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GK Update

Fri 05 Dec, 2025

National News

Second NABARD–IAMAI Earth Summit 2025–26

  • The second NABARD–IAMAI Earth Summit 2025–26 was inaugurated at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat by the Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah.
  • The theme of this summit focuses on “Empowering Rural Innovation for Global Transformation.”

Related Facts:

  • The NABARD–IAMAI Earth Summit is jointly initiated by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
  • Objective: To establish a global platform aimed at accelerating rural development through policy outcomes, targeted investments, and technological collaboration.
  • Focus Areas: Innovation in sectors like dairy, agriculture, animal husbandry, natural farming, and cooperative models.
  • This is a series of summits to be held across three cities.
  • First Summit: Southern and Eastern Regional Summit, Hyderabad, HITEX Exhibition Centre – 20–21 November 2025
  • Third Summit: National Summit and Grand Finale – New Delhi, February 2026

GST on Micronutrient Fertilizers Reduced from 12% to 5%

  • According to Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda, the GST on micronutrient fertilizers has been reduced from 12% to 5%.
  • He said that farmers would save Rs 140 per acre in paddy cultivation, Rs 199 per acre in sugarcane cultivation, Rs 446 per acre in potato cultivation, and Rs 146 per acre in wheat cultivation.

90% Reduction in Train Accidents

  • According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, there has been a 90% reduction in train accidents in the country.
  • He stated that the number of train accidents between 2004 and 2014 was approximately 171, which has now significantly decreased due to the measures taken by the government.

13th FOC: India–Netherlands

  • The 13th round of India–Netherlands Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) was held in New Delhi on 4 December 2025.
  • The Indian delegation was led by Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs.
  • The Netherlands delegation was led by Christaan Rebergen, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Netherlands:

  • Official Name: Kingdom of the Netherlands
  • Capital: Amsterdam
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Major Cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht

Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025

  • Parliament has passed the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 to increase excise duty on tobacco, aimed at imposing higher excise after the expiry of the GST compensation cess on tobacco and related products.

Key Features of the Bill :

  • Passed in Lok Sabha: 3 December 2025, by voice vote
  • The Bill provides financial scope to increase central excise rates on tobacco products.
  • Current taxation includes 28% GST plus varying compensation cess on tobacco products.
  • Objective of the Bill :
  • To update tariff rates for tobacco products in Section IV of the Fourth Schedule of the Central Excise Act, 1944.

Proposed Excise Duty under the Bill :

  • Unmanufactured tobacco: 60–70%
  • Cigars and cheroots: 25% or ₹5,000 per 1,000 cigars (whichever is higher)
  • Cigarettes: ₹2,700–₹11,000 per 1,000 sticks (based on length and filter)
  • Chewing tobacco: ₹100 per kg

International news

14th Meeting of the India–Oman Strategic Consultation Group

  • The 14th meeting of the India–Oman Strategic Consultation Group was held in Muscat, Oman, on 4 December 2025.
  • It was co-chaired by Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs of India, and Sheikh Khalifa Al-Harthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman.

Related Facts :

  • This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Oman.
  • Economic and commercial engagement is a major pillar of bilateral relations, with bilateral trade of USD 10.61 billion in FY 2024–2025 and growing investments between the two countries.
  • Oman hosts a large Indian community, with around 6.75 lakh Indians living in the country.

Russian President on State Visit to India

  • Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a state visit to India, which is his first visit to India since the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
  • This is the 23rd India–Russia Summit, held at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking 25 years of the Special Strategic Partnership.

Related Facts :

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Vladimir Putin with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita in Russian upon his arrival in New Delhi.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that India–Russia cooperation is not directed against any country.
  • The sole objective of the partnership is to safeguard the national interests of both countries.

Pakistan's First Chief of Defence Staff

  • Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment of Asim Munir to the newly created position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
  • Asim Munir will also retain his position as Chief of Army Staff.

Doses of Vaccine Provided for Prevention of Influenza and Meningitis

  • The Government of India has provided 63,734 doses of vaccines to Afghanistan for the prevention of influenza and meningitis.

Related Facts :

  • First consignment: On 28 November 2025, 73 tonnes of life-saving medicines, vaccines, and nutritional supplements were sent.
  • Other assistance: In October 2025, 20 ambulances and medical equipment were provided, along with medicines supplied between April and September 2025.

State News

Magel Tyala Solar Agricultural Pump Scheme: Maharashtra

  • Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL / Mahavitaran) set a world record by installing 45,911 solar agricultural pumps in one month under the Magel Tyala Solar Agricultural Pump Scheme, which has been entered in the Guinness Book of World Records.
  • This scheme is linked to PM-KUSUM, under which farmers receive 90–95% subsidy.

Related Facts :

  • The official Guinness World Record certificate was presented on 5 December 2025 at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
  • Mahavitaran was honored during the event for this achievement.

Inauguration of Mist Spray System: New Delhi

  • The Delhi Government has inaugurated a pole-mounted mist spray system at ITO to control pollution.

Related Facts :

  • The system sprays fine water droplets (mist) into the air, which capture suspended particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and bring it down to the ground, thereby improving air quality.
  • Objective: The initiative aims to reduce PM levels and tackle smog problems, especially during winters.
  • Other initiatives: This system is part of the Delhi Government’s Winter Action Plan, which also includes anti-smog guns, dust suppression drives, and the Odd-Even scheme for vehicles.

Economy and banking

Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL)

  • Assam’s Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) has been granted ‘Navratna’ status by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, making it the 27th CPSE to receive the Navratna tag.

Related Facts :

  • Parent Ministry: NRL operates under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
  • Significance: It is considered one of the most important oil refineries in Northeast India.
  • Performance: The company has been consistently performing well, which paved the way for it to attain the Navratna status.
  • Privileges of Navratna Status: NRL can now invest up to ₹1,000 crore in any project without prior government approval.

Person In news

Owner: A.V.M. Saravanan

  • Renowned Tamil film producer and owner of AVM Productions, A.V.M. Saravanan (M. Saravanan), passed away on December 4, 2025, in Chennai at the age of 86 due to age-related illnesses.
  • He was born on December 3, 1939, and passed away one day after his birthday.

Swaraj Kaushal

  • Former Governor of Mizoram and Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court, Swaraj Kaushal, passed away on 4 December 2025 in New Delhi at the age of 73 due to a heart attack.
  • Family: He was the husband of the late former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and the father of New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj.

Key Facts:

  • Governor of Mizoram: Served from 1990 to 1993, becoming the youngest Governor in India at the age of 37.
  • Role in Mizoram Peace: Played a key role in bringing stability to Mizoram after the 1986 Mizo Peace Accord.
  • Legal Career: Designated as a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court at age 34; recognized as an expert in constitutional law.

Science and Technology

Discovery of Alaknanda Spiral Galaxy

  • Researchers at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune, have discovered one of the most distant spiral galaxies from the early universe (1.5 billion years after the Big Bang) using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
  • The galaxy, named Alaknanda, is located 12 billion light-years away.
  • It features two distinct spiral arms spanning approximately 30,000 light-years, challenging existing theories about the existence of structured galaxies in the early universe.

Appointments

Jayandran Venugopal

  • Jayandran Venugopal, former Chief Product and Technology Officer (CPTO) of Flipkart, has been appointed President and CEO of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL).

Sports news

AIFF Super Cup 2025-26

  • The AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 is being held in Goa (Fatorda Stadium and GMC Athletic Stadium) from October 25 to December 7, 2025. It is the AIFF's annual knockout football tournament.
  • It features clubs from the ISL and I-League, with FC Goa being the defending champions.

Related Facts:

  • East Bengal FC 3-1 Punjab FC: On December 4, 2025, East Bengal defeated Punjab to reach the final.
  • FC Goa 2-1 Mumbai City FC: On December 4, Goa won the semi-final.
  • The final will be held on December 7, 2025, between East Bengal FC and FC Goa

.International Golf Premier League (IGPL) Invitational Tournament

  • Gaganjeet Bhullar won his third title at the International Golf Premier League (IGPL) Invitational Tournament held in Ahmedabad.

Key Facts:

  • Total Score: 11-under (71-67-67); 5-under 67 in the final round.
  • Second Place: Raghav Chugh (21 years old) at 10-under.
  • Third Place: Justin Quek (Philippines), Santiago de la Fuente (Mexico), and Manav Shah (Indian-American) — all tied at 8-under.
  • Prize Money: ₹22.50 lakh.
  • Bhullar is India’s most successful golfer on the Asian Tour with 11 titles.

Third bowler to complete 600 wickets

  • Sunil Narine, the Caribbean bowler who plays for Kolkata Knight Riders, completed 600 wickets in competitive T20 cricket while playing for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders against Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20 2025-26.
  • He became the third bowler to achieve this milestone.

Important days

World Soil Day

  • World Soil Day is observed every year on 5 December.
  • The main objective of this day is to raise awareness among people and governments about the importance of healthy soil and the need for the sustainable management of soil resources.
  • The UN General Assembly adopted this observance in 2013, and it was celebrated for the first time in 2014, with the aim of promoting awareness on sustainable soil management and food security.

Key Facts:

  • Organizing Body: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations
  • The date was chosen in honour of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who played a significant role in promoting sustainable soil resource management.
  • Theme for 2025: “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities”

International Volunteer Day (IVD)

  • International Volunteer Day is observed every year on 5 December.
  • The United Nations General Assembly adopted it in 1985 through Resolution 40/212, to recognize the contribution of volunteers to social and economic development.

Key Facts:

  • Theme for 2025: “Every Contribution Matters”
  • 2026 has been declared as the International Volunteer Year for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026)

Awards and honors

National Award for Individual Excellence 2025

  • Pratiek Madhav has been honoured with the National Award for Individual Excellence 2025 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Key Facts:

  • Pratiek Madhav is the Co-founder and CEO of AssisTech Foundation.
  • The award recognizes outstanding achievement and contributions in the field of empowerment of persons with disabilities.

Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2025

  • Dr. Shardul S. Shroff, Executive Chairman of Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. (SAM), was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2025.
  • This award recognizes his exemplary leadership, ethical governance, and lasting impact in shaping the corporate landscape across Asia.

Today News

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