Daily Current Affairs News: 1st December, 2025

National News

SIM-Linking Now Mandatory for Messaging Apps: DoT Tightens Cybersecurity Norms

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated continuous SIM-linking for all messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Arattai, under the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025.
• Apps must remain tied to a specific SIM card, with web sessions auto-logging out every six hours and re-login via QR codes linked to the SIM.
• This rule, enforceable within 90–120 days, aims to curb cyber fraud, identity spoofing, and misuse of Indian numbers.
• While it may affect cross-device access, it strengthens India’s telecom cybersecurity and aligns with global best practices for secure digital communications.

India Achieves Record 357 Million Tonnes Foodgrain Production in 2025

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India produced a record 357 million tonnes of foodgrains in 2025, marking a decadal growth of ~40% from 257 million tonnes in 2015.
• Highlighting farmer-centric policies, technological interventions, and schemes like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and soil health cards, he credited these for India’s agricultural transformation.
• Modi also emphasized natural farming during the South India Natural Farming Summit in Coimbatore, promoting eco-friendly practices, organic technologies, and youth engagement in sustainable agriculture.

Highlights of PM Modi’s 128th “Mann Ki Baat” (30 November 2025)

• In his 128th Mann Ki Baat, PM Narendra Modi celebrated India’s achievements and urged citizens to embrace sustainability, local enterprise, and cultural pride.
• Major announcements included historic foodgrain production of 357 million tonnes, inauguration of Skyroot Aerospace’s Infinity Campus in Hyderabad, and induction of INS Mahe into the Navy.
• The address spotlighted natural farming, honey production (1.5 lakh tonnes), and eco-livelihoods, promotion of “Vocal for Local” and revival of indigenous crafts, and cultural initiatives like Kashi-Tamil Sangamam.
• PM Modi also encouraged youth-led adventure sports, winter tourism, and fitness, emphasizing innovation, self-reliance, and social unity as pillars of India’s progress.

India’s Population to Stabilise Around 1.8–1.9 Billion by 2080

International News

India Re-Elected to IMO Council with Highest Votes

• India achieved a major maritime and diplomatic milestone by being re-elected to the IMO Council Category B with 154 out of 169 votes, the highest in its category.
• The victory highlights India’s leadership in maritime safety, green shipping, digitalisation, and blue economy initiatives, aligning with the Amrit Kaal Maritime Vision 2047.
• It strengthens India’s role in global maritime governance, decision-making, and sustainable shipping, reinforcing its emergence as a trusted global maritime power.

India Re-Elected to UNESCO Executive Board for 2025–29 Term

• India has been re-elected to the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2025–2029 term, reaffirming its global leadership in education, culture, science, and communication.
• The Executive Board oversees UNESCO’s strategy, work programme, and budget, and India’s presence strengthens its influence on digital learning, heritage preservation, scientific collaboration, and media freedom.
• This re-election reflects confidence in India’s inclusive, human-centric development model and supports continued contributions such as the MGIEP, recognition of Indian heritage sites, and promotion of cross-cultural dialogue and South-South cooperation.

Banking News

India and ADB Seal $800 Million Loan Deal to Power Various Projects

• India signed $800+ million in ADB agreements to boost clean energy, urban transport, skill development, and ecological restoration across four states.
• Funds will support solar-powered irrigation in Maharashtra, the Indore Metro in Madhya Pradesh, a skill-upgradation program in Gujarat, and wetland–fisheries revival in Assam, reinforcing India’s push for sustainable growth, renewables, and inclusive development.

UPI Transactions Surge 23% in November 2025

• India’s UPI ecosystem hit a new milestone in November 2025, processing over 19 billion transactions worth ₹24.58 lakh crore, marking a 23% volume and 14% value growth year-on-year.
• Since its 2016 launch, UPI has become the backbone of India’s cashless economy, driving financial inclusion, MSME digitalisation, and rural adoption, aided by QR payments, zero-MDR policy, and government support.
• Its success has earned global recognition, with adoption or study underway in countries like Singapore, France, UAE, and Sri Lanka.

Economy News

The Rise of Indian Coffee on the Global Stage

• India’s coffee journey, begun by Baba Budan in the 1600s, has grown into a robust, sustainable industry spanning 4.91 lakh hectares across the Western and Eastern Ghats, supporting over 2 million livelihoods.
• Dominated by Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, India produces Arabica and Robusta, with globally recognized GI-tagged and specialty coffees like Monsooned Malabar and Mysore Nuggets Extra Bold.
• Backed by the Coffee Board of India, exports reached USD 1.8 billion in 2024–25, aided by GST cuts and trade deals with the UK and EFTA.
• Tribal initiatives like Koraput Coffee showcase empowerment, while India aims to triple production by 2047, positioning itself as a premium coffee producer globally.

Crisil Revises India’s FY26 GDP Growth Forecast to 7%

• Crisil has revised India’s FY26 GDP growth to 7% from 6.5%, driven by strong private consumption, robust manufacturing and services output, and supportive monetary and fiscal policies, with Q2 GDP growth at 8.2%; however, growth is expected to moderate to 6.1% in H2 due to global headwinds, slower private investment, and stabilizing government spending.

Appointments News

Paschal Donohoe Appointed MD and CKO of the World Bank Group

• Paschal Donohoe has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank Group, effective 24 November 2025.
• Formerly Ireland’s Finance Minister and President of the Eurogroup, Donohoe brings over two decades of public and private sector experience, including nearly a decade at Procter & Gamble.
• In his new role, he will lead the Knowledge Bank, driving global knowledge sharing, innovation, and scalable development solutions, strengthening collaboration with governments, civil society, and private stakeholders to enhance the Bank’s impact in emerging and developing economies.

Defense News

Indian Navy Receives ‘Taragiri’: Fourth Nilgiri-Class (Project 17A) Stealth Frigate

• India achieved a major boost in naval self-reliance with the delivery of Taragiri, the fourth Project 17A stealth frigate, showcasing advances in indigenous warship construction, stealth technology, and modern weapon systems.
• As part of the seven-ship Project 17A, Taragiri features CODOG propulsion, BrahMos missiles, MF-STAR radar, and high automation, highlighting India’s growing shipbuilding efficiency.
• With 75% indigenous content and contributions from 200+ MSMEs, the project strengthens both Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India’s defence-industrial ecosystem.

Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu Assumes Charge as Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition

• Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, AVSM, NM assumed charge as Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition (CWP&A) on 28 November 2025, succeeding Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan.
• Commissioned in 1987, he has extensive experience in warship operations, design, and naval modernization, including key roles in INS Vikramaditya induction, leading major naval dockyards, and overseeing nuclear submarine projects.
• Decorated with Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Nausena Medal, his leadership is set to advance India’s indigenous naval production and modernization efforts.

Summits & Conferences News

PM Modi Chairs 60th DGP–IGP Conference in Raipur

• Prime Minister Modi emphasized a strategic, tech-driven vision for internal security, urging innovative policing, forensic expansion, and stronger inter-agency coordination.
• Key discussions focused on AI-based investigations, women’s safety, and Chhattisgarh’s transformative “Bastar 2.0” plan targeting post-Naxal development.
• The conference concluded with Vision 2047, outlining a modern, citizen-centric, digitized police force prepared for future challenges.

Sports News

Andre Russell Retires from IPL, Joins KKR Support Staff

• Andre Russell has retired from IPL after 140 matches, scoring 2,651 runs at a strike rate of 174.18 and taking 123 wickets, ending a decade-long association with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
• The 37-year-old Jamaican all-rounder will now join KKR’s support staff as “Power Coach” for IPL 2026, contributing his energy, fitness, and cricketing instincts across batting, bowling, and fielding, ahead of the Abu Dhabi mini-auction on December 16.
• Russell’s retirement marks the end of an era for KKR, where he became a fan favourite and one of the league’s most explosive match-winners.

Rohit Sharma Writes History with Most Sixes in ODI Cricket

• India’s Rohit Sharma became the highest six-hitter in ODI cricket with 352 sixes, surpassing Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi’s 351, during the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on November 30, 2025.
• The 38-year-old “Hitman” achieved this milestone in 278 ODIs, 128 fewer than Afridi, highlighting his explosive batting and remarkable efficiency.
• Rohit also notched his 60th ODI half-century in the match, cementing his legacy as one of the most destructive and consistent limited-overs batsmen in cricket history.

Virat Kohli Surpasses Sachin Tendulkar With Record-Breaking 52nd ODI Century

• India’s Virat Kohli became the highest century-maker in men’s ODI cricket with his 52nd ODI hundred, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s 49, during the 1st ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on November 30, 2025.
• This also marked his sixth ODI century against South Africa, setting a new record against the Proteas.
• At 36 years old, Kohli now has 83 international centuries across formats and is approaching 28,000 international runs, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest and most consistent batsmen in cricket history.

Important Days News

World AIDS Day 2025: India’s Ongoing Fight and Future Roadmap

• World AIDS Day 2025, observed on December 1, emphasizes “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response”, highlighting resilient, inclusive, community-led health systems.
• India’s fight against HIV/AIDS, led by NACO under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), has evolved from emergency response in the 1980s to a comprehensive, rights-based strategy.
• Key initiatives include Test and Treat, Mission Sampark, viral load monitoring, and the HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017.
• With 1,587 targeted intervention projects, India continues its drive to eliminate AIDS by 2030 through awareness, legal protection, and accessible treatment.