Source: TH Context: The Department of Posts has released a draft amendment in 2025 proposing DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address), a UPI-like digital addressing system. This system aims to digitise, standardise, and virtualise physical addresses across India, allowing users to share secure, consent-based address “labels” such as name@entity. Key Features of DHRUVA UPI-Like Address Labels Consent-Based Access DIGIPIN Backbone Address-as-a-Service (AaaS) Framework Aim of DHRUVA
RBI Allows Multiple Bank-Group Entities to Undertake Same Business, With Board Approval
Source: BS Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed multiple entities within a bank group to undertake the same line of business, provided they cater to different customer segments and obtain mandatory board approval to justify any overlap. Key Announcement RBI has modified its earlier proposal to restrict a bank group to one entity per business activity. Now: This change provides greater operational flexibility to banks while ensuring governance discipline. Why Did RBI Make This Change? RBI accepted the suggestion but added a governance check through mandatory board approval. Background: 2024 Draft Circular The draft regulatory framework (2024) had proposed: New Relief for NBFC Group Entities of Banks Exemption from Listing Requirement RBI accepted industry demand to ease listing norms. Why This Matters Under the Scale-Based Regulatory (SBR) framework: Anti-Circumvention Clause To prevent banks from bypassing regulations by shifting activities to NBFC subsidiaries: Current NBFC-Upper Layer (NBFC-UL) Largest NBFCs regulated similar to banks. Examples include:
RBI Examining Bank Participation in Non-Agricultural Commodity Derivatives
Source: BS Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is reviewing a proposal by SEBI to allow banks to participate in non-agriculture commodity derivatives markets. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra clarified that current regulations under the Banking Regulation Act prohibit banks from such activities. Key Points: What Are Non-Agricultural Commodity Derivatives? Non-agricultural commodity derivatives are exchange-traded financial contracts whose value is derived from non-farm commodities such as metals, energy products, and bullion. These instruments allow participants to hedge price risks, speculate, or manage exposures in non-agri commodities. They are traded on Indian commodity exchanges such as:
Open Market Operation (OMO)
Context: The RBI announced a ₹1 trillion Open Market Operation (OMO) purchase along with a $5 billion dollar–rupee swap to inject durable rupee liquidity as the rupee slipped past 90 per dollar amid foreign outflows. The move aims to stabilise liquidity, interest rates, and currency markets. What is an OMO Purchase? An Open Market Operation (OMO) purchase is an action where the RBI buys government securities from banks and financial institutions to inject durable liquidity into the financial system.Key outcomes: Purpose of OMO Purchases Types of Open Market Operations Expansionary OMO (Liquidity Injection) Contractionary OMO (Liquidity Absorption) Special OMOs / Operation Twist How OMO Purchases Work Step 1: Assess Liquidity RBI monitors: Step 2: Announce OMO Auction RBI specifies: Step 3: Banks Sell Bonds Banks sell government securities to the RBI through the auction mechanism. Step 4: Settlement Step 5: Market Effects Significance of the OMO Purchase
Exercise Harimau Shakti 2025
Source: PIB Context: India and Malaysia have commenced the 5th edition of Exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan, focusing on enhancing coordination in counter-insurgency and peacekeeping operations. What is Exercise Harimau Shakti? Exercise Harimau Shakti is a bilateral military training exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Malaysian Army. The exercise aims to strengthen cooperation, tactical coordination, and operational readiness in sub-conventional warfare and UN peacekeeping missions. Participating Nations Key Features of the Exercise Focus on Sub-Conventional Operations Joint Tactical Drills Operational Readiness & Combat Skills Exchange of Best Practices Both armies share tactical knowledge and warfighting techniques to enhance collective proficiency and mission preparedness.
India Hosts 20th UNESCO Inter-Governmental Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage
Source: News on Air About the Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of ICH The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is a 24-member UNESCO body established under the 2003 ICH Convention. Its core purpose is to promote, supervise, and operationalize safeguarding measures for living cultural heritage across the world. Venue for 2025 Session Red Fort (Lal Qila), New DelhiA UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolising India’s rich civilisational heritage and cultural leadership. Structure of the Committee Composition Term Rules Functions of the Committee Promote Objectives of the 2003 ICH Convention Offer Technical Guidance Prepare Operational Directives Examine Nominations for ICH Lists Assess Good Safeguarding Practices About Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Intangible Cultural Heritage refers to living traditions and knowledge systems transmitted across generations, including: Origin of the Concept UNESCO’s ICH Lists India’s Position India currently has 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List, reflecting its deep cultural diversity.
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 7&8 December, 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz7&8 December, 2025 National Affairs 1. The Evolution of Pension Reforms in India Context: India’s rapidly ageing population poses a growing pension challenge. Over 153 million Indians are aged 60+, projected to rise to 347 million by 2050. Despite formal sector provisions, 88% of senior citizens work in the informal economy, lacking pensions or reliable social security. The government has progressively revised pension schemes to enhance financial inclusion, social protection, and long-term savings behaviour. Key Pension Schemes and Evolution a) Social Assistance Schemes b) Contributory Pension Schemes Policy Reforms and Labour Codes Bridging Informal Sector Gaps Challenges 2. Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2025 Source: TH Context: On September 25, 2025, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the draft Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2025, proposing to repeal the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959. The draft Bill has sparked widespread protests among students and academicians, who argue that it threatens ISI’s academic autonomy and governance framework. About the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Key Changes Proposed in the Draft ISI Bill, 2025 Banking/Finance 1. Rupee Breaches 90 Against US Dollar Amid External Pressures Source: IE Context: Key Drivers of Depreciation Economic Implications Policy and Market Response 2. Sebi Grants In-Principle Approval to Raajmarg Infra InvIT Source: BS Context: Purpose and Objectives Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) Types of InvITs SEBI Criteria For InvITs: Criteria Public InvIT Private InvIT Asset Type Completed, revenue-generating infrastructure (≥80% of assets) Same Minimum Asset Size ₹500 crore ₹250 crore Investors ≥1,000 Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) only Listing Mandatory on stock exchange within 12 months Not mandatory Distribution ≥90% of net distributable cash flows, semi-annual Same Debt Limit Max 49% of asset value Same Agriculture 1. World Soil Day: Grasslands, Not Trees, Are Key to India’s Climate Resilience Source: TH Context: India’s semi-arid grasslands and savannahs, often termed “wastelands” since colonial times, are now recognised as critical ecosystems for biodiversity, pastoral livelihoods, and climate resilience. Grasslands differ from forests as most biomass is underground, concentrated in deep, fibrous root systems that stabilize soils, enhance structure, and store carbon. Historical Undervaluation Soil and Carbon Benefits Livelihoods and Community Role Policy Implications 2. Pesticides Management Bill Source: BS Context: The government has reopened consultations on the long-pending Pesticides Management Bill (PMB), aimed at modernising India’s pesticide regulatory framework. About Pesticides Management Bill (PMB) Objective Key Focus Areas Key Industry Concerns: Licensing and Regulatory Control Sampling and Inspection Company Bans Data Protection and Innovation 3. e-NAM 2.0 Source: BS Context: The Centre’s electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) 2.0, aimed at enhancing mandi operations, is facing data migration challenges in Rajasthan. Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu were selected as pilot states for the new platform. electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Objectives Key Features (e-NAM 2.0) Features of e-NAM 2.0 Facts To Remember 1. Suruchi and Sainyam make it a gold-silver finish for India Suruchi Singh (245.1) clinched the women’s 10m air pistol gold, while compatriot Sainyam (243.3) took the silver as India made a big splash on the opening day of the season-ending ISSF World Cup Final in Doha. 2. Simranpreet Kaur claims women’s 25m pistol gold Young Simranpreet Kaur overcame a challenging field to win the women’s 25m pistol gold, while men’s 50m rifle 3-position exponent Aishwary Pratap Tomar bagged a silver on ISSF World Cup Final debut. 3. ICAR Urges Universities to Launch Courses in Natural Farming The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has urged all State and Central agricultural universities, as well as universities with agriculture departments, to introduce undergraduate and postgraduate courses and research programmes in natural farming. 4. UMEED Portal for Waqf Properties Officially Closed After Six-Month Window The UMEED Central Portal for management of Waqf Properties has been officially closed for uploads on the 6th of this month. 5. Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan Launches Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Brahma Kumaris’ Om Shanti Retreat Centre Vice President C P Radhakrishnan today launched Rajat Rashmiyan, formally marking the commencement of the silver jubilee celebrations of Brahma Kumaris’ Om Shanti Retreat Centre (ORC) in Gurugram, Haryana. 6. MNRE Denies Reports of Halting Renewable Energy Financing in India The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has clarified that no advisory has been issued to pause or halt new renewable energy financing, refuting reports of lending restrictions amid overcapacity concerns. 7. Rajnath Singh Inaugurates 125 Infrastructure Projects Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh inaugurated 125 strategically significant infrastructure projects including Shyok Tunnel, across 7 States and 2 Union Territories constructed by The Border Roads Organisation (BRO). 8. Veteran actor Kalyan Chattopadhyay passes away at 82 Veteran actor Kalyan Chattopadhyay passed away at the age of 82. Recently, he had been hospitalised due to age‑related illness and breathed his last on Sunday night.
e-NAM 2.0
Source: BS Context: The Centre’s electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) 2.0, aimed at enhancing mandi operations, is facing data migration challenges in Rajasthan. Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu were selected as pilot states for the new platform. electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Objectives Key Features (e-NAM 2.0) Features of e-NAM 2.0
Pesticides Management Bill
Source: BS Context: The government has reopened consultations on the long-pending Pesticides Management Bill (PMB), aimed at modernising India’s pesticide regulatory framework. About Pesticides Management Bill (PMB) Objective Key Focus Areas Key Industry Concerns: Licensing and Regulatory Control Sampling and Inspection Company Bans Data Protection and Innovation
World Soil Day: Grasslands, Not Trees, Are Key to India’s Climate Resilience
Source: TH Context: India’s semi-arid grasslands and savannahs, often termed “wastelands” since colonial times, are now recognised as critical ecosystems for biodiversity, pastoral livelihoods, and climate resilience. Grasslands differ from forests as most biomass is underground, concentrated in deep, fibrous root systems that stabilize soils, enhance structure, and store carbon. Historical Undervaluation Soil and Carbon Benefits Livelihoods and Community Role Policy Implications
