🇮🇳 National News
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a new mandate requiring continuous SIM-linking for all messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Arattai, and others under the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025.
- Each messaging app account must stay connected to a specific SIM card at all times
- Web-based login sessions will automatically expire every six hours
- Re-login will be allowed only through QR code scanning, and the QR must be SIM-linked
The regulations must be fully implemented within 90 to 120 days of announcement.
The objective is to significantly reduce cyber frauds, impersonation attempts, spoofed identities, and misuse of Indian mobile numbers. Although the policy may restrict seamless cross-device login flexibility, it boosts India’s broader efforts to build a safer telecom ecosystem, aligning with international security standards.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India achieved a record 357 million tonnes of foodgrain production in 2025.
This marks nearly 40% growth over ten years, compared to 257 million tonnes in 2015.
- Farmer-focused schemes
- Technological advancements
- Policies such as PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and Soil Health Card System
- Modern agricultural practices
The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of natural farming while addressing the South India Natural Farming Summit in Coimbatore. He promoted organic methods, environment-friendly farming tools, and increasing youth involvement in sustainable agriculture.
India’s population is projected to stabilise at 1.8 to 1.9 billion by the year 2080, as the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) declines to 1.9.
- Higher female literacy
- Improved healthcare and contraceptive access
- Delayed marriages
- Continued socio-economic development
States like Kerala (TFR 1.5) and West Bengal (TFR 1.3) represent advanced demographic transition.
While this demographic shift indicates significant progress, it also raises concerns related to a growing elderly population, increased workforce stress, and potential migration disparities, necessitating proactive policymaking for the long term.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 60th Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police in Raipur.
His address emphasized a technology-driven approach for future policing, strengthening of forensic capabilities, expanded inter-agency collaboration, and adoption of advanced, innovation-based policing strategies.
- Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in criminal investigations
- Measures for women’s safety
- Evaluation of Chhattisgarh’s “Bastar 2.0” initiative, aimed at socio-economic upliftment in the post-Naxal context
The conference concluded with the release of Vision 2047, outlining a roadmap for building a modern, digital-first, citizen-friendly police force ready to handle future security challenges.
💼 Business & Economy
Asian Paints has entered a three-year agreement with the BCCI to become the official colour partner for Team India.
The partnership includes 110 international and domestic matches, covering Men’s cricket, Women’s cricket, and Domestic tournaments played in India.
- Asian Paints Colour Cam – captures fans with the most vibrant and creative stadium looks
- Colour Countdown – showcases interior décor themes and colour inspiration linked to match events
The collaboration will involve both on-ground engagement and digital campaigns. This partnership expands BCCI’s sponsorship roster, alongside Campa (Reliance), SBI Life, and Atomberg Technologies, and enables direct consumer engagement with India’s broad and youthful cricket fanbase.
NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL), a subsidiary of NPCI, has launched “Banking Connect”, an interoperable net banking platform that simplifies online merchant payments.
The platform was unveiled at the Global Fintech Festival 2025, with participation from the RBI Governor.
Banks: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI, YES Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, Federal Bank
Payment Aggregators: PayU, PineLabs, Razorpay, Juspay, Zoho
Key Benefits:
- A single NBBL-certified integration allows banks to connect with all Payment Aggregators (PAs)
- Eliminates multiple merchant-bank integrations
- Enables authentication via biometrics or QR, eliminating login/password friction
- Offers mobile-first UI, real-time RBI monitoring, and rapid 10–15 day merchant onboarding through low-code/no-code tools
India has signed loan agreements worth over $800 million with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The financial support covers projects in four states and will promote clean energy adoption, urban mass transit, skill development, and environmental restoration.
- Maharashtra – Solar-driven irrigation systems
- Madhya Pradesh – Support for the Indore Metro
- Gujarat – Skill advancement initiative
- Assam – Wetland and fisheries ecosystem revival
These investments align with India’s goals for sustainable development, renewable energy growth, and inclusive economic progress.
🌐 International News
India has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council – Category B, securing 154 out of 169 votes, the highest tally within the category.
- Reinforces India’s leadership in maritime safety
- Advances efforts in green shipping technologies
- Supports digital innovations in the maritime ecosystem
- Strengthens its participation in the blue economy
The achievement is closely aligned with the goals of Amrit Kaal Maritime Vision 2047.
The re-election boosts India’s representation in global maritime governance, policymaking, and its standing as an emerging maritime power.
👔 Appointments
Paschal Donohoe has been appointed as the new Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank Group, with his tenure beginning on 24 November 2025.
He previously served as Ireland’s Finance Minister and President of the Eurogroup.
- More than 20 years of combined experience in public administration and the private sector
- Nearly a decade at Procter & Gamble
In his new capacity, Donohoe will lead the Knowledge Bank division, enhance global knowledge-sharing frameworks, drive innovation and scalable development strategies, and strengthen partnerships among governments, civil society, and private-sector collaborators.
His appointment is expected to boost the World Bank’s influence in developing and emerging economies.
📅 Important Days
Celebrated each year on 2nd December, the day aims to enhance computer awareness and digital literacy, particularly among women and children.
The observance was initiated in 2001 by the National Institute of Information Technology (N.I.I.T.) to mark its 20th anniversary.
- Founded in 1981 by Rajendra Singh Pawar and Vijay K. Thadani
- Created this observance after studies revealed that men dominated global computer usage, exposing a gender divide in tech access
- Has since expanded operations to over 30 countries
The day encourages the development of a digitally empowered society, in sync with global digital transformation goals.
Observed annually on 2nd December, this day raises awareness about the persistence of modern slavery, a continuing violation of human rights.
- Human trafficking
- Forced labour
- Sexual exploitation
- Child labour
- Forced marriage
- Forced recruitment of children in armed conflicts
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), nearly 40 million people globally are victims of modern slavery.
In 2014, the ILO adopted a legally binding Protocol to strengthen global efforts against forced labour, which became operational in November 2016.
The UN Working Group on Slavery proposed 2 December as the commemorative day in 1985, emphasizing global commitment toward ending all forms of slavery.
National Pollution Control Day is marked every year on 2nd December.
The day honours the memory of those affected by the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, one of the most devastating industrial disasters ever recorded.
The incident occurred on the night of 2–3 December 1984, following a massive leak of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) and other hazardous chemicals from the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
Consequences:
- Nearly 25,000 lives were lost over the years due to toxic exposure
- Thousands more continue to suffer from long-term health complications
The day aims to create awareness regarding the dangers of pollution and unsafe industrial practices, promote environmental protection, and encourage stronger regulations and safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
📤 Found this useful? Help your friends stay updated too!
