Daily Current Affairs – 06-12-2025
International News
India and Russia Sign Five-Year Economic Plan to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
India and Russia have finalized a five-year economic plan (2025–2030) aimed at enhancing cooperation in sectors including security, trade, energy, science and technology, culture, and tourism. The agreement was signed during the India–Russia Summit held at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, in the presence of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Both nations agreed to remove tax and trade barriers and to reduce customs duties on goods exported from Russia to India from 25% to 50%, which is expected to boost Indian exports. The two countries also decided to increase bilateral trade to ₹8.99 lakh crore (USD 100 billion) annually and to strengthen cooperation in energy, space, civil aviation, transport, and counter-terrorism. Under this partnership, Russia will ensure an uninterrupted supply of crude oil and energy resources to India. The countries also reaffirmed collaboration in defense, including long-term agreements for the production and maintenance of Russian military hardware in India. Additionally, both sides approved the development of the 7,200 km International North–South Transport Corridor (NSTC) to improve trade and connectivity between India, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe. President Putin highlighted the ongoing construction of four new units at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, India’s largest nuclear facility, which already has two operational units, emphasizing its contribution to India’s energy security. To further strengthen bilateral exchanges, both nations have introduced 30-day reciprocal visa arrangements for travelers from India and Russia.
Prasar Bharati Signs MoUs with Russian Media Organisations
During the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India, Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster, signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several Russian media organisations to enhance cooperation in broadcasting and information exchange. The Russian entities involved include Gazprom Media Holding, National Media Group, BIG ASIA Media Group, ANO TV-Novosti, and TV BRICS. The agreements were signed by Alexander Zharov, CEO of Gazprom Media Holding, and Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati. The collaboration aims to strengthen media partnerships between India and Russia in the field of communication and broadcasting.
Netflix Acquires Warner Bros Discovery
On Friday, Netflix Inc. agreed to acquire Warner Bros Discovery Inc. in a cash-and-stock deal with a total equity value of US $72 billion (enterprise value around US $82.7 billion). Under the agreement, Warner Bros shareholders will receive US $27.75 per share in cash plus Netflix shares. Prior to closing, Warner Bros will spin off its cable channels including CNN, TBS and TNT. As a result of this acquisition, Netflix gains ownership of the HBO network, its extensive library of film and television content including the archives of major productions, and access to Warner’s studio facilities such as those in Burbank, California.
Economy News
RBI Reduces Repo Rate by 0.25% to 5.25% – Monetary Policy Committee Decision
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a 0.25% reduction in the repo rate, bringing it down from 5.50% to 5.25% during the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held in Mumbai under the chairmanship of RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das. The six-member committee unanimously decided on the rate cut to support economic stability. Earlier in February and April 2024, the repo rate was reduced by 0.25% each time, followed by a 0.50% reduction in June. No changes were made in August and October, but the current cut aims to further control inflation and boost lending. Following the reduction, interest rates for housing loans, vehicle loans, and personal loans are expected to decrease, while deposit rates on fixed and recurring deposits may also fall. The RBI projects India’s GDP growth at 7.3%, up from the previous estimate of 6.8%, with production growth for the 2025–26 financial year expected to moderate to 2%. The central bank also announced grievance redressal drives to be conducted in January and February 2025 to resolve all pending public complaints. The decision comes amid the Indian Rupee depreciating to around ₹90 against the US Dollar, marking a record low.
RBI to Conduct ₹1 Lakh Crore OMO Purchases for Liquidity Management
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that it will conduct Open Market Operation (OMO) purchases of government securities (G-Secs) worth ₹1,00,000 crore to maintain adequate liquidity in the banking system. The central bank will also carry out a three-year USD/INR Buy-Sell swap of $5 billion during the month to inject durable liquidity into the financial system. The RBI will purchase ₹50,000 crore worth of G-Secs on December 11, followed by the remaining ₹50,000 crore later in the month. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that these measures are aimed at ensuring smooth monetary transmission and maintaining stable liquidity conditions. He clarified that the dollar-rupee swap is a liquidity management measure and not intended to influence the exchange rate. The Governor also mentioned that India’s forex reserves remain strong, the current account deficit is around 1%, and that the impact of U.S. tariffs on the Indian economy is minimal, affecting only limited sectors such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, and shrimps.
Fino Payments Bank Receives RBI Approval to Become Small Finance Bank
Fino Payments Bank Ltd. has received ‘in-principle approval’ from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to convert into a Small Finance Bank (SFB). This marks a significant milestone for Fino in expanding its operations within the Indian banking sector. The bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) Rishi Gupta announced that the institution will now work towards fulfilling all regulatory and compliance requirements to begin functioning as an SFB.
A Payments Bank is a special type of bank established under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, which can accept deposits up to ₹2 lakh per customer, provide remittance and payment services, and issue debit cards, but cannot lend money or issue credit cards. Payments Banks primarily focus on financial inclusion by reaching unbanked and underbanked areas, offering digital payment solutions, savings accounts, and money transfer services through technology-led platforms.
National News
Automatic Lower Berth Allocation for Senior Citizens and Women Above 45 – Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
The Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha that the Indian Railways will prioritize automatic lower berth allocation for senior citizens and women aged 45 years and above. In his written reply on December 5, the Minister stated that six to seven lower berths are reserved for senior citizens and persons with disabilities in sleeper class coaches, four to five lower berths in air-conditioned coaches, and three to four lower berths in two-tier AC coaches. The Railway Management System (RMS) software will automatically monitor and allocate vacant seats to lower berths, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women. The Minister further said that special coaches with facilities such as emergency doors, wide seats, large restrooms, and wheelchair space are being provided in all express trains, including Vande Bharat trains. These coaches will also feature collapsible handrails, door latches, and front-view mirrors for accessibility. Modern Bharat and Vande Bharat train coaches have been designed to include advanced amenities and enhanced safety measures for passengers with disabilities.
Special Debate on ‘Vande Mataram’ in Lok Sabha on December 8
The Lok Sabha will hold a special discussion on ‘Vande Mataram’, marking the 150th anniversary of its composition. The debate will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 8, while Union Minister Piyush Goyal will initiate the same in the Rajya Sabha on December 12. The winter session of Parliament, which began on December 1, was initially adjourned for two days following opposition protests. Subsequently, during an all-party meeting chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, it was decided to hold debates on electoral reforms and the Vande Mataram anniversary. The electoral reforms debate will be conducted on December 9–10 in the Lok Sabha and December 10–11 in the Rajya Sabha, and will be initiated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The song ‘Vande Mataram’, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, was first sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Calcutta Congress Session and later adopted as India’s national song by the Constituent Assembly in 1950.
India Records 485 Daily Road Accident Deaths in 2024 – Central Government Report
The Central Government informed Parliament that in 2024, road accident fatalities in India increased by 2.3 percent, with a total of 1,77,177 deaths, averaging 485 deaths per day. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari stated that over 5 lakh road accidents occurred across all types of roads during 2024. In comparison, 4,80,583 road accidents were recorded in 2023, resulting in 1,72,890 deaths and 4,62,825 injuries. As per the World Road Statistics 2024, the number of road accident deaths per one lakh population stood at 4.3 in China, 12.76 in the United States, and 11.89 in India. The Minister also noted that the Central Government is implementing a comprehensive road safety strategy based on four pillars — Education (awareness), Engineering (road and vehicle improvement), Enforcement of rules, and Emergency care — to enhance road safety across the country.
Agricultural Procurement Quadrupled Under NDA Government – Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan informed the Rajya Sabha that agricultural commodity procurement has increased four times under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) compared to the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime. Referring to the Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy, he stated that in 2019, the Modi government implemented the recommendation of the Swaminathan Commission to fix MSP at 50 percent above the cost of production, which was not accepted earlier by the Congress government. The MSP for paddy has increased from ₹1,310 per quintal in 2013–14 to ₹2,369, while the MSP for maize rose from ₹1,500 to ₹3,699 during the same period. Crop procurement during the current BJP rule has grown fourfold compared to the 2004–2014 Congress period. Under the MSP scheme, 100 percent procurement of pulses such as pigeon pea (tur), black gram (urad), and lentils (masoor) has been ensured. In addition, under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), crops like tomato, potato, onion, apple, grape, red chili, and ginger are also being procured.
No Proposal to Increase Judges’ Retirement Age – Central Government
The Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal informed Parliament that the Central Government has no plan to increase the retirement age of High Court judges. During the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha on December 5, the Minister stated that the government is taking steps to fill vacant judicial positions across the country. Out of 1,122 sanctioned posts for High Court judges in India, 297 positions are currently vacant. Of these, 97 vacancies are in the process of being filled, while the remaining 200 positions await recommendations from the respective High Courts. The Minister also said that the government is taking initiatives to improve judicial infrastructure, including the establishment of the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG). At present, the retirement age of High Court judges is 62 years, though proposals have been made to increase it to 65 years.
DGCA Relaxes Pilot Duty Time Regulations to Improve Air Service Operations
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has permitted airlines to modify pilot duty time regulations to address flight disruptions and improve operational efficiency. The new relaxed rules, effective for 30 days, allow pilots to operate flights for up to 10 consecutive hours, compared to the previous limit of 8 hours. Under these new regulations, a rotational system has been introduced, mandating 48 hours of rest after a 6-hour flight. These changes aim to help airlines expand services and enhance passenger convenience amid an ongoing shortage of approximately 550 pilots in the Indian aviation sector. In recent months, the cancellation of services of over 1,000 pilots has disrupted flight operations. To examine the causes behind IndiGo’s flight disruptions, the DGCA has formed a four-member investigation committee comprising Joint Director Sanjay K. Brahmam, Deputy Director Amit Gupta, Senior Flight Operations Inspector Captain Kapil Manglik, and Flight Operations Inspector Captain Ram Pal. The committee is required to submit its report within 15 days, following which necessary regulatory actions will be taken. The DGCA has also imposed penalties on airlines for violations of pilot duty regulations and continues to ensure passenger safety and service standards in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
DGCA Relaxes Pilot Duty Time Rules to Address Flight Disruptions
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has allowed airlines to modify pilot duty time regulations to reduce flight disruptions and improve service continuity. The new relaxed rules will be in effect for 30 days, permitting pilots to operate flights for up to 10 consecutive hours, an increase from the earlier 8-hour limit. A rotational system has also been introduced, mandating 48 hours of rest for pilots after operating a 6-hour flight. The move aims to address the shortage of approximately 550 pilots in the Indian aviation sector and mitigate the impact caused by the cancellation of services of over 1,000 pilots in recent months. Additionally, the DGCA has constituted a four-member committee to investigate the reasons behind IndiGo’s flight service disruptions, comprising Joint Director Sanjay K. Brahmam, Deputy Director Amit Gupta, Senior Flight Operations Inspector Captain Kapil Manglik, and Flight Operations Inspector Captain Ram Pal. The committee is required to submit its report within 15 days, based on which regulatory actions will be taken.
Sports News
Velavan Senthilkumar and Anahat Singh Win PSA Tour Championship
India’s squash players Velavan Senthilkumar and Anahat Singh emerged as champions in the PSA Tour event held at the Indian Squash Academy, Chennai. In the men’s final, Velavan defeated Adam Elwal of Egypt with set scores of 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-4. In the women’s final, National Champion Anahat Singh defeated her compatriot Chandreshni Santoshkumar with set scores of 11-8, 11-13, 11-6, 11-8. Both players secured the championship trophies in their respective categories in the tournament held on December 5.
Discus Thrower Seema Punia Suspended for Doping Violation
Former Asian Games gold medallist and Indian discus thrower Seema Punia has been suspended for 16 months for violating anti-doping rules. The 42-year-old athlete had tested positive for a banned substance during a test conducted last year. The National Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (NADDP) announced that the suspension is effective from November 10, 2025, marking the start date of her ineligibility period.
Personalities, Awards and Events
Simone Tata, Pioneer of Indian Fashion, Passes Away at 95
Simone Tata, aged 95, a pioneer in India’s fashion industry, passed away at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai. She was the second wife of Naval Tata and the mother of Noel Tata, who currently serves as the Chairman of Tata Trusts and heads three Tata Group companies, including Trent, the group’s fashion retail business. A Swiss citizen, Simone settled in Mumbai after marrying Naval Tata and joined Lakmé as Managing Director in 1961, transforming it into one of India’s leading cosmetics companies. She also laid the foundation for Westside, a major Indian fashion retail chain, and guided philanthropic institutions such as the Sir Ratan Tata Institute. Her final rites were held at the Cathedral of the Holy Name Church, Colaba.