NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. IPC Signs Three Key MoUs in Nagaland to Strengthen
Pharmacovigilance, Materiovigilance & Patient Safety Initiatives: Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
(IPC) signed three MoUs with the Nagaland Medical Council, Nagaland
State Drugs Control Administration (NSDCA), and Nagaland State Pharmacy
Council during a one-day training programme on Pharmacovigilance and
Materiovigilance in Nagaland.The MoUs aim to strengthen drug testing, promote
safe and rational use of medicines, and enhance
pharmacovigilance/materiovigilance activities, ensuring better patient safety
across Nagaland.This includes the first-ever MoU with any State Medical Council
in India for promoting PvPI & MvPI, and the first MoU in the North-East
region for advancing drug safety initiatives.The collaboration will support
capacity building, ADR/medical device reporting, use of National Formulary of
India, technical guidance by IPC, and coordinated implementation through state
health institutions.
2. VOC Port Receives First Clinker Shipment Under MoU
with Ambuja Cement: VOC
Port received its first coastal clinker
consignment under the MoU with Ambuja Cement Ltd., ensuring
the annual movement of 2,50,000 metric tonnes of clinker under the
Minimum Guaranteed Tonnage-based Incentive Scheme.The vessel MV Lima Trader,
carrying 56,440 metric tonnes of clinker from Sanghi Port, Gujarat, was berthed
at NCB-II and handled by Seaport Shipping (agent) and Seaport Logistics
(stevedore).The port chairperson highlighted this shipment as a significant
step toward sustainable, cost-effective coastal transportation, supporting the
Government of India’s push for expanding coastal shipping.
3. Paradip Port Sets Record with Fastest-Ever 100 MMT
Cargo Throughput in a Fiscal: Paradip Port Authority (PPA) achieved
its fastest-ever 100 MMT cargo throughput, reaching 100.15 MMT on
27th November — 12 days earlier than the previous fiscal, marking its 9th
consecutive year crossing the 100 MMT milestone.The record was achieved in 241
days in FY 2025–26, compared to 253 days in FY 2024–25, reflecting a 4.78%
year-on-year growth despite market challenges.Strong growth in coastal thermal
coal, container cargo, gypsum & flux, POL, and steel cargo has propelled
PPA’s performance, reinforcing its position as a leading coastal shipping hub.
Key cargo categories showed robust Y-o-Y expansion:
container cargo up 32%, gypsum & flux up 24%, steel cargo up 35%, and POL
up 31%, while coal continued to dominate with 45% of total cargo and 3.76%
growth.
4. “Vision for Sujalam Bharat” Summit 2025 Launched to
Strengthen Water Security, Conservation, and Community Participation in India: The “Vision for Sujalam Bharat” Summit
2025 began at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, bringing together
Central Ministries, States/UTs, experts, community groups, SHGs, Panchayats,
and award recipients to strengthen India’s long-term water and sanitation
security through grassroots participation and scientific approaches.Union Jal
Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil highlighted India’s water challenges and launched
key initiatives—including the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 1.0 Book, Barak River
Basin Ecological Assessment Report, and the Ganga Pulse Public Portal—to
advance national water conservation, river health, and community-led
groundwater recharge.The Summit focuses on six core themes such as river
rejuvenation, drinking water sustainability, technology-driven water management,
groundwater recharge, greywater reuse, and community engagement, with outcomes
to be consolidated into actionable recommendations for a water-secure,
climate-resilient India.
5. India Re-Elected to IMO Council for 2026–27 with
Highest Vote Count in Category B: India has been re-elected to the IMO Council
(Category B) for 2026–27, securing 154 out of 169 valid votes, the highest
in its category at the 34th IMO Assembly in London.The strong vote tally
highlights the global community’s confidence in India’s leadership in
international maritime affairs and reflects the success of India’s maritime
growth agenda.The IMO Council acts as the executive body with 40 elected
members, and India’s delegation also held meetings with various countries and
organisations on maritime cooperation during the Assembly.
6. 2 December – National Pollution Control Day: National Pollution Control Day is
observed every year on 2nd December to raise awareness about the
harmful effects of pollution.The day commemorates the victims of the 1984
Bhopal Gas Tragedy, one of the world’s worst industrial disasters.It highlights
the need for strict pollution control measures, industrial safety, and
environmental protection.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. ICAI Sets Guinness World Record with Largest Career
Advice Session in Mumbai: The Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India (ICAI) set a Guinness World Record by
conducting the largest career advice programme session in a single day in
Mumbai, with participation from over 7,400 students and others.The event,
titled ‘Career in Accounting and Finance for Youth (CAFY 4.0) & Super Mega
Career Counselling Programme’, saw 1.3 lakh+ participants pan-India, with an
eligible record count of 6,166 students, securing the title of ‘Largest Career Advice
Lesson’.ICAI provided career counselling across multiple streams, including
humanities, science, and commerce, helping students explore opportunities in
accounting and finance.
2. India Ranks 3rd in Asia Power Index 2025, Achieves
Major Power Status: India ranks 3rd
in the Asia Power Index 2025, with the United States at
1st and China at 2nd, marking India’s entry into the “major
power” status category for the first time.The Asia Power Index 2025, released
by Australia-based Lowy Institute, evaluates 27 Asian countries on 131
indicators across 8 thematic measures, including military capability, economic
strength, diplomatic influence, resilience, and future resources.India’s
overall score of 40/100 reflects robust post-Covid economic recovery, increasing
geopolitical influence, and steady improvement in military and economic
capabilities, with a 2% year-on-year gain.Russia’s power in Asia is rebounding,
supported by defence and economic partnerships with nations like North Korea
and China, marking an improvement since 2019.China scored 73.7/100, showing
slight improvement and gradually closing the gap with the US (81.7), while
Japan remains steady, Southeast Asian nations show modest gains, and Australia
faces long-term challenges in maintaining relative power.
3. PM Modi Unveils Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Bust at UNESCO
on Constitution Day: Prime
Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a bust of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar at
UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on Constitution Day, calling it a fitting
tribute to Ambedkar’s pivotal role in drafting the Indian
Constitution.Constitution Day is observed annually on 26 November to
commemorate the adoption of the Constitution in 1949, with PM Modi emphasizing
citizens’ focus on constitutional duties and active participation in democracy.The
Constitution of India, adopted on 26 November 1949 and effective from 26
January 1950, is the longest written constitution in the world, establishing
India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and ensuring
Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all.
4. Jakarta Becomes World’s Largest City as UN Report
Highlights Asia’s Dominance in Megacities: A new United Nations report ranks Jakarta
(Indonesia) as the world’s largest city with 41.9 million
people, followed by Dhaka (Bangladesh) with 36.6 million, while Tokyo
(Japan) slips to third place with 33.4 million residents.Dhaka has risen
dramatically from 9th to 2nd place, and is projected to become the world’s
largest city by 2050, reflecting rapid population growth in South Asia.The
report notes the rise of 33 megacities (cities with more than 10 million
people) in 2025—up from just 8 megacities in 1975, showcasing rapid global
urbanization.Asia is home to 19 of the world’s 33 megacities, and nine out of
the top 10. In addition to Jakarta,
5. Dhaka and Tokyo, the other Asian cities in the
top 10 are: New Delhi, India (30.2
million); Shanghai, China (29.6 million); Guangzhou, China (27.6 million);
Manila, Philippines (24.7 million); Kolkata, India (22.5 million); and Seoul,
South Korea (22.5 million).With a population of 32 million people, Egypt’s
Cairo is the only city in the top 10 that is outside Asia, according to the UN.
6. 1 December – World AIDS Day: World AIDS Day is observed every year on
1st December to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and support people living
with the disease.The day highlights the global commitment to achieving the goal
of “Ending AIDS as a public health threat” by 2030.Theme 2025 – Overcoming
disruption, transforming the AIDS responseThe red ribbon, a symbol of
solidarity and support, is widely used to honour those affected and remember
lives lost to AIDS.
7. 2 December – International Day for the Abolition of
Slavery: The International
Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed every year on 2nd
December to raise awareness about modern forms of slavery.The day focuses
on ending practices such as human trafficking, forced labour, child labour,
forced marriage, and sexual exploitation.It highlights global efforts and
commitments by the United Nations to eliminate all forms of contemporary
slavery.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Army
Conducts Successful Combat Launch of BrahMos Missile: The Indian Army has
strengthened its long-range strike capability with a successful combat launch
of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from a test range in the Bay of Bengal. Conducted on December 1, the mission showcased high levels of
preparedness and technological precision under simulated battle conditions.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the launch was carried out through a
coordinated effort between a BrahMos unit of the Southern Command and elements
of the Tri-Services Andaman and Nicobar Command. The integration demonstrated
the armed forces’ joint operational capability for real-time missions. The BrahMos
missile, equipped with advanced guidance and control systems, maintained
high-speed stability throughout its flight and struck the designated target
with precision. All operational objectives were met, reaffirming the readiness
of Army units to execute precision-strike missions in complex battlefield
scenarios.
2. Guinea-Bissau
Falls to Yet Another Military Coup: Guinea-Bissau has once again slipped under military control after gunfire
erupted near the Presidential Palace on 26 November, leading to the ouster of
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. The takeover marks yet another entry in the
country’s long history of coups, underscoring chronic instability and
deep-rooted political fractures. Hours after heavy firing and explosions shook
the capital, soldiers appeared on state television to announce the deposition
of the President and the formation of a High Military Command. Borders were
sealed, media broadcasts halted and a curfew imposed. This is the twelfth
successful military takeover in a decade across Africa and a familiar scenario
for Guinea-Bissau, where armed interventions often
overshadow electoral processes. Brigadier-General Denis N’Canha, a low-key
career soldier from the Balanta ethnic group, led the Presidential Guard
responsible for protecting Embaló. Despite a reputation for loyalty, he moved
to depose the leader he was entrusted to shield. Major General Horta Nta Na
Man, also a Balanta and until recently Chief of General Staff, has been sworn
in as transitional President. He claims the coup was necessary to stop a power
grab by narco-traffickers and promises a one-year transitional phase.
SPORTS
1. India Ranks 8th in Debut at World Skills Asia 2025,
Wins Multiple Medals: India achieved a major
milestone by securing 8th rank in its first-ever participation at
the World Skills Asia Competition 2025, competing with 29 nations.Indian
participants won 1 Silver, 2 Bronze medals, and 3 Medallions for
Excellence across traditional and tech-driven skill categories, showcasing
their talent and dedication.The competition was held from November 27 to 29 in
Chinese Taipei.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. DoT Mandates SIM-Linking for Messaging Apps to Prevent
Fraud: The Department of Telecommunications
(DoT) has made it mandatory for messaging apps like WhatsApp,
Telegram, and Arattai to be constantly linked to a SIM card to
operate on a device.This move aims to prevent fraud and hijacking of messaging
accounts by ensuring that apps can only be used with a specific, active SIM
card.Web versions of messaging apps must be logged out periodically and
re-linked within six hours using a QR code, as per DoT instructions.Companies
must comply within 90 days and submit compliance reports within 120 days,
failing which action will be taken under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and
Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024.
2. AI
Pilot To Improve Local Monsoon Onset Forecasting: The government has
implemented an AI-enabled pilot to improve local monsoon onset forecasting for
farmers ahead of the Kharif 2025 season. The initiative, conducted with the
Development Innovation Lab–India, demonstrates how advanced modelling can
support agricultural planning at scale. The pilot used an open-source blended
model combining Google’s NeuralGCM, ECMWF’s Artificial Intelligence Forecasting
System and 125 years of IMD rainfall data. The system generated probabilistic forecasts
for local monsoon onset—information vital for determining optimal sowing dates.
Localised forecasts were delivered via SMS through the M-Kisan platform to 3.88
crore farmers across 13 states. Messages were issued in Hindi, Odia, Marathi, Bangla and Punjabi to ensure accessibility. The initiative focused
exclusively on forecast delivery, with no financial assistance attached to the
pilot.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. RBI
Names SBI, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank as India’s Safest Banks: The Reserve Bank of India has reaffirmed State Bank of India, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank as the country’s most systemically
important lenders. Their designation as Domestic Systemically Important Banks
reflects their critical role in maintaining financial stability and preventing
large-scale economic disruption. Banks classified as D-SIBs are considered
essential to the functioning of India’s financial system. Their failure could
trigger severe market instability, prompting regulators to impose higher
supervisory and capital requirements. SBI, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank have
retained their D-SIB status, underscoring their dominance in size, reach and
interconnectedness. The central bank requires systemically important lenders to
maintain additional Common Equity Tier 1 capital on top of the Capital
Conservation Buffer. This reserve strengthens their capacity to absorb losses
in times of stress. The mandate aligns with global Basel III norms and aims to
safeguard the financial system from contagion risks.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Indian Rum Camikara Clinches
‘Global Rum Brand of the Year’ Award 2025: Camikara became the first Indian rum to win the ‘Rum
Brand of the Year’ award at The Spirits Business Awards 2025 in London,
beating established competitors from the Caribbean and Latin America.Produced
by Piccadily Agro Industries Ltd, Camikara is India’s first pure cane-juice
aged rum, distilled from fresh sugarcane juice and aged in American oak barrels
without added colour, flavour, or sugar.
The rum was praised by judges as a pioneer in its category, helping to put Indian rum-making on the global map with a bartender-first approach in its home market.
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