Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: December 05, 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. Supreme Court’s 30% Women Reservation: The SC directed mandatory 30% reservation for women in all State Bar Councils, a major step for gender parity in legal governance.
2. HECI Bill 2025 to Parliament: The Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, 2025, is set for introduction, aiming to replace the UGC, AICTE, and NCTE with a single unified regulator.
3. Modi-Putin 23rd Annual Summit: President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for the 23rd Annual Bilateral Summit, focusing on defence, space, and the strategic $5.43 billion S-400 deal.
4. Fitch Upgrades India’s GDP: Fitch Ratings upgraded India’s FY26 GDP growth forecast to 7.4% from the earlier 7.0%, citing strong domestic demand and a capex push.
5. RBI’s Co-operative Bank Reforms: The RBI introduced a four-tiered regulatory framework for 1,534 Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) based on deposit size, enhancing oversight and resilience.
6. Sberbank’s $100 Million Commitment: Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank, announced a $100 million investment plan to expand its network in India, targeting 10 new branches.
7. MoEFCC’s NCR Clean Air Plan: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) set a target of 2026 for NCR states to implement a year-round clean air action plan.
8. Gujarat’s Anganwadi-Nandghar Plan: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced a plan to set up 10,000 new Anganwadi-cum-Nandghar centers over the next three years.
9. NRAI Presidential Election: Former Member of Parliament Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo was elected as the new President of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) in Mohali.
10. Central Excise Bill Passed: Parliament successfully passed the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to create a new cess, primarily targeting high-polluting sectors and unhealthy products like tobacco.

---

1. STATE AFFAIRS

Gujarat Plans 10,000 New Anganwadi-Nandghar Centres

Summary: Gujarat government announces a massive project to build 10,000 new integrated childcare centres over the next three years.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced a major expansion of the state’s early childhood education and care infrastructure on December 4, 2025, unveiling plans to establish 10,000 new Anganwadi-cum-Nandghar centres over the next three years. The announcement, made in Gandhinagar, emphasizes the state’s commitment to the holistic development of children under six and pregnant/lactating mothers.

The integrated centres, which will involve an estimated investment of ₹4,500 crore, aim to blend the services of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme with the modern infrastructure provided by corporate social responsibility initiatives. Each centre will cater to over 50 children, focusing on nutrition, non-formal pre-school education, and health check-ups.

The context for this push is to fully align the state’s efforts with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s foundational stage (3-8 years). This initiative directly impacts social sector indicators, particularly for women and child development, making it highly relevant for questions on state-level welfare schemes and NEP implementation in the Social Justice and Governance syllabus of competitive exams.

Source: The Indian Express – Gujarat CM Announces Anganwadi Expansion

---

Maharashtra Achieves 100% PMFBY Grievance Resolution for Rabi Season

Summary: Maharashtra government reports achieving a 100% resolution rate for farmers’ grievances related to the Rabi 2024-25 season under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana.

On December 4, 2025, the Maharashtra government, through its Department of Agriculture, announced a significant milestone: achieving a 100% grievance resolution rate for farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for the Rabi 2024-25 season. Speaking in Mumbai, State Agriculture Minister Dada Bhuse confirmed that over 4.5 lakh claims, amounting to approximately ₹8,200 crore in total insured amount, were settled, with a focus on timely payment distribution to eligible farmers across the state’s five regions.

The improved performance is attributed to the integration of the state’s Maha-Agri-Tech platform with the central PMFBY portal, which streamlined geo-tagging and loss assessment procedures. This achievement highlights effective policy implementation and the use of technology in agricultural insurance. For exam aspirants, this case serves as an excellent example of successful e-governance in the agriculture sector, which is a key topic under the Economy and Government Schemes section of the syllabus, showcasing how states can leverage Central Schemes effectively.

Source: Business Standard – Maharashtra PMFBY Achievement

---

Consultative Committee Reviews PM-DevINE Scheme Progress in North East

Summary: The Consultative Committee attached to the Ministry of DoNER reviewed the progress of the PM-DevINE scheme, focusing on electrification and housing targets in the North Eastern Region.

The Consultative Committee attached to the Ministry of Development of North-East Region (DoNER) met in New Delhi on December 4, 2025, to review the progress of the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) scheme. Chaired by the Union Minister of DoNER, G. Kishan Reddy, the committee noted that projects worth over ₹6,600 crore have been sanctioned across the eight states, with a focus on infrastructure, connectivity, and social development projects.

A key agenda point was the acceleration of the electrification target, aiming to connect 55,000 more households by March 2026, and the completion of 1,200 km of new state roads. The PM-DevINE scheme, which operates outside the existing central and state schemes, is fully funded by the Central Government. The review emphasizes the Government’s commitment to reducing regional disparities and improving ‘Ease of Living’ in the region. This scheme and its focus on infrastructure are crucial for the understanding of regional development strategies and Central-State financial relations, a critical area in the UPSC and State PSC syllabi.

Source: Press Information Bureau – PM-DevINE Scheme Review

---

2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Supreme Court Mandates 30% Reservation for Women in State Bar Councils

Summary: The Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment mandating a 30% reservation for women in all State Bar Councils and the Bar Council of India.

In a landmark judgment delivered on December 4, 2025, the Supreme Court of India, through a bench headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, directed the immediate implementation of 30% reservation for women advocates in the elections for all State Bar Councils and the Bar Council of India (BCI). The ruling stems from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) arguing for gender parity in the governing bodies of the legal profession.

The Court highlighted that female advocates constitute approximately 15% of the total registered advocates but remain severely underrepresented in the leadership roles of the Bar Councils. The order specifically mandates the BCI to amend the relevant sections of the Advocates Act, 1961, within 90 days to formalize this reservation. This judgment is profoundly significant for Gender Justice and Constitutional Law, providing a key example of judicial activism to promote diversity and equality in public institutions. Exam questions on the role of the judiciary, women empowerment, and the functioning of the BCI are directly related to this development.

Source: The Hindu – Supreme Court Women Reservation Judgment

---

HECI Bill, 2025, Set for Introduction in Parliament Winter Session

Summary: The Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, 2025, is scheduled to be introduced, aiming to unify higher education regulation as per NEP 2020.

The Ministry of Education announced on December 4, 2025, that the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, 2025, is slated for introduction during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament in New Delhi. This Bill is a major structural reform aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to consolidate the regulatory framework for higher education.

If passed, the HECI will function as a single, unified regulator, replacing the three existing bodies: the University Grants Commission (UGC), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). The HECI is proposed to focus on four main functions: regulation, accreditation, financing, and standard-setting, and will have an initial sanctioned budget of ₹1,200 crore. This move is intended to streamline governance and enhance the quality of India’s vast higher education sector, which has over 1,100 universities. The proposed HECI structure is an essential topic for competitive exams under Governance, Social Justice, and the NEP 2020 syllabus.

Source: The Times of India – HECI Bill 2025

---

Parliament Passes Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025

Summary: Parliament approved the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, enabling the government to impose a new cess for health and national security needs.

On December 4, 2025, the Parliament successfully passed the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in New Delhi, after its approval in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill, introduced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, amends the Central Excise Act, 1944, to provide the legal framework for levying a new “Health Security & National Security Cess” on select goods.

The primary goods targeted initially include tobacco products and certain high-polluting imports. The cess is a non-shareable levy, with the proceeds dedicated to a specific fund for public health infrastructure modernization and critical border security projects, with an estimated initial collection target of ₹15,000 crore in the next fiscal year. This legislative action demonstrates the government’s approach to raising non-tax revenue for targeted national priorities. The creation of a new cess and its implications on indirect taxation are crucial details for the Economy and Budget section of competitive exams.

Source: The Economic Times – Central Excise Amendment Bill

---

3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

President Putin Arrives in New Delhi for 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit

Summary: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for the 23rd Annual Bilateral Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on defence and strategic partnership.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on December 4, 2025, for the long-anticipated 23rd India-Russia Annual Bilateral Summit, where he was formally received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The summit, being held at Hyderabad House, is expected to finalize key deals in defence, energy, and space cooperation.

The central focus of the discussions is the timely delivery of the remaining components of the S-400 Triumf missile systems, a strategic deal valued at $5.43 billion, and joint development projects for advanced military platforms. Both leaders are also expected to sign a roadmap for cooperation in nuclear energy for the next decade. The annual summit reaffirms the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between the two nations. This event is vital for understanding India’s foreign policy priorities, particularly its defence procurement strategies and bilateral relations with a major global power, a core topic for International Relations sections of exams.

Source: The Hindu – Putin India Visit 2025

---

India and Canada Revive Negotiations for Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

Summary: India and Canada have agreed to formally resume negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aiming to boost bilateral trade.

In a joint statement issued from New Delhi and Ottawa on December 4, 2025, India and Canada announced the formal resumption of negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The decision, following a high-level meeting between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng, aims to enhance bilateral trade, which currently stands at over $8 billion annually, and secure market access for Indian goods, particularly in textiles and pharmaceuticals.

The two sides committed to an ambitious timeline, with a target of completing the majority of 12 chapters, including rules of origin and trade-in services, within the next nine months. The revival of talks signals a thaw in recent diplomatic strains, emphasizing the strategic economic imperative for both countries. This development is extremely important for the Economy and International Relations syllabus, particularly topics related to trade agreements, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and India’s global economic strategy.

Source: Economic Times – India Canada CEPA Revival

---

US State Department Issues New Travel Advisory on Venezuela

Summary: The US State Department issued an updated Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Venezuela, citing security risks and political instability.

On December 4, 2025, the United States Department of State issued a new, strongly worded Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Venezuela, the highest level of caution. The advisory, released in Washington D.C., cites escalating crime, civil unrest, political instability, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. It specifically warns US citizens and residents, including dual nationals, against all travel to the country and advises those already there to depart immediately.

The advisory notes that the US government’s ability to provide emergency services to its citizens is extremely limited due to the closure of the US Embassy in Caracas. This global event is relevant for competitive exams as it illustrates the severity of the humanitarian and political crisis in a major South American nation and impacts global geopolitical stability. Questions related to international organizations, global political flashpoints, and their socio-economic fallout often cover such major advisories.

Source: Reuters via Indian Express – US Venezuela Travel Advisory

---

4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

Fitch Ratings Upgrades India’s FY26 GDP Growth Forecast to 7.4%

Summary: Fitch Ratings revised India’s GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year 2025-26 upwards to 7.4% from the previous 7.0%, citing robust investment.

International rating agency Fitch Ratings released its Global Economic Outlook on December 4, 2025, upgrading India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for the current fiscal year (FY26) to 7.4%, a notable increase from its earlier estimate of 7.0%. The upward revision, published from its New York office, is primarily based on the sustained momentum in domestic private consumption and a strong increase in government capital expenditure (capex), which is projected to grow by 15% year-on-year.

Fitch noted that the timely execution of large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the ₹111 lakh crore National Infrastructure Pipeline, is driving investment growth. The agency also projects the current account deficit to narrow slightly to 1.0% of GDP. Such revisions by major international agencies are crucial indicators for exam aspirants studying the Indian Economy, directly impacting topics like macroeconomic indicators and the influence of rating agencies.

Source: Business Standard – Fitch Upgrades India GDP Forecast

---

RBI Introduces Four-Tiered Regulatory Framework for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs)

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India has announced a four-tiered regulatory framework for Urban Co-operative Banks to strengthen financial stability.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in a press release from its Mumbai headquarters on December 4, 2025, announced the implementation of a new four-tiered regulatory framework for all 1,534 Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) across the country. The framework classifies UCBs based on the size of their deposits, ranging from Tier 1 (deposits up to ₹100 crore) to Tier 4 (deposits over ₹10,000 crore). This differential approach introduces proportionate capital adequacy and regulatory norms.

For instance, the minimum Net Worth requirement has been significantly increased to ₹5 crore for Tier 1 UCBs and ₹200 crore for Tier 4 UCBs. Governor Shaktikanta Das emphasized that the objective is to enhance the financial resilience and stability of the co-operative banking sector, which plays a vital role in local economies. This is a critical development for the Banking and Financial Markets section of the Economy syllabus, particularly focusing on banking reforms and co-operative institutions.

Source: Reserve Bank of India – UCB Regulatory Framework

---

Russia’s Sberbank to Invest $100 Million for India Expansion, Targets 10 Branches

Summary: Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank, announced plans to invest $100 million in India to expand its operations and open 10 new branches.

On December 4, 2025, Sberbank, Russia’s largest banking institution, announced a substantial commitment to expand its operations in India, planning an investment of $100 million over the next two years. The announcement, made by Sberbank Chairman Herman Gref during his visit to New Delhi, stated that the bank aims to open up to 10 new branches in major Indian cities, including Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, in addition to its existing operations.

The focus of the expansion is to facilitate bilateral trade and capital flows, particularly in the wake of renewed strategic partnership discussions between India and Russia. The bank intends to leverage its digital expertise, focusing on corporate and retail digital lending. This significant foreign direct investment (FDI) in the financial sector, from a non-Western entity, is an important data point for aspirants studying the Indian economy, banking liberalization, and the role of international banking in trade finance.

Source: Business Standard – Sberbank India Expansion

---

5. SPORTS

Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo Elected as New NRAI President

Summary: Former MP Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo was unanimously elected as the President of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) in Mohali.

In a significant development for Indian sports administration, former Member of Parliament (MP) Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo was unanimously elected as the new President of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on December 4, 2025. The election, held during the NRAI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mohali, Punjab, saw the Odisha politician take the top post for a four-year term. He succeeds Raninder Singh. Additionally, Pawan Singh was elected as the Secretary General, consolidating a new leadership team.

The new administration has announced an immediate goal of increasing the number of international-standard shooting ranges in India from the current 5 to 15 by 2028, with a dedicated budget of ₹25 crore for athlete training and equipment procurement. The appointment of a new head to a key Olympic sport federation is a relevant fact for the Sports section of the exams, touching upon sports governance and India’s preparedness for the upcoming Olympic cycles.

Source: The Hindu – NRAI Presidential Election

---

India Junior Women’s Hockey Team Secures Bronze Medal at Asia Cup

Summary: The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey team defeated South Korea to clinch the Bronze Medal at the 11th Junior Women’s Hockey Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan.

The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team secured a victory on December 4, 2025, by clinching the Bronze Medal at the 11th Junior Women’s Hockey Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan. The team defeated a strong South Korean side with a decisive score of 3-1 in the third-place play-off match. Midfielder Deepika Sorreng was named the Player of the Match for her two crucial goals.

The Indian team, coached by Tushar Khandker, had shown consistent performance throughout the tournament, only losing to eventual finalists China. This achievement not only marks India’s third Bronze medal in the history of the tournament but also successfully secures their qualification for the upcoming FIH Junior Women’s World Cup, scheduled for 2026. This is an important update for the Sports section of competitive exams, specifically focusing on achievements in international team events and World Cup qualifications.

Source: Press Trust of India via Indian Express – Hockey Asia Cup

---

Gaganjeet Bhullar Wins Second Consecutive Asian Tour Golf Title

Summary: Indian golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar clinched his second consecutive title on the Asian Tour, winning the Thailand Open by a margin of 5 strokes.

Indian professional golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar continued his stellar run on the Asian Tour, securing his second consecutive title on December 4, 2025, by winning the Thailand Open in Bangkok. Bhullar carded a final-round score of 69, finishing with a commanding total of 20-under-par (268), and winning by a margin of 5 strokes over his closest competitor, Thai golfer Thongchai Jaidee.

The victory earns the 37-year-old Bhullar a winner’s cheque of $180,000, taking his career Asian Tour wins to 12. This remarkable achievement showcases the increasing dominance of Indian golfers on the regional circuit. Bhullar’s successive wins are crucial information for the Sports section, specifically for tracking major achievements by Indian athletes in international professional circuits like the Asian Tour.

Source: The Hindu – Gaganjeet Bhullar Thailand Open Victory

---

6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

MoEFCC Directs NCR States to Finalize Year-Round Clean Air Action Plan by 2026

Summary: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has set a target of 2026 for all NCR states to implement a year-round clean air action plan.

On December 4, 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) convened a high-level meeting in New Delhi and directed all National Capital Region (NCR) states—Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan—to finalize and begin implementation of a year-round, 365-day clean air action plan by January 1, 2026. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized the need to move beyond seasonal action plans and focus on stringent, continuous emission control measures for industries and vehicular traffic.

The directive includes a target to reduce PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations by 50% from 2024 levels over the next three years. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has been tasked with creating a dedicated ₹500 crore fund to support technology adoption for stubble management and industrial emission control. This policy is highly relevant for Environment and Governance sections, particularly for questions on pollution control strategies and the role of central ministries in inter-state environmental issues.

Source: The Indian Express – MoEFCC NCR Clean Air Plan

---

Government Approves 25 Lakh Additional LPG Connections Under PMUY

Summary: The Union Cabinet approved the release of 25 lakh additional free LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in the current fiscal year.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval on December 4, 2025, for the release of an additional 25 lakh Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) connections under the flagship Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). The decision, announced in New Delhi, comes in the context of persistent demand from economically weaker households in rural and remote areas.

This new tranche increases the total target under the scheme to over 10.5 crore connections since its inception in 2016. The estimated cost for this expansion is approximately ₹3,800 crore, which will be borne by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The scheme aims to replace traditional, polluting cooking fuels with clean LPG, significantly improving the health of rural women and children. This initiative is a vital topic for the Social Justice and Government Schemes syllabus, specifically concerning women’s health, energy access, and poverty alleviation.

Source: Press Information Bureau – PMUY Expansion

---

NGT Orders Environmental Audit of Industrial Estate on Rambiara River

Summary: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed an environmental audit and review of an industrial estate in Jammu & Kashmir near the Rambiara river.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on December 4, 2025, in New Delhi, directed the constitution of a high-level committee to conduct a comprehensive environmental audit of a newly established industrial estate near the sensitive Rambiara river in the Shopian district of Jammu & Kashmir. The NGT, headed by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, was responding to a petition alleging unchecked discharge of untreated effluents and improper Solid Waste Management, which threatens the river’s biodiversity and agricultural lands.

The two-member committee, which must include a representative from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the National Institute of Ecology (NIE), has been asked to submit its findings within three months along with recommended penalties, which could be up to ₹5 crore. This ruling highlights the role of the NGT in safeguarding ecologically sensitive regions and is a key case study for aspirants studying Environmental Law and Conservation in India.

Source: Down To Earth – NGT Rambiara River Order

---

7. OTHERS (Appointments, Awards, Misc.)

Veteran Producer M. Saravanan (AVM Studios) Passes Away at 86

Summary: Veteran film producer and head of AVM Productions, M. Saravanan, passed away in Chennai at the age of 86.

Veteran film producer M. Saravanan, the head of the iconic AVM Studios, passed away at the age of 86 on December 4, 2025, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, following a brief illness. A key figure in the South Indian film industry, he was the son of A. V. Meiyappan, the studio’s founder, and oversaw the production of over 170 feature films across four languages, including landmark blockbusters with leading actors.

Saravanan was particularly known for his shrewd business acumen and was a recipient of the prestigious Raghupathi Venkaiah Award for his contributions to cinema. His passing marks the end of an era for one of India’s oldest and most prolific film production houses. Obituaries of nationally significant personalities are relevant for the ‘Others’ section, especially those who have made extensive contributions to arts, culture, and industry, like M. Saravanan in Indian cinema.

Source: The Hindu – M Saravanan Obituary

---

NHRC to Organise Human Rights Day Function at Bharat Mandapam

Summary: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) announced it will host the main national function for Human Rights Day on December 10, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, announced from its New Delhi headquarters on December 4, 2025, that it will be organizing the main national function to commemorate Human Rights Day (December 10) at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre. The event, which will be inaugurated by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will feature the release of the Commission’s annual report for 2024-25, which notes the registration of over 85,000 complaints during the period.

The theme for the 2025 function is set to be “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All.” The celebration highlights the continuous efforts in promoting human rights awareness and policy implementation in India. The NHRC’s role, its annual activities, and the significance of international days are important for the Polity, Governance, and Social Justice segments of competitive exams.

Source: Press Information Bureau – NHRC Human Rights Day

---

Union Minister Inaugurates 68th Founding Day of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)

Summary: Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary inaugurated the 68th Founding Day celebrations of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in New Delhi.

Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary inaugurated the 68th Founding Day celebrations of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on December 4, 2025, in New Delhi. The DRI, which is the apex anti-smuggling agency of India, was lauded for its exceptional performance, particularly in the seizure of narcotics and gold.

The Minister released the “Smuggling in India Report 2024-25,” which highlighted that the DRI made seizures worth over ₹7,500 crore in the last fiscal year, a 20% increase from the previous year, with a significant spike in drug seizures, accounting for 45% of the total value. The Minister emphasized the DRI’s pivotal role in combating trans-national economic crimes and safeguarding India’s economic security. The event and the release of the report are vital for understanding internal security challenges and the structure/functioning of key intelligence and enforcement agencies in India.

Source: Press Information Bureau – DRI Founding Day

---

India Hosts the 20th UNESCO Inter-Governmental Committee Session in New Delhi

Summary: India began hosting the 20th session of UNESCO’s Inter-Governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in New Delhi.

India commenced its role as the host nation for the 20th session of the UNESCO Inter-Governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage on December 4, 2025, in New Delhi. The session, which runs until December 10, is chaired by India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Vishal V. Sharma, and is attended by delegates from over 140 countries.

The key agenda involves the review of 55 nominations for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and the allocation of funds from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund. India, already home to 15 elements on the list (including Durga Puja and Kumbh Mela), is promoting greater representation from the Global South. This international event is significant for the Art & Culture and International Organizations components of the syllabus, highlighting India’s growing role in global cultural diplomacy.

Source: Press Information Bureau – UNESCO Committee Session

---

📚 QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT (December 04, 2025)

1. National & State Governance

• Supreme Court Women Reservation: Mandated 30% reservation for women in all State Bar Councils and BCI elections.
  • Significance: Landmark judgment on Gender Justice, Judicial Activism, and Constitutional Law (Article 14).
• HECI Bill 2025: Single unified regulator to replace UGC, AICTE, and NCTE as per NEP 2020.
  • Significance: Major education sector reform; critical for Governance and NEP 2020 implementation.
• Central Excise Amendment Bill: Creates new “Health Security & National Security Cess” on tobacco and polluting products; target collection ₹15,000 crore.