Daily Briefing Wednesday, Dec 24

Daily Current Affairs: 24 December 2025

Analysis for 24 December 2025

Sasikumar wins Best Actor award for 'Tourist Family'

Key Updates:

  • Sasikumar won the Best Actor award at the Chennai International Film Festival for his role in 'Tourist Family'.
  • Director Bala praised Sasikumar's spirit and urged him to direct again in an emotional letter.
  • 'Tourist Family' also won the Best Film Award at the festival.

Similar / Past Coverage

Homebound shortlisted for Best International Feature at Oscars 2026 (Mid of December) ▼
  • Homebound became only the fifth Indian film to make it to the shortlist of the Best International Feature category at the Academy Awards.
  • It competed with 86 films from around the globe to make it to the top 15 in the shortlist.
  • Only three Indian films — Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay! (1988), and Lagaan (2001) — previously reached the final five nominations in the same category.
  • Pan Nalin’s 2021 Gujarati film Last Film Show is the only Indian entry that made the shortlist but did not advance to the final nominations.
Sreenivasan passed away as Veteran Malayalam Actor and Screenwriter (End of December) ▼
  • Veteran actor, director, producer, and screenwriter Sreenivasan passed away in Kochi, Kerala, at the age of 69.
  • He was born on April 6, 1956, in Patyam near Thalassery in the Kannur district of Kerala.
  • He acted in more than 225 films and wrote several landmark screenplays over a career spanning nearly five decades.
  • He received the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues for directing the film Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala.
  • He won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film for Vadakkunokkiyanthram and the Kerala State Film Award for Best Popular Film for Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala.
  • He won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Screenplay for the films Sandesam and Mazhayethum Munpe.
  • He received a total of one National Film Award, two Filmfare Awards South, and six Kerala State Film Awards during his career.
  • He made his acting debut in Manimuzhakkam in 1976 and played his first lead role in Sanghaganam in 1979.
  • He had undergone heart surgery in 2022 and was undergoing dialysis at a private hospital in Kochi before his passing.
Mahavatar Narsimha qualifies for Oscars 2026 Best Animated Feature category (End of November) ▼
  • Mahavatar Narsimha has officially qualified for the Oscars 2026 Best Animated Feature race.
  • The film is produced by Kleem Productions in association with Hombale Films.
  • Directed by debut filmmaker Ashwin Kumar, it is India’s first animated feature to reach this stage.
  • The voice cast includes Aditya Raj Sharma, Haripriya Matta, and Priyanka Bhandari in key roles.
Leonardo DiCaprio to receive Desert Palm Achievement Award at Palm Springs Film Festival 2026 (Mid of November) ▼
  • Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio is set to be honored with the Desert Palm Achievement Award.
  • The award will be presented at the Palm Springs Film Festival.
  • The ceremony is scheduled for January 3, 2026.
  • The prestigious award recognizes his 'riveting and emotionally-charged performance' in Paul Thomas Anderson's upcoming film, 'One Battle After Another'.
  • The Film Awards event will take place at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
  • Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi revealed DiCaprio will be bestowed with the gong.

BW Legal World announced winners of 6th Edition of 40 Under 40 Lawyers and Legal Influencers Awards 2025

Key Updates:

  • BW Legal World announced the winners of the 6th Edition of 40 Under 40 Lawyers and Legal Influencers Awards 2025.
  • The awards ceremony was held in Delhi and recognised emerging legal professionals for exceptional contributions in corporate advisory, dispute resolution, regulatory practice, technology transactions and cross-border mandates.
  • Abhinav Mishra, Founder of Chambers of Abhinav Mishra, was among the award winners.
  • Aditya Ganju, Partner at AG Chambers, was among the award winners.
  • Akshay Sachthey, Partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., was among the award winners.
  • Deepika Narayan Bharadwaj, Director of Ekam Nyaay Foundation, was among the award winners.
  • Shashank Agarwal, Founder of Legum Solis, was among the award winners.
  • Varun Singh, Founder & Managing Partner of Foresight Law Offices India, was among the award winners.

Similar / Past Coverage

BW Legal World (BWLW) Announced Winners For 6th Edition Of 40 Under 40 Lawyers And Legal Influencers Awards 2025 (End of December) ▼
  • BW Legal World (BWLW) announced the winners of the 6th Edition of the 40 Under 40 Lawyers and Legal Influencers Awards 2025 on December 21, 2025.
  • The award ceremony was hosted in Delhi and brought together rising leaders from across India’s legal and policy ecosystem.
  • The 40 Under 40 Awards 2025 jury comprised distinguished individuals including Dr U.K. Chaudhary, Dr Anurag Batra, Rakhi Biswas, Pramod Dubey, and Arvind Nayar.
  • The winners included Abhinav Mishra of Chambers of Abhinav Mishra, Abhisaar Bairagi of Khaitan & Co, Arjit Pratap Singh of Adani Energy Solutions, and Prateek Sethi of Bharti Group.
  • The awards recognized practitioners for exceptional contributions in corporate advisory, dispute resolution, regulatory practice, technology transactions, and cross-border mandates.
  • The jury also included legal experts such as Gopika Pant of Indian Law Partners, Harry Chawla of Luthra & Luthra Law Offices India, and Vani Mehta of GE Aerospace.
8th Central Pay Commission: Formation, Members, and Objectives (End of October) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the terms of reference (ToR) of the Eighth Central Pay Commission.
  • Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai becomes 8th Pay Commission Chairperson.
  • Apart from Justice Desai, the Commission will have IIM Bangalore Professor Pulak Ghosh as Member (Part-Time), and Petroleum Secretary Pankaj Jain as Member-Secretary.
  • The Commission will submit its recommendations within 18 months.
  • Hikes in pay, pensions likely to be effective retrospectively from Jan 1, 2026.
  • The Central Pay Commissions are periodically constituted to go into various issues of emoluments structure, retirement benefits and other service conditions of Central Government employees and to make recommendations on the changes required thereon.
  • While making its recommendations, the Commission will keep in view the economic conditions in the country and the need for fiscal prudence, the need to ensure that adequate resources are available for developmental expenditure and welfare measures, and the unfunded cost of non-contributory pension schemes.
India wins Women's World Cup; BCCI announces Rs 51 crore reward (Start of November) ▼
  • India wins Women’s World Cup.
  • BCCI announce Rs 51 crore cash reward boost for Harmanpreet Kaur’s team.
  • The Indian women’s cricket team ended a 47-year wait for their maiden ICC World Cup title in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
  • BCCI has decided to reward the entire Indian team — players, coaches, selectors, and support staff — with a total of Rs 51 crore.
  • Ahead of the competition, ICC chairman Jay Shah had announced a prize money rise for teams at the Women’s World Cup, with the winners set to receive USD 4.48 million (approximately INR 42 crore).
  • India edged out South Africa by 52 runs in the final, setting up a 299-run target for the Proteas.
  • Shafali Verma first scored a superb 87 runs and then scalped two crucial wickets in the middle overs, dismissing Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp.
  • Deepti Sharma capped off a successful tournament with a half-century and five wickets in the final.
Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2025 rewards exemplary civil-servant initiatives (Start of December) ▼
  • The Government of India has approved the Scheme for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, 2025.
  • The scheme will confer 5 awards under Category 1: Holistic Development of Districts under 11 priority sector programmes.
  • The scheme will confer 5 awards under Category 2: Aspirational Blocks Program.
  • The scheme will confer 6 awards under Category 3: Innovations for Central Ministries/Departments States, Districts.
  • Each awarded District/organization will receive a Trophy, Scroll and an incentive of Rs. 20 lakhs to be utilized for implementation of project/programme or bridging resources gaps in any area of public welfare.

Ministry of Commerce & Industry records 1.8% rise in Index of Eight Core Industries

[Ministry of Commerce & Industry]

Key Updates:

  • The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) grew 1.8% in November 2025 compared with the year-ago period.
  • ICI carries a 40.27% weight in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
  • Cement output surged 14.5% and steel production increased 6.1% in November.
  • Fertiliser production rose 5.6% and coal output climbed 2.1% during the month.
  • Crude oil production declined 3.2%, natural gas fell 2.5%, refinery products contracted 0.9% and electricity generation slipped 2.2% in November.
  • Cumulatively for April–November 2025-26, core sector output expanded 2.4% over the corresponding period last year.
  • Steel and cement led cumulative growth at 9.7% and 8.2%, respectively, while coal, crude oil, natural gas and electricity posted cumulative declines.

Similar / Past Coverage

India's IIP Grows 4% in September 2025, Driven by Manufacturing (End of October) ▼
  • India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose 4.0% year-on-year in September 2025.
  • The growth was led by a 4.8% expansion in manufacturing.
  • The data was released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
  • The Quick Estimate of IIP stood at 152.8 in September 2025, up from 146.9 in September 2024.
  • Sector-wise, mining output slipped 0.4%, while electricity generation grew 3.1%.
  • Out of 23 manufacturing sub-groups, 13 recorded positive growth in September.
  • Top performing manufacturing sectors included basic metals (12.3%), electrical equipment (28.7%), and motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers (14.6%).
  • Based on use-based classification, infrastructure/construction goods grew 10.5%, consumer durables grew 10.2%, and intermediate goods grew 5.3%.
  • Consumer non-durables recorded a growth rate of –2.9%.
  • The next IIP release, for October 2025, is scheduled for November 28, 2025.
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) estimates India’s Q2 FY26 GDP growth at 8.2% (End of November) ▼
  • India’s real GDP expanded 8.2% in Q2 FY26, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
  • MoSPI estimates India’s first-half (H1) FY26 real GDP growth at 8.0%.
  • Real Gross Value Added (GVA) increased 8.1% in Q2 FY26.
  • The secondary sector grew 8.1% and the tertiary sector grew 9.2% in Q2 FY26.
  • Manufacturing output rose 9.1% in Q2 FY26.
  • Financial, real estate, and professional services grew 10.2% in Q2 FY26.
  • Real Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) grew 7.9% in Q2 FY26.
  • Government consumption (GFCE) contracted 2.7% in Q2 FY26.
  • Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) rose 7.3% in Q2 FY26.
  • Exports grew 5.6% and imports increased 12.8% in Q2 FY26.
National Statistics Office (NSO) shows industrial production growth at 14-month low of 0.4% in October (Start of December) ▼
  • Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose an annual 0.4% in October.
  • IIP growth lower than upwardly revised 4.6% in September.
  • IIP growth below 3.7% recorded in October last year.
  • Manufacturing sector slowed to 1.8% in October.
  • Manufacturing growth 4.4% in October last year.
  • Electricity sector contracted 6.9% in October.
  • Electricity growth 2% in same month last year.
  • Mining sector fell 1.8% in October.
  • Mining expansion 0.9% in year ago period.
  • Capital goods sector rose 2.4% in October.
  • Capital goods expansion 5.4% in September.
  • Consumer durables segment fell 0.5% in October.
  • Consumer durables growth 10% in September.
  • Non-durables sector contracted 4.4% in October.
  • Non-durables decline 0.3% in September.
Moody's Global Macro Outlook: India GDP to grow 6.5% in 2027, among fastest in G-20 (Mid of November) ▼
  • Moody's Ratings projects India's GDP growth at 7% for 2025, 6.4% for 2026 and 6.5% for 2027.
  • India's economy expanded 7.8% in the April-June period and 6.5% in FY25.
  • Inflation in India is expected to average around 3.5% in 2026 and 4% in 2027, after averaging 2.5% between January and October this year.
  • Global economic growth is forecast by Moody's to range between 2.5% and 2.6% in 2026 and 2027, compared with 2.6% in 2025 and 2.9% in 2024.
  • The US is forecast to grow 1.8% in 2026 and 1.9% in 2027, while China's GDP will expand by 4.5% and 4.2% over the same period.
  • Indian merchandise exports rose 6.8% in September, while exports to the US fell 11.9%.

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to release new series of CPI, GDP, IIP data

[Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)]

Key Updates:

  • MoSPI will release a new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series with 2024 as the base year on 12 February 2026.
  • National Accounts data using 2022-23 as the base year will be released on 27 February 2026.
  • The updated Index of Industrial Production (IIP) series with 2022-23 as the base year is scheduled for release on 28 May 2026.
  • A pre-release consultative workshop on the base revision will be held on Tuesday following the first session on 26 November in Mumbai.
  • The workshop will present proposed methodological and structural changes in GDP, CPI, and IIP and seek stakeholder feedback.

Similar / Past Coverage

Government of India (GoI) updates national accounts base year to 2022-23 (Start of December) ▼
  • Government of India (GoI) will revise the base year for national accounts from 2011-12 to 2022-23.
  • The new base year will come into effect from February 26-27 next year.
  • The update aims to ensure national account statistics better reflect the present structure of the economy.
  • The IMF assigned a C grade to India’s national accounts data due to the outdated base year of 2011-12.
  • India’s real GDP rose 8.2% during the July-September quarter.
India's Q2 FY26 Growth Forecasts by SBI, ET, and RBI; GST Collections Detailed (Mid of November) ▼
  • A research report by the State Bank of India (SBI) predicts India’s economy to have expanded by about 7.5% in the second quarter of FY26.
  • An ET poll of 12 economists suggested India’s economic growth likely quickened to 7.3% in the second quarter.
  • The National Statistical Office (NSO) is scheduled to release the official figures on November 28.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected September quarter growth at 7%.
  • GDP rose 7.8% in the April–June quarter, which was the fastest pace in five quarters.
  • GST rationalisation shifted to a two-rate structure of 5% and 18% from September 22.
  • Gross domestic GST collections for November 2025, based on October 2025 returns, may be around ₹1.49 lakh crore, reflecting a year-on-year rise of 6.8%.
  • Including ₹51,000 crore from IGST and cess collected on imports, total GST receipts for November could cross ₹2 lakh crore.
  • The share of leading indicators that reflect growth in consumption and demand rose to 83% in the second quarter, up from 70% in the first quarter.
Government to Release New National Accounts Series with FY 2022-23 as Base Year (End of November) ▼
  • The government will release a new series of national accounts on February 27, 2026, with fiscal year 2022-23 as the base year.
  • An Advisory Committee on National Account Statistics (ACNAS) under the chairmanship of professor B.N. Goldar has been constituted to advise MoSPI.
  • The Ministry has planned to release discussion papers on national accounts to apprise users of the changes in the new series.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Retains C-Grade for India’s National Account Statistics (End of November) ▼
  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) retained a C-grade for India’s national account statistics, or GDP data, in its annual staff report for India for 2025.
  • A C-grade signifies that data provided to the IMF possess “some shortcomings that somewhat hamper surveillance”.
  • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) reported India’s GDP growth rate surged to a six-quarter high of 8.2 per cent in July-September, from 7.8 per cent in April-June.
  • The IMF staff recommended regular revisions of national accounts, prices, and other key statistics, conducting the population census on a priority basis, and timely provision of consolidated general government fiscal accounts.
  • The Indian government plans to launch the new GDP and Consumer Price Index (CPI) series in February 2026.
  • India's national accounts received a C rating, while the overall rating from the IMF was a B, with prices, government finance statistics, external sector statistics, monetary and financial statistics, and inter-sectoral consistency all receiving B ratings.
  • The IMF's current four-tier rating system was implemented in 2024, with India receiving its first B overall rating in the 2024 Article IV consultation report.
  • The last update to the GDP series by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) occurred in early 2015.
  • The IMF's 2023 report identified India’s GDP series with 2011-12 as the base year as “outdated” and recommended its rebasing “as soon as feasible”.
  • The new GDP series will use 2022-23 as the base year, with the first quarterly number expected on February 27, 2026.
  • The first CPI inflation number under the updated series, based on the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey for 2023-24 with 2024 as the base year, will be released on February 12, 2026.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to release Balance of Payments data on a monthly basis.

Canara Bank (CB) launches Canara ai1Pe unified UPI app for secure digital payments.

[Canara Bank (CB)]

Key Updates:

  • Canara Bank (CB) launches Canara ai1Pe, a unified UPI app enabling instant payments, shared expenses via UPI Delegate, spend analytics, UPI Lite, and rewards.
  • The app allows users to link bank accounts from any bank for instant money transfers, merchant payments, and bill settlements.
  • Payments are secured through UPI PIN authentication and device-binding that restricts transactions to the registered mobile handset.
  • UPI Delegate (UPI Circle) lets a primary account holder add trusted family members as delegates who can spend up to ₹15,000 per month.
  • Spend analytics provide month-on-month spending insights, expenditure categorisation and financial trends.
  • UPI Autopay automates recurring payments for subscriptions, EMIs, SIPs and utility bills.
  • UPI Lite permits small-value payments without entering UPI PIN for every transaction.
  • The app features a widget-based QR scan for quick scan-and-pay from the home screen and offers real-time transaction updates, payment reminders, transaction history access, plus rewards and cashback eligibility.

Similar / Past Coverage

BHIM launches UPI Circle Full Delegation for controlled third-party payments (End of November) ▼
  • NPCI BHIM Services Limited introduced UPI Circle Full Delegation on the BHIM Payments App.
  • Primary users can authorise trusted contacts to make UPI payments up to Rs 15,000 per month.
  • The feature allows setting a monthly spending limit of up to Rs 15,000 and an expiry duration of up to 5 years.
  • Secondary users can initiate and complete UPI payments directly from the primary user’s account without needing their own bank-linked UPI ID.
  • Use-cases include senior citizens making small-valued transactions independently and parents enabling controlled access for young adults’ daily or educational expenses.
  • Business owners can delegate operational payments such as fuel and tolls to staff while maintaining transparency and eliminating cash handling.
  • Identity verification is done using Aadhaar or other available documents during the delegation setup.
NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and ACLEDA Bank Plc. enable UPI & KHQR acceptance across India and Cambodia. (Start of December) ▼
  • NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) partners with ACLEDA Bank Plc., Cambodia's first publicly listed commercial bank, to interconnect UPI and KHQR networks.
  • Indian travellers can use UPI-enabled apps at over 4.5 million KHQR merchant touchpoints in Cambodia.
  • Cambodian tourists can scan more than 709 million UPI QR codes in India using Cambodian payment apps.
  • ACLEDA Bank Plc. operates Cambodia's national QR network, Bakong (KHQR), as nominated by the National Bank of Cambodia.
NPCI Launches AI-Powered 'UPI Help' for User Queries, Grievances, and Mandate Management (End of October) ▼
  • The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced the launch of a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered support system called ‘UPI Help’.
  • The AI assistant will initially focus on digital payment-related queries, grievance redressal, and UPI transaction mandate management.
  • Users will be able to check the status of their UPI transactions or log and track complaints for service-related issues, with the tool sharing relevant information with issuing banks for faster dispute resolution, especially for incomplete or pending transactions under the UDIR process.
  • Customers can view and manage all active UPI AutoPay mandates in one place, and the assistant will allow users to initiate actions like pause, resume, or revoke mandates through deep links to their respective UPI apps.
  • ‘UPI Help’ will be accessible through multiple platforms, including member banks’ websites and chatbots, the DigiSaathi portal, and eventually through UPI apps via API integration.
NPCI Expands UPI Payments to Malaysia Through Partnership with Razorpay Curlec (Start of November) ▼
  • NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has partnered with Razorpay Curlec enabling UPI transactions in Malaysia.
  • This integration will allow Indian travellers visiting Malaysia to make instant and secure payments to local merchants accepting payments directly via Razorpay Curlec’s platform using their preferred UPI-enabled apps.
  • The partnership was formalized during the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025.
  • Ritesh Shukla is the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL).
  • Shashank Kumar is the MD & Co-founder of Razorpay.

One97 Communications (Paytm) incorporates subsidiaries in Indonesia and Luxembourg, dilutes 49% stake in UAE arm.

[One97 Communications (Paytm), Indonesia, Luxembourg, United Arab Emirates]

Key Updates:

  • One97 Communications through wholly-owned Paytm Cloud Technologies Ltd incorporates two step-down wholly-owned subsidiaries in Indonesia and Luxembourg.
  • Paytm plans to invest up to ₹25 crore in each of the two new subsidiaries.
  • Paytm Arab Payments LLC issues 76,862 equity shares to Abbar Global Opportunities Holdings, representing 49% of post-issue paid-up capital, valuing the allotment at about ₹19 crore.
  • After the allotment, Paytm Arab Payments becomes a 51% step-down subsidiary of Paytm Cloud Technologies Ltd and continues as a step-down subsidiary of One97 Communications.
  • The transaction is expected to be completed by February 28, 2026.

Similar / Past Coverage

Indo-Taiwan Industrial Technology Innovation Park (ITIP): ₹1,000 crore Taiwanese investment for electronics & semiconductor hub in Karnataka (Start of December) ▼
  • Karnataka government signed an MoU with Allegiance International Co Ltd of Taiwan to establish the Indo-Taiwan Industrial Technology Innovation Park (ITIP) with a proposed investment of around ₹1,000 crore.
  • The project is expected to create about 800 direct jobs as companies set up operations in ITIP over a period of 5 years.
  • ITIP will serve as a dedicated hub for Taiwanese companies in electronics and semiconductors, fostering advanced manufacturing, R&D, and innovation.
India and Netherlands establish Joint Trade and Investment Committee (End of December) ▼
  • India and the Netherlands have set up a Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
  • An MoU was inked in this regard between the two countries.
  • The JTIC will serve as a dedicated mechanism to review bilateral trade relations, promote two-way investments, address investment and trade barriers, and explore collaboration in sectors of mutual interest.
  • Under the MoU, the JTIC will meet annually, alternately in India and the Netherlands.
  • The JTIC will be co-chaired by the Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Director General (Foreign Economic Relations), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) clears Paytm Payments Services Limited (PPSL) as offline payment aggregator. (Mid of December) ▼
  • Paytm Payments Services Limited (PPSL) received RBI authorisation to operate as a payment aggregator for physical (offline) payments and cross-border transactions.
  • PPSL now holds Payment Aggregator licences across all key segments, enabling end-to-end payment aggregation services across online, offline and cross-border use cases.
  • PPSL had already received online payment aggregator authorisation from RBI on November 26, 2025, under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
NPCI Expands UPI Payments to Malaysia Through Partnership with Razorpay Curlec (Start of November) ▼
  • NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has partnered with Razorpay Curlec enabling UPI transactions in Malaysia.
  • This integration will allow Indian travellers visiting Malaysia to make instant and secure payments to local merchants accepting payments directly via Razorpay Curlec’s platform using their preferred UPI-enabled apps.
  • The partnership was formalized during the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025.
  • Ritesh Shukla is the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL).
  • Shashank Kumar is the MD & Co-founder of Razorpay.

National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub (NSSH) Scheme to Ensure 4% Public Procurement for SC/ST MSMEs

[National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub (NSSH)]

Key Updates:

  • The Government of India announced the implementation of the National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub (NSSH) Scheme under the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) in December 2025.
  • The NSSH Scheme aims to enhance the competitiveness of SC/ST-owned enterprises by ensuring a minimum of 4% procurement from these businesses is fulfilled under the Public Procurement Policy.
  • The scheme provides structured support through vendor development programmes, special marketing assistance, and capacity building to help SC/ST MSMEs compete for government contracts.
  • To access benefits, entrepreneurs must complete Udyam Registration and register under the Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS) to ensure visibility in government procurement databases.
  • The initiative supports participation in national and international exhibitions to broaden market reach and expand networks for underserved entrepreneurs.

Similar / Past Coverage

Bihar Cabinet approves 'Saat Nishchay-3' to double per capita income and create one crore jobs (End of December) ▼
  • The Bihar government approved the 'Saat Nishchay-3' (SN-3) programme for the period 2025-2030 to bring Bihar into the category of most developed states.
  • The SN-3 programme aims to double the average per capita income of people of Bihar to ensure double employment and double income.
  • A target has been set to create jobs and employment opportunities for one crore youth over the next five years, supported by the newly constituted Department of Youth, Employment and Skill Development (DYESD).
  • The Bihar government aims to ensure at least Rs 50 lakh crore of private investment in the state over the next five years.
  • The scheme will prioritise the 94 lakh poor families identified during the cast-based survey of 2023 in terms of providing employment.
  • In the healthcare sector, a policy will be introduced to provide separate incentives for doctors and to prohibit private practice by government doctors.
  • The education sector reforms include the development of old educational institutions into 'centres of excellence' alongside the establishment of an education city.
  • The agriculture sector will focus on accelerating the 4th Agriculture Roadmap for 2024 to 2029 and the preparation of a Makhana Roadmap to promote its production and processing.
Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme for socio-economic empowerment of minority communities (Start of December) ▼
  • Ministry of Minority Affairs is implementing the scheme. "According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs"
  • Focuses on socio-economic empowerment of six notified minority communities through skill development, support for women entrepreneurs, and education assistance for school dropouts. "the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan PM VIKAS scheme is focused on the socio-economic empowerment of six notified minority communities through skill development, support for women entrepreneurs, and education assistance for school dropouts."
  • Aims to strengthen capacity of minority youth by providing skill training in need-based courses and linking them with employment or self-employment. "PM VIKAS aims to strengthen the capacity of minority youth by providing skill training in need-based courses and linking them with employment or self-employment avenues."
  • Allocation letters have been issued for training about 1.40 lakh beneficiaries. "allocation letters have been issued for training about 1.40 lakh beneficiaries."
  • 3 per cent of all seats across components are reserved for persons with disabilities. "As per scheme guidelines, 3 per cent of all seats across components are reserved for persons with disabilities."
MoSPI Releases National Industrial Classification (NIC) - 2025 (Mid of November) ▼
  • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the National Industrial Classification (NIC) - 2025.
  • The release of the National Industrial Classification (NIC) - 2025 took place in New Delhi.
  • The National Industrial Classification (NIC) - 2025 was released on 18th November, 2025.
  • The releasing body is the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation of the Republic of India.
Government Initiatives for Tribal Welfare and Development (Mid of November) ▼
  • In 2021, the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda was officially commemorated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.
  • The Shri Govind Guru Chair for Tribal Language Promotion Centre has been established at the Birsa Munda Tribal University; this centre will study the dialects of tribal communities such as Bhil, Gamit, Vasava, Garasia, Kokani, Santhal, Rathwa, Nayak, Dabla, Chaudhary, Kokna, Kumbhi, Warli, and Dodia; stories and songs associated with these communities will be preserved.
  • To address the development of the most backward among the tribal communities, the PM-JANMAN scheme was launched from Khunti in Jharkhand, and ₹24,000 crore is being spent on this initiative.
  • The Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan is scripting a new chapter of development in backward tribal villages; over 60,000 villages across the country have joined this campaign; under this campaign, Gram Sabhas have been made the pivot of development.
  • In the past five to six years alone, the central government has allocated over ₹18,000 crore for Eklavya Model Residential Schools across the country; 42 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) dedicated to Tribal students worth around ₹1,900 crores were inaugurated.
  • The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched in 2018 from Ranchi, Jharkhand, provides free medical treatment benefits up to ₹5 lakh to crores of tribal brothers and sisters across the country.
  • A nationwide campaign is currently underway to address and manage sickle cell disease effectively, and under this initiative, six crore tribal brothers and sisters across the country have already been screened.

NITI Aayog Internationalisation Roadmap: Campus-within-Campus & Vishwa Bandhu Scholarship

[NITI Aayog]

Key Updates:

  • NITI Aayog proposes allowing foreign higher education institutions to set up campuses in Indian institutions under the ‘campus within a campus’ model with a sunset clause of 10 years.
  • It calls for easing regulations for mobility of inbound and outbound students by simplifying visa processes, reducing documentation burdens, and addressing regulatory bottlenecks.
  • The report recommends establishing a National Research Sovereign Wealth Impact Fund named Bharat Vidya Kosh with a suggested $10 billion corpus—50% from diaspora or philanthropy and 50% matched by the Government of India.
  • It proposes a scholarship programme ‘Vishwa Bandhu Scholarship’ for international students for 2-year master’s programmes offering study-based internships, competitive stipends, tuition support, research grants, accommodation, travel allowance, and health insurance.

Similar / Past Coverage

Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill to establish commission for independent higher education institutions (Mid of December) ▼
  • 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.
IIT Delhi Leads India in QS World University Rankings Sustainability 2026; Sweden's Lund University Achieves Global Top Spot (Mid of November) ▼
  • IIT Delhi is the top-ranked Indian institution in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026, slipping to rank 205 from last year’s 171.
  • No Indian institute entered the global top 200 in the 2026 rankings.
  • IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur are ranked 236 globally, down from 235 and 202 respectively.
  • Among the top 10 Indian institutions, six are IITs.
  • Of the 15 IITs featured, six improved their rank compared to 2025.
  • IIT Delhi and IIT Kharagpur entered the top 100 in Employability and Outcomes, ranking 93rd and 96th respectively.
  • University of Delhi rose 27 places in Knowledge Exchange to rank 94th.
  • IIT Bombay ranks 100th globally in the Environmental Impact lens.
  • IIT Kharagpur placed 49th in Environmental Sustainability.
  • University of Delhi rose 31 places in Governance to rank 187th globally.
  • India has 103 universities in the rankings, with 26 new entries this year.
  • Globally, Lund University (Sweden) is ranked 1st, followed by University of Toronto (2nd) and UCL (3rd).
  • The US has 240 universities in the rankings, China 163, UK 109, India 103, and France 76.
NITI Aayog Releases Twin Reports on India’s Services Sector: Services Contribute Nearly 55% of National GVA (End of October) ▼
  • The services sector contributes nearly 55 per cent of national GVA in 2024–25.
  • The first report is titled 'India’s Services Sector: Insights from GVA Trends and State-Level Dynamics'.
  • The second report is titled 'India’s Services Sector: Insights from Employment trends and State-Level Dynamics'.

National Pension System (NPS) Amendments 2025: 80% Lump-sum Withdrawal and Extended Exit Age

Key Updates:

  • The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) notified amendments to the PFRDA Exits and Withdrawals Regulations, 2015, applicable to the National Pension System (NPS).
  • The permissible lump-sum withdrawal at normal exit has been increased from 60% to 80%, while the mandatory annuity portion has been reduced to 20%.
  • The maximum exit age for subscribers has been extended from 70 years to 85 years.
  • For the All Citizen Model, normal exit is now permitted after 15 years of investment or upon reaching 60 years of age, whichever is earlier.
  • The threshold for 100% lump-sum withdrawal for non-government subscribers has been raised from ₹5 lakh to ₹8 lakh.
  • The mandatory 5-year minimum subscription period previously required for premature exit has been removed for non-government subscribers.
  • New structured withdrawal mechanisms, namely Systematic Lumpsum Withdrawal (SLW) and Systematic Unit Withdrawal (SUR), have been introduced to allow periodic redemption of investment units.
  • For government subscribers with a corpus between ₹8 lakh and ₹12 lakh, a lump-sum withdrawal of up to ₹6 lakh is permitted, with the remainder accessible via SUR.
  • The list of permitted reasons for partial withdrawal has been liberalized to include medical treatment without restriction to a specific list of illnesses.

Similar / Past Coverage

National Pension System (NPS) allows 80% lump sum withdrawal for non-government subscribers (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) notified the amended PFRDA (Exits and Withdrawals under the National Pension System (NPS)) Regulations, 2025, on December 16.
  • Eligible NPS members can now withdraw up to 80 per cent of their retirement corpus as a lump sum at the time of exit.
  • The revised rules apply to subscribers under the All Citizen Model and Corporate NPS, bringing relief to non-government sector employees.
  • The compulsory annuity purchase requirement for non-government subscribers has been reduced to a minimum of 20 per cent of the accumulated pension wealth.
  • Subscribers with accumulated pension wealth up to Rs 8 lakh can withdraw the entire amount as a lump sum.
  • For accumulated pension wealth between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 12 lakh, lump sum withdrawal is capped at Rs 6 lakh, with the balance available for annuity purchase or systematic unit withdrawal over a period of up to six years.
  • For accumulated pension wealth above Rs 12 lakh, at least 20 per cent of the corpus must be used to purchase an annuity, while up to 80 per cent becomes available for withdrawal.
Maharashtra Pagdi Redevelopment Framework: Floor Space Index (FSI)-based Rehabilitation for Tenants & Landlords (Mid of December) ▼
  • Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde announced a separate regulatory framework to phase out Mumbai’s pagdi system through transparent redevelopment.
  • Tenants will receive FSI equal to the area they occupy; landlords will receive the original FSI based on land ownership.
  • Incentive FSI will be granted for cost-free reconstruction of homes for economically weaker and low-income pagdi holders.
  • If height limits prevent full on-site use, remaining FSI will be provided as TDR (Transferable Development Rights).
  • Additional fast-track courts—subject to prior high court approval—will be set up to clear about 28,000 pending tenant-landlord disputes within three years.
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) reduces mandatory annuity purchase to 20% for non-government NPS subscribers. (Mid of December) ▼
  • Non-government subscribers under All Citizen Model and Corporate NPS can now withdraw up to 80% of corpus as lump sum.
  • Mandatory annuity purchase requirement reduced from 40% to 20% of accumulated pension wealth.
  • For corpus up to ₹8 lakh, entire amount can be withdrawn as lump sum with annuity purchase optional up to 20%.
  • For corpus between ₹8 lakh and ₹12 lakh, lump sum withdrawal capped at ₹6 lakh with balance available for annuity or systematic unit withdrawal over six years.
  • For corpus above ₹12 lakh, minimum 20% must be used for annuity purchase while up to 80% can be withdrawn as lump sum.
MeitY Notifies Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, Begins Phased Rollout (Mid of November) ▼
  • MeitY notifies digital personal data protection Rules, 2025, beginning a phased rollout of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
  • The framework sets clear rules for how companies, digital platforms, and government bodies must collect, store, process, and manage the personal data of individuals (“Data Principals”).
  • The operational rules specify a phased rollout: general duties, grievance redressal provisions, and other foundational obligations under Rules 1, 2, and 17‑21 are effective immediately; the registration and governance of Consent Managers under Rule 4 will be applicable one year from notification; and the detailed notice formats, security measures, processing conditions, data retention norms, and remaining operational rules under Rules 3, 5‑16, 22‑23 will apply in full after 18 months.
  • A significant addition through the new rules is the establishment of a formal framework for Consent Managers, who must be registered with the Data Protection Board and comply with governance, transparency, and security requirements.
  • The Rules also lay down standards for encryption, masking, tokenisation, access controls, activity logging, backup systems, and business-continuity planning, making these safeguards mandatory for all fiduciaries.
  • In the event of a data breach, fiduciaries must provide immediate intimation to the Board and deliver a fuller report within 72 hours while simultaneously informing affected users about the nature of the breach, potential harm, and mitigation steps.
  • The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act is India’s first full-scale privacy law, introducing explicit and affirmative consent for data processing and codifying a clear set of rights for individuals, including withdrawing consent, correcting or erasing data, and seeking timely grievance redressal.
  • The Act also requires mandatory breach notifications to both regulators and affected users and imposes steep penalties up to Rs 250 crore for violations.

SHAKTI Scholars Young Research Fellowship offers ₹1 lakh grant for women-centric policy research

Key Updates:

  • The National Commission for Women has launched SHAKTI Scholars: NCW’s Young Research Fellowship programme.
  • The fellowship invites applications from citizens aged 21 to 30 years with a minimum qualification of graduation from a recognised institution.
  • Selected candidates will receive a research grant of one lakh rupees to undertake a six-month research study on women-centric policy issues.

Similar / Past Coverage

Moolathva World Award For Nele Foundation (Mid of November) ▼
  • Bengaluru's Nele Foundation has been honored with the 2025 Moolathva World Award for its dedicated work in empowering underprivileged children.
  • The foundation currently shelters 415 children across 12 centers.
  • It will receive a cash prize of Rs 1,00,001.
  • The award ceremony is scheduled for November 16.
  • Nele Foundation started as a project of the Hindu Seva Pratishthana in 2000 and has functioned as an independent trust since 2014.
  • Over 2,000 children have been rehabilitated through the foundation so far.
  • The foundation provides food, clothing, accommodation, health services, education, holistic development, and personal growth opportunities.
DoSJE–PW Foundation MoU: Free Coaching for 15,000 Marginalized Youth (Start of November) ▼
  • MoU signed on November 7, 2025 between Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE) and PW Foundation (Physics Wallah Foundation).
  • Objective: provide free structured online coaching to 15,000 students from SC, OBC and PM CARES Children Scheme beneficiaries for UPSC, SSC and Banking exams.
  • Key features: live/recorded lectures, test series with analytics, mentorship, doubt-clearing sessions, bilingual study material; no government funds involved.
  • Selection: transparent online application on DoSJE website, vetted through merit and need-based parameters.
Saudi Arabia launches 2nd ‘Global Harmony’ initiative with India Week at Riyadh Season (Start of November) ▼
  • Event: Second edition of Saudi Arabia’s ‘Global Harmony’ initiative inaugurated under Riyadh Season
  • Participants: Ministry of Media, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and General Entertainment Authority (GEA)
  • Key Theme: Celebrates 14 resident cultures including India, Philippines, Indonesia, Egypt, Yemen, Jordan, Uganda, Ethiopia
  • Special Focus: ‘India Week’ opens the initiative, showcasing Indian music, dance, cuisine, art and traditional crafts
Jal Shakti Hackathon–2025 and Bharat-WIN Portal launched to support water innovation with grants-in-aid (Mid of December) ▼
  • 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).

Uttar Pradesh Supplementary Budget 2025-26: Rs 24,497 Crore for Infrastructure and Priority Sectors

[Uttar Pradesh]

Key Updates:

  • Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna presented supplementary demands for grants of Rs 24,496.97 crore for FY2025-26.
  • The supplementary budget allocates Rs 18,369.30 crore for revenue expenditure and Rs 6,127.68 crore for capital expenditure.
  • Key allocations include Rs 4,874 crore for industrial development, Rs 4,521 crore for the power sector, Rs 3,500 crore for health and family welfare, Rs 1,758.56 crore for urban development, and Rs 639.96 crore for technical education.
  • Additional provisions include Rs 535 crore for women and child development, Rs 500 crore for UPNEDA (solar and renewable energy), Rs 423.80 crore for medical education, and Rs 400 crore for the sugarcane and sugar mill sector.
  • After accounting for the central share of Rs 2,197.24 crore for centrally sponsored schemes, the net additional burden on the state’s consolidated fund will be Rs 22,299.74 crore.

Similar / Past Coverage

Chhattisgarh Supplementary Budget: Rs 35,000 Crore Outlay for Institutional Revival and Infrastructure (Mid of December) ▼
  • Chhattisgarh Finance Minister, O.P. Chaudhary, tabled the largest supplementary budget in the state's history, proposing an additional outlay of Rs 35,000 crore.
  • The supplementary budget is aimed at addressing pending liabilities exceeding Rs 45,000 crore inherited by boards and corporations.
  • The budget focuses on reviving institutions such as MARKFED and NAAN, which are described as the backbone of paddy procurement and the public distribution system.
  • An additional Rs 2,000 crore has been provided through the supplementary budget for capital expenditure, in addition to the Rs 26,341 crore in the main budget for 2025-26.
  • Capital expenditure now accounts for about 4.1 per cent of the total budget, reflecting a shift towards long-term asset creation.
Controller General of Accounts (CGA) releases data on Centre's fiscal deficit at 52.6% of FY26 target by October (End of November) ▼
  • The central government’s fiscal deficit stood at 52.6% of the full-year target at the end of October 2025.
  • In absolute terms, the fiscal deficit touched Rs 8,25,144 crore in the April–October period of 2025-26.
  • For the full year, the Centre pegged the deficit at 4.4% of GDP, or Rs 15.69 lakh crore.
  • The government received Rs 18 lakh crore up to October, amounting to 51.5% of the Budget Estimates (BE) for 2025-26.
  • Total expenditure stood at Rs 26.25 lakh crore, or 51.8% of the annual estimate.
  • Tax devolution to states was Rs 8,34,957 crore between April and October.
  • Within revenue expenditure, Rs 6.73 lakh crore went towards interest payments.
  • Rs 2.46 lakh crore was spent on major subsidies.
Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Rates for Rabi 2025-26: Key Features and Budget (End of October) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet has approved Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Rabi season 2025-26 on Phosphatic and Potassic fertilisers.
  • This decision, effective from October 1, 2025, aims to ensure affordable availability of key fertilisers like DAP and NPKS for farmers.
  • The estimated budgetary requirement for the Rabi 2025-26 season is Rs 37,952.29 crore.
  • Under the approved NBS rates, the subsidy has been fixed at Rs 43.02 per kg for Nitrogen (N), Rs 47.96 per kg for Phosphorous (P), Rs 2.38 per kg for Potash (K), and Rs 2.87 per kg for Sulphur (S) for the current Rabi season.
  • Under the NBS scheme, which has been in effect since April 1, 2010, the government provides subsidies on 28 grades of P&K fertilisers, including DAP, through fertiliser manufacturers and importers.
Centre Releases XV Finance Commission Grants for Rural Local Bodies in Gujarat and Haryana (End of October) ▼
  • The Union Government has released over ₹730 crores under the Fifteenth Finance Commission XV FC grants for strengthening Rural Local Bodies RLBs in Gujarat and Haryana.
  • The grants aim to empower grassroots governance and improve rural infrastructure.
  • The grants are disbursed by the Ministry of Finance in two installments each financial year, with recommendations from the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
  • The grants include 'Untied Grants' which empower local bodies to address location-specific needs under the 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, excluding expenditure on salaries and establishment costs.
  • The grants also include 'Tied Grants' which are directed towards core services such as sanitation (including maintenance of Open Defecation Free ODF status, solid and liquid waste management, and fecal sludge management) and drinking water supply, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling.
  • For Gujarat, the second installment of Untied Grants for FY 2024–25, amounting to ₹522.20 crores, has been released, along with ₹13.60 crores from the withheld portion of the first installment for FY 2024–25.
  • For Haryana, the first installment of Untied Grants for FY 2025–26, amounting to ₹195.13 crores, has been sanctioned.

Haryana District Notification and Delhi Revenue Reorganisation: Formation of Hansi and 13 New Districts

[Haryana, Delhi]

Key Updates:

  • The Haryana government has issued a notification making Hansi a separate district, effective from December 22, 2025.
  • With this, the state now has a total of 23 districts.
  • The Governor of Haryana hereby varies the limits and alters the number of sub-division of district Hisar, so as to form a new District to be called Hansi comprising of the sub-divisions of Hansi and Narnaund.
  • Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the land registration process in all tehsils across the state is entirely online, significantly reducing opportunities for corruption.
  • The Delhi Cabinet approved the landmark proposal to reorganise Delhi's 11 existing revenue districts into 13 new revenue districts that will be fully co-terminus with the 12 MCD zones, NDMC, and Delhi Cantonment Board.
  • The move aims to end decades-old jurisdictional confusion between revenue districts and MCD zones, increasing the number of subdivisions from 33 to 39 and the number of Sub-Registrar offices from 22 to 39.

Similar / Past Coverage

Andhra Pradesh approves creation of three new districts; total rises to 29 (End of November) ▼
  • Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu approved the creation of three new districts.
  • The state's total number of districts will rise from 26 to 29.
  • The three new districts are Markapuram, Madanapalle, and Polavaram.
  • Polavaram district will have Rampachodavaram as its headquarters.
  • Five new revenue divisions were also approved.
  • The new revenue divisions include Nakkapalli in Anakapalli district, Addanki in Prakasam, Piler in the new Madanapalle district, Banaganapalle in Nandyal, and Madakasira in Sri Sathya Sai district.
Ponduru khadi receives Geographical Indication tag (Mid of December) ▼
  • Ponduru khadi has been granted the geographical indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Union ministry of commerce and industry.
  • The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) submitted a declaration and supporting documents about two years ago to claim the GI tag.
  • Mahatma Gandhi was gifted a Ponduru khadi stole when he visited Dusi railway station during the Swadeshi movement in 1921.
  • The Andhra Pattusali Khadi Karmik Abhivrudhi Sangam (now known as Andhra Fine Khadi Karmik Abhivrudhi Sangam) was established in 1949 and currently functions under KVIC.
  • Acharya Vinoba Bhave laid the foundation stone of AFKKS in 1955.
Haryana Assembly passes resolution to commemorate 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (End of December) ▼
  • The house unanimously passed a resolution to commemorate the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Ninth Guru and protector of India’s honour.
  • A forest was developed in the name of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in Kalesar, Yamunanagar district, which included tree plantations, a wildlife conservation block, and the construction of the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Gate.
  • In the same district, the Guru Tegh Bahadur Agricultural College was announced in Kishanpura, linking Guru Sahib’s name with education and agriculture.
  • 350 blood donation camps were organised across Haryana, collecting over 23,000 units of blood.
  • Essay competitions were held in schools in Sanskrit, Hindi, Punjabi, and English, engaging 350,000 students.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi also joined the congregation at Jyotisar, Kurukshetra. During the event, he released a commemorative coin and postage stamp issued by the Government of India in honour of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
Delhi to have two more revenue districts, SDM count to go up (End of November) ▼
  • The Delhi government is preparing for a major administrative overhaul to streamline governance.
  • Under the proposed changes, the number of revenue districts in the capital will be increased to 13.
  • The number of SDM offices will be expanded to 39 from 33.
  • Officials believe the new structure will significantly reduce delays and minimise the need for the public to visit multiple government offices for routine work.
  • At present, the capital has 11 revenue districts, each headed by a district magistrate.
  • The districts operate separately from the MCD, which is divided into 12 zones led by deputy commissioners.
  • The new district boundaries are being planned on the basis of Delhi’s 11 municipal zones.
  • The Delhi Cabinet has given an in-principal approval to the proposal that currently awaits the L-G’s approval.
  • The government has been planning to establish a mini-secretariat in every district to bring all departmental services except law and order under one roof.
  • The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) area functions as a separate entity within the New Delhi district that usually witnesses confusion over its jurisdiction.
  • The government has planned to merge NDMC and Delhi Cantonment areas into the New Delhi district and align MCD zones with revenue districts.
  • In September 2012, new districts were created when South-East Delhi and Shahdara were carved out.
  • The current restructuring will require a major redraw of Delhi’s administrative map, leading to the addition or exclusion of villages and localities.

Defence Research and Development Organisation and Rashtriya Raksha University sign MoU to strengthen defence and security collaboration

[Defence Research and Development Organisation, Rashtriya Raksha University]

Key Updates:

  • Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster collaboration in research, education, training and technology support for defence & internal security.
  • The MoU was inked by Distinguished Scientist & Director General (Production Coordination & Services Interaction) Chandrika Kaushik and Vice Chancellor, RRU Prof Bimal N Patel in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at South Block, New Delhi.
  • The collaboration aims to strengthen India's self-reliance in defence and internal security technologies in line with the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Under the MoU, joint research projects, PhD & fellowship programmes and specialised training & capacity-building programmes for security forces will be undertaken.

Similar / Past Coverage

Rajnath Singh addresses 100th Common Foundation Course at LBSNAA (Start of December) ▼
  • Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister, addressed the valedictory ceremony of the 100th Common Foundation Course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie.
  • He urged young civil servants to stay mission-ready for national security and highlighted Operation Sindoor as an example of civil–military fusion.
  • Singh emphasised that good governance and national security must move together to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047.
IIT Kanpur and NMDC sign MoU to boost cybersecurity and AI/ML adoption in mining (Start of December) ▼
  • IIT Kanpur’s C3iHub will conduct cyber risk assessments and develop AI/ML solutions for enhanced operational efficiency in the mining sector.
  • The collaboration will explore AI/ML-driven solutions, digital twins, predictive maintenance frameworks, and advanced data analytics across NMDC’s mining ecosystem.
  • Both institutions will jointly undertake research, capacity-building programs, and technology pilots, with successful proofs-of-concept evaluated for scalable deployment.
India to deploy indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System to protect Delhi NCR (Mid of December) ▼
  • India is moving towards deploying its own home grown integrated air defence system to protect the Delhi National Capital Region from enemy aerial threats like missiles, drones and fast moving aircraft.
  • The multilayered Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) would be based around the indigenous air defence missiles such as the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile systems and Very Short Range Air Defence Systems.
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) would be working with production agencies who will work on the networking and command and control systems required for such a complicated air defence system.
  • India had earlier planned to deploy the US-made National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System-II (NASAMS-II) but did not move forward on the deal as the Americans were asking for a very high price.
  • The IADWS would be responsible for protecting the vital installations in the national capital region and is the responsibility of the Indian Air Force.
GSV–DRDO MoU targets indigenous smart defence tech in logistics, chip design & cryptography (Mid of November) ▼
  • MoU signed on 17 November 2025 in New Delhi between Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
  • Joint focus on Defence Logistics Management: “Modelling, simulation, and validation of logistics plans” and “Improving supply chain resilience for defence operations”
  • Indigenous chip design & hardware security: “Indigenous chip design for defence applications” and “Secure hardware solutions for critical systems”
  • Advanced cryptographic R&D: “Homomorphic encryption for secure computation” and “Blockchain-based encryption for tamper-proof defence communication systems”
  • Human-capacity building: “Train young researchers, scientists, and military logisticians” through workshops, conferences and research exchanges

Indian Navy receives third indigenous ASW Shallow Water Craft 'Anjadip' built by GRSE

[Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)]

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Navy has taken delivery of 'Anjadip', the third of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC).
  • The warship has been indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
  • The ASW SWC project is executed under a Public–Private Partnership between GRSE and L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli.
  • These vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art lightweight torpedoes, indigenously developed anti-submarine rockets, and advanced shallow water SONAR systems.
  • Anjadip carries forward the legacy of the erstwhile INS Anjadip, a Petya-class corvette decommissioned in 2003.
  • The ship derives its name from Anjadip Island, located off the coast of Karwar in Karnataka.

Similar / Past Coverage

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd delivers fifth warship Anjadip to Indian Navy (End of December) ▼
  • GRSE Ltd delivered its fifth warship of the year to the Navy on Monday.
  • The Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft Anjadip is the third of eight such platforms being built at the shipyard.
  • Anjadip is the 115th warship built by GRSE and the 77th warship delivered to the Navy.
  • The ASW SWC was accepted by Rear Admiral Gautam Marwaha, VSM, CSO (Tech), Eastern Naval Command.
  • Anjadip's delivery comes less than four months after that of the Androth on September 13, 2025.
  • The warship is fitted with an indigenous 30 mm Naval Surface Gun manufactured by GRSE and has nearly 88% indigenous content.
  • These ships can carry out coordinated anti-submarine operations with aircraft and are armed with lightweight torpedoes and anti-submarine warfare rockets.
  • Anjadip accommodates 57 personnel including seven officers and requires a draught of only 2.7 metres.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilding Ltd (MDL) delivers 'Taragiri' fourth Nilgiri-class stealth frigate under Project 17A to Indian Navy (Start of December) ▼
  • Taragiri (Yard 12653), the fourth Nilgiri-class frigate under Project 17A and the third built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilding Ltd (MDL), was delivered to the Indian Navy on November 28 in Mumbai.
  • Project 17A frigates are versatile multi-mission platforms.
  • Taragiri is a reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Taragiri, a Leander-class frigate.
  • P17A frigates are designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team (Mumbai).
  • P17A ships are fitted with an advanced weapon and sensor suite compared to the P17 (Shivalik) class.
  • P17A ships are configured with Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plants, comprising a diesel engine and a gas turbine that drive a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) on each shaft, and state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
  • Weapon and sensors suite comprises BrahMos SSM, MFSTAR and MRSAM complex, 76mm SRGM, and a combination of 30 mm and 12.7 mm close-in weapon systems, along with rockets and torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare.
  • Taragiri is the fourth P17A ship to be delivered to Indian Navy in the last 11 months.
  • Build period of Taragiri compressed to 81 months, in comparison to 93 months taken for First of the Class (Nilgiri).
  • Remaining three ships of Project 17A (one in MDL and two in GRSE) are planned to be delivered progressively by Aug 2026.
  • Indigenisation content of 75%, the project has involved over 200 MSMEs.
Indian Navy to Commission INAS 335 (Ospreys) on December 17 (Mid of December) ▼
  • 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.
Indian Navy Unveils Crest of Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (Mid of November) ▼
  • The Indian Navy has unveiled the crest of Mahe, the first ship of the indigenously designed and built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft.
  • The crest is inspired from the cultural and martial legacy of Kerala, depicting a flexible sword named Urumi which is associated with Kalarippayattu and is a symbol of Kerala’s martial heritage.
  • The crest symbolizes the confluence of country’s cultural heritage and technological prowess, marking another step in the Navy’s commitment to indigenisation, innovation, and Aatmanirbharta.
  • The ship’s motto of Silent Hunters embodies stealth, vigilance and unwavering resolve.
  • The Navy will commission Mahe on 24th of November in Mumbai.

Australia and Israel Strengthen Diplomatic Ties Following Official Visit Invitation on 23-12-2025

[Australia, Israel]

Key Updates:

  • Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended a personal invitation to Israeli President Isaac Herzog to visit Australia.
  • The diplomatic outreach follows an attack at a Jewish community Chanukah event held at Bondi Beach in Sydney.
  • President Isaac Herzog also received an official invitation from the President of the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA).
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the developments and the acceptance of the invitation on the social media platform X.

Similar / Past Coverage

Israel announces plan to open embassy in Suva in 2026 (Mid of December) ▼
  • Israel will open an embassy in Suva in 2026, three months after Fiji established its embassy in Jerusalem.
  • Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced the decision and informed Fiji’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during a phone call.
  • Sa’ar stated the embassy will strengthen Israel’s diplomatic presence across the Pacific and deepen ties with other Pacific island nations.
Israel approves $35 billion natural gas export deal to Egypt, largest in Israeli history (Mid of December) ▼
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has approved a $35 billion natural gas export deal to Egypt, the biggest gas deal in Israeli history.
  • The gas will be delivered to Egypt over the next 15 years by U.S. energy giant Chevron, a key owner of the gas field off Israel’s coast in the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Half of the proceeds are expected to go to Israel’s state coffers.
  • German lawmakers approved an expansion of a defense agreement for Israel’s Arrow 3 missile defense system, bringing the deal value from $3.5 billion to $6.5 billion, making it the largest Israeli defense export deal ever.
Hostage Remains Transferred in Gaza Ceasefire (Start of November) ▼
  • Palestinian militants handed over remains of two hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza.
  • The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed it had facilitated the transfer of the remains as a 'neutral intermediary.'
  • The transfer is part of 'the fragile ceasefire agreement' between Israel and the Hamas militant group, which 'began Oct. 10.'
  • Hamas militants have previously returned the remains of 15 hostages since the start of the ceasefire.
President Droupadi Murmu becomes first President to take sortie in Rafale jet (End of October) ▼
  • President Droupadi Murmu took a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet from Ambala Air Force Station.
  • She is the first President to fly in a Rafale jet.
  • Earlier, on April 8, 2023, she became the third President and second woman head of state to fly in a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft.

Pakistan and Libyan National Army (LNA) Finalise $4 Billion Defence Cooperation Deal

[Pakistan, Libya]

Key Updates:

  • Pakistan and the Libyan National Army (LNA) reached a military equipment deal valued between $4 billion and $4.6 billion. [Quote: 'Pakistan has reached a deal worth over $4 billion to sell military equipment to the Libyan National Army (LNA)']
  • The agreement includes the sale of 16 JF-17 fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, and 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft. [Quote: '...listed the purchase of 16 JF-17 fighter jets, a multi-role combat aircraft that has been jointly developed by Pakistan and China, and 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft']
  • The deal was finalised in Benghazi following a meeting between Pakistan military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and LNA deputy commander-in-chief Saddam Khalifa Haftar. [Quote: '...finalised after a meeting last week between Pakistan military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Saddam Khalifa Haftar, deputy commander-in-chief of the LNA, in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi']
  • The defence cooperation pact encompasses weapons sales, joint training, and military manufacturing spread over a 2.5-year period. [Quote: '...entered a defence cooperation pact with Pakistan, which included weapons sales, joint training and military manufacturing... spread over 2-1/2 years']
  • Libya has been under a United Nations (UN) arms embargo since 2011, though a December 2024 report described the restrictions as 'ineffective.' [Quote: 'Libya has been subject to a U.N. arms embargo since 2011... A panel of experts said in a December 2024 report to the U.N. that the arms embargo on Libya remained "ineffective"']
  • Pakistan previously signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia in September 2025 to strengthen security ties. [Quote: '...signing a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia in September 2025']

Similar / Past Coverage

Pakistan commissions second Turkiye-built MILGEM corvette PNS Khaibar in Istanbul (End of December) ▼
  • Pakistan commissioned the MILGEM-class warship PNS Khaibar at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard.
  • PNS Khaibar is the second of four MILGEM corvettes being constructed by Turkish state-owned defence firm ASFAT under a 2018 contract.
  • The first vessel, PNS Babur, was delivered in 2023.
  • The MILGEM project is Turkiye’s warship programme designed to produce multipurpose corvettes and frigates for reconnaissance, surveillance, early warning, anti-submarine warfare, surface combat, and amphibious operations.
  • The commissioning ceremony was attended by Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
US Export-Import Bank (Exim) commits $1.25 billion financing for Reko Diq mining project (Mid of December) ▼
  • US President Donald Trump’s administration committed $1.25 billion in financing from the US Export-Import Bank (Exim) for the Reko Diq mining project in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.
  • The financing is set to support the import of up to $2 billion in US mining equipment and services.
  • Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker announced the approval, describing it as a “win-win” for both nations.
  • The US Embassy in Islamabad hailed the deal as a “game-changer” for economic growth in Balochistan.
  • This initiative is projected to create 6,000 jobs in the US and 7,500 jobs in Balochistan.
  • The project aims to unlock one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits.
  • Reko Diq is owned 50% by Canadian firm Barrick Gold, 25% by Pakistan’s federal government, and 25% by the Balochistan government.
  • The Reko Diq project carries a total development cost of around $7 billion and aims for production by 2028.
  • Once operational, the project could generate $2.8 billion in export revenue in its first year.
  • Saudi Arabia’s Manara Minerals has signaled interest in a 15% stake in the project.
International Monetary Fund imposes 11 new bailout conditions on Pakistan (Mid of December) ▼
  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has added 11 fresh conditions to Pakistan’s $7-billion bailout programme during its second review.
  • These new conditions push the total to 64 conditions in just 18 months.
  • The IMF warned that Pakistan’s economy continues to suffer from “deep-rooted distortions,” driven by chronic corruption, governance failures, and persistent losses across key sectors.
  • A key reform mandate requires the government to publicly disclose asset declarations of senior federal civil servants by December 2026 on an official website.
Sudan Approves Agreement Enabling Russia to Build First Naval Base in Africa (Start of December) ▼
  • Sudan has approved a landmark agreement allowing Russia to set up its first naval base in Africa.
  • The new facility will be a logistics support centre located near Port Sudan along the Red Sea.
  • Around 12 percent of global trade passes through the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
  • Under the pact, Russia can deploy up to 300 personnel and host four naval vessels, including nuclear-powered ships.
  • The agreement spans 25 years with automatic 10-year extensions.
  • The pact was first outlined in 2017 and signed in 2020.

India and France sign pact for local production of SIGMA 30N navigation system and CM3-MR direct firing sight

[France]

Key Updates:

  • India Optel Limited (IOL) signed a collaboration agreement with France’s Safran Electronics and Defense for transfer of production of SIGMA 30N Digital Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System and CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight.
  • The agreement was signed by Tushar Tripathi, CMD, IOL and Alexandre Ziegler, head of Defence Global Business Unit for Safran Electronics & Defense, in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar.
  • IOL will handle manufacturing, final assembly, testing, quality control and full life-cycle support of the systems for the Indian Army.
  • The pact builds on an internal agreement signed between the two sides in January 2024.
  • The development follows BEL’s Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement with Safran for joint production of HAMMER Smart Precision Guided Air-to-Ground weapons in India.

Similar / Past Coverage

India and France sign JV agreement on November 24, 2025, to locally produce HAMMER precision-guided weapons (End of November) ▼
  • Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defence (SED), France, signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement to locally produce HAMMER precision-guided weapons.
  • The agreement formalises the manufacture of the Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) smart precision-guided air-to-ground weapon in India.
  • The HAMMER weapons are already integrated on the Indian Air Force’s Rafale aircraft and are under evaluation for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
  • The joint venture aims to progressively raise indigenous content to up to 60%, with BEL leading final integration and quality assurance.
  • This partnership reflects a strategic shift in the India-France defence relationship from buyer-seller to co-development and co-production, supporting India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) Facility Inaugurated as India's First Global MRO Hub (End of November) ▼
  • The Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility, located at the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park - SEZ, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, was inaugurated.
  • SAESI is Safran’s largest Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion (LEAP) engines, which power the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
  • This MRO centre marks the first time a global engine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has set up an MRO operation in India.
  • Developed with an initial investment of around ₹1,300 crore, the facility spans 45,000 sqm and is designed to service up to 300 LEAP engines annually, featuring advanced process equipment.
  • Safran also announced two defense investments to support the Rafale program in India, including new MRO centers for M88 engines and a new joint venture with BEL.
Tata Electronics and Intel to explore chip packaging and AI PC solutions in India (Start of December) ▼
  • 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.
BSL inks technology transfer pact with DRDO for military-grade steel production (End of November) ▼
  • Bokaro Steel Limited (BSL) partnered with the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) of DRDO.
  • The agreement is a licensing agreement for transfer of technology (LAToT) for manufacturing steel sheets.
  • BSL is granted a non-exclusive license to utilise the technology for manufacture of DMR 249A steel sheets.
  • The DMR 249A steel sheets are vital for India's defense initiatives, including advanced naval vessels like INS Vikrant, INS Nilgiri, INS Kiltan, INS Mahendragiri & INS Vindhyagiri.
  • Over 46,500 tonnes of DMR 249A steel have been produced so far for key naval defence platforms.
  • The agreement was signed in Hyderabad.

Indian Army and Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT) sign MoU for AI and software development

[Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT)]

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Army signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT) to collaborate in the development of software and AI-based solutions for the army.
  • Under the MoU, the students and the faculty of NSUT will participate in live problem-solving projects of Indian Army and get hands on experience.
  • NSUT will also facilitate capacity building through Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs) and tailor-made programmes for Indian Army, strengthening indigenous innovation-driven defence preparedness.
  • The Army will get around 850 loitering munitions along with launchers from indigenous sources under fast-track procedures to equip all three defence forces and special forces.
  • The Army infantry battalions will now have one Ashni platoon each, which will be responsible for operating drones to be used against enemy locations and also in counterinsurgency roles.

Similar / Past Coverage

Indian Army inks MoU via 515 Army Base Workshop to fast-track indigenous land-system drones (Mid of December) ▼
  • The MoU was signed between the 515 Army Base Workshop, acting on behalf of the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) and the Directorate General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, and Raghu Vamsi Par East Automation Pvt Ltd.
  • The partnership establishes a pathway from evaluation to field induction and scaling up of drone technologies, aligned with operational requirements and indigenous manufacturing goals.
  • The MoU focuses on technology infusion in drone manufacturing, with emphasis on IC engine-based drones and systems capable of operating in GPS-denied environments.
  • Raghu Vamsi Par East will provide technical consultancy to the Army Base Workshop for comprehensive evaluation of drone technologies including subsystem reviews, integration readiness assessments and compliance with Army standards.
IIT Kanpur and NMDC sign MoU to boost cybersecurity and AI/ML adoption in mining (Start of December) ▼
  • IIT Kanpur’s C3iHub will conduct cyber risk assessments and develop AI/ML solutions for enhanced operational efficiency in the mining sector.
  • The collaboration will explore AI/ML-driven solutions, digital twins, predictive maintenance frameworks, and advanced data analytics across NMDC’s mining ecosystem.
  • Both institutions will jointly undertake research, capacity-building programs, and technology pilots, with successful proofs-of-concept evaluated for scalable deployment.
Apollo Micro Systems Ltd signs tri-party MoU with IIT-Chennai and Indian Navy for defence technology development (Start of December) ▼
  • Apollo Micro Systems Ltd has entered a tri-party alliance with IIT-Chennai and the Indian Navy to accelerate indigenous defence technology development.
  • The MoU focuses on addressing and solving the present and future problem statements of the Armed Forces through indigenous research and development.
  • The partnership focuses on high-technology areas critical to modern warfare, including advanced electronic warfare systems, precision guidance and control systems and high-energy armament solutions, and not limited to them.
  • IIT-Chennai will serve as the research anchor and focus on developing the technologies and intellectual property.
  • Apollo Micro Systems will act as the technology development and manufacturing partner to convert laboratory-scale research into battlefield-ready products.
  • The Directorate General of Naval Armament Inspection will provide domain expertise and operational insights and assist in testing the developed products.
  • The partnership with IIT-Chennai will further be extended for other technologically advanced products developed for the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Space and other applications across domains.
ICAI signs MoU with Indian Army for real-time UDIN verification (Start of November) ▼
  • ICAI has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Army Purchase Organisation (APO), Directorate General of Supply and Transport (DGST), Indian Army to enable real-time verification of Unique Document Identification Numbers (UDINs).
  • The verification will be carried out through an application programming interface integrated within the vendor registration process of the Army Purchase Organisation.
  • The API integration aims to automate verification of Chartered Accountant-certified documents submitted by vendors, ensuring document authenticity, minimising manual errors, and mitigating fraud risk.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) delivers Anti-Submarine Warfare warship 'Anjadip' to Indian Navy in 2025

[Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE)]

Key Updates:

  • Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd delivered 'Anjadip', the third of eight such platforms being built at the shipyard to the Indian Navy at the Chennai Port Trust.
  • Anjadip is the 115th warship built by GRSE and the 77th warship delivered to the Navy.
  • The warship is also fitted with an indigenous 30 mm Naval Surface Gun, manufactured by GRSE, and has nearly 88% indigenous content.
  • The Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) is armed with lightweight torpedoes as well as anti-submarine warfare rockets and features on-board Combat Management Systems.
  • The vessel requires a draught of 2.7 metres, allowing her to access the coasts easily in search of sub-surface threats and is powered by three water jets.
  • GRSE delivered four other warships in 2025, including the Advanced Guided Missile Frigate Himgiri, the first two ASW SWCs of the series Arnala and Androth, and the Survey Vessel (Large) Ikshak.

Similar / Past Coverage

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd delivers fifth warship Anjadip to Indian Navy (End of December) ▼
  • GRSE Ltd delivered its fifth warship of the year to the Navy on Monday.
  • The Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft Anjadip is the third of eight such platforms being built at the shipyard.
  • Anjadip is the 115th warship built by GRSE and the 77th warship delivered to the Navy.
  • The ASW SWC was accepted by Rear Admiral Gautam Marwaha, VSM, CSO (Tech), Eastern Naval Command.
  • Anjadip's delivery comes less than four months after that of the Androth on September 13, 2025.
  • The warship is fitted with an indigenous 30 mm Naval Surface Gun manufactured by GRSE and has nearly 88% indigenous content.
  • These ships can carry out coordinated anti-submarine operations with aircraft and are armed with lightweight torpedoes and anti-submarine warfare rockets.
  • Anjadip accommodates 57 personnel including seven officers and requires a draught of only 2.7 metres.
Key Abbreviations and Their Full Forms (Start of November) ▼
  • IICT stands for Indian Institute of Creative Technologies.
  • AVGC stands for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics.
  • IFFI stands for International Film Festival of India.
  • AVGC-XR stands for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality.
Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav 2025 celebrated with theme Many Languages, One Emotion (Mid of December) ▼
  • Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav 2025 was celebrated by the Ministry of Education at the National Bal Bhawan, New Delhi, marking the birth anniversary of Mahakavi Subramania Bharati.
  • The theme of the event was 'Many Languages, One Emotion'.
  • Adi Vaani, India's first AI-powered tribal language translator, was demonstrated live at the event.
Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 Registrations Open on MyGov Portal (Start of December) ▼
  • 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.

Supreme Court height-based definition sparks Aravalli mining fears

Key Updates:

  • The Supreme Court accepted a criterion that a landform with a rise of 100 metres from the surrounding ground qualifies as a hill or mountain.
  • The Aravalli range acts as a natural barrier against desertification, slows the eastward march of the Thar Desert, recharges groundwater, and moderates air pollution in the National Capital Region.
  • The Union government claims mining activity would be allowed in just 0.19 per cent of the Aravalli area and that nearly 90 per cent of the region remains fully protected.

Similar / Past Coverage

Thousands of dinosaur footprints discovered in Stelvio National Park (SNP) (Mid of December) ▼
  • Thousands of dinosaur footprints dating back 210 million years have been found in a national park in northern Italy.
  • The footprints - some of which are up to 40cm (15in) in diameter - are aligned in parallel rows, and many show clear traces of toes and claws.
  • It is thought the dinosaurs were prosauropods - herbivores with long necks, small heads and sharp claws.
  • In the Triassic period - between about 250 and 201 million years ago - the wall was a tidal flat, which later became part of the Alpine chain.
  • The prosauropods, which could be up to 10m (33ft) long, walked on two legs but in some cases handprints were found in front of footprints.
  • The area is remote and not accessible by paths, so drones and remote sensing technology will be employed instead.
  • The Stelvio National Park (SNP) is located in the Fraele valley by Italy's border with Switzerland, near where the Winter Olympics will take place next year.
International Mountain Day 2025 Highlights Glaciers' Crucial Role in Global Ecosystems (Mid of December) ▼
  • 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.
Meghalaya Unveils Soil Lake Amidst Accelerating Climate Threat (Mid of December) ▼
  • Meghalaya inaugurated the Soil Lake at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills, developed under the Nengsang River Valley Project.
  • The Soil Lake aims to rejuvenate a key water body, boost eco-tourism, and promote sustainability and ecological balance.
  • Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma warned that Meghalaya may have "even crossed the tipping point" due to intensifying climate impacts on water bodies, agriculture, and forests.
  • The state faces environmental decline, including a decline in spring discharge, irregular rainfall, and greater soil erosion over the past decade.
  • Nearly 70,000 springs sustain rural households in Meghalaya, with over 40 per cent of villages reporting reduced water availability during lean seasons.
  • The newly developed lake is a 0.5-hectare water body, capable of holding nearly 10,000 cubic metres of water.
  • The government's response includes the Meghalaya Climate Change Council and flagship programmes such as spring rejuvenation, watershed development, and climate-adaptive water harvesting.
  • More than 500 new structures are planned to support irrigation, recharge groundwater, and moderate floods and droughts.
  • A community-based water harvesting programme involves 533 structures to strengthen irrigation, flood control, and micro-hydropower generation.
Tamil Nadu govt clarifies no clearance given for housing inside undelineated Pallikaranai Ramsar wetland (Start of November) ▼
  • Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest notified as 698 hectares under Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882; additional 550 ha to be added after delineation to form 1248 ha Ramsar Site
  • National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) assigned boundary delineation with specific survey numbers in November 2024
  • State environment dept states building approvals granted only on 'private patta lands' outside current Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest boundaries
  • Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for the Pallikaranai Ramsar Site preparation is underway

Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) and International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Hyderabad sign MoU for BFSI research

[Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT), International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT)]

Key Updates:

  • The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Hyderabad to collaborate in academics, research, training, student exchange and skill development in the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector.
  • Joint PhD programmes will be offered to researchers in areas such as digital payments, cyber security, vulnerability management, adoption of AI for customer ease, cryptography, blockchain, and fungible and non-fungible tokens.
  • Other areas of collaboration between IDRBT and IIIT-Hyderabad include standardisation and validation of technology in BFSI, development of domain-specific SLMs, cyber security initiatives, and improving user experience.
  • Osmania University (OU) hosted the International Conference on Biotechnological Innovations for Sustainable Development 2025 (ICBISD 2025), featuring over 200 research presentations on biotechnological innovations.

Similar / Past Coverage

IIT Ropar and iDG10 Solutions Launch India's First Subsea Pipeline Design Training and Consultancy Program (Start of November) ▼
  • The Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT Ropar) and iDG10 Solutions Private Limited have signed an MoU to launch India’s first industry-anchored training, validation, and consultancy partnership in Subsea Pipeline Design Technology.
  • The collaboration aims to build domestic capability in a niche and strategic field critical to India’s offshore and energy infrastructure development.
  • This 60-month partnership will leverage IIT Ropar’s academic and research expertise along with iDG10’s proprietary Subsea Pipeline Design Tool (SPDT) software.
  • iDG10 will provide educational and validation licenses of its SPDT and related software tools to IIT Ropar for student and research use.
  • A flagship Subsea Pipeline Design course will offer five days of classroom learning at IIT Ropar followed by a 21-day live project using SPDT for hands-on design experience.
  • IIT Ropar and iDG10 will offer joint consultancy to sectors including Oil & Gas, Water & Wastewater, Hydrogen transport, District heating and cooling, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCTSU), Mining, and Thermal power infrastructure.
  • The programme will issue a joint certificate from IIT Ropar and iDG10 Solutions upon completion.
  • Eligible participants include final-year B.Tech/M.Tech students (Mechanical or Civil) and professionals in Oil & Gas, offshore, marine, and related sectors.
Telangana inks pact with Deakin University to set up India’s first AI Centre of Excellence (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Telangana government signed an MoU with Australia’s Deakin University to establish a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence.
  • The Centre will be housed within the upcoming AI University at the Future City and jointly run by Deakin’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute.
  • Focus sectors for research and skill development include governance, healthcare, education, IT, life sciences, agriculture, critical minerals and rare earth metals.
Deakin University and Telangana Government activate Joint Centre of Excellence in Applied Artificial Intelligence (Mid of December) ▼
  • Deakin University’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute (A²I²) and the Telangana AI Innovation Hub combine to form the Joint Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence.
  • The Centre targets three priority domains: AI for Public Service and Governance, Health and Smart Education AI Solutions, and Climate Resilience and MSME Innovation.
  • The collaboration aligns with India’s National AI Mission and the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to deliver citizen-centric AI solutions.
GSH India and IIIT Manipur sign MoA for joint research and skill development in sustainable facility management (Mid of November) ▼
  • GSH India Private Ltd (Indian arm of US-based GSH Group UK) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with IIIT Manipur to collaborate on facility management, IoT, sustainability and smart building systems.
  • The partnership will focus on joint research, internships, training and skill development programs to bridge the industry-academy gap and promote innovation in sustainable technology-driven facility management.
  • GSH India also signed an extended MoA with Anna University to strengthen collaboration in energy management, sustainability and technical skill development through expert lectures, internships, joint research and training programs.
  • The MoA was signed at the fifth GSH Sustainable Energy Forum in Chennai, a biennial event fostering dialogue and innovation for a cleaner, greener future.
  • Discussions at the forum covered renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, carbon accounting and market mechanisms of energy purchase.

Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) and CrisprBits Sign LoI to Establish Centre of Excellence for CRISPR Innovation and Translation (CoE-CIT)

[Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), CrisprBits]

Key Updates:

  • The Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology (DST) and CRISPRBITS Private Limited (CrisprBits) based in Delhi... have announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to jointly establish the CoE-CIT.
  • The CoE-CIT is envisioned to bridge the bench to bed gap leading and have therapeutic impact by combining JNCASR’s strengths in fundamental biomedical sciences with CrisprBits’ expertise in applied gene-editing and translational platforms.
  • The CoE-CIT is a dedicated hub to harness cutting-edge CRISPR technologies to facilitate translation of scientific discoveries in a laboratory into real-world clinical applications.
  • The CoE will serve as a replicable national model for academic–industry partnerships to strengthen India’s biotechnology and innovation ecosystem.
  • Synergizing the mutual strengths in genetics, molecular and chemical biology, and computational biology, this unique partnership will open a new route to impact society and national missions.

Similar / Past Coverage

Bose Institute team engineers GlowCas9, a glowing CRISPR-Cas9 that lights up during live-cell gene editing (Mid of December) ▼
  • GlowCas9 is a bioluminescent version of Cas9 created by fusing Cas9 with a split nano-luciferase enzyme derived from deep-sea shrimp proteins.
  • The glowing signal is produced when the split luciferase pieces reassemble upon correct Cas9 folding, allowing real-time tracking without harming cells.
  • GlowCas9 is very stable and maintains its structure and activity at higher temperatures compared to the conventional enzyme.
  • GlowCas9 increases the precision of homology-directed repair (HDR), a DNA repair process crucial for fixing hereditary mutations linked to diseases like sickle cell anaemia and muscular dystrophy.
  • As a demonstration, the researchers programmed GlowCas9 to insert the DNA sequence corresponding to “ACHARYA” into the genome, honouring Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose, founder of the Bose Institute.
Cabinet Renews BIRAC-CEPI Research Partnerships, Expands Scope to Monoclonal Antibodies (Start of December) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet has renewed the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) Engagement Strategy with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
  • The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), had partnered with CEPI in October 2019, to advance vaccine development for diseases of epidemic potential.
  • The partnership recorded progress in early-stage development of vaccine candidates for Chikungunya, Coronavirus and Monkey pox.
  • Under the strategy, BIRAC’s bioassay laboratory and experimental animal facility supported the development of several Indian and global vaccine candidates at different stages, from pre-clinical to phase-3 efficacy trials.
  • Training programmes on vaccine development and clinical trials have been organized, contributing to capacity building in the domain.
  • The latest renewal further broadens the strategy scope to the development of allied technologies, particularly monoclonal antibodies.
  • Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are lab-made proteins that mimic the body's natural immune response to target specific cells or antigens.
  • CEPI is an innovative partnership between public, private, philanthropic and civil organisations which supports the development of vaccines and associated technologies against emerging infectious diseases.
  • Several national governments, the European Commission, and philanthropic organisations, such as Gates Foundation and Welcome Trust, are involved with CEPI.
CSIR-IGIB and Serum Institute partner on India's first indigenous CRISPR therapy 'BIRSA 101' for Sickle Cell Disease (End of November) ▼
  • Technology: Indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy named 'BIRSA 101' engineered with enFnCas9 platform developed by CSIR–Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB)
  • Target: Designed as a 'precise genetic surgery' to potentially cure Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) that disproportionately affects India's tribal populations in central and eastern regions
  • Affordability: Projected to cost 'only a fraction' of global gene therapies that typically run Rs 20–25 crore, ensuring wider accessibility
  • Public-private partnership: Formal technology transfer and collaboration agreement exchanged between CSIR-IGIB and Serum Institute of India Pvt Ltd (SIIPL) to manufacture and scale the therapy
  • Policy link: Launch supports the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission aiming for a 'Sickle Cell–Free India by 2047' through universal screening, prevention and management across 278 affected tribal districts
NCBS, ICTS Launch CALIBRE to Advance AI-led Biology Research in India (End of October) ▼
  • The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), both centres under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Bengaluru, have announced the establishment of a new research facility — the Centre for Artificial Learning and Intelligence for Biological Research and Education (CALIBRE).
  • The centre will be supported by a Rs 25 crore contribution from Vishal Gupta, founder of Reed India Consulting LLP, and Deepshikha Gupta.
  • CALIBRE will focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into biological research and education, creating tools, infrastructure, and training programmes tailored to India’s scientific landscape.
  • CALIBRE aims to fill a gap in developing AI tools that address India's unique biodiversity, health, and environmental challenges by building AI platforms suited to Indian data, problems, and research priorities.
  • Described as a national hub where “biological insight meets AI innovation”, the centre will be based at NCBS and will work closely with ICTS to bridge the worlds of data science and life sciences.
  • Beyond research, CALIBRE will provide education and training to help Indian scientists use AI effectively in biological work and will also create Chair Professorships and Research Travel Fellowships to support young researchers.
  • By combining the computational expertise of ICTS with the biological strengths of NCBS, CALIBRE seeks to place India at the forefront of AI-driven biological research, linking fundamental discovery with practical applications across health, agriculture, and environment.

Tata Electronics partners Japan’s ROHM for automotive chip assembly and testing in India

[Tata Electronics, Japan, ROHM]

Key Updates:

  • Tata Electronics has entered into a strategic partnership with Japan’s ROHM for automotive semiconductor assembly and testing in India for both Indian and global markets.
  • Tata Electronics will assemble and test ROHM’s India-designed automotive-grade Nch 100V, 300A Si MOSFET in a TOLL package, targeting mass production shipments by next year.
  • The Tata Group is currently building two semiconductor facilities in India, worth around $14 billion, including a fabrication plant in Gujarat and an assembly and testing plant in Assam.

Similar / Past Coverage

Centre approves 17 projects worth ₹7,172 cr under Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (Mid of November) ▼
  • 17 projects approved under Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) with ₹7,172 crore investment
  • Total approved projects under ECMS now 24, involving vendors like Jabil Circuit India, Aequs Consumer Products, Uno Minda, ASUX Safety Components India, Zetfab India, TE Connectivity India, and Meena Electrotech
  • Projects span categories: camera module, connectors, multi-layer PCB, oscillators, enclosures across nine states
  • Cumulative production value expected: ₹65,111 crore
  • Scheme outlay: ₹22,919 crore over six years with one-year gestation period, offering investment, turnover-linked, and capex-linked incentives
Ashwini Vaishnaw announces ₹4,500 crore allocation for Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) Mohali upgrade (Start of December) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi decides to upgrade SCL Mohali and establish a high-quality semiconductor training centre, strong commercial production unit, and world-class R&D facility under India Semiconductor Mission.
  • SCL Mohali upgrade includes process modernisation, new tools, and production level increased 100 times.
  • Modernisation of SCL addresses strategic requirements, student needs, researcher requirements, chips, and fabrication.
  • Large-scale training facility to be built at SCL Mohali.
  • SCL to remain a government organisation and major R&D organisation.
  • India Semiconductor Mission launched in 2021.
Tata Power to build India’s largest 10 GW solar wafers & ingots plant (Mid of November) ▼
  • 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
Tata Electronics and Intel to explore chip packaging and AI PC solutions in India (Start of December) ▼
  • 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.

Chillai-Kalan begins on December 21

[Kashmir]

Key Updates:

  • Chillai-Kalan is the 40-day harsh winter period in Kashmir that begins on December 21 every year and ends on January 31.
  • The local meteorological department has forecast moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir during this period.
  • Chances of snowfall are maximum and most frequent during Chillai-Kalan, with temperatures dropping sharply across the Valley.

Similar / Past Coverage

India's Average Temperature Rises by 0.9 Degrees Celsius in Last Decade, Driving Extreme Weather Events (End of November) ▼
  • India's average temperature rose by nearly 0.9 degrees Celsius in the last decade (2015-2024) compared to the early 20th century (1901-1930).
  • The hottest day of the year warmed by 1.5-2 degrees Celsius in western and northeast India since the 1950s.
  • The research was conducted by climate scientists Chirag Dhara (Krea University), Aditi Deshpande (Savitribai Phule Pune University), Roxy Mathew Koll (Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology), Padmini Dalpadado (Institute of Marine Research, Norway), and Mandira Singh Shrestha (International Center for Integrated Mountain Development, Nepal).
  • This warming is driving a surge in extreme weather events, with the number of warm days increasing by 5-10 days per decade.
  • The tropical Indian Ocean is warming at a rate of 0.12 degrees Celsius per decade, one of the fastest in the world.
  • Marine heatwaves are projected to occur for nearly 200 days per year by 2050, from merely 20 days per year in recent decades.
  • The Arabian Sea has become a hotspot for intense tropical cyclones, with the maximum intensity of pre-monsoon cyclones increasing by 40 per cent in recent decades.
  • Historical one-in-a-hundred-year extreme sea-level events are projected to become an annual occurrence by mid-century.
India improves to 9th in 30-year global Climate Risk Index, reporting 80,000 deaths and $170 bn loss (Mid of November) ▼
  • India’s long-term Climate Risk Index rank improved from 8th (1994-2023) to 9th (1995-2024), while its single-year rank improved from 10th in 2023 to 15th in 2024
  • Germanwatch environmental think-tank released the 2023 edition of the CRI report on the sidelines of COP30 in Belem
  • India recorded over 80,000 fatalities and nearly $170 billion in economic losses from 430 extreme weather events between 1995 and 2024
  • Cyclones Hudhud (2014) and Amphan (2020) and the 2013 Uttarakhand floods were specifically cited as high-impact events
  • Recurring heat waves with temperatures around 50 °C in 1998, 2002, 2003 and 2015 were highlighted as major climate-related mortality drivers

National Farmers Day observed on December 23

Key Updates:

  • National Farmers Day, also popularly known as Kisan Diwas, is observed on December 23.
  • The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Choudhary Charan Singh, India's 5th Prime Minister, who served from 1979–80.
  • Choudhary Charan Singh is widely remembered as the 'Champion of India’s Farmers' and the 'messiah of farmers'.
  • The observance honors farmers as the backbone of the nation and marks their contributions to the growth and progress of India’s economy.
  • The Indian government observed the previous National Farmers Day with the theme of 'Empowering ‘Annadatas’ for a Prosperous Nation'.
  • Shivraj Singh Chouhan serves as the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Similar / Past Coverage

National Milk Day observed on November 26 (End of November) ▼
  • National Milk Day is celebrated on November 26 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Verghese Kurien who is known as the ‘Father of the White Revolution in India.’
  • The decision to commemorate Dr. Verghese Kurien’s birthday was taken collectively by The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the Indian Dairy Association (IDA), and 22 state-level milk federations.
  • NDDB had launched “Operation Flood" on January 13, 1970, to make India self-sufficient in milk production.
National Integration Day observed on November 19 (End of November) ▼
  • National Integration Day is observed on November 19th.
  • The day commemorates the birth anniversary of former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi.
  • Indira Gandhi was the first female prime minister of India.
  • The observance extends into a week-long ‘Qaumi Ekta’ [National Integration] week from November 19th to 25th.
  • The primary goal of National Integration Day is to foster a sense of unity, peace, and brotherhood among all citizens.
  • Activities like the Inter State Youth Exchange Programme (ISYEP) are conducted to encourage interaction among young people.
Government Initiatives for Tribal Welfare and Development (Mid of November) ▼
  • In 2021, the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda was officially commemorated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.
  • The Shri Govind Guru Chair for Tribal Language Promotion Centre has been established at the Birsa Munda Tribal University; this centre will study the dialects of tribal communities such as Bhil, Gamit, Vasava, Garasia, Kokani, Santhal, Rathwa, Nayak, Dabla, Chaudhary, Kokna, Kumbhi, Warli, and Dodia; stories and songs associated with these communities will be preserved.
  • To address the development of the most backward among the tribal communities, the PM-JANMAN scheme was launched from Khunti in Jharkhand, and ₹24,000 crore is being spent on this initiative.
  • The Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan is scripting a new chapter of development in backward tribal villages; over 60,000 villages across the country have joined this campaign; under this campaign, Gram Sabhas have been made the pivot of development.
  • In the past five to six years alone, the central government has allocated over ₹18,000 crore for Eklavya Model Residential Schools across the country; 42 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) dedicated to Tribal students worth around ₹1,900 crores were inaugurated.
  • The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched in 2018 from Ranchi, Jharkhand, provides free medical treatment benefits up to ₹5 lakh to crores of tribal brothers and sisters across the country.
  • A nationwide campaign is currently underway to address and manage sickle cell disease effectively, and under this initiative, six crore tribal brothers and sisters across the country have already been screened.