💰 Economy & Banking

🔷 India’s GDP Growth Rated by IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has rated India's national income accounting system as 'Grade C'.
Reason: This rating points to certain statistical limitations and structural data gaps in how India calculates its national income (GDP/GNP).
Context: The rating comes even as India is one of the fastest-growing major economies, with its GDP recording a strong 8.2% growth in the last reported quarter.
Sector Performance: The growth was driven mainly by Manufacturing (up 9.1%) and Services (up 9.2%), while Agriculture grew by 3.5%.
Significance: The assessment highlights the need for India to strengthen its institutional and statistical framework for more transparent and internationally comparable economic data.

🏛️ Polity & Governance

🔷 Supreme Court Ruling on Contempt of Court

The Supreme Court (SC) gave a key ruling on the use of the power of Contempt of Court.
Key Principle: The SC held that the power to punish for contempt is not a “personal armour” for judges to use against criticism.
Judicial Restraint: The power should be exercised with caution and restraint, and not to suppress genuine, non-malicious criticism.
Statutory Basis: The power is derived from Articles 129 (for SC) and Article 215 (for High Courts) of the Constitution, which empower them as Courts of Record.
Contempt of Courts Act, 1971: Defines two types: Civil Contempt (wilful disobedience of court orders) and Criminal Contempt (scandalising or obstructing the administration of justice).

🌿 Environment & Ecology

🔷 International Mountain Day Focuses on Glaciers

International Mountain Day (IMD) is observed globally every year on December 11.
Theme 2025: The theme is “Glaciers matter for water, food and livelihoods in mountains and beyond.”
Context: This observance is part of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (2025), declared by the UN General Assembly.
Importance: Glaciers and ice sheets store approximately 70% of the Earth’s freshwater, and their rapid melting threatens the water security and livelihoods of billions downstream.
Goal: To promote global collaboration and immediate measures to protect mountains and glaciers from the impact of climate change.

🔷 Sultanpur National Park Sees Rise in Migratory Birds

The Sultanpur National Park, located in Haryana, is witnessing a significant increase in the arrival of migratory birds.
Type of Habitat: The park is a seasonal freshwater wetland with a core area called the Sultanpur Jheel.
Conservation Status: It was recognized as a Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance) in 2021.
Notable Ornithologists: The park gained attention in the late 1960s due to the conservation efforts of ornithologists Peter Michel Jackson and Dr. Salim Ali.

🌐 International Relations & Agreements

🔷 UAE Passport Ranks Among World’s Strongest

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) passport secured the 8th position globally in the authoritative Henley Passport Index (HPI) 2025.
Ranking Source: The ranking is compiled by Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Access: UAE passport holders can now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a staggering 184 destinations worldwide.
Significance: The UAE is the strongest passport in the Middle East, reflecting its focused foreign policy and diplomatic efforts to secure bilateral visa waiver agreements.

🔬 Science & Technology

🔷 New Paleoclimate Study on Indus Valley Decline

A new multi-proxy paleoclimate study has offered fresh insight into the decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC).
Key Finding: The decline was a gradual process triggered by centuries-long recurring mega-droughts, not a single catastrophic event.
Drought Phases: The study identifies four prolonged drought phases (each lasting over 85 years) between 2425–1400 BCE.
IVC Context: The IVC (3300–1300 BCE), also called the Harappan Civilisation, was one of the world's earliest urban cultures, known for cities like Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Dholavira.

📌 December 11, 2025 General Knowledge

International Mountain Day (2003): Declared by the UN General Assembly on this date to raise awareness about the importance of mountains for livelihoods and ecosystems.
UNICEF Day (1946): The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was established on this date by the UN General Assembly to provide aid to children in post-war Europe and China.
1937 (Jawaharlal Nehru): Jawaharlal Nehru resigned as the President of the Indian National Congress.
1946 (Constituent Assembly): Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly of India.
1882 (Subramanya Bharati): Birth anniversary of Subramanya Bharati, the great Tamil poet, freedom fighter, and social reformer.