NATIONAL NEWS

India Records All-Time High Foodgrain Production of 357 Million Tonnes in 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India has achieved a record foodgrain production of 357 million tonnes in 2025, the highest in the country's history.

The announcement was made during the 128th edition of the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio address on 30th November 2025, highlighting India’s progress toward food security and agricultural expansion.

This output marks an increase of 100 million tonnes over the last decade, reflecting strong growth in the agriculture sector.

India’s foodgrain production grew from 257 million tonnes in 2015 to 357 million tonnes in 2025, showing a nearly 40% increase in ten years.

During his visit to Coimbatore, PM Modi attended the South India Natural Farming Summit (19–21 November 2025) organised by the Tamil Nadu Natural Farming Stakeholders Forum, focusing on: Eco-friendly agricultural systems, Chemical-free farming, Agro-innovation and organic inputs and Market linkages for farmer-producer organisations (FPOs).

National Industries Research and Development Council Launches InDApp

The National Industries Research and Development Council (NIRDC), under Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Ministry guidelines, launched InDApp (India’s Industrial Empowerment Application) as a single-window digital platform to simplify and accelerate MSME business processes.

The InDApp platform was unveiled by Union MoS B. L. Verma from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (MCAF&PD).

InDApp aims to provide easy access to approvals, real-time market data, and business opportunities, helping entrepreneurs take faster and informed decisions.

The platform operates as an integrated single-window system, enhancing speed, transparency, and efficiency in MSME engagement across sectors.

InDApp supports MSMEs through both online tools and on-ground assistance, offering access to government schemes, technology, export opportunities, and business partnerships.

The platform was developed with support from seven ministries—MoFPI (Ministry of Food Processing Industries), MoFAHD (Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying), MoAFW (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare), MoC&I (Ministry of Commerce & Industry), MoEFCC (Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change), MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs), and MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy)—ensuring sector-specific information through a unified digital channel.

Karnataka Launches Upgraded e-Swathu 2.0 to Digitalise Rural Property Records

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched e-Swathu 2.0, a digital platform designed to regularise and manage rural property records.

The upgraded system will bring 95 lakh rural properties under the tax net and is expected to generate Rs 1,778 crore to Rs 2,000 crore in revenue for the state.

The platform enables inclusion of rural households, including those located outside village boundaries, into the formal property taxation system.

The system provides faster digital services including issuance of e-Khata documents (Forms 11A and 11B), accessible online without the need to visit gram panchayat offices.

A dedicated grievance support helpline (9483476000) has been set up to resolve technical issues.

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Oxford University Press selects “Rage Bait” as its 2025 Word of the Year

The Oxford University Press (OUP) selected “Rage Bait” as the Word of the Year 2025.

Usage of the term “Rage Bait” has tripled in 2025, showing its rising presence on social media for provoking outrage and polarization.

The term originated in 2002 on Usenet, where it described irritated driver reactions to overtaking signals, forming the basis of its modern meaning of intentional provocation.

Rage Bait is defined as online content deliberately created to trigger anger or outrage by being frustrating, provocative, or offensive, usually to increase traffic or engagement.

It refers to content designed to cause anger to generate likes, comments, and shares, and is different from clickbait, which mainly provokes curiosity.

Other shortlisted words for 2025 included “Aura farming” and “Bio hack”

 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

ISRO Chief V. Narayanan Unveils India’s First Private Navigation Technology Hub

Narayanan, Chairman,Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), inaugurated the Anant Centre of Excellence for Navigation (ACEN), India’s first private navigation technology hub, at Kinfra Park, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala).

ACEN has been established by Ananth Technologies Limited (ATL), an aerospace and defence company.

The centre focuses on developing indigenous navigation technologies including Inertial Navigation System (INS), Global Satellite Navigation System (GNSS) receivers, advanced sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers, and Precision Timing Systems (PTS).

ACEN aims to integrate Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) with Global Positioning System (GPS) or GNSS, inertial sensors,, inertial sensors, AI-based sensor fusion, and vision/radar-based navigation to build multi-modal navigation solutions.

The technologies developed at ACEN have applications in satellites, launch vehicles, missiles, aircraft, UAVs, ships, submarines, mapping, surveying, disaster management, and civil transportation and logistics.

 

BANKING

India Partnered with ADB Ink Over USD 800 Million in Loan Agreements

The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed three loan agreements worth over USD 800 million for major projects in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

A USD 500 million loan was signed for the Maharashtra Power Distribution Enhancement Programme for Agricultural Solarization to modernise rural power infrastructure and supply daytime solar electricity to farmers.

The Maharashtra programme aims to provide daytime electricity to at least 9 lakh agricultural consumers by 2028 and includes renewable integration, substation upgrades, HT/LT line construction, and 500 MWh battery storage

A Japanese Yen-denominated loan (¥27,147,200,000 ≈ USD 190.6 million) was signed for the Indore Metro Rail Project, supporting 8.62 km underground metro line with 7 stations, improving connectivity to Indore Airport.

Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) will implement the Indore Metro project, expected to start operations by January 2030.

A USD 109.97 million loan was signed for the Gujarat Skills Development Programme to upgrade 11 mega ITIs, establish centres of excellence, and train youth in high-growth sectors such as IT, logistics, automotive, renewable energy, healthcare, and agri-tech.

The Gujarat programme is led by the Labour, Skill Development & Employment Department in partnership with Kaushalya: The Skill University (KSU), using a hub-and-spoke model with private training providers.

A Technical Assistance (TA) grant of USD 1 million was signed for the SWIFT Project (Sustainable Wetland and Integrated Fisheries Transformation) in Assam, aimed at improving wetland ecosystems and fisheries development.

Loan signing was led by the Joint Secretary (ADB & Japan), Department of Economic Affairs, with agreements signed by Saurabh Singh (DEA) and Mio Oka (ADB Country Director).

State Bank of India and Bank of India Sign Memorandum of Understanding

State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of India (BOI) signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Strategic Partnership.

The initiative aims to bolster leadership and expertise in project financing across India.

The collaboration seeks to foster innovation and strengthen cooperation within the banking sector.

The MoU enables Co-financing Opportunities, allowing both PSBs (Public Sector Banks) to jointly finance large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects by leveraging their combined strengths.

The partnership enhances Co-branded Visibility for SBI and BOI in the corporate and project financing domain.

The MoU emphasizes Capacity Building, focusing on training, skill development, and leadership programs for employees of both banks.

 

ECONOMY

India's Current Account Deficit Narrows to $12.3 Billion in Q2 FY26

India's current account deficit (CAD) moderated to $12.3 billion, or 1.3% of GDP, in Q2 FY26, supported by a lower merchandise trade deficit.

In the preceding quarter (Q1 FY26), the current account deficit was $2.4 billion, or 0.2% of GDP.

The RBI reported that India's merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $87.4 billion from $88.5 billion a year earlier.

Non-resident deposits declined to $2.5 billion from $6.2 billion.

A current account deficit occurs when a country's imports exceed exports in goods and services, reflecting foreign transactions and impacting economic stability.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Additional Charge of Border Security Force Director General

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) assigned Praveen Kumar, the current Director General (DG) of Indo‑Tibetan Border Police (ITBP),, the additional charge of DG, Border Security Force (BSF) effective from 1 December 2025.

He will hold the BSF DG charge until a regular appointment is made or until further orders.

He succeeds Daljit Singh Chawdhary, who superannuated on 30 November 2025.

Praveen Kumar is a 1993-batch IPS officer belonging to the West Bengal (WB) cadre.

He previously served as Superintendent of Police (SP) in multiple WB districts and as Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Midnapore Range, where he led security operations in Naxal-affected areas.

He has held key positions at both state and central levels, contributing to policing, counter-insurgency, and border management frameworks.

He became the 35th Director General of the ITBP in October 2025.

Air Marshal Tejbir Singh Assumes Role of IAF’s Director General (Inspection & Safety)

Air Marshal Tejbir Singh has taken charge as Director General (Inspection & Safety) at Air Headquarters.

He has a distinguished career of over 37 years in the Indian Air Force (IAF).

He is an alumnus of the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS), United Kingdom.

He has logged over 7,000 flying hours during his service.

He contributed majorly to enhancing C-130J Super Hercules Special Operations capability in the IAF.

He brings strong expertise in operational experience, leadership, safety management, and inspection systems.

He succeeded Air Marshal M. B. Ranade, who retired on 30 November 2025 after a 39-year career.

The IAF recognized Air Marshal Ranade for his professionalism, outstanding service, and contributions to air operations and organizational excellence.

This leadership transition highlights IAF’s commitment to strengthening flight safety and operational standards.

 

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025

International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 is observed annually on 3rd December.

The day is also known as the World Day of the Handicapped 2025.

It is celebrated to promote understanding, acceptance, and care for people with disabilities, and to ensure they are treated with dignity, equality, and respect.

In 1976, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) decided that from 1981, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities would be observed globally.

The United Nations (UN) officially announced 3rd December as the permanent date for the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The first Paralympic Games were hosted in 1960, marking a major milestone in global disability sports representation.

In 1992, the United Nations officially proclaimed the International Day of People with Disability as an annual observance.

In 2013, Australia became the first country to pass the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) aimed at improving welfare, accessibility, and support systems for persons with disabilities.

Indian Navy Day 2025

Indian Navy Day 2025 is observed on 4th December to honour the role, strength, and achievements of the Indian Naval Forces.

The day also commemorates Operation Trident, a successful naval attack carried out by India against Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.

The Indian Navy was initially established by the East India Company in 1612, marking its historical origin.

During the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, Pakistan launched an offensive on 3rd December by attacking Indian air bases. In response, the Indian Navy executed Operation Trident on the night of 4th–5th December, targeting the Karachi harbour.

Pakistan lacked aircraft to counter the naval strike, which allowed India to carry out a successful operation, resulting in the destruction of enemy vessels and significant casualties among Pakistani naval personnel.

The operation was led by Commodore Kasargod Pattanashetti Gopal Rao, whose leadership played a crucial role in the mission’s success.

Indian Navy Day is celebrated nationwide every year to honour the bravery, dedication, and strategic excellence of the Indian Naval Forces and to commemorate the historic maritime victory of 1971.