Daily Current Affairs – 03-12-2025
Personalities, Awards and Events
Tamil Nadu Adds Five New Products to GI Tag List
On Tuesday, Tamil Nadu added five more products to its Geographical Indication (GI) registrations, increasing the state's total GI portfolio to 74 products. The newly recognised GI items include the Woraiyur cotton sari, Kavindapadi nattu sakkarai (jaggery powder), Namakkal makkal pathirangal (soapstone cookware), the traditional Thooyamalli rice variety, and Ambasamudram choppu saman (wooden toys). Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) attorney P Sanjai Gandhi filed these applications. The Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board filed the GI applications for Thooyamalli rice and Kavindapadi nattu sakkarai. The Woraiyur Devanga Handloom Weaver’s Co-operative Society filed the GI application for the Woraiyur cotton sari, with the application for Woraiyur being filed through local weaver cooperatives to protect the design and livelihood of handloom communities around Trichy.
Former England Batter Robin Smith Passes Away
Robin Smith, the former England cricketer, passed away at the age of 62. The announcement was made by his former county side, Hampshire Cricket, on December 2. Smith, born in South Africa, played 62 Tests for England between 1988 and 1996, scoring 4,236 runs including nine centuries. He also played 71 One Day Internationals (ODIs), scoring 2,419 runs. Smith, nicknamed 'The Judge', was known for his charismatic and courageous batting. He had recently met with the England Lions squad in Perth before the Ashes series. He passed away unexpectedly in his apartment in South Perth, Australia, on December 1.
National News
Fintechs Secure Reserve Bank’s PA-CB Licences to Drive Cross-Border Payments
India's fintech ecosystem is expanding rapidly in the area of cross-border payments, with several startups and large payment gateways securing the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) payment aggregator-cross border (PA-CB) licence. This licence allows fintech companies to facilitate both inward and outward cross-border transactions. Recently, Razorpay, a major fintech company, received the RBI’s PA-CB licence, enabling it to offer compliant payment infrastructure for businesses operating across markets. This development is a part of the broader trend where Indian businesses, as well as global companies choosing India as a key growth market, require efficient financial systems to serve customers internationally. Similarly, Cashfree Payments has partnered with JP Morgan Payments, which will act as its authorised dealer category-I (AD-I) bank, allowing Cashfree to process import transactions in line with RBI regulations. This collaboration aims to streamline international payments and enhance compliance and settlement infrastructure in India.
Ramakrishnan Chander Takes Charge as MD of LIC
Ramakrishnan Chander took charge as the Managing Director (MD) of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) on December 1. His appointment is effective from the date of assumption of office until his retirement date, September 30, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Prior to becoming MD, he served as the Executive Director (Investment – Front Office) and Chief Investment Officer. This elevation followed the appointment of R Doraiswamy as CEO & MD of LIC. R Doraiswamy was the Managing Director of LIC before this new appointment.
DRDO Conducts High-Speed Test of Fighter Escape System
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of an indigenous fighter aircraft escape system at controlled velocity on Tuesday. According to the Defence Ministry, the test took place at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory in Chandigarh. The test validated important components of the escape system, including canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and complete aircrew recovery. This trial, conducted in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), marks a significant advancement in India’s efforts to enhance its fighter aircraft escape systems.
Foreign Direct Investment: Tamil Nadu Ranks 3rd
In the April-September period, Tamil Nadu ranked 3rd among the states that attracted the most foreign direct investments (FDI) in India. According to the Central Government's data, India's FDI inflows increased by 18%, reaching 3,518 crore dollars in the current financial year's April-September period, up from 2,979 crore dollars during the same period in the 2024-25 financial year. FDI in Tamil Nadu during this period stood at 357 crore dollars, ranking it third after Maharashtra (1,057 crore dollars) and Karnataka (940 crore dollars). Countries such as Singapore, United States, and Mauritius were among the top investors in India. Sector-wise, the highest FDI was received in computer software and hardware (900 crore dollars), followed by the service (500 crore dollars) and trading (278 crore dollars) sectors.
Prime Minister’s Office Renamed ‘Seva Teerth’
The new building being constructed for the Prime Minister's Office in New Delhi has been renamed 'Seva Teerth' (Place of Service). Restoration work on government buildings in the capital is underway, including the construction of a new building for the Indian Prime Minister's Office. This building, nearing completion, will also house the Central Cabinet Secretariat, the National Security Council Secretariat, and the Indian House for hosting foreign dignitaries. The name change to 'Seva Teerth' reflects the shift from governance based on 'authority' to governance based on 'service'. In line with this, names of various buildings have been changed, such as 'Raj Bhavan' to 'Lok Bhavan' (People's House), symbolizing the move towards serving the people. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government administration is being restructured to emphasize duty and transparency. This name change follows the recent renaming of Rajpath to Kartavya Path (Path of Duty) and the Prime Minister's residence to Lok Kalyan Marg in 2016.
One Doctor for Every 881 People on Average in India: Central Government
The Union Government has informed the Rajya Sabha that on average, there is one doctor for every 881 people in India according to the doctor-to-population ratio. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda stated that, according to the data from the Indian Medical Council and State Medical Councils, 13.88 lakh allopathic doctors are registered, and 7.51 lakh AYUSH doctors (Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy, Siddha, and other traditional medicine systems) are also practicing. Despite the increase in doctors, the average ratio is higher compared to the World Health Organization's recommendation of one doctor for every thousand people. The increase in the number of doctors is attributed to the government's efforts in expanding medical colleges and undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats. Since 2014, the number of medical colleges has increased from 387 to 818. The government also established new medical colleges in collaboration with district hospitals, with 137 of the 157 sanctioned new medical colleges now operational. The number of undergraduate medical seats has increased from 51,348 to 1,28,875, and postgraduate seats have risen from 31,185 to 82,059. Measures have been taken to improve the availability of doctors in rural and backward areas where there is a shortage.
BJP’s Prem Kumar Elected Unanimously as Bihar Assembly Speaker
On December 2, Prem Kumar (74), a senior leader of the BJP, was unanimously elected as the **Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly. Prem Kumar was the sole candidate in the election, with no opposition candidate being fielded. Following a voice vote, Interim Assembly Speaker Narendra Narayan Yadav announced his unanimous election. Prem Kumar has won the Gaya constituency for the 8th time. He was ceremoniously escorted to the Speaker's chair by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav. All the MLAs stood up to congratulate him. Prem Kumar thanked all the MLAs and requested their support for the smooth conduct of the Assembly's proceedings.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Invites CM Stalin to Participate in Kashi Tamil Sangamam
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has invited Chief Minister Stalin to participate in the Kashi Tamil Sangamam event. The event, organized by the Union Ministry of Education, aims to promote the historical and cultural ties between Kashi and Tamil Nadu. IIT Chennai and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) jointly organize this event, which began this year as Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0, with the theme "Thamizh Katkalam" (Let's Learn Tamil). Various sessions on different topics will be held until 15th December. The event, which is being conducted for the 4th consecutive year, focuses on enhancing culture, economy, and social participation in North India. During the event, the Tolkappiyam was released, translated into 10 languages, including 3 Indian languages. The Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi and Puducherry Governor Kalasanathan also highlighted the ancient ties between Kashi and Tamil Nadu.
Population Census in 2027 – Union Minister Nityanand Rai’s Announcement
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, announced in the Lok Sabha that the house listing process will be carried out from April to September 2026, and the population census will begin in March 2027. The census will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will involve house listing, which will take place within a 30-day period from April to September 2026, as per the convenience of the states and union territories. The second phase, the population census, will commence from March 1, 2027. The census in the North-Eastern Union Territory will also start on March 1, 2027. During the 2027 census, a caste census will also be conducted. A trial census was conducted until November 30 in selected cities across several states and union territories.
Economy News
RBI Retains SBI, HDFC, ICICI as D-SIBs in ‘25
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has retained State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank in the list of domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs) for 2025. These banks are classified as too-big-to-fail lenders, which means they must maintain higher capital allocation according to their risk-weighted assets. SBI has been on this list since 2015, while ICICI Bank was added in 2016 and HDFC Bank in 2017. The latest update, based on data collected as of March 31, indicates that these banks are required to maintain additional common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital, along with a capital conservation buffer, to meet the new capital requirements.
Government to Sell 6% Stake in Bank of Maharashtra
The Central Government has offered to sell a 6% stake in Bank of Maharashtra, a public sector bank. Currently, the government holds a 79.60% stake in the bank. However, according to new SEBI regulations, private shareholding in listed public sector companies must be at least 25%. To reduce the government's stake in Bank of Maharashtra to below 75%, the sale of 6% shares was opened to non-retail investors on Tuesday. This sale will involve the sale of 38.46 crore shares worth approximately ₹2,492 crore and will be opened to some investors starting from Wednesday.
International News
Asian Development Bank Approves ₹5,780 Crore Loan to India for Rooftop Solar Power Generation
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of ₹5,780 crore to India to support the implementation of rooftop solar power generation projects in houses and buildings. This project aims to enable low-cost electricity generation in 1 crore houses by 2027. As part of the Prime Minister's Solar Power Project, India is becoming a leading country in the world for rapid implementation of solar energy initiatives. The ADB’s loan assistance will ease financial challenges in the project and stimulate employment opportunities in solar-related industries. This initiative aligns with India’s goal of producing 30 gigawatts of electricity through rooftop solar panels, helping reduce environmental pollution and providing affordable electricity to remote areas.
Electoral Reforms: Special Debate on December 9; Central Government Approves
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju announced that a special debate on electoral reforms and the 150th anniversary of the composition of the national song 'Vande Mataram' will be held in the Lok Sabha on December 8 and 9. This follows ongoing political discourse by opposition parties regarding the special intensive revision of electoral rolls (SIR) currently underway in 12 states and Union Territories. While opposition parties demanded a discussion on SIR, the Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned on December 5 due to this. Minister Rijiju confirmed that the government is ready for a discussion on electoral reforms, though he declined to provide a deadline for the SIR discussion. An all-party meeting led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was held to decide on these discussions. A special debate on 'Vande Mataram' and electoral reforms was subsequently scheduled.
Sri Lankan People Thank India for Sending Relief - Operation Sagar Bandhu
India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide essential and humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka, which was severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Under this initiative, Indian Navy ships INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri transported 6.5 tonnes of food and relief materials to Sri Lanka. Later, the Indian Air Force sent an additional 12 tonnes of materials to Colombo. India also sent National Disaster Response Force and Air Force personnel to Sri Lanka to assist in rescue and relief operations, saving many lives. The people of Sri Lanka expressed their gratitude to India on social media for its timely assistance.
Tamil Nadu News
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin Greets on International Day of Persons with Disabilities
On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin extended his greetings and highlighted the government’s efforts to support persons with disabilities. In a press release, he announced that the Tamil Nadu government would present state awards to recognize services rendered to persons with disabilities. The government is implementing various measures to ensure equal rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities, allowing them to live with dignity in society. Tamil Nadu Rights Project, funded by a World Bank loan, aims to provide doorstep services to persons with disabilities, ensuring access to various departmental services under one umbrella. The state is also working to ensure that persons with disabilities receive livelihood support and housing in both urban and rural areas. In addition, amendments have been made to ensure representation of persons with disabilities in local bodies across the state, empowering them to make decisions on public policies.
Sports News
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Achieves Record as Youngest Centurion in Syed Mushtaq Ali T20
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 cricket series, Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Maharashtra set a record as the youngest player to score a century. In a match between Maharashtra and Bihar at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, Bihar batted first and scored 176 runs for 3 wickets. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, opening the innings, scored a century in 61 balls, hitting 7 sixes and 7 fours. He achieved this feat at the age of 14 years and 250 days. The previous record was held by Vijesh Joshi from Maharashtra, who was 18 years and 118 days old when he scored a century. In the chase, Maharashtra reached the target of 177 runs, winning by 7 wickets in 19.1 overs. Prithvi Shaw, the captain, contributed 66 runs from 30 balls, including 1 six and 11 fours.
Reports and Indices
3 Indian Public Sector Companies in Top 100 Global Arms Producers List
Three Indian public sector companies have made it to the list of the world's top 100 companies in military equipment production. According to the recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the companies listed are Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL). However, their contribution to global arms sales is relatively low, accounting for only 1.1% of total global arms sales. In 2024, global arms sales increased by 5.9%, reaching approximately 61 lakh crores. The United States leads the list with 39 companies, contributing 334 billion dollars in arms sales. China follows with 8 companies and 88 billion dollars in sales. HAL is ranked 44th with 3.8 billion dollars in sales, BEL is ranked 58th with 2.4 billion dollars, and MDL is ranked 91st with 1.2 billion dollars in sales. The leading company on the list is Lockheed Martin from the United States.