NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 46th IASP
Annual Conference Inaugurated at Kolkata’s Anthropological Survey of India: The 46th
Annual Conference of the Indian Association for the Study of Population (IASP) was inaugurated at the Anthropological
Survey of India (AnSI), Kolkata, focusing on demographic
drivers of India’s inclusive growth.The three-day conference (27–29 November
2025) is organised jointly by IASP, National Atlas & Thematic Mapping
Organisation (NATMO), and in collaboration with AnSI.The conference is held
under the theme “People,
Planet, Prosperity: Demographic Drivers of India’s Inclusive Growth,” bringing
together experts and policymakers to deliberate on population and development
issues.
2. DoT Withdraws
Mandatory Sanchar Saathi App Order Amid Public Backlash and Rising Security
Concerns: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) withdrew its order requiring
smartphone manufacturers
to preload the Sanchar Saathi app from next year, after public
backlash and a surge in voluntary downloads.The initial mandate—issued under
newly expanded powers regulating Telecommunication Identifier User Entities
(TIUE)—triggered strong criticism from civil society, internet users, and the
Opposition for attempting to install a government app without user
consent.Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia defended Sanchar Saathi in
Parliament, noting that it helped disconnect 1.5 crore fraudulent mobile
connections and trace 26 lakh lost phones, but added that the government was
open to revising orders based on public feedback.The withdrawn directive was
one of multiple new DoT orders issued after changes to the Telecom Cyber
Security Rules, including instructions to platforms like WhatsApp to restrict
usage without the registered SIM and to integrate DoT’s Financial Fraud Risk
Indicator and blacklist database for immediate deactivation of suspicious
accounts.
3. Arun Kumar
Singh Gets Rare One-Year Extension as ONGC Chairman: Arun Kumar Singh has received a rare one-year extension as ONGC Chairman,
reflecting the government’s intent to maintain leadership continuity during the
company’s turnaround in crude oil and gas production.
With this extension, Singh will continue
in office until December 6, 2026, marking an unusually long tenure for a PSU
head.Appointed in 2022 just before turning 60, Singh’s new term—approved by the
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet—allows him to serve until age 64, making
him one of the oldest executives to lead a major public sector enterprise.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. AIM–NITI Aayog
and Hitachi MGRM Net Launch AI-Powered “MStar Global AI Connect” to Build
India’s Nationwide Innovation Backbone: AIM–NITI
Aayog and Hitachi MGRM Net Ltd. signed a Statement
of Intent (SoI) to develop “MStar™ Global AI Connect”, an
AI-driven single innovation platform to boost innovation and entrepreneurship
across India.The partnership aims to build a federated national digital
innovation backbone, connecting rural, urban, and suburban schools with
mentors, incubators, accelerators, research institutions, and industry under
the vision of “Viksit Bharat”.The initiative will strengthen the
school-to-startup pipeline, enable virtual ATLs/AICs, support ideation-to-pilot
workflows, enhance IP creation, and accelerate lab-to-market translation of
Indian innovations.Leaders from both sides emphasized that the collaboration
will democratize access to innovation, nurture young talent, improve
frontier-technology skills, and create an inclusive, multilingual, scalable
innovation ecosystem for India’s future.
2. India Hosts
18th Global Forum Plenary: Finance
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the 18th
Plenary Meeting of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information
for Tax Purposes, hosted in New Delhi from 2–5 December 2025,
under the theme “Tax
Transparency: Delivering a Shared Vision Through International Cooperation.”Finance
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised that tax transparency is vital for
fairness, responsible governance, and sustainable development, highlighting
India’s progress in voluntary compliance through clarity, simplification, and
trust-building.The Global Forum, with 172 member jurisdictions, plays a key
role in combating tax evasion and illicit financial flows, while India has
strengthened its enforcement through AEOI, EOIR, Black Money Act, Benami Act,
and advanced data analytics.
3. Retail Sale
Price Now Mandatory on All Pan Masala Packs from February 2026: From 1st February 2026, all pan masala packages, including
small packs of 10 grams or less, must
display the Retail Sale Price (RSP) along with all declarations required under
the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.The
earlier proviso under Rule 26(a), which allowed small packs to avoid certain
declarations, has been withdrawn, ensuring full compliance for all pack
sizes.The amendment ensures transparent pricing, prevents misleading or
deceptive labeling on smaller packs, and enables consumers to make better
informed purchasing decisions.By mandating RSP on all packs, the amendment
supports effective implementation of RSP-based GST, allowing accurate tax
assessment and revenue collection across all pack sizes.
4. 4 December –
International Day of Banks: The International Day of Banks is
observed on 4
December every year to recognize the critical role of
banks in financing sustainable development.
The day highlights the contribution of
the banking sector in supporting economic growth, poverty reduction, and global
financial stability.It emphasizes the importance of strong, transparent, and
resilient banking systems for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs).
5. 4 December –
International Day against Unilateral Coercive Measures: Observed every year on 4 December, the day
raises awareness about the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures
(UCMs) imposed by one country on another.It highlights how such measures can
affect human rights, development, and economic stability, particularly in
vulnerable nations.The United Nations emphasizes that unilateral sanctions
should not hinder access to essential services like healthcare, food, and
education.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. The Army Service Corps, ASC
Celebrates 265th Corps Day in Bengaluru: The Army Service Corps (ASC), the oldest
logistics arm of the Indian Army, marked its 265th Corps Day at the ASC Centre
and College in Bengaluru. The observance highlighted the Corps’ long-standing
contribution to military operations and its continued evolution in modern
logistical support.Established in 1760, the Corps has supported every major
campaign involving Indian forces. Its role has expanded from traditional supply
responsibilities to managing complex logistics across varied terrains,
including high-altitude areas, deserts, dense forests, and active conflict
zones. The Corps remains central to sustaining military readiness.Wreath-laying
ceremonies at the war memorial paid tribute to personnel who died in service.
The Corps has an extensive list of pre- and post-Independence honours,
including Distinguished Service Orders, Military Crosses, and numerous
gallantry decorations such as the Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shaurya
Chakra. These recognitions reflect its enduring commitment to national defence.
SPORTS
1. India’s Best-Ever Medal Tally at
ISSF World Cup Final: India completed a historic ISSF World Cup Final campaign in
Doha with six medals, marking the nation’s finest finish at the annual
season-ending shooting event. Strong performances across pistol, rifle, and
shotgun disciplines propelled India to second place on the medals table,
behind China.The
contingent amassed two gold, three silver, and one bronze medal. This marked
the highest number of medals India has ever secured at a World Cup Final,
reflecting improved depth and consistency across events. China topped the standings with four
golds and nine medals in total, while the United States finished third.Simranpreet Kaur
Brar clinched gold in the women’s 25m pistol with a composed display in the
finals. Suruchi Phogat added a second gold in the women’s 10m air pistol,
sealing a significant return to form. Their victories established India as a
strong force in global pistol shooting.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. India Launches
Its First All-Electric Green Tug Project: Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the steel-cutting
ceremony for India’s
first all-electric green tug — marking the beginning of
the country’s move toward green maritime operations.The tug — being built for Deendayal Port
Authority (DPA), Kandla under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP)
— will feature a 60-ton bollard pull, electric propulsion, zero carbon
emissions, and silent operations.The GTTP plans to induct a total of 50 green
tugs by 2030, with 16 to be deployed in the first phase (2024–2027), making
this tug the first concrete step in that roadmap.Officials say the new electric
tug will set a benchmark for next-generation fleet modernisation at India’s
major ports — cutting operational costs, improving energy efficiency, and
supporting the country’s broader push for sustainable port infrastructure.
2. PM-WANI Scheme
Empowers Public Wi-Fi Expansion with 3.9 Lakh Hotspots, Key Reforms Boost
Accessibility and Affordability: The Wi-Fi Access Network Interface
(PM-WANI) scheme was approved on 9th December 2020 to
accelerate broadband proliferation across India via Public Wi-Fi networks,
aligning with the National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018 and
enabling Public Data Offices (PDOs) to set up Wi-Fi hotspots under PDO
Aggregators (PDOAs).
As of 26th November 2025, India has 3,91,599 active PM-WANI
Wi-Fi hotspots, delivered by PDOs, facilitating affordable and
widespread internet access across urban and rural areas.Key reforms introduced
on 16th September 2024 allow PDOs to offer PM-WANI via regular FTTH
connections, aggregate multiple access points to a single backhaul, enable
existing home/business Wi-Fi to join PM-WANI, allow roaming between PDOAs, and
support mobile data offloading with telecom operators.TRAI’s 71st Amendment
Order, 2025 mandates that retail FTTH broadband plans up to 200 Mbps must be offered
to PDOs at tariffs not exceeding twice the corresponding consumer broadband
price, ensuring cost-effective access for public Wi-Fi expansion.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. S&P
Upgrades India’s Insolvency Regime to ‘B’ as IBC Boosts Recovery Rates and Cuts
Resolution Time: S&P Global Ratings upgraded India’s insolvency regime ranking
from ‘C’ to ‘B’, citing stronger creditor-led resolutions
and improvements under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).Average
recovery rates under IBC have risen to over 30%, compared to just 15–20% under
the previous insolvency framework, showing better outcomes for creditors.
The upgrade reflects a shift in India’s
bankruptcy framework assessment from “weak” to “medium” creditor-friendly,
indicating higher predictability and stronger protection of creditor
interests.IBC has significantly reduced the average resolution time for
stressed assets to around two years, down from 6–8 years earlier, helping
secured creditors recover far more than unsecured creditors.
2. Fitch Raises
India’s FY26 GDP Forecast to 7.4% Boosted by GST Reforms and Strong Consumer
Spending :Fitch Ratings raised India’s FY26 GDP growth
forecast to 7.4%
from 6.9%, citing higher consumer spending and improved
sentiment following GST reforms.The agency noted falling inflation provides RBI
room for another policy rate cut in December to 5.25%, after 100 basis points
of reductions in 2025 so far.GDP growth accelerated to 8.2% in Q2
(July–September) from 7.8% in Q1, supported by GST rate cuts on 375 items,
making over 99% of consumption goods cheaper; Fitch projects growth to slow to
6.4% in FY27.
AWARDS
1. Anant Ambani Receives Global Humane
Society Animal Welfare Award :Anant Ambani, founder of the wildlife
conservation initiative Vantara, has been honoured with the Global Humanitarian
Award for Animal Welfare by the Global Humane Society. The recognition
highlights his leadership in advancing modern conservation practices and his
commitment to welfare-driven programmes that protect vulnerable species.The
award marks a major milestone, as he becomes the youngest and the first Asian
recipient of this prestigious global honour. The Global Humane Society, known
for its long legacy in certifying animal welfare standards, selected him for
his transformative contributions to conservation on an international
scale.Ambani’s work through Vantara has positioned the facility as a model for
integrated wildlife care. His initiatives focus on evidence-based welfare
systems, scientific conservation pathways, and long-term rehabilitation strategies
that strengthen species protection across continents.
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