Daily current affairs: 2 December 2025

Long Description : The Ministry of Power reported that India has already achieved more than half of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, with 31.2 GW of new non-fossil capacity added in FY 2025-26 up to October 2025. This includes solar, wind, hydro and other renewable and nuclear capacities that reduce dependence on coal-based plants. The expansion supports India’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement and advances the target of 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030. For exams, note the share of non-fossil in installed capacity, the incremental 31.2 GW figure, and the linkage with climate and energy-security goals.

Long Description : The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) announced that the Offer for Sale (OFS) of the Government of India’s equity in Bank of Maharashtra attracted subscription above the base size on day one, when bidding opened for non-retail investors. The OFS mechanism is being used to offload part of the government’s holding while broad-basing ownership in a profitable public sector bank. Strong participation reflects investor confidence in the banking sector, lower NPAs and improved profitability of PSBs after recent reforms. For exams, focus on what an OFS is, the role of DIPAM, and Bank of Maharashtra as a PSB under the disinvestment programme.

Long Description : In a detailed statement, the Ministry of Textiles outlined the status of India’s textile and apparel exports and informed that export performance is being regularly monitored amid global demand fluctuations. The Ministry emphasised interventions such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for textiles, Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL), and other initiatives aimed at upgrading technology, promoting MMF and technical textiles, and supporting employment. For exams, remember that textiles remain a major export and employment generator, and note the government’s use of PLI and tax rebate schemes to maintain competitiveness in global markets.

Long Description : The Ministry of Railways reported that originating freight loading of Indian Railways reached 135.7 million tonnes in November 2025, marking a 4.2% increase over the same month last year. Growth was led by higher transportation of bulk commodities like steel, iron ore, cement and fertilisers, which are key inputs for infrastructure and agriculture. Improved freight performance contributes to revenue for Railways and supports the broader ambition of making India a USD 5 trillion economy by improving logistics competitiveness. For exams, note the November figure, year-on-year growth percentage, and the role of Railways freight in reducing logistics costs.

Long Description : In a parliamentary reply and accompanying press note, the Ministry of Textiles discussed the prevailing cotton price scenario and measures taken to safeguard farmers’ interests. The government pointed to Minimum Support Price operations through the Cotton Corporation of India when market prices fall below MSP, and highlighted initiatives for improving cotton productivity and quality, including modern seeds and better agronomic practices. As cotton is a key raw material for the textile industry and a major cash crop, the price policy aims to balance farmer income stability with industry needs. For exams, remember MSP’s role for cotton, CCI’s involvement, and the linkage with the textile value chain.

Long Description : A PIB feature explained how food irradiation—using controlled ionising radiation—can reduce microbial load, delay ripening and insect infestation, thereby extending the shelf life of food products such as fruits, vegetables, spices and meat. The note positioned irradiation facilities as complementary to cold storage infrastructure and important for reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring safe food for domestic and export markets. Regulatory oversight by agencies like AERB and FSSAI was underlined to assure safety standards. For exams, connect food irradiation with nuclear applications in agriculture, food security, and reduction of wastage in the supply chain.

Long Description : A PIB communication titled “India’s Commitment to Disability Rights” summarised key initiatives undertaken to implement the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, promote accessibility, and mainstream inclusion in government programmes. It referred to measures such as Accessible India Campaign, reservation in education and employment, and schemes for skill development and assistive devices. The note situates these initiatives within India’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. For exams, link this with the RPwD Act, constitutional provisions under Articles 14, 15 and 21, and flagship schemes aimed at persons with disabilities.

Long Description : The Election Commission of India (ECI) released a daily bulletin dated 02 December 2025, providing updated figures on voter turnout, polling arrangements and Model Code of Conduct enforcement in ongoing electoral processes. Such bulletins typically cover seizures, complaints, deployment of security forces and steps taken to ensure free and fair polls. The practice underscores institutional commitment to transparency and public accountability. For exams, remember the ECI’s role as a constitutional body under Article 324, its use of bulletins and ICT tools for information dissemination, and the importance of MCC enforcement in safeguarding electoral integrity.

Long Description : As per the Rajya Sabha Secretariat schedule, the Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj is holding a meeting on 02 December 2025 to hear the Ministry of Rural Development on implementation of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme. DILRMP aims to create a modern, transparent and integrated land records system by digitising records, maps and registration processes. Committee scrutiny helps evaluate progress, challenges and coordination with states. For exams, take note of DILRMP’s objectives, its link to ease of doing business, credit access and dispute reduction, and the oversight role of parliamentary committees.

Long Description : The committee schedule shows that on 02 December 2025, the Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture is to hear the Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on port modernisation, while the Committee on Energy has listed a briefing on self-reliance in the renewable energy sector under the PLI scheme for high-efficiency solar PV modules (on 03 December). These deliberations examine policy implementation, investment requirements and localisation of manufacturing. For exams, link these with Sagarmala, National Infrastructure Pipeline, and PLI for solar modules as instruments for logistics and energy-security enhancement.

Long Description : The Winter Session 2025 Session Alert notes that Parliament will sit for 15 days from 01 to 19 December 2025, with business including consideration of the Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2025. The draft legislation seeks to set up a Higher Education Commission of India to coordinate and determine standards in higher education, research and technical institutions, consolidating functions presently with bodies such as the UGC. Also listed is the Manipur GST (Amendment) Bill to align with Central GST changes. For exams, emphasise the shift from UGC to HECI, the rationale (quality and coordination), and the limited duration of the Winter Session.

Long Description : Data reported by the government and analysed by financial dailies show that India’s GDP growth accelerated to 8.2% in the July–September quarter of FY26, beating both market expectations and RBI projections. The secondary (industry) and tertiary (services) sectors contributed strongly, supported by improved rural demand, festive-season stockpiling, and front-loaded exports ahead of external tariff changes. Analysts caution that growth could moderate in the second half due to base effects but still view India as one of the fastest-growing major economies. For exams, remember the 8.2% figure, sectoral drivers, and that India aims to sustain growth above 7% this fiscal.

Long Description : In an interview reported by The Economic Times, the FICCI president observed that India’s macroeconomic environment currently combines robust real growth, controlled inflation and steady investment in infrastructure, placing the country in a favourable “sweet spot”. The assessment follows the 8.2% GDP print for Q2 FY26 and anticipates growth of over 7% for the full fiscal year, supported by government capex, consumption and gradual improvement in private investment. For exams, connect this to themes of India as the fastest-growing major economy, the role of domestic demand, and debate over sustaining high growth amid global headwinds.

Long Description : Indian Express and allied reports note that security forces in Haldwani stepped up vigil, with police flag marches and crowd-control preparations, in view of anticipated public reaction to an upcoming Supreme Court hearing on a contentious local issue involving encroachments and demolition drives. The administration appealed for calm and warned against misinformation. For exams, this can be used to illustrate centre–state–local coordination in law and order, the Supreme Court’s role in reviewing executive action affecting housing and livelihoods, and the need to balance court orders with social stability and due process.

Long Description : According to a report, the government stated that the House Listing and Housing Census phase is proposed from April to September 2026, followed by Population Enumeration from October 2026 to February 2027. The clarification came in response to questions on the long-pending 2021 Census, delayed due to the pandemic and other factors. The new timeline is important for allocation of funds, welfare targeting and delimitation-related exercises that rely on updated demographic data. For exams, memorise the two-phase structure, broad period (2026–27) and the institutional role of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.

Long Description : As per a health-policy report, the government told Parliament that regulatory authorities have conducted strict audits of over 700 units producing cough syrups across India to ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices and quality standards. The move follows cases abroad where substandard syrups from some manufacturers were linked to adverse events, prompting a comprehensive risk-based inspection drive. Measures include testing of samples, corrective action plans and possible suspension of licences in serious violations. For exams, connect this with the role of CDSCO, state drug regulators, Schedule M norms, and India’s position as a major generic pharmaceutical exporter.