5th December 2025 Daily Current Affairs
📰 Major Headlines — 5 December 2025
Vladimir Putin’s Visit to India & India-Russia Summit
Russian President Putin is on a two-day state visit to India. He was welcomed by Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
During the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, India and Russia agreed to deepen cooperation across trade, defence, energy, critical minerals, and high-tech collaboration. They also announced plans to expand bilateral trade to US $100 billion by 2030.
Several joint-venture and cooperation agreements were signed — covering sectors such as fertilizers, defence, energy supply (including continued Russian fuel supply), shipping, and broader economic partnership.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) — Repo Rate Cut
The RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on 5 Dec reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%.
This decision comes against a backdrop of lower retail inflation and healthy GDP growth in recent quarters, giving relief to borrowers and signalling an accommodative monetary stance.
International / Global Affairs — Tax Transparency & Global Forum Meeting
India inaugurated the 18th Plenary Meeting of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (GFTEI-TP) in New Delhi (2–5 Dec 2025). The forum, with 172 member jurisdictions, works to promote tax transparency and combat tax evasion globally.
The focus of the meeting includes strengthening Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI), improving peer-review mechanisms, and managing risks associated with crypto-asset reporting. India reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive, transparent global tax regime.
Defence & Security — Successful Missile Test & Strategic Strengthening
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully fired by the Indian Army (Southern Command) from a test range in the Bay of Bengal — demonstrating India’s long-range precision-strike capability.
The missile’s multi-platform launch capability (land, sea, air, sub-sea) and advanced tech (sea-skimming, radar-seeker guidance) underline India’s heightened defensive preparedness.
Other Key Updates, Observances & Launches
World Soil Day is observed on 5 Dec — emphasising soil health, sustainable land use, and the importance of healthy soil for food security and environmental resilience.
A large recruitment drive by the Indian Railways — more than 1.2 lakh posts announced for various roles (technician, loco-pilot, paramedics, junior engineers, etc.) — aiming to improve manpower in rail infrastructure.
Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) in Assam was granted Navratna status in recognition of its strong performance — a boost for the energy-industry sector in the northeast.
📌 Significance & What to Watch
✅ Strong Strategic Signalling — The India-Russia trade and defence agreements show India’s intent to deepen long-term ties with Russia despite global geopolitical pressures.
💸 Monetary Relief & Economic Impetus — The RBI repo-rate cut is likely to stimulate borrowing and investment, potentially boosting consumption and economic growth.
🌐 Global Tax Governance Role — Hosting and engaging actively in the Global Forum highlights India’s commitment to fair international tax norms and transparency.
🛡️ Defence Preparedness — The successful BrahMos missile test strengthens credible deterrence and underscores progress in indigenous military capability.
🌿 Sustainable Development & Rural Welfare — Observances like World Soil Day remind policymakers and public of environmental stewardship; job recruitment drives indicate focus on infrastructure and employment generation.
