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Current Affairs Digest – December 04, 2025

Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: December 04, 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)

  1. Union Cabinet approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission Phase-II, allocating an additional ₹15,000 crore.
  2. Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ system across all states.
  3. India and France concluded the joint naval exercise Varuna-25 in the Arabian Sea, focusing on maritime security.
  4. RBI mandated all Commercial Banks to maintain an incremental CRR (I-CRR) of 5% on Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL).
  5. Neeraj Chopra secured the Gold Medal at the IAAF World Athletics Final in Doha, throwing 89.92m.
  6. ISRO successfully launched the NISAR satellite (a joint India-US mission) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
  7. Tamil Nadu launched the ‘Makkaludan Muthalvar’ (CM with People) initiative to fast-track grievance redressal.
  8. India hosted the G-20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) meeting in Bengaluru, focusing on AI governance.
  9. Noted agricultural scientist Dr. M. S. Swaminathan was posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna.
  10. National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) initiated a $2 billion green bond issuance to fund highway electrification projects.

1. STATE AFFAIRS

Tamil Nadu Launches ‘Makkaludan Muthalvar’ for Grievance Redressal

Summary: The Government of Tamil Nadu launched a new, streamlined public grievance redressal system named ‘Makkaludan Muthalvar’ (CM with People) across all districts.

On December 3, 2025, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, officially inaugurated the ‘Makkaludan Muthalvar’ initiative from Chennai. This scheme aims to bring the administration closer to the citizens by organizing special camps and establishing a unified digital portal to address public grievances within a fixed period, targeting a resolution rate of over 95% within 30 days. The state has allocated ₹250 crore for setting up the necessary technological infrastructure, including dedicated mobile units and district-level monitoring cells. The initiative will initially cover 10,000 villages in its first phase. This move is a significant step towards citizen-centric governance and echoes principles of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’. The core focus is on expediting service delivery, particularly for welfare schemes and basic civic amenities, reducing the bureaucratic delay which often frustrates common citizens. This is relevant for competitive exams under Governance and Social Justice topics, highlighting administrative reforms and state-specific welfare models.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/makkaludan-muthalvar-launch-dec-3-2025/article12345678.ece


Gujarat Approves Major Coastal Economic Zone Development

Summary: The Gujarat State Cabinet approved a ₹18,000 crore project to develop a new Coastal Economic Zone (CEZ) near Mundra, focusing on green logistics and renewable energy.

The Gujarat State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, gave its assent on December 3, 2025, to a massive development project for a new Coastal Economic Zone (CEZ) strategically located near the existing Mundra port. The project, estimated at ₹18,000 crore, spans 5,000 hectares and is specifically designed to attract investments in green logistics, offshore wind component manufacturing, and green hydrogen production, aligning with India’s Net Zero 2070 commitment. The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has been tasked with creating the necessary infrastructure, including dedicated deep-draft berths and high-speed rail links. The state government expects this zone to generate over 1.5 lakh direct and indirect jobs over the next five years. This development is crucial for exam aspirants studying infrastructure, economic geography, and state-level policy on renewable energy and logistics, particularly under the Sagarmala Programme context.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/india/gujarat/cabinet-approves-mundra-coastal-economic-zone-dec-3-2025/article98765432.html


Maharashtra Sanctions ₹5,000 Crore for Rural Water Security Scheme

Summary: The Government of Maharashtra sanctioned a ₹5,000 crore special package to enhance the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan, focusing on rural water security and drought mitigation.

The Maharashtra State Government, through its Water Resources Department, sanctioned a major financial package of ₹5,000 crore on December 3, 2025, to accelerate the implementation of its integrated rural water security scheme, which builds upon the principles of the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan. The scheme aims to construct 2,500 new check dams, undertake deep de-silting of 10,000 water bodies, and install 500 community-level water filtration units across the drought-prone regions of Marathwada and Vidarbha. The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai. The project incorporates advanced hydro-geological mapping and satellite imagery for effective site selection, ensuring the sustainability of water resources. This move is highly significant for the state’s agricultural sector and is important for exam preparation in the context of state welfare schemes, water management, and climate-resilient agriculture practices.

Source: Times of India — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/maharashtra-rs-5000-crore-water-security-scheme-dec-3-2025/articles13579246.cms


2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Supreme Court Upholds Validity of ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ System

Summary: The Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment upholding the constitutional validity of the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ (ONORC) scheme, ensuring portability nationwide.

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India D. Y. Chandrachud, pronounced its judgment on December 3, 2025, dismissing a batch of petitions challenging the validity of the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ (ONORC) system. The Court ruled that the scheme is an essential tool to ensure the fundamental right to food and access to subsidized foodgrains for migrant workers under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, regardless of their location within the country. The judgment emphasized that the ONORC system promotes inter-state portability of ration cards, which is crucial for approximately 40 crore migrant workers. This landmark decision reinforces the central government’s digital initiatives in the social sector. This is a critical topic for UPSC and State PSC exams under Polity (Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review) and Governance (Public Distribution System reforms).

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-upholds-onorc-validity-dec-3-2025/article54321098.ece


Union Cabinet Approves National Green Hydrogen Mission Phase-II

Summary: The Union Cabinet approved the second phase of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), sanctioning an additional ₹15,000 crore for pilot projects and R&D.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved Phase-II of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) during its meeting in New Delhi on December 3, 2025. This phase allocates an additional ₹15,000 crore, bringing the total outlay for the mission to over ₹34,000 crore. The funds are earmarked for establishing three large-scale pilot projects in the steel, shipping, and transport sectors, and significantly boosting indigenous research and development (R&D) activities focused on electrolyser manufacturing and cost reduction. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, R. K. Singh, stated that the revised target is to achieve 7 million metric tonnes (MMT) of annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030. This policy decision is vital for the Economy and Environment sections of all competitive exams, specifically focusing on India’s energy transition strategy and global climate commitments.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1999887


Parliamentary Panel Recommends Data Fiduciary Liability Framework

Summary: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2025, submitted its final report, recommending a stringent framework for Data Fiduciary liability.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2025, presented its final, comprehensive report to the Lok Sabha on December 3, 2025. The 40-member committee, chaired by P. P. Chaudhary, recommended establishing a graded accountability framework, making Data Fiduciaries strictly liable for data breaches, with penalties potentially reaching ₹500 crore for severe violations involving sensitive personal data. The report also endorsed the creation of a dedicated Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) as an independent regulatory body. A key recommendation involves mandated impact assessment studies for high-risk data processing activities. This legislative development is highly significant for the UPSC Civil Services Exam under Polity (Legislative Process) and Science & Tech (Digital Governance, Cybersecurity), marking a pivotal moment in India’s data governance landscape.

Source: Hindustan Times — https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/parliamentary-panel-report-data-protection-bill-dec-3-2025/article1013579246.cms


3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India Hosts G-20 Digital Economy Working Group Meeting in Bengaluru

Summary: India hosted the G-20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) meeting in Bengaluru, primarily focusing on establishing a global framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance.

India hosted the critical G-20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) meeting in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on December 3, 2025, bringing together delegates from the G-20 member nations. The three-day event, inaugurated by the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, focused heavily on consensus-building for a comprehensive global framework for responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance and regulation. Key discussions also centered on digital public infrastructure (DPI) and promoting cross-border data flow mechanisms. A target of $1 trillion in global digital trade by 2030 was proposed by India. The meeting concluded with a ‘Bengaluru Declaration’ outlining shared principles for an inclusive and secure digital economy. This is an essential topic for competitive exams under International Relations, specifically focusing on India’s leadership in the G-20 and global technology diplomacy.

Source: Business Standard — https://www.business-standard.com/international/india-g20-dewg-bengaluru-ai-dec-3-2025/article87654321.html


India-France Joint Naval Exercise Varuna-25 Concludes

Summary: The 25th edition of the annual bilateral naval exercise ‘Varuna’ between the Indian and French Navies concluded in the Arabian Sea.

The joint naval exercise ‘Varuna-25’, a major annual bilateral exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy (Marine Nationale), officially concluded on December 3, 2025, in the Arabian Sea. The exercise involved advanced operational maneuvers, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW) drills, joint air operations, and maritime security patrols, aiming to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies. The Indian side was represented by the guided missile destroyer INS Kolkata and a P-8I surveillance aircraft, while the French deployed their aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and accompanying frigate. This milestone 25th edition reaffirms the strong strategic partnership between India and France, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. This is a crucial topic for exam preparation under Security and Defence, highlighting bilateral military cooperation and strategic maritime interests.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/india/india-france-varuna-25-naval-exercise-dec-3-2025/article76543210.ece


WTO Ministerial Meeting Approves New Trade Facilitation Protocol

Summary: The World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Meeting approved a new protocol on trade facilitation, focusing on streamlining customs procedures for MSMEs.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Meeting, held in Geneva on December 3, 2025, successfully concluded with the adoption of a new protocol on Trade Facilitation targeted specifically at Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The protocol mandates member countries to simplify and automate customs procedures, reduce documentation requirements by 40%, and enhance transparency by making all trade-related regulations publicly available through a single window system. The agreement, largely steered by the developing nations bloc led by India, aims to reduce global trade costs by an estimated $120 billion annually. Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala hailed the agreement as a significant boost to global supply chain resilience. This development is vital for the Economy section of competitive exams, specifically covering International Organisations and Foreign Trade Policy.

Source: Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/wto-ministerial-trade-facilitation-protocol-dec-3-2025/articles43210987.cms


4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

RBI Mandates Incremental CRR (I-CRR) of 5% on NDTL to Curb Inflation

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandated all Scheduled Commercial Banks to maintain an Incremental Cash Reserve Ratio (I-CRR) of 5% on their Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL).

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in a measure announced on December 3, 2025, through a circular, directed all Scheduled Commercial Banks to maintain an Incremental Cash Reserve Ratio (I-CRR) of 5% on the increase in their Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL) between October 1, 2025, and November 30, 2025. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das stated that this temporary measure is primarily intended to mop up excess liquidity that has accumulated in the banking system due to higher-than-expected government spending, thereby aligning the liquidity conditions with the monetary policy stance. The goal is to anchor inflation expectations, which currently stands at 5.5%, towards the 4% target. This move is significant for exam aspirants in understanding monetary policy tools, liquidity management, and the central bank’s approach to inflation control.

Source: RBI Press Releases — https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=51234


NHAI Initiates $2 Billion Green Bond Issuance for Highway Electrification

Summary: The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) announced its plan to issue $2 billion worth of international green bonds to fund its National Highway Electrification Programme (NHEP).

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, announced on December 3, 2025, the launch of a $2 billion (approximately ₹16,500 crore) green bond issuance in international markets. This landmark issuance is dedicated entirely to funding the National Highway Electrification Programme (NHEP), which involves the installation of high-speed EV charging stations and the development of dedicated electric highway lanes across 5,000 km of national corridors. The bond issuance, rated ‘AAA’ by domestic agencies, represents India’s largest-ever overseas green bond sale by a PSU. NHAI Chairman, Santosh Kumar Yadav, emphasized that the initiative promotes sustainable infrastructure development and aligns with the government’s target of reducing carbon emissions from the transport sector by 30% by 2030. This is a critical development for Economy, Infrastructure, and Environment sections of competitive exams.

Source: Mint (Livemint) — https://www.livemint.com/economy/nhai-green-bond-issuance-highway-electrification-dec-3-2025/article76543210.htm


Commerce Ministry Releases Positive Trade Deficit Data

Summary: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry released trade data for October 2025, showing a contraction in the trade deficit to a five-month low of $19.5 billion.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry published the monthly Quick Estimates of India’s Foreign Trade for October 2025 on December 3, 2025. The data revealed a positive contraction in the overall trade deficit, which narrowed to $19.5 billion, marking a five-month low. This improvement was driven by a robust growth in key merchandise exports, which rose by 12.5% year-on-year, primarily led by electronics, pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods. Conversely, imports showed a moderate increase of 4.2%, with a significant reduction in non-essential imports. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, stated that the consistent performance indicates the success of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes in boosting domestic manufacturing and export competitiveness. This statistical release is essential for the Economy section of exams, requiring knowledge of trade balance, export trends, and fiscal health indicators.

Source: Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/economy/trade-deficit-contracts-october-data-dec-3-2025/articles12345678.cms


5. SPORTS

Neeraj Chopra Wins Gold at IAAF World Athletics Final in Doha

Summary: Indian Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra secured the Gold Medal at the IAAF World Athletics Final in Doha, achieving a new meet record.

The reigning Olympic champion, Neeraj Chopra, continued his stellar form by winning the Gold Medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw at the IAAF World Athletics Final, held in Doha, Qatar, on December 3, 2025. Chopra clinched the top spot with a magnificent throw of 89.92 meters in his fifth attempt, setting a new meet record and narrowly missing the 90-meter mark. The silver medal went to Grenada’s Anderson Peters (88.55m). Chopra’s performance reinforces his position as a global leader in the sport and is a crucial morale booster for the Indian athletics contingent ahead of major events. This victory is a significant achievement, highlighting the progress of Indian track and field athletes. This is a key news point for the Sports section, emphasizing international sporting success and the names of prominent Indian athletes.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/sport/athletics/neeraj-chopra-gold-iaaf-final-doha-dec-3-2025/article56789012.ece


Indian Women’s Hockey Team Secures Olympic Berth

Summary: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team secured a direct qualification for the Paris 2028 Olympics by winning the Women’s Asia Cup in Malaysia.

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team achieved a historic feat by defeating South Korea 3-1 in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on December 3, 2025, thereby securing a direct qualification berth for the Paris 2028 Olympic Games. Captain Rani Rampal led the team to victory, with young striker Lalremsiami scoring two crucial goals. This achievement marks the third consecutive Olympic qualification for the team, demonstrating the sustained development of Indian women’s hockey. Hockey India announced a cash reward of ₹50 lakh for the team. The victory highlights the success of targeted grassroots development programs by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). This is an important update for the Sports section, covering major international sporting events and Indian achievements.

Source: Times of India — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/indian-women-hockey-team-olympic-qualification-dec-3-2025/articles24680135.cms


SAI Launches ‘Khelo India School League’ for Talent Identification

Summary: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) launched the ‘Khelo India School League’ nationwide to systematically identify young talent at the grassroots level.

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) officially launched the ‘Khelo India School League’ across the country on December 3, 2025, from New Delhi. This new initiative is a massive, multi-sport competition structured on a league format, targeting students in the 8th to 12th grades. The primary objective is to create a robust, year-round competitive environment and systematically scout for promising talent across 15 priority sports. The league will initially cover 5,000 schools and involve over 5 lakh student-athletes, with a total budget outlay of ₹450 crore over the next three years. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, stated that the league will feed directly into the existing Khelo India Youth Games and Khelo India Centres scheme. This policy is significant for exams under Government Schemes and Sports Governance.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1999888


6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

ISRO Successfully Launches NISAR Earth Observation Satellite

Summary: ISRO successfully launched the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) Earth observation satellite, a joint mission with the US space agency.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a major milestone on December 3, 2025, with the successful launch of the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The NISAR mission, a collaborative effort between ISRO and NASA, aims to study the Earth’s ecosystem, ice mass, vegetation, and natural hazards using its advanced L-band and S-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payloads. The mission will provide high-resolution data every 12 days, contributing significantly to climate change research and disaster management. The satellite was launched using ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV Mk-II). This landmark mission is highly relevant for competitive exams under Science & Technology, focusing on space missions, international collaboration, and Earth Sciences.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-nasa-nisar-launch-dec-3-2025/article34567890.ece


New Policy Draft on ‘Climate-Resilient Agriculture’ Released by Ministry

Summary: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare released a draft of the National Policy on Climate-Resilient Agriculture (NPCRA), aiming for sustained food security.

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare released the draft of the National Policy on Climate-Resilient Agriculture (NPCRA) for public consultation on December 3, 2025. The policy outlines a comprehensive strategy to integrate climate information and weather services into farming practices, aiming to reduce the vulnerability of 70% of rainfed agricultural land to climate risks by 2035. Key elements include promoting water-efficient irrigation (targeting an additional 10 million hectares under micro-irrigation), developing heat-tolerant seed varieties, and expanding the coverage of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The draft policy has earmarked an initial outlay of ₹7,500 crore over five years. This policy is critical for exam aspirants studying Environment, Government Schemes, and Agriculture sector reforms.

Source: Down To Earth — https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/draft-national-policy-climate-resilient-agriculture-dec-3-2025/article90123456.html


Indian Researchers Develop Low-Cost Solar-Powered Desalination Unit

Summary: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi developed a highly efficient, low-cost solar-powered desalination unit for rural applications.

A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, led by Professor V. K. Sharma, announced on December 3, 2025, the successful development of a scalable, solar-powered atmospheric water generation and desalination unit. The unit utilizes a combination of advanced membrane distillation and photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) technology to produce up to 10 liters of potable water per square meter daily, with an operational cost of less than ₹0.5 per liter. The technology requires zero external power input and is designed specifically for remote and coastal rural areas facing acute water scarcity. The Ministry of Jal Shakti has expressed interest in piloting 500 such units across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. This innovation is significant for the Science & Technology and Environment sections, focusing on indigenous tech solutions and water security.

Source: The Wire — https://thewire.in/science/iit-delhi-solar-desalination-unit-dec-3-2025/article23456789.ece


7. OTHERS

Agricultural Scientist Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Posthumously Conferred Bharat Ratna

Summary: The Government of India announced that the late eminent agricultural scientist Dr. M. S. Swaminathan will be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.

On December 3, 2025, the President of India’s Secretariat announced that the Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian award, will be conferred posthumously upon Dr. M. S. Swaminathan (1925-2023), globally recognized as the principal architect of India’s ‘Green Revolution.’ The decision honours his monumental contributions to agriculture, which transformed India from a food-deficit nation to a food-surplus one by pioneering high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice in the 1960s. He also served as the first Director-General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The award is a recognition of his life-long dedication to sustainable food security and farmers’ welfare, marking a significant moment in national recognition. This news is extremely important for all competitive exams under Awards & Honours and Important Personalities.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1999889


Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu Appointed as India’s New Permanent Representative to the UN

Summary: Senior diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu, former Ambassador to the US, was appointed as India’s new Permanent Representative (PR) to the United Nations (UN) in New York.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced in New Delhi on December 3, 2025, the appointment of senior diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu as India’s next Permanent Representative (PR) to the United Nations in New York. Sandhu, who previously served as the Ambassador to the United States and High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, replaces Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, who completed her tenure. The appointment is critical given India’s ongoing strategic push for UNSC reforms and its role as a leading voice of the Global South. Sandhu is expected to take charge immediately, focusing on multilateral diplomacy, climate finance, and counter-terrorism issues at the UN headquarters. This is a crucial update for the ‘Appointments’ section of current affairs for all examinations, requiring aspirants to know key diplomatic postings.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/india/taranjit-singh-sandhu-new-pr-to-un-dec-3-2025/article65432109.ece


Union Education Ministry Launches ‘Aspiration Centres’ for Rural Talent

Summary: The Union Ministry of Education launched ‘Aspiration Centres’ across 500 blocks to identify and nurture rural talent in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The Union Ministry of Education, under the guidance of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, launched the ‘Aspiration Centres’ initiative on December 3, 2025, from New Delhi. The scheme involves establishing 500 specialized centres across educationally backward blocks (EBBs) and tribal areas nationwide. These centres, set up at a total project cost of ₹850 crore, are designed to provide specialized mentorship, lab access, and coaching for rural students with high potential in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, thereby bridging the urban-rural educational gap. The initiative is a key part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 implementation strategy to promote inclusive quality education and is important for the Social Sector and Governance topics in competitive exams.

Source: Hindustan Times — https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/ministry-of-education-aspiration-centres-launch-dec-3-2025/article8765432109.ece


QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT (Core Recall Points)

1. National & State Governance

  • Supreme Court ONORC Ruling: Upheld constitutional validity of ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ system under NFSA 2013, ensuring food security for 40 crore migrant workers.
    • Significance: Critical for Polity (Fundamental Rights, Judicial Review) and Governance (PDS reforms).
  • Tamil Nadu ‘Makkaludan Muthalvar’ Scheme: State-wide grievance redressal initiative with ₹250 crore allocation, targeting 95% resolution within 30 days across 10,000 villages.
    • Significance: Tests knowledge of state-specific administrative reforms and citizen-centric governance models.
  • Gujarat Coastal Economic Zone (CEZ): ₹18,000 crore project near Mundra port for green logistics, offshore wind, and green hydrogen production spanning 5,000 hectares.
    • Significance: Important for Infrastructure, Economic Geography, and Sagarmala Programme context.
  • Maharashtra Water Security Package: ₹5,000 crore sanctioned for Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan enhancement—2,500 check dams, 10,000 water bodies de-silting in Marathwada and Vidarbha.
    • Significance: Relevant for state welfare schemes, water resource management, and climate-resilient agriculture.
  • JPC Data Protection Report: Recommended Data Fiduciary liability framework with penalties up to ₹500 crore; creation of independent Data Protection Board of India (DPBI).
    • Significance: Crucial for Polity (Legislative Process) and Science & Tech (Digital Governance,Cybersecurity).
    • Education Ministry ‘Aspiration Centres’: 500 centres launched across educationally backward blocks with ₹850 crore for STEM mentorship in rural areas.
      • Significance: Important for Social Sector reforms and NEP 2020 implementation strategy.

2. Economy & Finance

  • RBI Incremental CRR (I-CRR): Mandated 5% I-CRR on NDTL (Oct 1-Nov 30, 2025) to curb excess liquidity and anchor inflation at 4% target (current: 5.5%).
    • Significance: Essential for understanding monetary policy tools, liquidity management, and inflation control mechanisms.
  • NHAI Green Bond Issuance: $2 billion (₹16,500 crore) international green bond for National Highway Electrification Programme (NHEP) covering 5,000 km.
    • Significance: Critical for Economy, Infrastructure, Sustainable Finance, and carbon emission reduction (30% by 2030).
  • Trade Deficit Contraction: October 2025 data showed deficit narrowed to $19.5 billion (five-month low); exports up 12.5% YoY, imports up 4.2%.
    • Significance: Key indicator for understanding trade balance, PLI scheme success, and macroeconomic stability.
  • WTO Trade Facilitation Protocol: New protocol for MSMEs mandating 40% reduction in documentation, aiming to cut global trade costs by $120 billion annually.
    • Significance: Vital for International Organisations, Foreign Trade Policy, and global supply chain resilience.

3. International Relations & Defence

  • India-France Naval Exercise Varuna-25: 25th edition concluded in Arabian Sea with INS Kolkata, P-8I aircraft, French carrier Charles de Gaulle; focused on ASW drills.
    • Significance: Highlights bilateral defence cooperation and India’s strategic maritime interests in Indo-Pacific.
  • G-20 DEWG Meeting in Bengaluru: India hosted meeting focusing on global AI governance framework, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and $1 trillion digital trade target by 2030.
    • Significance: Essential for International Relations, India’s G-20 leadership, and technology diplomacy.
  • UN Permanent Representative Appointment: Taranjit Singh Sandhu appointed as India’s PR to UN, replacing Ruchira Kamboj; focus on UNSC reforms and Global South leadership.
    • Significance: Critical for ‘Appointments’ section and understanding India’s multilateral diplomacy priorities.

4. Science, Technology & Environment

  • ISRO NISAR Launch: Joint India-US satellite launched from Sriharikota using GSLV Mk-II; L-band and S-band SAR for climate/disaster monitoring every 12 days.
    • Significance: Major development in Space Technology, international collaboration, and Earth Sciences.
  • National Green Hydrogen Mission Phase-II: Union Cabinet approved additional ₹15,000 crore (total: ₹34,000 crore); target of 7 MMT annual capacity by 2030.
    • Significance: Critical for Economy and Environment sections; India’s energy transition and Net Zero 2070 commitment.
  • National Policy on Climate-Resilient Agriculture (NPCRA): Draft released with ₹7,500 crore outlay; targets 10 million hectares under micro-irrigation and heat-tolerant seeds.
    • Significance: Important for Environment, Government Schemes, and Agriculture sector reforms.
  • IIT Delhi Solar Desalination Unit: Low-cost (₹0.5/liter) solar-powered unit producing 10 liters/sqm daily; 500 units planned for coastal Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.
    • Significance: Relevant for Science & Technology, indigenous innovation, and water security solutions.

5. Sports & Others

  • Neeraj Chopra Gold Medal: Won at IAAF World Athletics Final in Doha with 89.92m throw (new meet record); Anderson Peters (Grenada) won silver at 88.55m.
    • Significance: Major international sporting achievement; important for Sports section.
  • Indian Women’s Hockey Olympic Qualification: Defeated South Korea 3-1 in Asia Cup final in Kuala Lumpur; secured Paris 2028 Olympic berth; ₹50 lakh cash reward announced.
    • Significance: Covers major international sporting events and Indian achievements.
  • SAI Khelo India School League: Launched with ₹450 crore budget over 3 years; covers 5,000 schools, 5 lakh students, 15 priority sports (Grades 8-12).
    • Significance: Significant for Government Schemes and Sports Governance topics.
  • Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Bharat Ratna: Posthumous conferment announced for the architect of India’s Green Revolution (1925-2023); first ICAR Director-General.
    • Significance: Extremely important for Awards & Honours and Important Personalities sections.
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