International Relations & Diplomacy

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Visit to India (4-5 Dec 2025)

• Marks the 25th anniversary of India-Russia Strategic Partnership (est. 2000).
• PM Narendra Modi hosted a private dinner at Hyderabad House with a gift of Russian-language Bhagavad Gita.
• President Droupadi Murmu welcomed Putin to Rashtrapati Bhavan with a banquet.
• Joint Summit highlighted cooperation, trade, connectivity, and strategic priorities.
• MoUs signed on trade, migration, maritime cooperation, health, and academic exchanges.
• India offered a free 30-day e-tourist visa to Russian citizens.
• Russia joined the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA).
• Delhi University partnered with Russia’s Higher School of Economics (HSE) for space research.

India-Malaysia Military Exercise

• Date: December 5–18, 2025
• Venue: Mahajan Firing Range, Rajasthan
• Participants: Indian Army (DOGRA Regiment) & Royal Malaysian Army (25th Battalion RMA)
• Objective: Enhance interoperability in sub-conventional operations under UN Chapter VII.
• Activities: Cordon search, heliborne operations, combat reflex shooting, Yoga, evacuation drills.
• Previous Edition: 2012 in Malaysia.

India & Global Tech & Defense Collaborations

• DRDO: Handed over 7 indigenous technologies to Indian Armed Forces, including power supplies, waterjet propulsion, and lithium recovery systems.
• NeGD & MEA: Launched ‘PVR Feature’ on DigiLocker for faster, secure digital verification of passports.
• Arjun Erigaisi: Won Jerusalem Masters 2025 chess tournament, defeating Viswanathan Anand.

Science & Environment

Global & Indian Initiatives

• Frank Gehry: Renowned architect passed away at 96; known for Guggenheim Bilbao, Disney Concert Hall.
• World Soil Day 2025: Observed on December 5 with theme “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities”.
• International Cheetah Day 2025: Celebrated on December 4, raising awareness on cheetah conservation.

Wildlife & Conservation

• India’s cheetah population: 32 (21 born in India), globally about 7,100 in the wild.
• Russia joins the Big Cats Alliance for global conservation efforts.

National & Domestic Affairs

Defense & Security

• Indian Army: First-ever ascent of Mount Kangto (7,042m) by an 18-member team from Eastern Command.
• DBT & BIRAC: Renewed strategy for vaccine R&D cooperation with CEPI, focusing on epidemic-prone diseases and WHO priority pathogens.
• NMDC & IIT-Kanpur: MoU to enhance cybersecurity in mining operations.
• Fino Payments Bank: Approved by RBI to convert into a Small Finance Bank (SFB).
• LIC & Yes Bank: Strategic bancassurance partnership to expand insurance access nationwide.
• NHAI: In-principle approval from SEBI to register RIIT as an InvIT.
• PNB: Launched ‘Luxura’, a premium RuPay metal credit card, with Harmanpreet Kaur as brand ambassador.
• Kalikesh Deo: Re-elected NRAI President (2025–2029).

Sports & Achievements

• Mohit Sharma: Retired from all cricket formats after a decade-long career.
• Khelo India University Games 2025: Held in Rajasthan; Chandigarh University topped medals.
• Sports Personalities: Kalikesh Deo, Arjun Erigaisi, and more.

Important Personalities & Obituaries

• Simone Tata: Former Chairperson of Lakme, passed away at 95.
• Frank Gehry: Celebrated architect passed away at 96.

Culture & Events

Major Events & Anniversaries

• Armed Forces Flag Day: December 7, 2025 — 77th observance.
• International Volunteer Day: December 5, 2025 — Theme: “Every Contribution Matters”.