Daily Current Affairs – 05-12-2025
Important Days
International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development - December 5
International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development is celebrated on December 5 every year to recognize the efforts of volunteers who contribute to community development and social causes worldwide. This day highlights the vital role that volunteers play in improving the lives of individuals and communities, fostering peace, and supporting sustainable development.
The day was established by the United Nations in 1985 to promote volunteerism and raise awareness about the impact that volunteers make in their communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of civic engagement and the collective effort required to address social and economic challenges.
International Volunteer Day also emphasizes the need for supportive policies to recognize and promote volunteer work at the national and international levels. It is an opportunity for governments, organizations, and citizens to come together and acknowledge the critical role that volunteers play in achieving social change.
For 2025, the theme for International Volunteer Day is "Volunteers for an Inclusive Future", focusing on how volunteerism can create an inclusive and equitable world for all.
World Soil Day - December 5
World Soil Day is observed on December 5 every year to raise awareness about the importance of soil in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting the global food system. The day emphasizes the critical role that soil plays in food production, water filtration, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. It aims to inspire people to take action in protecting and restoring the soil to ensure a sustainable future for all.
The day was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 and is observed globally. The event highlights the challenges faced by soil, including erosion, desertification, and contamination. World Soil Day serves as a reminder of the vital need to manage soil responsibly and to take steps to reduce soil degradation.
Each year, there is a theme, and for 2025, the theme is "Soil Health for a Sustainable Future". This focuses on promoting practices that can enhance soil health and ensure a sustainable, secure food future.
National News
Bill to Impose Excise Duty on Cigarettes Passed
The Central Excise Duty Amendment Bill 2025, which proposes the imposition of excise duty on tobacco products including cigarettes, was passed in Parliament on December 4, 2025. The Lok Sabha had earlier approved the bill on December 3. Following this, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the bill in the Rajya Sabha, where it was approved by a voice vote and sent back to the Lok Sabha. Currently, cigarettes, tobacco, hookahs, zarda, and other tobacco products are subject to a 28% GST along with an additional cess. Under the new bill, excise duty is recommended to be imposed at a rate of 60-70% on unmanufactured tobacco products. Additionally, a 25% excise duty or Rs. 5,000 per 1,000 cigars is recommended for different types of cigars. For filterless cigarettes measuring 65mm, an excise duty of Rs. 2,700 per 1,000 cigarettes will be levied, and for cigarettes measuring 65mm to 75mm, Rs. 4,500 per 1,000 cigarettes. The Indian Government aims to use the revenue from this excise duty for public health purposes and improvement of the health of those affected by tobacco use.
Over 550 IndiGo Flights Canceled Nationwide
IndiGo canceled over 550 domestic and international flights on December 4, 2025, causing significant inconvenience to passengers. This cancellation was partly due to the airline's failure to comply with the Flight Duty Time and Rest Regulations (FDTL), which became effective recently. As a result, flight services have been disrupted in several cities, with 95 flights canceled in Delhi, 85 in Mumbai, 70 in Hyderabad, and 50 in Bengaluru on Thursday alone. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has accused IndiGo of not inducting sufficient aircraft despite being given two years to meet the new regulations. The Pilots' Federation has urged the DGCA to reallocate flight slots to other airlines to safeguard passenger interests if IndiGo fails to honor its commitments. The DGCA is investigating the situation and has asked IndiGo to submit a plan to resolve the issue immediately.
Karnataka Cabinet approves Bill to prevent hate speech, hate crimes
The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, aimed at curbing and preventing the dissemination, publication, or promotion of hate speech and hate crimes that cause disharmony and hatred in society. The Bill will be presented in the Winter session of the State legislature in Belagavi starting on December 8. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil informed that the Bill is designed to address hate speech and crimes, ensuring punishment for such offenses. It also provides for adequate compensation to the victims of hate crimes.
U.S. deported 3,258 Indian nationals in 2025, highest since 2009: Jaishankar in Rajya Sabha
Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that 3,258 Indian nationals were deported by the United States in 2025, marking the highest figure since 2009. In total, 18,822 Indian nationals have been deported since 2009. Mr. Jaishankar was responding to a question raised by Samajwadi Party MP Ramjilal Suman. Mr. Suman inquired about whether women were deported in handcuffs, to which Mr. Jaishankar clarified that Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old deportee, was not handcuffed during her return but was mistreated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. Mr. Jaishankar also mentioned that of the 3,258 deportees, 2,032 individuals (62.3%) traveled on regular commercial flights, while 1,226 individuals (37.6%) were deported on chartered flights by ICE or U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He also noted that the U.S. has asked applicants, especially students, to switch their social media settings from private to public for scrutiny. Additionally, he stated that the deportation issue escalated after the announcement of a new policy by the U.S. Secretary of State in April.
M.P. CM releases 3 cheetahs into the Kuno National Park
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released three cheetahs into the wild at Kuno National Park (KNP) in Sheopur district on International Cheetah Day. The cheetahs, named Veera and her two 10-month-old cubs, were released in the Parond forest region. This initiative is part of a broader effort to bring big cats back to Asia. The Chief Minister emphasized that the region has become an international-level center, with tourism increasing five-fold. The growing cheetah family is also expected to create new job opportunities for the displaced people in the area.
Postal department considers UPI-like ‘labels’ for addresses
The Department of Posts has proposed an amendment to the Post Office Act, 2023, aiming to introduce a digital system called DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address), which will replace physical addresses with interoperable, standardized labels such as "name@entity," similar to UPI addresses. The new system, developed through consultations, will include DIGIPIN, a technology that uses latitude and longitude coordinates for precise location tracking. This system will allow individuals to use labels instead of traditional addresses, particularly in e-commerce and gig platforms, facilitating quicker address verification and geographical location sharing. The amendment also proposes the creation of a Section 8 not-for-profit entity, similar to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), to oversee the implementation. This initiative is part of the government's digital public infrastructure efforts, aiming to streamline address systems and improve geolocation accuracy, especially in rural areas.
Sports News
Jerusalem Masters Chess: Arjun Wins Championship, Defeating Anand
Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi won the Jerusalem Masters Chess tournament held in Israel. In the final, he defeated Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion, with a score of 2.5-1.5. Earlier in the tournament, 12 players including Arjun, Anand, and Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi participated. After the round-robin stage, Peter Svidler, Nepomniachtchi, Anand, and Arjun advanced to the play-off round. In the semifinals, Arjun defeated Peter Svidler 1.5-0.5, and Anand defeated Nepomniachtchi with the same score. In the final, the first two games were drawn, leading to a 1-1 tie, and the match moved to a tie-breaker. In the tie-breaker, Arjun defeated Anand 2-1, and the final game was drawn. Arjun won the championship 2.5-1.5. Peter Svidler secured third place, defeating Nepomniachtchi 2.5-1.5. Arjun received a cash prize of Rs. 49.45 lakh, and Anand received Rs. 31.47 lakh.
Narine First to Claim 600 Wickets in T20 Format
Sunil Narine, a mystery spinner from Trinidad, became the first bowler to claim 600 wickets in T20 cricket. He achieved this milestone during the World ILT20 match for his team, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, against Sharjah Warriorz on Wednesday. After the match, Narine was presented with a special edition jersey featuring the number 600 to commemorate his achievement. Narine reached this landmark by claiming the wicket of Tom Abell during the match.
Kalikesh Begins First Full Term as NRAI President
Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo began his first full four-year term as president of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) after being elected unopposed during the association’s general body meeting in Mohali on Thursday. Pawan Singh was elected as the new secretary general, while Amit Sanghi was appointed as the senior vice-president. The 15-member executive committee also elected Kanwar Sultan Singh and Sushma Singh as vice-presidents. The committee includes four sportspersons: Gagan Narang, Kunti Malik, Zorawar Singh Sandhu, and Elavenil Valarivan.
Lindblad to Make F1 Debut for Racing Bulls in 2026
Arvid Lindblad, a British driver, will make his debut for Racing Bulls in the 2026 Formula One season. At 18 years old, Lindblad will be the only rookie on the Formula One grid for the upcoming year, replacing Isack Hadjar in the Racing Bulls team alongside Liam Lawson. Lindblad, who had a successful season in Formula 2, winning two races, will be advancing to Formula 1 after a rapid rise from karting since 2022. He was born in England to a Swedish father and a British-Indian mother and previously tested at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Economy News
LIC - Yes Bank Agreement
Yes Bank, a private sector bank, has entered into an agreement with LIC, India's largest life insurance company, to provide bancassurance services. Under this agreement, Yes Bank customers will be able to obtain various LIC life insurance policies through the bank's branches and digital platforms. These policies include term insurance, pension plans, and unit-linked insurance plans. The partnership will facilitate access to life insurance through 3,600 LIC branches and remote offices, as well as 1,295 Yes Bank branches and 235 business correspondent centers. The collaboration aims to support the national goal of 'Insurance for All by 2047'.
Tamil Nadu News
VinFast to Expand Thoothukudi Plant with $500 Million Investment
VinFast, a Vietnamese automaker, and the Government of Tamil Nadu have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the allocation of 200 hectares of land in the SIPCOT Industrial Park in Thoothukudi to support the expansion of VinFast’s existing facility. Under the second phase of its $2 billion investment commitment, VinFast will invest $500 million to develop dedicated workshops and production lines for electric buses and e-scooters, covering manufacturing, assembly, testing, and other related operations. The Government of Tamil Nadu will allocate approximately 500 acres (around 200 hectares) of land adjacent to the existing facility and provide essential infrastructure such as electricity, water, internal road access, drainage, and waste management. The state will also offer applicable incentives, financial support, and statutory exemptions as per prevailing regulations and policies. The existing plant, covering 400 acres (160 hectares), has an initial annual capacity of 50,000 electric vehicles, which will be expanded to 150,000 units.
International News
U.K., Norway will mount joint naval patrols to protect undersea cables
The United Kingdom and Norway will carry out joint naval patrols to protect undersea cables from potential threats posed by Russia, according to the announcement made by the U.K. government on Thursday. Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the U.K. and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held discussions on defense matters. The U.K. government revealed that a combined fleet of at least 13 warships will be deployed to safeguard critical infrastructure, including undersea cables, from potential sabotage or interference.
Zohran Mamdani, Louvre make the list of most mispronounced words of 2025
Zohran Mamdani, the incoming mayor of New York City, and the Louvre Museum in Paris have made it to the list of the most mispronounced words of 2025. This list was released by Babbel, a language-learning company, and The Captioning Group, a closed-captioning company. The mispronunciations arose due to Mamdani's name, which should be pronounced as zoh-RAHN mam-DAH-nee but was often mispronounced when the "M" and "N" were swapped. Similarly, the name of the Louvre Museum, the world's most-visited museum, was also mispronounced, particularly following the October 2025 jewel heist at the museum. The correct pronunciation of Louvre is LOOV-ruh, with a soft pronunciation on the "ruh." The mispronunciations are attributed to words from different languages that English speakers may find challenging.
Asim Munir appointed as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces
President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment of Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), as Pakistan's first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) for a five-year term. This decision came after the summary submitted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which formally requested President Zardari to appoint Munir as the first CDF. The 27th Constitutional Amendment passed by Pakistan's Parliament last month provided for the creation of the CDF position to enhance the unity of command and expedite decision-making in critical situations. The establishment of the CDF post replaced the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), a position that was abolished.