05th December 2025

1. Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh jointly inaugurates WSDM in Dehradun.
2. GoI approves a 5% sustainable aviation fuel blend by 2030 for international flights.
3. BIS unveils India’s new seismic map, placing the entire Himalayas under the highest-risk danger zone.
4. Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurates the 15th International Sand Art Festival in Konark.
5. HAL, BEL, and MDL feature in SIPRI’s top 100 global arms-producing companies.
6. IWMI launches SoLAR-Phase II to accelerate climate-resilient solar energy adoption.
7. Austria’s Stefan Priesner is appointed as the UN Resident Coordinator in India.
8. ONGC Chairman Arun Kumar Singh gets a one-year extension till 2026.
9. Italian tennis legend Nicola Pietrangeli passes away.
10. NITI Aayog and IBM unveil a roadmap to make India a top-3 quantum economy by 2047.
11. Weak La Niña is likely to influence global weather in winter 2025–26, as predicted by WMO.
12. IFFCO-TOKIO partners with cooperatives to expand micro-insurance access for underserved communities.
13. Runway’s Gen-4.5 surpasses OpenAI and Google in the text-to-video AI race.
14. Sunil Narine makes T20 history with a 600-wicket milestone.
15. RELOS Agreement and India–Russia relations are explained with objectives, significance, and developments.
16. Fitch upgrades India’s FY26 growth forecast to 7.4% amid strong consumer demand.
17. India–Russia 23rd Annual Summit
18. MEITY and MEA enable paperless passport verification via DigiLocker.
19. The world’s youngest self-made woman billionaire Luana Lopes Lara is introduced.
20. Australia’s Victoria University plans to open its first India campus in Gurugram by 2026.
21. Former Mizoram Governor Swaraj Kaushal passes away at 73.
22. International Volunteer Day highlights the theme “Every Contribution Matters”.
23. World Soil Day focuses on the theme “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities”.
24. Simone Tata, the visionary behind Lakmé and Westside, passes away at 95.

National News

1. World Summit on Disaster Management Held in Uttarakhand

• What:
  • Union Science & Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced three new weather radars at Haridwar, Pantnagar, and Auli to strengthen Uttarakhand’s real-time forecasting capacity during the World Summit on Disaster Management (WSDM) 2025 in Dehradun.
• Why:
  • To promote disaster resilience by enhancing forecasting and facilitating international cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement.
• Tell me more:
  • WSDM 2025 is a global platform that connects scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and industry leaders to link research, policy, and field applications in disaster management.
  • The summit’s key theme is “Strengthening International Cooperation for Building Resilient Communities,” aligned with global climate action and sustainable development goals.
  • The summit focuses on five core thematic areas: Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Space. Each theme addresses critical aspects of disaster resilience and management.
  • It commemorates the Silkyara Tunnel rescue mission, marking progress in India’s disaster response capacity under the Prime Minister’s leadership.
  • Organisers include the Government of Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand Council for Science & Technology (UCOST), and Himalayan Academy of Science & Technology (HAST).
  • The 5 Es framework guiding WSDM 2025 includes:
    • ENGAGE: Community Participation & Stakeholder Collaboration
    • EDUCATE: Knowledge Dissemination & Climate Literacy
    • ENABLE: Technology, Innovation & Governance
    • EMPOWER: Climate Adaptation & Resilient Communities
    • EXCEL: Best Practices, Policies & Global Collaboration

Source: WSDM ANI GOV

2. India Approves Sustainable Aviation Fuel Blending Targets

• What:
  • India has approved blending targets for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and is preparing the aviation sector for mandatory global carbon-reduction rules under CORSIA starting in 2027.
• Why:
  • To reduce carbon emissions from international flights and align with global climate commitments including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
• Tell me more:
  • SAF blending targets are 1% by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030, initially for international flights departing from India.
  • India is part of ICAO’s (International Civil Aviation Organization) ACT-SAF programme to support cleaner aviation fuels and is involved in international technical groups on aviation environment protection.
  • Public sector oil companies are working to meet these targets despite challenges like higher SAF production costs and limited feedstock availability.
  • India’s SAF capacity is supported by over 750 million metric tonnes of biomass and surplus agricultural residue, with certification bodies and producers like COTECNA Inspection India Pvt. Ltd. and Indian Oil Corporation’s Panipat Refinery in place.

3. India Updates Seismic Zonation Map, Declares Himalayas Highest Risk

• What:
  • India released a revised seismic zonation map placing the entire Himalayan arc in the highest-risk Zone VI for the first time under the updated Earthquake Design Code 2025.
• Why:
  • To provide a more accurate, uniform, and scientifically data-driven assessment of seismic risk for safer construction and infrastructure development across the Himalayas and India.
• Tell me more:
  • This updated seismic map introduces Zone VI for the highest risk and reclassifies areas based on advanced probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA).
  • The entire Himalayan arc, spanning from Jammu & Kashmir-Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, falls under the new highest-risk Zone VI.
    • This uniform classification covers states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and parts of northern Bihar near the Himalayan front, upgrading previous Zones IV and V.
    • Cities such as Dehradun, Srinagar, Shimla, Dharamshala, and Gangtok now require stringent building standards.
  • Northeastern states including Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and major parts of Assam are in Zone VI due to high tectonic activity.
  • The southern peninsula experiences only minor refinements with stable tectonic behavior, remaining mostly in lower zones like Zone III (e.g., parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh).
  • Western regions see high risks in Zone V areas like the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and parts near the west coast in Maharashtra.
    • Zone IV covers portions of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, with boundary towns automatically assigned to higher-risk categories. National Capital Region (NCR) Delhi remains in Zone IV.
  • Overall, 61% of India’s landmass now qualifies as moderate to high hazard (up from 59%), prioritizing resilience in urban and populated areas.

4. SoLAR Phase II Launched For Solar Irrigation Expansion

• What:
  • International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) launched SoLAR Phase II on November 28, 2025, to expand climate-resilient solar energy adoption in agriculture across India, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
• Why:
  • To scale socially inclusive solar irrigation solutions building on Phase I evidence for technical, economic, and environmental performance of grid-connected and off-grid solar irrigation pumps (SIP).
• Tell me more:
  • Phase I in Gujarat’s Suryashakti Kisan Yojana offset 12.3 tCO2 per farmer yearly, trained over 2,000 farmers with 23% energy evacuation rise and Rs 14,000 extra income per farmer.
  • Madhya Pradesh women-led solar enterprises via self-help groups improved irrigation, shifted to high-value crops, and boosted household earnings.
  • Insights shared with Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to inform Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) 2.0 in 2027.

5. India–Russia 23rd Annual Summit

• What:
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a State Visit to India on 4–5 December 2025 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi, marking the 25th anniversary of the 2000 Declaration on Strategic Partnership.
• Why:
  • Both sides aim to unlock the full potential of a long-term partnership spanning political, military, cultural, nuclear, space, S&T, education and humanitarian sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • India and Russia exchanged 16 agreements across defence, trade, economy, healthcare, academics, culture and media.

• Both sides adopted a 2030 trade roadmap targeting USD 100 billion bilateral trade by 2030 and USD 50 billion mutual investments by 2025.
• Negotiations for the India–EAEU Free Trade Agreement were fast-tracked, along with work on an investment protection agreement.
• Russia assured “uninterrupted fuel shipments” to India, strengthening long-term energy security.
• Leaders welcomed the opening of Indian Consulates in Yekaterinburg and Kazan, enabling deeper inter-regional ties.
• Discussions covered defence, energy, trade expansion, and geopolitical issues, taking place amid a 50% US tariff on India’s purchase of Russian oil.
• President Putin invited PM Modi to Russia in 2026 for the 24th Annual Summit and praised India’s “unity in diversity”.
• Progress toward trade and investment targets: Bilateral trade reached USD 68.7 billion in FY 2024–25; Programme 2030 was adopted; work advanced on removing tariff/non-tariff barriers, logistics bottlenecks, payment mechanisms, insurance and reinsurance issues.
• Financial cooperation: Both sides agreed on national currency settlements, interoperability of payment systems, financial messaging systems and CBDC platforms.
• Connectivity and corridors: Cooperation deepened on the International North–South Transport Corridor, Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor, Northern Sea Route, and signing of an MoU on training specialists for polar-water ships.
• Far East & Arctic: The 2024–2029 Programme guides cooperation in agriculture, energy, mining, pharmaceuticals, manpower, diamonds and maritime transport; India expressed readiness to serve as Observer in the Arctic Council.
• Defence cooperation: The 22nd IRIGC-M&MTC strengthened joint R&D, co-development, co-production, joint manufacturing of spares and export-oriented production; INDRA-2025 naval and land exercises and Zapad-2025 participation demonstrated operational cooperation; INS Tushil and Tamal were commissioned.
• Space, nuclear & S&T: ISRO–Roscosmos collaboration advanced in Gaganyaan, rocket engines, satellite navigation and exploration; progress continued on Kudankulam NPP, VVER discussions, joint manufacturing of nuclear equipment; cooperation expanded on critical minerals, rare earths, digital technologies, cybersecurity and STI Roadmap implementation.
• Political engagement: Contacts intensified through BRICS Summit (Kazan), SCO Summit (Tianjin), 26th IRIGC-TEC, NSA-level dialogues, UN consultations, and meetings of ministers across Railways, IT, Textiles, Youth Affairs, Culture and others.
• Multilateral coordination: Russia reiterated support for India’s UNSC permanent seat; cooperation deepened in G20, BRICS, SCO; commitments reaffirmed on non-proliferation, BTWC strengthening and preventing outer-space weaponisation.
• Cultural & educational cooperation: Exchanges grew through the Indian Film Festival 2025, Bharat Utsav, yoga events, book fairs; collaborations continued via EEP, RIN, SPARC, GIAN, AIM–SIRIUS; e-visa regimes were expanded.
  • EEP – Educational Exchange Programme
  • RIN – Network of Higher Education Institutions of India and Russia
  • SPARC – Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration
  • GIAN – Global Initiative of Academic Networks
  • AIM–SIRIUS – Atal Innovation Mission – SIRIUS (Russian Student Centre) Collaboration Programme
• Climate cooperation: Joint Working Group (Sept 2025) advanced work on Article 6 mechanisms, sustainable finance, low-carbon technologies; BRICS launched the Climate Research Platform and Laboratory for Trade, Climate & Sustainable Development.
  • Article 6 refers to a specific provision under the Paris Agreement (2015) that allows countries to cooperate voluntarily to achieve their climate goals.
• Counter-terrorism: Both sides reaffirmed zero tolerance; condemned attacks in Pahalgam and Crocus City Hall; called for action against all UN-listed terrorist groups; acknowledged Delhi Declaration on misuse of ICT, payment systems and drones for terror purposes.

6. Passport Verification Record Enabled on DigiLocker Platform

• What:
  • National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) enabled Passport Verification Record (PVR) on DigiLocker platform.
• Why:
  • To simplify document management, promote paperless service delivery, and advance Digital India vision through secure access, storage, sharing, and verification of digital documents.
• Tell me more:
  • DigiLocker is secure cloud-based platform under Digital India for issuance, storage, sharing, and verification of digital documents and certificates.
  • Citizens access PVR in “Issued Documents” section after verification via web portal or mobile app without physical copies.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Odisha CM Majhi Inaugurates Konark and Sand Art Festivals

• What:
  • CM Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the 36th Konark Festival and 15th International Sand Art Festival in Bhubaneswar for five days of dance, music, and creativity.
• Why:
  • To celebrate India’s cultural heritage and artistic brilliance through performances and events.
• Tell me more:
  • The twin festivals are organised by the tourism department with Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi and Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC).
  • The inaugural evening featured Odissi performance by Sonali Mohapatra and artists of Nrutya Upasana Pitha, Bhubaneswar.
  • The recital included Odissi on Hanuman Chalisa composed by Sant Tulsidas with music by Guru Abhiram Nanda and choreography by Mohapatra.

2. Victoria University Launches First India Campus In Gurugram

• What:
  • Melbourne-based Victoria University (VU) laid foundation stone for its first international campus in Gurugram, Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), set to launch in 2026.
• Tell me more:
  • VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker highlighted partnership with local experts to prepare graduates for India’s strong economy and shared cultural/academic connection.

Source: NDTV

International News

1. Luana Lopes Lara Becomes Youngest Self-Made Woman Billionaire

• What:
  • Brazilian entrepreneur Luana Lopes Lara, 29, became world’s youngest self-made woman billionaire through Kalshi fintech platform after $1 billion funding valued company at $11 billion.
• Why:
  • Lara and cofounder Tarek Mansour each hold 12% stake; Kalshi enables trading on real-world events like elections and economic reports.
• Tell me more:
  • Kalshi founded in 2018 as first fully regulated event-contract exchange approved by US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); Y Combinator alum.
  • Valuation quintupled in six months with investors Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Paradigm; funds for brokerage integrations, media partnerships, crypto expansion.

Source: BS

Banking and Economy

1. IFFCO-Tokio Ties Up With Cooperatives For Micro Insurance

• What:
  • IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Company tied up with cooperatives to distribute micro insurance for package, health, and motor policies.
• Why:
  • To provide affordable insurance solutions for under-covered communities aligning with IRDAI’s ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.
• Tell me more:
  • Company celebrating silver jubilee of foundation established in 2000 as 51:49 joint venture between Indian Farmers Fertilizer Co-operative (IFFCO) and Tokio Marine Group.
  • Offers retail products including motor, health, travel, home, personal accident insurance and corporate insurance products.

2. Runway Launches Gen-4.5, Top-Rated Video Generation Model

• What:
  • New York-based AI company Runway introduced Gen-4.5 video generation model, surpassing rivals from OpenAI and Google in performance.
• Why:
  • To deliver unprecedented visual fidelity, creative control, cinematic realism, and precise generation across diverse modes.
• Tell me more:
  • Gen-4.5 scored 1247 on Elo benchmark, ahead of Google’s Veo 3 (1226) and OpenAI’s Sora 2 Pro (1206).
  • Advances pre-training data efficiency, post-training techniques, temporal consistency, and controllable action generation.
  • Produces realistic object motion, liquid dynamics, consistent hair/material details, and styles from cinematic to photorealistic animation.

Source: IE

Reports and Indices

1. NITI Aayog Releases Quantum Economy Roadmap To 2047

• What:
  • NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub with International Business Machines-IBM released national roadmap to make India top-three quantum economy by 2047.
• Why:
  • To build home-grown quantum computing hardware/software, foster 10 globally competitive quantum companies, and capture major global quantum software/services market share.
• Tell me more:
  • Roadmap applies quantum technologies to defence, energy, healthcare, logistics, and finance for boosted security, efficiency, and innovation.
  • Leverages National Quantum Mission with analysis of India’s position, strengths, gaps, and interventions for R&D, commercialization, ecosystem development.
  • Emphasizes collective ownership by policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, and states to create globally trusted competitive quantum economy.

Source: NOA PIB

GDP Forecasts

1. Fitch Raises India FY26 GDP Growth Forecast To 7.4%

• What:
  • Fitch Ratings raised India’s FY26 gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast to 7.4% from 6.9% and projected 6.4% for FY27.
• Why:
  • Higher consumer spending driven by strong real income, increased consumer sentiment, and recent goods and services tax (GST) reforms.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s GDP growth reached six-quarter high of 8.2% in Q2FY26.
  • GST reforms effective September 22 shifted to two-rate structure of 5% and 18%, decreasing tax rate on about 375 items.
  • Private consumer spending drives growth; private investment to pick up in second half of FY27 as financial conditions loosen.
  • RBI Monetary Policy Committee to announce review Friday; rates to remain at 5.25% over next two years with easing cycle ending.
  • India faces high 35% effective tariff on US exports; trade deal could boost external demand.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. SIPRI Top 100 Arms-Producing and Military Services Companies in the World, 2024

• What:
  • Revenues from arms and military services by the 100 largest companies rose 5.9% to $679 billion in 2024, the highest ever recorded by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
• Why:
  • Demand boosted by wars in Ukraine and Gaza, geopolitical tensions, and rising military expenditure worldwide.
• Tell me more:
  • Top 5 Companies:

• US companies’ revenues grew 3.8% to $334 billion despite delays in F-35 aircraft, Columbia-class submarine, and Sentinel ICBM programs.
• European companies (excluding Russia) saw 13% increase to $151 billion due to Ukraine war demand, with Czechoslovak Group up 193% from Czech Ammunition Initiative.
• Russian companies Rostec and United Shipbuilding Corporation grew 23% to $31.2 billion despite sanctions and labor shortages.
• Middle East had 9 companies for first time with $31 billion revenues, up 14%, including Israeli firms up 16% and 5 Turkish companies.
• Asia and Oceania declined 1.2% to $130 billion due to 10% drop in Chinese firms like NORINCO amid corruption issues, while Japan up 40% and South Korea up 31%.
• Indian companies’ revenues rose 8.2% to $7.5 billion; German firms up 36% to $14.9 billion; SpaceX and Indonesian DEFEND ID entered Top 100 for first time.

2. Russia Ratifies Relos Agreement With India

• What:
  • Russia’s State Duma ratified Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (Relos) agreement with India, signed February 18, 2025, ahead of President Putin’s visit.
• Why:
  • To strengthen operational foundation of India-Russia military cooperation through streamlined logistics for joint exercises, missions, and disaster relief.
• Tell me more:
  • Relos enables efficient refuelling, replenishment, maintenance; grants Indian Navy access to Russian ports along Northern Sea Route from Vladivostok to Murmansk.
  • Extends India’s reach from Indian Ocean to Arctic, complementing scientific/maritime interests where India lacks permanent presence.
  • Russia gains reciprocal access to Indian naval bases in Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Source: FP

Science and Technology

1. Weak La Niña Conditions To Prevail Through Q1 2026

• What:
  • World Meteorological Organization (WMO) forecasts 55% chance of weak La Niña conditions through first quarter of 2026, potentially causing colder winter in northern India.
• Why:
  • La Niña as cool phase of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) triggers harsher cold conditions unlike El Niño’s harsh summers and low rainfall.
• Tell me more:
  • ENSO has three phases—warm (El Niño), cool (La Niña), neutral—alternating every 2-7 years over equatorial Pacific Ocean affecting global weather.
  • Sea surface temperatures likely shift to ENSO-neutral after March 2026 with 65% chance January-March and 75% February-April.
  • India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts ENSO-neutral in early 2026; Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) also returning to neutral phase.

Source: IE

Important Days

1. International Volunteer Day 2025 – December 5

• Theme: Every Contribution Matters’
• It started as an international observance mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985.

Source: UN

2. World Soil Day 2025 – December 5

• Theme: “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities”
• Over 95 percent of our food comes from soils. Besides, they supply 15 of the 18 naturally occurring chemical elements essential to plants.

Source: UN

Sports

1. Sunil Narine Becomes First To Claim 600 T20 Wickets

• Mystery spinner Sunil Narine from Trinidad became first bowler to claim 600 wickets in competitive T20 cricket during World ILT20 match for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders against Sharjah Warriorz.
• Achievement marks his status as one of greatest T20 bowlers recognized by franchise with special edition jersey number 600.
• Represented Kolkata Knight Riders, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Trinbago Knight Riders, and Los Angeles Knight Riders.

Source: NDTV

Appointments

1. Stefan Priesner Appointed UN Resident Coordinator In India

• What:
  • United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Stefan Priesner of Austria as United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, effective 1 December 2025 with host government approval.
• Tell me more:
  • Most recently served as Resident Coordinator in Iran (2021-2025) and Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore (2017-2021).
  • Previously Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan (2013-2017).
  • Held UNDP senior roles including Country Director in Bangladesh (2008-2012), Deputy Resident Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2004-2008), and Deputy Chief of Sub-regional Resource Facility for South and West Asia in Nepal (2001-2004).

2. Arun Kumar Singh Gets One-Year Extension as ONGC Chairman

• Arun Kumar Singh granted one-year extension as chairman of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) till December 6, 2026, by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).

Source: BS

Miscellaneous

1. Italian Tennis Legend Nicola Pietrangeli Passes Away

• What:
  • Nicola Pietrangeli, two-time French Open winner and only Italian in World Tennis Hall of Fame, died at age 92, announced by Italy’s tennis federation on December 1, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • Won French Open singles titles in 1959 against Ian Vermaak and 1960 against Luis Ayala, plus 1960 doubles with Orlando Sirola.
  • Secured three Monte Carlo titles and Italian Open in Rome, where a court bears his name; reached Wimbledon semi-finals in 1960.
  • Played record 164 Davis Cup matches for Italy from 1954-1972, captained to first title in 1976 after losing finals in 1960 and 1961.
  • Won 44 singles titles with excellent backhand, ball control, stamina; turned professional in 1968 Open era at mid-30s.

Source: TH

2. Former Mizoram Governor Swaraj Kaushal Passes Away

• Former Mizoram Governor and senior lawyer Swaraj Kaushal, husband of Sushma Swaraj and father of BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, passed away at age 73.

Source: IE

3. Simone Tata, Lakmé And Westside Pioneer, Passes Away

• What:
  • Simone Naval Tata, who transformed Lakmé into India’s iconic cosmetics brand and founded Westside fashion retail, passed away at age 95 after brief illness at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.
• Tell me more:
  • Born in Geneva, Switzerland, arrived in India 1953, married Naval H. Tata in 1955, embraced Indian citizenship, and made Mumbai permanent home.
  • Took over Lakmé chairship in early 1980s, captured over 60% organised colour-cosmetics market by mid-1990s; sold to Hindustan Unilever for ₹200 crore in 1996.
  • Launched first Westside store in Bengaluru 1998 under Trent Ltd; today Trent operates over 220 Westside stores and houses Zara, UCB.

Source: TN

Start Quiz of 05th December 2025 on Mobile

Start Quiz of 05th December 2025 on Desktop