India Re-Elected to UNESCO Executive Board for 2025-29 Term
India once again secured a seat on the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2025–2029 term, marking a reaffirmation of its growing global leadership in promoting education, culture, science, and communication through multilateral cooperation. The announcement was made by the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO, highlighting that India's re-election reflects the global community's confidence in its sustained and meaningful contribution to UNESCO's mandate and its commitment to inclusive and human-centric development.
The Executive Board is one of the three constitutional organs of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation). It plays a key role in,
Overseeing the implementation of decisions by the General Conference
Preparing the work programme and budget
Guiding the overall strategy and policy-making process
Comprising 58 member states, the board is responsible for ensuring that UNESCO's decisions are translated into action.
India Re-Elected to IMO Council with Highest Votes
India achieved a major diplomatic and maritime milestone in 2025, as it was re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council in Category B, securing 154 out of 169 valid votes — the highest vote tally in its category. This marked India's second consecutive term as the top-voted nation in Category B, solidifying its growing role as a global maritime power. The election took place during the 34th IMO Assembly held in London, and India's performance reinforces its emergence as a policy influencer in international shipping, backed by the Amrit Kaal Maritime Vision 2047.
The IMO Council is the executive arm of the International Maritime Organisation, responsible for supervising the organisation's work between sessions of the IMO Assembly.
The Council is divided into three categories,
Category A: Countries with the largest interest in providing international shipping services
Category B: Countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade
Category C: Countries with special interests in maritime transport or navigation
India serves in Category B, alongside major trading powers such as Germany, France, Canada, UAE, Australia, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands, and Brazil.
Canada Joins EU Defence Fund as the Country Pivots Away from the US
Canada joined a major European Union defence fund, Prime Minister Mark Carney's office said, as the country looks to diversify its military spending away from the United States.
The plan allows Canadian defence companies access to a 150 billion euro ($170 billion) EU loan program, known as Security Action for Europe, or SAFE. That would allow Canadians firms to secure cheap, EU-backed loans to procure military equipment.
Tenkasi district in Tamil Nadu is preparing to introduce a new conservation programme aimed at protecting the rapidly declining population of golden jackals. Indiscriminate construction near residential zones, following the removal of natural vegetation, has severely impacted small wildlife species. To address this, the Forest Department will train school and college students as 'Golden Jackal Ambassadors' to raise awareness and support rescue efforts for the species.
Forest officials report that golden jackals, along with other small animals such as mongooses, ant-eaters, tortoises, snakes and monitor lizards, are facing sharp population drops. Reduced habitats and low public awareness are key drivers of this decline. The new campaign aims to build sensitivity among communities towards the protection of lesser-known fauna.
AU Small Finance Bank Ropes in Ranbir, Rashmika as Brand Ambassadors
AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), which received the RBI's in-principle approval to transition into a universal bank, roped in film Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna as its brand ambassadors.
The partnership strengthens AU SFB's effort to build a preferred national banking brand with strong consideration across urban, metro, and deeper Bharat markets.
Wipro Acquires HARMAN's Digital Transformation Solutions Unit
IT services company Wipro's $375-million acquisition of HARMAN's Digital Transformation Solutions (DTS) business unit wasa completed following regulatory nods.
The acquisition of DTS marks a significant milestone in Wipro's commitment to advance AI capabilities, engineering innovation and R&D excellence.
Under the agreement, more than 5,600 DTS employees, including senior leadership, across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, will move to Wipro.
NCPOR Becomes the Anchor of India's Polar and Oceanic Exploration
The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) has become the anchor of India's polar and oceanic exploration, said Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Governor of Goa, while speaking at the Antarctica Day celebrations at the NCPOR campus at Vasco-da-Gama. Antarctica Day is celebrated worldwide to commemorate the signing of the Antarctica Treaty on December 1, 1959. The treaty designates Antarctica as a continent exclusively reserved for peace and scientific research.
The Governor, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, also released a special commemorative postage stamp marking the Silver Jubilee of the establishment of the NCPOR.
Chandigarh Hosts Curtain-raiser to IISF
Panchkula is set to host the 11th India International Science Festival (IISF 2025) at the Dussehra Ground from Dec 6 to 9. A curtain-raiser to the mega science fest was held at the Met Centre in Chandigarh's Sector 39. The aim was to generate awareness and public excitement about IISF 2025.
The festival, one of the country's largest science outreach events, aims to celebrate science, promote innovation, and provide a platform for students, researchers, industry experts, and the general public to interact with leading scientific organisations.tnn
This year's IISF 2025 theme, 'Vigyan Se Samruddhi: For Aatmanirbhar Bharat', celebrates the power of science and innovation in building a self-reliant, prosperous India.
Justices Farhan Dubash, Savitri Ratho Emerge Winners at Judges' National Badminton Championship
The inaugural All India Judges Badminton Championship concluded at the Thyagraj Stadium in New Delhi. It brought together more than 70 High Court judges from across the country for two days of competition and camaraderie.
Bombay High Court Justice Farhan Parvez Dubash won the men's singles title while Orissa High Court Justice Savitri Ratho won the women's singles.
Justice Farhan Dubash and Justice Sarang Kotwal emerged as men's doubles champions while Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Savitri Ratho won the women's doubles category.
Justice V. Narasingh and Justice Savitri Ratho won the mixed doubles title.
The event was conceived by Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath who is a keen badminton enthusiast, and also accomplished player.
Indian Women's Hockey Team Chief Coach Harendra Singh Steps Down
The Indian Women's Hockey Team's chief coach Harendra Singh stepped down from the role owing to personal reasons.
Harendra had replaced two-time Olympic medallist Janneke Schopman of the Netherlands as head coach after the Dutchwoman resigned in February 2024 after the Indian women's hockey team failed to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The winter session of Parliament kick started on, December 1 and will continue until December 19, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media ahead of the session and called for a smooth "drama free" session. As the session kicked off, opposition MPs decided to raise several matters, including concerns linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, equality, income, the Red Fort blast, Delhi pollution and foreign policy.
Air Marshal Yalla Umesh Assumes Charge of IAF'S Maintenance command
Air Marshal Yalla Umesh assumed charge of Maintenance Command of the Indian Air Force on 01 December 2025, as the 39th Air Officer Commanding in Chief.
During his distinguished service, Air Marshal Umesh has held several key appointments which include Assistant Chief of the Air Staff Engineering, Air Commodore Engineering (Transport), Air Officer Commanding of a Guided Weapon Base Repair Depot and Chief Engineering Officer at a UN operated airfield in DR Congo. Prior to taking over Maintenance Command, he served as the Director General (Aircraft) at Air Headquarters. He is a recipient of Vishisht Seva Medal.
Air Marshal Yalla Umesh succeeded Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Garg. who superannuated after 39 years of distinguished and devoted service to the nation and the Indian Air Force.
Air Marshal Tejbir Singh Takes Over as Director General (Inspection & Safety)
Air Marshal Tejbir Singh assumed the position of Director General (Inspection and Safety) [DG (I&S)] at the Air Headquarters in December 2025. This appointment marks another milestone in his distinguished journey in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
With an illustrious service record of 37 years, Air Marshal Tejbir Singh has held several important command and staff roles. His experience includes serving as Air Attaché to Bangladesh, Senior Directing Staff at the National Defence College in New Delhi, and Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Transport & Helicopters) at Air Headquarters.
An alumnus of the Royal College of Defence Studies, United Kingdom, he brings a strong academic and strategic background to his new role.
National Pollution Control Day is observed annually on December 2 to honour the memory of those who perished in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984. This observance seeks to raise awareness about the severe consequences of pollution affecting air, water, and soil while emphasising the need for preventive measures to avoid industrial disasters like the one in Bhopal.
On 2nd and 3rd December 1984 poisonous chemical MIC (Methyl Isocyanate) and some other chemicals were released from a pesticide plant UCIL (Union Carbide India Limited) in Bhopal, MP. The unfortunate accident affected More than 500,000 people. Around 2259 died immediately and later MP government declared that around 25,000 died. In history worldwide Bhopal Gas Tragedy is identified as one of the biggest industrial disaster.
The National Pollution Control Day 2025 theme is 'Sustainable Living for a Greener Future', which focuses on promoting eco-friendly practices for environmental health and a sustainable future.
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, observed annually on December 2, serves as a global call to action to combat modern forms of slavery. This day emphasises the eradication of human trafficking, forced labour, and other contemporary forms of exploitation while promoting the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals.
The United Nations General Assembly established this day to mark the adoption of the Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others on December 2, 1949. This landmark resolution aimed to address human trafficking and exploitation globally.
The theme for International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2025 is 'Acknowledge the past. Repair the present. Build a future of dignity and justice'.
Siddharth Raja Appointed Executive Dean of Vinayaka Mission's Law School
Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (Deemed to be University) appointed Siddharth Raja as the new Executive Dean of Vinayaka Mission's Law School (VMLS).
Before joining VMLS, Raja was a Senior Partner at Vertices Partners.
With nearly three decades of legal practice in India and overseas, Raja set up and built four law firm practices. He has expertise in advising leading companies, navigating complex legal issues and contributing to India's evolving corporate legal landscape.
Raja has also maintained a long-standing engagement with academia, having taught multiple courses and delivered invited lectures across law schools.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Inaugurates Saras Aajeevika Food Festival 2025
Union Minister for Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the Saras Aajeevika Food Festival 2025 in New Delhi.
The Ministry of Rural Development informed that around 300 Lakhpati Didis and women from Self-Help Groups from 25 states across the country are participating in the festival.
The food festival concludes December 9, 2025.
Odisha CM Inaugurates Konark and International Sand Art Festivals
CM Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the 36th Konark Festival and 15th International Sand Art Festival, setting the stage for five days of dance, music and creativity. Both the events conclude on December 5.
The twin festivals, organised by the tourism department in association with Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi and Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC), celebrate India's cultural heritage and artistic brilliance.
Both events play a major role in promoting Odisha as a cultural tourism destination. The Konark Festival attracts classical dance enthusiasts from across India, while the International Sand Art Festival provides an international platform for sand sculptors to display creative interpretations of traditional and contemporary themes.
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