NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. ICMR
Report Warns of Rising Antibiotic Resistance in India: India is witnessing a
rapid escalation in antimicrobial resistance, with several common infections
becoming increasingly difficult to treat. The ICMR’s Antimicrobial Resistance Research & Surveillance
Network report for 2024 reveals widespread failure of routinely prescribed
antibiotics against major hospital-acquired pathogens. Analysis of nearly one
lakh confirmed infection samples shows that Gram-negative bacteria dominate resistance patterns. E.
coli, a frequent cause of urinary, abdominal and bloodstream infections, has
shown declining susceptibility to multiple frontline antibiotics. Klebsiella
pneumoniae remains resistant to piperacillin-tazobactam in most cases and displays
high carbapenem resistance, severely curbing treatment options. Resistance
levels in ICUs are particularly concerning. Acinetobacter baumannii
demonstrates 91% resistance to meropenem, compelling clinicians to depend on
complex or toxic drug regimens. Pseudomonas aeruginosa continues to present
rising resistance levels. Overall, drug-resistant Gram-negative organisms
account for 72% of bloodstream infections, and many ventilator-associated
pneumonias involve pathogens unresponsive to high-end antibiotics.
2. India’s
Largest MSW–to–CBG in Nagpur is scheduled to become operational by March 2026: Nagpur is set to achieve
a national milestone with the upcoming commissioning of India’s largest
municipal solid waste-to-compressed biogas plant based on dry anaerobic
digestion technology. The project at Bhandewadi is progressing steadily and is
expected to be fully operational by March 2026, marking a transformative shift
in urban waste management. The plant spans 30 acres of municipal land and has
reached cold commissioning despite construction delays caused by an extended
monsoon. Authorities have granted a four-month extension, allowing phased hot
commissioning to begin soon. The facility represents a key initiative supported
by central and state leadership with strong administrative oversight.
Developers have built a 1,500 MTPD processing capacity against the mandated
1,000 MTPD, anticipating future waste growth. The dry fermentation technology,
proven through an on-site pilot in 2024, allows efficient digestion of India’s
mixed waste stream. This design places the plant among the world’s largest dry
anaerobic digestion facilities and a first in India at such scale.
3. Baba
Kalyani Wins Indian of the Year 2025 in Business: Baba Kalyani, chairman
and managing director of Bharat Forge, has been honoured with the Indian of the
Year 2025 award in the Business category. The recognition celebrates his
decisive role in advancing India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing and strengthening
the nation’s global industrial presence. Kalyani received the award for his
contribution to expanding India’s “Make in India” footprint in the defence
sector. Through Bharat Forge and its defence arm, Kalyani Strategic Systems
Limited, he has shaped one of the country’s leading private defence ecosystems.
His efforts have supported the production and export of advanced artillery
systems to international markets. Reflecting on his career, Kalyani highlighted
three pivotal turning points: his early years at a military boarding school,
formative guidance in the business world, and the landmark policy shift in 2014
that opened defence manufacturing to private industry. A decade later,
Indian-made artillery guns reached European buyers, symbolising the impact of
these reforms.
4. Assam’s
Prerona Scheme for Class 10 Students: Assam has
introduced a monthly support initiative for Class 10 learners to help them
prepare for their board examinations with reduced financial pressure. The
scheme offers a steady allowance aimed at strengthening academic focus and
ensuring that basic study-related needs are met during the crucial pre-exam
period. The Prerona scheme provides a monthly amount of Rs 300 to every Class 10
student in Assam until the completion of the board
examinations. The state government intends the assistance to help students
purchase essential study materials and maintain minimum nutrition during their
preparation phase. The initiative covers all students appearing for the High
School Leaving Certificate examinations under the Assam State School Education
Board. It further extends to residents of Assam studying in Class 10 in
CBSE-affiliated Adarsha Vidyalayas. The assistance is universal and not tied to
income criteria, ensuring that every eligible learner receives the same level
of support.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Sirpur
Prepares for UNESCO World Heritage Nomination: The archaeological town
of Sirpur in Chhattisgarh is undergoing a major
transformation as authorities intensify efforts to secure a UNESCO World
Heritage tag. A recent joint inspection by the Archaeological
Survey of India and the Sirpur Special
Area Development Authority has accelerated preparations to enhance visitor
experience and protect the site’s cultural value. Sirpur, dating from the 5th
to 12th Century, is a multi-religious archaeological landscape featuring Hindu,
Buddhist and Jain monuments. Excavations have revealed temples, viharas, palace
remains, market complexes and an advanced water-management system. The
Lakshmana Temple, Surang Tila complex and several excavated monasteries
underline the site’s architectural and spiritual importance. A World Heritage
designation recognises locations of exceptional universal value and enhances
global visibility. Such a tag helps attract tourism, mobilise conservation
funding and strengthen long-term protection efforts. Sirpur’s riverine cultural
landscape along the Mahanadi aligns closely with UNESCO’s
criteria for combined cultural and natural heritage.
2. World
Telecommunication Development Conference 2025: The World
Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 in Baku concluded on 28 November
with global participation from ministers, policymakers and industry leaders.
Held every four years, the conference charted the strategic roadmap for
worldwide telecommunications development, drawing more than 2,300 delegates
from across regions. India participated under the leadership of the Union
Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, who outlined
India’s vision on universal connectivity and sustainable digital
transformation. India assumed major leadership positions, including Conference
Vice-Chair and key roles in coordination, innovation and study group
activities. The delegation engaged extensively through bilateral meetings and
ministerial dialogues, underscoring India’s global digital partnerships. India
contributed substantially to resolutions that aim to expand digital inclusion.
Key efforts included extending smart sustainable city concepts to rural regions
under Resolution 85 and strengthening innovation ecosystems under Resolutions
89 and 90. These resolutions support emerging technologies, local innovators
and meaningful connectivity through capacity-building and public–private
collaboration.
3. Russia’s
President Putin’s India Visit to Advance Strategic Cooperation: Russia’s President Vladimir Putin will arrive
in India on 4 December for a two-day state visit that is expected to deepen
bilateral cooperation across defence, energy, and geopolitical issues. The
annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to reaffirm the
long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries. The Ministry of
External Affairs has stated that the
meeting will allow both leaders to review progress in ongoing collaborations
and outline a future vision for the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic
Partnership’. Discussions will cover regional and global developments,
including areas where both nations maintain close diplomatic engagement.
Defence ties are expected to feature prominently. A possible procurement of
additional S-400 surface-to-air missile systems is under consideration,
signalling New Delhi’s continued interest in advanced air defence technology.
These systems gained visibility during India’s recent operational deployments
and remain integral to strategic deterrence planning.
4. Italy
Unveils the Advanced ‘Michelangelo Dome’ Defence System: Italy has
introduced the Michelangelo Dome, an advanced multi-domain defence system
developed by defence major Leonardo to counter modern threats ranging from
missiles and drones to cyber intrusions and space-based attacks. The project
represents one of Europe’s most ambitious attempts to build an
integrated defence architecture aligned with NATO’s
evolving security needs. The system was formally presented in Rome in the
presence of defence minister Guido Crosetto and senior military leaders. It
marks a major step in Leonardo’s long-term strategy to specialize in
next-generation defence technologies, including artificial intelligence, satellite systems, drones and digital
infrastructure. The Dome is positioned as a core future asset for Italy and
a potential contributor to Europe’s collective defence. Unlike
traditional air defence built around a fixed platform, the Dome uses an
advanced software layer to integrate data from multiple national and
international systems. The architecture, based on NATO standards,
blends inputs from sensors, radars, satellites, naval assets and ground
interceptors. This enables seamless cooperation between different countries’
equipment, irrespective of manufacturer or origin.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. India
Signs ₹7,995 Crore Support Deal for Navy’s Seahawk Fleet: India has concluded a
₹7,995 crore agreement with the United States for a comprehensive follow-on support package for the Navy’s
MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. The pact, signed under the US Foreign Military
Sales framework, ensures long-term sustainment of the 24 multirole maritime
helicopters inducted by India. The agreement provides spares, support
equipment, product support, training modules and technical assistance. It also
includes repair and replenishment systems for critical components. The MH-60R,
built by Lockheed Martin, is an all-weather platform equipped for anti-submarine
warfare, surveillance and maritime operations. A key feature of the deal is the
establishment of in-country repair and maintenance facilities. These will
enable intermediate-level component servicing and periodic inspections within
India. The defence ministry noted that this capability will reduce external
dependence and reinforce national goals under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
2. Western
Air Command Holds Commanders’ Conference 2025: The Western Air Command
concluded its two-day Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi on 28 November 2025,
bringing senior leadership together to review operational readiness and future
capability development. The event centred on the theme “विकासशील सक्षम भारतीय वायु सेना” and highlighted the Indian Air Force’s drive toward self-reliance and enhanced preparedness. Air
Chief Marshal AP Singh presided over the conference and was accorded a
ceremonial Guard of Honour on arrival. He stressed the need to strengthen air
warriors’ training, leadership development and welfare measures. Emphasising
morale as an operational asset, he urged adherence to the IAF’s core values of
Mission, Integrity and Excellence. The conference included detailed
deliberations involving WAC commanders, senior military officials and domain
experts. Chief of Defence
Staff General Anil Chauhan
called for high professional competence, constant adaptation and tactical
innovation to address the evolving security environment. He noted that mental
and physical agility remains crucial to sustaining operational capability.
3. INS
Vikrant Leads India’s Participation at International Fleet Review 2025 in
Colombo: India has
deployed its first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, alongside the
indigenously built frigate INS Udaygiri, to the International Fleet Review 2025 in Colombo. Hosted by the Sri
Lanka Navy from 27 to 29 November 2025, the
event marks both vessels’ maiden overseas deployment and reinforces India’s
maritime partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region. INS Vikrant’s participation reflects
India’s growing naval self-reliance and its intent to showcase indigenous
capability on a global platform. Its presence at a major multilateral maritime
event underlines India’s commitment to cooperative security and regional
stability. The deployment also highlights India’s alignment with partner navies
in the wider Indian Ocean community. INS Udaygiri, a recently commissioned
guided-missile frigate, represents the next phase of India’s naval
modernisation. Its inclusion in IFR 2025 demonstrates the maturing capacity of
domestic shipyards and the Navy’s balanced force expansion. The
frigate’s participation strengthens India’s profile as a rising maritime power
with a focus on indigenous production.
SPORTS
1. Niki
Kaliyanda Poonacha Qualifies for 2026 Australian Open Doubles: Indian tennis player Niki
Kaliyanda Poonacha has earned a major breakthrough by qualifying for the 2026
Australian Open men’s doubles main draw. Partnering Thailand’s Pruchya Isaro, he secured the spot after winning the Asia-Pacific
Wildcard Playoff in a commanding performance. The Indo-Thai pair delivered
consistent results throughout the event, culminating in a straight-sets victory
over Japan’s Seita Kusuhara and Katsuki Nakagawa.
Their 6-4, 6-3 win in the final secured the coveted wildcard to Melbourne Park,
marking a career-defining moment for the Indian player. The qualification marks
Poonacha’s first Grand Slam main-draw appearance. The 30-year-old has spent
much of his career competing on the ATP Challenger and ITF circuits, where he
reached a career-high doubles ranking of world No. 98 and captured six
Challenger titles. The opportunity in Australia now places him alongside elite
international doubles teams.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. GRAP
Stage 3 Revoked in Delhi-NCR as Air Quality Improves: Authorities in Delhi-NCR
have lifted stringent Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response
Action Plan (GRAP) following a
noticeable improvement in air quality. The decision brings relief to motorists
and construction sectors, though several lower-stage measures remain in force
to prevent further deterioration. The Commission for
Air Quality Management revoked
Stage 3 measures after Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI settled at 327, placing it
in the ‘Very Poor’ category. While still unhealthy, this level is below the
‘Severe’ threshold of 401–450 that mandates Stage 3 restrictions. The
winter-specific GRAP framework categorises pollution response into four stages,
from ‘Poor’ to ‘Severe Plus’, triggering different levels of intervention. One
of the most significant relaxations is the removal of the ban on BS-III petrol
and BS-IV diesel vehicles. These vehicles may now ply across Delhi-NCR.
However, authorities stressed that Stage 1 and Stage 2 measures continue to
apply. These include actions against polluting vehicles, bans on open burning,
improved waste management, and enhanced road cleaning.
2. India
Secures Third Place in Asia Power Index 2025: India has ranked third in the Asia Power Index 2025,
standing behind the United States and China, according to the latest assessment
by Australia’s Lowy Institute. The report highlights
India’s rising influence in the region, backed by improvements in economic
strength, military capability and diplomatic reach. The seventh edition of the
Index evaluates 27 countries and territories across Asia using 131 indicators.
These indicators span eight areas, including Military Capability, Economic
Capability, Defence Networks, Diplomatic Influence, Cultural Influence,
Resilience and Future Resources. The comprehensive approach measures the
ability of nations to shape their external environment. India achieved an
overall score of 40 out of 100, marking a 2 per cent improvement from previous
years. The Index classifies India in the “major power” category for the first
time, crediting its strong post-pandemic economic recovery and growing
geopolitical relevance. The report notes advancements in international
connectivity, leverage and technology as contributing factors to India’s upward
trajectory.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. IMF
Assigns India a ‘C’ Grade for Its GDP and National Accounts Data, the
Second-Lowest Rating.: India’s latest annual assessment by the International
Monetary Fund places the country’s
national accounts statistics in the ‘C’ category, signalling persistent
methodological issues ahead of the release of Q2 financial year data on 28
November 2028. The evaluation highlights concerns about base-year relevance,
statistical techniques, and discrepancies across GDP measurement approaches.
The IMF states that India’s national accounts data are timely and sufficiently
frequent but affected by methodological shortcomings. The use of an outdated
2011-12 base year and limited producer price indices continues to constrain
data accuracy. These issues affect the interpretation of key indicators such as
GDP and GVA. The review notes “sizeable discrepancies” between the production
and expenditure approaches to estimating GDP. India principally uses the income
approach but publishes expenditure-based estimates as well. Differences in data
sources and coverage often lead to gaps between these figures, particularly
regarding the informal sector and expenditure mapping.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Chef
Vijay Kumar Named Global Indian of the Year 2025: Chef Vijay Kumar has been
honoured as the Global Indian of the Year at CNN-News18’s Indian of the Year
Awards 2025, marking a defining moment in his rapidly rising international
career. The recognition comes shortly after his major win at the James Beard
Foundation Awards, where he was declared Best Chef: New York State. Kumar’s
journey began in the small farming village of Natham in Tamil Nadu. His culinary philosophy is shaped by childhood memories, firewood cooking,
foraged ingredients and family recipes passed down by his mother and
grandmother. This deep cultural grounding continues to influence his work in
global kitchens. The latest honour places Kumar alongside notable nominees from
diverse fields. His recent James Beard victory was hailed as a breakthrough for
South Indian cuisine on the global stage. Experts note that his rise follows a
lineage of influential Tamil-origin culinary figures, strengthening
international appreciation for regional Indian food traditions.
2. Vietnamese
Film ‘Skin of Youth’ Wins Golden Peacock Award: The 56th International
Film Festival of India concluded
with a celebration of global storytelling, honouring films that pushed artistic
boundaries and amplified diverse voices. The Vietnamese feature “Skin of Youth”
claimed the prestigious Golden Peacock Award for Best Film, marking a standout
moment at the festival’s closing ceremony. The 56th International
Film Festival of India concluded
with a celebration of global storytelling, honouring films that pushed artistic
boundaries and amplified diverse voices. The Vietnamese feature “Skin of Youth”
claimed the prestigious Golden Peacock Award for Best Film, marking a standout
moment at the festival’s closing ceremony.Set in 1990s Saigon, “Skin of Youth”
follows the tender yet turbulent romance between San, a transgender sex worker
aspiring for gender-affirming surgery, and Nam, an underground cage fighter
supporting his young son. The film impressed the jury with its emotional depth,
striking visuals and fearless portrayal of marginalised lives.
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