Daily GK Update- 5th Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Government to Set Up 50,000 New Atal Tinkering Labs Across Schools to Boost Innovation: The Government plans to establish 50,000 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in schools across India, aiming to foster innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills among students.Over 10,000 ATLs have already been set up under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of NITI Aayog, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote research and innovation at the school level.The initiative was highlighted in the Union Budget 2025-26 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasizing the government’s commitment to nurturing curiosity, scientific temper, and innovative thinking among young students over the next five years.

 

2. Annapurna Devi to Launch 100-Day National Campaign for a Child Marriage-Free Bharat :Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi will launch a 100-day awareness campaign for a Child Marriage-Free Bharat in New Delhi, marking the one-year anniversary of the ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat’ campaign.The campaign will feature the National Pledge to End Child Marriage, a film showcasing inspiring stories, and testimonies from frontline champions, highlighting collective progress and reinforcing momentum for the next phase.The initiative will engage citizens, institutions, and community leaders nationwide, implemented in coordination with the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, and Education to ensure extensive grassroots reach.

 

3. India Post Releases Commemorative ‘My Stamp’ to Honour P. Obul Reddy on His Birth Centenary :India Post released a customised commemorative ‘My Stamp’ to honour the birth centenary of industrialist and Nippo Batteries founder Pottipatti Obul Reddy, unveiled in Chennai by Manoj M., Director of Postal Services.Obul Reddy was instrumental in the Indo-Japanese collaboration with Matsushita (Panasonic) in 1972, leading to the founding of Indo National Ltd (Nippo Batteries), which became India’s second-largest dry-cell manufacturer.The centenary celebrations highlight Reddy’s contributions to industry, philanthropy, and Carnatic music, inspiring citizens to uphold the values of integrity, purpose, and giving back to society.

 

4. Tamil Nadu’s Five Traditional Products Earn GI Tag, Taking State’s Total to 74: Five traditional products from Tamil Nadu — Woraiyur cotton sari, Kavindapadi naatu sakkarai (jaggery powder), Namakkal makkal pathirangal (soapstone cookware), Thooyamalli rice, and Ambasamudram choppu saman (wooden toys) — have been awarded the GI tag, showcasing the State’s cultural and agricultural richness.With these additions, Tamil Nadu now holds 74 GI-tagged products, as confirmed by IPR attorney P. Sanjai Gandhi, who filed the applications for the respective groups.

The newly recognised products include items rooted in centuries-old traditions, such as Woraiyur saris woven along the Cauvery, Kavindapadi jaggery powder made from sugarcane grown in Erode, and Thooyamalli rice cultivated during the sambha season.Namakkal’s ancient soapstone cookware and Ambasamudram’s 200-year-old wooden toy craft also received GI recognition, highlighting the State’s artisanal legacy and long-preserved techniques passed down through generations.

 

5. Ramakrishnan Chander Takes Charge as New Managing Director of LIC: Ramakrishnan Chander has assumed charge as the Managing Director of LIC, succeeding his previous role as Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and Executive Director of the Investment (Front Office) Department.He brings over 35 years of experience, having joined LIC in 1990 and served in multiple key roles including Senior Divisional Manager, Regional Manager (Marketing & P&GS), and Executive Director of International Operations.As CIO, he managed one of India’s largest investment portfolios, strengthening LIC’s investment returns and contributing significantly to financial performance and innovation in the insurance sector.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Oxford University Press Names “Rage Bait” as Word of the Year 2025: Oxford University Press has named “rage bait” as the Word of the Year 2025 — a phrase that refers to online content deliberately designed to provoke anger, outrage or shock to drive engagement.The usage of “rage bait” has reportedly tripled over the past year, reflecting how digital content and social media algorithms are increasingly rewarding emotionally provocative material.The selection points to a larger cultural shift in 2025: from curiosity‑driven “clickbait” to emotion‑driven online behaviour — highlighting concerns about misinformation, digital wellbeing, and the ethics of engagement in the internet age.

 

2. 5 December – International Volunteer Day: International Volunteer Day (IVD) is observed annually on 5 December to recognise and promote the tireless efforts of volunteers worldwide who contribute to social, economic, and environmental development.The day highlights the role of volunteering in addressing global challenges, fostering community engagement, and promoting peace, solidarity, and sustainable development.Governments, organizations, and communities use IVD to honour volunteers, encourage participation in volunteer initiatives, and raise awareness about the impact of volunteer work across various sectors.

 

3. 5 December – World Soil Day :World Soil Day is observed annually on 5 December to raise awareness about the importance of healthy soil and its role in sustaining ecosystems, agriculture, and food security.The day emphasizes sustainable soil management to combat soil degradation, erosion, and nutrient depletion, ensuring long-term productivity and environmental health.

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO Successfully Tests Fighter Aircraft Escape System, Marks Major Milestone in Indigenous Defence Capability: DRDO successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility in Chandigarh, validating canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and complete aircrew recovery.The test, conducted in collaboration with ADA and HAL, involved dynamic ejection using a dual-sled system and an instrumented Anthropomorphic Test Dummy to record critical loads, moments, and accelerations, placing India among a select group of nations with advanced in-house escape system testing capability.The successful test was lauded by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat as a significant milestone for India’s indigenous defence self-reliance and technological advancement.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Harmanpreet Kaur joins hands as brand ambassador of Vedanta Pink City Half Marathon 2025: The 10th Vedanta Pink City Half Marathon (VPCHM) concluded with massive participation, bringing together nearly 15,000 runners to support Vedanta’s #RunForZeroHunger movement.The event successfully raised 1 lakh Poshan Packs for children at Nand Ghars, Vedanta’s flagship social impact initiative focused on nutrition, health, and transformation of anganwadis across India.The marathon was flagged off in Jaipur by Priya Agarwal Hebbar and Harmanpreet Kaur, with support from Vedanta and organization by AnyBody Can Run (ABCR), emphasizing community spirit and social responsibility.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. NHAI Partners with Reliance Jio to Launch Telecom-Based Safety Alert System on National Highways: NHAI signs MoU with Reliance Jio to introduce a telecom-based safety alert system across National Highways, aiming to enhance road safety for commuters.Travellers will receive real-time alerts via SMS, WhatsApp, and high-priority calls about accident-prone stretches, stray-cattle zones, fog-affected areas, and emergency diversions, using Jio’s 4G and 5G network.The system will be integrated with NHAI’s digital platforms like the ‘Rajmargyatra’ app and emergency helpline 1033, providing early warnings without additional roadside hardware, and similar collaborations are planned with other telecom providers.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Cashfree partners with J.P. Morgan Payments to strengthen compliant cross-border payment processing in India: Cashfree has partnered with J.P. Morgan Payments, making J.P. Morgan an Authorised Dealer Category-I (AD-I) bank for the company, enabling compliant processing of import transactions under RBI’s Payment Aggregator regulations.The collaboration aims to remove payment-related barriers for global businesses by combining J.P. Morgan’s global credibility with Cashfree’s homegrown innovation, offering secure, transparent, and reliable cross-border settlements.With India’s cross-border e-commerce market projected to reach USD 1 trillion by 2030, the partnership seeks to simplify regulatory complexities and help international brands enter the Indian market faster and more compliantly.

 

2. CRISIL raises India’s GDP growth forecast to 7% for FY25 after stronger-than-expected first-half performance: CRISIL revised India’s GDP growth forecast to 7% for the current financial year, citing stronger-than-expected 8% growth in the first half, driven mainly by robust private consumption, manufacturing, and services.Despite real GDP growth of 8.2% in Q2, nominal GDP growth remained moderate at 8.7% due to easing inflation; growth is expected to slow to 6.1% in the second half due to factors like higher U.S. tariffs.

 

3. GST collection moderates after rate cuts to ₹1.7 lakh crore in November: The first full month after the GST rate cut showed a moderate 0.7% rise in total GST collections, reaching ₹1.7 lakh crore in November, though officials stated that overall consumption momentum remains positive.Domestic GST revenues fell by 2.3% to ₹1.24 lakh crore, while GST from imports grew over 10% to around ₹46,000 crore, reflecting differing trends in domestic and international demand.Tax experts noted that GST collections reflect consumption patterns, whereas GDP growth is influenced by broader factors like government spending and investment; the recent GST 2.0 rate reduction also contributed to the muted collection figures.

 

Daily GK Update- 4th Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PMO Renamed ‘Seva Tirth’ as Raj Bhavan and Raj Niwas Become Lok Bhavan and Lok Niwas in Major Governance Shift: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has been renamed ‘Seva Tirth’, while Raj Bhavan and Raj Niwas across the country will now be known as Lok Bhavan and Lok Niwas, marking a symbolic shift from authority to service in governance.Home Minister Amit Shah stated that this change reflects the Modi government’s 11-year philosophy of ‘seva over satta’, where the Prime Minister considers himself the Pradhan Sevak and works round the clock for the people.The new Seva Tirth complex, earlier called the Executive Enclave under the Central Vista project, will house the PMO, Cabinet Secretariat, National Security Council Secretariat, and India House, strengthening India’s administrative and diplomatic infrastructure.The renaming is seen as part of a broader cultural and ideological transition, with governance moving from “power to responsibility” and “authority to service”, supported by reforms like naming the Central Secretariat as Kartavya Bhavan.

 

2. India’s Indigenous Single-Window Digital Platform to Boost MSME Ease of Doing Business: National Industries Research and Development Council (NIRDC) launched InDApp, an indigenously developed single-window digital platform unveiled by MoS B. L. Verma to enhance ease of doing business for MSMEs by improving access to approvals, market information, and nationwide business opportunities.InDApp integrates physical outreach with digital services, enabling MSMEs across all sectors and regions to access critical information on industrial opportunities, export schemes, subsidies, technology upgrades, and market trends through one unified channel.Developed in collaboration with seven Union Ministries, the platform strengthens inter-ministerial coordination and supports entrepreneurs in driving innovation, improving transparency, accelerating growth, and boosting the competitiveness of India’s MSME ecosystem.

 

3. Shivraj Singh Chouhan Inaugurates Saras Ajeevika Food Festival 2025 Showcasing Culinary Culture of 25 States: Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the Saras Ajeevika Food Festival 2025 in New Delhi, showcasing food that reflects the cultural vibrancy of 25 states, with the event’s motto highlighting taste, self-reliance, and indigenous products.Around 300 Lakhpati Didis and women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the country are participating in the festival, which will continue till 9th of this month.

Chouhan praised the Lakhpati Didis for their dedication and empowerment, stating that their hard work has written a new chapter of progress, development, and prosperity.

 

4. DoT Mandates Pre-Installation of Sanchar Saathi App on All Mobile Devices to Strengthen Telecom Cyber Security: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi mobile app on all mobile handsets manufactured or imported for India, ensuring the app is clearly visible and accessible during first use, with no key functions hidden or restricted.Manufacturers and importers must comply within 90 days, and submit compliance reports within 120 days; devices already produced must receive the app through software updates.Sanchar Saathi, a DoT initiative, helps users verify handset authenticity (IMEI check), block stolen phones, report fraud, check active mobile connections, and access trusted contact details of banks and financial institutions.The move follows cyber-security concerns under the Telecom Cyber Security (TCS) Rules, addressing issues like duplicate/spoofed IMEI numbers, second-hand market fraud, and misuse of stolen/blacklisted devices, supporting stronger enforcement and user protection.

 

5. Coal Ministry Unveils Simplified Approval System to Fast-Track Exploration and Geological Reports: Ministry of Coal has introduced a simplified approval mechanism for exploration programs and Geological Reports (GRs) for coal and lignite blocks, replacing the earlier methodology and removing the need for the 2022 approval committee, ensuring faster and more transparent processing.The new system allows Notified Accredited Prospecting Agencies (APAs) accredited by QCI-NABET, along with mandatory peer review by another APA, to prepare and validate reports, strengthening the technical robustness of exploration activities.The reform shows the Government’s strong confidence in private-sector capabilities, leveraging their efficiency, technology, and innovation to modernise India’s coal exploration ecosystem while maintaining strict transparency and high technical standards.The simplified process will reduce approval timelines by at least 3 months, enabling quicker operationalisation of coal blocks, improving ease of doing business, accelerating exploration, and contributing to the long-term sustainability and security of India’s coal resources.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Paschal Donohoe Appointed as World Bank Group’s MD and CKO: Paschal Donohoe has been appointed as Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank Group.Donohoe previously served as Ireland’s Minister for Finance since January 2025 and as President of the Eurogroup of finance ministers from July 2020, bringing extensive experience in both public and private sectors.His achievements include nearly a decade at Procter & Gamble and recognitions such as European of the Year by the European Movement of Ireland and Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur from the French Government.

 

2. EU Sets 2027 Deadline to End Russian Gas Imports: The European Union has confirmed a phased plan to eliminate all Russian natural gas imports by 2027, signalling a major geopolitical and energy market shift. The decision follows years of tension arising from Russia’s use of energy supplies as political leverage.The ban represents a negotiated compromise between EU member states and the European Parliament. Lawmakers had pushed for an earlier cutoff, but the final timeline balances political urgency with the bloc’s energy security needs. A provisional agreement announced by the European Council formalised the phase-out schedule.Long-term contracts for pipeline-delivered gas will be prohibited from 1 November 2027. For liquefied natural gas (LNG), the long-term ban will start on 1 January 2027. Short-term contracts face earlier deadlines: 25 April 2026 for LNG and 17 June 2026 for pipeline gas. All dates remain subject to final approval from both the European Parliament and the Council.

 

3. Trump Declares Biden Autopen Documents Invalid: US President Donald Trump has issued a sweeping declaration that all official documents signed by former President Joe Biden using an autopen are “null and void.” The move has triggered a major political and legal debate, as autopen signatures have been a routine administrative practice across multiple US administrations for decades.Trump announced via his social media platform that documents authorised through Biden’s autopen use, including executive orders, contracts and official memorandums, carry “no further force or effect.” He asserted that any individual holding pardons or commutations signed in this manner should consider them terminated.The autopen device allows precise replication of a handwritten signature and has been used by both Republican and Democratic presidents for routine paperwork. Despite this precedent, Trump has repeatedly criticised Biden’s reliance on the device, arguing it reflects diminished control over the executive office.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Air Marshal Tejbir Singh Assumes Charge as Director General (Inspection & Safety) at Air Headquarters: Air Marshal Tejbir Singh assumed charge as Director General (Inspection & Safety) at Air Headquarters, succeeding Air Marshal Makarand Bhaskar Ranade, who retired on 30 November 2025.With a 37-year distinguished career, he has served in key roles including Air Attaché to Bangladesh, Senior Directing Staff (Air) at NDC, and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations–Transport & Helicopters); he is also an alumnus of the Royal College of Defence Studies, UK.He has been honoured with prestigious awards such as the Vayu Sena Medal (2010) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2018) in recognition of his exceptional service to the Indian Air Force.

 

2. Praveen Kumar Takes Additional Charge as BSF Director General: Praveen Kumar, ITBP Director General, has taken additional charge as BSF DG, following the retirement of Daljit Singh Chawdhary; the handover unusually took place in Raipur during the DGs-IGs national police conference.Kumar is a 1993-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre, previously serving in the Intelligence Bureau and as DIG in the Naxal-affected Midnapore Range before becoming the 35th ITBP DG in October 2025.As ITBP DG, he announced 10 all-woman forward posts along the India-China border, covering the stretch between Karakoram Pass (Ladakh) and Diphu La (Arunachal Pradesh).

3. 4 December – Indian Navy Day :Indian Navy Day is observed on 4th December every year to commemorate the valor and achievements of the Indian Navy in safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders.The day marks the success of Operation Trident during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, when the Indian Navy carried out a surprise attack on Karachi harbor.Indian Navy Day highlights the role of the Navy in national security, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions, showcasing its operational readiness and strategic importance.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Indian Railways Promotes Women’s World Cup Cricket Champions Pratika Rawal, Sneh Rana, and Renuka Singh Thakur to OSD (Sports): Indian Railways has promoted Pratika Rawal, Sneh Rana, and Renuka Singh Thakur to the Group ‘B’ Officer post of OSD (Sports) through Out-of-Turn Promotion, recognising their key contributions to India’s 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup victory.The promotion grants them Group ‘B’ Gazetted Officer status under Level-8 of the 7th CPC, providing financial security along with additional administrative responsibilities within the Railway Sports Promotion Board.All three players — serving earlier as clerks in Northern Railway — were felicitated at Rail Bhawan, and their promotions highlight Indian Railways’ commitment to supporting and honouring exceptional sporting talent.

 

2. Rohit Rajpal Reappointed India’s Davis Cup Captain: Rohit Rajpal has been reappointed as captain of the Indian Davis Cup team until December 31, 2026, ensuring continuity in leadership as India prepares for a crucial home Qualifier against the Netherlands in early 2026. The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has also retained Ashutosh Singh as the team’s coach.The decision comes as India gears up to host the Netherlands in the 2026 Davis Cup World Group Qualifiers. Rajpal’s experience in navigating tight fixtures and managing squad transitions is expected to provide strategic stability ahead of the high-stakes February tie.AITA’s move to retain both captain and coach underscores a preference for continuity in a period when India aims to strengthen its global standing. Rajpal’s tenure will cover all Davis Cup fixtures through 2026, offering the team a consistent leadership environment as it targets qualification for the Finals.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Scientists Find New Way To Rejuvenate Ageing Human Cells: Researchers have unveiled a promising technique that revives ageing human cells by enhancing mitochondrial activity, offering a potential pathway to treat degenerative and age-related diseases. The breakthrough centres on improving the energy-producing ability of cells that naturally weaken over time.The study by Texas A&M University highlights how mitochondria, the cell’s energy generators, decline in efficiency with age, contributing to heart, brain and metabolic disorders. Restoring mitochondrial function has long been considered key to slowing biological ageing at the cellular level.Scientists developed microscopic “nanoflowers” from molybdenum disulfide. These particles, shaped like tiny blossoms, contain pores that absorb harmful reactive oxygen species. By reducing oxidative stress, the nanoflowers activate genes that trigger the formation of new mitochondria in human stem cells, significantly improving their vitality.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. APY Enrolments Cross 8.34 Crore with Strong 48% Participation from Women: Atal Pension Yojana (APY) enrolments have crossed 8.34 crore, as informed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha; 48% of total subscribers are women, highlighting strong female participation.Launched in May 2015, APY aims to provide a universal social security system, especially for unorganised-sector workers; it is open to individuals aged 18–40 years with a savings or post-office account.Pension benefits begin after 60 years of age, with large-scale disbursals expected from 2035; awareness has been boosted through advertisements, brochures in 13 vernacular languages, and virtual training for field workers.

Awareness initiatives by NABARD, NCFE, NRLM, SRLMs, and digital onboarding via internet banking, mobile apps, and bank portals have accelerated adoption; the scheme is implemented through Department of Posts and a wide network of banks under PFRDA.

 

2. SBI and Bank of India Sign MoU to Establish Centre of Excellence for Strategic Partnership and Project Financing: SBI and Bank of India signed an MoU to jointly establish a Centre of Excellence in Strategic Partnership, aiming to boost leadership, expertise, and innovation in project financing across India.The collaboration will focus on co-financing major infrastructure and industrial projects, strengthening the banks’ role and brand presence in corporate and project financing.The partnership includes capacity-building initiatives such as employee training and leadership development, ensuring availability of skilled professionals in project financing amid rising national demand.

 

3. RBI Retains SBI, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank as D-SIBs in 2025 List with Unchanged Bucketing Structure: RBI has retained SBI, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) for 2025, keeping them in the same bucketing structure as the previous year.The additional CET1 requirement is set at 0.80% for SBI, 0.40% for HDFC Bank, and 0.20% for ICICI Bank, which will be over and above the Capital Conservation Buffer.Under the D-SIB framework, RBI publicly discloses the names of systemically important banks (since 2015) and places them in buckets based on their Systemic Importance Scores (SIS).Foreign banks operating in India that are classified as G-SIBs must maintain an additional CET1 surcharge proportionate to their India Risk-Weighted Assets (RWAs), as prescribed by their home regulator.

 

 

AWARDS

 

1. Armand Duplantis and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Crowned 2025 World Athletes of the Year: Armand Duplantis (Sweden) and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) were named 2025 World Athletes of the Year at the World Athletics Awards, recognizing their record-breaking performances in pole vault and 400 metres respectively.Duplantis broke the men’s pole vault world record four times and remained unbeaten in all 16 competitions, becoming the first male pole vaulter in modern history to stay undefeated in a single event for two consecutive years.McLaughlin-Levrone set a 42-year-old World Championship record in the 400 metres and became the first athlete to win world titles in both the 400m flat and 400m hurdles, also earning the women’s track athlete of the year award.

 

 

 

Daily GK Update- 3rd Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Unveils World’s Tallest 77-Foot Bronze Statue of Lord Ram in Goa: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 77-feet-tall bronze statue of Lord Ram at the historic Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math in Goa during the Math’s 550th anniversary celebrations.The Math, one of India’s oldest Dvaita Vaishnava institutions, marked a major milestone as PM Modi also inaugurated the Ramayana Theme Park, and released a special postal stamp and commemorative coin.The statue, crafted by renowned sculptor Ram V. Sutar (designer of the Statue of Unity), has been presented as the world’s tallest statue of Lord Ram, symbolizing unity, devotion, and India’s cultural continuity.

 

2. Arunachal Dao Receives GI Tag, Preserving Centuries-Old Tribal Metalcraft Tradition: The Arunachal Dao, a hand-forged tribal blade, has received the GI tag, recognising it as a unique craft rooted in Arunachal Pradesh’s cultural heritage.The recognition protects centuries-old metalworking traditions and supports blacksmithing clans who create daos in distinct designs associated with various tribes.Several unique items from Arunachal Pradesh with GI status include:

·       Wakro Orange

·       Idu Mishmi textiles

·       Khamti Rice

·       Yak Churpi

·       Wancho wooden craft

 

3. DP World Signs Abhishek Sharma as Brand Ambassador: United Arab Emirates (NewsVoir) DP World, a leading provider of global smart logistics solutions, signs Indian cricket star Abhishek Sharma as its new brand ambassador, joining Sachin Tendulkar and Tommy Fleetwood in the company’s growing sports portfolio.Sharma had a record-breaking 2025 DP World Asia Cup, scoring 314 runs in seven innings, earning Player of the Tournament, and reaching No.1 in the ICC Men’s T20I Batter Rankings with the highest rating ever.Under this long-term partnership, Sharma will represent DP World in brand initiatives, media appearances, and digital storytelling, showcasing the company’s values of performance and innovation.

 

4. Odisha to Host Global Energy Leaders’ Summit 2025 in Puri: The Odisha government will convene the Global Energy Leaders’ Summit (GELS) 2025 in Puri from December 5 to 7, bringing national and international stakeholders together to deliberate on India’s evolving energy landscape. The event aims to shape strategies to meet rising demand while aligning growth with sustainability and technological innovation. The summit is themed “Powering India: Sufficiency, Balance, Innovation,” reflecting its focus on three key priorities: ensuring adequate and efficient power supply, achieving equilibrium between ecological and economic needs, and fostering innovation across the sector. These pillars will guide discussions throughout the event. Delegates will explore solutions to India’s expanding energy requirements, with sessions centred on improving supply reliability and resilience. Panels will examine pathways for reducing environmental impact, strengthening energy security, and enhancing operational efficiency through digital tools and frontier technologies.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Riyadh Metro Becomes World’s Longest Driverless Network: Riyadh Metro has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest fully driverless metro network, covering 176 km, operating across 6 lines and 85 stations, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in advanced urban mobility.The metro forms a key part of the King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport, a major initiative of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), aimed at transforming urban transportation with cutting-edge automation and centralized real-time control (GoA4 driverless model).Riyadh Metro’s fleet includes 190 fully automated trains from world-renowned manufacturers like Siemens, Bombardier (Innovia Series), and Alstom (Metropolis Series), offering high comfort, energy efficiency, and advanced safety features.Construction of the metro began after contracts were awarded in 2013, with inauguration completed in November 2024; the project, costing $22.5–25 billion, has become the backbone of Riyadh’s transport network and the largest driverless metro system globally.

 

2. 2 December – World Computer Literacy Day: World Computer Literacy Day is observed on 2nd December every year to raise awareness about the importance of computer education and digital skills worldwide.The day aims to bridge the digital divide, encouraging people, especially those in underserved communities, to learn basic computing and digital literacy.

 

3. 3 December – World Day of the Handicapped / International Day of Persons with Disabilities: World Day of the Handicapped, also known as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, is observed on 3rd December each year to promote awareness, rights, and inclusion of people with disabilities globally.The day emphasizes accessibility, equal opportunities, and empowerment, encouraging governments, organizations, and communities to remove barriers and support the participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life.

 

4. EU Sets 2027 Deadline to End Russian Gas Imports: The European Union has confirmed a phased plan to eliminate all Russian natural gas imports by 2027, signalling a major geopolitical and energy market shift. The decision follows years of tension arising from Russia’s use of energy supplies as political leverage. The ban represents a negotiated compromise between EU member states and the European Parliament. Lawmakers had pushed for an earlier cutoff, but the final timeline balances political urgency with the bloc’s energy security needs. A provisional agreement announced by the European Council formalised the phase-out schedule. Long-term contracts for pipeline-delivered gas will be prohibited from 1 November 2027. For liquefied natural gas (LNG), the long-term ban will start on 1 January 2027. Short-term contracts face earlier deadlines: 25 April 2026 for LNG and 17 June 2026 for pipeline gas. All dates remain subject to final approval from both the European Parliament and the Council.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Leonardo Unveils AI-Powered “Michelangelo Dome” Multi-Layered Air Defense System for Europe: Italian aerospace and defence giant Leonardo has unveiled the “Michelangelo Dome,” an AI-powered multi-layered air defence system designed to protect cities and critical infrastructure from threats like missile attacks and drone swarms.The system integrates space, air, land, and sea defence platforms, enabling real-time detection, tracking, interception, and neutralisation of diverse aerial threats, strengthening Europe’s overall defence readiness.Leonardo’s CEO announced that the system uses an “open architecture” model, allowing seamless integration with NATO allies’ existing defense systems, promoting collaborative and interoperable security operations.

 

2. India Signs ₹7,995-Crore U.S. Support Deal to Sustain Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter Fleet: India signed a ₹7,995-crore follow-on support deal with the U.S. to sustain the Indian Navy’s fleet of 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for five years, covering spares, training, repairs, and component replenishment.The agreement, signed under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, will establish in-country repair and maintenance facilities, boosting long-term self-reliance and supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision through MSME participation.The sustainment package will enhance the operational availability of MH-60R helicopters—advanced, all-weather, multi-mission choppers with anti-submarine warfare capability—allowing effective deployment from ships and dispersed bases.

 

3. India–US $946 Million MH-60R Seahawk Deal: India has finalised a $946 million sustainment agreement with the United States to support its fleet of 24 MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopters. The package strengthens India’s maritime preparedness, boosts naval aviation support systems, and deepens defence cooperation with Washington at a time of heightened strategic activity in the region. The deal comes just ahead of the India–Russia Annual Summit, drawing global attention to New Delhi’s balanced defence engagements with major powers. Observers note that the announcement underscores India’s focus on maintaining readiness in the Indo-Pacific while diversifying defence partnerships. The agreement, concluded under the US Foreign Military Sales framework through Letters of Offer and Acceptance, covers a five-year sustainment cycle. It includes spare parts, support equipment, training modules, technical assistance, and component repair facilities within India. These measures ensure operational availability for missions from shore bases and frontline warships.

 

 

SPORTS

 

1. Bisleri Becomes Official Beverage Partner of Tata Women’s Premier League for 2026 & 2027 Seasons: Bisleri International has been announced as the Official Beverage Partner for the Tata Women’s Premier League (WPL) for the next two seasons, starting in 2026, supporting and promoting the rapid rise of women’s cricket in India.The partnership will include limited-edition packs, strong on-ground branding through visicoolers and iceboxes in team dugouts, plus in-stadium hydration support and digital fan-engagement initiatives to enhance the overall WPL experience.Bisleri, already holding 60+ sports associations across India and the UAE, aims to further strengthen its presence in the sports ecosystem through this collaboration, reinforcing its commitment to fitness, hydration excellence, and athlete support.

 

2. Max Verstappen Wins Qatar GP, Setting Up Dramatic F1 Title Decider in Abu Dhabi: Max Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix 2025, keeping the Formula 1 championship battle alive and pushing the title fight to the final race in Abu Dhabi next weekend.Championship leader Lando Norris, who could have secured his first F1 title with a win, finished fourth, while his McLaren teammate and title rival Oscar Piastri secured second place.All three contenders — Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri — now have seven wins each this season, with Norris’ championship lead reduced to 12 points over Verstappen and 16 over Piastri heading into the title-deciding finale

 

3. Rohit Rajpal Reappointed India’s Davis Cup Captain: Rohit Rajpal has been reappointed as captain of the Indian Davis Cup team until December 31, 2026, ensuring continuity in leadership as India prepares for a crucial home Qualifier against the Netherlands in early 2026. The All-India Tennis Association (AITA) has also retained Ashutosh Singh as the team’s coach. The decision comes as India gears up to host the Netherlands in the 2026 Davis Cup World Group Qualifiers. Rajpal’s experience in navigating tight fixtures and managing squad transitions is expected to provide strategic stability ahead of the high-stakes February tie. AITA’s move to retain both captain and coach underscores a preference for continuity in a period when India aims to strengthen its global standing. Rajpal’s tenure will cover all Davis Cup fixtures through 2026, offering the team a consistent leadership environment as it targets qualification for the Finals.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Amazon and Google Launch New Multicloud Service for Faster, High-Speed Connectivity: Amazon and Google have jointly launched a new multicloud networking service that allows customers to create private, high-speed connections between AWS and Google Cloud within minutes instead of weeks.The service merges AWS Interconnect–multicloud with Google Cloud’s Cross-Cloud Interconnect, significantly improving network interoperability and multicloud performance.AWS and Google Cloud leaders described the collaboration as a major shift in multicloud connectivity, offering faster, more reliable infrastructure for businesses using multiple cloud platforms.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Imposes ₹3.10 Lakh Penalty on Mannakrishna Investments for Governance Violations: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a ₹3.10 lakh penalty on Kolkata-based Mannakrishna Investments Pvt Ltd, an NBFC, for failing to comply with the RBI’s NBFC Scale-Based Regulation, 2023, particularly regarding governance norms.RBI’s inspection found that the company had appointed a director without obtaining prior written approval, resulting in a management change where over 30% of directors (excluding independent directors) were replaced, violating regulatory provisions.

 

2. India, ADB Sign $800 Million+ Loans for Power, Metro, and Skills Development Projects: The Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed three loan agreements worth over $800 million for projects in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, led by the Department of Economic Affairs.The Maharashtra Power Distribution Enhancement Programme ($500 million) will modernize rural power infrastructure, integrate renewable energy, and provide daytime solar electricity to 900,000 agricultural consumers by 2028, including upgrading substations, lines, transformers, and 500 MWh of battery storage.The Indore Metro Rail Project (¥27,147,200,000 / $190.6 million) will construct an 8.62 km underground metro line with seven stations, improving connectivity between congested areas and the airport, with multimodal integration and operations expected by January 2030.The Gujarat Skills Development Programme ($109.97 million) will equip the workforce with industry-aligned advanced skills across sectors like logistics, IT, manufacturing, healthcare, renewable energy, and agri-tech, upgrading 11 mega ITIs, establishing centres of excellence, and collaborating closely with private training providers and industry.

 

3. Centre to Invest Rs 4,500 Crore to Modernise Mohali Semiconductor Laboratory, Boost India’s Chip Manufacturing: Centre to invest Rs 4,500 crore in Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali, to modernise it into one of the world’s most advanced small-node semiconductor centres, boosting wafer production nearly 100 times and supporting students, researchers, and startups.India’s unified national chip roadmap will involve C-DAC, DRDO, top research institutes, and industry experts to develop cutting-edge fabrication technologies, defence-grade semiconductors, advanced EDA tools, and high-reliability packaging solutions, moving beyond the 90 nm technology node.Chips to Start-up (C2S) initiative has seen 28 student-developed chips fabricated at SCL, with 113 institutions provided Process Design Kits and 231 silicon numbers allocated; the expanded SCL facility will support AI, defence electronics, medical tech, automation, and next-gen smart devices, making it a core driver of India’s deep-tech and startup ecosystem.

 

4. UPI Transactions Surge 32% YoY in November, Reinforcing Digital Payments Dominance: UPI transactions grew 32% year-on-year in November, crossing 19 billion transactions, with a 22% annual rise in transaction value; average daily transaction amount reached ₹87,721 crore.November recorded 682 million average daily transactions, higher than 668 million in October, showing consistent month-on-month growth.In the first half of 2025, UPI continued to lead India’s digital payments ecosystem with transactions rising 35% YoY to 106.36 billion.