CURRENT AFFAIRS DESTINATION FOR UPSC & STATE CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATIONS
A new paper titled ‘The genomic footprints of wild Saccharum species trace domestication, diversification, and modern breeding of sugarcane’ published in Cell by Olivier Garsmeur et al. analysed 390 sugarcane varieties. Importance of Sugarcane Sugarcane Production in India Botanical Characteristics Environmental Aspect Sources: TH & Others
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra on 1st December unveiled the new five-year plan National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) 2025‑30, aiming to deepen financial inclusion across India over the coming years. Key Highlights / Sub-heads • “Panch-Jyoti” — Five Strategic ObjectivesThe new policy outlines five strategic objectives, referred to together as “Panch-Jyoti,” supported by 47 actionable measures. • Focus on Equitable, Responsible & Affordable Financial ServicesOne of Read More …
India recorded 8.2% GDP growth during the July–September quarter (Q2 FY26). Economists now expect full-year FY26 growth to reach 7.5% or higher, supported by sustained high-frequency indicators and favourable price dynamics. Role of the GDP Deflator in Growth Numbers What the GDP Deflator Captures Why the Deflator Matters Coverage and Exclusions Relationship Between Real and Nominal GDP Sources: BL& TH
On 27 November, the Central Government approved the Textiles Focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and Start-up (Tex-RAMPS) scheme, a major initiative to enhance research, innovation, and competitiveness in India’s textile sector. The scheme will operate as a fully funded Central Sector Scheme under the Union Ministry of Textiles, with a total outlay of ₹305 crore for 2025-26 to 2030-31. • Future-Proofing the Textiles EcosystemAligned with the upcoming Finance Commission cycle, Read More …
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently announced that it has reached a staff-level agreement on a new four-year, $8.2 billion program for Ukraine. The program aims to help Kyiv maintain macroeconomic stability and strengthen public finances as the ongoing war with Russia continues to strain the country’s budget. • Replaces Existing $15.6 Billion Extended Fund FacilityThe new agreement replaces the previous $15.6 billion Extended Fund Facility approved in March 2023. Read More …
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has rolled out the second phase of its NUDGE initiative to strengthen voluntary compliance related to the disclosure of foreign assets and income. Starting November 28, SMS and email alerts will be sent to identified taxpayers, urging them to review and revise their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for AY 2025–26 by December 31, 2025, to avoid penalties. • Analysis of AEOI Data Flags Read More …
The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs convened a National Review Meeting of States and Union Territories to evaluate progress under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK). The session focused on accelerating the implementation of welfare, education, health, infrastructure, and area-development projects in minority-concentrated regions across India. Key Highlights Focus on PMJVK Portal and Fund Management About SNA SPARSH Source: PIB
The Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying released the annual publication of ‘Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025’ of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying on the occasion of National Milk Day on November 26, 2025. Key Highlights Source: PIB
National Milk Day is observed every year on 26 November. The day marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, revered as the “Father of the White Revolution” in India. India: World’s Leading Milk Producer Dairy Sector’s Economic Contribution Women at the Core of Dairy Growth Remarkable Growth in Milk Production Rise in Per-Capita Milk Availability
The Union Cabinet of India on Wednesday approved the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) with a total outlay of ₹7,280 crore. Why this matters Source: DD News
The 2025 G20 Summit declaration announced the establishment of the G20 Critical Minerals Framework, designed to use critical minerals as a driver of sustainable development, inclusive economic growth, and resilience. Source: BS
The Union Ministry of Steel has launched SARAL SIMS, a simplified facility under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) for small consignments and export-linked imports. Simplified Registration Process: Eligibility and Limits: Annual Return Requirement: Exceeding Limits: Revised Regular SIMS:
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal launched the Trade Intelligence & Analytics (TIA) Portal, aimed at enhancing transparency and accessibility of trade data. Empowering Businesses: Background & Development: Integrated Trade Analytics Platform: Advanced Analytical Capabilities: Focus on Accessibility & Scalability: Source: PIB
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UN Women to strengthen the empowerment and integration of women entrepreneurs—especially from the informal sector—into India’s public procurement ecosystem. Key Highlights • Focus on Women’s Economic Empowerment The MoU aims to increase the visibility, market access and participation of women-led enterprises and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in government procurement processes. The collaboration Read More …
India’s foodgrain production for the 2024–25 crop year has reached 357.73 million tonnes, the highest ever reported. Strong Growth Over the Decade Crop‑wise Breakdown Government Support & Policy Role Source: DD News