a score of 21.59.
- The United States leads with 78.6 and China follows with 36.95, while India surpasses South Korea, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Canada, Germany, and France.
- India’s improvement is measured across seven pillars: R&D, responsible AI, economy, talent, policy and governance, public opinion, and infrastructure.
- India pledged USD 1.25 billion toward AI initiatives, part of global government investments including China’s USD 47.5 billion semiconductor fund and France’s 109 billion euro commitment.
- The country slipped five positions on the policy and governance pillar according to the report.
- India has secured the third position in the Asia Power Index 2025, on the back of economic growth and military capability based on its performance in Operation Sindoor, Australia-based think tank Lowy Institute said.
- The 2025 edition shows India's overall power score crossing 40 points, the threshold for classification as a 'major power'.
- India ranks third for two measures - economic capability and future resources.
- Increases in its inward investment have seen India rise to ninth place in economic relationships.
- Report: Global Firepower (GFP) Index 2025 ranks world militaries using 60+ factors; lower Power Index (PwrIndx) score denotes stronger capability
- Top 3: United States leads with PwrIndx 0.0744, Russia second at 0.0788, China ties Russia at 0.0788
- India ranks 4th with PwrIndx 0.1184, highlighted for self-reliance push and indigenous projects like Tejas Mk1A and Arihant-class submarines
- Completing top 10: South Korea (5th), United Kingdom (6th), France (7th), Japan (8th), Türkiye (9th), Italy (10th)
- CCPI 2026 published at UN COP30 Climate Summit lists Denmark (80.52 pts) in 4th place as top-ranked country; top three ranks remain vacant as no nation achieved 'very high' rating
- India fell 13 positions—from 10th to 23rd—with a score of 61.31, now classed as a 'medium' performer
- Report jointly released by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute and Climate Action Network
- Saudi Arabia ranks lowest at 67th (11.9 pts); Iran 66th, United States 65th and China 54th also placed among bottom performers
- Index evaluates countries on GHG emissions, renewable energy, energy use and climate policy
Saudi Arabia and China sign mutual visa exemption for diplomats and officials
Key Updates:
- Saudi Arabia and China signed a mutual visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders.
- The agreement was signed during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Riyadh, hosted by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
- The visit marked the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and China.
- High-level talks during the visit covered economic cooperation, regional security, Vision 2030 developments, and support for a two-state solution for Palestine.
- Prince Faisal and Wang Yi attended the fifth session of the Political Committee of the Saudi-Chinese High-Level Joint Committee.
- Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to the One China policy, recognizing that Taiwan is part of China.
- China expressed support for Saudi efforts to strengthen relations with Iran and acknowledged the Kingdom’s role in fostering regional and international security and stability.
- The Chinese delegation praised Saudi Arabia’s economic progress under Vision 2030.
- Both sides welcomed the results of the Riyadh Arab-Chinese Summit for Cooperation and Development held in December 2022.
- Saudi Arabia expressed support for China hosting the Second China-Arab Summit and the Second Gulf-Chinese Summit in 2026.
- China confirmed its readiness to participate in Expo 2030, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia.
- Both countries reiterated support for a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian question, advocating an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Similar / Past Coverage
- India has resumed issuance of tourist visas to Chinese citizens worldwide, ending a five-year suspension imposed following the 2020 Galwan clash.
- The decision followed a July order to resume tourist visas for Chinese nationals.
- Direct passenger flights between India and China were resumed under a January 2025 agreement.
- The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage, halted for five years, was revived in June 2025 with the first group of Indian pilgrims crossing into Tibet.
- PM Modi visited China on August 31 for the SCO Summit in Tianjin, marking his first visit in seven years.
- 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.
- The Gulf Cooperation Council has approved a landmark one-stop travel system designed to streamline movement across member states.
- the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain selected to pilot the initiative starting in December 2025.
- the trial will initially apply to air travel between the two countries.
- The new system will allow Gulf citizens to complete all travel procedures including immigration, customs and security checks at a single checkpoint.
- The initiative relies on a shared electronic platform that allows member states to coordinate procedures and share data.
- The initiative complements the GCC Grand Tours Visa, a Schengen-style unified tourist visa with its pilot launch set for the fourth quarter of 2025.
- the Gulf Railway Authority has confirmed that GCC countries are continuing efforts to complete the regional rail network according to schedule, with December 2030 set as the final deadline for completion.
- Agreement Name: Bilateral Haj Agreement.
- Parties: India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Key Provision: India's Haj quota for 2026 has been confirmed at 175,025.
- Objective: To ensure a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage experience by improving facilities, transportation, accommodation, and health services for Indian pilgrims.
- Signatories: Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju (India) and Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah (Saudi Arabia).
India's Prime Minister Modi begins three-nation tour to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman for Diplomacy and Trade on 15 December 2025
Key Updates:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started a three-nation visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman.
- The tour focuses on diplomacy, trade expansion, and partnerships with the Global South.
- His first stop is Jordan, where he will meet King Abdullah II and other leaders to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
- Next, he will visit Ethiopia for the first time, addressing Parliament and meeting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
- The tour will conclude in Oman on December 17 and 18.
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- Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani is on a three-day visit to India.
- The visit aims to further reinvigorate the economic partnership between the two countries.
- India is described as a 'long-trusted friend' and a 'priority' for Italy.
- The Italian foreign ministry has launched a dedicated financing line to India of Euro 500 million to support Italian companies.
- Italy and India unveiled an ambitious five-year strategic action plan in November last year.
- The volume of annual bilateral trade between Italy and India is around Euro 14 billion.
- Italy fully backs the India-European Union (EU) free trade agreement (FTA).
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi, Karnataka.
- PM Modi took part in the Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana programme, a devotional gathering of 100,000 participants reciting Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
- PM Modi stated Bhagwat Gita teaches that it is important to end the oppressor to restore peace and truth, which is the essence of National Security policy.
- PM Modi inaugurated Suvarna Teertha Mantapa and dedicated Kanaka Kavacha for Kanakana Kindi at Sri Krishna Matha.
- The programme is for the birth centenary celebration of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika.
- A biography of Dr Bhupen Hazarika, translated into all the languages of India, will be inaugurated.
- The Reserve Bank of India has prepared a coin with the picture of Dr Bhupen Hazarika, which the Prime Minister will launch.
- More than 1200 artists will together sing 14 songs of Dr Bhupen Hazarika for 18 minutes during the programme.
- State visit by Mauritius PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam and spouse Veena Ramgoolam, 9-16 September
- Cities covered: Mumbai, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Dehradun, Tirupati, Delhi
- Bilateral talks scheduled with PM Narendra Modi and courtesy call on President Droupadi Murmu
Italy Deputy PM Antonio Tajani arrives in New Delhi for second India visit this year
Key Updates:
- Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for his second visit to India this year.
- He will meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on Wednesday before proceeding to Mumbai for official engagements on Thursday.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg and discussed expanding collaboration across trade, investment, defence, innovation, AI, space and education.
- India and Italy announced a joint initiative to combat terror financing during the Modi-Meloni meeting.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani is on a three-day visit to India.
- The visit aims to further reinvigorate the economic partnership between the two countries.
- India is described as a 'long-trusted friend' and a 'priority' for Italy.
- The Italian foreign ministry has launched a dedicated financing line to India of Euro 500 million to support Italian companies.
- Italy and India unveiled an ambitious five-year strategic action plan in November last year.
- The volume of annual bilateral trade between Italy and India is around Euro 14 billion.
- Italy fully backs the India-European Union (EU) free trade agreement (FTA).
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi, Karnataka.
- PM Modi took part in the Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana programme, a devotional gathering of 100,000 participants reciting Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
- PM Modi stated Bhagwat Gita teaches that it is important to end the oppressor to restore peace and truth, which is the essence of National Security policy.
- PM Modi inaugurated Suvarna Teertha Mantapa and dedicated Kanaka Kavacha for Kanakana Kindi at Sri Krishna Matha.
- Vice-President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 30th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam.
- The summit is co-hosted by CII, DPIIT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
- Shri Radhakrishnan declared that uplifting millions from poverty through sustained economic activity remains Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s most historic achievement.
- India is now the world’s fourth-largest economy and the fastest-growing major economy.
- Andhra Pradesh is fast becoming India’s industrial engine, supported by progressive infrastructure development, logistics efficiency, and investor confidence.
- The summit theme is “Technology, Trust and Trade: Navigating the New Geoeconomic Order.”
- The event features 45 dedicated business and policy sessions, 72 international speakers, delegates from 45 countries, and over 300 overseas participants.
- India is the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world and aims to lead in clean technology exports, especially in green hydrogen, electric mobility, and renewable energy.
- Visakhapatnam is predicted to emerge as a paradise for investment and innovation in the coming years.
- India’s foreign policy approach is guided by Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.
- PM Modi will inaugurate the South India Natural Farming Summit in Coimbatore.
- PM Modi will release over Rs 18,000 crore to farmers under the 21st instalment of PM-KISAN, benefiting 9 crore farmers nationwide.
- PM Modi will arrive in Coimbatore at 1:30 pm from Puttaparthi after attending the centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
- The summit will promote natural and regenerative farming, strengthen market linkages for FPOs and rural entrepreneurs, and showcase innovations in organic inputs, agro-processing, eco-friendly packaging, and indigenous technologies.
- More than 50,000 farmers, experts, and stakeholders from Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states are expected to attend the summit.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin accused the Centre of denying Metro rail projects to Madurai and Coimbatore, calling it “political revenge” against an Opposition-ruled state.
- Stalin wrote an open letter to the PM seeking urgent support for the state’s bumper harvest and monsoon-related needs ahead of Modi’s Coimbatore visit.
- The Tamil Nadu BJP launched the “#VanakkamModi” campaign, calling PM Modi “a true friend of every farmer.”
- IMD has issued fresh alerts for thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy showers through the week in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
- Chennai could see heavier rain forecast for Saturday and Sunday, with parents advised to stay in touch with schools for updates.
India Hosts 3rd Session of International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Council in Mumbai
Key Updates:
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal virtually inaugurated the 3rd Session of the Council of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) in Mumbai.
- The Council session is organized by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
- The event brings together 42 IALA Council Members, 3 AIMG Members, 11 international observers, IALA Secretariat delegates, and representatives from 30+ countries.
- India launched a Digital Ticketing Portal for Lighthouse Tourism to streamline visitor access to 75 lighthouse destinations across the country.
- All lighthouses in India are now fully solar powered, and tourism footfall at these sites has seen significant growth.
- India’s maritime strategy is guided by Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, focusing on port modernization, green shipping, and global integration.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal virtually inaugurated the 3rd Session of the Council of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) in Mumbai.
- The session is organized by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
- The event brings together 42 IALA Council Members, 3 AIMG Members, 11 international observers, IALA Secretariat delegates, and representatives from over 30 countries.
- India launched a Digital Ticketing Portal for Lighthouse Tourism to streamline visitor access to 75 lighthouse destinations across the country.
- All lighthouses in India are now fully solar powered, and tourism footfall at these sites has seen significant growth.
- India is a proactive member of the IALA Council, contributing to technical cooperation, training programmes, and standard-setting for safe navigation.
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is set to assume the Chair of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) for the year 2026.
- Kumar will take over as the chair of IIDEA on December 3 in Stockholm.
- As Chair, he will be presiding over all council meetings during 2026.
- International IDEA, established in 1995, is an inter-governmental organisation committed to strengthening democratic institutions and processes across the world.
- The organisation has a current membership of 35 countries, with the United States and Japan as observers.
- India, a founding member of IIDEA, has consistently contributed to the organisation's governance, democratic discourse and institutional initiatives.
- The Ministry of Ayush (MoA) will host a dedicated side event on Ashwagandha titled 'Ashwagandha: From Traditional Wisdom to Global Impact – Perspectives from Leading Global Experts' during the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine.
- The side event is organised by WHO-GTMC in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush.
- The 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine will be held in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- The 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) will take place at the Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan, with the theme ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ for 2025.
- The fair will run from November 14 to November 27.
- Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, launched the exhibition on Monday.
United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) concludes in Nairobi on 12 December 2025
Key Updates:
- The seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) concluded in Nairobi, Kenya.
- More than 6,000 people – representing 186 countries – took part in the week-long gathering which was held at the headquarters of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
- Member States adopted 11 resolutions, three decisions and a ministerial declaration aiming to advance solutions for a more resilient planet.
- The assembly is the world’s highest-level decision-making body for matters related to the environment.
- Friday also marked 10 years since the adoption of the Paris Agreement on climate change.
- The landmark treaty, signed by 194 countries and the European Union, aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
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- The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world’s shared blueprint for ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for everyone by 2030.
- Adopted by all 193 United Nations member states in 2015, the SDGs translate broad ambitions into 17 measurable goals with 169 targets and hundreds of indicators.
- The SDGs grew out of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs, 2000–2015), which drove large improvements in child mortality, primary education and extreme poverty reduction.
- The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted on 25 September 2015 as UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/70/1.
- The SDGs are arranged as 17 goals, 169 targets, and indicators that enable data-driven monitoring.
- Goal 1 is to ‘End poverty in all its forms everywhere’, targeting both extreme and multidimensional poverty.
- Goal 2 is to ‘End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture’.
- Goal 3 is to ‘Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages’.
- Goal 4 is to ‘Ensure inclusive, equitable and quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities’.
- Goal 5 is to ‘Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls’.
- Goal 6 is to ‘Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all’.
- Goal 7 is to ‘Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all’.
- Goal 8 is to ‘Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all’.
- Goal 9 is to ‘Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation’.
- Goal 10 is to ‘Reduce inequality within and among countries’.
- Goal 11 is to ‘Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’.
- Goal 12 is to ‘Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns’.
- Goal 13 is to ‘Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts’.
- Goal 14 is to ‘Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources’.
- Goal 15 is to ‘Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems’.
- Goal 16 is to ‘Promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice, and build effective, accountable institutions’.
- Goal 17 is to ‘Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development’.
- Implementation involves policy alignment, data systems, financing, partnerships, and monitoring and reporting.
- The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Report (2024) warns that progress is too slow on many targets.
- The SDGs require systems thinking because goals are interdependent and can create trade-offs.
- Measuring success requires robust, timely and disaggregated data so that ‘no one is left behind’.
- Filling the SDG financing gap will require trillions of dollars each year.
- Practical recommendations include mainstreaming SDGs into national planning, aligning corporate strategies, developing blended finance, and holding governments accountable.
- The SDGs remain the operating manual for a sustainable future, but achieving them requires unprecedented cooperation, fiscal innovation, and political will.
- 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".
- UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy 2026–2030, which defines the organisation’s global agenda on climate, biodiversity, pollution and land degradation, may be reopened for negotiation on language and scope.
- UNEP’s regular budget allocation from New York suffered a 20% reduction, largely due to the United States halting payments to the UN and similar cuts by other contributors.
- The Environment Fund, UNEP’s primary voluntary core funding source, has dropped by 11–12% after the US withdrawal of its approximate 7% contribution and reductions from other donors.
- Of 19 draft resolutions submitted for UNEA-7, four were withdrawn before negotiations began, leaving 15 technically alive but some described as 'on life support'.
- Remaining resolutions include proposals on wildfires led by India and on glacier protection, which could gain political traction if they survive the week.
- Publication Name: Guidelines on the protection of the natural environment in armed conflict: rules and recommendations relating to the protection of the natural environment under international humanitarian law, with commentary
- Publisher: ICRC
- Year of Publication: 2020
- Content: Sets out rules and recommendations relating to the protection of the natural environment under international humanitarian law (IHL), accompanied by a concise commentary.
- Purpose: Serves as a reference tool for States, parties to armed conflicts, and other actors to interpret and apply IHL, and to facilitate the adoption of concrete measures to reduce the environmental impact of armed conflict.
- Availability: Also available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian.
ISRO targets seven launches by March 2026, including first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission
Key Updates:
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans seven launch missions by March next year.
- The human-rated LVM3 will carry the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission, with Vyommitra humanoid robot aboard.
- PSLV63 will launch TDS-01 satellite to demonstrate high thrust electric propulsion, quantum key distribution, and indigenous travelling wave tube amplifier.
- India’s first industry-built Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle will place Oceansat satellite into orbit along with Indo-Mauritius Joint Satellite and LEAP-2.
- LVM3 will launch Bluebird-6 communication satellite for US-based AST Spacemobile under a commercial agreement through New Space India Limited (NSIL).
- PSLV will launch EOS-N1 earth observation satellite for a strategic user and 18 smaller Indian and international satellites.
- GSLV-Mk II is expected to launch EOS-5 (GISAT-1A) to replace GISAT-1 which failed to reach intended orbit in 2021.
- NSIL has awarded a contract to a HAL-L&T consortium to manufacture five PSLV rockets under a technology transfer arrangement.
- Small Satellite Launch Vehicle is expected to launch a dedicated satellite before March 2026.
Similar / Past Coverage
- ISRO Chairman V Narayanan: 'We have planned seven launches to take place before the end of this financial year. It is by March 2026.'
- First uncrewed Gaganyaan mission 'G1 Mission' scheduled before March 2026; three uncrewed missions planned before crewed flight.
- Next launch after CMS-03 will be an LVM3 carrying 'a commercial communication satellite for a client.'
- Three additional PSLV missions planned, one for NSIL customer satellite and one technology-development mission PSLV-N1.
- GSLV-F17 rocket mission also slated before March 2026 as part of the seven-mission target.
- ISRO Chairman V Narayanan: "the government has approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission, designed as a lunar sample-return mission"
- Chandrayaan-4 objective: "will attempt to bring back samples from the moon — a capability currently demonstrated only by the US, Russia and China"
- LUPEX mission: "joint lunar polar exploration programme with JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)" aiming to "study water ice at the lunar south pole"
- Space station plan: "first of the five modules will be placed in orbit by 2028" with full Indian Space Station targeted for completion "by 2035"
- Human spaceflight timeline: "crewed mission was always planned for 2027" with "three uncrewed test missions" to precede it
- Godrej Enterprises Group’s aerospace business has delivered the first human-rated L110 Vikas engine.
- The engine was delivered to Isro’s liquid propulsion systems centre.
- The L110 Vikas engine is for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
- The engine is a core component of the LVM-3 launch vehicle.
- A human-rated version of the LVM-3 (HRLV) will be used for Gaganyaan.
- The Gaganyaan mission will carry Indian astronauts into space and bring them back safely.
- Private companies entering work of building navigation systems for spacecraft and defence supports Viksit Bharat 2047.
- Navigation systems are highly complex and critical which ISRO alone could not develop.
- Ananth Technologies has entered navigation field in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Ananth Technologies works closely with ISRO, DRDO, and BrahMos.
- Centre of Excellence in Navigation aims to achieve full strategic autonomy for India in Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technologies.
- India has been heavily reliant on imported navigation technology for space missions and missile and defence systems.
- Gaganyaan mission has completed 8,000 tests including propulsion hot tests, simulations, structural tests, and acoustic tests.
- Gaganyaan in final stages of software development and simulation with 2027 target and three unmanned missions before manned.
- ISRO to launch first private PSLV-N1 in this financial year.
- ISRO preparing for BlueBird mission.
CSIR-NIIST and NTPC-NETRA clinch maiden DV Kapur Energy Innovation Awards
Key Updates:
- CSIR-NIIST Principal Scientist Dr Achu Chandran won Category 1 for his ‘Nano Electricity Generator’ research.
- NTPC R&D wing NETRA bagged Category 2 for advancing ‘Green Use of Coal Technologies’.
- Category 1 carried a cash prize of Rs 1 Lakh while Category 2 carried Rs 10 Lakhs.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, chaired the Apex Council meeting under the Bharat 6G Mission and reviewed the progress of the Bharat 6G Alliance.
- The Government has approved a ₹1-lakh-crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund under the Department of Science & Technology to boost frontier research in AI-native networks, semiconductors, photonics, sensing, cybersecurity and satellite–terrestrial integration.
- India secured inclusion of “Ubiquitous Connectivity” in the ITU IMT-2030 (6G) framework, strengthening global recognition of India’s capabilities.
- The Bharat 6G Alliance has grown from 16 founding members to over 84 organisations and released eight technical reports and whitepapers covering spectrum, AI-native networks, green telecom, emerging applications, and RF sensing.
- Four institutions—Punjab Engineering College, Banasthali Vidyapith, IIT Roorkee (AMRIT), and Thapar University—were awarded for exemplary innovation, societal impact and industry collaboration under the 5G Use Case Labs initiative.
- Azim Premji was honoured with the Research Catalyst Award.
- He is the founder-chairman of Wipro Ltd.
- The award was presented by the Indian School of Business (ISB) at the ISB Insights Forum 2025 in Mohali.
- The award recognises his "outstanding contributions to India’s research ecosystem."
- The award recognises individuals whose "vision, generosity, and commitment have strengthened the nation’s knowledge ecosystem, enabled cutting-edge inquiry, and inspired a culture of evidence-based problem-solving for societal progress."
- CSIR–NICDC MoU signed by Dr. Vibha Malhotra Sawhney, Head, Technology Management Directorate, CSIR, and Mr. Vikas Goel, General Manager (CS & Marketing), NICDC, in New Delhi.
- Joint plan to develop R&D hubs, industrial incubators, and innovation centres across NICDC’s smart industrial cities and corridors.
- Priority technology domains: industrial automation and robotics, renewable energy and clean technologies, advanced materials, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, digital manufacturing, agro-processing and green chemicals.
- Framework aligns with national initiatives Make in India, Startup India, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat to commercialise indigenous technologies and foster tech-driven startups.
- The Infosys Prize 2025 was announced for six researchers across six categories: Economics, Engineering and Computer Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
- Each laureate will receive a gold medal, a citation, and a prize purse of $100,000.
- The prize honours young Indian researchers for their contributions to scientific advancement, recognising researchers under the age of 40 from 2024.
- Anjana Badrinarayanan from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru, was awarded in Life Sciences for her work on genome maintenance and DNA repair mechanisms using live-cell imaging.
- Sushant Sachdeva from the University of Toronto received the Engineering and Computer Science prize for his study into mathematical optimisation and algorithmic theory.
- Sabyasachi Mukherjee from TIFR, Mumbai, was recognized in Mathematical Sciences for linking Kleinian group dynamics and holomorphic map iteration.
- Karthish Manthiram from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) won in Physical Sciences for developing sustainable electrochemical routes for key industrial chemicals using renewable electricity.
- Winners based outside of India are required to spend 30 days at a host institution in India as part of the Infosys Prize Residency programme to encourage collaboration.
India's Wildfire Management Resolution Adopted At UNEA-7
Key Updates:
- India's resolution on strengthening global wildfire management was adopted at the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, with wide support from member states.
- The resolution responds to the rising number, scale and intensity of wildfires worldwide and calls for stronger international cooperation, early warning systems and better access to finance for prevention and management.
- Wildfires, once seasonal, have become frequent and prolonged due to climate change and human activities.
- UNEP's global report 'Spreading Like Wildfire' warns that wildfires may increase by 14 per cent by 2030, 30 per cent by 2050 and 50 per cent by 2100 if current trends continue.
- Global efforts are moving towards integrated fire management based on early warning systems, risk mapping and satellite-based monitoring, supported by local communities and frontline personnel.
- The Global Fire Management Hub, set up in 2023 by FAO and UNEP, is an important mechanism for international cooperation.
- India's resolution calls for stronger cooperation to develop early warning systems, risk assessment tools and satellite- and ground-based monitoring, along with community-based alert mechanisms.
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- ISRO signed a tripartite MoU with Bharat Coking Coal Limited and Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited on 15 October to map surface coal fire and associated land subsidence in Jharia Coalfield.
- National Remote Sensing Centre (ISRO arm) will apply AI-based techniques on Thermal Infrared and Short-Wave Infrared data to generate quarterly coal-fire maps.
- SAR interferometric processing of NISAR and Sentinel-1 data will deliver annual land-subsidence maps of the coalfield.
- All satellite-derived results will be jointly validated through ground checks before delivery.
- Generated maps will support BCCL in implementing and monitoring the Ministry of Coal’s Jharia Master Plan for management interventions.
- UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy 2026–2030, which defines the organisation’s global agenda on climate, biodiversity, pollution and land degradation, may be reopened for negotiation on language and scope.
- UNEP’s regular budget allocation from New York suffered a 20% reduction, largely due to the United States halting payments to the UN and similar cuts by other contributors.
- The Environment Fund, UNEP’s primary voluntary core funding source, has dropped by 11–12% after the US withdrawal of its approximate 7% contribution and reductions from other donors.
- Of 19 draft resolutions submitted for UNEA-7, four were withdrawn before negotiations began, leaving 15 technically alive but some described as 'on life support'.
- Remaining resolutions include proposals on wildfires led by India and on glacier protection, which could gain political traction if they survive the week.
- 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.
- India joined the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF) as an observer; TFFF aims to mobilise ~USD 125 billion to reward nations that protect/expand tropical forests.
- Indian Ambassador Dinesh Bhatia delivered India’s statement at the Leaders’ Summit of COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
- India stated that global climate ambition remains "inadequate" and that many nations’ NDCs "fall short" a decade after the Paris Agreement.
- India urged developed countries to accelerate emission cuts and deliver promised climate finance, advocating they reach net-zero sooner and invest in net-negative emissions.
- India highlighted domestic progress: 36% reduction in GDP emission intensity (2005-2020), >50% non-fossil fuel power capacity, ~200 GW renewable energy, and 25.17% forest/tree cover creating 2.29 billion tCO₂ additional carbon sink.
Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Approves Nauradehi as Third Cheetah Habitat
Key Updates:
- The Mohan Yadav cabinet accorded approval to develop the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, Nauradehi, in Sagar district as the third cheetah habitat in the state.
- Kuno National Park in Sheopur district is the first cheetah habitat and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur district is the second.
- The state currently has a cheetah population of 31, with 28 in Kuno and 3 in Gandhi Sagar.
- Eight cheetahs from Botswana are expected to arrive at Kuno and the new habitat is being prepared for their translocation.
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- International Cheetah Day is observed on December 4 every year.
- Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released three cheetahs — female Veera and her two 10-month-old cubs — into the wild at Kuno National Park to mark the day.
- India began its cheetah reintroduction project on September 17, 2022, when eight cheetahs from Namibia were released at Kuno by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- India launched Project Cheetah in 2022 to reintroduce cheetahs, the only large carnivore extinct in independent India since 1952, primarily through translocation from Africa.
- As of December 2025, the country now supports a thriving population of 32 cheetahs, including 21 India-born cubs.
- An India-born female Mukhi gave birth to five healthy cubs in November 2025.
- The Supreme Court directed the Jharkhand government to declare the Saranda forests as a wildlife sanctuary and conservation reserve.
- The directive prohibits any mining activity within a one-km radius of the boundary of the declared sanctuary and conservation reserve.
- The bench directed the state government to notify the area comprising 126 compartments as notified in 1968 notification, excluding six compartments, as a wildlife sanctuary within three months from the date of the judgment.
- The Supreme Court stated that the state cannot run away from its duty to declare the extent of 31,468.25 hectares as Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary, overruling the state’s plan to declare only a part of the forest as sanctuary.
- The bench directed the state “to give wide publicity to the fact that by this judgment, neither the individual rights nor the community rights of the tribals and the forest dwellers in the said area would be adversely affected” and that “in view of the provision of… the Forest Rights Act, all rights of tribals and forest dwellers, both individually as well as of community, shall stand protected”.
- The directive is based on “the mandate of Articles 48A and 51A(g) of the Constitution, Section 26A of the Wildlife Protection Act, and particularly in the light of the report of the Wildlife Institute of India”.
- The top court reiterated its direction that “mining within the National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, and within an area of 1 km from the boundary of such National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary shall not be permissible.”
- The National Wildlife Action Plan 2017-31 “recognises the need to enhance the protected area network (broadly including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, community reserves etc.) and to demarcate boundaries for protected areas” and “further stresses on in situ conservation of threatened species, and the need for immediate conservation measures including the protection of critical habitations”.
- Nauradehi wildlife sanctuary, covering districts of Narasinghpur, Damoh and Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, will become the third home of cheetahs in India
- Cheetahs from Namibia will be translocated to Nauradehi wildlife sanctuary
- Cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa were first translocated to Kuno National Park in Sheopur district in Madhya Pradesh three years ago making it the first home of the big cat
- Gandhi Sagar wildlife sanctuary in Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh became the second home of cheetahs when three cheetahs, two male and one female, were shifted to the reserve forest from Kuno National Park
- Kuno now has 25 cheetahs including nine adults (six females and one male) and 16 cubs born in the park
Interpol-led Operation Thunder 2025 nets 30,000 live animals, 10,500 arthropods and 4,640 seizures across 134 nations
Key Updates:
- More than 30,000 live animals were seized during a month-long global crackdown.
- Nearly 10,500 butterflies, spiders and insects — many protected under CITES — were seized around the world.
- A record 5.8 tonnes of bushmeat was seized, with a notable increase in cases from Africa into Europe.
- Authorities seized 215 kg and 1,900 pieces of elephant ivory; 28 kg and seven rhinoceros horns; seven tonnes of pangolin scales and meat.
- Over 10 tonnes of live plants and plant derivatives were seized, driven largely by demand from horticulture and collector markets.
- Illicit timber is estimated to account for between 15 per cent and 30 per cent of all timber traded globally.
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- The sleuths of Telangana Eagle Force in coordination with Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Delhi Police Crime Branch and with support of Noida Police, executed a massive multi-state operation against a Nigerian drug cartel operating across India.
- In coordinated raids across 20 locations in Delhi, more than 50 overstaying Nigerians were arrested, along with key cartel operatives in Noida, Gwalior and Visakhapatnam.
- The operation led to the seizure of 5,340 ecstasy pills, 250 grams of cocaine, 109 grams of Heroin, 250 grams of Methamphetamine from four locations, all worth Rs.3.5 crore.
- A total of 59 mule accounts were uncovered during the investigation, along with individuals responsible for deposits, withdrawals, and coordination with handlers abroad.
- Around Rs.15 crore had been deposited into six of Badruddin's accounts and withdrawn almost immediately, indicating active money laundering.
- Anant Ambani became the youngest and first Asian recipient of the Global Humanitarian Award for Animal Welfare presented by the Global Humane Society.
- The award ceremony took place in Washington, DC, and recognized his leadership in creating Vantara, a large-scale conservation initiative.
- Vantara received the Global Humane Certified distinction after an exhaustive audit evaluating animal nutrition, environmental quality, behavioural enrichment, medical protocols, staffing expertise, and species-specific needs.
- Vantara combines ex situ care with in situ conservation support, including protecting endangered species, restoring fragmented populations, conducting genetic research, and collaborating with global institutions.
- The initiative aims to create pathways for reintroducing endangered or extinct species back into suitable habitats and is positioned to deepen international collaborations and expand species survival and ecosystem restoration work.
- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted raids on two facilities allegedly involved in melting gold and two unregistered shops linked to the network.
- The action was named ‘Operation Bullion Blaze’ and resulted in the seizure of 11.88 kg of gold valued at Rs 15 crore.
- DRI arrested 11 people, including the mastermind behind the racket, his father, employees, delivery boys, and an accountant.
- The accused have been identified as N V Thakkar, V Thakkar, S S Joshi, S Joshi, A S Kesarkar, V V Kadam, P Kumar, S Narale, V H Rabari, SP Tripathi, and S P Rathod.
- The syndicate smuggled gold into India to melt in covert furnaces and illegally sold the refined bullion on the grey market.
- During the raid, 6.35 kg of gold was recovered on the spot, and an additional 5.53 kg of gold bars was seized from one of the shops.
- A total of 11.88 kg of 24-carat gold and 8.72 kg of silver worth Rs 13.17 lakh were seized under the Customs Act, 1962.
- All accused failed to produce valid documents for possession of gold and silver and were remanded in judicial custody after being produced in court.
- The COP30 is scheduled to be held in Brazil's Belem from November 10 to 21.
- The COP30 is important, which is happening on the completion of 10 years of the Paris Agreement.
- Various issues, including the technology implementation programme, would be discussed at the conference.
Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) develops India's first homegrown 1.0 GHz microprocessor, DHRUV64
Key Updates:
- India has developed its first indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor, DHRUV64, by C-DAC.
- The semiconductor is developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP).
- DHRUV64 is said to provide a reliable, fully indigenous processor technology capable of supporting both strategic and commercial applications.
- DHRUV64 is built on modern architectural features that are designed to deliver higher efficiency, enhanced multitasking capability and improved reliability across various applications.
- The microprocessor is suitable for 5G infrastructure, automotive systems, consumer electronics, industrial automation and the Internet of Things (IoT).
- DHRUV64 leverages modern fabrication technologies that enables it to easily integrate with a wide range of external hardware systems.
- Microprocessors are essentially “brains” of modern electronic devices such as mobiles, computers, satellites and even defense systems.
- India consumes around 20% of all the microprocessors manufactured globally and the milestone means that India can reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for its use cases.
- SHAKTI (2018, IIT Madras): Focus on strategic, space, and defense applications.
- AJIT (2018, IIT Bombay): Used for industrial and robotics applications.
- VIKRAM (2025, ISRO–SCL): Engineered to withstand extreme space conditions.
- THEJAS64 (2025, C-DAC): Designed for industrial automation.
- C-DAC is already working on the next generation of RISC-V processors: the Dhanush and Dhanush+ SoCs that are expected to further expand the range of indigenous options available for both strategic and commercial use.
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- Tata Electronics has signed Intel as the first major prospective customer for its upcoming semiconductor facilities in India.
- Intel and Tata intend to explore manufacturing and packaging of Intel products for local markets at Tata Electronics’ upcoming Fab and OSAT facilities.
- The collaboration will also focus on rapidly scaling tailored AI PC solutions for consumer and enterprise markets in India.
- Tata Group is building two semiconductor facilities in India worth around $14 billion, including a fabrication plant in Gujarat and an assembly and testing plant in Assam.
- India has launched its first indigenously developed high-precision and compact diode laser. "India has taken a historic step toward technological self-reliance with the launch of its first indigenously developed high-precision and compact diode laser."
- The device was created by Prenishq Pvt. Ltd., a deep-tech startup incubated at IIT Delhi and supported by the National Quantum Mission (NQM). "Created by Prenishq Pvt. Ltd., a deep-tech startup incubated at IIT Delhi and supported by the National Quantum Mission (NQM)"
- The diode laser was launched on 3 November 2025 during the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025). "The launch of the diode laser on 3 November 2025 during the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025)"
- The precision diode laser is tailored for the demanding requirements of quantum experiments, higher-education laboratories, and advanced scientific applications. "The precision diode laser developed by Prenishq is tailored for the demanding requirements of quantum experiments, higher-education laboratories, and advanced scientific applications."
- Its engineering delivers high beam quality with ultra-narrow linewidths and superior long-term power and frequency stability. "Its exceptional engineering delivers: High beam quality with ultra-narrow linewidths Superior long-term power and frequency stability"
- The laser has the ability to operate across a broad wavelength range—from ultraviolet to near-infrared—making it a versatile backbone for multiple quantum systems. "With the ability to operate across a broad wavelength range—from ultraviolet to near-infrared—the laser becomes a versatile backbone for multiple quantum systems"
- In photonic quantum computing, stable and tunable diode lasers are essential for controlling qubits encoded in photons. "In photonic quantum computing, stable and tunable diode lasers are essential for controlling qubits encoded in photons."
- The device features a small form factor, low power consumption, and a temperature-controlled design, ensuring reliability even in varying environmental conditions. "The device features a small form factor , low power consumption , and a temperature-controlled design , ensuring reliability even in varying environmental conditions."
- The development was enabled through national initiatives and incubators, including DST-NIDHI PRAYAS, National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NMICPS), and National Quantum Mission (NQM). "The effort has been enabled through multiple national initiatives and incubators, including: DST-NIDHI PRAYAS National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NMICPS) National Quantum Mission (NQM)"
- The Indian Army has signed a contract for the procurement of its first indigenously designed and manufactured Software Defined Radios (SDR).
- These SDRs were developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
- The advanced SDRs are equipped with high data rates and Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) capabilities.
- These SDRs will significantly enhance secure, real-time communication and strengthen the Army's operational readiness in information-intensive, network-centric battlefields.
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and the Tri-Services, had earlier released Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) standard 1.0 to enable interoperability in Military Communication.
- IRSA is a comprehensive software specification for Software Defined Radios (SDRs), defining standardised interfaces, APIs, execution environments, and mechanisms for waveform portability.
- IRSA Version 1.0 was approved by the High-Level Advisory Committee (HLAC) in 2025, becoming India's first national specification defining a standardised software architecture for Software Defined Radios.
NLC India Limited (NLCIL) to Set Up 110MW Solar Power Plant in Uttar Pradesh
Key Updates:
- NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has received the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) for the development of its 110MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic power project.
- The solar power project is located in Uttar Pradesh.
- The project is for National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited (NCRTC).
- National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited (NCRTC) will set up, commission, operate and maintain the solar power plant.
- The project will cater to National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited (NCRTC)’s power requirement and support its vision of adopting clean and sustainable energy solutions for large-scale infrastructure projects.
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- Tata Power plans to set up the country's largest solar wafers and ingots manufacturing plant with a capacity of 10 gigawatts
- The facility will complete Tata Power's presence across the manufacturing chain; the company already has 4.9 GW of integrated cell and module-making capacity
- The project aligns with the Indian federal government's push for increased use of locally made ingots and wafers to cut reliance on imports from China
- Tata Power is exploring the use of federal and state financial support for the new factory and will finalize investment details within the next two months
- Separately, Tata Power is considering entering nuclear power generation as India targets at least 100 GW of nuclear projects by 2047
- 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.
- Uttar Pradesh becomes the third state after Gujarat and Maharashtra to surpass 1 GW of residential rooftop solar capacity under PMSG: MBY.
- Central subsidy disbursed ₹1,999.26 crore and state subsidy about ₹600 crore to reduce consumer financial burden.
- UP provides ₹15,000 per kW up to 2 kW and total subsidy of ₹1.08 lakh for 3 kW systems, including Centre’s share.
- Subsidy payback period in UP is 20 months for 3 kW, lower than the national average of 30 months.
- Beneficiary households receive up to 300 units of free electricity monthly, cutting monthly bills by ₹800-1,500 in rural and ₹1,500-2,500 in urban areas.
- Scheme has created about 50,000 employment opportunities as registered vendors rose from 81 to 4,200.
- The Eighth Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly was held in New Delhi.
- President of India Droupadi Murmu delivered the first-ever address by the President of India to the International Solar Alliance Assembly.
- The Assembly hosted ministers, policymakers, and international partners from 125 Member and Signatory Countries.
- Key launches during the Assembly included SUNRISE (Solar Upcycling Network for Recycling, Innovation & Stakeholder Engagement), a dedicated One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) programme, the Global Capability Centre, and the ISA Academy.
- Ministers and heads of delegations from 16 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) signed an in-Memorandum of Understanding for Procurement under the SIDS Platform.
- Five ISA knowledge products were launched: Ease of Doing Solar 2025, Solar PV Skills and Jobs in Africa, Solar Compass: Special Issue on Integrated Photovoltaics, Global Floating Solar Framework, and Global Solar Trends & Outlook 2025.
- The International Solar Alliance was launched in 2015 by India and France at COP21 in Paris and is headquartered in India.
- India is the world’s 4th-largest in RE capacity and the world’s third-largest solar power producer.
Gemini North Telescope Captures Greening of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
Key Updates:
- The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is not only brightening but also taking on a distinct green hue as it approaches Earth.
- The latest image of the comet was captured by scientists using the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) on the 8.1-meter Gemini North telescope atop Hawaii's dormant Mauna Kea volcano.
- The green colour of the comet is caused by diatomic carbon (C2) molecules in its coma, which emit light at green wavelengths when exposed to solar radiation.
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- Chandrayaan-3 detects surprisingly active plasma over the Moon’s south pole.
- The Radio Anatomy of the Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere–Langmuir Probe (RAMBHA-LP) instrument offers the first ground truth of the Moon’s near-surface plasma at southern high latitudes.
- The lander Vikram’s data showed that electrons close to the ground carry surprisingly high energies.
- Their kinetic temperatures were measured at roughly 3,000 to 8,000 Kelvin, indicating a plasma layer far more energised than previously understood.
- Just above the surface, the “plasma” (a mix of charged particles) is far denser and more energetic than earlier remote observations.
- Plasma is often described as the fourth state of matter, a blend of charged particles such as ions and free electrons.
- On the Moon, this thin plasma layer, sometimes called the lunar ionosphere, is shaped by a complex mix of processes.
- A constant flux of solar wind streams of electrons and ions rushed out from the Sun and strikes the Moon’s airless surface.
- Through the photoelectric effect, high-energy sunlight also removes electrons from surface atoms, increasing the ionised environment.
- The Moon receives a new supply of charged particles from our planet’s extended magnetic field as it drifts into Earth’s magnetotail for a few days.
- At the mission’s landing site Shiv Shakti Point (69.3° S, 32.3° E), the RAMBHA-LP instrument detected electron densities ranging between 380 and 600 particles per cubic centimetre.
- These values are markedly higher than earlier estimates, which relied on remote-sensing techniques such as radio occultation.
- Researchers found that this plasma does not remain steady but changes depending on the Moon’s position during its orbit around Earth.
- During lunar daylight, when the Moon is fully exposed to the Sun, and outside Earth’s magnetic influence, the interaction between solar wind particles and the Moon’s sparse exosphere drives much of the variation.
- When the Moon enters the geomagnetic tail on the far side of Earth, the plasma takes on a different character, shaped by streams of charged particles flowing through that elongated magnetic region.
- Insights from the mission also suggest that molecules such as carbon dioxide and water vapour may contribute to the behaviour of the lunar ionosphere.
- According to the Lunar Ionospheric Model developed in-house, molecular ions alongside the expected elemental ones play a meaningful role in forming the charged layer hovering near the surface.
- These measurements provide essential “ground truth” for future lunar exploration, especially for missions targeting the Moon’s southern high latitudes.
- RAMBHA-LP’s development was spearheaded by the Space Physics Laboratory at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.
- NASA has lost contact with the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft after it passed behind Mars as seen from Earth.
- MAVEN launched in November 2013 and entered Mars orbit in September 2014 to study the planet’s upper atmosphere and interactions with the solar wind.
- The spacecraft serves as a communications relay, linking the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers with the Deep Space Network via its UHF antenna.
- In 2022, MAVEN switched to an “all-stellar” navigation system to reduce reliance on its inertial measurement units (IMUs) that had experienced technical issues.
- Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS exhibited an unprecedented and rapid increase in brightness as it approached the Sun.
- The finding is significant because the internal composition of 3I/ATLAS could suggest that the planetary system from which it originates has a unique chemical makeup.
- The unusual event was detected by several space-based observatories, including the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), the GOES-19 meteorological satellite, and NASA’s twin spacecraft, STEREO-A and STEREO-B (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory).
- Comet 3I/ATLAS is only the third known interstellar object to enter our solar system, following the elongated asteroid ‘Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov.
- Karl Battams of the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington DC, and Qicheng Zhang of the Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, Arizona, reported the findings in a new paper published on the research repository arXiv.
- The rapid brightening of 3I/ATLAS far exceeds the brightening rate of most Oort Cloud comets at similar radial distances.
- Researchers have proposed multiple hypotheses for the anomaly, including the comet’s high velocity as it approaches the Sun, or intrinsic differences in its composition or structure compared to typical Oort Cloud comets.
- Carbon dioxide sublimation seemed to dominate the comet’s activity even when it was just three times farther from the Sun than Earth, suggesting that cooling effects might have delayed water-ice sublimation.
- Earth has one true natural satellite, which is 2,159-miles-wide and located about 239,000 miles away.
- Astronomers have discovered celestial objects called 'quasi-moons' in Earth's cosmic neighborhood.
- Asteroid 2025 PN7 is a recently spotted quasi-moon, which appears to be the source of the rumor mill about Earth's supposed second moon.
- The Pan-STARRS observatory in Hawaii was the first to spot the quasi-moon 2025 PN7.
- The Minor Planet Center, the official authority for observing and reporting new asteroids, comets and other small bodies in the solar system, named the object 2025 PN7.
- Quasi-moons are asteroids that orbit the sun, following an almost exact path as Earth while always remaining close by, appearing to orbit our planet.
- Astronomers say that asteroid 2025 PN7 poses no danger to Earth and is about 62 feet in diameter.
- Asteroid 2025 PN7 is believed to have been in its Earth-adjacent orbit for about 60 years and is expected to remain our neighbor for another six decades.
Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) team discovers Brachycephalus lulai in Brazil’s cloud forests
Key Updates:
- A team of scientists has discovered a new species of tiny toadlet in the cloud forests of Brazil's Serra do Quiriri mountain range.
- This bright orange frog measures just 8.9-13.4 mm in length, making it one of the smallest four-legged animals on Earth.
- This species is deaf to its own advertising calls, relying on visual cues like vocal sac inflation, mouth gaping, and arm waving for communication.
- After detailed analysis, they named it Brachycephalus lulai after the Brazilian president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
- Found in the Atlantic Forest, which is a highly threatened ecosystem, Brachycephalus lulai inhabits leaf litter at elevations above 750 meters.
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- Rhinophis siruvaniensis, a new burrowing shieldtail snake, was discovered in a coffee plantation at Jellipara village, Palakkad district, Kerala.
- The species was formally described in the journal Evolutionary Systematics by scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Wayanad Wild and the Kalinga Foundation.
- Shieldtails belong to the Uropeltidae family; India and Sri Lanka together host 73 known species, with the genus Rhinophis containing 26 species.
- Genetic analysis using mitochondrial DNA shows R. siruvaniensis is a 2–4% sequence divergent sister taxon to R. melanoleucus from Wayanad.
- The study relied on three specimens collected outside protected areas, highlighting that unknown biodiversity can persist in plantation landscapes.
- Researchers preserved specimens in ethanol, examined scale counts and colour patterns under a stereo microscope and amplified mitochondrial DNA via PCR for species delimitation.
- Herpetologists caution that exclusive use of mitochondrial DNA can mislead taxonomy; nuclear DNA or low-coverage genome sequencing is needed for firmer species status confirmation.
- Burrowing snakes possess highly specialised skulls and narrow diets, making them vulnerable to climate change and soil perturbations.
- The Shieldtail Mapping Project (SMP), a citizen-science platform founded in 2021, has already geo-referenced over 1,200 shieldtail records, six-fold the data gathered by a single researcher in a decade.
- Future work will micro-CT scan shieldtail skulls to test whether environmental conditions drive morphological change, continuing collaboration between Indian and London Natural History Museum researchers.
- 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.
- Deep in Brazil's Amazon, scientists have built a 'time machine' pumping carbon dioxide into the rainforest canopy to simulate atmospheric conditions predicted for the future to gauge how the biome adapts.
- At the AmazonFACE project near Manaus, the largest city in the Amazon, six rings of steel towers loom above the jungle canopy, each surrounding groups of 50 to 70 mature trees.
- After baseline testing, scientists will fumigate trees in three of the rings with carbon dioxide at levels simulating climate forecasts for coming decades, while the rest serve as control samples.
- Carlos Quesada, a coordinator for the National Institute for Amazon Research INPA, which is leading the experiment alongside Universidade Estadual de Campinas.
- FACE, short for Free-Air CO2 Enrichment, will let Quesada and his team of scientists study the effects of elevated carbon dioxide levels on the rainforest giants and surrounding plant life.
- This is the first experiment in a natural forest of this size in the tropics.
- The project is supported by Brazil's federal government and the United Kingdom.
- The insights from this experiment address 'an open question to be discussed at the COP30 United Nations climate summit hosted by the country next month'.
- Discovery: New filter-feeding pterosaur species Bakiribu waridza identified from bones preserved in fossilised regurgitate (regurgitalite).
- Institution: Specimen stored at Museu Camara Cascudo, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
- Key features: Long jaws with dense, brush-like rows of teeth; belongs to Ctenochasmatidae family; first filter-feeding pterosaur known from the tropics.
- Associated fauna: Fossil contained bones of two B. waridza individuals plus four fossil fish.
- Predator inference: Arrangement suggests predator ate pterosaurs then fish and later regurgitated mixed material; likely candidates are spinosaurid dinosaurs or ornithocheiriform pterosaurs.
Team MRF Tyres awarded 2025 FIA European Rally Championship title
Key Updates:
- Team MRF Tyres was officially crowned at the FIA Awards Gala for winning the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) team title.
- Arun Mammen, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of MRF Ltd., collected the trophy.
- MRF Tyres secured the ERC Team Championship for the third time, following the titles achieved in 2022 and 2023.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Lando Norris won the 2025 F1 World Championship.
- Max Verstappen lost the 2025 F1 World Championship to Lando Norris by two points.
- Max Verstappen secured the highest earnings among F1 drivers with approximately $76 million.
- Lewis Hamilton earned $70.5 million.
- Lando Norris ranked third on the Highest-Paid F1 Drivers list with a $57.5 million paycheck.
- Norris finished third in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to secure the championship by two points.
- Max Verstappen won the race but ended the season two points behind Norris in the final standings.
- McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri also contended for the title, finishing third in the standings.
- Marco Bezzecchi claimed victory in the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix.
- Bezzecchi started on pole and finished ahead of Raul Fernandez (second) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (third).
- The result gave Bezzecchi third place in the overall season standings, Aprilla’s first top-three finish.
- Max Verstappen claimed his second Las Vegas Grand Prix win ahead of championship leader Lando Norris.
- Norris and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri were later disqualified by stewards for illegal plank wear.
- The disqualification puts pressure on McLaren's drivers as Verstappen goes level with Piastri on points and Norris' lead is cut to 24 points.
- There are a maximum of 58 points available with two grands prix remaining, including one sprint race at next week's Qatar Grand Prix.
- Verstappen won the Las Vegas race by almost 21 seconds as Norris had late car trouble.
- Norris denied Mercedes driver George Russell second place before the line, but the disqualification result means both Mercedes drivers have now been elevated to the podium.
- Piastri finished a distant fourth as his run of failing to finish ahead of teammate Norris continued.
- Verstappen has now won four of the seven races since the summer break.
- Norris started from the pole position and moved across the track aggressively to keep Verstappen behind but then ran deep at Turn 1.
- Piastri, starting fifth, was lucky to escape a race ender when he was hit by Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson at Turn 1.
- Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc finished sixth (now fourth) behind Antonelli.
- Lewis Hamilton charged from the back of the grid to 10th (now eighth).
- Williams driver Carlos Sainz finished seventh (now fifth).
Shafali Verma wins ICC Women's Player of the Month for November
Key Updates:
- Shafali Verma scored 87 off 78 balls in the Women's World Cup final against South Africa.
- India posted 298 for 7 and won the final by 52 runs in Navi Mumbai.
- Shafali shared a 104-run opening stand with Smriti Mandhana.
- Simon Harmer claimed the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for his 17-wicket haul in South Africa's 2-0 Test series win over India.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Mohammed Siraj was named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August after taking nine wickets in the decisive fifth Test against England.
- Siraj’s match-winning performance helped India clinch The Oval Test by six runs and level the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy series 2-2.
- Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast received the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for August.
- Shardul Thakur will lead Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, commencing on November 26 in Lucknow.
- Mumbai are the defending champions, having won the SMAT title last season under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy.
- Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube are available for Mumbai’s league-stage matches.
- James Anderson received his knighthood from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.
- He was awarded the accolade in former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list in April.
- Anderson is England’s leading wicket-taker of all-time with 704 wickets in 188 Test appearances.
- India's Women's World Cup-winning team member Shafali Verma was felicitated by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
- She was honoured with a shawl and a cheque of Rs 1.50 crore and a 'Grade A' sports gradation certificate.
- Shafali was appointed as the brand ambassador by the Haryana State Women's Commission.
- The 21-year-old Shafali was named 'player of the final' for her 87 runs with the bat and 2/36 with the ball in the team's 52-run win against South Africa.
- She was picked as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal and called into the India squad on the eve of the semifinal against Australia.
Kavita Chand Scales Mount Vinson
Key Updates:
- Kavita Chand conquered Mount Vinson in Antarctica, the highest peak in that continent, that has a height of 4,892 meters above the sea level.
- She had previously conquered Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe.
- Kavita Chand won the Delhi and Mumbai HYROX 2025 competitions in her age group.
- She has also completed three of the six marathons in the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Challenge.
Similar / Past Coverage
- 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.
- Antarctic Day is observed globally on Dec 1.
- Antarctic Day recalls the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959.
- National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is the country’s nodal institution for polar science.
- National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) was established on April 5, 2000.
- India’s permanent research stations include Dakshin Gangotri, Maitri, and Bharati in Antarctica; Himadri in the Arctic; and Himansh in the Himalayas.
- International Mountain Day 2025 spotlights the crucial role of glaciers in sustaining water, food, and livelihoods, urging global action to protect fragile mountain ecosystems.
- The theme for International Mountain Day 2025 is “Glaciers matter for water, food and livelihoods in mountains and beyond.”
- Mountains are home to diverse ecosystems and communities, providing essential resources like water, food, and livelihoods.
- The United Nations (UN) announced that International Mountain Day will focus on glaciers, which are massive ice reserves vital for freshwater and ecosystems.
- According to the UN, glaciers store around 70% of the world’s freshwater.
- Glaciers support rivers, agriculture, and clean energy.
- Accelerated global warming conditions pose a threat towards glaciers, causing them to melt at a fast pace and increasing the risk of floods and landslides.
- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) coordinates the annual celebration of International Mountain Day to foster greater awareness of mountain issues.
- Globally, over two billion people rely on melt from glaciers and snow for their freshwater, including for their food security and livelihood.
- Protecting mountains and glaciers from the impacts of climate change involves supporting measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, regulating use of mountain resources for commercial purposes, and investing in integrated water management systems.
India’s Unnati Hooda and Kiran George clinch singles titles at Odisha Masters
Key Updates:
- The Odisha Masters 2025, a Super 100 event, was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Cuttack.
- Unnati Hooda (India) claimed the women’s singles title, defeating compatriot Isharani Baruah 21-17, 21-10.
- Hooda is set to enter the top 25 in BWF World Rankings, reaching a career best 23.
- She reached the semifinals at the Hylo Open and the Syed Modi International, and the Taipei Open semifinal earlier in the year.
- Hooda also secured a win against PV Sindhu at the China Open Super 1000 in the round of 16.
- Kiran George (India) clinched the men’s singles title, prevailing over Indonesia’s Muhamad Yusuf in a three-game battle, with scores of 21-14, [Yusuf leveled], 21-16.
- This was George’s first title on the circuit since 2023.
- Marwan Faza and Aisyah Pranata (Indonesia) won the mixed doubles title, defeating compatriots Dejan Ferdinansyah and Bernadine Wardana 21-15, 21-10.
- Ali Faathir Rayhan and Devin Artha Wahyudi (Indonesia) secured the men’s doubles crown, rallying past Malaysia’s Khang Khai Xing and Aaron Tai 15-21, 21-12, 21-16.
- Top seeds Gabriela and Stefani Stoeva (Bulgaria) won the women’s doubles title, overcoming Malaysia’s Ong Xin Yee and Carmen Ting 21-19, 21-14.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Rajasthan United FC began their campaign at the 41st Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup with a confident and disciplined 3–0 win against Sikkim Himalayan FC.
- The match was played at the historic Paljor Stadium.
- Goalkeeper Babhindra Malla was awarded the Man of the Match for his exceptional performance and match-winning saves.
- Kidambi Srikanth won his men's singles semifinal match at the Syed Modi International badminton tournament, defeating compatriot Mithun Manjunath with a score of 21-15 19-21 21-13.
- Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand won their women's doubles semifinal match, beating Malaysia's Ong Xin Yee and Carmen Ting 21-11 21-15.
- The Syed Modi International badminton tournament is being held in Lucknow.
- Kidambi Srikanth is a former champion of the Syed Modi International (2016) and a 2021 World Championships silver medallist.
- Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand are the defending women's doubles champions of the Syed Modi International.
- In women's singles semifinals, Unnati Hooda lost to Turkey's Neslihan Arın 15-21 10-21.
- Tanvi Sharma lost her women's singles semifinal to Japan's Hina Akechi 17-21 16-21.
- The mixed doubles pair of Hariharan Amsakarunan and Treesa lost their semifinal to Indonesia's Dejan Ferdinansyah and Bernadine Anindya Wardana 17-21 19-21.
- Namitbir Singh Walia secured the fourth overall position at the 3rd Annemasse International Masters Tournament in France.
- He is the second player from Punjab to earn the International Master title, after Dushyant Sharma.
- Walia won the Senior State FIDE Rating Open Chess Championship earlier this year.
- Indian women boxers achieved a remarkable feat at the World Boxing Cup Finals 2025.
- They secured four gold medals in Greater Noida.
- Minakshi Hooda, Preeti, Arundhati Choudhary, and Nupur emerged victorious in their respective categories.
- Minakshi Hooda set the tone for the hosts, producing a dominant 5-0 win over Fozilova Farzona in the women’s 48kg final to open India’s tally.
- Preeti Pawar followed soon after with another clean sweep, outclassing Italy’s Sirine Charaabi 5-0 to claim gold in the 54kg division.
- Arundhati Choudhary then made it three golds for India by defeating Uzbekistan’s Zokirova Aziza 5-0 in the 70kg final.
- Nupur Sheoran capped India’s session with a fourth gold, also winning 5-0, as she overpowered Uzbekistan’s Sotimboeva Oltinoy in the 80+kg category.
- India also secured a silver medal, narrowly missing a fifth gold.
- Jadumani fell short against Uzbekistan’s Asilbek Jalilov in the 50kg contest and settled for silver.
- Earlier in the tournament, 15 Indian boxers had advanced to the finals, which was the highest representation by any country in this eight-only event.
India defeats Hong Kong to win Squash World Cup
Key Updates:
- India won their first-ever Squash World Cup title by defeating Hong Kong 3-0 in the final.
- The final match was held in Chennai.
- India surpassed their previous best performance of a bronze medal in 2023, and Hong Kong also registered its best-ever finish in the tournament's history.
Similar / Past Coverage
- India defeated Egypt in the Squash World Cup semifinal.
- India secured a 3-0 win against Egypt.
- The semifinal match was held at Express Avenue Mall in Chennai.
- Velavan Senthilkumar won his match against Ibrahim Elkabbani with a score of 7-1, 7-3, 7-6.
- Anahat Singh emerged victorious against Nour Heikal with a score of 6-7, 7-5, 7-3, 3-7, 7-3.
- Abhay Singh won his match against Adam Hawal with a score of 7-5, 6-7, 7-5, 7-6.
- India will face top seeds Hong Kong in the title decider.
- Hong Kong reached the final by winning on game difference following a 2-2 draw with Japan in the other semifinal.
- Over 24 countries will compete in the inaugural Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship from March 9 to 14 next year, for which the venue is yet to be finalised in India.
- The event will see 16 men's and as many women's teams competing.
- Ahmedabad was recently officially confirmed as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
- India B (Manipur) clinched a spectacular victory over Colombia with a score of 8–5 in the final.
- The championship match was held at the Imphal Polo Ground.
- The Imphal polo ground, also known as Mapal Kangjeibung, is widely known as one of the oldest polo grounds in the world.
- The winning team, India B (Manipur), was awarded a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, while team Colombia took home a prize money of Rs 1.5 lakh.
- The Squash World Cup 2025 returns to Chennai for the third consecutive year, with the 2025 edition scheduled to take place from December 9 to 14 at the Express Avenue Mall and Indian Squash Academy (ISA).
- India is the only nation to host consecutive Squash World Cups, both staged in Chennai’s top venues.
- A total of 12 teams, divided into four groups of three teams each, will fight for the trophy.
Bison Horn Maria dance of Dandami Madia community in Bastar, Chhattisgarh
Key Updates:
- The Bison Horn Maria dance is performed by the Dandami Madia tribe in southern Chhattisgarh.
- Men wear horn-shaped headgear made from bamboo, adorned with bison horns, feathers, and bright cloth strips.
- Women wear handwoven saris, heavy silver and brass ornaments, and headgear with coins from ₹1 to ₹10 worked into their jewellery.
- The dance is performed during the Madia festival, invoking deities such as Budhadev and Danteshwari Mai.
Similar / Past Coverage
- UNESCO added the Philippine artisanal sea-salt craft Asin Tibuok to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
- Viet Nam’s Đông Hồ folk woodblock printing, carved wooden blocks, natural pigments and scallop-powder paper, was inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List.
- Kenya’s Mwazindika spiritual dance of the Daida community, combining dance, ritual, music and storytelling, joined the Urgent Safeguarding List.
- Pakistan’s Boreendo clay musical instrument, Panama’s quincha mud-house construction, Paraguay’s Ñai’ũpo ceramic craft, Portugal’s moliceiro wooden boats, Uzbekistan’s Kobyz string instrument, Albania’s lahuta epic singing, Barbados landships traditions and Belarus’s Negliubka textile tradition were all added to the Urgent Safeguarding List.
- UNESCO placed the Bisht ceremonial men’s garment shared by Qatar, Iraq, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- Venezuela’s Joropo music-dance-poetry tradition, Bolivia’s Festivity of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Sucre, Argentina’s cuarteto dance-music, Bangladesh’s Tangail saree weaving, Afghanistan’s Behzad-style miniature art, Belgian rod marionette theatre, Belize’s Christmas Bram and Sambai, Bulgarian bagpipe traditions and the Zaffa wedding procession across parts of Africa and the Middle East were also inscribed on the Representative List.
- The Hornbill Festival 2025 will run from December 1 to 10 in Nagaland.
- The 26th Hornbill Festival is being held at Kisama Heritage Village, just outside Kohima.
- Every winter, Nagaland springs to life with the Hornbill Festival.
- The Raulane festival is a 5,000-year-old festival celebrated in Kinnaur's Himalayas.
- It honors celestial fairies called Saunis, who are believed to protect villagers during harsh winters.
- During the festival, men, disguised as a symbolic bride (Raulane) and groom (Raula), perform a slow, devotional dance at the Nagin Narayan temple.
- The faces of the participants remain wrapped in heavy Kinnauri woollens, and their hands vanish into thick gloves, turning them into ritual figures.
- Villagers believe the disguised pair becomes a vessel, a messenger, and a bridge to the Sauni spirits or fairies.
- The land of Kinnaur, where the festival is celebrated, is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous civilisations.
- The Shad Nongkrem is a significant Khasi religious and cultural festival.
- This annual five-day event honors Ka Blei Synshar for a bountiful harvest and prosperity.
- Shad Nongkrem, popularly known as Nongkrem Dance, is one of the indigenous religious and rich cultural festivals of the Khasi tribal community.
- The festival is celebrated in the scenic hamlet of Smit, headquarters of the Khasi state of Hima Khyrim, during autumn every year.
- The five-day long indigenous Khasi religious festival is also called Ka Pomblang Nongrem.
- Nongkrem Dance is recognized as one of India’s national festivals.
Umngot Traditional Boat Race & Tri-Hills Ensemble Festival concludes on Dec 13
Key Updates:
- The Umngot Traditional Boat Race & Tri-Hills Ensemble Festival made a triumphant return in the West Jaintia Hills district.
- The festival was organised by the state department of arts & culture.
- It concluded at Darrang in West Jaintia Hills district on Dec 13.
- The inaugural day of the festival was on Dec 12.
- Meghan O’Regan, head of Welsh Govt in India, British Deputy High Commission, was among the invitees.
- State education minister Lahkmen Rymbui observed that the festival provided a platform to reinforce the government’s commitment to river conservation, sustainable tourism and livelihood generation.
- The festival marked the revival of an indigenous river-based tradition.
- Competitive events included traditional boat race, swimming, water polo, diving and other indigenous water sports.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit was launched under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) scheme.
- The circuit was conceptualised jointly by the Ministry of DoNER and the Government of Meghalaya.
- Its objective is to position Sohra on the world tourism map as a model of sustainable and experiential tourism and to transform Sohra into a multi-day experiential tourism destination rooted in sustainability and local livelihoods.
- The project involves total investments exceeding ₹650 crore, with ₹221 crore allocated under MDoNER for the circuit.
- Key components include the Sohra Experience Centre at Kutmadan (₹115 crore), Nohkalikai Falls precinct (₹26 crore), Mawsmai Eco Park (₹29 crore), Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint, Shella Riverside Development, and Wahkaliar Canyon with adventure tourism features.
- The circuit is expected to increase tourist spending sixfold and generate over 4,600 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
- Skill development programmes are underway in collaboration with the Meghalaya Skills Development Society and IHM Shillong to train local youth.
- Multiple DoNER projects worth ₹233 crore were also launched, including the Pynursla–Latangriwan–Mawlynnong Road (₹29.97 crore), Mawshynrut–Hahim (Athiabari) Road (₹99.76 crore), and a major bridge over the Umngot River on the Jongksha–Wahiajer Road (₹21.86 crore).
- The 12th edition of Samvad conclave is a five-day event held at Gopal Maidan from November 15 to 19.
- The conclave coincides with Jharkhand's 25th Statehood Day and the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.
- It brings together 2,500 participants representing 153 tribes from 26 states and Union Territories.
- Mornings are dedicated to dialogue across multiple venues, and evenings feature cultural performances at Gopal Maidan.
- There are 51 outlets showcasing tribal handicrafts and 30 stalls for tribal healing practices.
- The four key elements of the conclave are 'tribal cuisine, healers, handicrafts, samuday ka sath'.
- 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
University of Patanjali designated Gyan Bharatam Mission cluster centre
Key Updates:
- University of Patanjali has been designated a cluster centre under the Gyan Bharatam Mission of the Ministry of Culture.
- It is the country’s first yoga- and Ayurveda-focused university to receive cluster centre status.
- As a cluster centre, it will mentor and connect 20 other institutions to the mission.
Similar / Past Coverage
- Patanjali Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Russian government to facilitate its entry into Russia.
- The MoU aims to promote health and wellness, health tourism, exchange of skilled human resources, and research-related initiatives.
- Ramdev stated that the first major objective of this MoU is to expand Patanjali's wellness services in Russia.
- Sergey Cheremin said they aim to transform the lifestyle of the people of Russia by adopting Patanjali's yoga, Ayurveda, and naturopathy.
- The Ministry of Ayush (MoA) will host a dedicated side event on Ashwagandha titled 'Ashwagandha: From Traditional Wisdom to Global Impact – Perspectives from Leading Global Experts' during the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine.
- The side event is organised by WHO-GTMC in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush.
- The 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine will be held in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- The 3rd International Ayurveda Conference was jointly organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) and Conayur, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
- The two-day event was held from November 14-15, 2025, under the aegis of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
- The conference commemorated 40 years of Ayurveda in Brazil and brought together experts, practitioners, scholars, and students from across Latin America and India.
- The deliberations centered on the theme 'Diversity and Inclusion in Ayurveda: Caring for Everybody and Every Being'.
- Organizers announced that Ayurveda has now been included in the Brazilian Classification of Occupations, marking a historic recognition for the system.
- Ambassador of India to Brazil, Dinesh Bhatia, highlighted the growing collaboration between India and Brazil in traditional systems of healthcare.
- Event: 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine (17–19 December 2025, New Delhi) jointly hosted by Ministry of Ayush and WHO.
- Participants: Over 100 countries expected; reception attended by ambassadors/high commissioners and Indian/WHO dignitaries including Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Ambassador Sibi George, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal, Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla.
- Key framework: Summit aligned to WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 and anchored by WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC), Jamnagar.
- Theme: “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Wellbeing” to advance evidence-based, integrative traditional medicine.
UAE Approves First Licensed Sports Wagering and iGaming Platform
Key Updates:
- The United Arab Emirates has issued its first official license for an online sports wagering and internet gaming platform.
- The approval was granted by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).
- Play971 is the first licensed operator offering both internet gaming and sports wagering services in the UAE.
- Play971 is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, a limited liability company incorporated in Abu Dhabi.
- Users must be at least 21 years old and physically present within the UAE to register, fund an account, or participate in gaming activities.
- Wynn Resorts was awarded the country’s first commercial gaming license by the GCGRA for its Wynn Al Marjan Island project in Ras Al Khaimah.
Similar / Past Coverage
- The United Arab Emirates, represented by the UAE Archery Federation, has won the bid to host the 2026 Asian Youth Archery Championship in the city of Khorfakkan.
- The announcement was made during the Asian Archery Federation Congress, held yesterday evening in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- The UAE's bid secured the majority of votes thanks to the country's advanced sports infrastructure, world-class facilities, and organisational and logistical capabilities.
- The UAE’s first government financial transaction using the Digital Dirham was executed between the Ministry of Finance and the Dubai Department of Finance (DOF) in collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE).
- The transaction was carried out through the mBridge platform and was completed in less than two minutes.
- The Digital Dirham pilot is part of the CBUAE’s Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme, which aims to accelerate digital-payment adoption and strengthen the UAE’s position as a global financial hub.
- The Dubai Department of Finance and Ministry of Finance conducted the first government payment using the Digital Dirham issued by the Central Bank of the UAE.
- The settlement concluded in under two minutes without intermediaries involved.
- In January 2024, UAE authorities executed an international value transfer using Digital Dirham technology via the mBridge system, routing funds to Chinese recipients.
- MoET unveils TM Market Place, the Middle East’s first dedicated digital platform for listing, buying and trading registered trademarks.
- Only national and international trademarks officially registered in the UAE can be listed on the platform.
- There is no subscription fee required to browse, list, or access the marketplace; users pay only the agreed purchase price and the government fee for re-registering ownership.
Vijay Diwas 2025 celebrations on December 15–16
Key Updates:
- Vijay Diwas is observed on December 16 to commemorate India's victory in the 1971 War.
- A 20-member Bangladesh delegation, including two serving officers of Bangladesh Army and eight Mukti Yoddhas, will attend the Vijay Diwas celebrations in Bengal.
- The Eastern Command of the Indian Army concluded the Vijay Rally 2025 – 'Ride for Valour' motorcycle expedition before the celebrations.
- The Bangladesh team will participate in the Military Tattoo on December 15 and the wreath-laying ceremony by Governor CV Ananda Bose at Vijay Smarak on December 16.
Similar / Past Coverage
- 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.
- Ministry of Education (MoE) announced the 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) to be held in January 2026.
- Online MCQ-based competition for participant selection runs on MyGov portal from 1st December 2025 to 11th January 2026.
- Students of Classes 6-12, teachers, and parents can register; all completers receive MyGov participation certificate.
- Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 will be celebrated on November 5, 2025 (Wednesday), marking the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
- According to Drik Panchang, the full moon day (Kartik Purnima) begins at 10:36 PM on November 4, 2025, and ends at 6:48 PM on November 5, 2025.
- The festival commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the nine Sikh gurus, born in 1469 at Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan).
- Celebrations start two days prior with Akhand Path, a 48-hour non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib in Gurudwaras.
- A Nagar Kirtan procession led by the Panj Pyaras is held one day before the main day, spreading Guru Nanak’s message through hymns.
- On the main day, Prabhat Pheris (early morning processions) begin at Gurudwaras with hymn singing and katha recitation, followed by langar, a community meal served by volunteers.
- Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed every year on December 6 to commemorate the death anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.
- Dr Ambedkar passed away on December 6, 1956.
- President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered tributes at Prerana Sthal on Parliament premises.
- PM Modi recalled Ambedkar's visionary leadership and commitment to justice, equality and constitutionalism.
- Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray paid tributes at Chaityabhoomi in Shivaji Park.
Vice-President releases commemorative stamp honouring Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II in New Delhi
Key Updates:
- Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II, also called Suvaran Maran, was a 7th-8th century feudatory of the Pallavas who ruled central Tamil Nadu from Tiruchirappalli.
- The Mutharaiyar dynasty built cave and structural temples, expanded irrigation and patronised Shaivite scholars, leaving inscriptions across Thanjavur, Pudukkottai and Perambalur districts.
- The stamp release fulfils a long-standing demand of Tamil Nadu’s Mutharaiyar community and is part of the Centre’s drive to honour pre-Islamic Indian rulers from SC/ST/OBC backgrounds.
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