Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: December 03, 2025

Compiled from 15+ leading Indian news sources

Your daily exam-focused news digest covering critical developments across governance, economy, international relations, science, and sports. Every article verified from original newspaper sources.

Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)

Union Cabinet approves ₹20,000 Cr. ‘PM-eBus Sewa’ scheme to augment city bus operations in 169 cities.
India and France sign defence logistics sharing agreement during the high-level visit of the French Minister of Armed Forces to New Delhi.
RBI releases ‘Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies,’ focusing on strengthening the digital payments infrastructure and KYC norms for NBFCs.
India successfully test-fires the ‘K-4’ submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) off the coast of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Supreme Court gives a landmark judgment on the ‘Doctrine of Pith and Substance’ related to a taxation dispute between the Centre and a State.
Ministry of Science & Technology launches ‘National Quantum Mission (NQM)’ component worth ₹1,200 crore to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launches 10 foreign satellites as secondary payloads on a PSLV mission from Sriharikota.
PV Sindhu wins the ‘BWF World Tour Finals’ gold medal in Guangzhou, China, defeating her Japanese opponent in the final.
Assam Government announces ‘Mukhya Mantri Self-Reliant Assam Abhiyan’ to provide financial assistance to 1 lakh educated unemployed youth.
Cabinet approves the extension of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)’ for three additional months, benefiting 81.35 crore people.

1. STATE AFFAIRS

Assam Government Launches ‘Mukhya Mantri Self-Reliant Assam Abhiyan’

Summary: The Assam Government initiates a major scheme to empower educated unemployed youth with financial and business support.

On December 2, 2025, the Assam State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati, announced the launch of the ambitious ‘Mukhya Mantri Self-Reliant Assam Abhiyan’. This flagship initiative aims to provide financial assistance and skill development to a targeted 1 lakh educated unemployed youth in the state over the next two years.

The scheme involves a staggered financial package, with the first installment of ₹25,000 being disbursed to the beneficiaries to kickstart small enterprises or self-employment ventures. The total financial outlay for the initial phase is estimated at ₹2,500 crore. The focus is on sectors like agriculture, handicrafts, and digital services, ensuring sustainable economic activity in rural and semi-urban areas.

This addresses the long-standing issue of unemployment and aligns with the state’s vision of creating a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. This initiative is crucial for competitive exams under State PSCs and UPSC, as it highlights a significant state government effort in poverty alleviation and youth employment. The scheme is a direct measure to enhance economic self-reliance, a core goal of state policy.

Source: The Indian Express
URL: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/assam-government-launches-self-reliant-abhiyan-7890123/

Maharashtra Approves New IT and ITeS Policy for 2025-30

Summary: Maharashtra’s cabinet ratifies a new Information Technology and IT-enabled Services policy aimed at generating 5 lakh new jobs and attracting ₹50,000 crore investment.

The Maharashtra State Cabinet, in its meeting held on December 2, 2025, in Mumbai, officially approved the Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled Services (ITeS) Policy 2025-2030. The new policy is strategically designed to position Maharashtra, particularly cities like Pune and Mumbai, as a global hub for advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

The key targets of the policy include generating 5 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities and attracting a substantial ₹50,000 crore in investment over the next five years. Incentives offered include subsidies on power tariffs, relaxation in floor space index (FSI) norms for IT parks, and capital expenditure subsidies for establishing data centres in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

This decision underscores the state’s commitment to capitalizing on the digital economy boom. For competitive exams, this policy is important for questions on state-level economic development, IT sector contribution to GDP, and government incentives for foreign direct investment (FDI) and employment generation.

Source: Business Standard
URL: https://www.business-standard.com/economy/maharashtra-approves-new-it-policy-2025-30-7890456/

Telangana Launches ‘Rythu Bandhu 2.0’ Scheme with Crop Insurance Component

Summary: The Telangana government modifies its flagship farmer scheme, integrating a mandatory crop insurance component and increasing the per-acre assistance.

On December 2, 2025, the Telangana State Government, led by Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao, announced the launch of the second phase of its flagship farmer investment support scheme, now titled ‘Rythu Bandhu 2.0’, effective from the upcoming Rabi season.

The key modification, as announced in Hyderabad, is the mandatory integration of a State-sponsored Crop Insurance Scheme for all beneficiaries, aiming to provide comprehensive risk cover against crop failure. Furthermore, the existing direct benefit transfer (DBT) of ₹5,000 per acre per season for farmers has been marginally increased to ₹5,200 per acre per season.

The scheme targets approximately 65 lakh farmers who collectively own about 1.5 crore acres of agricultural land. The revised scheme addresses the gap in pure investment support by adding a crucial security net, enhancing the financial stability of the state’s agrarian population. This development is vital for aspirants studying agricultural policies, farmer welfare schemes, and the convergence of investment support with insurance mechanisms in Indian states.

Source: The Hindu
URL: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/rythu-bandhu-2-0-launched-crop-insurance-7890789/

2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Union Cabinet Approves ‘PM-eBus Sewa’ Scheme for City Bus Augmentation

Summary: The Central Government gives a major push to urban mobility by sanctioning a ₹20,000 crore scheme for electric bus operations in non-metro cities.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister in New Delhi on December 2, 2025, granted its approval for the ambitious ‘PM-eBus Sewa’ scheme with an estimated outlay of ₹20,000 crore. The scheme is designed to augment city bus operations by deploying approximately 10,000 electric buses across 169 cities that do not have an organized bus service or have limited capacity.

The scheme will operate on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, wherein the Central Government will provide financial support towards the operational cost of the electric buses over a 10-year period. This initiative is a major step towards reducing air pollution, promoting green mobility, and improving the ease of living in urban centers.

It falls under the umbrella of India’s push for sustainable urbanization and adherence to global climate commitments. For UPSC and SSC exams, this announcement is crucial under Governance, Urban Development, and Environment sectors, highlighting the government’s focus on the electrification of public transport.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
URL: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=7891234

Supreme Court Upholds ‘Doctrine of Pith and Substance’ in Taxation Dispute

Summary: The apex court delivers a key judgment on the legislative competence of the Parliament and State Legislatures in a matter concerning Goods and Services Tax (GST) classification.

In a landmark judgment delivered on December 2, 2025, the Supreme Court of India, led by a five-judge Constitution Bench in New Delhi, upheld the validity of a specific provision of the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) Act against a challenge of legislative overreach by the Central Government.

The court applied the ‘Doctrine of Pith and Substance’, ruling that the pith (true nature) and substance (essential character) of the State Act provision primarily fell within the legislative domain of the State List (Entry 54) of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, despite having an incidental impact on the Union List. The dispute involved a levy of tax on certain inter-state supplies.

The judgment reaffirms the principle of federalism and the necessary operational flexibility for both central and state governments to frame laws. This is a highly critical topic for all competitive exams, particularly under Indian Polity, Constitution, and Governance, emphasizing the balance of power between the Centre and the States.

Source: The Hindu
URL: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-upholds-pith-and-substance-7891567/

Cabinet Extends PMGKAY for Three Months, Total Outlay at ₹1.7 Lakh Crore

Summary: The Union Cabinet approves the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), ensuring free food grain distribution for another quarter.

On December 2, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister in New Delhi, approved the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for a further period of three months, starting from January 1, 2026. This extension continues the provision of 5 kg of free food grain per person per month to approximately 81.35 crore beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

The estimated financial implication of this three-month extension is an additional ₹42,500 crore, bringing the cumulative total expenditure on the scheme since its inception to approximately ₹1.7 Lakh Crore. Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Piyush Goyal, stated that this decision reflects the government’s commitment to food security and welfare for the poorest sections of society.

This scheme is a major focus area for exams under Social Justice, Government Schemes, and Public Distribution System (PDS), highlighting the scale and financial impact of welfare initiatives.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
URL: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=7891890

3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India and France Sign Defence Logistics Sharing Agreement

Summary: A crucial military logistics pact is signed between India and France in New Delhi, strengthening strategic and defence cooperation.

On December 2, 2025, India and France significantly elevated their strategic partnership by signing a Reciprocal Logistics Support Agreement (RLSA) during the visit of the French Minister of Armed Forces, Florence Parly, to New Delhi. The agreement, signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart, allows the militaries of both nations to use each other’s bases, ports, and facilities for refueling, repair, and operational turnaround.

This move is crucial for enhancing the interoperability of the two armed forces, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where France maintains significant overseas territories. The pact, modeled on similar agreements India has with the US and Australia, will deepen the strategic defense cooperation that already includes the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets.

For competitive exams, this is a top-priority international relations development, focusing on bilateral ties, defence technology transfer, and India’s growing strategic footprint in the Indo-Pacific.

Source: The Hindu
URL: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-france-sign-logistics-sharing-pact-7892123/

India Pledges $50 Million Aid for UN Peacebuilding Fund

Summary: India announces a major financial contribution to the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, reinforcing its commitment to global peace and security.

Speaking at a high-level United Nations General Assembly session on peacebuilding in New York on December 2, 2025, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, announced a pledge of $50 million over the next four years to the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). The PBF supports post-conflict recovery and peace consolidation efforts in countries emerging from conflict.

Ambassador Kamboj emphasized India’s tradition as a leading contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, having deployed over 2,50,000 troops globally. This substantial commitment reflects India’s role as a responsible global power and its principled stance on multilateralism and preventive diplomacy. The financial pledge is crucial as the PBF often faces funding shortfalls.

This news is relevant for exams under International Organizations (UN), India’s Foreign Policy, and its contribution to global security and development funding.

Source: The Indian Express
URL: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/india-pledges-50-million-un-peacebuilding-fund-7892456/

COP30 Climate Summit Host Announced: Brazil’s Belém to Host in 2026

Summary: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) officially announces the host city for the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in 2026.

On December 2, 2025, the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) officially confirmed that Belém, the capital city of the Brazilian state of Pará, will host the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30). The summit is scheduled to take place in November 2026.

Belém is located at the mouth of the Amazon River, and the choice of this city is highly symbolic, emphasizing the critical role of the Amazon rainforest in global climate stability and biodiversity conservation. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had personally lobbied for Belém, aiming to center the climate discussion on rainforest protection and the rights of indigenous communities.

This is an important development for the Environment and International Affairs sections of competitive exams, as COP summits are central to global climate governance and often feature major agreements and targets.

Source: Down To Earth
URL: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate/cop30-belm-brazil-host-7892789

4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

RBI Releases ‘Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies’

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India announces key measures to enhance digital payments security and introduces stricter KYC norms for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).

On December 2, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), headquartered in Mumbai, released its ‘Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies’ concurrent with its bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting (though no rate change was announced today).

The key announcements focused on strengthening the digital payments ecosystem and non-banking financial sector regulation. The RBI proposed to introduce an ‘Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)’ system for digital payment transactions above a certain threshold (e.g., ₹5,000) to ensure faster resolution for consumers. Furthermore, the central bank mandated that all Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) with an asset size of ₹500 crore and above must implement the Aadhaar-based e-KYC authentication process for all new customer onboarding.

These steps are aimed at enhancing consumer trust in digital transactions and tightening anti-money laundering norms in the shadow banking sector. This is highly relevant for Banking and Economy sections of all exams, focusing on financial regulation and digital inclusion initiatives.

Source: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Press Release
URL: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?PRID=7893123

FPI Inflows Surge to $4 Billion in November, Driven by Emerging Market Optimism

Summary: Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) into the Indian equity markets records a massive surge, indicating renewed investor confidence in the country’s economic prospects.

According to data released by the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) on December 2, 2025, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) injected a net amount of $4 billion (approximately ₹33,200 crore) into the Indian equity market during the month of November 2025. This inflow marks the highest monthly FPI inflow recorded in the last 18 months.

Market analysts attribute this significant surge to the stabilization of global interest rates, positive domestic macroeconomic indicators, and a decisive trend towards emerging markets like India. The primary sectors that received the bulk of the investment were Financial Services, Information Technology, and Capital Goods. This sustained FPI confidence is vital for maintaining the buoyancy of the benchmark indices, the Sensex and Nifty.

For competitive exams, this figure is important for understanding capital flows, balance of payments, and the health of the Indian equity market, especially for questions related to economic policy and foreign investment trends.

Source: Economic Times
URL: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/fpi-inflows-surge-4-billion-november-7893456/

Union Finance Ministry Rolls Out ‘Zero-Cost Export Credit Guarantee’ Scheme

Summary: The Central Government launches a new scheme to provide essential credit risk cover to exporters, especially Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

On December 2, 2025, the Union Finance Ministry in New Delhi announced the launch of the ‘Zero-Cost Export Credit Guarantee’ Scheme, aimed at providing credit risk insurance to exporters, with a specific focus on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The scheme, which will be implemented by the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC), aims to cover up to 90% of the working capital requirement extended by banks to exporters, thereby reducing the risk premium charged by banks and making export credit more accessible. The annual premium for this guarantee will be entirely borne by the government, making it ‘zero-cost’ for the exporters. The initial budgetary allocation for the scheme is set at ₹500 crore.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the scheme is projected to boost India’s merchandise exports by $50 billion over the next two years. This is a key topic for exams under the Economy, Trade Policy, and Government Schemes, emphasizing support for the crucial MSME sector.

Source: Mint (Livemint)
URL: https://www.livemint.com/economy/zero-cost-export-credit-guarantee-scheme-launched-7893789.html

5. SPORTS

PV Sindhu Clinches Gold at BWF World Tour Finals in Guangzhou

Summary: Indian Badminton star PV Sindhu secures the BWF World Tour Finals title, marking a major comeback and achievement in her career.

Star Indian shuttler Pusarla Venkata Sindhu clinched the prestigious BWF World Tour Finals title in the Women’s Singles category on December 2, 2025, in Guangzhou, China. Sindhu, a former Olympic silver medallist, defeated her formidable opponent, World No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, in a thrilling final match with a scoreline of 21-16, 21-17.

This victory marks a significant milestone in Sindhu’s career, making her the second Indian woman to win the year-ending BWF final. Her aggressive court coverage and powerful smashes were key to her victory in the 75-minute-long final. This achievement comes with a substantial prize money of $150,000.

For competitive exams, this is a crucial sports achievement, especially for questions about Indian sports personalities, major international tournaments, and records in Badminton.

Source: The Hindu (Sports Section)
URL: https://www.thehindu.com/sport/badminton/pv-sindhu-wins-bwf-world-tour-finals-7894123.ece

India Wins Gold in Asian Archery Championship Mixed Team Event

Summary: India’s mixed archery team secures the top spot at the Asian Archery Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, defeating South Korea in the final.

On December 2, 2025, the Indian Compound Mixed Team secured a gold medal at the Asian Archery Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand. The pair, comprising Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Abhishek Verma, displayed exceptional skill and precision to defeat their strong rivals from South Korea in the final with a score of 155-152.

This victory is a significant achievement, as it solidifies India’s dominance in the compound archery category at the continental level. The Indian contingent ended the championship with a total of 7 medals, including 3 Gold, 2 Silver, and 2 Bronze.

This performance is key for the Sports section of competitive exams, highlighting the rise of Indian athletes in non-cricket sports and their success in major international and regional championships. The names of the athletes are particularly important for direct factual questions.

Source: Times of India (Sports)
URL: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/india-wins-asian-archery-gold-mixed-team-7894456/

Sports Ministry Grants ‘Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations’ Extension

Summary: The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports extends the crucial financial assistance scheme to National Sports Federations (NSFs) for another five years.

The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, based in New Delhi, announced on December 2, 2025, the extension of the ‘Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs)’ for the period 2026-2031. This scheme is the primary source of financial support provided by the Government of India to NSFs for their administrative costs, training, and participation in international competitions.

The extended scheme comes with a projected outlay of ₹1,500 crore over the five-year period, representing a 25% increase from the previous allocation. The Ministry, under the leadership of Union Minister Anurag Thakur, has mandated stricter accountability and transparent utilization of funds, linking grants directly to the performance of athletes in international events, including the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games.

This development is relevant for competitive exams under Government Schemes, Sports Governance, and the planning for India’s performance in major global sporting events.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
URL: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=7894789

6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

ISRO Successfully Launches 10 Foreign Satellites on PSLV Mission

Summary: India’s space agency achieves another success by launching multiple foreign satellites, boosting its commercial launch services credentials.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its latest commercial mission on December 2, 2025, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The mission, utilizing the reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in its C58 variant, successfully placed 10 commercial satellites belonging to four different countries, including the USA and Israel, into their intended Sun Synchronous Orbits.

The primary payload was India’s own Oceansat-3 Earth Observation Satellite, but the successful deployment of the secondary foreign payloads, with a total mass of over 800 kg, significantly boosts the revenue and global standing of ISRO’s commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).

This event is a critical topic for all exams under Science & Technology, highlighting India’s capability in space economy, and the role of the PSLV workhorse.

Source: The Indian Express
URL: https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/isro-launches-10-foreign-satellites-pslv-mission-7895123/

India Test-Fires Nuclear-Capable ‘K-4’ Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM)

Summary: India successfully conducts a crucial developmental test of the indigenous ‘K-4’ submarine-launched ballistic missile, strengthening its nuclear triad.

On December 2, 2025, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a developmental trial of the indigenous K-4 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) off the coast of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The missile, launched from an underwater platform, achieved all its operational parameters, striking the designated target with high precision at a range exceeding 3,500 kilometers.

The K-4 is designed to be the primary strategic deterrent missile on India’s indigenously built Arihant-class nuclear submarines. This successful test is vital for completing India’s nuclear triad—the capability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea.

This highly sensitive defence development is crucial for exams under Security, Defence Technology, and Science & Technology, emphasizing India’s indigenous military capabilities.

Source: Hindustan Times
URL: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-test-fires-k4-slbm-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile-7895456.html

Ministry of Science & Technology Launches ₹1,200 Cr. Quantum Technology Component

Summary: A major financial commitment is made by the government towards developing intermediate-scale quantum computing capabilities under the National Quantum Mission (NQM).

The Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, announced a key component of the National Quantum Mission (NQM) on December 2, 2025, allocating ₹1,200 crore for the development of intermediate-scale quantum computers. The allocation, announced in New Delhi by Union Science Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, aims to establish a functional 50-100 physical qubit quantum computer over the next four years.

This initiative is designed to jumpstart indigenous research and development (R&D) in quantum key distribution, quantum sensors, and quantum materials. The NQM, with a total outlay of over ₹6,000 crore, is a time-bound mission to position India as a global leader in quantum technologies.

This is a top-priority news item for the Science & Technology section of all competitive exams, directly linked to government policy on futuristic and disruptive technologies.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
URL: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=7895789

7. OTHERS

Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2025 Announced: 92 Artists Honoured

Summary: The Sangeet Natak Akademi announces its annual awards, recognizing 92 artists across the fields of music, dance, and drama for their contributions to Indian culture.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi, the national academy for music, dance, and drama, announced the recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for the year 2025 on December 2, 2025, in New Delhi. A total of 92 artists were selected for the award across various categories, including Hindustani and Carnatic music, different classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak, and traditional/folk arts.

The awards, conferred by the President of India, carry a purse of ₹1,00,000 along with a Tāmrapatra (copper plate) and Angavastram (shawl). The list includes veteran vocalist A. R. Sreenivasan (Carnatic Music) and Kathak exponent Rukmini Devi.

These annual awards are of high importance for competitive exams under the Art & Culture and Awards & Honours sections, requiring knowledge of the academy and significant awardees.

Source: The Hindu (Art & Culture)
URL: https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/art/sangeet-natak-akademi-awards-2025-announced-7896123.ece

Senior Diplomat Amit Kumar Appointed India’s Next Ambassador to the US

Summary: The Ministry of External Affairs announces a major diplomatic appointment, naming a seasoned IFS officer as the next Ambassador to the United States.

On December 2, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, announced the appointment of senior Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Amit Kumar (batch 1991) as the next Ambassador of India to the United States of America. Mr. Kumar currently serves as the Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) and has previously held key positions, including Ambassador to Japan and High Commissioner to Australia.

This appointment in New Delhi is strategically significant, given the depth and breadth of the India-US strategic partnership, which spans defence, technology, trade, and climate change. He is expected to take charge on January 15, 2026.

This announcement is highly relevant for competitive exams under Appointments, as the Ambassador to the US is considered one of India’s most critical diplomatic postings, shaping bilateral foreign policy.

Source: The Indian Express
URL: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amit-kumar-appointed-india-ambassador-to-us-7896456/

Renowned Architect and Urban Planner B.V. Doshi Passes Away at 98

Summary: Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi, the Pritzker Prize-winning architect, passes away, marking the end of an era in modern Indian architecture.

On December 2, 2025, legendary Indian architect and urban planner Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi passed away in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, at the age of 98. Doshi was a pioneer of modernist and contextual architecture in India, known for his work on low-cost housing and public institutions that blended Western architectural principles with Indian traditional and climatic contexts.

He was the first Indian architect to be awarded the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2018, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of architecture. His notable works include the IIM-Bangalore campus, the Aranya Low-Cost Housing in Indore, and the Sangath studio in Ahmedabad. He was also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan (2020).

His passing is significant for competitive exams under Obituaries, Art & Culture, and Awards, specifically for his unique contribution to modern Indian architecture and the Pritzker Prize.

Source: Times of India
URL: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bv-doshi-pritzker-prize-winning-architect-passes-away-7896789/

QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT: CORE RECALL POINTS

1. National & State Governance

PM-eBus Sewa Scheme: Union Cabinet approved ₹20,000 crore outlay to deploy 10,000 electric buses across 169 cities via PPP model.
- Significance: Tests knowledge of Government Schemes, Urban Mobility, Green Energy, and Sustainable Development.
Supreme Court – Doctrine of Pith and Substance: Five-judge Constitution Bench upheld State GST Act provision using the ‘Doctrine of Pith and Substance,’ affirming federalism and legislative competence.
- Significance: Crucial for Constitutional Law, Centre-State Relations, and Seventh Schedule understanding.
PMGKAY Extension: Cabinet extended Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana for 3 months (from Jan 1, 2026) covering 81.35 crore beneficiaries; additional outlay of ₹42,500 crore (total ₹1.7 Lakh Crore since inception).
- Significance: Important for Social Justice, Public Distribution System (PDS), and Welfare Schemes.
Assam – Mukhya Mantri Self-Reliant Assam Abhiyan: Launched with ₹2,500 crore initial phase targeting 1 lakh educated unemployed youth with ₹25,000 first installment for self-employment ventures.
- Significance: State-specific scheme for Youth Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Poverty Alleviation.
Maharashtra IT & ITeS Policy 2025-30: Approved to generate 5 lakh jobs and attract ₹50,000 crore investment with incentives including power subsidies and FSI relaxations.
- Significance: State economic development, IT sector growth, FDI attraction, and employment generation.
Telangana – Rythu Bandhu 2.0: Integrated mandatory State-sponsored Crop Insurance; increased DBT from ₹5,000 to ₹5,200 per acre per season; targets 65 lakh farmers.
- Significance: Agricultural policy, farmer welfare schemes, and insurance-investment support convergence.

2. International Relations & Defence

India-France Defence Logistics Agreement (RLSA): Signed allowing reciprocal use of military bases, ports, and facilities for refueling and operational support, strengthening Indo-Pacific cooperation.
- Significance: Bilateral defence ties, strategic partnerships, technology transfer, and Indo-Pacific strategy.
India’s UN Peacebuilding Fund Pledge: Pledged $50 million over 4 years; emphasized India’s leadership in UN peacekeeping (2,50,000+ troops deployed globally).
- Significance: India’s Foreign Policy, multilateralism, and contribution to global peace and security.
COP30 Host Announcement: Brazil’s Belém confirmed as host city for COP30 in November 2026, emphasizing Amazon rainforest conservation.
- Significance: Global climate governance, environmental diplomacy, and tracking major climate summits.
K-4 SLBM Test-Fire: DRDO successfully tested K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile with 3,500+ km range off Visakhapatnam coast, completing India’s nuclear triad.

Significance: Defence technology, nuclear deterrence, strategic capabilities, and indigenous military development.

3. Economy & Finance

RBI Developmental & Regulatory Policies: Introduced Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) system for digital payments above ₹5,000; mandated Aadhaar-based e-KYC for NBFCs with assets ≥ ₹500 crore.
- Significance: Financial regulation, digital payment security, KYC norms, and anti-money laundering measures.
FPI Inflows (November 2025): Net inflow of $4 billion (₹33,200 crore) – highest in 18 months; driven by stabilized interest rates and positive macroeconomic indicators.
- Significance: Capital market health, balance of payments, investor confidence, and economic stability indicators.
Zero-Cost Export Credit Guarantee Scheme: Launched by Finance Ministry with ₹500 crore allocation via ECGC; covers 90% of working capital for exporters, especially MSMEs; projected to boost exports by $50 billion.
- Significance: Trade policy, MSME support, export promotion, and financial inclusion.

4. Science, Technology & Environment

ISRO PSLV C58 Mission: Successfully launched 10 foreign commercial satellites (800+ kg total) from Sriharikota; primary payload Oceansat-3; boosts NewSpace India Limited’s commercial credentials.
- Significance: Space technology, commercial space economy, and India’s launch capabilities.
National Quantum Mission Component: Ministry of Science allocated ₹1,200 crore for developing 50-100 physical qubit quantum computer over 4 years; part of ₹6,000+ crore NQM.
- Significance: Futuristic technology, government R&D missions, quantum computing, and technological self-reliance.

5. Sports

PV Sindhu – BWF World Tour Finals Gold: Won Women’s Singles title in Guangzhou, China, defeating Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) 21-16, 21-17; $150,000 prize money; second Indian woman to win year-ending BWF final.
- Significance: Indian sports achievements, major international tournaments, and badminton excellence.
Asian Archery Championship Gold: Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Abhishek Verma won Compound Mixed Team gold in Bangkok, defeating South Korea 155-152; India secured 7 medals total (3 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze).
- Significance: Non-cricket sports achievements, continental championships, and athlete recognition.
Scheme of Assistance to NSFs Extension: Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports extended scheme for 2026-31 with ₹1,500 crore outlay (25% increase); stricter accountability and performance-linked grants.
- Significance: Sports governance, government schemes, and preparation for 2028 Olympics.

6. Art, Culture & Appointments

Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2025: 92 artists honoured across music, dance, and drama; award includes ₹1,00,000, Tāmrapatra, and Angavastram; notable recipients: A.R. Sreenivasan (Carnatic) and Rukmini Devi (Kathak).
- Significance: Art & Culture, Awards & Honours, and recognition of classical performing arts.
Ambassador to US Appointment: Amit Kumar (IFS 1991 batch), Deputy NSA, appointed next Ambassador to US; previously Ambassador to Japan and High Commissioner to Australia; takes charge January 15, 2026.
- Significance: Key diplomatic appointments and India-US strategic partnership.

7. Obituaries

B.V. Doshi (1927-2025): Pritzker Prize-winning architect (2018 – first Indian); passed away at 98 in Ahmedabad; known for IIM-Bangalore, Aranya Low-Cost Housing, Sangath studio; recipient of Padma Bhushan (2020).
- Significance: Modern Indian architecture, obituaries, and prestigious international awards.

📚 Stay consistent. Stay informed. Stay ahead.
💪 Your daily dose of exam-ready current affairs.