Source: IE Context: India and France have signed a major defence manufacturing agreement to locally produce HAMMER precision-guided air-to-ground munitions, marking a strategic expansion of bilateral defence cooperation. Joint Venture Between BEL & Safran What is HAMMER?
NITI Aayog Releases Report on Water Budgeting in Aspirational Blocks
Source: PIB Context: NITI Aayog has released a report titled “Water Budgeting in Aspirational Blocks” to strengthen local-level water security, improve resource planning, and align with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. The report highlights water availability, demand assessment, and block-specific recommendations using a digital water budgeting platform. What is Water Budgeting? Key Highlights of the Report Scope of the Study Technology Platform – Varuni Diagnostic Insights Findings Planning Approach Why Are Aspirational Blocks Important? Major Recommendations
53rd Chief Justice of India: Justice Surya Kant
Source: News on Air Context: Justice Surya Kant is set to assume office as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on 24 November 2025. Office of the Chief Justice of India (CJI): Appointment Procedure:
WHO’s “1 Doctor per 1,000 People” Norm
Source: TH Context: The Indian government has repeatedly cited a 1:1,000 doctor-population ratio as per the World Health Organization (WHO) over the last decade. However, WHO has clarified that it does not prescribe any specific doctor-population ratio at the country level. Ratios should be determined based on national health labour market dynamics and needs. What WHO Actually Says? Background: India’s Status:
Indian Navy Commissions INS Mahe
Source: PIB Context: INS Mahe, the first Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare (ASW) shallow watercraft, was commissioned at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. The commissioning was presided over by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, marking the first time an Army chief oversaw a naval warship induction. What is INS Mahe? A newly-built ASW Shallow Watercraft designed to enhance India’s coastal and near-shore anti-submarine capabilities.It is the first ship of the Mahe-class series being inducted into the Navy. Builder: Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata — one of India’s leading defence shipyards. Key Features of Mahe-Class ASW Shallow Watercraft Purpose & Capabilities Technical Features
Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill 2025
Source: IE Context: The Central Government is set to introduce the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill 2025 in the Winter Session of Parliament.This comes five years after NEP 2020 recommended a single higher-education regulator to replace the fragmented system of UGC, AICTE, and NCTE. About the HECI Bill 2025 A single regulatory authority proposed for higher education (excluding legal and medical education).It aims to merge the functions of: Aims of the Bill Key Features of the HECI Bill 2025 Single Higher-Education Regulator Four Vertical Structure (as prescribed in NEP 2020) i. National Higher Education Regulatory Council (NHERC) ii. National Accreditation Council (NAC) iii. General Education Council (GEC) iv. Higher Education Grants Council (HEGC) Independent, Expert-Driven Governance Reduced Red Tape & Clear Separation of Roles Autonomy for Higher Education Institutions
RBI Bulletin (November 2025): Outlook on Fiscal–Monetary Measures and Growth Momentum
Source: BS Context: The RBI’s November 2025 Bulletin, in its feature article “State of the Economy”, highlights that India’s economic momentum is strengthening, supported by coordinated fiscal, monetary, and regulatory actions. These measures are expected to trigger a virtuous cycle of higher private investment, productivity, and long-term growth. Key Highlights from the RBI Bulletin: Economic Momentum Strengthening Inflation and Financial Conditions Impact of Fiscal, Monetary & Regulatory Measures RBI notes that 2025 policy actions are laying the foundation for a virtuous cycle. These actions aim to: Examples of these measures include: Global Economic & Financial Environment Significance of These Findings For the Indian Economy For Policy & Governance
NBFCs Face Funding Pressure Despite Healthy Outlook: Crisil
Source: BS Context: Crisil Ratings reports that NBFCs face tightened funding conditions despite healthy balance sheets and robust credit demand. Large NBFCs can access bond markets and other funding avenues; mid-sized and emerging players struggle to secure stable, low-cost financing. Growth Outlook Funding Challenges Asset Quality Risks Implications
SEBI Proposes Changes to Basic Services Demat Account (BSDA)
Source: Mint Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released a consultation paper (24 November 2025) proposing major revisions to the Basic Services Demat Account (BSDA) framework to ensure that BSDA eligibility reflects the true realizable portfolio value of small investors.The move aims to promote financial inclusion, ease of investment, and lower costs for entry-level investors. What is a Basic Services Demat Account (BSDA)? A Basic Services Demat Account (BSDA) is a low-cost demat account introduced by SEBI in 2012 to reduce charges for small investors. BSDA eligibility depends on the value of securities held in the demat account. Eligibility & Charges As of Feb 2025 (NSDL data): Issues in Existing BSDA Framework SEBI observed several loopholes in the older system (introduced 2012): Valuation ambiguities Operational gaps SEBI’s Key Proposals Exclude ZCZP Bonds from BSDA Portfolio Valuation Exclude Delisted Shares Entirely Treatment of Illiquid Securities Quarterly Reassessment of BSDA Eligibility Digital Flexibility for Beneficial Owners (BOs) Auto-Conversion to BSDA Why SEBI is Revising the Framework Now SEBI’s goal: Reduce friction + Protect small investors + Strengthen financial inclusion. How These Changes Will Benefit Investors Lower Costs for Small Investors Greater Transparency Easier Processes Boost to Retail Participation Experts believe the reforms will:
Mutual Funds Seek Middle Ground with Sebi on Broker Fee Cap
Source: Mint Context: SEBI recently proposed a major overhaul of mutual fund regulations, including a sharp reduction in brokerage and transaction cost limits that AMCs can charge over and above the Total Expense Ratio (TER). This created industry-wide concerns about margins, research costs, and market competitiveness. Key Proposal by SEBI What is TER? Total Expense Ratio (TER) is the annual fee charged by a mutual fund to manage and operate the scheme. It represents all costs borne by investors, expressed as a percentage of the fund’s average assets under management (AUM). Concerns Raised by Asset Management Companies Other Issues Discussed
