Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 3&4 December, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
3&4 December, 2025

National Affairs

1. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

Context:

India is preparing to submit its next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the 2035 horizon under the Paris Agreement. Experts emphasise the need for a clear, economy-wide transition plan to meet long-term net-zero goals while sustaining growth.

About NDCs

• Definition: Country-specific climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, updated every five years (Article 4).
• Scope: Emissions reduction, renewable energy deployment, adaptation, climate finance, and technology deployment.

India’s Current NDC Targets

Target	Details
Emissions Intensity Reduction	Reduce CO₂ emissions per unit of GDP by 45% (2005–2030).
Non-Fossil Power Capacity	Achieve 50% of total installed capacity from non-fossil sources (solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, biomass) by 2030.
Carbon Sink Expansion	Add 2.5–3 Bt CO₂ through afforestation and agroforestry by 2030.
LIFE Movement	Promote low-carbon lifestyles and resource-efficient habits.
Adaptation in Vulnerable Sectors	Scale up climate-resilient investments in agriculture, water, coastal systems, Himalayan ecology, health, and disaster management.
Climate Finance & Technology	Mobilise domestic and international funds to expand renewables, adaptation, and indigenous climate technologies.

Key Challenges

Challenge	Explanation
Rising Absolute Emissions	GDP growth offsets efficiency gains; peak emissions expected only ~2035.
Coal Dependence	Coal remains crucial for grid stability; rapid phase-down difficult without storage/CCS.
Investment Needs	~$62 billion annually required through 2035 for renewables, storage, and grids.
Technology Gaps	Lack of commercially scalable long-duration storage, green hydrogen, CCS.
Climate Finance Shortfall	Global funding insufficient; India must self-finance major transition costs.
Just Transition Pressures	Coal-heavy states need worker retraining, economic diversification, and welfare support.
Adaptation Lag	Rising heatwaves, urban pollution, and extreme weather outpace adaptation efforts.

2. National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)

Source: TH

Context:

The NCBC recently recommended excluding 35 communities, mostly Muslim, from West Bengal’s Central OBC list, after reviewing inclusions made in 2014.

Constitutional & Legal Basis

• Constitutional Status: Article 338B of the Constitution.
• Established: Originally under NCBC Act, 1993; gained constitutional status through the 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018 (Articles 338B & 342A).
• Aim: Safeguard rights and welfare of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs).

Composition

• Members: 5 (Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, 3 Members)
• Appointment: By the President of India via warrant.
• Rank & Pay: Equivalent to Secretary, Government of India.

Functions

• Monitoring & Investigation: Ensure constitutional safeguards for SEBCs are implemented.
• Complaint Inquiry: Examine rights violations or misuse of reservation benefits.
• Socio-Economic Evaluation: Assess backward class welfare programs and advise governments.
• Consultation: Mandatory consultation by Union & State Governments on policy affecting SEBCs.
• Reporting: Submit annual and special reports to the President, tabled in Parliament and State Legislatures.

Powers

• Civil Court Powers:
  • Summon witnesses
  • Examine under oath
  • Demand documents and evidence
• Advisory Role: Recommend inclusion/exclusion of communities in the Central OBC list.
• Final Authority: Parliament enacts changes to the Central OBC list under Article 342A.

3. PM-WANI (Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface)

Source: PIB

Context:

• As of November 2025, over 3.9 lakh Wi-Fi hotspots have been deployed across India under PM-WANI, showing rapid nationwide expansion.
• The government updated Parliament on this progress.

Overview

• What it is: A national public Wi-Fi framework aimed at affordable, widespread broadband access through decentralized Wi-Fi hotspots operated by small entrepreneurs.
• Implementing Ministry: Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications.
• Launch: Approved by the Union Cabinet on 9 December 2020.
• Aim:
  • Democratize internet access
  • Promote digital inclusion
  • Support the goals of the National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018)

Key Features

• No License Required:
  • Small businesses and shops can operate Wi-Fi hotspots without a licence, fee, or formal registration.
• Four-Tier Architecture:
  • PDOs (Public Data Office): Provide Wi-Fi access
  • PDOAs (Aggregators): Handle authentication and accounting
  • App Providers: Enable user access
  • Central Registry (C-DoT): Maintains records of all entities

4. WHO Issues First Global Guideline on Infertility

Source: TH

Context:

• WHO has released its first-ever global guideline on infertility.
• Objective: Ensure safer, fairer, and affordable fertility care worldwide.
• Relevance: Infertility affects 1 in 6 people globally, yet care remains expensive, inequitable, and fragmented in many countries.

About the Guideline

• Purpose: Standardize the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility.
• Scope: Integrates infertility care into public health systems and aligns with Universal Health Coverage (UHC) frameworks.
• Focus: Evidence-based, cost-effective, accessible, and equitable fertility care.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Recommendations:
  • 40 recommendations covering:
    • Prevention
    • Early diagnosis
    • Counselling
    • Advanced treatment options
• Integration into Health Systems:
  • Encourages countries to include infertility services in national health strategies.
  • Promotes cost-effective care that reduces financial barriers.
• Fertility Awareness:
  • Programs in schools, primary health centres, and reproductive health facilities.
• Risk Factor Management:
  • Addresses untreated STIs, tobacco use, and poor lifestyle habits.
  • Recommends healthy diet, regular exercise, and tobacco cessation for individuals trying to conceive.
• Clinical Guidance:
  • Evidence-based diagnostic pathways for infertility in men and women.
• Psychosocial Support:
  • Recognizes emotional stress, stigma, and mental health challenges associated with infertility.
• Rights-Based Approach:
  • Promotes gender equality and reproductive rights in infertility care.

5. India Re-elected to IMO Council

Source: News on Air

Context:

• India has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, Category B, for the 2026–27 term.
• Votes received: 154 out of 169, the highest in Category B.
• Significance: Marks India’s second consecutive highest vote tally, reinforcing its growing maritime influence.

About the IMO Council

• The executive body of the IMO responsible for supervising its work between Assembly sessions.
• Makes policy decisions on global maritime governance.

Formation & Role

• Constituted under the IMO Convention (1958).
• Elected every two years by the IMO Assembly.
• Category B: 10 nations with the largest interest in international seaborne trade.
  • Members: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, UAE.

About the International Maritime Organization (IMO)

History

• Established by a UN Convention in 1948, came into force in 1958.
• First session held in 1959.
• Headquarters: London, UK.

Aim

• Ensure safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible shipping.
• Maintain uniform global maritime standards to prevent unfair advantage.

Major Functions

• Formulates and updates global maritime conventions (e.g., SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW).
• Regulates ship design, construction, operation, and disposal.
• Develops rules to prevent marine and air pollution from ships.
• Oversees global norms on seafarer training and certification.
• Promotes sustainable maritime transport aligned with SDG-14 (Life Below Water).

6. WorldSkills Asia Competition (WSAC) 2025

Source: PIB

Context:

• India participated in WSAC for the first time in 2025, held in Chinese Taipei.
• Achievement: India secured 8th rank among 29 participating nations.
• Medals won:
  • 1 Silver
  • 2 Bronze
  • 3 Medallions for Excellence

About WorldSkills Asia Competition

• A premier continental skill competition under the WorldSkills movement.
• Promotes excellence in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) across Asia.
• Brings together youth to compete in traditional, digital, and emerging trades.

History

• WorldSkills Asia (WSA) organizes regional contests within Asia.
• First WSAC: 2018, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• India’s debut: 2025.

India’s Performance

• Overall Rank: 8th among 29 nations.
• Team Composition:
  • 23 competitors in 21 skills
  • Supported by 21 experts
  • Led by Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
• Medals:
  • Silver: Painting & Decorating – Muskan
  • Bronze: Industrial Design Tech – Komal Panda
  • Bronze: Robot System Integration – Shivam Singh & Dinesh R.
  • 3 Medallions for Excellence awarded to other participants

7. Bioremediation

Context:

• India’s growing pollution burden and industrial contamination has increased the need for sustainable cleanup methods.
• Bioremediation is highlighted as an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable solution for soil, water, and waste contamination.

What is Bioremediation?

• Use of living organisms—bacteria, fungi, algae, or plants—to break down, transform, or detoxify pollutants.
• Mechanism: Microbes metabolize contaminants as food, converting them into harmless by-products such as water, CO₂, organic acids, or non-leachable metals.

Types of Bioremediation

1. In-situ Bioremediation (On-site)

• Treats pollutants directly at the contaminated location.
• Techniques:
  • Bioventing: Air and nutrients injected to stimulate microbes in soil.
  • Air Sparging: Oxygenates groundwater to degrade volatile pollutants.
  • Biobarriers/Biowalls: Microbes in trenches degrade contaminants in flowing groundwater.
  • Water Recirculation: Contaminated water is treated and reinjected to enhance biodegradation.

2. Ex-situ Bioremediation (Off-site)

• Contaminated soil or water is removed, treated in reactors, and returned.
• Used when pollution levels are high or on-site conditions cannot be controlled.

8. India Re-Elected to UNESCO Executive Board (2025–29)

Context:

• India has been re-elected to the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2025–29 term.
• Re-election reflects global confidence in India’s role in multilateral governance.

UNESCO Executive Board

• One of UNESCO’s three constitutional organs.
• Responsible for supervising programme implementation and providing strategic direction.

Establishment & Headquarters

• UNESCO established: 1945
• Executive Board: Operational since 1946
• Headquarters: Paris, France

Composition & Membership

• Members: 58 Member States
• Term: 4 years
• Election: By UNESCO General Conference via regional electoral groups to ensure equitable representation

9. INS Aridaman – India’s Third Indigenous SSBN

Source: ET

Context:

• India is set to commission INS Aridaman, the third indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).
• Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Joshi to oversee the commissioning.
• Part of India’s Arihant-class, under the Strategic Forces Command, to ensure assured second-strike capability under the no-first-use nuclear doctrine.

Construction & Indigenous Content

• Built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project by the Ship Building Centre, Visakhapatnam.
• Integrates over 90% indigenous components, including nuclear reactor and propulsion systems.

Historical Milestones

• INS Arihant: Launched 2009, commissioned 2016 – India became 6th country with operational SSBNs.
• INS Arighat: Commissioned 2024.
• INS Aridaman: Third operational SSBN, enabling minimum rotation fleet for continuous at-sea deterrence.

10. INS Taragiri – Fourth Nilgiri-Class Advanced Stealth Frigate

Source: TH

Context:

• Indian Navy received INS Taragiri, the fourth Project 17A Nilgiri-class stealth frigate, delivered by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai.
• Designed as a multi-mission combat platform with enhanced stealth, firepower, automation, and survivability.

Project 17A Ship List

• INS Nilgiri
• INS Himgiri
• INS Udaygiri
• INS Taragiri
• INS Dunagiri (upcoming)

Key Features

• Stealth Design: Reduced radar, acoustic, and infrared signatures.
• Propulsion: Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) – diesel engines + gas turbines; controllable pitch propellers (CPP).
• Sensors & Weapons:
  • BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
  • MF-STAR multifunction radar
  • MRSAM air defence missile complex

Banking/Finance

1. Masala Bond

Source: TH

Context:

• The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued show-cause notices to:
  • Kerala Chief Minister
  • Former Finance Ministry officials
  • KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board) officials
• Alleged violations pertain to FEMA and RBI regulations related to KIIFB’s 2019 Masala Bond issuance.

What is a Masala Bond?

• Definition: Rupee-denominated bonds issued overseas by Indian entities to raise funds.
• Currency Risk: Borne by the investor, not the Indian issuer.

Introduction & Regulation

• First issued by IFC in 2014 (~₹1,000 crore).
• Officially allowed by RBI in 2015 under the rupee-denominated bond framework.

Objectives

• Enable Indian corporates, NBFCs, and infrastructure trusts to raise global capital in INR.
• Reduce reliance on External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs).
• Shift forex/currency risk to investors.
• Promote internationalisation of the Indian rupee and deepen offshore rupee markets.

Key Features

• Rupee-denominated: Priced and redeemed in INR, but subscribed overseas.
• Investor bears currency risk: Unlike ECBs, where the borrower assumes forex risk.
• Eligible Issuers: Indian corporates, NBFCs, REITs, InvITs.
• Global Listing: Can be listed on exchanges like London and Singapore.
• Usage Restrictions: Cannot fund:
  • Capital market investments
  • Real estate (except affordable housing)
  • Land purchase
  • FDI-prohibited sectors
• Maturity: Initially 5 years, later reduced to 3 years.
• Tax Incentives:
  • 5% withholding tax on interest
  • Capital gains from rupee appreciation exempt

2. Big Banks or More Agile Banks?

Source: BS

Context:

India’s banking sector is witnessing a major shift driven by digital innovation, competition from fintechs, evolving customer needs, and heightened regulatory expectations. This has sparked an important policy and market question: Are large banks better suited for future challenges, or are smaller, more agile banks the real drivers of innovation?

Big Banks: Strengths and Limitations

Big Banks in India include institutions such as SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Bank of Baroda, known for their nationwide presence and large balance sheets.

Strengths

• High Capital Strength & Systemic Stability: Ability to absorb shocks due to diversified loan books and strong capital buffers.
• Trust & Brand Equity: Long-standing customer relationships and high public confidence.
• Comprehensive Product Suite: Retail, corporate, international banking, treasury, insurance, and wealth management.
• Risk Diversification: Exposure across geographies and sectors minimises concentration risk.

Limitations

• Slower Decision-Making due to layers of hierarchy.
• Legacy Technology Systems that make modernization expensive and time-consuming.
• High Operating Costs due to branches, staff, and compliance requirements.
• Limited Flexibility to adopt niche, experimental business models.

More Agile Banks: Strengths and Limitations

Agile banks include small finance banks (SFBs), payments banks, digital-first banks, and tech-driven NBFCs/neo-banks.

Strengths

• Rapid Innovation with digital-native operations, AI-based underwriting, and customer-centric products.
• Lower Operational Costs due to limited branch presence and automated systems.
• Niche Focus on underserved segments like MSMEs, gig workers, rural markets, and young consumers.
• Faster Credit Delivery using alternative data and real-time analytics.

Limitations

• Smaller Capital Buffers, making them vulnerable to credit shocks.
• Limited Product Range compared to universal banks.
• Lower Trust Levels, especially during financial stress episodes.
• Compliance Burden, as smaller institutions have less capacity for regulatory complexity.

RBI Norms for Bank Mergers in India

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plays a central role in approving, regulating, and supervising all bank mergers. RBI ensures that mergers strengthen systemic stability, protect depositors, and maintain financial discipline.

Key RBI Norms & Requirements for Bank Mergers

• Prior Approval Under the Banking Regulation Act
  • RBI approval is mandatory under Sections 44A, 45, and related provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
  • Both boards must approve the proposal before seeking RBI’s consent.
• Fit-and-Proper Criteria for Management
  • Post-merger boards and senior management must meet RBI’s “fit and proper” standards concerning integrity, experience, and financial soundness.
• Financial Health Assessment
  RBI evaluates:
  • Capital adequacy (CRAR),
  • Asset quality (NPA ratios),
  • Liquidity profile,
  • Exposure concentration,
  • Governance track record, and
  • Compliance history.
• Customer & Branch Integration Guidelines
  • The merged entity must ensure seamless transition of:
    • Accounts
    • IFSC codes
    • Loan servicing
    • Digital platforms
  • No disruption to essential banking services is permitted.
• Compliance With Prudential Norms
  • The merged bank must meet regulatory requirements on:
    • Capital adequacy
    • Priority sector lending
    • Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)
    • Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)
    • Exposure norms
    • Corporate governance standards
• Special Cases: RBI-Directed Mergers
  • Under Section 45 of the BR Act, RBI may force mergers to protect depositors (e.g., Global Trust Bank with Oriental Bank of Commerce, 2004).
  • In such cases, the acquiring bank gets regulatory flexibility for a transition period.

3. RBI’s Annual Report of the Ombudsman Scheme 2024-25

Source: Mint

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 2024-25 Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (IOS) report highlights a steep rise in customer grievances—driven largely by private banks’ aggressive retail expansion. The data signals systemic weaknesses in grievance redressal, customer onboarding, and credit discipline within the rapidly growing retail loan ecosystem.

Key Highlights:

Surge in Complaints

• Total complaints (2024-25): 13.34 lakh, up 13.5% from the previous year.
• 87% of all complaints came from individual retail customers.

Private Banks Now Lead in Complaints

• Private sector banks accounted for 37.5% of all grievances—the highest among bank groups.
• Complaints against Public Sector Banks (PSBs) fell by 9%, countering the common perception that PSBs are the worst on customer service.
• The shift is linked to private banks’ intense push into:
  • Unsecured personal loans,
  • Small-ticket loans,
  • Aggressive credit card enrolments.

Why Are Complaints Rising?

• Rapid retail growth since corporate lending slowed.
• Faulty or hasty loan appraisals leading to disputes over dues.
• Aggressive collection practices, especially in unsecured lending.
• Poor onboarding, resulting in confusion over interest, charges, and repayment schedules.
• Weak grievance redressal mechanisms despite higher retail exposure.

What Is the Ombudsman Scheme of RBI?

The Ombudsman Scheme is a complaint redressal mechanism created by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to resolve customer grievances related to banking, NBFCs, and digital payments. It provides cost-free, fair, and speedy resolution of complaints against regulated financial service providers.

Purpose of the Scheme

• To offer an accessible platform for customers to lodge complaints.
• To ensure transparent, timely, and impartial resolution of disputes.
• To enhance consumer protection in the banking and financial ecosystem

Regulatory Gaps Revealed

Inefficiencies in Redressal

• Many complaints remain unaddressed or inadequately resolved, revealing cracks in banks’ customer-service architecture.
• RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra previously flagged the poor allocation of resources for customer grievance management.

Credit Bureaus: A New Flashpoint

• Complaints against credit bureaus increased four-fold.
• Structural issue:
  • Credit bureaus rely financially on banks,
  • They often accept bank-reported data without verification,
  • Consumers receive secondary priority, even when ratings are disputed.

Larger Implications for Banking

Retail Customers Still Seen as “Depositors First”

• Despite relying on retail customers to drive profits, many banks continue treating them merely as deposit sources, not as service-entitled clients.
• As depositors increasingly explore mutual funds, gold, bonds, and market-linked products, banks risk facing weaker deposit inflows and pressure on their net interest margins (NIMs).

Financial Stability Angle

• Rising unsecured loan exposure + weak consumer protection = systemic risk.
• RBI’s concerns signal potential tightening in:
  • Digital lending rules,
  • Credit card governance,
  • Customer-protection norms.

Way Forward

• RBI must strengthen the regulatory framework, especially around:
  • Retail onboarding quality,
  • Collection practices,
  • Accuracy of credit bureau reporting,
  • Banks’ spending on grievance-handling systems.
• Banks need to invest in service architectures that match their retail ambitions.
• If ignored, customer dissatisfaction could erode trust and revenue, undermining the very retail strategy banks are betting on.

Agriculture

1. Cluster-Based Natural Farming

Source: The Tribune

Context:

At a recent meet hosted by NABARD at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, agricultural experts highlighted the importance of cluster-based natural farming models. The approach promotes collective adoption of sustainable, chemical-free farming practices among geographically proximate farmers, enhancing productivity, resilience, and market linkages.

What is Cluster-Based Natural Farming?

• Cluster-based natural farming involves a group of farmers in a defined area (typically 50+ hectares) adopting natural farming practices together.
• Key Features:
  • Shared bio-input production and resources
  • Joint training and extension support
  • Collective marketing and value-chain integration
  • Risk sharing through diversified cropping and livestock integration
• Objective: Make natural farming economically viable, scalable, and sustainable.

Benefits of Cluster-Based Natural Farming

• Sustainability and Ecological Balance
  • Reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides
  • Improves soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation
• Economies of Scale
  • Shared resources and pooled inputs reduce costs per farmer
  • Enables bulk procurement and production of bio-inputs
• Knowledge Sharing & Capacity Building
  • Farmers access training, demonstrations, and expert guidance collectively
  • Encourages adoption of scientific and indigenous practices
• Market Linkages & Income Security
  • Aggregated produce helps secure better prices and market access
  • Promotes value addition and supply-chain integration
• Risk Mitigation
  • Diversified crops and livestock reduce climate and market risks
  • Strengthens resilience of small and marginal farmers

Key Highlights from the NABARD Meet

• Promotion of Indigenous Practices: Experts stressed integrating indigenous cattle breeds and local crop varieties.
• Holistic Approach: Focus on crop-livestock integration, fodder production, and sustainable water management.
• Institutional Support: Collaboration between agricultural universities, NABARD, and extension services is crucial for farmer training, cluster setup, and supply-chain support.
• Replication Potential: Cluster-based models are scalable and adaptable for diverse agro-climatic zones, including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jharkhand.

Policy Alignment

Policy Objective	Role of Cluster-Based Natural Farming
Sustainable agriculture	Promotes chemical-free, soil-friendly practices
Farmer income enhancement	Collective marketing ensures better price realization
Climate resilience	Crop diversification and livestock integration reduce risk
SDG alignment	Contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), and SDG 15 (Life on Land)

Challenges Identified

• Initial Yield Uncertainty: Farmers may face short-term yield dips during transition from conventional farming.
• Resource Requirements: Need for bio-input production units, training centers, and seed banks.
• Market Linkages: Effective aggregation, certification, and access to buyers are essential to ensure economic sustainability.

Relevance to Jharkhand and Other States

• Jharkhand has identified 12 districts for 88 natural farming clusters, demonstrating the scalability and replicability of this model.
• Cluster-based natural farming can empower smallholders, enhance livelihoods, reduce input costs, and strengthen local ecosystems.
• Provides a pathway for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, especially in regions dependent on rainfed or marginal lands.

Economy

1. Top-Three Quantum Economy by 2047

Source: News on Air

Context:

The Frontier Tech Hub of NITI Aayog, in collaboration with IBM, has released a national roadmap aimed at transforming India into one of the world’s top-three quantum economies by 2047. The plan focuses on developing homegrown quantum computing hardware and software, nurturing at least 10 globally competitive quantum start-ups, and capturing a significant share of the global quantum software and services market.

Strategic Goals

• Technological Leadership:
  • Build domestic quantum computing hardware and software capabilities.
  • Establish globally competitive quantum enterprises.
• Sectoral Applications:
  • Deploy quantum technologies across defence, energy, healthcare, logistics, and finance.
  • Enhance security, operational efficiency, and innovation nationwide.
• Ecosystem Development:
  • Accelerate R&D, commercialization, and talent development.
  • Promote collective ownership across policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, and states.

Roadmap Highlights

• Leverages the National Quantum Mission as the foundation for quantum initiatives.
• Identifies India’s current capabilities, strategic strengths, and critical gaps.
• Provides actionable pathways to accelerate innovation, research, and global market presence.
• Emphasizes building a globally trusted, competitive, and self-reliant quantum economy.

Facts To Remember

1. Former England batter Robin Smith passes away

Former England batter Robin Smith passed away aged 62, English county side Hampshire announced. The South Africa-born Smith, who played 62 Tests between 1988 and 1996, died unexpectedly on Monday in Australia, where he lived, his family said.

2. Sanchar Saathi App Can Be Deleted from Devices, Says Minister Scindia

The Union government has issued new directions requiring smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all devices sold in India from March 2026. The move has drawn concerns regarding privacy, surveillance, and app permissions. Responding to these concerns, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the app neither snoops on users nor monitors their calls, and it can be deleted if a user does not want it.

3. Parliament Passes Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 to Raise Tobacco Duties

The Parliament today passed the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 with the Rajya Sabha approving and returning it to the Lok Sabha. 

4. Union Minister Annpurna Devi launches 100-Day Intensive Awareness Campaign for Child Marriage Free Bharat

Union Minister of Women and Child Development (WCD) Annpurna Devi today launched the 100-Day Intensive Awareness Campaign for a Child Marriage Free Bharat in New Delhi, marking the first anniversary of the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign. 

5. India celebrates Navy Day with Spectacular Maritime Display in Kerala

Navy Day is being celebrated today. The day is celebrated on the 4th of December every year to recognise the achievements and role of the Indian Navy.  

6. Operation Sagar Bandhu strengthens Sri Lanka’s relief efforts against Cyclone Ditwah

India’s Operation Sagar Bandhu continues to bolster Sri Lanka’s struggle against the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.