Every headline is more than just news—it’s a reflection of India’s unfolding journey, illustrating how policies, achievements, and global collaborations are shaping the future you’re poised to lead. From the battle against child marriage to the triumphs of Punjab’s young athletes, from the debates in Parliament to the conversations at Pariksha Pe Charcha, each update embodies lessons in resilience, progress, and hope. As you engage with these current affairs, remember: these aren’t merely facts to memorize for an exam—they are living stories of a nation on the move, and you are an integral part of that narrative.
National Affairs
No WhatsApp Without Active SIM
What Has Changed
- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025.
- Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, ShareChat, JioChat, Josh, and Arattai must now be continuously linked to an active SIM card.
- If the SIM card is removed or becomes inactive, the account will automatically be logged out.
New 6‑Hour Auto Logout Rule
- On WhatsApp Web and desktop versions, users will be automatically logged out every six hours.
- Re‑authentication will be required through a QR code scan, ensuring that only the rightful SIM holder can access the account.
Purpose of the Rule
- Prevent cyber fraud and impersonation: By tying accounts to active SIMs, authorities can trace misuse more effectively.
- Enhance accountability: Fake accounts or those created using inactive numbers will no longer function.
- Boost national cybersecurity: Messaging apps are now treated like telecom services, subject to stricter verification
Darjeeling Mandarin Orange Receives GI Tag
The famous Darjeeling Mandarin Orange has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag, giving it official recognition and protection. This tag ensures that only oranges grown in the Darjeeling region can be marketed under this name, safeguarding its unique identity.
Key Points for Aspirants
- Product: Darjeeling Mandarin Orange
- Region: Darjeeling district, West Bengal
- Recognition: Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
- Purpose: Protects authenticity, prevents misuse of the name, and supports local farmers
- Impact: Boosts farmers’ income, promotes regional heritage, and strengthens India’s GI portfolio
Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025
The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed in the Lok Sabha by voice vote during the Winter Session. The Bill ensures that tobacco and related products continue to face a high tax burden even after the GST compensation cess is phased out.
Key Points for Aspirants
- Purpose: To levy excise duty on tobacco products once the GST compensation cess ends.
- Products Covered: Cigarettes, cigars, cheroots, chewing tobacco, zarda, hookah, and scented tobacco.
- Rates Proposed:
- 60–70% excise duty on unmanufactured tobacco.
- 25% duty or ₹5,000 per 1,000 sticks on cigars and cheroots.
- Specific rates for cigarettes (e.g., ₹2,700 per 1,000 sticks for filterless up to 65 mm, ₹4,500 for 65–70 mm).
- Finance Minister’s Clarification: Nirmala Sitharaman stated this is not a new tax but a continuation to prevent tobacco becoming cheaper.
- GST Context: GST law caps maximum tax at 40%. Without excise duty, tobacco taxes would fall after the cess ends.
Anti‑Child Marriage Drive: 100‑Day ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat’ Campaign
The Government of India has launched a 100‑day nationwide campaign called Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat to eliminate child marriage and protect children’s rights. This drive is part of the country’s broader mission to ensure safety, education, and dignity for every child.
Key Points for Aspirants
- Launch: 4 December 2025
- Scope: Nationwide, covering all states and union territories
- Objective: To make India free from child marriage by spreading awareness, enforcing laws, and supporting communities
- Lead Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development, in collaboration with state governments and NGOs
- Focus Areas:
- Preventing child marriages through strict law enforcement
- Promoting education for girls
- Strengthening child protection systems
- Community awareness programs in villages and towns
Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 – 9th Edition
The Ministry of Education has announced that the 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) will take place in January 2026. This annual interactive program allows students, teachers, and parents from India and abroad to engage directly with the Prime Minister on issues related to exams, stress management, and holistic education.
Key Highlights for Aspirants
- Date: January 2026 (exact date to be announced).
- Participants: Students (Classes 6–12), teachers, and parents from India and abroad.
- Registration: Open on the MyGov portal from 1 December 2025 to 11 January 2026.
- Format: Online MCQ‑based competition to select participants.
- Certificates: All registered participants completing the activity will receive a certificate of participation from MyGov.
- Global Reach: The 8th edition in 2025 set a Guinness World Record with participation from students in 245 countries, teachers from 153 countries, and parents from 149 countries.
Tawang Gets Alternative Connectivity: Shyok Tunnel in Eastern Ladakh
India has announced the construction of the Shyok Tunnel in Eastern Ladakh, which will provide all‑weather road access to Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh). This strategic project is part of India’s broader effort to strengthen border infrastructure and ensure year‑round connectivity to sensitive frontier regions.
Key Points for Aspirants
- Location: Shyok region, Eastern Ladakh.
- Purpose: To create an all‑weather alternative route to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Strategic Importance:
- Enhances connectivity to border areas near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- Provides faster troop movement and logistics support.
- Reduces dependence on vulnerable mountain passes that often close in winter.
- Infrastructure Boost: Tunnel construction reflects India’s focus on border roads, tunnels, and bridges for defence preparedness.
- Broader Context: Complements other projects like the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh and the Zojila Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir
International Affairs
Thailand Lifts 53‑Year‑Old Ban on Afternoon Alcohol Sales
On 3rd December 2025, Thailand officially ended a restriction that had been in place since 1972, which prohibited the sale of alcohol between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.. The government announced a 180‑day trial period, during which alcohol can be sold from 11 a.m. to midnight, with drinking permitted until 1 a.m. in venues.
Key Points for Aspirants
- Year of Ban: Introduced in 1972 under military rule.
- Duration of Ban: 53 years (1972–2025).
- Old Rule: No alcohol sales between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
- New Rule: Sales allowed from 11 a.m. to midnight (trial for 180 days).
- Purpose: Boost tourism, nightlife, and business at bars, restaurants, and convenience stores.
- Concerns: Authorities worry about drunk driving and enforcement challenges.
- Cultural Context: Thailand is predominantly Buddhist, and the religion discourages intoxicants, though drinking is common.
23rd India–Russia Annual Summit: Strengthening Strategic Partnership
Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a two‑day visit to India for the 23rd Annual Summit, marking a major step in bilateral ties. The summit set ambitious goals and signed multiple agreements across trade, mobility, education, and strategic cooperation.
Key Outcomes of the Summit
- Labour Mobility Agreement:
- Allows Indian professionals to work in Russia, opening new opportunities in skilled sectors.
- Trade & Economic Cooperation:
- Target set: $100 billion bilateral trade by 2030 (current trade: $68 billion).
- Agreements signed for fertiliser and pharmaceutical projects.
- Shipments of Indian fisheries and agricultural goods to Russia approved.
- Arctic & Nuclear Cooperation:
- India–Russia to expand cooperation in Arctic navigation.
- Continued collaboration on civilian nuclear power projects.
- Indian mariners to be trained by Russian specialists for Arctic shipping operations.
- Education & Social MoUs:
- Medical education MoU: More Indian students to study in Russia.
- Separate MoUs on environment, space exploration, and setting up an Indian fertiliser unit in Russia.
- Trade Settlement & Connectivity:
- Gradual shift towards national currencies for bilateral payments.
- Connectivity boost through:
- International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) via Iran.
- Chennai–Vladivostok sea route for faster logistics.
- Tourism & People‑to‑People Ties:
- Launch of a new e‑visa system to promote tourism.
EU Slaps X with €120 Million Fine
The European Commission announced on 5 December 2025 that it has fined X (formerly Twitter) €120 million for failing to comply with the Digital Services Act (DSA). This is the first time the EU has issued a formal non‑compliance decision since the DSA came into effect.
Key Points for Aspirants
- Platform fined: X (owned by Elon Musk).
- Fine amount: €120 million (≈ $140 million).
- Law breached: Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU’s sweeping social media regulation.
- Violations:
- Misleading use of blue checkmarks for account authentication.
- Failure to provide data access to researchers.
- Lack of transparency in advertising disclosures.
- Risk to users: EU regulators said these breaches could leave users exposed to scams, manipulation, and harmful content.
- Global impact: The fine has reignited tensions between Brussels and Washington, with U.S. officials criticizing EU digital rules as unfair to American tech firms.
Netflix to Buy Warner Bros. Discovery in $72 Billion Deal
On 5 December 2025, Netflix confirmed it will buy Warner Bros Discovery’s studios and streaming division (including HBO Max) for $72 billion. The deal gives Netflix control over some of Hollywood’s most iconic franchises and strengthens its dominance in the streaming market.
Key Points for Aspirants
- Deal Value: $72 billion (equity value), total enterprise value $82.7 billion.
- Acquired Assets: Warner Bros. film and television studios, along with the HBO Max streaming platform.
- Iconic Franchises Included: Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, DC Comics Universe, The Sopranos, The Big Bang Theory.
- Market Impact: Netflix gains nearly 130 million additional subscribers from HBO Max.
- Regulatory Scrutiny: EU and US regulators expected to review the deal for antitrust concerns.
- Competing Bids: Paramount Skydance and Comcast also bid, but Netflix’s $28/share offer won.
Sports
Tressa–Gayatri Defend Title
Indian badminton players Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand have once again proved their strength. They retained their women’s doubles championship at the Syed Modi International tournament in Lucknow.
Key Points for Aspirants
- Winners: Treesa Jolly & Gayatri Gopichand
- Opponents: Japan’s Kaho Osawa & Mai Tanabe
- Venue: Lucknow, India
- Date: 30th November 2025
- Result: Won in three games (17‑21, 21‑13, 21‑15)
Why It Matters
- Shows India’s rising strength in badminton doubles.
- Gayatri made a comeback after injury, inspiring youth with her resilience.
- The tournament is named after Syed Modi, a famous Indian badminton player and Commonwealth Games gold medalist.
India Stun Iran, Seal U17 Asian Cup Berth
India’s U17 football team created history by defeating Iran 2–1 in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers held at Ahmedabad. This victory ensured India’s qualification for the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Key Points for Aspirants
- Event: AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers
- Result: India beat Iran 2–1
- Venue: EKA Arena, Ahmedabad
- Scorers:
- Dallalmoun Gangte (penalty, captain)
- Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam (winning goal)
- Date: 30th November 2025
Max Wins as Title Fight Goes to Final Race
Max Verstappen kept his championship hopes alive by winning the penultimate race of the 2025 Formula 1 season. His victory means the world title will now be decided in the final race, making this one of the most thrilling F1 seasons in recent years.
Key Points for Aspirants
- Winner: Max Verstappen
- Race: Penultimate round of the 2025 F1 season
- Impact: Championship battle goes to the final race
- Rivalry: Verstappen’s win keeps the fight open against his closest competitor.
Mohit Sharma Retires from All Formats of Cricket
Indian fast bowler Mohit Sharma has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket, closing a career that began in 2013 and gave many memorable performances for India and in the IPL.
Key Points for Aspirants
- Debut: 2013, against Zimbabwe in Harare
- International Career:
- Played 26 ODIs and 8 T20Is for India
- Took 37 wickets in ODIs and 6 wickets in T20Is
- Part of India’s squad in the 2015 ICC World Cup
- Domestic Career: Represented Haryana in Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments
- IPL Achievements:
- Won the Purple Cap in IPL 2014 with Chennai Super Kings (most wickets in the season)
- Played for CSK, Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals, and Gujarat Titans
- Made a strong comeback in IPL 2023, taking 27 wickets for Gujarat Titans
Punjab Affairs
Punjab CM’s Japan Visit
Timeline & Delegation
- Start Date: 1st December 2025
- Duration: 10‑day official tour covering Tokyo and Sapporo
- Delegation Members: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Industry Minister Sanjeev Arora, Chief Secretary KAP Singh, and senior officials.
Key Industrial Collaborations
- Aichi Steel Corporation (Toyota Group) signed an MoU with Vardhman Special Steels, Ludhiana, expanding its stake and committing ₹500 crore investment.
- Toppan Speciality Films (TSF) announced a ₹400 crore investment in Punjab, strengthening the state’s packaging and specialty films sector.
- Meetings were held with Toyota, Nippon, Panasonic, NEC, Sumitomo, Honda, Yamaha, Fujitsu, JBIC, JICA, and other Japanese industry leaders.
Objectives of the Visit
- Attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Showcase Punjab as an industry‑ready destination.
- Promote Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026: CM Mann invited Japanese companies to participate in the summit scheduled for March 13–15, 2026 in Mohali.
Six Mohali AFPI Alumni Graduate from NDA
Punjab celebrated a proud moment as six alumni of the Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (AFPI), Mohali, graduated from the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA). Their achievement reflects the institute’s mission to guide and prepare young aspirants for careers in the armed forces.
Key Points for Aspirants
- Institute: Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (AFPI), Mohali
- Graduates: Six alumni successfully completed training at NDA
- NDA Location: Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra
- Purpose: AFPI trains Punjab’s youth to join NDA, IMA, and other defence academies
- Impact: Inspires more students from Punjab to pursue defence careers
Punjab Shines at 37th Sub‑Junior National Badminton Championship
At the 37th Sub‑Junior National Badminton Championship held in Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Punjab players delivered outstanding performances in the Under‑17 category.
Key Highlights
- Jagsher Khangurra (Punjab) – clinched Gold Medal in the Under‑17 boys’ singles category, showcasing dominance and skill.
- Viraj Sharma (Punjab) – secured the Silver Medal, adding to Punjab’s medal tally and proving the state’s rising strength in youth badminton.
Literature & Authors
Mother Mary Comes to Me (2025)
- This is Arundhati Roy’s first memoir, published by Penguin Hamish Hamilton.
- The book traces her journey from childhood in Kerala to adulthood in Delhi, inspired by the death of her mother in 2022.
- It is described as an intimate account of her life, shaped by her mother’s influence—Mary Roy, a noted educationist and women’s rights activist.
- The memoir revisits places and themes from her earlier works, but with a deeply personal lens.
Arundhati Roy – Author Profile
- Born: 24 November 1961, Shillong, Meghalaya.
- Breakthrough Work: The God of Small Things (1997) – won the Booker Prize, making her the first Indian woman to receive it.
- Other Major Works:
- The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (2017) – longlisted for the Booker Prize.
- Listening to Grasshoppers (2009) – essays on democracy and politics.
- The Algebra of Infinite Justice (2001) – collection of political essays.
- Field Notes on Democracy (2009).
- Azadi: Freedom. Fascism. Fiction. (2020).
Awards and Recognition
Arundhati Roy has received numerous honours for her literary and activist work:
- Booker Prize (1997) – for The God of Small Things.
- Sydney Peace Prize (2004) – for her advocacy on social justice.
- Norman Mailer Prize for Distinguished Writing (2011).
- National Sahitya Akademi Award (2006) – for her contributions to Indian literature.
- Recognized globally for her political essays and activism, especially on issues of environment, human rights, and democracy.
Every update you’ve just read is more than a headline—it mirrors India’s evolving journey and the shifting dynamics of the global landscape. From national reforms like the Anti‑Child Marriage drive and excise amendments, to international milestones such as the India–Russia Summit and EU’s digital law enforcement, each event carries lessons of resilience, progress, and global awareness. For aspirants, these are not just facts to memorize, but stories of transformation that will shape the questions in your exams and the answers in your future.”
Sources for current affairs
To strengthen your preparation and ensure authenticity, here are the key sources behind these updates:
- Department of Telecommunications (DoT) – Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025
- Press Information Bureau (PIB) – Government releases on GI Tags, Anti‑Child Marriage Campaign, Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026
- Lok Sabha Debates & Ministry of Finance – Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Border Roads Organisation (BRO) – Shyok Tunnel and defence infrastructure projects
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) – 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit agreements and outcomes
- European Commission – Digital Services Act enforcement against X
- Global Business Media Reports (Reuters, Bloomberg, Financial Times) – Netflix–Warner Bros Discovery $72 billion acquisition
- Badminton Association of India (BAI) – 37th Sub‑Junior National Badminton Championship results
- Ministry of Education & MyGov Portal – Pariksha Pe Charcha registration details
- Penguin Hamish Hamilton – Release of Arundhati Roy’s memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me
