📰 Key National Developments
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) slashed its key repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%, marking the fifth rate cut in 2025 and bringing cumulative easing to 125 basis points. Along with the rate cut, RBI announced enhanced liquidity support — up to US$ 16 billion — to sustain economic growth while keeping inflation under control.
The rate cut had an immediate positive impact on Indian equity markets: both Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex pared recent weekly losses, reflecting investor optimism over easier credit and improved liquidity.
The government and RBI kept the door open for further monetary easing, signaling a supportive stance for growth amid subdued inflation and external headwinds.
On the diplomatic and trade front, India and Russia unveiled new economic cooperation measures aimed at expanding bilateral trade, reportedly targeting a substantial increase in commerce. This development is likely to influence sectors like energy, defence, agriculture and may shape future trade-policy questions in exams.
In a major regulatory move impacting the aviation industry, the government temporarily suspended two rules governing night-working hours for pilots of India’s largest carrier IndiGo to help it manage an acute shortage of aviators and address mass flight cancellations. The decision highlights the intersection of labor norms, regulatory flexibility, and commercial aviation — a relevant topic for banking, finance and regulatory sections.
🌍 International Events & Global Affairs
In global business news, SpaceX has reportedly kicked off a secondary share sale valuing the company at around US$ 800 billion, indicating that the private rocket-maker is potentially positioning for an IPO by late 2026. This matters for global markets, private equity valuation trends and shows how technology-driven firms are reshaping investor sentiment.
On the world geopolitical front, tensions escalated between Pakistan and Afghanistan as both sides exchanged heavy fire along their border following failed peace negotiations earlier in the week. This underscores the fragile security situation in the region — a recurring area of interest for competitive exams focusing on international relations.
In Brazil, former president Jair Bolsonaro has publicly backed his eldest son Flavio Bolsonaro as a potential candidate for the 2026 presidential election, a development that may influence Brazilian politics and global diplomatic dynamics.
🏅 Sports & Youth — What’s New
The torch for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics was ceremonially lit at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, Italy. Marking the beginning of its national relay, the flame lighting included aerial displays by Italy’s famed aerobatic team and was attended by top dignitaries, symbolizing the start of global preparations for next year’s Winter Games.
Back home in India, the junior men’s side of the national hockey team is gearing up to face traditional rivals Belgium men’s national field hockey team in the quarterfinals of the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup 2025 held in Chennai. India’s team enters the knockout stage unbeaten — a morale booster ahead of the crucial match.
In squash, teenage sensation Anahat Singh defeated veteran compatriot Joshna Chinappa to clinch the women’s title at the HCL Indian Tour in Chennai, signaling rising young talent in Indian squash.
📌 Other Noteworthy Events
A massive cultural festival — Deshaj Festival 2025 — begins today in Lucknow, celebrating India’s diverse folk heritage with performances ranging from Kerala’s Theyyam to Gujarat’s Dangi dance. The festival aims to bring together art from across states and is expected to draw large public participation.
In Jaisalmer, commemorations are underway at the historic Longewala Battlefield to mark the 54th anniversary of the 1971 war victory. The ongoing Parakram Diwas 2025 includes wreath-laying ceremonies, weapon displays, patriotic events and a film show at the war museum — reinforcing national pride and historic memory.
