Weekly Important News (01 - 07 Dec)

Fresh SSB batches start around the 1st & 15th of every month.

• Need to transform public perception of police, says PM
  PM Modi emphasised reforming public perception of the police through professionalism, sensitivity and community trust. He highlighted monitoring banned outfits, tackling extremism, improving urban policing, and integrating youth awareness programmes. A whole-of-government approach is needed to curb drug abuse and strengthen coastal security.

• Population in A&N, Lakshadweep set to rise: report
  A new demographic study projects population rises in Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands by 2051. Using logistic models, the report highlights differing regional growth rates and gender changes, noting limited migration and unique demographic patterns among India’s island territories.

• More than 300 Indians evacuated from Sri Lanka arrive at Kerala capital
  Over 300 Indians stranded by floods and landslides in Sri Lanka were evacuated by IAF aircraft to Thiruvananthapuram. India coordinated with Sri Lankan authorities to rescue civilians, including injured persons, while NDRF and Army teams continued relief missions across affected regions.

• 2030 for 2036: India tries to showcase Ahmedabad’s sports infrastructure in Olympics bid
  India is pushing Ahmedabad as a host city for the 2036 Olympics, leveraging improved sports infrastructure and growing athlete success. While India’s Commonwealth Games record is mixed, officials hope showcasing modern facilities and rising sports aspirations will strengthen India’s global sporting reputation.

• Centre moves Bills for pan masala cess and higher duties on tobacco products
  The government introduced Bills to raise excise duties on tobacco and impose a National Security Cess on pan masala manufacturing. Revenue will stop being drawn from GST compensation. Opposition protested the move, which also aims to strengthen health-sector funding.

• Why does India need bioremediation?
  Rising pollution and waste make bioremediation crucial to restoring soil, water and land using microbes and plants. India is expanding research and projects in line with Swachh Bharat and Namami Gange, but challenges include regulation, GM organism risks and slow adoption of new technologies.

• Can India become self-reliant in REE production?
  India’s new ₹7,280-crore scheme for domestic rare earth magnet manufacturing aims to counter China’s dominance. Despite rich reserves, India relies heavily on imports. Private participation, faster clearances and infrastructure upgrades are essential for building a full rare earth supply chain.

• Bioterrorism a serious threat, world not ready: Jaishankar
  EAM Jaishankar warned that nations remain unprepared for bioterror threats, with non-state actors capable of using biological agents. He urged modernising global frameworks, strengthening dual-use regulation and placing the Global South at the centre of biosecurity strategies.

• Armed forces to procure additional Heron Mk II UAVs
  India will acquire more satellite-linked Heron Mk II drones to improve surveillance and emergency response, especially along forward areas. The acquisition supports expanding unmanned capabilities across Army, Navy and Air Force, aligning with indigenous development and securing operational readiness.

• Sanchar Saathi app must be pre-installed on phones: DoT
  The DoT mandated pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi on all smartphones sold from March 2026 to curb mobile fraud. The app will verify IMEI, block stolen devices and reduce scam calls. India saw 2.48 lakh telecom-fraud complaints in a year.

• Parts of India may get more ‘cold wave’ days this year: IMD
  IMD predicts increased cold-wave days across northern and central India due to weather patterns and lower minimum temperatures. While overall winter temperatures may be near normal, more intense cold spells are expected in northwest, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

• Only 20% of candidates accepted PM Internship Scheme offers: data
  Despite surpassing its target of 1.25 lakh internships, only 20% of offers were accepted due to location issues and skill mismatch. Companies posted over one lakh opportunities, but uptake remained low, highlighting gaps between industry requirements and youth expectations.

• Centre says U.P. reported maximum complaints over Jal Jeevan Mission projects
  Over 17,000 complaints on poor-quality work and irregularities under the Jal Jeevan Mission were reported, with UP accounting for 84%. Action was taken against officials and contractors. Issues included road restoration delays, pipeline damage and substandard construction.

• DRDO conducts high-speed test of fighter escape system
DRDO successfully tested an indigenous fighter aircraft escape system using a rocket-sled at Chandigarh’s Rail Track Rocket Sled facility. The trial validated canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and recovery, conducted with HAL and ADA, marking a major milestone in India's aircraft safety technology.